Chapter 1: And the sky keeps raining
Chapter Text
Unknown
“That was the darkest day of my life. It was raining, covering my tears. I failed to get into the school that was the first choice of my parents. I thought I would be the saddest person that night. But I met someone sadder than me. I guess he needed comfort more than me, so I gave him my umbrella and walked away. I didn’t know then that he would silently begin to change my world.”
Rain
The whole school waited with bated breath. They were all looking forward to celebrate the birthday of Varain Lee, one of the most popular students in the school. Varain’s parents were great businesspeople, especially in the field of education, and were big time benefactors of the school. “He is here! He is here! Let’s take a video!” someone called out and everyone whipped out their phones. But the person to walk up was Sky, Rain’s best friend. He stopped, with his mouth in a small frown and then looked back. Varain walked up behind him and was immediately surrounded by people. “Rain, this is for you. Happy birthday.” “Happy Birthday Rain!” “Hey! Happy birthday!” People pushed their gifts into his hands, which he handed over to Sky.
“Hey! You are free right? Come with me!” a boy standing by was dragged into watching a girl propose to Rain. She danced in front of him, and when it was done, everyone raised their boards behind her. “Rain! Will you be my boyfriend?” she asked. Rain stood there, unable to react, while everyone behind the girl began to chant and ask them to be together. Before Rain could say anything, the girl’s brother rushed up and stopped everything. “Ple!” he hissed. “What do you think you are doing with this ugly guy?” “Ugly guy? Who are you calling ugly guy Phi? You are the ugly guy!” Ple shouted. “Always you interfere in my life,” she shouted and stormed off, Som running behind her. The two of them pushed into someone whose board fell down. “Boring!” Sky rolled his eyes.
Rain bent down and picked up the board. “I think this is yours,” he said, handing it to the person in front of with a smile. He then walked off with Sky, not knowing that someone watched him longingly. Later in the music room, Sky opened all the gifts that Rain got, while Rain played the keyboard. “What are you going to do with all of these?” Sky asked. “What we do every year,” Rain said, not even bothering to look at the stuff that was being pulled out of the bags. Sky then laughed, and handed over his gift for Rain, a calligraphy pen set, who hugged him and thanked him.
3rd person
“Bad brother! Stupid brother!” Ple screamed at Som his friends watched the siblings fight. “You can think about being with any guy, but why him?” Som shouted back, frustrated. “Are you saying that because he is better than you in everything and you are just a sore loser?” she gave right back. Som spluttered, annoyed that even his sister was on the side of that stupid boy he hated so much. “Not at all!” he said. “Then in that case, promise me that you will never bother him or bully him. If you will do that, I will stop being your sister. You better promise me,” Ple said. “Okay, okay. I promise you,” Som said, not at happy with these turn of events. “Okay! You must keep this promise!” Ple said, before disappearing from there.
Rain
“My parents would be planning a small dinner for me. Why don’t you join us?” Rain asked. “I have to meet him,” Sky said. “Still that one?” Rain asked, noticing that Sky was a bit sad. Sky nodded. “Is he that good? You don’t seem very happy since a while.” Rain asked, internally concerned about the guy Sky was dating. Sky had never introduced the guy to Rain, but something about him rubbed Rain the wrong way. He really hoped that Sky would be okay. “He’s not as bad as you say,” Sky said, rolling his eyes for effect. “Does he not take care good care of you?” Rain asked. “The person who should be cared about today is you!” Sky said, putting both his hands on Rain’s shoulders, shaking him and making him smile. “Weird!” Rain said, laughing. “I will go to the canteen and get you something to eat, okay?” Sky said, and Rain nodded, smiling, knowing Sky was just trying to distract him.
Sky
Just as Sky left the room, he received a message from his boyfriend.
Gun: Let’s meet tonight. Wear the clothes that I got you last time.
Sky looked at the message and sighed. He felt like a ragdoll sometimes, but he was willing to do it, because he genuinely cared for Gun. He sometimes did get the feeling that Gun was just playing with his feelings, but Sky was too much into it to just let go. If he was being honest with himself, it was more to do with the fact that he hated to be failure. He hated the fact that Gun could make him do whatever he wanted, but Sky didn’t want to be proved wrong. With what he was, he knew that getting acceptance was not the easiest thing in the world. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Rain and Sky, someone left a small pack of juice with a beautiful message taped to it, wishing Rain a wonderful birthday.
3rd Person
As Rain and Sky left the school, Som stepped in front of them with his cronies. “Ai’Rain!” he said, belligerently, hands folded in front of his chest. “Now what Som?” Rain asked, keeping a small smile on his face. “I will let go of all those shitty things that happened between us before, but don’t try anything on my sister now,” Som said. “You mind your sister first. Rain doesn’t have the time to play tricks on you,” Sky said. “It’s not your turn to speak,” Bas, one of Som’s friends, said, pushing Sky away. “Last time, at the popularity contest, you both garnered so many votes because you teamed up together. Not like our Som, who is outstanding. How could he lose?” he added.
“His father is the President of the Parent-Teacher Association. He took advantage of his privilege to get second place,” Sky said. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Som asked, immediately annoyed. “Yeah, right!” Jack, another of Som’s friends said. “Okay, it’s almost time. Let’s go Ai’Sky,” Rain said, fed up of all these talks, and just wanting to get away.
Unknown
“I wonder if he still remembers that rainy night from an year ago? He handed me his umbrella as I sobbed my heart out.”
Phayu
Phayu slung his backpack on his shoulder as exited his last class of the day. As he walked past the notice boards, he saw the posters for the Student Council elections. Earlier that day, one of his teachers had shown him a brochure regarding a possible musical scholarship that he could receive, and that too for going abroad. “Really? That’s awesome Ajarn!” Phayu said, excitedly. “But you see? There is this thing. It says that you must be selected Student Council President, then the school will provide you with a scholarship to go to Berklee,” the Ajarn said. “But how about accommodation and living expenses?” Phayu asked. Living in the US could not be easy, right? “Everything will be covered,” the Ajarn said. “This is so great Ajarn,” Phayu said, as he turned the pages of the brochure.
Suddenly, Phayu looked up. “But Ajarn, I am a nobody at school. Can I still make it?” he asked. “Phayu, you have to believe in yourself. I have met many students like you. Just do it. You can definitely make it. You don’t have to worry about anything. I will help you compile everything,” the Ajarn said. Phayu was just staring at the board and considering what to do, when his phone rang. He smiled to see Pai’s name on the screen. “Ai’Pai! Ai’Fah! What’s up?” he asked, grinning from ear to ear. “Ai’Phayu! Whatcha doin’? he asked, smiling widely. “Nothing. Just got done with classes,” Phayu said. “See! See what I got for you?” Pai held up 2 tickets for a concert that Phayu had been dying to go to. “What! No way! Where did you get that from?” Phayu asked, his eyes rounding in excitement.
