South; Beside the Sky. 

Chapter 28. Then.

 

"Phoon..."

 

"What is it?"

 

"Sorry, Phi Fah cheated."

 

"Why?"

 

"You may not be ready."

 

"No problem."

 

"Can I upload it? Is that okay?"

 

"Yeah, okay," I replied softly, looking at Phi Fah, who was using his phone. We were about to leave; I walked a little further because I was nervous. Suddenly, Phi Fah called out to me and took a picture of me as I turned around.

 

"Where will you upload it?"

 

"They're on Instagram."

 

"Ah..." I paused. "Is it acceptable to post on your Instagram, which has thousands of followers?"

 

"Can't I upload a photo of my boyfriend?"

 

Why did he say that with such a smile? He's trying to make fun of me! Suddenly, my phone vibrated. A notification from Instagram popped up. Phi Fah started following me and tagging my photos. The photos were one taken from behind as I walked past him, and another when I turned around. Since I actually turned my head without posing, I was a little surprised. The caption read, "Then he turned his head."

 

“Do you have my Instagram, Phi Fah?” I asked.

 

"Yes, I'm following you."

 

"...Did you follow me?"

 

"YES."

 

I was speechless; I didn't know what to say. I didn't expect Phi Fah to have my Instagram. I only used it to post photos of the sky. I didn't follow anyone except my four friends, and my followers were only my friends. I had four accounts I followed and four followers. But now, Phi Fah was one of them. The photo Phi Fah had uploaded got a lot of likes, and the comments started pouring in. I didn't have time to read them because Phi Fah was holding my hand, so I put my phone away.

 

"Do you have anything else to do?"

 

"Me? No, nothing."

 

"Then come with me tomorrow."

 

"Is it true?"

 

"I told you I'd take you to my house, remember?"

 

"...?" I was confused, but he didn't notice. "I haven't decided yet."

 

"Ter and Hill are at home."

 

"Ah..."

 

"North and Jo are gone, too. So you have to come with me."

 

"...Okay." I agreed, unable to refuse. Not that I didn't want to go, but I was still thinking about something about my father.

 

As we walked back, I noticed some people looking at us and whispering. It was like when Ter was with Hill, or when North was with Jo. They always said it happened all the time. Oh, it doesn't matter now. We're engaged.

 

I looked at our intertwined hands, my heart beating a little faster. The warmth of his hands made me smile. We reached the car, and I sat in the passenger seat. Shortly after, the car began to move.

 

"You'll stay with me tonight."

 

"Stay? Why?"

 

"Because tomorrow we'll travel together."

"Um... right."

 

"And then, I want to be with you. I want to be with my boyfriend."

 

Ah... Dangerous. Very dangerous for my heart.

 

"Your face is so red."

 

“It’s your fault, Phi Fah,” I said involuntarily, raising my voice a little.

 

Phi Fah gave me a small smile before I frowned and looked out the car window. Phi Fah drove me to the dorm first so I could pack my things. I asked him again if I could stay at his house for a while, but he insisted that my uncle and aunt missed me, too. So I didn't think much about it, but what kept running through my mind was my dad.

 

I should have asked permission first.

No, it would be useless. He'd just scold me.

..But what if dad found out I was dating Phi Fah?

 

"Hi, Fah."

 

“Say it.” Phi Fah turned to me as I looked at the cameras in the closet.

 

"What are you looking at?"

 

"Oh, sorry, I just found out Phoon has a lot of cameras."

 

"Haha, maybe I'm a crazy collector," I said, smiling at my camera collecting habit. I had to save up for a few months before I could buy one, but it was worth it.

 

"Good. You seem happier than when you were studying," Phi Fah said with a smile. "Do what you want."

 

"I've thought about working as a photographer. I've been thinking about it for a long time, but I've never done it."

 

"Really? Why not?"

"I don't know where to start."

 

"Hmm..." Phi Fah was silent for a moment, apparently lost in thought. "I can help you."

 

"Oh, really?"

 

"Yes, but if I succeed, I will ask for a reward."

 

I'm sure I'm not the only one. Phi Fah is a smart guy, and he doesn't try to hide it. Just his smile and his eyes are so obvious. No, not only that, but I still can't quite figure out what I'm feeling. I put my things in my bag, and Phi Fah helped me carry them. We walked back together.

