South; Beside the Sky. 

Chapter 29. Good day.

 

I was worried on our way to Phuket. I was planning on taking Phi Fah to meet Fan. The reason for my concern was obvious: I had lied to Phi Fah about Fan, making him believe she was still alive and even pretending to be. Furthermore, Phi Fah will probably be devastated when he finds out the truth, because all we'll face is sadness. I don't know how much it will affect Phi Fah when he finds out that his childhood friend, whom he always thought was fine, has died.

 

"Hi, Fah."

 

"YES?"

 

"There's nothing."

 

"Are you worried?"

 

"How do you know?"

 

"Every time you call me and say it's nothing, it's because there's something bothering you."

 

"Ah. You didn't ask why we're going to Phuket."

 

"Is it weird if I don't ask?"

 

"Um. People usually ask."

 

"Hmm. There aren't many reasons. Does that worry you?"

 

"I can't calm down," I said softly, thinking about the possible situations we might face there. "I have a feeling... You might be angry with me."

 

"Ah, why?"

 

"You'll know when we get there."

 

"I won't be mad at you," he said, gently stroking my head. This made me turn toward him. His warm smile calmed me a little, but I still didn't know what was going to happen.

 

"I don't know, but."

 

"But what?"

 

"You can be mad at me. I apologise and hope you can forgive me, but... can't we just break up?"

 

"We just started dating. Why are you talking about breaking up?" Phi Fah asked, gently pinching my cheek. I pouted. "That's not true. I need to punish you for saying things like that, you know?"

 

"Don't do this to me."

 

"I won't," he said, ruffling my hair again. Since we started dating yesterday, I realised Phi Fah found me adorable, just like he said. He was always pinching me, stroking my hair, but never to the point of hurting me.

 

"But seriously, we shouldn't break up."

 

"Why do you care so much?"

 

"I'm serious."

 

"It's okay, nothing like that will happen," she said firmly. She was afraid Phi Fah would think I was just an unreliable liar and would regret going out with me. "Finding you was hard. Believe me, I won't leave you that easily."

 

I didn't answer, I looked away and frowned to hide my embarrassment.

 

Shortly afterwards, we arrived at the airport, waiting for a flight to my hometown. Before boarding the plane, I chatted with my friends. They assured me that Phi Fah would understand that I wasn't doing it intentionally and would stop me. On purpose. Besides, I was initially going to tell the truth, but Ter said Phi Fah was reasonable, and my fear arose because we had just started dating. It was only the second day of our relationship, and I was about to reveal to him that I had behaved badly. That's why I was afraid of making a bad first impression.

 

"Where are we going?" Phi Fah's question stopped me from daydreaming. I pursed my lips before answering. "Are you hungry? Should we eat first?"

 

"We just ate before leaving Chiang Mai."

 

"Oh... exactly." I nodded. I'd forgotten. Why am I still hungry? Maybe because I was too nervous and ate too little earlier. Are we going somewhere today?

 

"Maybe one or two places."

 

"Mmm, should we rent a car? It would be more convenient. I haven't been here in a while, and I'd like to take a drive."

 

I nodded, and he went to rent a car. I was still surprised that Phi Fah hadn't asked anything. Usually, if someone takes us to another province, we ask where we're going. But so far, Phi Fah has rented a car and still doesn't know where we're going.

I got into the rental car. Silence enveloped us even before the car started moving.

 

"Hi Fah."

 

"Can we go... to the temple near my house?"

 

"All right."

 

The car moved off, passing familiar landscapes and roads. I looked up and noticed that the sky was clear today. The weather was perfect, not too hot. Winter weather is supposed to be like this, not like the day I dressed up to meet Phi Fah. The clear sky gave me hope that today would be a beautiful day too. As I expected, Phi Fah didn't ask me why we were going to the temple until the car pulled into the temple parking lot.

 

I bought a few things from the shop across the street from the temple: two sets of tools for performing good deeds, including flowers for prayer, and I didn't forget to buy a small bouquet. We chatted a bit as we entered, discussing how little the temple had changed since Phi Fah moved in. As children, we used to come here to perform good deeds and feed the fish. After praying, I carried him to the back of the temple.

 

"Phi Fah, didn't you ask me why I brought you here?"