“Do you know how hard it was to buy them?” Fah asked. “What are you saying?” Pai asked, glaring at Fah. “Do you know who he bought it from?” Fah asked. “Okay, enough, enough! I will call you later Ai’Yu!” Pai said, before cutting the call. Phayu shook his head and laughed at the antics of his friends. “Wow! Yes! Pai is amazing” he said to himself, thrilled about the tickets. He looked at the sky, and then pulled out an umbrella before making his way home.
3rd Person
“We promised not to tell him,” Pai said to Fah, kicking him on his calf. “But you are not giving me the tickets. It’s always for him. You are always partial to him,” Fah said, pouting. “He is just a high school student,” Pai said. “So what if he is a high school student?” Fah asked, still upset. “Why? Are you jealous? What a fool you are!” Pai said, rolling his eyes and nimbly dancing away as Fah reached out to kick him. “You are the fool!” Fah said, as he rushed towards Pai. “Okay, okay, stop it! Let’s go!” Pai said. Fah nodded.
They were about to leave when suddenly the electricity in the practice rooms went off. They heard a scream and Pai and Fah both ran to check the source. There was a woman sitting on the staircase, crying softly. “What happened?” Both boys were immediately solicitous. “I almost tripped down the stairs when the electricity went off,” she said. “Don’t worry, we will get you until downstairs. But how will you go from there?” Pai asked. “My boyfriend will come pick me up,” the girl said. Pai put her on his back and went downstairs. A couple of minutes later, he boyfriend rushed there, taking her from Pai’s back, thanking the boys, and helping her to move away. “Isn’t that Dara’s boyfriend?” Fah asked. “Are you sure?” Pai asked. “A hundred percent,” Fah answered. “Should we tell her?” Fah asked, looking worried at Pai.
Rain
“I am home!” Rain said, as he entered, just to see his mom arranging food on the table. “Happy Birthday!” she said. “You got so many gifts?” she asked, as Rain kept all the packets down. “Yes,” he replied, smiling. “Look, I ordered your favourite food for you,” she said. “Love you mom! It looks tasty,” Rain said, bending down to see what all was there on the plates. “By the way, I have made sure that you are off from today’s private tutoring. Enjoy your birthday leave,” she said, smiling at Rain. He smiled back. “Is Appa okay with that?” he asked, just as his mom’s phone began to ring. From her conversation, he understood that they were getting ready to go out somewhere. Rain felt terrible, but he continued to smile outwardly.
Rain’s mom called out his dad, who came out talking on his phone as well. The moment he saw Rain, he came towards him. “I am giving you a day off. But you better make sure that tomorrow you make up for everything you missed today. I will come back and test your French. Also, you grades in the previous exam were really poor, so you better catch up with that as well. I have changed the tutors, work harder with them. You are one year older today, try to be more sensible. When I was your age..,” he trailed off as Rain’s mom stepped forward with a gift for him. “This is from both of us Rain. We will be out for a few days, just call if you need anything, okay?” she said. Rain hummed, and just like that, his parents were gone.
Phayu
Phayu entered his home just in time to see his Mae humming a tune and ladling something into a bowl. He smiled, fondly shaking his head. “Ma, I am home!” he said, hanging up his keys. “You are here! And just in time too,” she said, as she put a bowl in front of him, asking him to try it. “Wow! It smells good!” he said. She put a plate of meat out as a side dish. “Hey! How come there is so much of meat left over?” he asked. “I specially put it aside for my darling son!” she said, tweaking his chin. Phayu laughed, as his mom added more pieces of the meat to his congee. He chewed into it, and then paused, a strange look on his face.
“What? How is it? Did I succeed?” she asked, a worried look on her face. Phayu remembered his dad making the exact same dish and asking him the exact same question. He looked at his mom. “Why does it so much like what dad used to make?” he asked. His mom smiled. “It does? Then I can make it whenever we are missing him,” she said.
Sky
Sky waited outside his boyfriend’s condo with a pizza that he had bought on his way. He was dressed in a short denim skirt with and oversized blue and purple sweater and black ankle boots, with light make-up. He had added a wig as well, making him look gorgeous. This was what his boyfriend had bought for him, and instructed him to wear. And who was Sky to refuse him? He had been waiting a while, so he took out his phone to call him. Just the he saw P’Gun walking towards him, but he was not alone. A woman was with him, hanging on close to him, limping slightly. He kissed the woman. Sky was shocked. He immediately called up P’Gun. “I am busy today, I can’t make it. Another day, okay? Bye,” he said, hanging up the phone before Sky could say anything more than a hello. Sky watched in despair as Gun moved away towards his apartment with the girl in tow. He heard how that girl wanted to eat pizza and looked at the box in his own hands. Sky felt tired of everything.
Rain
“Hi everyone! What are you all upto? Look at all these wonderful gifts you all gave me! And this is the cake and food my parents have arranged for me! I just wanted to share all this with you, and thank you all for your wonderful wishes! It means a lot!” Rain said with a smile as he went live on his Instagram. The moment however the camera went off, his smile dropped, as he sat alone in an empty apartment and blew the candle on his cake. He felt sad and out of sorts, and not in a mood to do anything. He changed and took his cycle to the nearest 7-11, hoping that he could find some light snacks and drinks. Just as he was about to reach, someone nearly bumped into him, and to keep his balance, Rain shifted, and his foot stepped into dog poop, making him irritated.
He entered the 7-11 on his toes, trying to find a pair of slippers. The moment he found them, he took those, some snacks and an extra plastic packet to put in his dirty shoes. He stepped out after paying for everything, but was shocked to his core. “Where is my cycle? I left it here,” he said, looking around desperately. He hated the wetness of his tears drenching his voice. He looked around, even stepping to the corner of the 7-11, but to no avail. Suddenly, someone poured water from the apartment above and Rain was showered with it. He felt even more miserable about that when he was suddenly pulled back into someone’s arms, just as the water came down for the second time. He looked up to see a cutely nerdy boy in glasses, in whose arms, there was strength and safety, as they both stared into each other’s eyes.
Chapter 2: Just to shine on you
Summary:
Phayu gets a chance to be with his Rain, although Rain doesn't know he is Phayu's yet!
Gun is an asshole in every universe!