 

"Phi Fah," I called again, remembering something important.

 

"What's wrong?" he replied, still looking at the road ahead.

 

"I am..."

 

"Is something wrong?"

 

"If, for example... There was someone like..." How should I say this? Or shouldn't I say it? No, it's important. I hope we can be together for a long time. But no matter what happens, my father will definitely know we're together. "My father..."

 

"YES."

 

He... if I say it, it will sound bad.

 

"Don't you want us to be together?"

 

"How do you know?"

 

"I guessed it."

 

"And was I right?

 

"Yes, something like that." My heart trembled with fear; my hands began to sweat. I couldn't hide my concern. Phi Fah was wondering why my father didn't want us together. And that would expose the fact that I was illegitimate, something I had promised my father I wouldn't reveal.

 

"Okay, you don't have to stay with me if it makes you uncomfortable."

"M-ma..."

 

"I know."

 

"..Come?"

 

"Everything's going to be okay. Trust me, little one."

 

His large hand gently caressed my head. That touch alone was enough to dispel all my worries. My hand began to relax, and the nausea in my stomach disappeared. Yes... as always, with Phi Fah by my side, everything will be okay.

 

And what happened?

 

"I didn't tell him about my father."

 

Like you promised your father, right?

 

"Yes. Hey, North."

 

What?

 

"Do you think my father will understand?"

 

I don't know, I'm not your father. How could I know?

 

"Is this your father?"

 

Oh, I probably would have started drinking at three if I'd had a father like that. I laughed at North's words. Talking to him always made me feel better.

 

"How can you drink at three years old?"

 

Steal.

 

"Gosh, you're so mean."

 

Hey, you still haven't explained the ghost in the photo Phi Fah took. Is there really a ghost in the pool?

 

"Stupid, it's me."

Oh really?

 

"Yes, it's me. I'm not a ghost, you idiot."

 

Wow, I've been praying for so long, I'm afraid the ghost will kidnap me

Phi Fah.

 

"Then next time I'll hit you."

 

You talk like you want something from me. I won't betray you. How disgusting.

 

"North!" I called his name before reentering the room, afraid of disturbing Phi Fah. I asked to speak to North, so I went out onto the balcony. I saw Phi Fah sitting on the couch, not looking at me.

 

So what do you say about being a couple?

 

"I already told you, what else do you want to know?"

 

Is it like in a romantic movie?

 

"Stop joking. I'm asking you for advice about my father."

 

How should I give you advice? Do you want me to ask my mother?

 

"Last time your mother was angry."

 

Yes, my mother was even ready to hit him; she was so angry.

 

"It's like seeing yourself, only in female form."

 

Mother and son, always ready to argue. North's words made me laugh again. Do you really expect him to understand?

 

"Honestly, I don't expect anything from him anymore."

 

Makes sense. As I said, it's a good thing you didn't start drinking at three.

 

"I spoke to Aunt Prae. Dad still isn't in agreement about the divorce."

 

Why are you so adamant?

"A new company is being born."

 

Will he be the president?

 

"Her life seems to be improving. She's talented; she wouldn't have gotten this far. She said that if her business is stable, she wants Aunt Prae back. She loves Fai and wants her daughter back."

 

So you did it for Fai?

 

"YES."

 

And you ask yourself: there's something in you, right?

 

"A little, but I accepted everything."

 

Does this mean your father will become a rich man?

 

"Maybe. But he just started his own company, it's not official yet. He still works at the same place. He needs to make more connections before leaving his current job."

Hmm, so buying his company and firing him aren't options.

 

"What do you mean?"

 

Ter and I considered asking Jo to buy the company and, if necessary, fire your father. But it was just a simple idea, because even if we fired him, he could find another job. And if he started his own company, we wouldn't be able to buy it. He wouldn't sell his shares.

 

"Did you really think that?"

 

I just talked to Ter about it. Buying the company isn't such a bad thing, but we don't want to cause problems.

 

"Yes, it's better if everyone goes their own way. I don't care. If he's happy, that's enough for him."

 

He probably doesn't care about you anymore.

 

"Yes, and then she's busy with Fai and Aunt Prae. I feel sorry for Aunt Prae. Raising a child alone while working for money is a huge burden. I don't know how she can survive."