 

"Hmm. This way." Phi Fah paused for a moment, looking at the stupas containing the deceased's ashes, but he didn't seem surprised. I walked to a familiar spot, before a white stupa with Fan's photo and name. I knelt and placed a small flower in front of the stupa. In the silence, my tears began to flow as I gazed at the photo of the person I missed the most. Phi Fah slowly knelt beside me and gently wiped away my tears.

 

"Come on, don't cry."

 

"Phi Fah, I'm sorry I lied to you. Fan... he..." I tried to hold back the sobs.

 

"I know. Calm down..."

 

I smiled slightly and let Phi Fah carefully wipe my tears away before taking the bouquet from my lap.

 

"Is this about Fan?" I nodded. Phi Fah smiled faintly, then looked at the photo of the woman in front of us. His face darkened, and his eyes filled with sadness. "I'm sorry I didn't come sooner, Fan."

 

I stared at him, feeling a pang in my chest. I felt so sad. His deep voice was calm and peaceful. He placed the bouquet next to mine. Phi Fah spoke a little longer, telling Fan not to worry about anything, that he would take care of me. He said we were together now, even saying he loved me.

 

"Phi Fah. How can you say that?"

 

"Why not? Can't I tell Fan?"

 

“Even in front of Fan, you keep making fun of me,” I said with a pout.

 

"I wasn't flirting. I was making a promise to Fan."

 

"What promise?"

 

"I promise to take care of you as best I can, so Fan won't have to worry."

 

He said, gently stroking my head again. I don't know when, but my worries began to fade. We talked a little longer before saying goodbye to Fan.

 

"Let's go now, Fan. We'll see each other again." I said, staring at the photo without looking away. "I love you; I will always love you," I concluded, then stood up. Then a light breeze blew, and even though the air was cold, it felt warm and comforting, as if I were being held.

 

"I love you too. Take care of each other. No matter what happens, never let go."

 

"Phi Fah, did you hear that voice?"

"No problem?"

 

"I'm not worried anymore. I'm going now."

 

"You left? So that means you've been here all this time?"

 

"Phoon." Phi Fah called, looking at me in confusion, but I concentrated on listening to the voice echoing in my ears.

 

"Yes, I never left. But I have to go now. Take care of yourself."

 

"Thank you for everything."

 

"Nail."

 

The wind around me died down, and warmth filled my heart. Strangely, my tears stopped flowing. I was sure I hadn't imagined it. A few moments later, I felt a hollowness in my heart. Her statement that she was leaving meant she'd always listened to me. Just as I'd worried, Fan had always worried about me, and she couldn't leave. But now, since there was nothing to worry about, she could leave as she pleased.

 

"Phoon, are you okay? What sound are you talking about?"

 

"Phi Fah, I heard Fan's voice."

 

"Oh?"

 

"He actually whispered in my ear that he was leaving."

 

"What does it mean?"

 

"I'll tell you everything from the beginning," I said. We sat on a nearby bench, and I told Phi Fah everything about Fan, from the day she died to what happened, to the accident I caused, to the letters I wrote her, and the dreams she often appeared in.

 

"Oh, I see."

 

"You may not believe it, but I heard the voice."

 

"Yes, I think."

"Does this mean I won't dream about Fan anymore?"

 

"If what you heard is true, it seems Fan has no more worries."

 

"Yes, it's better this way," I said with a small smile. Even though it hurt a little, keeping Fan with me wasn't the right thing to do. "But, Phi Fah. Why aren't you mad that I lied about Fan?"

 

"I already know everything."

 

"Really?" I asked, surprised. Did Phi Fah know everything all along?

 

"YES."

 

"When?"

 

"Before the semester started, I helped with the scholarship administration. You applied for a scholarship, right?"

 

"Yes," I nodded. I had applied for an academic merit scholarship.

 

"Oh. I wrote about my family on the form, right?"

 

"Yes," Phi Fah replied. "They asked me for my family information." What he said made sense to me. On the form, I had written that a family member had died. I had also mentioned my sister's passing.

 

"But how did you get involved in scholarship management?" I asked curiously.

 

"It's a scholarship named after Hill's mother. It's open to all medical schools," Phi Fah explained. I nodded in understanding. I didn't know Hill's mother had awarded the scholarship.

 

"Ah. I didn't know you already knew that."

 

"Are you mad because I didn't tell you before?"

 

"No, I'm not angry," I shook my head. "I guess you were just waiting for the right moment to tell me."

 

"Correct."

"So when Ter invited me to the kick-off party, Phi Fah said hello to me later. I was surprised because he said hello out of the blue.