Notes:
Here with Chapter 2... Hopefully, the story will pick up.. it's a slow burn, so please be patient!!
On a more serious note.. I am a working professional, and I write for pleasure.. Most of the time, when i edit, there are chances that i may miss out stuff.. Please bear with me.. I mostly edit in the dead of the night and sleep has almost overtaken me.. I really hope you will enjoy my stories even if you think they are not edited well..
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Unknown
“Since I was a child, Mom and Appa took me to many high end restaurants. I didn’t however expect that my favourite would be the simple and warm egg soup at that humble snack shop. He no longer made me feel lonely.”
Rain
Rain tried to wipe his face and hair with a tissue. “Rain, wipe your hair properly, don’t catch a cold,” the boy said, taking out a small towel. Rain looked up as the boy smiled sweetly and put the towel on Rain’s head. “Do you want to change?” the boy asked. Rain shook his head. “No, never mind,” he said. “Then I will cook something hot for you,” the boy said. Rain nodded and watched as the boy scooped something hot into a bowl, and remembered how he had saved him. Soon, there was a bowl of hot soup and some sides in front of him. The boy set out cutlery. “Have the soup,” he prodded. Rain began to drink it. There was something so warm about the way he was being treated and the way the soup made him feel that he could not stop his tears from leaking out as he continued to drink, without looking up. “What is it? What is the matter?” the boy asked, as he head Rain sniffling. “The soup is too hot,” Rain said, with a small smile, not wanting to show weakness. “Then I will get a new one for you,” the boy said. “Never mind, it’s fine now,” Rain said.
“May I ask you a question?” the boy asked, making Rain look up again. “Are you made up of Copper and Tellurium?” the boy asked. Rain shook his head, looking puzzled. “Why?” he asked. “Because you are cu-te,” the boy said. Rain wanted to face palm. “It’s not that funny,” he said. The boy giggled cutely and looked away. “Umm.. are you from our school?” Rain asked, feeling a bit embarrassed. “Yes. I am in Class 6, Grade 3,” the boy said. “What’s your name then?” Rain asked. “I am Phayu Chaichana,” the boy said. Rain looked at him for a moment, and then picked up some meat and put it in his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully. “It’s very tasty,” he said, a smile flitting through his words. “All right, eat more,” Phayu said, smiling at Rain. Phayu continued to watch Rain as he ate, earning small little smiles from time to time.
Phayu
“I am really sorry to have bothered you,” Rain said, as soon as Phayu stepped out from under the shutter of his mom’s restaurant. “Thank you,” he added. “It’s nothing,” Phayu said. Phayu looked down at Rain’s slippers, making Rain look down upon it as well. “Could you keep what happened today a secret for me?” Rain asked. “Sure, I will!” Phayu promised. Then he paused. “Do you want me to send you home? I have a scooter,” he said. “How can a high-schooler ride a scooter?” Rain asked. “I am more than 18. I had to repeat an year for some reason,” Phayu said. “I should call a taxi,” Rain said. Phayu watched at Rain struggled to find cabs. “Why are there no cabs here?” Rain asked. Phayu smiled again. “Let me give you a ride back,” he said. “But I have never ridden a scooter before,” Rain said, looking and sounding sceptical. “Don’t worry, I am very skilled,” Phayu said, handing Rain a helmet. He was about to put on his own, when he saw Rain struggling. “Let me help you,” he said, adjusting the helmet and fastening it. “Is it too tight?” he asked, and Rain hummed out a refusal. “Also, I didn’t have a chance to say happy birthday to you today. Happy 18th,” Phayu said, smiling at Rain. Rain smiled back and blushed.
Phayu rode the scooter as slowly as he could, completely conscious of Rain’s hand around his waist. Suddenly, a man on a cycle crossed them, causing Rain to laugh. “Look, that uncle, on a cycle, is driving faster than us,” he said. “Well, I am a little nervous. Except for my mom, no one has actually ridden with me,” Phayu said. “Aow! It’s okay. I think you ride rather well,” Rain said. “Where do I go?” Phayu asked. “Turn right ahead,” Rain said. “Huh?” “Right! Right! Turn right ahead!” Rain said, trying to show the direction. The sudden movement unbalanced the bike, and the two of them fell off. “Are you alright?” Phayu asked, turning Rain this way and that way. “I am fine! I am fine,” Rain said, as he looked up. Suddenly, he began to laugh. “What? What happened?” Phayu asked. “Your glasses,” Rain said, giggling. Due the fall, Phayu’s glasses had become askew, making him look lopsided. Rain adjusted his glasses for Phayu, making Phayu blush slightly. He took off his helmet. Rain was still laughing. “Finally you smiled,” Phayu said. “It was really funny,” Rain said.
Both the boys sat in the nearby park with a cup of convenience store coffee. “I didn’t expect to be so embarrassed with you today,” Rain said. Phayu just smiled, knowing anything he said might not be believable. For a minute they both relaxed when Rain sat up suddenly. “What is the time right now?” he asked, sounding extremely worried. “What’s up?” Phayu asked. Rain looked at his own watch. “Not again!” he said, sounding defeated. “What happened?” Phayu asked again. “I still have a lot of homework to do,” Rain said, resignedly. “Can’t you even rest and relax on your birthday?” Phayu asked, shock colouring his voice. “No way! I have no time to relax. I can’t let my parents down, especially not my Appa,” Rain said. They sat in silence another minute. “How great would it be if I could just stay like this?” Rain asked, his sorrow permeating the very air around him.
Rain
Although he had never been to this side of the school, his feet unerringly found the way to Phayu’s class. He poked his head in, hoping to find him immediately, but it looked like Phayu was not in class. Rain was about to leave when a girl bumped into him. “Oh wow! Rain! How are you here?” she asked. “Is Phayu around?” Rain asked. “Nope, Phayu is not here. He went to talk to the music teacher,” the girl said. Rain thanked her and left. What he didn’t notice in his hurry to leave was Som approaching from another direction. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a boy bumped into him. Unfortunately for Rain, the boy was carrying a wet painting, making the paint transfer on Rain’s pants. Just as he was about to breakdown, Phayu was there. “Rain? What happened? What is this?” he asked, looking at Rain’s pants. “I don’t know,” Rain felt on the verge of tears.
