THEWEDDINGPLAN, Chapter 8:
Loving someone who’s taken is bad enough, but loving someone about to get married is even worse.
“What’s wrong with Nuea?”
“No idea, boss, but it looks serious. I waved snacks under his nose, and he didn’t even flinch.”
“He’s practically in a coma!”
“That’s what I’m saying.”
At this moment, the staff at The Wiwa Square realized a national crisis was unfolding in the office. It was serious enough to warrant closing the meeting room, gathering everyone for an emergency discussion, and the agenda for today’s meeting was none other than… the abnormal behavior of Namnuea.
It started with a workaholic who never took a day off, never went on vacation, except when struck by the flu two years ago. Even then, after calling in sick, he showed up the next day looking like a wreck—pale, red-eyed, gaunt, like a walking patient. But what made everyone cover their mouths and widen their eyes in disbelief was…
“I’m not hungry.”
A heartbreaking sentence that shouldn’t have come from someone who loved to eat, who could devour anything no matter how stressed, depressed, or down they were. On top of that, he said he’d skip lunch to keep working. No matter who dangled snacks in front of him, he didn’t even twitch. Even when Sister Eim, despite her health-conscious rules, splurged on pizza for the whole office, Namnuea showed no interest, just sat there, chin in hand, sighing heavily.
Even though work didn’t slow down—in fact, it moved faster than usual because the guy worked non-stop without eating or resting—the office felt lifeless. No crunching sounds, no banter from the usual dynamic duo. It was too much like a graveyard. So, during the sacred lunch break, everyone sacrificed their time to huddle together.
“Sis, have you talked to Nuea yet?”
“Talk about what? He’s all ‘yeah, uh-huh, mm’—barely a few words. I invited him for dinner, and he still wouldn’t go,” one of the younger girls said, making Sis Eim clutch her head. She glanced around, and everyone shook their heads, wondering what was wrong with him. Sis Eim had a suspicion from the start—could he have been heartbroken? “What? Nuea, heartbroken?!”
“Shh! Why are you all shouting like that?!” Sister Eim, the team’s big sister, pressed a finger to her lips, nervously glancing toward the meeting room door. The scolded group quieted down a bit but still whispered excitedly. How could this not be juicy? “Is that even possible, Sis? Nuea, of all people? He’s at the office all day—when he’s not with clients, he’s with us. Sure, he goes out for shoots often, but we’ve never seen him with anyone,” one of the team analyzed. Sis Eim sighed, unsure herself. But before the gossip—er, discussion—could go further…
Knock, knock, knock
The meeting room door was tapped, making everyone jump and straighten up from their huddle. When it opened, the group flinched again.
“What are you all doing?” The man of the hour stepped in. “Nothing, Nuea, nothing!” The room erupted in high-pitched denials. The newcomer shook his head and turned to his close colleague.
“Sister Eim, I’m heading to the studio in Sukhumvit.” “Oh, which couple’s pre-wedding shoot is today?” The question made him pause slightly, and he gave a faint smile.
“Khun Yiwa’s couple, scheduled for today. I’ll head out now.”
Namnuea hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but didn’t.
He just flashed a weary smile and turned to leave. As everyone let out a collective sigh of relief, the man in question popped his head back in, as if remembering something.
“Oh, and when you gossip about someone, try to be more subtle.”
“Hey, no way!” The group jumped again as Namnuea continued.
“Nothing, I’m fine. Stop gossiping already. I’m not heartbroken, just on a diet.” With that, the subject of the rumors steps out immediately. The others exchange glances and murmur softly.
“How did he know?” Sister Eim’s question makes everyone give awkward smiles.
Well, with the whole office buzzing, leaving only Nuea sitting there sighing heavily alone, of course he’d know he’s the topic. “Alright, let’s scatter. If he says he’s fine, he’s fine,” Sister Eim finally tells everyone, though her face shows concern. Her gut’s telling her something, and it’s not a pleasant feeling.
Don’t tell me Nuea’s secretly in love with the person I’m thinking of.