 

"When you disappeared, I admit I was furious."

 

“I’m sorry,” I apologised.

 

"I didn't tell you to apologise," Phi Fah said, pinching my cheek again. I began to worry about my cheek. "That's why I rarely talk to you. But when I heard about Fan, I got worried and felt the need to talk. So I approached you."

 

"I understand. Thank you for your concern."

 

"But at that time I only cared about you, about your Phi."

 

"I'm not going to ask you what you're thinking right now," I said, frowning. If I had asked, Phi Fah would have made me nervous again.

 

"You already knew that, right?"

 

"Of course, you can't bother me anymore."

 

“I can’t bother you anymore, can I? Too bad,” Phi Fah said in a tone that didn’t sound disappointed at all, but rather cunning, as if he were planning something fun.

 

"Shall we go home now?"

 

"Yes, it's lunchtime," I replied, looking at my watch. We went to eat together at the noodle place we usually frequented.

 

"Wow, Tonfah! Long time no see," said Aunt Porn, the noodle vendor, surprised to see Phi Fah enter the shop. Phi Fah nodded, smiled, and greeted her.

 

"Look how handsome you are! I thought you were a movie star. I always knew you had potential," Auntie Porn continued to praise him. Phi Fah simply smiled, looking neither embarrassed nor ashamed. He was probably used to comments like that.

 

"Typhoon, since you left for college, you haven't eaten noodles here. Are you on vacation?" Finally, Aunt Porn turned to me. Even though she was standing next to Phi Fah, she hadn't noticed my presence before.

 

"Yes, I was on vacation. I didn't have time to get back until now."

 

"Ah, did you come here to celebrate New Year's Eve?"

 

"No, I'm just stopping for a moment. I'll be right back."

 

"Oh, why are you together? Do you go to the same university?"

 

"YES."

 

"Great! It's nice to see someone I know around here. Have you ordered food yet?"

 

"Yes," I replied. We'd already ordered from another employee. We chatted for a bit before sitting down at a table with Phi Fah. I noticed everyone in the store was staring at Phi Fah. It wasn't surprising, but I wasn't used to it.

 

"Aunt Porn is still as cheerful as ever."

 

"Yes," I smiled. Seeing Auntie Porno reminded me of Auntie Nuan, who always took me to this store. I still talk to Auntie Nuan almost every day, but I haven't told her I'm dating Phi Fah yet. She'll be shocked.

 

"Do you want to go home?"

 

"Um, no, it's better not."

 

"Hmm, okay." Perhaps noticing my change in attitude, Phi Fah didn't ask anything else, because my expression changed immediately the moment he mentioned my house.

 

I have no home to return to. What would Phi Fah think if he found out? Of the house, of my father, and of the fact that I'm illegitimate. Thinking this, I looked at the person in front of me, who, in turn, looked at me as soon as he caught my gaze.

 

“Phi Fah, are you celebrating New Year’s Eve at home?” I asked to start a conversation.

 

"Yes, I celebrate there every year. Let's have a little party. Or do you want to go somewhere, Phoon?"

 

"Hmm. I don't know. Living with my uncles is really fun. Plus, the place gets really crowded during the festival," I said, just as the noodles we'd ordered were delivered. 

 

"And your other friends, Phi Fah?"

 

"They will be with their partners."

 

"Oh, and Phi Arthit? Will this happen to his partner, too?"

 

"Arthit doesn't have a partner," Phi Fah replied. "He's probably abroad. I haven't been able to contact him since we finished the exam."

 

"Oh, he likes to travel? He always seems to disappear."

 

"That's right."

 

"So why are you studying medicine? Isn't it difficult to skip class often?"

 

"I don't know, but there must be a reason."

 

After lunch, we continued our journey. We strolled around the city, reminiscing about the places we'd visited together, where I'd gotten lost, and Phi Fah had found me. Finally, we enjoyed the sea view at sunset. We booked a return flight at 8:30. We'd arrive in Chiang Mai late at night and go to Phi Fah's house the next day.

 

We walked along the beach, remembering when I first moved to Chiang Mai. On the last day before boarding the ship, I took a stroll here to enjoy the atmosphere. The difference was that I'd met Phi Fah before leaving, but now he was with me. I took out my camera and started snapping photos while he paid no attention to me. Then Phi Fah turned and smiled at the camera, making me frown and lower my camera.