“Okay, let’s calm down. You have something happening today, right?” Phayu asked. “Yes, I have to help with something related to the school Council, welcoming foreign dignitaries,” Rain said. Phayu whipped off the sweater he was wearing and tied it around Rain’s waist. “Come with me,” he said, dragging him away. He immediately took Rain to a secluded corner and tried to help him wipe the paint, but it wouldn’t work. “Look, I know that what you need to do is urgent for you, so why don’t we exchange pants?” Phayu suggested. “Huh?” Rain was confused. “Just hurry,” Phayu said, quickly pulling down his pants and handing it to Rain. “Umm, could you turn around? I am not used to this,” Rain said, feeling painfully shy. Phayu turned away at once. Rain quickly removed his pants and handed them to Phayu, wearing his, so that he could attend the Council event impeccably dressed.
Later that day, after the dignitaries had been sent off, Rain and Sky made their way to the music room. Another of Rain’s favourite drinks waited for him, with another note attached. “Hey! Looks like you black tea angel was here again,” Sky said, clearly making fun of Rain. “Even if it’s not perfect, it’s worth moving forward,” he read the message on the juice pack out loud. “I am really envious that you have your own angel,” he added as he handed the pack to Rain and seeing him smile. “You will have yours for sure too,” Rain said. “You have a lot of things going on, and you can handle them all. Now your Dad has given you a new mission, to become the Student Council President. Can you really handle all this?” Sky asked him. “As long as I have plans, it’s not a problem,” Rain said. Sky laughed. “Okay,” he said, sounding a little worried. “Forget it. Let’s organise other things first, then we will talk more,” Rain said, conveniently turning the conversation away. He didn’t want to burden Sky with his problems when Sky was clearly unhappy himself.
Sky
Sky sat at the small café that Gun had called him to. Dressed in a long olive green skirt with a slit on one side, boots and a black shirt, Sky was immune to the looks being sent his way. He had long ago realised that people had certain expectations from him, and he was okay to not live up to them. The server came up to his table. “May I take your order?” he asked as Sky looked up at him. “No thanks,” Sky replied, with a small smile. “Okay, call me if you need anything,” the server said, and Sky nodded. Sky remembered the scene from last night, where he had seen Gun with that woman. He felt out of sorts. Suddenly the server called out a welcome. Sky turned around to see Gun. “You are already here,” Gun said. “Why are you late again?” Sky asked. “Not that late. Anyway I am here,” Gun said, as he sat across Sky. The server came out with a glass of water and the menu.
“This is our menu. Would you like me to give you the recommendations?” he asked. “No thanks,” Gun said, waving the man away. The server left. Gun continued to scroll through his phone. “Do you see anything different about me?” Sky asked, making Gun look up. “Where?” Gun asked, looking Sky up and down. Sky sighed. “Lipstick! You gave it to me. Do you remember or not?” he asked. Gun just grunted and went back to his phone. “See, I already dressed up. Didn’t you say you would take me to an Italian restaurant? Why are we here again?” Sky asked. “It’s good here. The food at the Italian place is too expensive,” Gun said. “So you mean you can afford all the food here?” Sky asked. “Sure! Order whatever you want,” Gun said, putting his phone away.
Sky snatched the menu. He opened it and randomly pointed out several dishes he wanted to eat. “You will be able to eat all of this?” Gun asked. Sky nodded. “Okay,” Gun said, raising his hand to call the server. He called twice or thrice, but the server seemed to have disappeared. Just as he was about to call again, a woman suddenly barged into the café. “Gun!” she shouted, shoving him. “What are you doing here baby?” Gun asked, making Sky look up at him in surprise. “You lied to me again,” she shouted again. “I didn’t lie to you,” Gun said. “Then why are you with this high school student again?” she asked, pushing his hand away as he tried to touch her. “I didn’t lie to you,” Gun said again. “Then ask him to get lost now,” she said, trying to pout. Gun immediately went towards Sky and tried to lift him off the seat. “Leave! Please leave quickly. Stop pestering me,” he said.
Just then the server came rushing out. “What are you doing?” he said, shoving Gun off Sky. “What is it to you? Who are you?” Gun asked. “I am the shop assistant here. What do you want?” the server said. “So what?” Gun asked. “Do you know what kind of a person he is?” the server asked the girl who was with Gun. “Scumbag! If you don’t get lost, I will call the police,” the server said. “Go ahead!” Gun said. The server took out his phone. “Go ahead!” Gun said again. “Stop it!” the girl shouted and walked out of the café. Gun glared at the server one last time before running out behind the girl, not even sparing a glance towards Sky, who sat there, shellshocked. After few minutes, he left, heartbroken.
“Wait! Wait!” the server said, as he ran behind Sky. “You forgot your cake,” he said, handing Sky a small pastry box. Sky took it from him and immediately started stuffing his face, as the server watched. “Eat slowly,” he said, as Sky coughed, but Sky continued to stuff the cake in his mouth. The server sat next to him. “Don’t eat anymore,” he said, taking the pastry from Sky. “It’s none of your business!” Sky said, taking it right back. Sky put more in his mouth and started coughing again. “I said to stop eating. It’s not worth doing it for him,” the server said, sounding frustrated. “I don’t care if it’s worth it or not,” Sky said, continuing to eat. The server took out some tissues from the pocket, trying to wipe Sky’s fingers. Sky snatched the tissues and wiped his own hands. After wiping his hands, Sky stood up. “I am going to dismantle his bike. Do you want to go with me?” he asked.
Rain
Rain opened the fridge, wanting to eat something light, but there was nothing but some tomatoes and some eggs. Looking at the eggs, he was reminded of the deft way in which Phayu had broken the eggs and made soup for him. He knew what he wanted was the same soup that Phayu had made.
Phayu
Phayu stood patiently as his mom tightened his helmet. “Wear it tightly. Why would do you wear something that provides safety so loose?” she admonished sweetly. Phayu grinned at her. “Your pants have so many holes. Won’t you feel cold?” she asked, looking at his ripped jeans. “Not at all. Okay, I am leaving now,” he said. “Okay, good luck with your performance,” she said, as she waved him off. “Phayu, I love you!” she said in a sing-song voice, making the boy smile. “Be careful!” she called out after him.
Rain
Rain called out to Phayu as he left, but the boy was already gone. He sat back in the taxi he had booked and asked the driver to follow the scooter. He followed Phayu into a basement, trying to be quick about it, but by the time he reached there, Phayu had disappeared. He tried to follow him in, but the security said that he would need a ticket. “It’s okay, I will call my friend,” Rain said, stepping away. Just then a guy walked up. “Rain? You are Rain, right?” he asked. “Yes,” Rain said, nodding. “Hi, I am Pai. Are you here for Phayu?” the guy asked. Rain nodded again. “No worries,” Pai said. “P’Chai, this is our close friend, please let him in once you close here,” he added. The security guard nodded, and Pai turned to Rain. “Just wait here, P’Chai will send you in,” he said. Rain smiled, grateful.