Please let me be overthinking this, Nuea. Please let it not be true.
(If you’re tired, come back home, dear. Nuea, you don’t have to exhaust yourself there. If you still want to work with weddings, there are big studios near home. With your skills, anyone would hire you.)
Namnuea lets out a heavy sigh, recalling the conversation with his mother from last week. Truthfully, that night happened almost two weeks ago. He’s been trying to forget it by throwing himself into work. The other party hasn’t contacted him, which relieves him that the matter won’t drag on. But no matter how hard he works during the day to forget, the lonely nights still torment his heart.
The events of that night haunt him every evening, making him remember, making him yearn, making him long to be looked at with those tender eyes. But since that’s impossible, a loneliness he’s never felt before forces him to seek refuge. He might be called ungrateful, but Namnuea turns to his mother. Never calling for ages, but running to Mom when there’s trouble—you’re really awful.
Cursing himself to his heart’s content, Nuea makes the call. Every day, he whines to his mother, saying he misses her, saying he wants to see her. Though he doesn’t explain what happened, a mother can sense her child’s heartache. So, the one who’s always let him do whatever he wanted since school days starts suggesting he come home, visit, or return if he can’t handle it.
At first, he hesitated, but now, Nuea is leaning toward the idea.
All I do here is overthink. Wouldn’t it be better to go home? But no matter how he tries to escape reality, time marches forward. The scheduled day for the pre-wedding photoshoot arrives. Delaying would mess up editing, retouching, and the video for the wedding. Plus, after this, they need to finalize the invitation design and favors. Everything has a timeline, and it can’t bend to the strength of Namnuea’s heart.
I don’t want to see them. I don’t want to hear about them. I don’t want anything to do with this couple anymore. But he can’t abandon his responsibilities.
After greeting the familiar photographer and going over the concept again to ensure they were on the same page, Namnuea slipped away to make himself a coffee, his heart heavy with an indescribable wilted feeling.
It was just one night together, so don’t let your heart get so attached to him.
He sighed deeply, turning his back to the door, lost in his own thoughts, oblivious to the sounds around him. He didn’t notice that the client he’d scheduled had arrived early—or that the person he least wanted to see was standing behind him, watching.
“Ugh, just work a few more hours, and you won’t have to see his face anymore.”
“You really don’t want to see me that much?”
Gasp!
The familiar voice, the one he dreamed of every night, came from behind him. Namnuea flinched hard, whipping around in shock. The hand gripping his paper cup nearly crushed it. His eyes widened, staring at the man he couldn’t banish from his heart.
The man looked no different from usual—still handsome, polished, impeccable from head to toe. But what was different was his gaze. Those sharp eyes locked onto him, steady, as if trying to peer into his soul, forcing Namnuea to look away. He forced a strained smile and spoke in a tone that tried to sound cheerful.
“Hello, Khun Lom. You’re here early.”
“You still haven’t answered my question, Nuea.” Don’t call me that.
Namnuea wanted to hurl the cup at his face, but all he could do was swallow every feeling, force another smile, and shake his head slowly, letting out a hollow laugh.
“It’s not like that. How could I not want to see a client?” He emphasized the word “client” sharply, causing the other man to pause briefly before stepping closer. Those piercing eyes still didn’t waver.
“Nuea, I need to talk to you.”
“But I don’t!” Namnuea cut in quickly. He couldn’t stop himself, surprising even himself. No wonder the other man let out a heavy sigh. But it seemed he wasn’t ready to give up. Long legs closed the distance until they were nearly touching, leaving no room to escape. Then, in a serious tone, he said, “I know I’m being selfish, but I really want you to hear me out, Nuea.”
“…”
The listener was speechless. He didn’t want to look into those eyes that made his heart soften and feel guilty all at once.
This is the studio for Khun Lom’s wedding photos. How could we let ourselves waver for him?
Click.