 

"Did you know I was taking your picture?"

 

"Why didn't I know?"

 

"You're just doing this to annoy me."

 

"Does that bother you? How?" she said with a smile. Her black hair fluttered in the wind, and the red light of the setting sun created a wonderful atmosphere I wanted to capture from every angle and in every pose. It looks captivating, not at all over-the-top.

"It looks like I'm your model. You're just taking pictures of Phi."

 

"Sorry. Don't you like having your picture taken?"

 

"I don't like it, but I'll make an exception for you." I smiled and moved to another corner to continue taking photos. Come to think of it, Phi Fah always lets me take pictures. Every time was an exception. Then we held hands and walked along the beach until we reached a wooden swing hanging from a large tree, a place where we used to play as children.

 

"Do you want to sit?" Phi Fah asked. I nodded, and we sat together on the wooden swing, watching the sun disappear below the horizon. The waves and sea breeze could be felt on the beach. One of my hands gripped the thick rope tightly, while the other held Phi Fah's.

 

"I can't believe it," I muttered. Phi Fah turned from the horizon to look at me. "We're together."

 

"Why don't you believe it?"

 

“Maybe because in my mind it seemed impossible,” I said.

 

"I don't think so," Phi Fah said. He let go of my hand and put his arm around me, pulling me closer. We were close, so I ended up leaning against him. "I'm not an unattainable sky."

 

“But you are my heaven,” I said, remembering that Phi Fah had once said he didn’t want to be anyone’s heaven.

 

"Ah, but you said you didn't want to be anyone's heaven, right?"

 

"Yes, I don't want to be like that. I just want to be a Tonfah for Typhoon."

 

“Yes, that’s right. You are the Tonfah of Typhoon,” I repeated, feeling my heart beat faster.

 

"But I can't just be your sky. I can be everything to you."

 

"Is it true?"

 

"Sure, why would I lie to you?" he said in a deep, soft voice, leaning down to kiss my head. I was so shocked I almost fell, but Phi Fah caught me. "Be careful, you might fall."

 

"I won't get hurt, it's just a swing."

 

"But this swing is high. Your feet don't touch the ground."

 

"Are you making fun of my height?"

 

"No, I just said you might fall."

 

"It's okay," I said, regaining my composure. I looked around. There was almost no one around, as usual. Someone passed by and stared at us, making me uncomfortable. We stopped there for a while before heading back to Chiang Mai.

 

"I don't know what my uncle and aunt will think when they see me tomorrow," I said when we reached Phi Fah's room. It was already very late, so we decided to go to his house tomorrow morning.

 

"Why?"

 

"I hadn't seen them for a long time, and I didn't have time to say hello."

 

"Don't worry," Phi Fah said, sounding casual. But I was nervous, afraid of seeming rude. Besides, if we went to their house, we couldn't tell them we were together. I didn't know if my uncle and aunt would accept our relationship. It would be better to pretend like Phi and Nong.

 

I sat on the bed, waiting for Phi Fah to finish his shower. Meanwhile, I chatted with my friends about our New Year's plans. Dao was at work, while North and Ter were on vacation with their partners, probably somewhere snowy and beautiful for Christmas.

 

"What do you see?"

 

"Ah!" I made a soft sound as Phi Fah hugged me from behind, squeezing my body and kissing my cheek. Why does he always surprise me like this?

 

"What do you see, little Nong?"

 

"Um... nothing," I replied, feeling uncomfortable in his embrace. He pulled me toward him, leaning me against his chest as he leaned against the headboard. My heart was pounding. When will I get used to this?

 

"Christmas photos abroad."

 

"Do you want to go?" Phi Fah rested his chin on my shoulder, bringing our faces closer. I looked at his handsome face and quickly looked away.

 

"Yes, I would. I've never been abroad. Seeing snow at Christmas would be wonderful."

 

"So, shall we go?"

 

"And."

 

"If you want to go, I'll accompany you."

 

"Don't spoil me too much. I can't be spoiled."

 

"No problem. I can pamper my partner in everything."

 

It's things like this that make my heart beat faster.

 

"Really? And your uncle and aunt?"

 

"Don't worry. I haven't travelled in years because I don't know where to go. If I wanted to go, they'd let me."

 

"Ah, but it's a bit sudden."

 

"Don't worry."

 

"Hmm." I paused for a moment, hesitant. I'd never been abroad before, and suddenly they told me we were leaving without a clear plan.