When he entered the room, he saw Phayu on stage. Ripped jeans, a blue sleeveless sweater, with silver chains skilfully placed around his torso and arms, long earrings on both ears, bracelets twinkling on one hand, no glasses, hand wrapped around a mic, as he belted out the most amazing song with his bandmates. Whatever he had been expecting, it was definitely not this. Rain was surprised, yet thrilled. He pulled up his phone camera to take a video, as he listened to Phayu sing and rap. Rain was completely mesmerised. Phayu shone so brightly, like a beacon of light that burst into flames in Rain’s heart.
Notes:
Appreciate all constructive criticism!
Chapter 3: Slowly getting closer
Summary:
Phayu and Rain get closer, as both face some sad moments
Notes:
So, I am seriously wondering whether to continue this story or not. It was such a labour of love, but I don't see much enthusiasm over it... Please let me know what you think...
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Unknown
“I didn’t expect that he would discover my other identity like this. Even though I rehearsed it many times in my mind, I am still worried about what he would think of me.”
Rain
He continued to play the song on a loop as he walked home, watching the video, when suddenly a message alert caught his attention. “Shit! I am late!” he shouted as he raced home.
Phayu
Phayu came down the stairs to his bandmates waiting for him, discussing something. “So? Did you find him?” Pai asked. Phayu shook his head despondently, sitting on the stairs. “Did you really see him?” he asked. “Yes! I let him in,” Pai said. “What? Who?” Fah asked. “Just that guy,” Yihwa said slyly, snapping her fingers in front of Phayu, making him blush. “Seriously? Don’t tell me Rain came? Was it him?” Cho asked. “Rain came here today?” Fah asked. “Yup, he was standing in the front,” Yihwa said. “Why didn’t I know about it? Why didn’t I see him?” Cho asked. “I didn’t see him either,” Phayu said, sighing. Pai patted his head. “Alright, let’s chat as we walk,” he said. “Let’s go,” he said to everyone else. “Let’s go find something to eat,” Fah said. “I am not going,” Phayu said, standing up. “I have to go help mom close the stall,” he added. “Are you really not coming?” Yihwa asked. “Do you want to get some takeaway with you?” Pai asked. “No, no. You guys go ahead. I will see you soon,” Phayu said. “Okay, take care buddy!” Cho said, as Phayu left.
Phayu’s mom was cleaning the tables as he arrived. “You are back?” she asked, immediately coming to the entrance. “I am back,” Phayu said, smiling at her. “Did your performance go well today?” she asked. “It went well,” Phayu said. “You were in such a hurry when you left today. Someone came to look for you,” she said. “Who?” he asked. “I have never seen him before. It was a guy. About this tall, thin, really cute, sort of Korean looking. I have never seen him before,” she said. ‘Was she talking about Rain?’ Phayu thought, as he unbuttoned his coat. He quickly changed and made his way to Rain’s house with a packed bowl of soup, smiling at the thought of seeing him again.
Rain
“In the next class, I want to hear the beginning and the end of this piece,” Rain’s music teacher said, as he walked her to the door. “Yes Ajarn. And sorry for being late today,” he said, waiing politely. “It’s okay. Just make sure it’s not repeated again,” she said, reaching out, seeing Rain close up into himself. Rain was about to go in after the teacher left when his security guard called him. “Khun Rain, a Khun Phayu left this for you. Since you were in class, he asked me to give it to you,” he said, handing Rain a food parcel. Rain took it and thanked the guard. Rain smiled as he watched the soup heat. He took the note that came with it. He knew this stationery. It belonged to his black tea angel. He leaned back and stared at the note. Then he took out his phone and looked for Phayu’s Instagram and followed him. He then went on and liked all of his pictures.
Phayu
Phayu was leisurely walking back home when his phone pinged with a series of notifications. Puzzled, he dug it out from his pocket.
@rainydays: Thanks for the egg soup.
@rainydays: Next time it will be my treat. This is my number.
“Rain?” Phayu was thrilled at the messages and quickly followed him back and saved his number as well. He whooped a resounding yes, causing passers-by to look at him weirdly.
Rain
Rain sat down with the hot soup, super excited for a repeat of the taste that had warmed him and made him so happy. He saw his phone, and saw messages from an unknown number and understood immediately that it was Phayu. So he immediately saved it.
Phayu🌪️: You are welcome. This is Phayu.
Phayu🌪️: Did you like the taste?
Me: It’s very good. I knew it was you.
Me: I like it very much
Suddenly he heard the door opening and turned his phone upside down. “Rain, we are back,” his mom said. “How come you are back earlier?” he asked. “Well, we got done, so we came back,” she said. “Did you behave well when we were not here?” she asked. “Yes mom,” he said. “You seem to have lost weight. Did you?” she asked, going closer to him. He shifted uncomfortably. “What’s with this egg soup?” she asked, stirring it. “I recently discovered this..,” he trailed off as she picked up the bowl. “Don’t eat these unhealthy things,” she said, upturning the bowl in the kitchen sink. Rain felt shattered.
“How is your homework going nowadays? Are there any problems?” Rain’s father asked him. Rain missed the question as he was watching his mother. His father knocked on the table. Rain was startled. “Your father is talking to you, and you are looking around?” his father said. “Each of your teachers told me that you are not attentive in class and no one praised you. You still have not decided on your college. Can you be more self-aware? Listen carefully. You are about to run for President of the Student Union. I have already spoken to Uncle Anuman. You can ask his son Sky to help you. Don’t let me down again,” his father said, as Rain listened with his head lowered. “Enough now, relax everyone,” his mom came forward and said. “Don’t use the same method that you used on your employees, on your son,” she said. His father left abruptly after that. His mom told him about the food she had ordered for him, but all Rain could think of was the soup that Phayu had left for him.
Phayu
Phayu sat in his room, listening to the track that he had recorded with his bandmates, trying to ensure it’s quality. Once he was satisfied, he sent a voice message to Pai.
Me: Pai, I have sent you the audio file. Let me know what you think.
He then shut everything down and lay back in bed, looking at the form for the music school his teacher had given him. He knew she had a lot of confidence in him, but he was not so sure of himself. He remembered a conversation that he had shared with his mom a few days ago.
Phayu chose to work with his mom at her shop. He was cleaning up one of the tables soon after the customers had left, and had completely forgotten that the brochure for the music school was lying with his other school work. Phayu’s mom saw it and picked it up. She frowned as she read the details inside, unsure of what it was. Phayu had still not noticed, as he cleaned with one hand and scrolled Rain’s messages with another. “Phayu, do you want to study at Berklee?” his mom asked. “Huh?” he looked up, seeing what she was doing. He immediately put away his phone. “I am thinking about it,” he said hesitantly.