 

In the end, all that's left is to get strong.

 

"Yes, it's all my father's fault."

 

Bad people cause trouble for many. And your mother? We don't know where she is now. And your stepmother, Fan's mother, is pitiful as well.

 

"I don't want anyone else to suffer because of him."

 

I spoke to North for about ten more minutes before hanging up. At first, I was angry, but then it turned into a vent. It wasn't something I could resolve alone. At least I felt a little better about my dad, thanks in large part to Phi Fah, who had told me everything would be okay.

 

"Are you done talking?"

 

“Yes,” I replied as I collapsed on the couch next to Phi Fah. “Phi Fah.”

 

"There's something I want to tell you."

 

"What is it?"

 

"Can we go to Phuket tomorrow?"

 

"Why?"

 

"Go one way and come back. I want to take you somewhere."

 

"Okay," Phi Fah replied in a deep, unhesitant voice. I swallowed nervously.

Today, I'm ready to face the truth, whatever the outcome may be. I've decided to protect my father so he doesn't look bad in others' eyes. I won't tell anyone that I'm illegitimate. But Fan's problem is different.

 

Fan...

Phoon will take Phi Fah to meet Dream.

 

"You look worried, Phoon. Are you okay?"

 

Yes, I'm fine.

 

"Or is it our relationship that's causing you problems?"

"No!" I replied immediately. "No, it doesn't cause any problems."

 

"Don't worry, I'm just asking," Phi Fah said softly. I couldn't help but take a deep breath.

 

"Why did you leave that day? I thought you never wanted to see me again."

 

"It's not like... I've always been there."

 

"To be?"

 

"I promised from the day I left this room that I wouldn't miss you," I said softly, lowering my head to hide my flushed cheeks. I was surprised when Phi Fah suddenly hugged me.

 

"Y-You're right."

 

"Come on, tell me why you said this bothers you." His mischievous, playful voice whispered in my ear, making me shiver. I tried to pull away, but I couldn't. Phi Fah pulled me onto his lap. Wait, how did I end up in this position? No, she's too close.

 

As I sat on his lap, Phi Fah had to look up to see me. "Don't look at me like that! I'm going to die of a heart attack!"

 

"P-please let me go."

 

"No, I want to see if you're lying to me."

 

"I'm not lying, I'm not lying."

 

"Really? Naughty children deserve punishment." Phi Fah leaned closer and whispered something in my ear. His deep voice and warm breath made me take a step back.

 

"I-I can't tell you why I did it," I said in a shaky voice, hoping he'd understand. I couldn't tell him because it involved my father.

 

"You have a reason, but you can't say it?"

 

"Yes, I'm really sorry."

 

"How about we change the apology to something else?"

 

"What?" Before I could ask, his soft lips landed on mine. I slowly opened my mouth as his warm breath entered without permission. Our position brought our bodies closer than before. I closed my eyes, clutching his shirt with my hands.

 

His kiss was deep and intoxicating. I returned the kiss awkwardly, feeling his hot breath on my cheek and ear. Our tongues intertwined, making awkward sounds. I leaned my head closer. The kiss grew more passionate, leaving my mind blank.

 

"Mmm," I let out a soft sound as he kissed me softly but forcefully. Every movement made me feel weak. He gently bit my lip, making my heart beat faster. I don't know how much time passed before Phi Fah slowly pulled away.

 

"Don't look at me like that," his voice sounded hoarse. I wasn't fully conscious yet and couldn't see him clearly. He leaned down again, lifted me up a little, kissed my neck, and touched his nose. I felt a slight pain.

 

"P-Phi Fah, what are you doing?"

 

"I was just marking my territory. I knew you weren't ready."

 

"But... we just started dating."

 

"Yes, I know. Phi Fah will wait until you're ready."

 

"...Yes." I frowned slightly at what he'd just done, reaching up to touch the mark on my neck that was probably already red. "Why did you call me 'little one'?"

 

"Because you're like a cat. Phoon is as small as a cat."

 

“Ah… well, ‘little’ is fine,” I muttered as I tried to get off his lap, but he stopped me.

 

"No, please."

 

"No, be a good boy."

 

"Phi Fah..." I said plaintively. Where did that way of speaking come from? It was sweet, but also cunning. And I lost to this man in every way.