 

"Do you have any doubts?"

 

"Yes, a little."

 

"Just tell me where you want to go, don't think too much."

"Okay." I nodded. We talked for a while about our New Year's plans. Soon, I felt drowsy and fell asleep in Phi Fah's arms. He adjusted my position to make me comfortable. Half asleep, I felt a sweet kiss on my lips.

 

"Goodnight, little Nong."

 

We left the apartment early in the morning to go to Phi Fah's house. It wasn't far from the university, so we got there quickly. I looked at the large house through the fence. Someone opened the gate, and I saw the garden and the fountain. When I got out of the car, I thought the house was charming. It was the same size as Phi Fah's old house in Phuket, but with more space.

 

I saw two middle-aged men approach us to greet Phi Fah and help us carry our things, including mine. Even though they were acquaintances, I still felt a little nervous because I hadn't seen my uncle and aunt in a long time. Phi Fah held my hand, as we usually did when we were together, but I quickly let go when I realised we were at his house. I looked at Phi Fah with an apologetic expression. No. We can't behave like this here. Phi Fah, have you forgotten where we are? Phi Fah looked at me, confused, about to ask something, when a voice interrupted us. We both turned to look.

 

"Are you here?"

 

"Yes," Phi Fah replied. The aunt, dressed casually, approached with a bright smile. She hadn't changed much since I'd last seen her. As soon as she saw me, I raised my hand to greet her.

 

"Count!"

 

"Hello, Aunt."

 

"It's been a long time since we've seen each other," he said, shaking my hand enthusiastically. His joy made me happy too.

 

"How are you? Are you okay?"

 

"I'm fine, and you?"

 

"I'm fine too."

 

"Fah, why didn't you tell me you brought Phoon?"

"I told you so."

 

"Oh yeah? What are you doing here? Are you visiting?" she asked as he headed home.

 

"Ehm, no. The studio is clear.

 

"Oh, did you just get here, or have you been here a while?"

 

"I've been studying here for a long time, Aunt."

 

"Why didn't you come to say hello to your uncle and aunt? We missed you so much. I didn't even get a chance to visit Rit," said the aunt, sounding slightly disappointed.

 

"Sorry," I apologised with a serious expression. How could I tell him I hadn't come because Dad had forbidden me?

 

"The first year of college is challenging, I understand. Don't worry. Just come along," my aunt said. "I liked Uncle and Aunt Phi Fah because they were friendly, even kinder than my parents. It may seem wrong to think so, but it's true. Are you just passing through, or are you staying with us?"

 

"I brought Phoon to visit us. We had planned to travel during New Year's," Phi Fah explained.

 

"Oh, great. It's nice to be able to travel for a while, Fah," my aunt said as we headed into the living room. "Where are you going?"

 

“Maybe abroad, but we haven’t decided which country yet,” Phi Fah replied.

 

"Hm. Decide quickly, okay? It's going to be a hectic time during New Year's."

 

"Where's Dad?"

 

"In his studio, still working even on New Year's Eve."

 

"And mom?"

 

"Mom works too. Being a doctor barely gives you time to rest. Keep up the good work, Fah."

 

"Yes," Phi Fah replied. If I remember correctly, his mother ran a psychiatric clinic. She might have been closed for New Year's, but not in mid-December.

 

"Did I forget to ask you what you studied, Phoon?"

 

"Veterinary medicine, for now."

 

"Oh, great. Are you okay?"

 

"Good." I smiled awkwardly, thinking of the correct answer.

 

"Not so good. I'm planning on changing majors."

 

"What will you study?"

 

"Things related to photography."

 

"Oh, it's nice to learn something you like. Keep it up. You two can get some rest; I have some paperwork to finish, tell the housekeeper, okay, Phoon."

 

"Thank you," I smiled as my aunt left. I thought she would disapprove of my decision to change majors.

 

"We've prepared a room for you," a housekeeper said as she led the way. Phi Fah followed me.

 

"If you need anything, let us know. We also cleaned Mr Fah's room," she added before leaving. I looked around the spacious room, my things already arranged there. Tonight I will sleep in the guest room.

 

"Where's your room, Phi Fah?"

 

"On the other side."

 

"Oh." I paused. "So I'll sleep here? Sleeping alone is fine, but it's a little weird."