“Just go if you want to,” his mom said. He came forward to clear another table. “The tuition must be very expensive?” she asked. “The school will subsidise it by giving me a full scholarship as long as I am elected as the president of the student union,” Phayu said. “Can you make it?” his mom asked. “I haven’t signed up yet,” he replied. “Why not?” she leaned forward. “I am worried about you, that you will not be able to take care of yourself. And I am worried about this noodle stall,” he said. “Phayu Chaichana, I am already over 18 years old. I have grown up, okay?” his mom said, her expression deadpan, as Phayu shook his head and laughed.
“Look at this noodle stall. It’s called Mae Chaichana’s Noodle Shop. It’s mine, okay? I know best how to take care of myself,” she said, as Phayu smiled fondly. “Follow your dreams. Be bold. Now, please go, close the shop, and don’t keep giggling,” she said, making him smile more. His mother was truly an amazing woman, and there was no one quite like her.
Phayu stood at the end of the corridor with the form for the student union elections in his hand, still contemplating whether to fill it or not. What he had told his mother had been the absolute truth, albeit not the whole truth. He was worried about her, but at the same time, there was something else holding him back. He was staring at the form when he felt a presence beside him. He was startled to see Rain looking into the form. “Rain?” he said. Rain smiled at him. “Are you running in the election?” he asked. “Actually, I wanted to tell you something,” Phayu said turning to face him fully. Rain nodded. “Umm.. my dream is to study music at a music academy overseas,” Phayu said. “That sounds great!” Rain said, soundly truly excited for Phayu.
“But I am afraid that my study abroad will cause a great burden on my family. My music teacher here at school said that if I could get elected as the student union president, the school will give me a full scholarship and I could study abroad. So I was wondering if I should try it,” Phayu asked, looking at Rain to see if he could feel any change in his expressions. “Yes, of course, you should. It’s such a great opportunity!” Rain said, still sounding thrilled for Phayu. “You don’t mind?” Phayu asked hesitantly. “No, why should I mind?” Rain frowned, then smiled. “Any way, running for the student president is not something I wanted to do in the first place. It’s my dad who wants me to do that, and I just don’t want to disappoint him,” Rain said, looking unfocused at a distance.
He turned around when he felt Phayu’s scrutiny. “Quickly fill it in. Don’t hesitate anymore!” he said, giving his bunny smile to Phayu, who still didn’t look very convinced. “Let’s work hard together, okay?” Rain added, trying to ease Phayu. Phayu smiled back, and Rain leaned forward to help him fill the form.
3rd Person
“The list of candidates for the president of the student union is out. Rain is sure to be there,” Bas, Som’s friend said, looking at his laptop, as Som played a game on his mobile. “And that silent guy from the other class? Phayu? He is going to be there as well,” Bas continued. “This is so annoying!” Som said, nearly throwing his phone in disgust. “Hey! Why don’t you run for it as well?” Bas asked Som. “Wow! Good idea!” Som said. “Okay, then what do we do now?” Jack, another friend of his asked. Som looked thoughtful.
Rain
Mom: Rain, we have to go out for a few days because something suddenly cropped up. Remember to study hard and eat well.”
Rain sighed over the message from his mom. It was not the first time it was happening, nor would it be the last, but suddenly, there was a sense of loneliness in him. He was about to give up and go to his room when he spotted Phayu’s pants on the dining table. He immediately called Phayu. “Hey! Are you free?” he asked, as soon as Phayu picked up. “I am at the shop. What happened?” Phayu asked, sounding strangely upset. Rain could hear a lot of noise in the background, as if something was being broken. “I wanted to return your pants and eat the soup you made,” he said. Before Phayu could say anything, Rain heard someone else speak. “What is the use of raising a nephew like you? You don’t give a penny to your uncle!” “Hello? Hello?” Rain called out. “Are you okay?” he asked. “Rain, sorry, I am not available now,” Phayu said, and the line disconnected. He was gone, just like that. Rain couldn’t help feeling concerned and worried, as if something was wrong, as he stared at his phone. He decided to best go and meet Phayu.
Phayu
“Just leave okay?” Phayu said to his uncle, who had once again come to the shop, completely drunk, and was causing a mess. “Noodles! Where are my noodles? Why are you not making noodles for me?” After serving his uncle, Phayu cleaned up the shop so that his mom would not come home to the mess his uncle had created. “When will your mother come home? Let me tell you,” his uncle said, trying to stand, and knocking everything down in his drunken state. Phayu just glared at him, not deigning to reply to him. “Your mom is my sister,” he said, cackling evilly, as he almost upturned a table. Just the Rain came running. “Phayu!” he called out, and Phayu’s uncle immediately lurched forward. “Rain?” Phayu said, sounding scared. His uncle caught the lapels of Rain’s coat. “Are you Phayu’s friend?” he asked, clinging on. “Who are you? Who are you?” Rain asked, a little scared.
“Give me money! Give me money!” his uncle shouted, pushing Rain, who fell into a chair. Phayu was done! “You better leave now, or I am calling the police,” he shouted as he helped Rain up, holding on to him. His uncle ran for his life. Phayu immediately tried to help Rain up. “Are you okay?” he asked, worry etched into his voice and face. Rain nodded. “Were you scared?” Phayu asked. He was terrified that Rain would hate him now. Phayu took Rain up his room. “Come in and sit. Let me see if you have been hurt somewhere,” Phayu said, indicating a seat. “Here?” Rain asked. Phayu nodded and immediately knelt down. ‘Where does it hurt? Here?” he asked, trying to lift the leg of Rain’s pants. “Wait, let me do it,” Rain said, pulling up the trouser leg. The moment Phayu saw the bruise on Rain’s leg, he panicked. “Will it get infected? Let me take you to the hospital!” he said, trying to pull Rain up.
“It’s okay, it’s a small injury,” Rain said, holding on to Phayu’s hand. “We will just apply some medicine, and it will be fine,” he added, trying to ease Phayu. Phayu took out the first aid kit stored in his room, and pulled out a stool, as Rain extended his leg. “Put it up here,” Phayu said, indicating his knee. Rain looked a bit hesitant. “It’s fine, be careful,” Phayu said, lifting Rain’s leg as delicately as he could and placing it on his. He very carefully applied medicine on Rain’s leg. “Does it hurt?” he asked, sounding very worried. “Umm-hmm,” Rain hummed, but suddenly jerked back when the medicine stung a bit. Phayu immediately looked up. “I am sorry! I will be more gentle,” he said. Rain looked at him and smiled softly. Phayu felt terrible. “I am really sorry about today. Sorry,” he repeated. “Never mind,” Rain said.
