Tag: Your Sky

   YOURSKY, Chapter 25

  [Theerak, later I will drive your car to your Grandpa’s birthday party, okay?]

“Why are you driving my car?”

[This morning, you told me that your dad is only coming to the party for a short while and will leave by the evening. I figured your dad would leave before me. If he goes back first, I can leave the car for you to use as usual.]

“Oh, that works, because my Dad probably won’t stay long. He was still complaining that he has so much work and wants to go back to finish it so he can take a long vacation next week and stay home.”

[Okay, got it.]

See you this afternoon, Phii Fah.”

[Khrapom.]

Theerak hung up the call with Muenfah before going to help Phii Babe and Phii Dom set up the dining table in the backyard. Grandpa’s birthday every year was kept simple. Grandpa only asked for the whole family to be together. Dad always made sure to come home for Grandpa’s birthday, no matter how busy he was. Like today, for instance—Dad called Mom this morning, grumbling that he wanted to stay home for a couple more days but had to rush back to finish work, so he couldn’t stay longer.

The little one spread a light gray tablecloth over the dining table and took plates from his older sister standing beside him to arrange them. Theerak looked up at Phii Dom, who was carrying chairs out from the house, thinking how Phii Dom had become part of the Niran family for a while now. He was always there for every important occasion. Grandpa told him every year to invite someone special, but Theerak would always reply… ‘I don’t have anyone special, Grandpa.’

But this year… Theerak told Grandpa…

‘Okay, I will invite Phii Fah to your birthday, alright?’

Theerak gave a small smile as he placed the spoon beside his plate. This year, he had brought someone important to join Grandpa’s birthday celebration. Theerak glanced at Phii Dom, who had only brought out six chairs, matching the number of family members in the house. So, he reminded Phii Dom…

“Phii Dom, this year we need seven chairs.”

“I didn’t forget Fah’s chair, don’t worry.”

Theerak smiled at Phii Dom, who went back inside to grab another chair, before continuing to set the table, “…”

“This year, with Fah joining Grandpa’s birthday… it feels complete, doesn’t it?”

Theerak nodded before saying, “The family, forever, is complete.”

“Even if he’s a little late… he’s here now.”

Theerak laughed at his older sister teasing his important person, “Phii Fah isn’t late. He’s been waiting for me for so long… It’s me who walked to him too slowly.”

“…” Phii Babe nodded and smiled at him before asking, “It’s been a full week today… Have you won Fah over yet?”

Theerak burst out laughing before replying, “I can’t even remember how many points he’s scored.”

“…”

“But I’m going to force the issue and ask Phii Fah to be his boyfriend this evening.”

Phii Babe chuckled softly before saying, “I hope he says yes.”

“Phii Babe, please root for me too.”

“Hmm… I’ll be cheering for you.”

After finishing setting the table in the backyard, Theerak went to help his mom cook in the kitchen. Every year, Mom makes a dish that’s a favorite of each family member. Last night, she asked what Muenfah likes to eat, so Theerak gave her the list of foods Nanny had written down. This morning, Mom said she’d make tofu and egg clear soup instead of his favorite bitter melon soup.

Mom, are you replacing my favorite with Phii Fah’s favorite?”

“And are you okay with that?”

“Yes, I’m okay with it.”

Theerak held back a smile as that conversation with his mom replayed in his mind. He chopped vegetables while glancing at the phone beside the cutting board, just in case Muenfah called so he could rush out to meet him at the front of the house.

“Chopping while staring at your phone—careful, or our important guest might end up eating your finger instead.”

Theerak turned to look at his mom, who was smiling beside him. He gave a small smile before saying, “Even if I lose a finger… he wouldn’t stop being with me.”

His Mom didn’t say anything, and Theerak only heard her soft laughter. He glanced at the side of his mother’s face; her warm smile made him want to say this…

“Thank you, Mom.”

“For what, Little Rak?”

“Just accepting who I am was more than enough…” Theerak pressed his lips together tightly before continuing, “But you even accepted Phii Fah too.” “You are Mom’s child. And he is your lover…”

“…”

“Right now, Fah is like another son to me.”

Theerak smiled widely before going in to hug Mom. “Thank you again,    Mom.”

Be very happy, okay, my child…” Mom said while pressing her nose to his head to smell it. “Mom loves you.”

“I love you too, Mom.”

But a notification sound from the phone made Theerak pull away from the hug. He grinned instantly when he saw the name on the caller ID. Theerak turned to look at Mom for permission.

“I will go out to pick up Phii Fah first, okay, Mom?”

“Sure, go get Fah.”

The small figure quickly took off his apron and ran out to the front of the house. Muenfah was standing at the gate, holding a large fruit basket. He was about to slide open the heavy iron gate to let Muenfah in, and as always, the taller man stepped in to help him.

Theerak smiled at the tall figure before saying, “Did you wait long, Phii Fah?”

“I’ve been waiting for a while… but now you turned to look at me.”

Theerak burst into cheerful laughter. “Your hungry stomach, huh…”

“…”

Muenfah gave him the same familiar smile. Theerak thought he’d lean down to kiss his cheek like he usually did, but Muenfah only reached out to gently pat his head.

“…”

“I really want to kiss you so badly… but it wouldn’t be appropriate.”

Should I let you sneak a kiss?…” Theerak raised one hand to cover his mouth and spoke in a soft whisper. “A kiss at the front of the house… no one will see.”

“Hmph.” Muenfah chuckled in his throat, lightly pinching the tip of his nose. “No, I can’t.”

“…”

Theerak knew Muenfah wanted to respect him and everyone in the family, which is why he didn’t act as he usually would. He led Muenfah inside to greet Grandpa first. Grandpa seemed to love the birthday gift—a basket full of sweet fruits he enjoyed. Then he took him to say hello to Mom, who was cooking in the kitchen.

“Mom…”

“Yes…” Mom, busy at the stove with a pot of bland soup, responded and turned to look at him and Muenfah.

“Hello, Auntie.”

“Hello… just wait a moment for the soup, Fah. I’m still cooking it.”

“No problem, I can wait.”

“Rak, take him out to sit in the garden for now, dear. It’s hot in the kitchen.”

“Okay…”

Theerak nodded to Mom and gestured to Muenfah to follow. He led him out to sit in the backyard garden. Moogrob, the dog, didn’t bark at Muenfah at all, even though it usually barked at strangers entering the house. Perhaps because Muenfah didn’t show any fear. He picked up Moogrob and said “Moogrob… has Phii Rak ever complained to you about missing Phii Fah?” How could Moogrob answer that?”

“Then can this person answer for Moogrob?”

Muenfah placed Moogrob on his sturdy lap before turning to look at him. Suddenly, that familiar smile he’d grown so used to seeing made him feel shy all of a sudden.

Theerak lowered his gaze before saying, “I complain to Moogrob every night, you know.”

“Heh.”

“Darling, Mom’s calling you to help wash the vegetables…”

Theerak nodded at his Grandpa, who had come out to tell him, then glanced at Muenfah sitting beside him. Muenfah gave him a small smile and a light nod. So, Theerak stood up to go help his mom wash the vegetables. But worried that Muenfah might feel lonely, he turned back to look at him again. Grandpa must have guessed his concern because he brought out a chessboard and sat down at the long table in Theerak’s spot.

“Go ahead, Theerak. I’ll keep Muenfah company.”

“Yes, Grandpa…” Theerak nodded firmly before walking into the house, relieved.

Muenfah, seated at the long table, slowly shifted to make enough space for the chessboard. He took the box of chess pieces, opened it, and began arranging them on the board in their proper positions. Grandpa smiled faintly, pleased to see how skillfully he set it up. Muenfah used to play chess with his father often as a child, so he knew the positions and rules well.

“Kids these days don’t really know how to play chess anymore.”

Muenfah smiled at Grandpa before saying, “When I was little, I played with my dad a lot.”

Did your dad like playing chess a lot?”

“I think so… My dad loved playing chess with my Grandpa.”

Grandpa chuckled in his throat before saying, “Passed down through generations, huh?”

“Yes…”

“And how’s your grandpa doing now… Can he still play chess?”

“My grandpa passed away a long time ago… since I was still a kid.”

Muenfah looked up at the warm smile in front of him. He felt a strange familiarity with Grandpa’s smile, even though they’d only met a few times, and this was the first time they’d been this close. But after a few minutes passed, Muenfah realized that Grandpa’s smile… it reminded him of his own grandpa’s.

Grandpa moved a chess piece with his hand, shifting its position, then looked up to meet his eyes. “Your grandpa may be gone… but you still have me.”

Muenfah stayed silent, not responding. He moved a chess piece since it was his turn, but the reason he hadn’t answered Grandpa yet was because he was searching for the right words—words worthy of Grandpa’s kindness.

It should be more than just “thank you.”

“…”

“Does the name Muenfah have a meaning?”

“Mom said that ‘Muenfah’ means… steadfast love.”

Grandpa smiled faintly before continuing, “The name ‘Theerak,’ I chose it myself for my grandson.”

“…”

“Theerak, meaning… the one who is a beloved.”

“Theerak truly lives up to the name of being a beloved…”

“At first, I thought he wanted him to be loved by everyone… but as he grew up, I realized that if he could just be the beloved for someone, truly with all his heart… that would be enough.”

“…”

“As long as that person has a steadfast love for him.”

“…”

“…And I think this Theerak is a lucky boy because he’s already found that person.”

“…”

“Thank you… for being the steadfast love for my Theerak.”

Grandpa made Muenfah realize that… just those words, spoken from the heart just a simple “thank you,” was enough.

“Thank you, Grandpa.”

Thank you for kindly accepting him as another grandchild.

And thank you for letting him be the steadfast love for Theerak.

Grandpa laughed before moving his hand to slide a chess piece for him. Muenfah wanted to talk more with Grandpa. He wanted their conversation to flow on and on, but he couldn’t because the overwhelming gratitude gathered in his throat. He wanted to thank Grandpa a thousand more times, but even if he said thank you that many times it still wouldn’t be enough…

Lending such an expensive car to that little Rak… is that really okay?”

Muenfah looked up at Grandpa while moving a chess piece. He thought it over again before replying, “Its price can’t compare to Theerak, Grandpa.”

“…”

“In my life… nothing is more valuable than Theerak.”

“…”

“Everything else is worth zero…” Muenfah paused and looked deeply into the other’s eyes, so Grandpa would know he meant it from his heart, “…because Theerak is the most valuable thing in my heart.”

Grandpa nodded slowly, with a smile, “No wonder…”

“…”

“No wonder you became the beloved sky for that chubby little pup.”

“…”

“I’ll ever be the beloved sky only for Theerak.”

“…”

“But Theerak will be my entire life.”

“…”

Grandpa gave a faint smile while lowering his gaze to the chessboard, then looked up to meet his eyes again and reached out to pat his shoulder several times. Grandpa’s eyes were filled with a multitude of emotions. He nodded lightly before saying…

“Thanks again, Muenfah.”

 

#However Many Thousand Skies

“Phii Fah, sit here… so when Dad arrives, he can sit at the head of the table across from Grandpa.”

Theerak arranged for Muenfah to sit next to him. As for himself, he had to take his usual spot beside Dad. Muenfah nodded and sat down obediently. Dom, sitting across from Muenfah, smiled before saying…

“If you’ve made it here once… you’ll keep coming back every year.”

“…”

“Do you know why?”

Theerak furrowed his brow as he watched Phii Dom talk to Muenfah, “…”

“I know…”

“Why, Phii Fah?…I don’t even know yet.”

Muenfah gave a small smile, glancing left and right as if making sure no adults were around, before saying, “Because no one can stop loving the kids of this house, you are stuck here forever.”

“Flirting in broad daylight, huh?” Phii Babe chimed in, laughing lightly.

Theerak only just realized that being flirted with by Muenfah in broad daylight, in his own home, could make him feel a hundred times more shy. Maybe it was because everything had to happen under the watchful eyes of the adults, so they couldn’t tease each other as freely as usual. Being flirted with through words and looks again made the shyness come rushing back.

“Rak… Dad’s here, go help him carry some stuff, Nong Rak.”

“Yes, Mom…”

Theerak responded to his mom before excusing himself from Muenfah to go meet his dad. As soon as he reached the front of the house, he ran to hug the big figure carrying bags in both hands. Dad stumbled back slightly from the impact.

“You chubby little pup…” Dad said, laughing.

“I missed you so much, Dad.”

“What… We talk on the phone almost every day, and you still miss me?” Dad narrowed his eyes suspiciously, “…What are you trying to sweet-talk me into now, Rak?”

“Nothing, Dad…” Theerak pulled away from the hug and quickly took the snack bags Dad must have picked up on his way home, “I really missed you.”

“I missed you too… Come here, let me kiss your head.” With that, his Dad pressed his nose to Rak’s head with a loud smooch before asking, “Whose car is that… Did Dom get a new one again?”

Theerak followed Dad’s gaze to the frosted-colored Mini Cooper. He swallowed nervously before answering, “It’s Phii Fah’s car, Dad.”

“Phii Fah?” Dad repeated, frowning as he thought it over, “Is that Muenfah, the commander’s nephew?”

“Yes, Dad.”

Dad opened his mouth to ask more, but someone’s voice interrupted. Theerak turned to see his mom walking out of the house with a cheerful expression. When Dad saw Mom, he hurried over to hug her, clearly missing her. Theerak quietly took the stuff inside.

Muenfah’s presence might come up for questioning at the dinner table, since no one told Dad about inviting him to join the family’s important occasion. Truthfully, Theerak wanted to inform Dad beforehand because Dad placed a lot of importance on inviting guests to events. However, Mom and Grandpa suggested it’d be better for Dad to meet Muenfah at the house directly.

Theerak couldn’t predict how the situation would unfold. He knew Dad was broad-minded and fairly open, always willing to understand him since he was a child, no matter how small or big the issue. But this time, Theerak couldn’t help but feel genuinely worried.

After putting things away, Theerak returned to the backyard garden. By now, Phii Babe, Phii Dom, Grandpa, and Muenfah were seated at the dining table waiting. Once he joined them, only Dad and Mom were left to arrive.

“Has Dad arrived yet?”

“Yes…”

Theerak glanced at Muenfah, who showed no signs of worry at all. He tried to suppress his own feelings, but Muenfah must have noticed, as he reached out to gently pat his head.

“No need to worry, okay?”

Theerak pressed his lips together tightly before nodding at him. “…”

Not long after, Dad and Mom walked in to join the table. Dad raised his hands to greet Grandpa respectfully before fixing his gaze on Muenfah. Theerak felt himself swallowing hard, his hands starting to sweat profusely.

“Hello, Uncle.”

“Hello, Muenfah… How’s the chief doing?”

“He’s doing well, Uncle.”

“Send my regards to him, alright?”

“Sure, I’ll let him know.”

“Let’s eat, everyone.” Mom said.

Everyone began passing their plates for Mom to serve the rice. Theerak could tell everyone was trying to act as normal as possible. The light, breezy afternoon atmosphere started to feel heavy with something unspoken. The laughter and smiles at the table carried a hint of awkwardness.

Theerak knew something was weighing on his Dad’s mind, though he hadn’t asked yet. Theerak prayed his Dad would hold off on his curiosity for now. If Muenfah left and his Dad wanted to know something afterward, he’d be happy to explain. His Dad wasn’t the type to speak harshly, but he was straightforward with his words and actions, and sometimes his words could come across as too strong.

Theerak was trying to figure out how to balance both sides’ feelings…

Even though his Dad had never shown disapproval of his being with someone of the same gender, he’d also never explicitly said he accepted it. That’s why Theerak was most anxious about Dad. He understood everything took time… including for Dad.

While everyone was enjoying their favorite dishes and chatting cheerfully, Theerak caught a glint of doubt in his Dad’s eyes.

“What did you trouble Muenfah with this time that we had to invite him for dinner again like last time?”

His prayers went unanswered. In the end, Dad couldn’t hold it in…

“Honey!” Mom turned and scolded Dad with a sharp tone.

“Your father told you to invite Muenfah to join the event himself…” Grandpa said, before turning to smile at Muenfah.

“…”

“Even if Muenfah didn’t help Theerak, you could still come eat at our house.”

“…”

“But if we really had to treat you to a meal as a thank-you, it’d probably be for lending Theerak the car… since his schedule hasn’t been matching up with Babe’s lately.”

“…”

“But now, I don’t know what he did to upset Muenfah, since the car got taken back yesterday.”

Grandpa was the only one speaking with a constant smile on his face. Theerak had to suppress his fear and worry inside, responding to Grandpa to make everything seem as normal as possible.

“I didn’t misbehave, Grandpa.”

Grandpa’s laughter helped ease the tense atmosphere.

“Normally, our family birthday events are just for important people… Dom is important to Babe.”

But the awkwardness started creeping back in…

“So who is Muenfah here as someone important to?”

Theerak knew his father already understood who Muenfah was important to. His father just wanted a clear answer to confirm what he suspected. He was about to respond, but the thick hand of the person beside him under the table moved to hold his. Theerak shifted his gaze from his father to Muenfah, who nodded at him before speaking…

“Theerak.”

“…”

It felt like he stopped breathing the moment Muenfah answered his father. The way his father looked at Muenfah made Theerak feel like his heart was being squeezed tightly.

It wasn’t a look of disgust.

It was a look of disapproval.

It was as if everyone had fallen into a state where silence swallowed time. For the first time, there was silence at the family dinner table—an eternity where his mind went blank. Theerak tried to say something to break the awkwardness, but the firm hand holding his squeezed lightly, signaling him to stop.

“…”

Theerak looked away from his father again to Muenfah. As always,    Muenfah didn’t show any signs of worry. He simply met his father’s gaze. There was no aggression in his eyes, but it was a look that made Theerak’s heart feel even more constricted.

It was a pleading look…

“Uncle…”

“…”

“Can I have a chance?”