 

"You'll sleep with me," Phi Fah said. Before I could say anything, he approached me, picked up my bag, and took my hand, leading me down the hall. We stopped in front of a room I assumed was his. The person in front of me opened the door, and we entered a spacious bedroom. The furnishings were luxurious, yet neat and simple, so I almost didn't dare enter.

"Who?"

 

"What do you mean?" Phi Fah asked without looking at me. Before I knew it, he dropped his bag on the bed and pulled me onto his lap. I made a small, accidental sound. "I haven't thought about what I'll do to you since my little Nong let go of my hand earlier."

 

"Ah. That's why."

 

"Why? I won't let you go unless there's a good reason."

 

Well, we're at your house; I can't hold your hand.

 

"Why?"

 

"Phi Fah." I turned to look at him because of his tone; he sounded angry. "What if someone sees?"

 

"Don't you want others to know about us?"

 

"It's not that, I'm just worried about not making a good impression."

 

"Ah, are you afraid my parents won't like it?"

 

"I, well, something like that. Ah!"

 

Suddenly, Phi Fah threw me onto the bed, pressed his lips to mine, and kissed me. I was shocked and tried to push him away, but to no avail. His scent immediately filled my nose. We were so close. We kissed more intensely than before.

 

"Uhmm. Uhmm." I moaned softly in my throat, unconsciously. Our bodies touched and rubbed together. My shirt rode up as I tried to react. Phi Fah bit my lip harder, sensing I was upsetting him.

 

In the air-conditioned room, it was cold, quiet, and dark because the blackout curtains blocked out the outside light. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It was oppressive, but by a strange coincidence, I felt dizzy. Until I finally gave in and began responding to every touch, our tongues tangled, making awkward sounds. Our kisses were soft and slow, as if the person on top of me had begun to calm down. Before Phi Fah slowly released his kiss, I immediately felt my lips go numb.

 

“Sorry,” he whispered slightly hoarsely next to my ear, making me wince as the tickling sensation spread from my ear to my chest.

 

"Does it hurt?"

 

"A little. Is Phi Fah angry with Phoon?"

 

"No, Phi Fah is right."

 

"Oh. I... I'm sorry."

 

"Don't let go of my hand again," his deep voice sounded like a plea. His warm breath gently brushed my earlobe, while his wicked lips kissed the side of my neck, moving back and forth. My heart, which had been pounding from the start, continued to beat faster until I felt a hollowness in my stomach. As our bodies rubbed against each other, little by little, the pain set in. Ah. This isn't good.

 

"Yes. I won't let you go again, okay?" I bit my lip and moaned softly as his warm hands touched my stomach because my shirt was up. His strong hands gently caressed everything. I began to harden.

 

"Phi loves you, Phoon," his soft voice whispered close to my ear. My heart felt like it was floating away.

 

"Anche Phoon ama Phi Fah."

 

I uttered those loving words before we kissed again. Phi Fah lifted my shirt completely, slowly kissed my collarbone, then lowered it, leaving red marks on my chest. My mind began to go blank. A tickling sensation, like an electric shock, immediately spread throughout my body as the tip of his warm tongue licked my nipple.

 

"Umm, agh. Phi Fah."

 

Phi Fah slowly stopped all action and returned to gently touch my lips.

 

"I'll tell Mom and Dad we're dating."

"Ma, ma."

 

"Because we're together."

 

Phi Fah gently caressed my cheek, as if claiming me. His beautiful face was adorned with a sweet smile. I could barely breathe at that distance, so I had to take a deep breath.

 

"Good boy, before I lose my temper, we'd better get ready."

 

Phi Fah said this before sitting on the bed. I slowly got up, breathing heavily as I tried to regain consciousness. Without realising it, Phi Fah lifted my chin and gave me a sweet kiss, holding it for a long moment before letting go.

 

I looked at the owner of the room, who came over to open the curtains and let in the light. Looking out, the view wasn't bad. I went out onto the balcony to enjoy it. We briefly discussed what I would tell my uncle and aunt about our relationship. Phi Fah didn't seem at all worried. This made me feel more at ease. I hoped they would understand.

 

Phi Fah took me for a walk around the house. There was almost nothing to do today. I sat in the living room watching TV, then went into the garden and took some photos. My uncle and aunt went out, and we had dinner together that evening.

 

"Oh my God, how long it's been," my uncle greeted me with the same friendly gesture. I immediately clasped my hands in greeting and smiled.

 

"HI."