“Were you scared?” Phayu asked. “Is your uncle always like this?” Rain asked. “He wasn’t like this before. He has been having a tough time lately. He often comes to the shop and makes a fuss when he is drunk and asks Mae for money,” Phayu said, sounding sad. Rain tsked. “I didn’t expect you to have suffered so much,” he said, wanting to comfort Phayu, but not knowing how. “Done. Be careful,” Phayu said, as he gently placed Rain’s foot down. “Thank you,” Rain said. “Let me see if you are hurt anywhere else,” Phayu said, turning Rain this way and that. Suddenly Rain noticed something. “Why is it reddened here?” he asked, moving Phayu’s collar and exposing his neck. “Let me see,” he said, unbuttoning Phayu’s shirt to get a closer look. “Umm, I think I got scalded today,” Phayu said, as if it was no big deal.
“Why didn’t you tell me? Doesn’t it hurt?” Rain asked. Phayu pulled back his collar to check the wound on his own. “It’s okay. I am used to getting scalded,” Phayu said, not even looking up. “Who would get used to getting scalded?” Rain asked, and something in his tone made Phayu look up. “I often help out at the shop, and it is a noodle shop after all,” Phayu said. “Hmm,” Rain said, reaching forward to look at Phayu’s injuries. “It’s all red,” he said, sounding almost on the verge of tears. “This won’t do,” he said, sounding firm, as he tried to open another button on Phayu’s shirt. “Uh, I will do it,” Phayu said. Rain nodded and moved back, but as soon as Phayu removed the button, he pushed the collar back. He was about to apply medicine when Phayu took it from him. “I will do it,” he said. “Does it hurt?” Rain asked. “Not really,” Phayu said, as he reached back to apply the cream.
It was obvious he was not able to reach the right spot, so Rain took it from him. “Let me do it,” he said. “Thank you,” Phayu said, as Rain pulled him closer into his embrace, softly applying the medicine. Phayu was engulfed in Rain’s scent. He wanted nothing more than to burrow himself in all that peace, in the arms of the boy he had fallen in love with so long ago, the boy who had thought of nothing but helping a stranger. Phayu looked at him. “Don’t move. If you move, it will hurt more,” Rain said softly. He pulled Phayu even closer, as his fingers slowly rubbed the cream into the wound. Phayu closed his eyes as he felt himself getting lost in the sensations that Rain’s fingers evoked in him. He was snapped back to reality and Rain’s hand went lower down his back. He pulled away with a sheepish smile. “All right, I am fine,” he said, much to Rain’s surprise.
“I see I got your clothes dirty. How about to give them to me and I wash it for you?” he said, quickly buttoning his shirt. “But I am not done yet,” Rain said. ‘I am fine,” Phayu said, getting up and moving away. “Where are you going?” Rain asked. “I will get you some clothes. You can wear those, while I wash these,” Phayu said rushing away. “Phayu?” Rain called out, but Phayu was gone. He ran further down the corridor that led away from his room, leaning against the wall, using it to support him. He was panting with the effort it had taken to run away from Rain. His heart was beating faster than usual and he fisted his hand in his mouth. He had been thinking of this moment with Rain for so long but he knew he had to take it easy, because Rain had no idea how Phayu felt. ‘Tell that to my libido though,’ Phayu said to himself, closing his eyes in sheer despair, trying to control his raging hard-on.
Rain moved around Phayu’s room as he waited for him to return. He suddenly noticed something a little out of place. “So many CDs?” he said, as he bent down to look at them. He plucked one out for closer viewing. Phayu returned with a change of clothes for him, and smiled when he saw Rain with the CDs. “There you go,” he said, giving Rain the clothes. “Are these yours? They are so cool!” Rain said, looking like an excited puppy. “Yeah, they are all my treasures,” Phayu said, smiling. Rain smiled and turned away, continuing to look at the CDs. He then lifted a photo from beside the CD case. “Your idol?” he asked, smirking, ready to make fun of Phayu. “That’s my dad,” Phayu said, “a musician who released many albums.” “Cool! Does he ever hold a concert? I would like to be there!” Rain said.
“Oh! He passed away when I was in my third year of middle school,” Phayu said, with a bittersweet laugh. “My dad was a dad who sang the best and played the guitar the best. It doesn’t matter that he had only two fans; my mom and me. He was.. is the best singer in the world, until one day, he suddenly fell in the bathroom and was sent to the hospital,” Phayu said, his gaze focused into his past. “Sorry,” Rain said. Phayu immediately smiled. “It’s okay. Look, we look quite alike,” he said. Rain’s face was small. Phayu leaned in closer. “What’s wrong with you?” he asked cutely. “I was just thinking.. umm.. you have been through so much. How could you still be like this now?” Rain said. Phayu smiled again. “Maybe I inherited it from my dad. No matter how sad he was, or what happened, he would tell me that everything would be fine after a sleep and to be happy every day,” he said, leaning back against the table. Rain smiled. “Anyway, go, go change out of your dirty clothes and freshen up,” Phayu said. Rain nodded.
Notes:
💔
Chapter 4: Closing the distance between Rain and you
Summary:
Phayu and Rain enjoy time together; Rain meets Phayu's bandmates officially
Chapter Text
Unknown
“Thank you for appearing when I needed you most. The strange thing is that I have never dared to say this to you face to face. Taking this opportunity, I should be able to say it.”
Phayu
Rain sat on Phayu’s bed listening to a song on a Walkman. They shared Phayu’s earphones. Rain tapped his fingers with the beats, immensely enjoying the melody. “How is it? Not bad, right?” Phayu asked. “I feel it has a sense of depth. It is not bad,” Rain said. “It is just the demo so far,” Phayu said. “Remember to let me listen to it when you are done,” Rain said. “Of course,” Phayu said. “From where did you buy these earphones? I think the sound quality is awesome,” Rain said. “I saved money for a long time to buy them,” Phayu said. “Take me to the place you bought them from some day,” Rain said. “Did you start working on music because you like it or because of your father?” he asked. “I like music so much because my dad used to often play the guitar for us, when I was little. Although he passed away, the music is still here. That’s why I like making music so much,” Phayu said.