“…”

Dad let out a sigh before lowering his head and closing his eyes. He was probably hoping that what he suspected wasn’t true, but everything he had learned left him disappointed. The fact that his Dad refused to look up and meet anyone’s eyes made Theerak realize just how hard it was for his Dad to accept this. “…”

Theerak pressed his lips together tightly while looking at his silent father. He believed everyone was rooting for Muenfah to get a chance from Dad. The situation felt like Muenfah was asking for water from Dad to nurture a newly planted seed so it could grow tomorrow. If he didn’t get that water from Dad, the young plant might not survive.

Theerak hoped Dad would give Muenfah even just a drop of water so their tree of love could grow beautifully.

Thud!

But Dad chose to stand up and walk away without leaving a single drop. It was in that moment that Theerak truly understood what it meant to have a broken heart. He lowered his head, closed his eyes, and squeezed Muenfah’s hand to comfort him, even though his own heart had already shattered into pieces. Theerak had prepared himself for rejection and could somewhat accept it, knowing everything takes time. He steadied himself and looked up at everyone. Mom got up from the table and followed Dad into the house. Phii Babe sat biting her lip, her eyes red, while Phii Dom comforted her. Not long after, Grandpa also left the table.

Theerak thought that his Dad walking away without an answer, leaving that look behind as a lasting memory, was the most painful thing. But he soon realized there was something even more agonizing: the same gentle smile Muenfah gave him. He just smiled and held his hand.

“It’s okay… Theerak”

Those words from Muenfah made Theerak feel a burning sensation in his eyes, and the stinging in his nose returned. He bit his lip hard to hold back every emotion. He didn’t feel any pain in his lip, even as he pressed his sharp teeth harder, probably because the numbness in his heart had spread throughout his body.

I won’t let Phii Fah worry, no matter what…

“I…” Theerak tried to speak, but he had to pause to take a deep breath, holding back the tears welling up at the edges of his eyes. “I am sorry, okay?”

“Sorry for not being able to protect your feelings at all.”

Muenfah shook his head gently. “You don’t have to apologize to me, okay?”

“…”

“I understand. you have to protect your dad’s feelings too.”

It was at that moment that Theerak let his tears fall. Muenfah was still as gentle and understanding as ever. Theerak couldn’t say anything because he knew he had disappointed Dad too much. It was the first time Dad had shown such deep sadness. His heart broke because…

the two people he loved most were hurting at the same time— Dad and Muenfah.

Theerak knew he couldn’t yet speak to make Dad accept this. He might need to give Dad some time. But no matter how long it took, Theerak wouldn’t give up…

Until that time comes.

Theerak wanted to protect Muenfah’s feelings by now.

 

#However Many Thousand Skies

Originally, his Dad had to rush back this evening, but after something happened, his Mom came to say that his Dad had called to take a vacation leave so he could stay at home for a week. Muenfah then asked permission from Grandpa and Mom to leave early. Meanwhile, his Dad still wanted to stay alone in the living room.

Theerak walked out to see Muenfah off at the front of the house. The latter didn’t show any signs of sadness or disappointment, but Theerak knew full well that Muenfah must feel just as bad.

Muenfah was always good at hiding his feelings…

“I will head out now, okay? I’ll call you as soon as I get to the shop.”

“Okay.” Theerak replied, standing there watching the tall figure walk away.

Once again, he called out to hold him back, “Phii Fah…”

“Yes?”

But this time, Theerak was the one who stepped toward Muenfah first. He lowered his gaze to the other’s large hand before reaching out to hold it. Theerak looked up, meeting the taller man’s eyes, and said…

“Phii Fah… don’t let go of my hand, okay?”

He knew he was forcing a smile for Muenfah. Theerak was certain that Muenfah would never let go of his hand, but he just wanted to make sure the other was ready to fight alongside him.

“…”

“I…” Theerak paused to take a breath, swallowing something that was rising in his throat, “I once said he wouldn’t let go of your hand.” “…”

“I meant it, really, Phii Fah.”

Muenfah gave him that same familiar smile before reaching his free hand to gently pat his head, as if comforting him. He remained the steady Fah that Theerak could always rely on.

“I want to hug you so badly… but now’s probably not the right time.”

“…”

“A kiss on the head, then, for Phii Fah’s good person.”

Theerak nodded and held Muenfah’s hand tighter. He always felt reassured whenever he heard these comforting words, but this time, Theerak felt a dull ache in his heart instead.

“…”

“When I hadn’t yet held your hand… I still managed to walk on my own.”

“…”

“Now that I’m holding your hand…”

“…”

“No matter what happens… I will never let go of you Theerak.”

Muenfah had once told him…

‘We’ll get through everything together, okay, Theerak?’

And now, Theerak finally understood the meaning of those words.

“We’ll get through everything together, okay, Phii Fah?”

Muenfah nodded while giving him that familiar smile. “For you Phii Fah…

I am more than just love.”

Theerak smiled faintly, thinking…

For him… Phii Fah is his heart.

TBC

 

YOURSKY CHAPTERS HOME

   YOURSKY, Chapter 24

“Sure, Ma… Soon, in a few days, I will book the plane tickets, okay?”

[Okay, dear.]

“Ma… Is Pa there with you?”

[Yes, he is. Do you want to talk to Pa?]

“Yes, please let me talk to Pa for a bit.”

[Pa, dear… Our son wants to talk to you.]

“…”

[What do you want to talk to me about, Muen?]

I laughed softly when I heard the familiar nickname. “Thank you, Pa.”

[What is you thanking me for?]

“Pa once told me to secretly kiss the ring finger on the left hand of the person he likes while they’re asleep, and then they’d become his lover.”

[Haha, did my method work?]

“Yes.”

[How much dowry are they asking for over there? Tell Pa… for the chubby puppy of your, I can handle it.]

I laughed softly again before saying, “Thank you again, Pa.”

[I’m happy for you, Muen.]

“Yes… I love you Pa.”

[I love both you and Phan too.]

I hung up the call with Pa and prepared to head back into the house. Today, my group of friends asked to gather and work on their mini-thesis, which needs to be submitted to the professor before the semester ends. I finished my own work last week, so now I’m just helping and giving advice to my friends. On top of that, I also have to tutor my Theerak in math. He’s been complaining that he doesn’t understand some of the material, even though he listens to the professor attentively in class.

“I, I listened to the professor so carefully, Phii Fah.”

“…”

“I didn’t even chat with friends during class, but I still don’t get it.” “…”

“When it comes to math, my brain is just no good…”

Hearing that made me feel so sorry for Theerak. He’s someone who takes studying seriously and gets good grades in almost every subject. If he doesn’t do well this time, he’ll be really upset. Even though I don’t particularly like this subject, I’ve always managed to score well in it. Last night, I had Theerak send me the material he didn’t understand via LINE so I could review my old knowledge.

And I still remembered most of the formulas and methods, even though I hadn’t studied them in a while. So, I invited Theerak to my house to help tutor him. We’ve been studying together since morning until the afternoon. I noticed Theerak looking a bit tired, so I let him take a break and eat some snacks while I stepped out to call and talk business with Mama.

“Your Theerak fell asleep right on the snack plate.”

I froze mid-step and stopped in my tracks before looking toward the living room. My Theerak was sitting on the floor, his face resting on the coffee table in front of the sofa. I let out a sigh when I saw Hia sitting there, smiling at the sleeping Theerak.

That’s my Theerak!

“Why the hell did you bring Hia here?”

“He said he’s been studying all week and wanted to relax a bit.”

“Relax, my ass… We’re here to work.”

“I was confused by him too… I told him I wasn’t here to mess around. I brought the architect’s plans for you to look over again.”

“…”

“But he insisted on coming anyway…”

I shook my head in exasperation before slumping down onto the chair by the pool. At first, I wanted to hurry back inside to review the material with Theerak again, but when I saw him sleeping, I decided I’d rather let him rest. Real lit a cigarette, took a drag, and then offered it to me.

“…”

“Wanna smoke to relieve some boredom?”

I shook my head in refusal. “I don’t want Theerak to smell cigarette smoke when we kiss.”

“Wow, you’re really something, my friend.”

“…”

“You’re really happy right now, aren’t you?”

I nodded to Real, who was standing there blowing out white smoke, before saying, “Honestly, it’s more than just happiness.”

“So what does it feel like?” Real asked, giving me a smile.

“You know I’m not good at talking or explaining my feelings…”

“That’s why I’m asking… I know Theerak makes you someone who always tries, whether you’re good at something or not.”

What Real said was true. Theerak makes me someone who always tries.

This time, I wanted to try expressing the overwhelming feelings I have so my friend could understand. I fell silent, thinking about how to explain this feeling that’s more than happiness in a way my friend could grasp.

“I think you’d understand better if I told you a story with a metaphor.”

“I’m good with anything.”

I paused for a moment before turning to look at the small figure sleeping.

Theerak reminds me of… “a butterfly…”

“…”

“I fell in love with a butterfly that came to flutter around in a flower garden. I watched that butterfly every day.”

“…”

“But no matter how much I wanted to get closer, I could only stay at a distance. Because if I got any closer… the butterfly would fly away.”

“…”

“And I didn’t know if the butterfly would return to the flower garden again… The only thing I could do was take the best care of that garden so the butterfly would come back every day.”

“…”

“I just hoped to see that butterfly every single day, and that was enough.” “…”

“…And then one day, that butterfly flew over and landed on my shoulder.”

“…”

“At that moment… it was more than happiness.”

“…”

“…And I still feel the same way now.”

“Fah… I only understood what ‘more than happiness’ means today.”

I smiled as I thought back to the time Theerak confessed his love to me at the airport. When he stopped in front of me and gave me that smile, it felt like the whole world paused for a moment. Everything around me stood still, including my heart. At that time, I didn’t know if it was because of the overwhelming longing I felt or because of his smile. But whatever the reason Theerak always has an effect on my heart.

When that confession came from his mouth, the world that had stopped spinning began to orbit again. My calm heart started beating fast and strong when I hugged him once more. Our first kiss made the balloon that had once burst in my left chest inflate again, and it nearly burst once more when Theerak said…

‘Phii Fah, I love you, Phii Fah.’

… Even though it’s been almost a week, I still vividly remember the feelings of that day. Theerak’s gaze and words still play clearly in my heart. I stood up to my full height before excusing myself from Real to come find Theerak.

The small figure was slumped over the table, with the same bodyguard as always. That guy, Hia, was still sitting there watching over him while he slept. I told him to get lost before staying to watch over Theerak myself.

“Wake up, Theerak.”

I moved my hand to brush the hair that had fallen over his face. Theerak shifted to turn his face sideways toward me. I don’t know if he’s feeling unwell or something, because his lips were an unusually bright red. I chuckled softly and reached out with both hands to gently lift the small figure into a sitting position. He refused to open his eyes and swayed like a rolypoly toy, tilting left and right. I couldn’t resist my irritation, so I scooped him up to sit on my lap, using one arm to support his neck and the other to hold his waist.

“Little one… wake up now.”

“…”

Since my Theerak wouldn’t wake up easily, I had to use this method. I leaned down to kiss the small figure’s lips once, but he still didn’t respond. This time, I pressed my lips down harder to make Theerak wake up. He pushed my face away lightly with his hands and spoke in a sleepy voice.

“Don’t tease me…”

I laughed when I saw Theerak speaking with his eyes still closed. He must have been really sleepy, because while we were studying together, he complained that he’d stayed up nearly all night reading for another subject. I felt so sorry for my good boy, but because Theerak was too adorable, I

couldn’t resist. I showered kisses on the small figure’s lips until he let out a muffled whine of displeasure in his throat.

“Hmm… I am sleepy…”

“Are you really that sleepy, little one?” I asked before kissing his lips again and playfully nipping the tip of his nose.

“Yes…”

Theerak answered with his eyes still closed, burying his face in my chest. Since he was pleading to sleep more, I softened and didn’t want to tease him further and upset him. I lifted the small figure to take him to sleep in the room, but the gaze of his older sister, Babe, made me pause mid-step.

“Fah…”

“I’m taking him up to sleep in the room so he won’t feel sore.”

“…”

“I won’t do anything to him…”

“…”

“I promise.”

As soon as Babe nodded in agreement, I took Theerak up to lie in the room. I gently placed the small figure on the bed and helped adjust him into the most comfortable position before lying down beside him. I slipped my arm under Theerak’s neck and pulled him into my embrace. The faint fragrance from his jet-black hair made me lean down and press my nose into his head to smell it again.

“I love you, you know.”

“…”

I know that sometimes I might hug, kiss, or hold Theerak too often, but because I think about loving him as if it were our last day, I want to express my love for him frequently. I don’t think about hugging or kissing him to make up for the time I secretly loved him—such thoughts would never cross my mind.

Because I see every day as our last day together; My love for Theerak never diminishes.

I shifted my gaze from the person in my arms to the photo hanging on the wall at the foot of the bed. That same bright smile, one I never thought I’d get to claim, belonged to Theerak—the one everyone adored but who never looked up at the sky.

Today, that Theerak, with a smile as radiant as the sun, is in my arms. I will love and take care of him to the best of my ability.

“Phii Fah…”

“Yes?”

The small figure slowly opened his eyelids before continuing, “Did I come up to sleep in your room?”

“Yes… Phii Fah carried you up here.” I replied, leaning down to kiss Theerak’s cheek.

“Phii Fah must be exhausted.”

“Heh.”

Theerak shifted his gaze from me to the photo of himself. “While everyone looked up at the sky, I only looked at you.”

“…”

“But that’s not the phrase anymore, you know.”

“…”

“It should be this one…” Theerak pecked my lips before continuing,    “While everyone looks at me, I only look at the sky.”

I smiled and pressed my lips to Theerak’s forehead. “I think it should be this phrase instead.”

“Which one, Phii Fah?”

“Everyone watches us love each other.”

 

#However Many Thousand Skies

After lying down and chatting for a while, Theerak asked me to let him sleep more. I glanced at the clock on the wall since my wristwatch had been taken off and placed on the bedside shelf when he started resting on my arm.

Theerak was fidgeting quite a bit, so I removed the watch to avoid scratching his skin. The clock showed it was past 4 p.m. I was worried he’d wake up hungry, so I reluctantly woke him up to ask.

“Little one… what do you want to eat tonight?”

“…”

But the small person, with eyes closed, shook their head in refusal even before hearing the question fully. I placed my forehead against his smooth one and asked again “Good boy, how about Phii Fah makes spaghetti for you tonight?”

“…”

“…Or do you want to eat something else?”

Even though Theerak had his eyes closed and remained silent, I knew he was awake and heard my question. The slight furrow of his brows told me he was thinking about what he wanted to eat. Not long after, his thin, rosy lips parted, and he spoke in a soft, faint voice.

“I want to eat minced pork instant noodles.”

“Huh.” I pressed a kiss to his still-closed, egg-colored eyelids before saying, “Do you only want to eat that, little one?”

“…” The small person nodded slightly.

“Don’t you want to eat me too?”

“…”

I laughed as Theerak shook his head and turned his back to me. Normally, he’d scold me right away when I teased him like that, but he must have been really tired and exhausted to let it slide this time.

“I’ll go cook some instant noodles for you in a bit, okay?”

“Okay…” The small person in my arms kindly turned back to give me a quick kiss as a thank-you before turning away again.

“Good boy, I am going to cook the noodles now, okay?” I leaned in to whisper in Theerak’s ear. He nodded slightly in response again. Now, I was the one who didn’t want to get up. I just wanted to lie there and hold him like this. “I am really going now, okay?”

“Okay…”

In truth, I wasn’t really telling Theerak. I was ordering myself to get up and cook the noodles. Repeating it to Theerak was an indirect way of forcing myself. The phrase, “I am really going now, okay?” actually meant, “Get up and cook the noodles for him already, Fah!”

I sighed before pressing my cheek against Theerak’s. He didn’t move an inch. The fact that Theerak was letting me off so easily made it even harder for me to let go of him. I kissed his cheek again, finally managing to muster the will to get out of bed. But then I flopped back down and buried my face in the crook of his neck because I truly couldn’t bring myself to leave.

Everyone might get sucked into a soft bed on a Monday morning, but for me, it’s Theerak who pulls me in every morning. I didn’t even want to think about how hard it would be to get up for work if we lived together. Real might end up getting promoted from partner to full owner of the Your Sky restaurant because I’d be too attached to Theerak to go manage the place.

“Phii Fah…”

“Yes?” I responded, gently nibbling his ear.

“My minced pork noodles…”

“Huh…” I laughed softly before nodding to the person lying with his back to me. “I’ll go cook the noodles for you now, okay?”

“Okay…”

In the end, I had to let him go from my embrace. I slowly pulled my arm out from under his head and used my free hand to grab a pillow for Theerak to rest his head on instead. I pulled the thick blanket over the small figure, but before I could leave the room, Theerak swatted the blanket off and kicked it down to the foot of the bed with his feet.

“Theerak… the air conditioning in Phii Fah’s room is cold. Don’t push the blanket off, please.”

Standing at the foot of the bed, I sat down and covered him with the blanket again. But my little sea belly was too stubborn. He pushed the thick blanket back down to the foot of the bed with his feet once more.

“I don’t like blankets…” Theerak answered in a faint voice.

“Theerak, you need to use the blanket.”

Theerak shook his head with his eyes closed. Just a moment ago, I had pulled the blanket up to cover just his legs, but he swatted it off again and kicked it even farther away. I knew that with Theerak, being strict wouldn’t work. The more I scolded or gave orders, the more stubborn he’d become. So, I had to find my own way to make him use the blanket.

“…”

Sitting at the foot of the bed, I pulled the gray blanket over the legs of the small, heat-hating figure once more. As expected, he swatted it off and kicked it down to the foot of the bed again. So, I moved closer and grabbed his ankle.

Theerak must have been startled because he lifted his head to look at me. His eyes blinked rapidly, as if adjusting his vision. I still held his ankle as I asked “Will you agree to use the blanket, Rak?”

“I don’t like blankets…” he said sleepily before dropping his head back onto the pillow.

“So that means you won’t use the blanket, right?”