Namnuea wanted to pull his hand away when the other reached to hold it, but his strength had vanished. He could only lower his gaze to his own hand, listening to the deep voice echoing in his head, filled with confusion.
“I’m glad that night happened, Nuea. I wanted to contact you, but every time I picked up the phone, your words telling me to forget rang in my mind. I couldn’t let it go. I wanted to talk to you, but I knew you wouldn’t answer if I called. You only reached out to Yiwa… even today, you didn’t call me once,” the flood of words made Namnuea clench his fist tighter, biting his lip until it hurt.
Don’t give in, Nuea. Don’t give in.
His softening demeanor must have given the other hope, because Sailom spoke boldly.
“Nuea, do you have some time after this…”
“Oh, Phii Lom, there you are!”
Before he could finish, before anyone could waver, a sweet, clear voice rang out from behind. Namnuea’s heart raced, blood rushing to his face. Startled, he yanked his hand free from the grip, looked over the broad shoulder, and stumbled back, colliding with the edge of the table behind him.
“Oh! Khun Nuea are you okay?” The beautiful woman peeked out from behind Sailom. Namnuea shook his head vigorously. He wasn’t sure what expression he wore, but he forced a smile.
“I’m fine, Khun Yiwa. Hello! You’re here early.” What kind of face did I just make?
Namnuea could only wonder, watching her bright smile and playful wink.
Well, Phii Lom insisted on getting here early, no matter what. He came up first… didn’t even wait for me. Wonder who he was in such a rush to see,” she teased. Namnuea couldn’t decipher the look in her eyes, but he flinched, feeling like a guilty child caught in the act. He lowered his head, unable to meet anyone’s gaze.
“I’ll go inform the team then. Khun Yiwa, you can head to the dressing room to get your hair and makeup done,” Namnuea said quickly, slipping past the tall man who said nothing more. And that was probably how it should be—the bride-to-be was standing right there.
Grab.
But it wasn’t like that. A large hand seized his upper arm, eyes filled with concern, and a worried voice asked urgently.
“Nuea, is your hand okay?”
“Oh no! Khun Nuea, quick, wash your hand! Did you get burned?” Khun Yiwa exclaimed. Namnuea followed their gazes and nearly dropped the paper coffee cup. He’d squeezed it so hard that dark liquid had spilled, coating his hand and dripping onto the floor. It should’ve burned, but he felt nothing.
“I’m… I’m fine,” Namnuea tossed the cup into the trash and flashed a smile at the bride-to-be, signaling he was okay.
“The coffee’s gone cold… It’s fine, I’ll call the housekeeper first. It’s spilled everywhere…”
“You need to wash your hands first.”
Swish
I’ll go myself, Khun Lom. You should hurry and get dressed. Thanks for the concern.” Before the other man could drag him to the bathroom, Namnuea quickly yanked his hand free. It wasn’t natural and was frankly quite rude, but he didn’t care anymore. His body felt numb in a way he couldn’t describe. He spoke in a brisk, businesslike tone and strode away from the pair toward the bathroom, not forgetting to tell the housekeeper to clean up the coffee stain. Can you handle this, Nuea? You haven’t broken down crying yet, have you? he thought, taking long strides and disappearing into the bathroom before his fake strength crumbled.
What did you just do? Why did Nuea look like he was about to cry?
“…”
“Phii Lom!”
Sailom didn’t answer the bride-to-be’s question, instead letting out a heavy sigh. He looked down at his hand, still feeling the lingering warmth of another’s touch, and said in a firm tone, “This is my business, Yiwa. Can you let me handle it myself?” “You always mess things up when it comes to yourself,” she retorted. Though he wanted to argue, he couldn’t. He turned to Yiwa with a warning look, but she wasn’t intimidated in the slightest. She even poked his chest hard. “Stop sulking and go make up with him.”
“How am I supposed to do that when I’m your groom, Yiwa?” the man said, irritated, making the listener’s eyes widen as she gasped in shock.
You still haven’t told him the truth? Are you insane, Phii
Lom?”