 

I sat next to Phi Fah, across from his uncle and aunt. The atmosphere at the table wasn't too tense. I was a little nervous, but his uncle and aunt were as friendly as ever.

 

"How is Rit? Is he okay?"

 

"All right."

 

"We haven't spoken in a long time. Last time he said he'd come visit us, but he didn't," my uncle said. I couldn't help but smile wryly, as usual. The conversation continued until...

 

"Oh, Fah, haven't you thought about finding a daughter-in-law for Mom? I heard two of your friends already have partners, right?" my aunt asked, her tone not too serious. But that made me stop moving immediately.

 

"Our son is busy studying."

 

"Oh, right. I forgot. Or are you planning on finding a partner after graduation?"

 

"Dad, Mom," Phi Fah said. Uncle and aunt immediately turned to look at her with interest. "Phoon and I are going out together."

 

"Huh? Really?" my aunt asked immediately, looking surprised, as if she couldn't believe it. She turned to me. I smiled wryly and nodded slowly.

 

A hand on my knee squeezed me tightly. Before I felt the strong hand grasp mine, I turned to the person next to me. Phi Fah didn't turn around, but his face didn't look worried at all.

 

"Really? You're not joking, are you?" asked the uncle.

 

"Oh, really?"

 

"Oh, okay. I understand. How did all this happen? I don't care because I've known Phoon since he was little. Since when did you two start liking each other?"

 

"It's a long story," Phi Fah replied, turning to Dad. "Dad. What do you think?"

 

"Good, good. I understand. What more can I say about this child?" my uncle replied. I immediately smiled broadly when I heard that sentence.

 

"The world has changed, hasn't it? Mom and Dad aren't that old-fashioned. It's a good thing your parents already know. That way, Dad doesn't have to worry about meeting bad people, right?"

 

“Thank you,” I said with a happy smile.

 

"Have you been together long?"

 

"Not much, actually, just a few days."

 

"Wow, I thought you'd been together for years without telling Mom," said my aunt. 

 

"But you've known each other for a long time, so that's enough. Does Rit know?"

 

“Not yet,” I replied.

"Oh, there's no need to rush to tell him. In this cheerful atmosphere, we can start talking about the dowry first," my aunt joked. I smiled only because I didn't know what to say. How was I supposed to tell my father? My father probably wouldn't be as happy as my uncle and aunt.

 

After that, my uncle and aunt asked me many questions about how all this had happened. Phi Fah seemed to be joking, telling me about the letter. I couldn't stop him because my uncle and aunt wanted to hear it. They teased me a lot.

 

"Wow, how romantic to send letters. We used to court each other like that back in our day," my aunt said happily, while I couldn't help but blush, not knowing what to do.

 

"Are you shy?" Phi Fah teased, gently pinching my cheek. The people sitting in front of us turned their heads.

 

"I've never seen Fah like this," said the aunt, surprised. "You love him, don't you? You're always pinching his cheeks and stroking his head. I thought I'd never see our son do that again, did you?"

 

"Correct."

 

"So, are you going to sleep together tonight?" asked the aunt.

 

"I can sleep alone, Aunt."

 

"Okay, come on. When you were little, you often slept together," said the aunt.

After a while, we got up from the table and went back to our room. I felt relieved for no apparent reason. All my worries and anxieties had disappeared, both for Fan and for my uncles.

 

As we talked, I told them about Fan. My uncle and aunt only found out because they asked how he was. I didn't want to lie anymore, so I told them the truth. They expressed sadness and promised to visit Fan at his graveside when they had time. I went out onto the balcony for some fresh air, gazing at the sky, lit by the soft light of the moon and a few stars.

 

"How are you feeling?"

 

"Hmmm? I'm fine, really fine. Today was a fantastic day, from yesterday when we went to visit Fan to today when we went to visit my uncle and aunt. They are as kind as ever."

"I'm glad you had a nice day, Phoon," Phi Fah said, gently stroking my head. The slight smile on his face made me smile too.

 

"And you, Phi Fah? Is it a nice day?"

 

"Yes, today and every day from now on."

 

"How do you know?"

 

"Because I feel that, with you by my side, every day will be beautiful."

 

"So, from now on, every day will be beautiful for me, just with you by my side."

 

"Then we will have wonderful days forever."

 

“Yes, it will be like that,” I said with a smile, looking at the person next to me and taking his hand.

 

Exactly. Only by being together will every day be beautiful forever.