The small figure nodded lazily. “…”

I gently ran my thumb over his small ankle, then leaned down and pressed my lips to it. I moved my lips upward, kissing just above his ankle, then continued kissing up Theerak’s leg until I reached his knee. I planted a final kiss on his thigh before looking up at the stubborn one, who was now hiding his face with the pillow.

“I give in…” he said, his voice muffled by the pillow. I tried to pull the pillow away, but he hugged it tightly with both arms.

“Heh.”

“Phii Fah, cover me with the blanket, please.”

“Are you cold, baby?”

“I’m cold because of you.”

“Heh.”

…Even with the pillow blocking his face, I could hear his words clearly. I chuckled softly, then pulled the blanket up to cover the small figure up to his neck. I leaned closer to the pillow that was hiding the face of the person I loved. Knowing how adorable the person beneath this gray pillow was, I pressed my nose against it and took a deep sniff.

“Phii Fah… go cook some instant noodles for me.”

“Heh.”

I laughed softly before getting out of bed and heading downstairs. Babe, who was pacing back and forth at the top of the stairs with a worried expression, prompted me to ask “Is something wrong, Babe?”

“Oh, Fah… you’re down already?”

“Yeah… is something up?”

Babe looked at me before shaking her head in denial, “…No.”

“…” Since she didn’t seem willing to talk, I didn’t want to press her. But I could tell Babe was troubled about something. Before walking away from the spot, I left her with an opening to gather her courage, “I’ll be in the kitchen… feel free to come find me if there’s anything.”

“Okay…”

I walked into the kitchen and found Nanny preparing fruit for us to eat later in the evening. However, as soon as she saw me, she quickly put everything down and went to wash her hands.

“Nanny, I’ll do it myself.”

Nanny, who was wiping her hands with a cloth, furrowed her brows at me before asking, “Didn’t you come down to get something to eat?” “No… I am here to cook some instant noodles for Theerak.” “Oh…” Nanny replied with a smile directed at me.

“Do we have any minced pork instant noodles at home?”

I opened the cupboard to look for the minced pork instant noodles that he wanted, but it seemed the house only had ramen. Mom didn’t often buy Thai instant noodles. If Theerak came over more often, I’d probably need to stock up on the minced pork noodles he likes.

“We only have ramen, young master… Madam ordered me to buy only this kind because the your brother likes it.”

I grabbed a yellow packet of ramen that I figured had a flavor closest to minced pork noodles from the cupboard and asked, “So where did my little brother go today?”

“Oh… he left since morning. Before he could even ask, I saw that red motorcycle speeding out of the gate.”

“That’s a big one…” I said as I set a pot of water on the stove, then turned to look at Nanny, who had come to stand beside me and gave me a wry smile.

Her expression wasn’t much different from Babe’s. “Is something wrong, Nanny?”

“Young master, do you think I did the right thing?”

I raised an eyebrow. “What did you do?”

“Last night, I secretly slipped a condom into the young master’s wallet.”

I let out a laugh and shook my head lightly before opening the ramen packet and putting the noodles into the boiling pot. “Panli is grown up now, Nanny.”

“…”

“If he’s going to do it, he needs to know how to protect himself.”

Nanny looked a little embarrassed hearing my words. Since we’d been together, we’d never talked about this kind of thing. This time, Nanny must have been genuinely worried about Panli to take such a step and even consult me about it.

“Even though I would love to have little kids running around the house… I think it’s a bit too soon.”

“Heh… what if Panli isn’t chasing after a girl?”

“What does you mean?”

“I mean… you don’t need to worry about Panli.”

“I will try… Right now, I am already relieved about one person.”

I shifted my gaze from the boiling pot and turned to look at Nanny, who was standing there smiling at me. “…”

“Love each other for a long time, okay, my dear?”

Nanny opened both arms and came to hug me. Since one of her hands was holding a bowl to prepare ramen, I used my free arm to wrap around her shoulder instead. Nanny was another person who had known about my love story all along. She was the only one allowed to clean my bedroom because she had seen that picture and realized how long I had secretly loved Theerak.

“Thank you,” I said.

“You’re welcome… Bring Rak to the house often, okay? I am so fond of him,” she replied.

“Yes.”

I answered with a smile to Nanny before turning to look at the entrance door, feeling like someone was standing there watching us. And it was exactly as I felt—Babe was standing there, giving me a dry smile, looking at me just like Nanny did.

“I thought the young master had a guest… I will take some fruit out for your friend to eat first, okay?”

Yes, Nanny.”

As Nanny walked away, Babe immediately stepped into the kitchen. She raised her hand to rub the back of her neck, her eyes filled with worry. I rarely saw Babe like this, which made me curious about what could be troubling her so much.

If I had to guess…

It probably had something to do with Theerak.

“Fah…”

“What’s up?” I responded while pouring ramen into the bowl, then turned to give my attention to the person staring at me.

“Uh…” Babe seemed hesitant to speak. She closed her eyes and let out a big sigh. When she opened them again, her gaze was filled with determination. “Please.”

“…”

“Don’t… don’t sleep with my little brother yet…”

“Heh,” I let out a small laugh before nodding. “He’s not ready yet, Babe.

How could I do that?”

“I still can’t come to terms with it… I’m sorry. I admit I’m really protective of him.”

“…”

“But it’s not that I won’t let you… won’t let you… uh…” Babe covered her face with her hands and continued, “I’m so embarrassed that I have to talk about this kind of thing with my little brother’s boyfriend.”

“We can talk about it… We’re adults now.”

I didn’t mean you can’t flirt or be affectionate with him. Couples naturally have these moments—it’s normal.”

“…”

“But can I have a little more time to process it?”

“…”

“I’m scared he’ll come to me complaining that it hurts… or something like that, and I won’t be able to help feeling sorry for him.”

“Heh.”

“Please let me prepare myself first, and let him get ready too.”

“Babe, listen to me…” I stared deeply into Babe’s eyes, “I’ll take care of

Rak the best I can.”

“…”

“I won’t do anything until he is ready… As for when he will be ready?”

“…”

“I think I know… because I’m letting you take it slow, learning everything step by step.”

“…”

“Whether it’s about Rak or that other thing…”

“…”

“I won’t promise that our first time won’t hurt, because it’s definitely going to hurt.”

“…”

But I promise I’ll do my best… I’ll prepare everything to keep him as safe as possible.”

“…”

“Don’t worry, okay?”

“…”

“I’ll take it slow, step by step.”

“I know you is patient enough. If it’s about Theerak.”

“…”

“I’m worrying too much, sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize to me, I understand.”

“…”

“But I want to thank you, Babe.”

“What would Fah thank me for?”

“Thank you for calling me back then to tell me that Theerak was on his way.”

“…”

“…And thank you for taking care of his smile all this time.”

Babe nodded and gave me a smile, “Please take care of Theerak’s smile too, okay?”

“…”

“Theerak is the heart of us… Take good care of him.”

“Yes… I’ll take care of the heart of our family, forever, the best I can.”

 

#However Many Thousand Skies

I walked out of the kitchen holding a bowl of ramen to bring up to Theerak in his room, but a small figure wrapped in a gray blanket was stumbling down the stairs. I had to quickly hand the ramen bowl to him, who was about to yell because he was scared that the one wrapped in a thick blanket like a jam roll might tumble down.

“Little oneeee… Why are you doing this?”

“Theerak… Stop right there!”

“Eek! I… I’m going to roll down!”

I, who was about to walk to pick up Theerak at the top of the stairs, paused my steps and turned to look at the cheering group behind me. Everyone seemed so eager to see whether Theerak would tumble down the stairs or not. I turned back to look at the small figure who had safely made it to the top of the stairs, thinking that it wouldn’t be long before Rak Niran, would become the darling of the Pisut family.

“I can walk, I am okay, Grandma.” Theerak replied to the nanny who hurriedly approached him. He flashed a smile at the nanny as she gently rubbed the blanket wrapped around him.

“Phew… my heart almost stopped. Why didn’t you come down properly, huh? Why did you wrap yourself in a blanket to come down?”

I crossed my arms and looked at the small figure who met my gaze. He pressed his lips together before avoiding my eyes. Theerak probably couldn’t tell the nanny the real reason, so he just gave her a dry smile.

“I was coooold, Grandma.” he said, trembling his voice to convince her.

I laughed because he exaggerated the shivering sound. “…”

“Oh dear… didn’t the young master turn up the air conditioning for you before coming down?”

“Yes, Grandma… it’s because of Phii Fah that I have to stay wrapped in a blanket all the time.”

“Hmph.” Theerak must be afraid I’d do it again, which is why he refused to take the blanket off.

“That Fah is no good at all…”

“Exactly!”

Hia chimed in, followed by Real joining the chorus. Luckily, Babe and

Dom just stood there laughing. I wasn’t wrong in thinking that soon, Rak, Niran, would become everyone’s favorite. If Papa and Mama met him in person, they’d probably fall head over heels for him just like I did, unable to pull themselves away. Soon, the one holding sway in this house wouldn’t be…

Pradipat Pisut

But rather Rak Niran.

Because the small figure, still wrapped in his blanket, turned to smirk mockingly at me as everyone scolded me, I couldn’t resist walking over and scooping Theerak up from the crowd. Even with the thick blanket wrapped around him, it wasn’t an obstacle for me. He squirmed, trying to break free, but I didn’t let go and carried him into the living room instead. I set the small figure down on the large sofa and pulled the blanket off him. Since Theerak seemed intent on escaping, I straddled his body to keep him in place.

“Did you just mock me earlier?”

“Nooo… I didn’t mock you at all.”

“I will give you one more chance to answer.”

Theerak burst out laughing before saying, “I… I was just happy that everyone took my side. I was so happy that I accidentally smiled like that.”

“Accidentally smiled like that, huh?” I leaned down and pressed a kiss to his rosy lips before moving to shower kisses along his pale neck. His laughter made me press repeated kisses in that spot before pulling back to let him catch his breath. “Will you accidentally smile like that again?”

“No more accidents…”

“…”

“But I will do it on purpose.”

The small figure lying beneath me, smiling slyly, made me bite my lip to restrain myself. Because he’s gotten so clingy and cunning lately, it makes me want to unleash the merciless Muenfah and ravage him until he’s bruised all over.

But because the person in front of me is Theerak…

So I had to pin down that body.

“…” I leaned down to whisper softly in his ear, “Do you know how hard it is?”

“W-What’s hard, Phii Fah?”

I didn’t answer, instead pressing a kiss to Theerak’s lips, “…” “…”

“Resisting the urge to devour you… it’s so hard for me.”

Theerak laughed before saying, “You devour me almost every day… I’ve never seen you hold back.”

“The word ‘devour’ for me has two meanings.”

“…”

“The first is the way you understand it.”

“And the other…” I bit his lip again and leaned down to whisper in

Theerak’s ear, “…you don’t understand yet.”

“Ugh! Pervert!”

“Heh.”

I laughed before letting the little one go free. Theerak quickly sat up, running a hand through his messy hair, blinking rapidly as he glanced at the door. I followed his gaze and saw Hia standing there, eating his ramen.

“Had your fill yet?…This bowl of ramen’s mine now.”

“Isn’t that mine, Phii Fah?” He pointed at Hia, making a face like his heart was breaking again.

“Hia!!”

“Alright… I’ll go boil some more red water for you, okay?”

Hia hurriedly walked out of the living room with the half-eaten ramen bowl, probably afraid I’d get up and smack him, which is why he fled so fast. Meanwhile, I had to turn and comfort the one with the broken heart first.

“A kiss on the head, okay?”

“Will Hia take long to cook…? I’m starving.”

I pulled him onto my lap and pressed my nose to his head for another kiss,    “Are you that desperate to eat?”

“Yes…”

“So hungry you could eat all of me?”

“I’m hungry… I don’t have the energy to fight a pervert anymore.”

“Heh.”

“…”

“A kiss on the head for the hungry, exhausted one.”

I said this before pressing my nose to his head again, wrapping both arms tightly around him. Theerak lets me be his Fah—his sky. My duty as his sky is to hold him close in every moment…whether he’s strong or weak.

This Muenfah will always embrace every feeling of Theerak.

 

#However Many Thousand Skies

Today, I don’t have classes because my exams finished yesterday. But I still have to hurriedly get dressed and head to the university because he has a math exam. This morning, Theerak called me with a voice that didn’t sound very confident. Even though he tried to cover his anxiety with cheerfulness, I could tell that Theerak was feeling uneasy.

“Which car will Khun Fah take?…I’ll go get the keys for you,” said the driver uncle.

“It’s fine, Uncle. I already got them.”

I replied to the driver before driving my favorite car out of the house. While stuck at a red light, a LINE notification pinged. I grabbed the phone I had tossed onto the passenger seat and checked it. If I had to guess, it was probably Theerak.

Theerak: Phii Fah…

Just seeing his message, I could already hear his voice in my head. M.FAH: Yes, Theerak.

Theerak: I am about to enter the exam room soon.

M.FAH: Traffic is really bad. I probably won’t make it before you go into the exam room.

Theerak: Phii Fah, don’t rush, okay?

Theerak: Drive slowly and get to the university safely.

Theerak: I just messaged to ask for some encouragement from you.

Theerak: But if you are driving, you don’t have to reply yet.

M.FAH: I’m stuck at a red light right now, so I can still chat with you.

Theerak: I will try my best, okay?

I decided to call him because I knew Theerak was really worried. He usually prefers calling over texting, so the fact that he chose to message me instead showed he didn’t want me to worry about him.

Because I know him well enough I decided to call Theerak.

“Phii Fah…”

[What’s up, my smart boy?]

“Ten minutes until the exam starts. Rak is reviewing the material Phii Fah taught me one more time.”

[Do you remember it?]

“I remember, but I’m just not sure if I’ll be able to do it once I’m in there.”

[My smart boy can definitely do it.]

“The smart boy will try his best, okay?”

[Good luck, alright? I will wait for you outside the exam room.]

“Thank you… my source of encouragement.”

[…]

“I love you Phii Fah, you know.” I smiled before replying, “Yes, I know.” Yes, I know.

A phrase that only Theerak gets to hear.

After arriving at the university, I stopped by to grab a coffee before sitting down to wait for him in front of the exam room. I was wearing a shortsleeved white shirt and black jeans, not dressed much differently from the other male students, yet people still kept staring at me. If it were the old me, I’d have gotten up and escaped to a quiet place, away from everyone’s eyes.

But now, my Theerak is here.

Where could I possibly go…

“Oh… Pradipat, what are you doing here?”

I looked up at the faculty professor before standing to greet him, “Hello, Professor.”

“Are you here to discuss your mini-thesis with me… Can I proctor the second-years’ exam first?”

I understood why he asked that, since he’s my advisor, “No, Professor…

My work is already finished.”

“Then what are you doing here?”

“I’m waiting for my boyfriend to finish his exam.”

Phii Fah is claiming boyfriend rights again today, my good person.

“Huh?” The professor’s eyes widened as if he couldn’t believe what he heard, “Your boyfriend is a second-year?”

“Yes.”

“I know almost all the second-years, a bunch of troublemakers… especially your little brother.”

I smiled and nodded. Panli must have caused quite a few incidents for the professor to say that, “…”

“What’s your boyfriend’s name?…Maybe I know him.”

“Rak Niran, sir.”

The professor furrowed his brow slightly before nodding lightly, “In the same group as your brother, right?”

“Yes.”

“Rak is a great student, very diligent… but he often gets teased by your brother during class, always bickering at the back of the room.”

I chuckled softly as I listened to the professor, “…”

“I’m proud of you, you know. I said it once before when you did an amazing job organizing the open house…” The professor reached out to pat my shoulder lightly before continuing, “But this time… I’m proud that you’re brave enough to be open with others.”

“…”

“…And that you honor the person you love.”

“…”

“I’ll excuse myself now.”

“Yes, Professor.”

I responded while thinking…

I have courage, patience, and determination.

Because… Rak Niran.

Not long after, the door to the exam room where Theerak was opened. I stood up to my full height and looked for my Theerak. The second-year students filing out showed surprised expressions when they saw me there. Everyone gave me friendly smiles, but I didn’t pay much attention. Some came over to ask who I was waiting for, and I wasn’t shy about answering, though I felt it was a personal matter.

“Phii Fah, who are you waiting for?”

“Theerak.”

“Oh, I see, Theerak is submitting his exam paper.” the female junior said.

“…”

I didn’t respond to her before walking to wait at the door. The small figure taking off his round glasses showed clear signs of exhaustion. It had been a long time since I last saw him wearing glasses. If it were any other time, I’d probably compliment how cute he looked in them, but right now, no words seemed more fitting than…

“How did it go, my smart one?”

Theerak folded his glasses and tucked them into his pants pocket before giving me a dry smile. “I’m not confident at all.”

“You did your best.”

“I didn’t do as well as I should have.”

“When you were in the exam room, did you try your hardest?”

“Yes, I gave my everything.”

I stepped closer to him and wrapped my arms around him to comfort him.

“Then you did your very best.”

“Phii Fah…”

I told you… I’d embrace every feeling of Theerak’s.

And I’d hold him close in every moment…

Theerak hugged me back, burying his small face into my chest. I figured he must be completely drained and really needed a break. I held him with two emotions:

The first was concern.

The second was joy.

I was glad I made it in time.

I was glad I could be a source of comfort for Theerak.

“Today was your last exam, right?”

“Yes, Phii Fah.” Theerak pulled away from the hug and nodded tiredly.

“Should I take you out somewhere?…So you can feel better?”

“Can I go eat ice cream at your shop?”

“Don’t you want to go to the mall?”

“…”

“Whatever you want, I will buy it for you as a reward for my smart one.”

“I just want to sit and eat ice cream on the rooftop of your shop.”

I smiled at Theerak and nodded. “Sure.”

“But no lemon flavor today, okay?”

I chuckled softly before reaching out to ruffle his messy hair. After that, I took him out of the university. We had to drive separately since Theerak had brought his own car to the exam. On the way, I secretly worried that he might overthink things again. The best thing I could do right now was call the manager to prepare his favorites.