The man accused of being crazy scowled, but she wasn’t scared. She slapped his broad shoulder several times. “If I were him, I’d be mad and confused too. You’re showing interest in him while you’re about to get married. No decent person would play along. Stop overthinking and tell him the truth. I don’t want to be selfish and be the only one happy. If you’re sure, just say it. One or two more people knowing the truth won’t hurt,”
The young woman said with an annoyed tone, while the listener sighed heavily but looked slightly better. Should I tell him?
“You’re only realizing this now?” Her sharp comeback stung, nearly making Sailom chase after the other person. But then…
RRRRRRrrrrrrrrrr
The loud ring of a phone interrupted. Yiwa quickly pulled it out to answer, then her eyes widened.
“It’s Mom, Phii Lom.” The mention of the caller made the listener freeze, turning to meet her gaze. He nodded for her to take the call. Judging by her expression, this wasn’t good news.
We’re in trouble now, Phii Lom.
“What’s wrong?” As soon as Yiwa hung up, she turned with a frustrated look, confirming his strange gut feeling, just as he’d feared.
“Mom and Aunt are coming to watch the photoshoot. They’re parking downstairs now,” the groom-to-be says, letting out a frustrated curse and a heavy sigh. Instead of clearing things up
with the other person, he now has to deal with two demanding women before things get even messier.
Time really isn’t on his side to chase after anyone else right now.
…
Nuea was quite surprised when the older relatives of the person he was coordinating with for work show up in the studio. But he quickly puts on a smile, greeting them politely while explaining the concept for today’s photoshoot, which the two middle-aged women seem to appreciate.
“It’s great. I prefer shooting in the studio too. Shooting outdoors under the sun and wind might ruin Yiwa’s skin before the big day,” one says.
“Speaking of the big day, has Yiwa started the bridal course we sent her?” Sailom’s mother asks.
“I gave it to her, but she keeps saying she’s too busy. Next month, I’ll make her go for the skin treatment, don’t worry. Yiwa will be the most beautiful at the wedding,” the two mothers chat enthusiastically, covering everything from bridal courses to the engagement. It’s almost too much for the listener, who can barely keep up the smile. “How’s the progress on the wedding invitations, Khun Nuea?” they ask, turning to him. Luckily, he brought the documents today and shows them samples to review.
“Khun Nuea, serious question—can we add maybe one or two hundred more guests?” Yiwa’s mother suddenly whispers, probably because she couldn’t get a straight answer from the couple. Namnuea gives a dry smile, hedging his response. “We can probably adjust for about a hundred.” A hundred’s better than nothing—maybe fifty each?
“Ugh, those two are so stubborn. No matter what we say, they won’t budge,” the two women say with slight displeasure. “But, to be fair, those two have been inseparable forever. If one says something, the other follows. Like they share one heart,” Sailom’s mother adds, wrinkling her nose slightly, her tone fond. The other laughs along and turns to Namnuea.
“Did you know, Khun Nuea? They’ve been together since middle school,” she says, clearly eager to gossip about their kids. Normally, Namnuea would be happy to listen, but not this time.
The listener wants no part of these stories. Learning how long they’ve loved each other leaves him stunned, with guilt crashing over him. But seeing the eager looks in the mothers’ eyes, what can he do but force a smile and match their enthusiasm? “Really? That’s amazing, loving each other for over a decade like that!”
“Right? When they told me they were dating, I was shocked but happy. They’ve known each other since they were kids. Thinking about it, it’s not surprising—they were inseparable. Yiwa was all about Phii Lom, and Lom was all about Yiwa. It’s heartwarming to think they’re about to tie the knot,” one says.
“But it’d be better if they didn’t keep defying us,” Sailom’s mother adds, though she seems pleased. Before Namnuea has to endure more stories of the couple’s love, the bride steps out of the dressing room, with the groom by her side.
The sight left Namnuea… frozen.