 

"I assume you have something to ask me, right?" Phi Fah asked softly. It wasn't my imagination; his deep voice sounded a little hoarse after our kiss. He took my hand and kissed it slowly, his lips caressing my skin.

 

"Don't... don't do it."

 

"You smell so good."

 

"...Mmm." I let out a small moan as Phi Fah began kissing my neck again. My heart was about to explode.

 

"You smell so good."

 

"Mmm, Phi Fah."

 

"YES?"

 

"Phi Fah, don't do it."

 

"Are you scared?"

 

"No, but I can't hold back anymore," I replied breathlessly. "I can't hold back anymore."

 

"All right."

 

"Don't bother me anymore."

 

"I'm not bothering you, you smell really good."

 

I frowned, looking at him. Phi Fah smiled faintly, apparently enjoying my embarrassment. "I have a question."

 

"Say it."

 

"Aren't you surprised that it's me?"

 

"No, actually... I already knew it was you."

 

"What? How? When?"

 

"On my birthday, when you wrote me a greeting card."

 

"Absolutely not! I'm sure I didn't make any mistakes in my writing."

 

"You didn't make any mistakes, but when someone writes in two styles every day, they sometimes mix them. I just noticed," Phi Fah said nonchalantly.

 

"You noticed? How?" I asked, surprised, making him laugh. "How did you notice? It shouldn't be that easy."

 

"But I noticed."

 

"So that's why you made me read the letter?"

 

“At the time, I thought the person who wrote the letter was really lovely.”

 

"Phi Fah," I said at length, pronouncing his name. Why was he so good at teasing me? It wasn't a figment of my imagination; I was now certain of it, 100% sure.

 

"Why are you so good at embarrassing me? You did the same thing at the restaurant and on the video call, Phi Fah."

 

"Are you angry?"

 

"No, but... ugh!" Normally, I'd be angry, but since it's Phi Fah, I

 

"You're really adorable," Phi Fah said with a smile, then kissed me hard on the cheek, his lips almost pressing to mine. Since when did dating become like this? But... It's sweet.

 

"So the whole costume was pointless?"

 

"It's no use," Phi Fah replied with a laugh, making me feel even more embarrassed. "I was afraid you'd faint."

 

"I'm not fainting," I said, frowning. "Why do you like the person in the letter?"

 

"Hmm... everything."

 

"Too easy an answer."

"It's the truth, about everything," he said, looking me in the eyes with determination. I felt my heart stop for a moment. I was speechless. If we continued to look at each other like that, would my heart stop forever?

 

"Thank you... for appreciating the person in the letter."

 

"You don't need to thank me."

 

"At first, my friends said I was old-fashioned."

 

"It depends from person to person."

 

"Lots of people send you letters all the time. Why did you choose mine?"

 

"This letter is different. It shows how much you want to take care of me, showing me attention and sincerity, without ever asking for anything in return. It just wants to give, to take care of me. And that's what I like."

 

"What do you like?"

 

"Yes, you're the kind of person I like," he said, then rested his head on my neck. I shivered a little.

 

"Ah, Phi Fah, you said you wouldn't continue."

 

"But I really like you." His soft voice whispered in my ear again. I don't know if it was just my imagination, but since we'd returned to the room, everything Phi Fah did seemed full of desire and passion.

 

"Yes, I know."

 

"Phoon."

 

"Mmm," I moaned as he softly whispered my name, his warm breath brushing my ear. His lips returned to my neck, and, as if that weren't enough, he traced the same area again until it was no longer visible. His lips moved to my shoulder, tugging at the part of my shirt covering it, leaving my right shoulder bare.

 

"Phi Fah," I said timidly, trying to straighten my shirt, but I couldn't. I moaned louder because I felt a slight pain. Had he bitten me?

 

"Yes? Does it hurt?"

 

"Yes, a little. Did you bite me?"

 

"I can't help it."

 

"Are you a dog?" I asked, frowning. It hurt, but it hadn't left a bite mark, just a red line. Then Phi Fah straightened my clothes.

 

"Cane?"

 

"I'm kidding, you're more like a wolf."

 

"What? Do I look like a wolf to you?"

 

"Yes, a real wolf," I replied softly. Now that I thought about it, he looked like a wolf in sheep's clothing.