[Yes, Khun Fah.]

“Is the manager at the shop now?”

[Yes, I’m checking the alcohol stock as you instructed, Khun Fah.]

“I’ll be at the restaurant in about twenty minutes. Rak will be coming along today…”

[Does Khun Fah want me to prepare anything for Khun Rak to eat?]

“Chocolate ice cream, please.”

[Got it, Khun Fah.]

I hung up with the manager before stepping on the gas as the traffic light turned from red to green. I managed to overtake the frosty-colored Mini Cooper in front of me, but since I’d always followed behind him, even today I still wanted to watch him from behind.

As soon as we arrived at the restaurant, I took Theerak up to the rooftop— my sky. He walked over and plopped down near the railing, dangling both legs over the edge without the slightest fear of heights. Holding a cup of chocolate ice cream, I couldn’t help but smile when I thought of Real, who wouldn’t even go near that spot because he’s terrified of heights.

My Theerak has never been afraid of anything…

“Here’s your chocolate ice cream.”

I sat down beside Theerak. He gave me a faint smile before taking it. The little one scooped the ice cream into his mouth while gazing out into the distance. I’d once heard that looking at the sky when you’re feeling down can make you feel better, but Theerak wasn’t looking at the vibrant sky in front of him. He kept eating his ice cream and turning to flash me smiles every now and then.

I stole a glance at the side of the little one’s face. No matter how tired or worn out Theerak seemed, that smile always lingered on his face. I reached out to rub his head gently to comfort him before saying “I once heard that if you look at the sky when you’re feeling uneasy, it can make you feel better…Try looking at the sky, Theerak.”

I hoped he’d tilt his head up to look at the sky and smile like he used to, but Theerak didn’t look up at the sky. Instead, he turned to me and flashed that same bright smile again.

I’d managed to bring Theerak’s smile back…

“My sky is right here…” Theerak said, smiling at me. “I don’t need to look at any other sky.”

“…”

“Muenfah is the vast sky that makes me feel the most at ease.” I’d never thought I’d become someone’s sky before.

Not until today, when I became his sky.

“Phii Fah, I forgot to mention…”

“What is it?”

“Tomorrow’s my grandpa’s birthday… Grandpa told me to invite you to the celebration, Phii Fah.”

“Sure, I will join your grandpa’s birthday celebration.”

“But I… I might need to leave my car at your restaurant for today.”

I looked at him as he showed a slightly worried expression. “…”

“Well… tomorrow, my dad’s coming back for the event, and I don’t really want him to know about the car just yet.”

“…”

“I told my mom and my grandpa that you lent me the car because my schedule hasn’t been lining up with Phii Babe’s lately.”

“…”

“In the house, only Phii Babe knows the truth.”

“…”

“I don’t want to lie to everyone, but I think this is a sensitive matter. It’ll probably take some time before I can tell the truth.”

“I understand you, okay?”

“As for Dad, I think if I told him you lent me the car, he’d probably be upset… because Dad doesn’t like it when people at home bother others.”

“…”

“Dad isn’t someone who’s hard to understand, but I think it’s not the right time to tell him yet. I’ll have to wait a little longer.”

“It’s okay… No matter how long I have to wait, I will always be by your side, alright?”

“Thank you so much for today, Phii Fah.”

“…”

“If I didn’t have you by my side, I would feel really bad.”

“I will always be by your side, Theerak, okay?”

Theerak gave a small smile before tilting his head to rest on my shoulder, then said, “Fah’s tummy belongs to Theerak.”

Muenfah (Thousand Skies), plus Theerak (Darling), equals My Darling Sky.

TBC

YOURSKY CHAPTERS HOME

   YOURSKY, Chapter 23

Eight in the morning on a Sunday… Normally, at this time, Theerak would be fast asleep in bed, waking up in the afternoon. But today, he wanted to wake up early to cook for Muenfah.

The small guy, wearing a yellow sunflower-patterned apron, was busy with a pot of clear soup. Theerak had never cooked on his own before. Usually, he’d just assist his mom, chopping and washing vegetables as she instructed. Last night, he’d asked his mom to explain how to make tofu and egg clear soup, thinking it didn’t seem too hard. But now that he was actually doing it, it wasn’t easy at all.

“When the water boils, just add the minced pork, right? I need to shape it into balls too…”

Theerak used his hands to form the minced pork into balls before dropping them into the bubbling pot. Now he understood how skilled his mom was, managing to cook over ten dishes, when he found even making tofu and egg clear soup challenging.

“How’s my talented chef doing?”

He looked up from the pot toward the familiar voice. His mom smiled and walked over to peek at his clear soup. Theerak grinned widely when he saw her smile and give a slight nod.

“Rak Niran, your clear soup looks pretty decent, huh…”

“Mom, do you think my tofu and egg clear soup will taste good?”

His mom laughed before saying, “You have to taste it yourself, Nong Rak.”

“Didn’t you say to taste it after it’s done?”

“That’s right… Once you’ve added everything, then taste it.”

“Mom… How many soup cubes do you usually add?”

“This pot… one cube should be enough.”

Since the cubes were small… Theerak added two. “…”

“Rak, how many cubes did you put in, dear?”

Theerak raised two fingers and gave his mom a sheepish smile. “…Two,    Mom.”

“Oh no… it’s going to be so salty, Rak!”

“…”

“Let me help you…”

“Mom, Aunt On is here to pick you up.”

“Really, dear?”

Mom, holding a bowl and about to do something, glanced between Phii Babe and him. Every Sunday, his aunt would pick up his mom to help make desserts to sell at the restaurant. Realizing his mom had to leave now, Theerak smiled and snatched the bowl from her hands.

“Mom, you should go. Aunt On might wait too long.”

“Can you fix the flavor yourself, Rak?”

“Yes, Mom.”

Mom looked a bit worried, but since she had to hurry, she nodded and said, “Take some clean water, put it in a bowl, and add it to the pot when it boils again, okay?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Babe, keep an eye on him for me.”

“Sure, Mom.”

Theerak watched his mom rush out of the kitchen. Phii Babe, who wasn’t great at cooking, shook her head slightly before walking over to him. She peered at the simmering pot of bland soup with steam rising from it.

“Wouldn’t it be easier to just buy it?”

Phii Babe, you don’t get it…” Theerak said as he poured clean water into the pot, then continued, “Buying it isn’t as tasty as making it ourselves.”

“Why not?”

“Because when we cook ourselves, we put our heart into it.”

Phii Babe laughed, teasing him with her eyes. “Just putting your heart into it won’t make it tasty. You need soup cubes too.”

“I already added them… two cubes.”

“Fah’s going to get kidney disease for sure.”

“I’m fixing the flavor of the soup right now…”

“Then you keep at it. I’ll go buy some food for Moogrob first.”

“How are you getting there, Phii Babe?”

“Dom is picking me up.”

“Oh… okay.”

Once Phii Babe left the kitchen, Theerak turned his attention back to the pot of soup. He sliced some tofu and added it in before covering the lid to let it boil again. While waiting, he pulled his phone out of his pants pocket and called Muenfah. [Khrapom…]

Khrapom..

This phrase never gets any less cute.

Should I call to wake you up?” Theerak asked because he could hear the sleepy tone in Muenfah’s voice.

[I have been awake since six. I showered and then went back to sleep.]

“…”

[Today, I feel a bit tired.]

“So, will you open the restaurant this evening?”

[No, I won’t. Real called and asked for another day off.]

“Great, then I can bring some tofu and egg soup for you to eat at the condo.”

[…my favorite.]

“I did my homework well, didn’t I?”

[Heh.]

“Once I finish making the soup, I’ll head straight to see you Phii Fah.”

[you are making it yourself?…I thought your mom would make it.]

“I’m making it myself.”

[I will wait to eat your homemade soup then.]

“Okay… see you later, Fah.”

[Khrapom…]

Theerak hung up the call with Muenfah and turned to lift the lid off the pot. He scooped up a spoonful of the soup to taste it. The flavor of the tofu and egg soup was perfectly balanced, satisfying him. Theerak grinned widely, thinking…

Muenfah is going to love his cooking skills.

This time, Muenfah won’t be able to escape him.

 

#However Many Thousand Skies

The small guy carrying a plastic bag with tofu and egg soup was rummaging in his pants pocket for the keycard. However, the vibrating phone grabbed his attention more, so Theerak opted to pull it out first.

“Yes, Phii Babe?”

[Have you reached Fah’s condo yet?]

“I’m here… about to enter Phii Fah’s room.”

[Tonight, Dom is taking me to eat at Yaowarat… want to come along?]

“Yes, yes! I haven’t been to Yaowarat in a while.”

[Is Fah opening the restaurant today?]

“No, he’s not.”

Theerak listened to his older sister, who seemed to be talking to Phii Dom beside her. It sounded like they were discussing something.

[Dom said to invite Fah too… As for the other friends, Dom will call and invite them himself later.]

“Okay…”

[See you at 9 p.m. at Jay Fai’s restaurant.]

“Yes…” Theerak, about to hang up, suddenly remembered something and called out to keep her on the line. “Phii Babe…”

[What’s up?]

“Can we invite Panli, Type, and Joy too?”

He hadn’t seen his friends for a full day.

He missed them a lot.

[Sure.]

“Thanks…”

Theerak hung up with his sister and pulled out his keycard to tap at the door. He guessed Muenfah was probably sitting on the usual sofa watching TV since it was already past noon. Normally, Muenfah woke up very early, but to his surprise, Muenfah wasn’t in the living room. So, Theerak walked over and peeked into the bedroom.

He saw Muenfah lying shirtless on the bed. Theerak placed the bag of bland soup on the dining table and took out his phone to text Panli, inviting him to Yaowarat.

Theerak: Li, dog-face, wanna grab dinner at Yaowarat tonight? P. Panli: Sure.

1. Panli: Who’s going?

Theerak: There’s Phii Babe, Phii Dom, me, and Phii Fah will probably go too.

Theerak: Can you invite Type and Joy for me? P. Panli: I’ll call and invite them.

1. Panli: Rak, can I invite Klai too?

Theerak: Yeah, sure.

Theerak: See you at 9 p.m. at Jay Fai’s. P. Panli: Okay. 

Theerak locked his phone screen, thinking that Panli must be pretty close to Klai by now if he’s inviting him to dinner. Though he was curious, Theerak wouldn’t meddle in his friend’s personal matters. If Panli was ready, he’d probably tell him on his own.

The smaller guy set his phone on the dining table before walking into the gray bedroom to wake the big guy sleeping there. Theerak stopped beside the bed, looking at the tall figure lying face down with his head turned to the side. Since Muenfah was shirtless and only wearing gray sweatpants, Theerak could see the tattoo on his back. He sat down on the bed next to Muenfah, staring at the tattoo with its straightforward meaning:

I’m your Sky & You’re my Sea.

Muenfah once said that every tattoo on his body was a carefully considered decision. Theerak remembered that Muenfah got this English phrase tattooed when they were just starting to grow closer. How resolute and steadfast must Muenfah have been about his feelings to decide to ink it, even without knowing… if their hearts would align?

Because Muenfah was this kind of person…

Theerak loved him more every day.

Theerak smiled faintly as he reached out to touch the tattoo, gently running his thumb back and forth over the word “Sky,” thinking how lucky he was to have Sky all to himself.

The Sky’s steady and embracing self, always there to hold him. At that moment, Theerak leaned his face closer to the broad back and pressed his lips against the word “Sky.”

Kiss…

Rak would love and take care of this Sky the best he could.

“Rak Niran… you get one point.”

Theerak jolted in surprise when the person he thought was fast asleep spoke in a soft whisper. Muenfah chuckled in his throat before turning to face him, blinking rapidly as if adjusting his eyes. The slight smile tugging at the corner of his handsome face made Theerak’s heart flutter uncontrollably. He wanted to slap himself for doing something so embarrassing—he shouldn’t have kissed Muenfah’s tattoo.

Theerak was sure Muenfah would tease him endlessly about this.

T___T

“I-I… uh…”

Muenfah laughed in his throat, grabbed his hand, and kissed it with a loud smack before saying, “…Couldn’t resist, huh?” “It’s not like that…”

Wahhh… see?

Muenfah was already starting to tease him.

“Heh.”

“I just wanted to thank you for always being steadfast with me.”

“Thanking me with a kiss… I like it.”

Even though he was the one who kissed Muenfah first, Theerak ended up blushing and flustered himself. He pulled his hand free from Muenfah’s grip and started to get out of bed. “I’m going to prepare some clear soup for you

Phii Fah…”

“Wait a sec… I’m not hungry yet.” Grab!

Thud!

Muenfah seized his arm and yanked hard, pulling him back onto the bed. Now, Theerak was pinned under the big, mischievous guy straddling him. Muenfah leaned down, brushing his nose against both of Theerak’s cheeks before flashing that same familiar smile. Theerak only just realized that a smile as radiant as the morning sun could set him ablaze.

“P-Phii Fah!”

“Heh.” Muenfah chuckled in his throat, nuzzling into his neck before murmuring, “I missed you so much.”

“No need to sweet-talk me.”

“…”

“Phii Fah, let go of me first. I’ll go prepare some food for you.” “I’m not hungry yet,” Muenfah said, staying in the same position.

Theerak, huh… always losing to this clingy Fah.

“But you haven’t eaten anything yet…”

“True…” Muenfah replied before chuckling in his throat. His sly demeanor made Theerak feel uneasy. “Right now, I prefer playing…”

The bigger guy pulled his face away from his neck and looked into his eyes. Muenfah, with his slightly messy chocolate-brown hair, made Theerak’s heart beat even faster.

“W-What are we playing, Phii Fah?”

Muenfah smirked. “Playing… blanket ghost.”

T___T

…Even though Theerak didn’t enjoy crude talk like Panli and Type, he knew full well what “playing blanket ghost” meant. In the evening dramas his grandpa watched, there were often scenes where the hero invited the heroine to “play blanket ghost.”

Ugh! Naughty Muenfah!!!

“I-I don’t know how to play… I won’t play blanket ghost with you Phii Fah.”

Muenfah grinned slyly before saying, “It’s not hard to play. I will take the lead… you just have to stay still.”

“Phii Fah!!!!” He didn’t fully understand what Muenfah meant by “taking the lead,” but every move Muenfah made embarrassed him so much that he ended up scolding him loudly.

Muenfah laughed heartily, kissed his lips, and said, “I was just kidding…

Are you scared, little one?”

“…”

“Do you even know what playing blanket ghost means?” Muenfah asked, laughing.

Theerak, blushing with embarrassment, replied, “Naughty person!!!” Muenfah laughed with delight and finally let him go. He helped him sit up and ran a hand through his hair. Theerak admitted to himself that he was so flustered he’d lost his composure. He sat still for a moment to regain it.

Theerak completely forgot…

Wasn’t he supposed to flirt with Muenfah today?

T___T

“Good boy, your hair’s all messed up now.”

“my hair is messed up because of you Phii Fah,” Theerak said, crossing his arms and glaring at the tall guy sitting beside him. “you were playing whoknows-what…”

“Heh,” Muenfah tilted his head to whisper in his ear. “If we really played blanket ghost… your hair would be even messier.”

“Ugh!!!! Will you ever stop being naughty?!”

Muenfah laughed before saying, “I am starting to get hungry now.”

“I won’t let you eat anymore… Naughty people don’t get to taste my bland soup.”

Muenfah flopped down and rested his head on his lap. “Please let me ah eat the bland soup made by you.”

“…”

“Please… good person.”

Theerak sighed at the clingy guy before saying, “…Alright then.”

…It wasn’t just him who was an exception for Muenfah.

Muenfah was an exception for him too.

 

#However Many Thousand Skies

Theerak took two eggs out of the fridge and placed them on the counter. He was going to make an omelet for Muenfah. He thought just tofu soup wasn’t enough for a meal. The small guy poured rice from a container onto a plate and warmed it up in the microwave.

Muenfah had asked to take another shower before coming out to eat, saying it would make him feel refreshed. So, Theerak came out to prepare the food. Not long after, Muenfah emerged from the bedroom, still shirtless, wearing only branded sweatpants like someone who couldn’t stand the heat.

“I’ll fry an omelet for you in a bit. Just wait a sec, okay, Phii Fah?”

“Khrapom…”

Theerak grabbed a ceramic bowl from the cabinet and cracked the first egg into it. He reached for the second egg, but Muenfah, who had just walked over, snatched it first. Theerak frowned as he watched Muenfah take the egg to the glass cabinet, pick out a tall glass, then open the fridge and grab a can of Sprite.

“…”

Muenfah must have known he was staring because he spoke while separating the egg white from the yolk. “I still feel a bit tired…”

He poured just the egg white into the glass, then added the leftover yolk to Theerak’s bowl.

“Will drinking raw egg with Sprite make you feel better?”

Muenfah nodded, stirred everything together with a spoon, and downed the whole glass in one gulp. Theerak winced slightly, imagining how strange it must taste.

“Okay.”

“What does it taste like, Phii Fah?”

“It’s not bad.”

Theerak nodded before asking, “Is one egg enough, Phii Fah?…Well, technically half an egg, since you added the yolk to mine.”

“It’s enough.”

Muenfah answered and went to sit on the sofa. Theerak focused on making a delicious omelet, but the sound of the TV turning on made him look up at the tall guy. Muenfah wasn’t watching regular shows or dramas—he was watching the news, and not just local news either. He tuned into international news channels too. He looked so serious while listening, but after a while, he got up to water the plants on the balcony.

The egg hit the pan when the oil was sizzling hot. Theerak smiled as he watched the fluffy, golden omelet fill the pan. It wasn’t just the appetizing omelet that made him smile—it was because they got to spend today together.

“It smells so good…”

Theerak flinched slightly as he was hugged from behind. Muenfah, who had appeared out of nowhere, wrapped his arms around his waist and pressed his nose against his cheek, kissing it with a loud smack.

“your omelet smells delicious already.”

“Phii Fah means the little one.”