The stunning bride in a ball gown wedding dress looked like an elegant princess. The strapless gown was meticulously embroidered with lace and shimmering sequins that sparkled under the light. The side pleats accentuated her tiny waist, and the ivory skirt trailed gracefully along the floor. Combined with her flawless makeup and hair, Yiwa was nothing short of a beautiful princess ready for her wedding.
Beside her, the dashing groom stood in a luxurious suit, with an ivory dress shirt paired with a dark tie. The matching vest and jacket completed the look, making Sailom the perfect groom with a radiant bride by his side.
They were like a painting, a perfect match like gold and jade, so harmonious that it pierced the heart of the onlooker. “No one could be more perfect together,” the elders said with delight, and Namnuea couldn’t argue. It was an undeniable truth. “Yes, they’re the most perfect match… more than any couple I’ve ever worked with,” he said, forcing a smile. He glanced at the pair, who weren’t looking his way but were chatting intimately. And…
He didn’t want to look anymore.
The way Sailom gently held the train of the bride’s dress to help Yiwa walk more easily was so courteous, so attentive. No matter how you looked at it, they were the perfect couple, and Namnuea had to turn away.
So, while the elders went to chat and praise their children, Namnuea, who should have stepped in to assist, found himself unable to move. Instead, he slipped away to the photographer, sticking close and not daring to lift his eyes to the couple posing for photos in front of him.
“Move a bit closer, please. Bride, tilt your head up slightly. Place your hand on the groom’s arm… Perfect.” The instructions went in one ear and out the other. Namnuea swallowed hard, and when he finally glanced up once, he took a deep breath.
They were too perfect, making his guilt even heavier.
He shouldn’t have looked.
Namnuea hated himself for thinking he was strong enough. In truth, he couldn’t bear to look at the scene before him. Where was the man who wanted to explain? Where was the one who said he couldn’t forget him? Where was the one who said he didn’t regret their night together? All he saw was a groom utterly devoted to his bride.
The groom who leaned down to whisper in the bride’s ear, making her laugh brightly. His hands gently cradled her slender waist with care, his gaze filled with nothing but tenderness, captured through the camera lens. And the bride—it was clear how happy she was in this man’s arms.
They were so perfect together that he could no longer bear to watch.
“Phii, I’m heading back to the office first. Please take care of things here. Send me the photos when you’re done,” Namnuea said.
“What? You’re not staying until the end, Nuea?”
“I just remembered I have something urgent. I’m really sorry,” Namnuea apologized to the photographer, feeling guilty. But with the team fully prepared and the concept already clearly explained, slipping away early should be fine. The photographer didn’t mind, assuring him they’d handle everything. Taking advantage of the moment when the crew was busy touching up makeup, adjusting lights, and fussing over the bride and groom, Namnuea quickly stepped out of the studio.
He couldn’t bear to stay here any longer.
Did watching the groom and bride together really hurt this much?
It hurt so much he could barely breathe.
The only thing Namnuea could do was call his boss, his voice trembling.
“Can I take some time off? I know it’s sudden, but I really need to go home.” Then he called Sister Eim to say the same.
[Is something wrong, Nuea?]
He wasn’t sure if it was those words, but Namnuea broke down, sobbing uncontrollably, his patience, restraint, and strength completely gone. All he could manage was to repeat the same words over and over.
“I’m sorry, Sister Eim. I can’t do this. I’m sorry… sorry…” I can’t let go of that man who’s already taken.
[Hey, Nuea, calm down, calm down. If you can’t handle it, take a break. I’ll take care of things here. Don’t worry about work.]
The words of concern only made Namnuea cry harder, tears streaming until he was spent. He knew he must seem like a madman, crying nonstop, but he truly couldn’t bear it. His heart hurt too much to endure any more.
If he couldn’t even handle watching their pre-wedding photoshoot, how could he possibly stand through the actual wedding day, smiling and offering congratulations? Namnuea didn’t know the answer to that question and no longer wanted to find out. He drove straight to his condo to pack his things and return to his emotional refuge… he was going home.
He could no longer stay in this place, where a man named Sailom existed.
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