 

"Okay, then I'll be a wolf. I'll bite this kitten until it leaves a mark."

 

"You Fah, don't do it."

 

"I was kidding, I didn't do it that hard. Does it really hurt?" I began to suspect his gentle smile, which seemed full of deception.

 

"A little," I replied. Phi Fah still wouldn't let me get off his lap. I'd been in that position for a while now, but I couldn't get used to it. Sitting on his lap, facing each other, I didn't know where to put my hands. If I lowered them, they would be too close to his waist, so I rested them on his shoulders.

 

"Hi, Fah."

 

"YES?"

 

“I still can’t believe it,” I muttered, looking at Phi Fah, who was smiling sweetly.

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"Will Phi Fah disappear tomorrow morning?"

 

"Never," he replied firmly, holding me close. "Phoon won't disappear either, will he?"

"No, of course not."

 

After showering, I sat on the couch, waiting for Phi Fah to finish taking one too. I opened Phi Fah's Instagram account, which had over eighty thousand followers. The last photo, which was ours, had already garnered thousands of likes. Uploading the image was like making an announcement.

 

Since she tagged my account, my followers have also started to grow. At first, I wasn't used to having so many followers. But seeing the comments saying my photos were beautiful was a positive thing. If I wanted to work as a photographer, I had to showcase my work. I could have created another Instagram account for my professional photos. Dao also had a single account for his work, which featured examples of his images. Interested parties could contact him through that account.

 

I hung up the phone when I saw Phi Fah come out of the bathroom. We had dinner together and then got ready for our trip the next day. It's been a while since I've been back here, so it feels strange. But everything has remained the same: the sofa, the table, the dresser, everything is in its place, even my favourite hanging chair.

 

"And the blanket?"

 

"Why do you need a blanket if you're going to sleep in the room with me?"

 

I looked at him, confused, before realising what he meant. "Oh, but... there's no need, I can sleep outside. You can sleep in this room. This is your room. I can stay outside."

 

"Then let's sleep together."

 

"You said you wouldn't tease me anymore?" Phi Fah's words made me get out of bed and lie down. Phi Fah's room hadn't changed much since I'd last been there. I still clearly remember the last time I was there. I spent the night watching over Phi Fah, crying silently on the floor, and then left at dawn.

 

I remember clearly: I was sitting there, and I promised myself I'd be a shining star beside him, even if it was just a planet reflecting his light. But now... maybe he could see me, because the light he was radiating was so intense.

 

"Are you cold? Should I turn down the air conditioning?"

 

"Yes, please turn it down a little more."

 

"All right."

 

I slowly lay down. As the lights went down, silence fell, and I felt a sense of tension.

Sleeping in the same bed as Phi Fah? Oh my God, what are you doing, Phoon?

 

"Ah," I sighed as Phi Fah hugged me. "No, I can't sleep like this!"

 

"Phoon, how can you sleep if you keep tossing and turning?"

 

“What if I try to run away again like that?” he whispered in a deep voice, his nose and lips touching the back of my neck.

 

"Mmm," my body tensed, and I craned my neck, but he didn't seem to like it, because his embrace tightened. "This isn't good, Phoon. Has anyone ever died of a heart attack in their sleep?"

 

"Go to sleep now."

 

"Good night."

 

"Good night."

 

His breathing began to become regular, as if he'd fallen asleep. While I was showering earlier, I noticed red marks on his neck and shoulders. I usually don't care about Ter or North when they have similar marks, but I never imagined I'd have them too. What's wrong with all of them? Now I understand why doctors are friends. Phi Fah is also a wolf in sheep's clothing.

 

And...

I turned toward him, seeking his warmth and his sweet scent. I stared at his face, so beautiful, even in sleep, and I couldn't look away. Everything that had happened today seemed like an illusion, as if it weren't real that Phi Fah was holding me.

 

"I love you so much. Do you know that?"

 

"What?" He suddenly opened his eyes, looked at me with a mischievous grin, then smiled. I was speechless. Wasn't he asleep? He leaned over and kissed me on the forehead.

 

"I know, and I love you too."

"Oh..." Damn, why did I have to say that?

"Go to sleep now."

 

It wasn't long before I fell asleep in his warm, safe embrace.