“…”

“…The little one smells so nice.”

“I’m not a little one… I am a chubby puppy.”

“Heh…” Muenfah chuckled in his throat before pressing his nose and lips against his shoulder. “…Whatever you are, you’re still Phii Fah’s.”

“Phii Fah, if you don’t let go of me, you might end up eating a burnt omelet.”

Muenfah, probably afraid of getting a burnt omelet, released the hug. He picked up the plate of rice and the bowl of tofu soup and placed them on the coffee table in front of the TV. Theerak furrowed his brows in confusion before asking “Phii Fah, aren’t you eating at the dining table?”

The tall guy, who had plopped down on the floor, shook his head lightly before saying, “No, today I want to eat while watching the news.”

“Oh…” Theerak nodded. Muenfah, the neat freak, probably wanted to switch up his lifestyle a bit. Normally, he never deviated from his routine.

The smaller guy carried the plate of omelet over to Muenfah and sat down across from him. Theerak propped his arm up and rested his chin on it, watching the tall guy eat his tofu soup with a calm expression. Since Muenfah wasn’t saying anything, he started to doubt his own cooking skills.

“Phii Fah, is the tofu soup good?”

“It’s good.”

“Really?…Phii Fah, you don’t have to worry about me feeling bad.”

“It’s really good.”

Theerak let out a relieved sigh before saying, “That’s a relief.” “…”

“my tofu soup has to be delicious ~”

“…Because you are good at seasoning, right?”

“No… Because I added two soup cubes.”

“Heh.”

Muenfah chuckled in his throat before scooping some omelet onto his plate. In the past, Theerak didn’t like it when Muenfah made that face because it seemed unfriendly. He preferred it when the other smiled often— Muenfah probably didn’t realize how charming his smile was. But now, Theerak understood that whether it was the calm, expressionless Muenfah or the one with a smile like morning sunlight, he was still the person who made him fall in love over and over again.

Theerak gave a small smile before saying, “I love you Phii Fah so much ~”

“Heh… The tofu soup is really delicious.”

“I said I love you because I really loves you, okay? Not because you complimented the tofu soup or anything…”

“Heh.”

Theerak scrunched his nose at Khun Muenfah, who chuckled in his throat while looking at him. “I know you likes being told ‘I love you.’”

“Likes it more than tofu clear soup even.”

Theerak laughed until his mouth stretched wide at Muenfah’s cute response before continuing, “I love you Phii Fah so much it’s unbearable.”

“Heh.” Muenfah laughed and gave him a sly look. “Theerak… will you let me eat you instead of the clear soup.”

Theerak immediately raised his index finger to scold the tall guy upon hearing that. “Sky is being naughty again… I’m going to take the clear soup back.”

“I will give it back.” Muenfah said, sliding the bowl of clear soup toward him before adding, “But the little one has to come let me eat you instead of the soup.”

He knew full well he could never win against Muenfah, but the fighter’s blood surging in him urged him to speak up. “Hmph! I’m not talking to Phii

Fah anymore.”

Yes… his fighter’s instinct told him to retreat first. If he couldn’t win, he needed to regroup. Theerak got up from there and sat on the sofa behind Muenfah. He shook his head, reflecting on how many times he’d gotten flustered today. He could still handle the fact that his mission to woo Muenfah wasn’t progressing, but he absolutely couldn’t accept it failing again.

Muenfah, having finished eating, stood up to take the bowl and plate to the dining table before disappearing into the bedroom. While Muenfah was gone, Theerak brainstormed ways to make Muenfah’s heart flutter. He scanned the room for inspiration and spotted an acoustic guitar leaning against the wall beside the sofa. The guy who’d thought of serenading him quickly suppressed a smile when he remembered he didn’t know how to play the guitar.

Oh, you-chubby puppy ~

Going back to ask Phii Dom to teach him now wouldn’t be fast enough.

“Want to play the guitar?”

Theerak looked at the tall figure who asked, watching as he picked up the acoustic guitar and sat beside him. Muenfah had such smooth, fine skin that Theerak even felt a little jealous. There was a red scratch on his chest, probably from the guitar brushing against him earlier. Theerak had once thought about going shirtless at home—it’d probably feel cool and comfy— but since he didn’t have a great physique like Muenfah, and he was also worried the crispy pork might chase and nibble at his belly, he’d abandoned the idea.

“Phii Fah… I almost forgot.”

Muenfah, who was tuning the guitar strings, looked up at him. “…”

“Phii Babe and Phii Dom asked me to invite you to eat at Yaowarat tonight. Will you go?”

“And does the little one want to go?”

“Yes, I already said yes…”

Muenfah nodded. “Then I will go too.”

“Phii Babe said to meet at Jay Fai’s place at 9 p.m.”

“If we leave here by 8 p.m., we’ll still make it in time.”

“Okay…”

“Does you know how to play the guitar?”

Theerak shook his head. “I don’t know how to play the guitar. Phii Dom once tried to teach me though.”

“Would you like to teach you how to play?”

“That’d be great. I been wanting to learn the guitar anyway.”

“…”

“I want to play the guitar to flirt with someone around here…”

“Heh,” Muenfah chuckled in his throat before patting his lap with a few loud slaps. “Theerak, come sit on my lap first. I’ll teach you.”

Theerak eyed his sturdy lap before asking, “Can you teach me without me sitting on your lap?”

“If it’s my teaching style, you have to sit on my lap.”

Hearing Muenfah say that sparked a thought in his mind. Theerak pointed at the tall guy and narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “Besides me… has you ever taught anyone else to play the guitar?”

Muenfah burst out laughing, then leaned in to press his nose against his cheek for a sniff. “So jealous…”

“Not as much as you, Phii Fah. Don’t change the subject…” Theerak glared at Fah, trying to make his face as stern as possible. “…Has Phii Fah ever taught anyone else to play the guitar?”

Muenfah didn’t reply. He just smirked, lowered his head, and continued tuning the guitar. “…”

Since Muenfah stayed silent and didn’t answer, Theerak assumed he must have taught someone else before. He nodded to himself and tried to stop imagining someone else sitting on Muenfah’s lap, but he couldn’t. The jealousy surged so much that he wanted to smack the guy’s arm hard, but since he didn’t like using violence, Theerak expressed his jealousy in his own way.

The smaller guy scooted closer to Muenfah. He wrapped both arms around the bigger guy in a hug, pressing his nose against Muenfah’s shoulder and mumbling “Phii Fah… I’m jealous.”

“Heh.”

“Don’t laugh… I’m so possessive of you it’s driving me crazy.”

“…”

“I feel like my heart’s burning up… like it’s going to explode.”

“You don’t like other people sitting on my lap, huh?”

“Who would like someone else sitting on their boyfriend’s lap!!!”

“Heh… so when you get jealous, you start claiming boyfriend rights?”

“Phii Fah, you-meanie, you’ve shattered my heart into pieces…”

“Heh… good boy, let go of me first.”

“No way…” Theerak replied, tightening his hug. He wrapped both arms around Muenfah so tightly that he couldn’t move. “I’m super jealous!…I’m going to squeeze you until your bones break.”

“With a little body like that… you’re going to break my bones?”

Theerak nodded vigorously and pressed his cheek against Muenfah’s arm.

“I’m going to punish the former flirt.”

“Little one…”

“No need to call me that.”

“…”

Theerak tightened his hug even more, pressing his cheek harder against

Muenfah’s arm. “The little one won’t give in easily…”

“Heh.” Muenfah chuckled in his throat before leaning down to kiss the top of his head. “I will teach you first.”

Theerak immediately looked up to meet the big guy’s eyes upon hearing that, then asked, “Really?”

“Really… and I will only teach you, no one else.”

The small guy let out a big sigh before pulling away from the hug, setting the tall one free. Theerak flashed a wide smile and raised a hand to smooth out his messy bangs, tousled from rubbing his forehead against Muenfah’s arm. But his bright smile started to fade. He frowned, lost in thought, then turned to glare at Muenfah, who was sitting there smirking.

“Did you trick me into getting jealous?”

“Heh.”

“…”

“I wanted to see what you would do when your jealous.”

“Sky! You let me stay jealous for so long…” Theerak lowered his head, pressing a hand to the left side of his chest as he whispered, “I overthought so much my heart’s all bruised…”

“…”

Theerak looked up at the big guy still smirking, then said, “Phii Fah you have to comfort me now.”

“A kiss on the head, okay, good person?”

Theerak felt a sharp pang, a lingering ache in his heart. He wanted Muenfah to heal it for him. The big guy set the guitar aside and used one arm to pull him by the waist onto his lap. Theerak sat sideways, head down, avoiding eye contact with the tall one until a strong hand gently lifted his chin to meet his gaze.

That same familiar smile…

…too close now.

“my jealous little one.”

“My prankster.”

Muenfah pressed a kiss to his lips, then pulled back and asked, “Is your heart still bruised?”

“It’s healed.”

“Is your heart ready to learn the guitar now?”

“Yes…”

Muenfah picked up the guitar. Theerak shifted to sit with his back to him. Muenfah placed the guitar on Theerak’s lap instead, since his own lap was occupied. Theerak positioned both hands where Muenfah guided them—one hand on the fretboard, ready to press chords, the other on the guitar’s body.

“I will teach you some easy chords first, okay?”

“Yes…”

“The first chord… Chord A.” Muenfah rested his chin on his shoulder while guiding him to position his fingers on the chord. His long fingers pressed lightly over Theerak’s, applying gentle pressure. “Theerak, you need to press down hard on the strings.”

“Yes, Phii Fah.”

“Does it hurt your fingers?”

“A little… hehe.”

“Next, do it like this.” Muenfah took his other hand and taught him how to strum the guitar. “Can you manage it?”

“Yes, Phii Fah.”

“The naughty one, try playing it for me to hear.”

“Okay…”

Theerak tried following what Muenfah taught him again, but the sound came out strange, different from before. He turned to look at the taller guy, whose chin was still on his shoulder. Muenfah chuckled in his throat before saying “The naughty one needs to press the strings harder.”

“I want to try again.”

Muenfah nodded. “…”

This time, Theerak focused harder, and the sound was no different from when Muenfah had guided him. “I did it, Phii Fah!”

“The next chord… Chord D.”

Muenfah taught him the same way, but this time he lifted his chin from his shoulder and moved his face behind him. Theerak pressed his lips together tightly as he felt warm breath against the nape of his neck.

“This time, you need to press the strings really hard…”

Theerak flinched slightly as full lips pressed a firm kiss onto the back of his neck. The sensation from Muenfah sent shivers through his entire body. His body temperature spiked rapidly, and the lips lingering there slowed his heartbeat almost to a stop—before it raced again when Muenfah pulled away.

“Press hard, like this.”

Theerak swallowed hard before saying, “If you don’t want to see me explode right here… don’t demonstrate like that next time.”

“Heh.”

Theerak admitted he’d completely forgotten how to hold the chords correctly. Whenever he thought about pressing the strings hard to make a pleasant sound, his mind went back to Muenfah pressing that firm kiss on his neck.

Muenfah’s guitar-teaching style…

…It’s really bad for the heart, T___T.

“Today, I will teach just two chords, alright?”

“Y-Yes… I think that’s enough for now.”

“Should I sing for you?”

Theerak turned to look at Muenfah, who had placed his chin back on his shoulder. “Yes… It’s been a while since I last heard you sing.”

He was about to get up from Muenfah’s lap to let him play the guitar more comfortably, but the tall guy used his free arm to hold his waist in place.

“Even with you sitting on my lap… I can still play.”

“Doesn’t you feel cramped?”

Muenfah shook his head in denial and started strumming chords, playing a melody that wasn’t very familiar. Theerak couldn’t guess what song Muenfah was about to sing. He secretly glanced at the side profile of the tall guy as he began to sing…

“The voice you’re hearing is poured straight from my heart, and the piano you hear comes straight from my heart too, to release everything inside… letting it flow from my soul.”

“…”

“I don’t know what’ll happen next, what you’ll think after hearing this, whether you’ll believe my words or not, about the truth from here on out, with this song that speaks for my heart.”

“…”

“…That I love you without even knowing you, and I loved you from the moment I saw your face, so much inside that I have to let it out… for you to hear.”

“…”

It was at that moment Theerak saw Muenfah’s familiar smile while singing. He tilted his head to rest against Theerak’s before continuing the next verse.

“…That to me, you are everything, my inspiration, my all, you connect me to the beautiful picture of life, even though we haven’t even gotten to know… each other yet.”

“…”

“There’s no story, no reason, no cause or explanation, will you believe my words or not, about the truth from here on out, with this song that speaks for my heart.”

“…”

“…About the truth from here on out, with this song that speaks for my heart, that I love you without even knowing you, and I loved you from the moment I saw your face, so much inside that I have to let it out… for you to hear.”

“…”

“That to me, you are everything, my inspiration, my all, you connect me to the beautiful picture of life, even though we haven’t even gotten to know… each other yet.”

Muenfah kept strumming the guitar until the melody ended, then set it aside and pressed his nose to Theerak’s head for another sniff. Theerak thought Muenfah was confessing his love again through the lyrics.

The small guy shifted to face Muenfah sideways before asking, “What’s the song called, Phii Fah?”

“It’s called ‘The Truth’…” Muenfah gave a faint smile before adding, “It’s the truth… I loved you from the moment I first saw you.”

Theerak smiled shyly before saying, “I remember wanting to sing a song to woo you.”

“Heh…” Muenfah burst out laughing and kissed his lips. “You can’t beat me, little one.”

“I absolutely won’t lose to you!”

“Actually, you don’t have to fight.”

“…”

“Because I will be the one to surrender.”

“…”

“…Surrender to you Theerak alone.”

Theerak smiled while thinking…

There’s only one reason someone like Muenfah would give up.

That reason is…

Because of [his] love.

 

#However Many Thousand Skies

Theerak had paused his mission to flirt with Muenfah for over an hour now because an urgent call from an architect came in about renovating the restaurant. While waiting for Fah to finish talking on the phone with the architect, Theerak turned on the TV to watch his grandpa’s favorite show, which aired only on Sunday evenings.

Muenfah walked over with his MacBook, set it on the coffee table, and plopped down on the floor in front of him. Theerak leaned forward to peek at the complicated work Muenfah was handling. Muenfah opened an email to check some sort of plan file.

“I like the revised version better.”

“…”

“Okay… let’s settle on this.”

As soon as he hung up with the architect, Muenfah leaned back and wedged himself between Theerak’s legs. Theerak locked eyes with the taller guy from a different angle. Muenfah grabbed his hand, held it, and placed it on his chest. He slowly closed his eyes as if wanting to rest them. Theerak cradled Muenfah’s face with both hands.

“Are you really tired?”

He genuinely felt sorry for Muenfah.

It’s a day off, and he still has to work.

The one with closed eyes smirked slightly before saying, “A little.”

“…”

“I have to work to earn money for the little one to spend… I can’t stay tired for long.”

Theerak smiled softly and leaned in closer to Muenfah. He stared at his egg-colored eyelids for a moment before pressing his lips to Muenfah’s forehead. Theerak wasn’t doing it to butter him up for money or anything; he just wanted to comfort someone exhausted from work.

“Shh ~ shh ~ Phii Fah.”

“Heh… I miss the sound of the ocean so much.”

Muenfah opened his eyes and gave him that same familiar smile. Theerak patted the sofa with a few loud slaps, inviting Muenfah to come lie down and rest.

“Phii Fah, come lie on the sofa and rest.”

“If I lie down, where will you sit?”

“I have my own way.”

“…”

Theerak stood up to his full height and pulled the taller guy’s arm to move him to the sofa. Muenfah frowned slightly but complied, lying down on the sofa. He scooted closer to the inner cushion to leave space for Theerak to sit, but Theerak shook his head slightly in refusal.

“The naughty one isn’t sitting?”

“I’m not sitting.” Theerak replied before letting himself collapse on top of Muenfah’s body. He chuckled softly once he was lying on the other, resting his chin on his own crossed arms placed over Muenfah’s sturdy chest. “Softer than the bed at my place.”

“Heh…” Muenfah laughed in his throat and moved both hands to hold

Theerak’s waist. “You’ve gotten pretty good lately.”

“At flirting, right?”

“No… at being clingy.”

Theerak wrinkled his nose at Muenfah before saying, “I’ve been good at being clingy for a long time.”

Muenfah didn’t respond. He just looked at him with a sly smile. Feeling a bit shy, Theerak lowered his eyes to Muenfah’s chest instead. The Englishlettered tattoo on the left side of his chest caught his attention perfectly. He lightly traced his hand over the tattoo before looking up to meet Muenfah’s eyes.

“Papa and Mama’s names, right?”

“Yes…”

“Why did you get it tattooed on the left side of your chest?”

“Because Papa and Mama are my heart.”

Muenfah’s answer made him tilt his face to rest it right there, then say, “I don’t know how many times I’ll make mistakes in life… but I’m sure this time, I didn’t make the wrong decision, Theerak-Phii Fah.”

Theerak felt the tip of Muenfah’s prominent nose press against the top of his head.

“…”

“Phii Fah…”

“Yes?”

“Do you think we’ll ever fight?” Theerak asked before lifting his face to meet the other’s eyes.

Muenfah gave a faint smile and nodded. “There might be a day when we misunderstand each other… or some days when we’re upset with each other’s actions.”

“…”

“Couples arguing is normal… it can happen to anyone.”

“…”

“But when we fight, it shouldn’t chip away at our love.”

“…”

“We should improve ourselves and learn from each other so the same problems don’t come back and make us fight again.”

“…”

“We can argue, but we won’t love each other any less.”

“I don’t want to fight with you at all… I’m afraid you won’t stop being mad.”

“Heh…” Muenfah chuckled before continuing, “No matter how big our fight gets, I will never let go of Theerak’s hand.”

“I won’t hold your hand.”

“…”

“But I will hug you really tight instead.”

“Heh.”

“…”

“We’ll get through everything together, okay, Theerak?”

“Yes…”

Bzzz ~

The vibration of a notification from Muenfah’s phone interrupted our conversation. Muenfah frowned deeply, showing his annoyance, before pulling the phone out of his pants pocket. His irritation grew even more when he saw who was calling.

“Ai’Hia.”

“Is it Phii Hia calling?”

“Yes.” Muenfah answered the call, switched it to speakerphone, and tossed the phone onto the coffee table, clearly reluctant to talk to Phii Hia.

[Hello ~]

“Hello, your dad.”

[I am calling you, right…?]

“Whatever crap you’ve got, spit it out quick.” [Rushing like this… Are you with Nong Theerak ~?] 

“…” Muenfah sighed but didn’t respond.

“Yes, I am with Phii Fah.”

“Little one!!” For the first time, Muenfah scolded him. “I don’t want you talking to him.”

“Nong Theerakkk ~ Phii Hia misses you so much!”

Theerak laughed until his mouth stretched wide, but he quickly shut it when Muenfah furrowed his brows tightly and gave him a stern look. Muenfah was always possessive of him around his friends. Theerak thought all of Muenfah’s friends were nice, but Muenfah rarely let him chat with them.

“That’s it, you ass!”

[W-Wait a sec, Fah… I haven’t even gotten to the business yet.]

“What business?”

Theerak looked at Muenfah, who was making an irritated face, and felt a playful urge. When Muenfah got annoyed like this, others would be terrified, but Theerak didn’t feel scared at all. Instead, he found Muenfah kind of…

Kiss…

[So it’s about…]

“…” Muenfah shifted his gaze from the phone on the coffee table to look at him.

[W-What was that sound just now?]

“Hia!!!.”

[It sounds like…]

“Theerak kissed my lips…”

[Wah… little bro ~]

“If you’ve got something to say, spit it out quick… so I can hang up already. I’m annoyed.”

[Just now, Dom called to invite me to Yaowarat. You’re going too, right?]

“Yeah…”

Suddenly, Theerak felt a mischievous urge to tease Muenfah.

[Dom told me Nong Theerak is going too. So I said yes…]

“Hia, you…”

Kiss…

Every time Muenfah opened his mouth to respond, Theerak would kiss his lips to stop him from speaking. He wanted to get back at Muenfah a little and see how the guy would handle a prankster like him.

Muenfah would probably just scold him…

…He wouldn’t hit him.

[What were you about to say just now?]

“You…”

Kiss…

[Wah… that kissing sound again. Nong Theerak, it’s not that it bothers me, but hearing it makes me jealous. I want a kiss from the little one too.] “You…”

Kiss…

[Wah ~ Little broooo… kissing Fah’s lips so loud with a smack. Phii

Hia can’t take it anymore.]

Theerak laughed until his mouth stretched wide, then rapidly kissed Muenfah’s lips over and over. The one being teased burst out laughing, flipped him over to lie beneath him, and straddled him again. Muenfah used just one hand to pin both of his hands down before saying…

“Hia, hold on a sec… I need to sort things out with Theerak first.”

[What if I say no…]

“Then you’ll have to wait, you damn Hia!”

[Yes, Muenfah… I will be a good boy and sit here waiting for you to deal with the little one.]

The small guy laughed gleefully at successfully teasing the other, but when Theerak caught the new look in Muenfah’s eyes, his amusement instantly faded. The tall guy bit his lip as if itching to act, then used his free hand to smack Theerak’s hip once.

“Teasing me, huh?” Muenfah asked, leaning down to rub his nose against

Theerak’s cheek with a loud sniff. “Is the little one teasing me?”

Probably because Muenfah gently squeezed his waist with his big hand,    Theerak ended up saying, “Don’t do that to me.”

“Huh.” Muenfah chuckled in his throat before saying, “You’re definitely going to get it from me.”

“Phii Fah, I’m sorry, I ~”

His words didn’t mean anything. Muenfah didn’t forgive him and even punished him mercilessly. The big guy leaned down and showered kisses on his lips and neck. Theerak felt ticklish and burst out laughing.

[Seriously… who cursed me? Why do I always end up standing confused in the middle of lovebirds?]

“…”

Kiss…

…Kiss [And no one even answers me. They just keep showing off with kissing sounds.]

Muenfah didn’t care about the friend on the phone at all. He kept punishing him relentlessly. Theerak pressed his lips together tightly and scrunched his neck to stop Muenfah from kissing him, but the guy didn’t give up. He moved lower and pressed repeated kisses on his stomach. At first, Theerak still felt ticklish, but when Muenfah started nibbling at his waist with sharp teeth, he felt a sudden hollow sensation in his stomach.

“Phii Fah, don’t bite my waist, please.”

“Huh.”

[Fah!! That’s enough!]

Theerak tilted his head to look at the big guy, who glanced up at him. He kissed his way from his stomach back up to his lips. Theerak realized he’d made a mistake by thinking he could get back at Muenfah. The big guy with sly eyes smirked and leaned down to press a hard kiss on his lips again before saying “Phii Fah really wants to keep punishing this little prankster.”

If Muenfah kept punishing him, Theerak knew he’d end up melting into the sofa. “I won’t prank you anymore, Phii Fah.”

[You can prank me instead.]

“Don’t meddle, Hia!”

“…”

Muenfah glanced at the phone before looking at him and saying, “Beg me first, and then I’ll forgive you…”

“you have to let go of my hands first.” As soon as the big hands released him, Theerak wrapped both arms around Muenfah’s neck and pulled him closer. “I’m sorry. The chubby puppy is sorry. I’m sorry.”

“Huh.”

“I apologized in three ways. Has you forgiven me yet?”

“Kiss me too.”

Kiss…

[If he’s done this much and you still don’t forgive him, Fah, I’ll steal him from you, you heartless guy!]

“Huh.”

Theerak didn’t know whether Muenfah was laughing with delight because he had given in to a kiss or because of the words of Hia. But when Muenfah leaned down and gently rubbed the tip of his prominent nose back and forth against Theerak’s nose, it became clear that… the kiss had put Muenfah in a good mood.

“What should I do, chubby-cheeks?”

“…”

Muenfah pressed his lips to Theerak’s cheek before continuing, “I love you so much it’s almost unbearable.”

“How unbearable is it?”

“…” The larger man buried his face in Theerak’s neck and spoke in a muffled voice, “I know I won’t die from love.”

“…”

“But I feels like I might die because of this person.”

Muenfah… such a clingy one, indeed.

Theerak laughed until his mouth stretched wide before raising his hand to gently stroke Muenfah’s head. “Smell the head of the one I love so much.” “Heh.”

[Muenfah, you probably forgot I’m still on the line.]

Muenfah pulled his face away from Theerak’s neck and glanced at the phone, which was still lying unattended where it had been. “I didn’t forget… I just didn’t care.”

[It hurts right here at my chest.]

Muenfah shook his head in exasperation before flopping down beside Theerak, then pulling him to lie on top of his body as before. Theerak thought he must seem like a doll that Muenfah could easily pick up and carry, probably because Muenfah was considerably larger than him.

Wait until I grow as big as Phii Fah.

I’ll love carrying Phii Fah here and there; Making Phii Fah dizzy…

[So, are you going or not?]

“Yeah.”

[Yeah, that’s it… I’m going to inject insulin now; my diabetes is acting up, damn it.]

Hia, hung up the call himself. Muenfah refused to get up or go anywhere. When Theerak was about to reach for the phone to hand it to him, Muenfah shook his head in refusal. So, Theerak lay still, letting Muenfah kiss his forehead to his heart’s content.

“you kissed me until I’m all fluffy, Phii Fah.”

“Heh.”

Theerak looked at the large man lying there with a faint smile. He could feel that Muenfah was very happy. The promise he had once made to Panli,    Theerak had now fulfilled. He would make Sky happy until it was exhausted.

“…”

“It’s still a long time until 8 p.m.”

“…”

“Can I rest my eyes for a bit?”

“Alright, I’ll move down to sit below so that you can sleep comfortably.” “No need, I can sleep fine.”

Theerak nodded in acknowledgment and lay on top of Muenfah as usual, before kissing his full lips, “Good night… my Sky.”

“Yes…” Muenfah smiled faintly, his egg-yolk-colored eyelids slowly closing.

Theerak watched him for a while before quietly getting up once he was sure the other was fast asleep. He moved down to sit on the floor because he wanted Muenfah to sleep comfortably, but Theerak still stayed by the side of the sofa. Muenfah turned to face him, his thick brows slightly furrowed as if having a bad dream. Seeing this, Theerak quickly kissed Muenfah’s forehead.

And the thick brows that were furrowed earlier relaxed. Theerak let out a relieved sigh. He rested his chin on his arms, which were placed on the sofa, while gazing at Muenfah. Theerak reached out with one hand to stroke the chocolate-brown hair before using his fingertip to trace from the forehead down to the tip of the nose, lips, and chin.

Theerak didn’t memorize the details of Muenfah’s well-defined face because he wasn’t captivated by his handsome features like others were.

Instead, Theerak was touching him to remember that… Muenfah was the one who taught him what love is.

Muenfah made him understand the meaning of… unconditional love, love without expecting anything in return. He made him feel safe from anything and everything in the best way possible.

If someone asked Theerak what love is or how it feels to call it love, he would only smile because he couldn’t explain it. Theerak thought that no one could understand this feeling until they experienced it themselves. Because love for some might be pink, white, cream, gray, or other colors.

But for him, it was the color of the sky.

And if asked again what love looks like, Theerak would just laugh because he couldn’t explain that either. He had once heard the saying, ‘What does love look like… no one has ever seen it.’ Theerak couldn’t remember who said it, but if he did, he would want to tell that person that…

Love probably looks like the person we enjoy looking at.

Love probably has a smile that makes us fall in love again and again.

His love looks like… Muenfah.

Theerak smiled faintly while gently rubbing the back of his hand against Muenfah’s cheek, thinking about what would happen if one day Muenfah was no longer in his life. Of course, Theerak would have to move forward for himself, but he would pray with every step that Muenfah would remain by his side. Theerak once thought he could never love anyone as much as he loved his family.

A life without Muenfah It would probably feel like…

Sky was collapsing.

Theerak moved his face closer to Muenfah. He didn’t understand why he felt a stinging sensation in his nose just thinking about this. Theerak pressed his lips against Muenfah’s full lips before whispering softly “Today, one glass of water holds more than the ocean, Phii Fah.”

… Not comparable to the ocean.

But it’s already a lot more than that

 

#However Many Thousand Skies

“Just order this for now.”

“Mm…”

Theerak looked at Phii Dom, who was handing the food list to the staff at the restaurant. He craned his neck to glance at Panli, who had just walked into the restaurant with Klai. The only people there to eat were himself, Muenfah, Panli, Klai, Phii Real, and Hia. As for the others they had invited, they were all busy with other commitments. Theerak smiled at Klai, who was sitting across from him.

“It’s been a while since we last met. I really missed you, Klai.”

“I missed you too, Rak.”

“You didn’t miss me at all, you chubby-cheeked jerk.”

“If I didn’t miss you, would I have called to invite you to eat?” “…”

“That jerk Li is the one who doesn’t miss his friends at all. He hasn’t been messaging me much lately either.”

“…”

Panli was speechless and didn’t respond. Theerak laughed, delighted that he’d hit a nerve with his close friend. It was the first time Panli couldn’t argue back. Lately, Panli really hadn’t been paying much attention to him, even though he usually liked to message and chat with him all the time.

“What car did you come in?” Muenfah asked.

“Li’s car… I didn’t take Phii Fah’s car.”

“Did you pick up Klai?”

“…” Panli, who was pouring soda into a glass, looked up and alternated his gaze between him and Muenfah. “You guys are really good at asking questions.”

Theerak burst out laughing because Panli seemed unusually cautious. He and Muenfah hadn’t intended to press him for answers, but the more suspicious Panli acted, the more curious everyone else became.

“Little Klai… Hia missed you too, you know.”

“Khrapom.”

“Get yourself a wife already… You’re flirting with everyone.”

“You jerk Li… I’m your older brother, you idiot!”

“You don’t use the Pisut surname… You don’t count as my brother.”

“Haha!” Phii Real laughed heartily before saying, “A guy like you deserves this.”

“Theerak…” Muenfah leaned down to whisper in his ear, “Phii Fah asked to use the restroom first.”

“Should Rak go with you, Phii Fah?”

“Heh… No need, I can go by myself.”

“Okay then…”

Theerak nodded and gave a sweet smile to the tall guy. He watched Muenfah walk to the bathroom. Theerak looked at everyone sitting and chatting in pairs. He had something he wanted to ask the older siblings about Muenfah, but he was afraid of interrupting their conversations.

“Is something wrong, love?”

Phii Babe always seemed to read him well. She probably sensed he had something on his mind and asked him. Theerak pursed his lips while thinking it over. Even though he really wanted to know, the question was too embarrassing to ask out loud.

“Little one… is something bothering you?” Phii Real reached out to touch his shoulder and asked.

“Uh…”

“Stomach bloating again?” Panli asked.

Theerak quickly shook his head in denial. “No…”

Now all eyes were on him. Theerak swallowed hard and lowered his gaze.

His face felt hot as he gathered the courage to speak.

“I have a question…”

“About Fah?” Phii Real asked.

“Yes…”

“Go ahead and ask, Nong Theerak. We’re ready to answer.”

“Uh…” Theerak looked up and met everyone’s eyes before saying,    “Normally… is Phii Fah a naughty person?”

Everyone reacted differently to his question. Some seemed embarrassed on his behalf and looked down at their glasses of water. Phii Babe coughed as if choking and then picked up her glass to drink. Others smiled or laughed, making him feel even more embarrassed.

“Phii Fah doesn’t come close to the word ‘naughty.’”

“Seriously… if he were a dictionary, the word ‘naughty’ wouldn’t even be in it.”

Big brother Hia smiled and said, “When we were studying together, whenever friends talked about porn or naughty stuff, he wouldn’t care. Sometimes he’d even leave to go watch football instead.”

“Does Fah get naughty with you?” Phii Dom asked.

Since it was Phii Dom asking, it made him even more embarrassed. “Uh, yes…”

“How naughty?”

“Damn it! Are you asking this to tease him?”

“Should I answer for him?” Big brother Hia offered.

“No need, you jerk… let him answer himself.”

Theerak looked at everyone waiting for his response. “Some days it’s a little… some days it’s a lot.”

“Haha!” Big brother Hia burst out laughing before continuing, “I think today he was very naughty, based on what I heard over the phone.”

Theerak rubbed the back of his neck to ease his embarrassment as he saw

Phii Babe shake her head slightly, looking at him before letting out a big sigh. “Quiet types are like that.” Phii Babe glanced at Phii Dom before continuing, “They’re different when it’s just the two of them.”

“Different how, Dom?”

Muenfah, who had returned from the bathroom at some point without anyone noticing, sat down beside him and said, “Strict.”

“Uh, Phii Fah, did you hear everything?”

“I only heard the part when Babe was speaking.”

Theerak swallowed hard before giving a dry smile to Muenfah. “I was so startled… I thought Phii Fah heard everything I asked.”

Muenfah leaned down and whispered in his ear, “We’ll sort it out in the car later.”

“…” Theerak pursed his lips and raised his hand to rub his face.

A mistake! I messed up again, you fat puppy!

I’m definitely going to be punished by Muenfah again.

T___T

“It’s not just the quiet ones who are fierce.” Panli said.

“Yes… here comes the second dad!”

“I hate that red water’s voice.” Phii Real said while shaking his head.

“Even if it’s just red water, it can still refresh you.”

“Someone pour that red water down the toilet.”

“Haha, you jerk, Real!”

Theerak looked at the staff bringing delicious-looking food to the table.

The fragrant aroma of the food completely drove away his embarrassment. Theerak accepted a plate of hot steamed rice from Muenfah and said “Thank you…”

“Is the food enough?”

“Yes, it’s enough.”

Muenfah scooped some crab omelet onto his plate. He knew what Theerak liked to eat, so he only served him the things he enjoyed. Theerak didn’t want Muenfah to be the only one taking care of him, so he scooped some food for Muenfah as well.

“Phii Fah… do you want this?”

Muenfah shook his head and said, “Theerak, you eat it. Don’t worry about me.”

“Forbidding me from loving and caring for Phii Fah is like forbidding

Thailand from having sunlight.”

Muenfah gave a faint smile. “…”

“It’s impossible.”

“Eating plain rice feels sweet…” Hia, the older brother, frowned while chewing his rice before turning to look at Phii Real. “Did you secretly pour sugar on my rice?”

“You idiot.” Phii Real said, laughing.

“Should I scoop some crab omelet for you?”

“…”

“I’ll scoop it for you…”

Theerak stopped chewing his rice the moment he heard Panli’s words. He thought no one had heard because everyone was focused on the new dish being served. Panli had once said he liked speaking sweetly to cute people. Theerak pursed his lips to suppress a smile before lowering his head to continue eating.

That dog-faced guy…

“Pretty cute, huh?

But it can’t compare to Phii Fah

After finishing the meal, everyone went their separate ways in their own cars. Muenfah had to drive him home and then return with Phii Dom since the latter had driven him to Yaowarat. Theerak raised his hand to gently rub his belly, feeling full to the point of tightness again.

“Full?”

“Very full.”

“But I’m not full yet.”

Theerak immediately caught on to the cheeky one, “You’re not eating me.”

“Heh,…smart.”

“Of course ~ a chubby puppy is always smart.”

“What did you ask my friends?”

Muenfah’s question made Theerak genuinely want to fall asleep right then and there, so, “…”

“What’s that?”

“Uh…”

“…”

“I asked if… You are usually a cheeky person.”

“Heh,” Muenfah laughed before turning to look at him while the car was stopped at a red light, “And what did they say?”

“The seniors said that normally you aren’t cheeky.”

Muenfah leaned in to press his nose against his cheek for a sniff, then said,    “Have you ever heard the phrase… flirty only with you?”

“Yes, I have…”

“It’s no different.”

“…”

“I am only cheeky with you.”

“Try being cheeky with someone else, Phii Fah!”

“Heh.”

“I will strangle you until your bones break so you can’t flirt with anyone else.”

“I’m scared now…” Muenfah shifted his gaze down to his lips and gently nipped at his lower lip with sharp teeth before pulling away, “l wouldn’t dare flirt, I’m afraid you wouldn’t love me.” “…”

Muenfah gave a faint smile before turning his attention back to the road.

Theerak looked at the side profile of Muenfah while he drove, then asked

“Does you know about the tilted Earth theory?”

Theerak wanted to try earning some points with Muenfah one more time before the day ended.

“l has never heard of it.”

“No one has ever heard of it, because l made it up myself.”

“…’“

“And I tried it out with you first too.”

After finishing the sentence, the small figure slowly tilted their head to rest on Muenfah’s arm. The sound of laughter in his throat made Theerak think that his “tilted world theory” was working.

“For this theory… I; Rak Niran, how many points do I get?”

“You get my whole heart.”

Theerak laughed until his mouth stretched wide before saying, “Don’t you have a theory like this too?”

“…”

“So you can use it to cheer me up when I’m upset.” Theerak looked up at Muenfah, who turned to face him while the car was stopped at a red light again.

“I don’t have one, but I know one theory.”

“What’s that?”

“The theory of attraction.”

After saying that, Muenfah leaned his face closer and pressed his lips against Theerak’s before pulling back and planting another kiss on his cheek. Theerak pressed his lips together tightly to hold back a smile. He had heard about the theory of attraction in the classroom for a long time, but when Muenfah applied this theory to him Theerak thought…

The tilted world theory was completely overshadowed.

“Do I; Pradipat get any points?”

Theerak smiled faintly before saying, “Right now, I’m is all confused. I don’t know who’s flirting with whom anymore.”

“Heh.”

“But because this theory is so cute…”

“…”

“You, Pradipat, get my heart.”

For Muenfah…

Ten points aren’t enough.

…He deserves my whole heart.

TBC

 

YOURSKY CHAPTERS HOME

   YOURSKY, Chapter 22

All good parties must come to an end. The meal cost, which all the friends had intended to split, was fully paid for by Muenfah. He said it was to make up for ruining the mood earlier when he had a confrontation with In and Panwa.

Theerak lowered his head to avoid the tall guy’s gaze, still embarrassed by the word “nuu” he’d heard. The smaller guy glanced at the staff handing the receipt to Muenfah. He heard a chuckle in Muenfah’s throat before a long finger lightly tapped his arm.

“Can you help me check the bill?”

Theerak nodded awkwardly and took the receipt to review. “There are seventeen of us, four hundred ninety-nine baht each…” He pulled out his phone to calculate the cost again. “…Eight thousand four hundred eightythree, plus seven percent VAT makes it nine thousand seventy-six baht… it’s correct, Phii Fah.”

“Okay…” Muenfah replied before handing him a branded wallet. “Naughty one, can you grab my credit card for me?”

“Sure…”

Theerak agreed without looking up at Muenfah. He took the wallet and opened it. The first thing he saw was a family photo of Muenfah’s. Theerak looked at the picture of Muenfah’s dad and mom, who still looked youthful, and couldn’t help but smile when he saw two little boys sitting on their laps.

The boy smiling so wide his eyes squinted, sitting on Papa’s lap, was Panli. The boy with a calm, neutral expression on Mama’s lap was Muenfah. He remembered that the last time he saw a photo in Muenfah’s wallet, it was a picture of Muenfah as a kid.

Back then, there wasn’t a photo of him… but now Muenfah had added a picture of him, one that Muenfah had taken at the beach, right next to the family photo. At first, Theerak had been puzzled when Muenfah asked him to grab the credit card, even though he could’ve done it himself. But now he understood Muenfah’s intention…

Muenfah probably wanted him to see the new family member’s photo.

 

Theerak looked up at the tall guy who flashed him the same familiar smile. Holding back a grin was becoming impossible now, so Theerak let himself smile widely. Muenfah smirked, raising an eyebrow before asking “Which card should I grab for you?”

Theerak picked out a gold credit card and handed it to Muenfah. He took it and passed it to the waiting staff. Theerak lightly nudged Muenfah’s arm with his finger. Once the staff walked away, he pointed at his own photo and asked, “I picked that credit card for you… but this photo—you chose it yourself, right?”

“Heh…” Muenfah leaned in, pressing his nose to his cheek for a sniff. “Not shy anymore, huh?” Without waiting for an answer, he sniffed again. “Asking like this… you’re not shy anymore, right?”

“Guys ~… spare my life, please.”

“Hia! You’re sitting over there—you can’t hear Fah sniffing the kid’s cheek as clearly as I can.” Phii Real said, shaking his head.

“You’re bragging that you heard it better?” Phii Hia asked.

“Bragging to your dad, maybe… I’m just saying it’s torture for single people like me.”

Theerak ducked his head to avoid everyone’s gazes, including the wallet owner whose possession he was holding. Muenfah probably wanted his wallet back, which is why he kept pressing his nose to his cheek over and over.

Muenfah kissed his temple and said, “Welcome to the Pisut family.”

“…” Theerak smiled faintly, then lifted his phone to show Muenfah a family photo on the screen before swiping to reveal Muenfah’s picture set as his wallpaper. “Welcome to the Niran too, Phii Fah.”

“Heh…” Muenfah leaned in to hug him, resting his face on his shoulder.

“When did little naughty you set me as your wallpaper?”

“When I realized I’d fallen for the Sky…”

Muenfah chuckled in his throat and pressed his lips to his shoulder. “I’m not going anywhere now…”

Theerak smiled and raised a hand to pat Muenfah’s head. He loved giving him this kind of touch, and it seemed Muenfah enjoyed it too, often resting his face on his shoulder like this.

“You just want Nong Rak, that’s enough, right? So, hand over the credit card, Fah. What’s the limit, buddy?” Phii Hia said, taking the credit card from the staff.

Muenfah pulled away from the hug and snatched the gold credit card back from Phii Hia. He tucked it into the wallet Theerak had just returned to him, then shot Phii Hia an annoyed look before saying “Don’t mess with my money… I earn it for Theerak to use alone.”

“So the red soda that’s been by your side all these years means nothing, huh?”

“What a tear-jerking scene.” Phii Ball said, mixed with laughter.

“If you don’t tone down the flirting, I’ll splash your face with the hot shabu broth.”

As soon as Phii Real finished speaking, the people sitting near the head of the table burst out laughing—except for Muenfah, who sat with a calm, expressionless face. Theerak shifted his gaze from Muenfah’s face to his pants pocket, feeling a vibration from a notification. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and answered the call.

“What’s up, Noh?”

“…”

“I’m heading out… Are you at my place already?”

“Wait a sec, Host…” Phii Hia interjected loudly, as if wanting the person on the other end to hear.

“I already told the restaurant manager. You can go wait inside first.”

“…”

While Muenfah was on the phone with his friend, everyone started gradually leaving the restaurant. Theerak nudged Muenfah to scoot over a bit so he and Joy could get up and step outside. Muenfah nodded and shifted to make space for the two of them to stand.

Muenfah stayed seated, still talking on the phone. The other second-year juniors had already gone out to wait in the parking lot. Inside the restaurant, only the third-year seniors, Panli, Joy, and Type remained, discussing midterms while waiting for Muenfah. Theerak, standing next to the tall guy, lightly rubbed his own stomach, feeling stuffed to the brim.

“Traffic shouldn’t be bad…” Muenfah looked up at him, wrapping his free arm around his waist before saying, “…Can I kiss your tummy?”

T___T that again.

“…”

“I want to kiss Theerak’s tummy… not yours.” Muenfah said, leaning his head against his stomach while talking to the person on the line. Theerak wasn’t surprised that Phii Noh misunderstood, since Muenfah was chatting with him without paying much attention to the call.

Theerak shook his head, rejecting Muenfah’s pleading expression. “No kissing.”

“Noh, can you hang up for a sec?…Theerak won’t let me kiss his tummy.”

“…”

“If I get to kiss it, I’ll head over right away…” Muenfah hung up on Phii Noh and put his phone back in his pocket. He looked up at him and asked, “Is little naughty you upset with me?”

“No…”

“…”

“I just feel full…”

“Heh…” Muenfah chuckled in his throat. He pressed his nose against his stomach and pulled away, then looked up to meet his eyes. “…Theerak, you ate until your tummy’s all bloated.”

Theerak thought of Muenfah as a lover… not a rival.

But in this moment…

Pradipat Pisut, got 1 point.

“Real, is my belly bloated from eating?” Phii Hia slapped his stomach with a few loud pats and turned to ask Phii Real, who was standing beside him. “You look no different from Chuchok right after he finished gorging.” Phii Real replied. Everyone burst into laughter, even Phii Babe, who wasn’t usually quick to laugh, couldn’t resist these two.

“Is the stubborn one going back with Babe?”

Theerak glanced at his older sister, who was talking to Phii Dom. “Phii

Babe is probably going back with Phii Dom.”

“Dom is going to Noh’s birthday party too… Babe probably won’t join since it’ll end really late.”

“I’ll go ask Phii Babe first, okay?”

“Okay…”

Theerak walked over to Phii Babe, who was still talking to Phii Dom. He didn’t dare interrupt since his sister was speaking with a serious tone and expression.

“I know this event has a ton of girls… Didn’t I just hear Hia say Noh brought some pretty girls too?”

“Yes…” Phii Dom answered softly, nodding.

“I trust you… Don’t let me down, Dom.”

“I will only touch the booze… not other women.”

“…”

“And tomorrow, I’ll come back to touch only you.”

“No need for sweet talk… You can drink, I don’t mind. I get that it’s a friend’s birthday. If you know you’re drunk, don’t drive home—just leave the car at Fah’s place.”

“Okay. If I’m drunk, I’ll take a taxi home.”

“Alright…” Phii Babe nodded at him before turning to see Theerak standing behind her. “Oh, have you been waiting long?”

“Not long.”

“I’ll go back with you, then. Dom’s heading to his friend’s birthday party next.”

“That’s exactly what I was about to ask Phii Babe.”

“…”

“So, you’re going back with Babe, right, stubborn one?”

Theerak turned to the tall figure who’d walked up beside him and nodded.

“Yes…”

After settling everything, they left the restaurant. The second-year juniors split up to head back in their own cars. Panli, who’d come on a motorcycle, asked to leave first, with Type hitching a ride to drop off near his condo. Joy’s boyfriend came to pick her up in his car. Now, only Theerak, Muenfah, Phii Babe, and Phii Dom remained. The others had already gone ahead to Muenfah’s place.

“Rak, I’ll wait at the car first, okay? I need to grab something from Dom’s car.”

“Okay…”

Theerak nodded in response while watching his older sister walk to the car with Phii Dom. He secretly glanced at the side profile of the tall figure walking beside him. Theerak pressed his lips together as a flicker of jealousy began to stir within him. Gathering his courage, he spoke up “Phii Fah, about Phii Noh’s birthday party…” Theerak paused before continuing, “…will there be a lot of girls there?”

“Heh… who told you that?” Muenfah replied, reaching out to ruffle his hair.

“I overheard Phii Babe talking to Phii Dom.”

“There were a lot… Noh has tons of female friends. Most of them were pretty girls, like models and stuff.”

Hearing this… he instantly felt deflated.

How could a chubby little puppy compete with gorgeous models…

Muenfah led him by the hand to stop beside the matte-colored Mini Cooper. Theerak looked at the tall guy, who flashed him the same familiar smile. He must have noticed his worry, as he gently stroked his cheek.

“I love only you, Theerak.”

“…”

“Good boy, trust me, okay?”

“I trust you, Phii Fah.”

Theerak genuinely felt what he said. Though jealousy had initially made him overthink, once he chose to trust the other person, none of those feelings could shake the love and trust he had for Muenfah.

“I won’t go near any other girls.”

“…”

“I will even call to check in with Theerak regularly.”

“Okay…” Theerak furrowed his brows in thought before adding, “Even if you don’t get involved with anyone, I think there’ll definitely be people trying to approach you.”

“…”

“I have a way to protect sky ‘territory’ from anyone who tries to flirt with you.”

“What’s little naughty you going to do?”

Theerak held out his hand in front of Muenfah. “Can I borrow your phone, Phii Fah?”

The tall guy pulled his phone out of his pants pocket and handed it over. Theerak took it and opened the front camera to take a selfie. He tried to make the fiercest face he could muster.

“Hmph!” Snap!

Theerak smiled with satisfaction as he looked at his photo, now set as the lock screen on Muenfah’s phone. Anyone who saw it would surely be startled by his fierce expression.

“Phii Fah… I am giving you permission to claim me as your boyfriend for one day.”

“…”

“If someone tries to flirt with you…” Theerak handed the phone back to Muenfah, who took it with a chuckle in his throat, “…show them this picture, okay?”

“Got it…”

“And then you told them… I already have a boyfriend, and he’s super strict…”

“Heh.”

“I’m serious, Phii Fah.”

“Okay. If someone tries to flirt with me… I’ll do what little naughty you told me to.”

“Very good…”

Theerak felt relieved that he’d found a way to shield Muenfah from people trying to flirt with him. He glanced at the tall guy who was smirking while looking at his phone. Spotting his older sister approaching, Theerak quickly spoke up…

“Phii Fah…”

Muenfah looked up from his phone and met his eyes. “Yes?”

“I have to go soon.”

“Okay. Once I get to the restaurant, I’ll call little naughty you.” Muenfah said, pulling out the same wallet. He handed over a silver credit card, followed by an opaque white plastic card. “I almost forgot to give this to you Theerak.”

“…”

“I gave you the car… so I have to give you gas money too.”

Theerak looked at the credit card in his hand, then back up at Muenfah.

“…”

“And this is the keycard to my condo.” he said, pointing at the white card.

“Phii Fah… you don’t need to cover gas for me. I can fill it up myself.”

“I’m not giving you the credit card just for gas. Buy whatever you want,    Theerak. If it’s not enough, just tell me—I’ll increase the limit for you.”

“Phii Fah… there you go again. I said no buying expensive stuff for me, but now you’re giving me a credit card to use like this…” Theerak tried to hand the card back, but Muenfah refused to take it and quickly tucked his wallet away. “It’s no different from buying me expensive things.”

“Don’t overthink it… Just think of it as helping me spend his money.”

“But…”

“I have to go now. My friends have probably been waiting for a while.”

“Sky, you’re changing the subject…”

“Heh.”

Theerak knew he couldn’t say no to stubborn Muenfah. So, he had to accept the credit card. Even though Muenfah gave him free rein to use it, Theerak had no intention of doing so.

I won’t use it.

I’ll help Phii Fah save his money.

“Are you leaving now, Phii Fah?”

“Yes…”

Theerak gazed at the owner of that sunshine-like morning smile and thought…

The mission to flirt with Muenfah…

…It’s not a failure after all.

“Did you forget something?”

Muenfah furrowed his brows slightly before saying, “What did I forget?”

The smaller guy pointed at his own forehead as a hint for a kiss. “The little one’s forehead…”

“Heh…” Muenfah chuckled in his throat before leaning down to kiss his forehead. “…Phii Fah forgot to kiss the little one’s forehead, huh?”

Mission to court Muenfah, Day 1:

Theerak, earns 1 point.

 

#However Many Thousand Skies

“Last night, I slept at the restaurant.”

“Was you drunk?”

“Not drunk, but I had some liquor and didn’t want to drive.”

“Good call, Phii Fah.”

“The naughty one doesn’t have classes today, right?”

“Right…”

“If I finish up at the shop early, I’ll take you out for ice cream.”

“Isn’t you opening the shop today?”

“I’m taking a day off. Last night was a heavy drinking session, and Real’s out of it too.”

“…you don’t have to take me for ice cream. Once you’re done at the restaurant, go rest at the condo instead.”

“I miss you so much…”

It was probably that sentence, paired with the tired tone in Muenfah’s voice from this morning, that made Theerak drive over to bring some of his mom’s fish porridge to him at the shop. Today, his mom made fish porridge for him and Grandpa, so Theerak asked for a portion to share with Muenfah. He told his mom it was for someone special.

The smile on his mom’s face as she handed him the bag of fish porridge…

It made Theerak’s heart swell.

:]

The smaller guy sang “Love Eternity” along to the music playing softly while driving. Theerak didn’t just sing—he also bobbed his head lightly to the rhythm.

“May the love that’s born last forever ~”

His hand turned the steering wheel into the parking lot of Your Sky. A male staff member waved to guide him toward the inner parking area. Theerak was about to reverse into a large empty spot when the sound of a whistle and the man running toward him made him stop and roll down the window.

“Can’t I park here?”

“Rak, it’d be better to park in the owner’s area. It’s much wider there and a lot easier to park.”

Theerak scanned the VIP parking area and felt puzzled. Muenfah had said the shop wasn’t open today, yet there were several sports cars parked there. Normally, Muenfah didn’t open in the afternoon either. Theerak figured he might’ve come to surprise him at the wrong time—Muenfah could be entertaining some important customers.

Before driving out of the house, Theerak called Muenfah to ask what he was up to. As usual, Muenfah replied that he was still sorting things out at the shop and promised to pick him up as soon as possible. Theerak decided to drop by unannounced, figuring he’d arrive just before Muenfah finished everything.

“Sir… are there VIP customers in the shop?”

“Oh, they’re friends of Khun Fah… Last night, the shop hosted Noh’s birthday party.”

So it was the cars of Muenfah’s friends. Theerak had thought everyone had already left.

“…”

“Rak, this way, please. I’ll take you to park in the owner’s area.”

“Okay…” He wasn’t surprised that the staff knew his name and led him to the owner’s parking spot—Muenfah must have instructed all the employees about him.

The male staff member led him to an area with a sign that read “Restricted Zone.” Only two cars were parked there: the first was Muenfah’s black Ford Mustang, and the second was Phii Real’s Benz. Now, his Mini Cooper made it the third. Theerak turned to grab the bag of fish porridge he’d placed beside him before getting out of the car. He raised his hands in a wai to thank the staff member who’d helped guide him in.

“Thank you…”

“No need to thank me, Rak. I’m just doing my job.”

Theerak smiled at the staff member, bowed his head once more, and then walked out of the parking lot toward the shop. Just then, Phii Real stepped out, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Nong Rak… Are you here to see Fah?”

“Yes, Phii Real.”

“Did you tell Fah you were coming?”

Theerak gave a sheepish smile to Phii Real before saying, “No, I didn’t… heh.”

“No wonder Fah’s been in a bad mood nonstop. He probably didn’t know his favorite person was coming.”

“Is Phii Fah inside the restaurant?”

“Yeah, he’s in there scolding his friends.”

“…”

“Last night, they drank heavily. Those who couldn’t make it home crashed at the shop. This morning, Fah told them to get lost, but those jerks kept messing around and drinking more.”

“…”

“Right now, Fah’s about to chew out anyone who won’t leave.”

“Are there a lot of people in there?”

“Not too many, just over ten… The ones you’d know are Hia, Ball, Noh…”

Phii Real furrowed his brows, thinking, then continued, “Do you know

Noh?”

“I have seen Phii No talking to Phii Fah at the university, but I’ve never spoken to him.”

“Oh… The rest are just old friends of mine and Fah’s.”

“…”

“Don’t worry, little one. Go in, and you’ll see Fah standing and smoking in the glass room…” As they talked, Phii Real rubbed his face with one hand. His bloodshot eyes made it clear he was dying to collapse onto a soft bed. “Fah isn’t drunk, but he barely slept—less than an hour—so he’s acting hungover. Once he smokes, he’ll feel better… Don’t get mad at him for smoking, okay?”

“I’m not upset, I understand Phii Fah.”

“So cute…”

Theerak flashed a smile at Phii Real, “…”

“I’ll head out first, okay? I’m going home to nap and then come back to help Fah clean up the shop later.”

“Sure… drive safely, Phii Real.”

“Will do…” Phii Real ruffled his hair before walking off.

Theerak headed through the back of the shop, making a beeline for the glasshouse room because Phii Real had said Muenfah was there. Before he even reached the area, he heard Muenfah’s voice booming from a distance.

“You bastards! If I don’t get to take Theerak for ice cream in time… I’ll come back and punch on each of your faces one by one.”

“…”

“Can’t we keep drinking for another hour, Fah? ~ It’s rare for us to get together like this… don’t you miss us at all?”

Theerak quietly crept closer to the glasshouse room, staying hidden in a spot where Muenfah and his friends probably wouldn’t see him. Muenfah, wearing a short-sleeved white shirt and ripped black jeans, was standing and smoking with an irritated expression. Meanwhile, his friends were drinking at the table, and Theerak shook his head, stifling a laugh when he saw some of them passed out with their faces on their glasses.

…If you can’t handle it, don’t push yourself~

Falling asleep at the table like that will only make Phii Fah angrier…

“Miss you my ass… hurry up and leave already. Next year, don’t even think about holding it at my restaurant again, you bastard No. What a damn mess.”

“Haha, I’ll hire a cleaning company to take care of it.”

“No need to meddle. I can handle it myself.”

“I don’t see Fah changing like you said at all, Hia. He’s still cussing us out like back in high school… but you said he’s ridiculously handsome now, and yeah, I’ll admit, he’s damn good-looking.”

“Handsome as hell, but last night he didn’t touch a single girl.”

Theerak smiled to himself and thought…

Muenfah wouldn’t dare touch any girl.

Because Muenfah’s almost-boyfriend is super fierce.

“See? That’s why I said he’s changed,” Hia said, pausing to hiccup. “He doesn’t want anyone else, just his Nong Rak. You guys haven’t seen him when he’s with Nong Rak.”

“The one he’s taking for ice cream?”

“Yeah, his Theerak,” Hia replied. “Some kid, I don’t know, ridiculously cute.”

“What’s Fah like when he’s with his Theerak?”

Hia raised a hand to stop his friend. “I’m too drunk to handle this, ask Ball instead.”

“What the hell, Hia?”

“Ask again and I’ll puke on your face.”

“Still as rude as ever…”

“Ask Fah yourself. I don’t want to get kicked,” Ball said.

“So, big guy… what version of you comes out when you’re with Theerak?” The questioner downed his drink and turned to Muenfah. “No said you’re head over heels for that kid… is it true?”

Theerak looked at Muenfah, who stood silently without responding. He raised a white cigarette to his lips. Theerak prayed Muenfah wouldn’t say he was smitten. If he did, Theerak would surely explode—and then everyone would know he’d been eavesdropping on the conversation because of the blast.

The sound of exploding would be loud…

…Not just loud, BOOM!

But more like, thump, thump, thump, thump!

…Even though Muenfah didn’t answer his friends’ question, Theerak still wanted to blow himself up because of the smirk that appeared after Muenfah exhaled a puff of white smoke. His friends must know him so well that they could guess the answer just from that smile. Everyone started teasing, making the tall smoker burst into laughter. Muenfah tried to suppress his grin before raising his middle finger at his friends.

“Nong Theerak is amazing!…He got Fah all flustered!”

“I told you he’s changed…”

“I believe it now.”

“When are you guys heading back?” Muenfah asked.

“You’re really kicking us out!”

“I need to hurry and see Theerak…”

Theerak let out a soft laugh when he heard that.

Muenfah’s phrase, clear things at the shop apparently meant kick out the friends…

“Kicking us out because you miss the kid, huh?”

“Yeah…”

Thump, thump, thump, thump… it was back again—his heart pounding because of Muenfah. Theerak pressed his lips together tightly before mustering the courage to walk toward him. He planned to interrupt because he was afraid Muenfah’s friends might ask something even more embarrassing—and Muenfah never beat around the bush. He always answered straight to the point. Theerak didn’t want to explode more than once in a day, so he had to step in to prevent repeated self-detonations.

“How much do you miss him?”

A question from one of the friends made Theerak freeze mid-step.

“Don’t mess with me…”

“Haha… answer first. If it’s a good enough answer, we’ll leave right away.”

“You guys are consistently shitty friends, seriously.”

“Haha… answer first, man, don’t curse yet.”

Muenfah shook his head before bringing the cigarette back to his lips. “…” “No heart at all!”

“Yeah, you miss him but act all tough about it.”

“What the hell do you guys want from me?”

“Haha… we just want to know how much you miss that kid!”

“I miss him so much…”

“That’s all, huh, Fah?” Muenfah’s friend teased loudly. Everyone got the satisfying answer they wanted and started getting up from the table. Those who had passed out were helped up by others.

“I’ll head back then… Back to my wife. Haven’t seen her all night, and I miss her.”

“Yeah, finally time to go, you-jerks…” Muenfah said, exhaling a puff of white smoke. He glanced at his friends and shook his head in exasperation.

“Fah… Give your friends one more heartwarming answer. Do you miss your wife a lot?”

Theerak gripped the plastic bag with the fish porridge tightly, thinking…

Please don’t say something like that, Phii Fah.

“…I miss my wife so much it’s breaking my heart.”

“…”

“You guys hurry up and go… I’m going to see my wife too.”

“Wooooooo… We’ve got the president of the Wife-Obsessed Club right here!”

“Yeah, go back to your wives, you lovesick fools!…I’ll stay and watch the restaurant as the single guy.” Phii Hia said.

…It’s unclear whether it was the loud teasing echoing through the shop or

Muenfah’s words that made Theerak internally explode for the second time.

He didn’t understand why he felt so shy about it—only that those words held immense power when they came from Muenfah.

“Oh… Khun Theerak.”

“…”

Theerak slowly turned toward the voice calling from behind. A female staff member who looked like Mew was smiling at him. He gave her a faint smile before turning back to Muenfah. At that moment, all eyes were on him, but no pair made his heart race like those eyes.

The sharp, striking eyes of Muenfah…

“Is this him… Nong Theerak?”

“Nong Rak ~” Phii Hia called out, preparing to rush toward him, but Muenfah nodded at Phii Ball as a signal to intervene. Phii Ball grabbed Phii Hia’s arm to hold him back.

“This is him… My Theerak.”

“…”

“Wooooooo…”

“Hell yeah… Let’s tease Fah to death today!”

Theerak lowered his gaze to his feet, unable to meet anyone’s eyes. His face felt flushed, and his already pounding heart raced even faster when he saw a pair of black Vans stop in front of him. He looked up at the tall guy giving him that familiar smile.

“Have you been here long?”

“Uh…”

Muenfah raised an eyebrow as if questioning, then stepped back to give him some space. Perhaps because Theerak frowned in confusion at the distance, Muenfah raised his hand to show the cigarette between his fingers. He smiled and nodded in understanding at Muenfah.

“I’m smoking… Theerak, stay back a bit for now.”

“Okay…”

“Theerak, you’re surprising me again, huh?”

“Are you happy to see me?”

“Over the moon.”

“Just saying ‘Okay’ is still cute… What did you eat at home, little one?”

“You jerk No, don’t mess with my Theerak.” Muenfah snapped at his friend before turning back to flash him a smile. “Theerak, wait for me in the glass room first, okay? I’ll follow you in…”

“Okay, Phii Fah.”

Theerak nodded and walked into the glass room. As he turned to close the door, he saw Phii Hia and Phii No waving at him. He waved back to be polite, but Sky, standing nearby smoking, raised his free hand and pointed at him like he was scolding a naughty kid. As usual, Muenfah mouthed words without sound.

Muenfah said…

“You’re gonna get spanked.”

The small guy laughed until his mouth stretched wide at Fah’s possessiveness before heading to sit in his usual chair. Theerak glanced around, and memories of that first day they met came flooding back.

Theerak still remembered…

The forty-five minutes Muenfah had left to give him The time Muenfah handed over entirely to him.

Theerak smiled as he thought…

…No more of Muenfah’s time…No more of Theerak’s time Now, it’s just…

our time.

“Waiting long?”

Theerak looked at the tall figure who’d changed into a short-sleeved black shirt and sat beside him. “Did you change your shirt?”

“Yeah, I had a new one in the car.”

“Was something wrong with the old one?”

“It had too much cigarette smell on it…”

…Even though there was still a faint trace of cigarette scent, Theerak thought it was so subtle he could barely notice it. Muenfah must have spritzed on some cologne too.

“Did you add some cologne?”

“Yeah…” Muenfah nodded, pulling his phone out of his pants pocket. He looked down at it, tapping away, before adding, “…The scent the little one likes.”

“R “Heh…” The tall guy chuckled in his throat before tilting his cheek toward him while tapping on his phone. “So, do you like this scent a lot or just a little?”

“…” Muenfah glanced away from his phone when he stayed silent. Theerak scrunched his nose at him before saying, “I’m not sniffing your cheek…”

“Heh… how long can you resist kissing my cheek, I wonder?”

Theerak broke into a wide smile…

This Fah guy He’s really something Always making him lose every time.

“Phii Fah… actually, today I came to flirt with you,” Theerak said, holding up two fingers. “…It’s day two.”

“Did you flirt with me yesterday too?”

Theerak blinked rapidly. Now he felt a little less confident. He’d been so clingy yesterday—didn’t Muenfah feel anything at all?

“Y-Yes… I flirted yesterday.”

“The one being flirted with didn’t feel a flutter at all…” Muenfah said, giving him a sly look.

Theerak sighed before replying, “That’s because Phii Fah keeps making my heart race, so my flirting efficiency goes down.”

“Heh.”

“But Rak is keeping score. If I get ten points within a week… that means

I’ve successfully won Phii Fah over.”

Muenfah leaned in to kiss his nose before asking, “How many points do you have so far?”

“One… Yesterday, when I begged you to kiss my forehead, I thought I did really well, so I gave myself one point.”

“Heh.”

“Today, I will earn another point… no, two points, because I’ll get one more from Mom’s fish porridge,” Theerak said, picking up the bag of porridge beside him to show Muenfah.

“For your mom’s fish porridge… I will give you two points.”

“…” Theerak grinned widely when he heard that.

“But for little naughty you… we’ll have to see how you do today.”

“Sky…” Theerak said softly, looking at the sly Fah who was back at it again.

Today, Muenfah is definitely going to be hard to flirt with, T___T.

“I will keep your mom’s fish porridge for now. I’ll take it back to eat at the condo. Right now, I can’t eat anything.”

“Why can’t you eat… Are you feeling sick, Phii Fah?” Theerak reached out to place his hand on Muenfah’s forehead to check his temperature. “You’re not warm…”

“I just need to rest my eyes more than anything.”

“…” Muenfah did look genuinely tired.

“Is little naughty you hungry?”

“No… I already ate at home, I like two scents… but I don’t like them equally.”

“Just now, Phii Fah ordered ice cream for Theerak. The staff will probably bring it soon…”

“Thank you so much…”

Muenfah leaned in, pressing his nose against his cheek, and mumbled,    “Does you want another point?”

“Of course I do… Right now, I’m thinking of ways to sweet-talk you.”

“Heh… You don’t need to sweet-talk me. I will give it to you anyway.”

“…” Theerak frowned, puzzled. Just a moment ago, the sly Muenfah was still being stingy with points.

“Can I lie on your lap?”

“In this room?” Theerak’s eyes widened as he asked. Muenfah nodded. He scanned the room. If Muenfah really lay on his lap, he’d have to lie on the floor—but there was no way Muenfah would do that. “Where will you lie down?”

“Theerak, stand up first. I’ll tell you…”

…Whether it was curiosity or the desire for another point, Theerak stood up as instructed. Muenfah rose to his full height, then lifted him onto the long wooden table. The tall guy sat back down in his original chair, scooting closer before parting Theerak’s legs with both hands and slipping himself between them.

Muenfah wrapped his arms around his waist and tilted his face onto Theerak’s left thigh. His height must have made this position comfortable for him.

Theerak thought… lying on his lap like this

…wasn’t good for his heart at all.

“I’m going to rest my eyes for a bit.”

At first, Theerak didn’t know where to put his hands. But the soft voice of the big guy lying on his lap made him decide to place one hand on Muenfah’s broad back, while the other gently stroked his head.

Theerak smiled faintly. “One point… don’t forget, Phii Fah.”

“Heh.”

Theerak played with Muenfah’s chocolate-brown hair, thinking… today, he loved Muenfah even more. Yesterday, he thought his heart was already overflowing with love for him, but loving Muenfah seemed to make his heart grow bigger every day. If he kept loving Muenfah like this maybe his heart would end up bigger than his body…

Creak…

The sound made Theerak shift his gaze from Muenfah to the door. A female staff member stood there holding an ice cream cup, looking back and forth between him and Muenfah lying down. Theerak didn’t know how to handle the situation. He raised a finger to his lips, signaling her not to say anything.

She slowly walked over and handed him the ice cream cup. Theerak took it and bowed his head in thanks. He let out a sigh after she left, his eyes drifting to the melting ice cream in the cup. He wanted to eat it since it’d be a waste, but he was afraid the condensation dripping from the cup might fall onto Muenfah.

“Theerak, eat the ice cream… Don’t worry about me.”

Theerak nodded at the person resting his face against him, thinking

Muenfah had fallen asleep. “Yes, Phii Fah.”

Theerak scooped a spoonful of lemon-flavored ice cream into his mouth, wondering if the chocolate flavor had run out. He wasn’t too fond of sour flavors, but out of reluctance to waste it, he forced himself to eat.

“I didn’t know little naughty you were coming. The chocolate ice cream at the shop ran out, so Phii Fah had the staff bring the lemon flavor instead.”

“It’s okay, Phii Fah… Even though I doesn’t like this flavor, I can eat it.”

“You don’t like it because it’s sour, right?” Muenfah said, lifting his head to meet his eyes. He reached one hand to the back of his neck, pulling him closer until their faces were near.

Kiss…

Muenfah kissed him on the lips again.

“…Does it taste sweeter now?”

Theerak thought the lemon ice cream still tasted just as sour, but Muenfah’s kiss was sweeter than yesterday. He pressed his lips together and glanced at the pale green ice cream in the cup. Muenfah chuckled in his throat while staring at him, probably realizing he was shy and not pressing for an answer before resting his face back in the same spot.

“It’s sweet… I mean Phii Fah’s kiss, though.”

“Heh.” Muenfah tightened his hug, probably feeling playful enough to lightly nip at his leg with sharp teeth. “Theerak… earns two points.”

Theerak laughed until his mouth stretched wide before setting the ice cream cup aside. He rubbed Muenfah’s head as usual. Even though he’d gained points from Muenfah, Theerak knew full well he’d lost to the other completely.

…Never won a single time…

…And every time he lost there was nothing but smiles.

 

After Muenfah rested his eyes for nearly an hour, he had to go check on things at the restaurant. Theerak sat watching him work for quite a while and realized just how capable Muenfah was. Muenfah seemed far more experienced than others his age. He admired how the other had achieved so much at such a young age.

I will take Phii Fah as an example, okay?

Muenfah offered to drive him home as usual, but he told him to finish up at the shop instead. This time, with so much work to do, Muenfah reluctantly let him drive back alone despite it being late. Theerak promised to call as soon as he got home.

Now, Theerak had parked in front of his house. He pulled his phone from his pants pocket and called Muenfah. It seemed the other end was waiting for him, as the call was picked up quickly.

[Theerak, you’re home, right?]

“Yes…”

[Okay.]

“Has you finished work yet?”

[Not yet… Just a bit ago, I ate the fish porridge your mom made.]

“Was it good?”

[Really delicious. Please thank your mom for me.]

“Okay…”

[When I have some free time, I’ll go thank my boyfriend’s mom in person.]

Theerak laughed before saying, “The time to claim boyfriend privileges is over now, you know.”

[Heh.]

“Phii Fah, you get to the condo, call me, okay?”

[Khrapom…]

Khrapom,

So cute.

“…”

[I love you, you know.] But…

Phii Fah loves Theerak

Even cuter,

TBC 

 

YOURSKY CHAPTERS HOME