Rain looked thoughtful. He looked around the room and saw an umbrella. “Hey! I have an umbrella like this,” he said, nodding towards it. Phayu felt a little nervous. “I remember I had an identical one,” Rain said. “Wait! Why would someone keep an umbrella in the room?” he asked, giggling merrily. “Hey, do you want to listen to other songs?” Phayu asked, trying to change the topic. Rain nodded eagerly. “Let me find some good ones for you,” Phayu said, as Rain slid down on the bed. Phayu looked around for a CD that he had kept aside. “The umbrella is very important to me. Do you know the person who gave it to me is you?” Phayu said, still hunting for a CD. The moment he found it, he turned around, and then smiled. Rain was fast asleep. “Rain?” he called out softly, but there was nothing. He sat on the floor beside the bed, putting his head on it and slowly linking his pinkie with Rain’s, smiling in peace.
“What are you talking about? What are you talking about?” his uncle slapped him and pushed him. “I don’t have any money. I told you I am out of it. Give it back to me,” Phayu said, crying and trying to take his wallet back from his uncle. “There must be money left in this card after your father died,” his uncle asked, holding up a bank card. “What’s the password? Huh? What’s the password?” he shouted. “Tell me!” he screamed as he shook Phayu by the collar. “These are the living expenses of my mom and me,” Phayu said, crying bitterly. “You have money! You liar, you have money,” his uncle said, punctuating each sentence with a slap. Obviously there would be a card,” he said, continuing to hit the boy. “You don’t deserve to be my uncle,” Phayu shouted, trying to stop his uncle from hitting him. “What are you talking about? What are you talking about? No matter what, I am still your uncle. Do you hear that?” the man shouted, trying to almost choke the life out of Phayu.
Phayu sat in the rain, head down, crying bitterly. He had managed to run, escaping his uncle. He felt so helpless, knowing that he could not afford to say anything to his mom either. His heart broke at the harshness of his life. “Are you okay?” Phayu lifted his head all the way up at the soft voice. The sweetest looking boy stood there, concern etched on his face. Phayu could only stare, unable to say anything. Suddenly the boy gave his umbrella to Phayu, and Phayu took it, unable to say anything.
‘During the saddest moment in my life, you appeared. Meeting you now, and still being close to you, I really feel it is unreal,’ Phayu thought, as he stared a sleeping Rain.
Sky
Sky stood with the server from the café, whom he had found was named Pai, next to Gun’s building, where his bike was parked. “Is this it?” Pai asked, as Sky lifted the cover off of a bike. Sky stared at the bike as Pai looked at him. He could feel the tears gathering in his eyes. Pai held out a hammer to Sky. “Are you ready?” he asked. Sky looked back at him, and taking the hammer, nodded. Sky lifted the hammer and tried to strike it down, but couldn’t quite bring himself to do it. “What’s wrong?” Pai asked. “I am not doing it,” Sky said. “Why not?” Pai asked. “I don’t want to be a bad person like him,” Sky said, handing the hammer back to Pai. “It’s good to think so,” Pai said, covering the bike again. “Come on! Let’s go. I will take you for a walk.” Sky stared after him in surprise, but following him nonetheless.
They went to the arcade at the nearby mall, playing as many games as they could. Sky had never laughed so much in his life, the was he enjoyed with Pai. It was almost as if all his burdens, insecurities and fears dropped away somewhere when he was with this person. Pai never ceased to make Sky feel alive, something he had not felt in a long time. After the arcade, Pai fed Sky, buying him lots of tasty food, and they spent the entire time after just roaming around and doing things Sky would have never normally done with Gun.
Phayu
Phayu walked in with a fresh uniform and a toothbrush, keeping it on the nearby chair. He knelt down beside the bed, watching Rain sleep. To Phayu, Rain was nothing less than an angel, and that was exactly how Rain slept as well. He looked soft and sweet, and Phayu fell a little more in love. Rain’s t-shirt had ridden up sometime during his sleep, and while Phayu was immensely tempted, he just pulled up the covers. Rain stirred in his sleep, and Phayu smiled. “I will let you sleep a little bit longer,” he said, as he tucked Rain in a little more firmly. Phayu was just setting the table with breakfast when Rain came out, dressed in the uniform. “I didn’t expect that your uniform would fit me,” Rain said, grinning. “Yeah, it looks good on you,” Phayu said, adding something to the breakfast bowls.
“Wow! This looks delicious,” Rain said, as he sat down. “Eat before it gets cold,” Phayu admonished gently. He took the seat opposite to Rain, looking expectantly at him, waiting for some review. “Does your family eat such a hearty breakfast every day?” Rain asked, extremely curious. “Yes, we usually eat this. Quickly, eat. The weather is cooler today,” Phayu said. “No!” Rain put his finger up. “I have to take a photo of such a beautiful thing first,” he said, whipping out his phone as Phayu smiled indulgently. Rain smiled, satisfied with the picture. “I will eat now,” he said, and Phayu nodded. “Go ahead, eat,” he said. Rain took a bite and he looked bedazzled. “How is it?” Phayu asked. “Delicious! Really delicious!” Rain said. Phayu laughed at Rain’s happiness. “It’s really so yummy!” Rain said again. “In the future, I will cook whatever you want to eat,” Phayu said. “You said it yourself,” Rain said, pointing his fork towards Phayu.
“Here, this pair of earphones is for you,” Phayu said, as Rain stared at what was in Phayu’s hand. “Isn’t it your favourite? I don’t want it,” Rain said, shaking his head. “Try and use it,” Phayu said, urging Rain on. “Seriously?” Rain asked, a little taken aback. Phayu nodded, smiling. Phayu watched as Rain tried to use the earphones. “Do you even know how to put them on?” Phayu asked, shaking his head. “Wrong side.” Rain stopped what he was doing and looked at Phayu. “Not that side. Let me help you,” Phayu said, standing up and walking towards Rain. “You have to put it on the neck first,” suiting the action to the words. “The white part is on the right,” he said, putting it in Rain’s ear. “Try it now.” Rain put the other side into his other ear and connected them to his phone. “Sound is good?” Phayu asked, leaning in close. Rain listened to the music, nodding his head to the beats and turned to look at Phayu, suddenly finding their faces close to each other. They both smiled at each other. “Time is almost up. Quick, eat up, and then let’s go to school,” Phayu said, stepping back.
They both walked to school together. “I will get going to the class first then?” Rain asked. Phayu nodded. Rain looked at Phayu a moment before leaning in. “I realised that you look better without glasses,” Rain said softly. Phayu felt flustered, and was sure he was blushing a bit. “I will go now! Bye-bye,” Rain said, as he turned away. Phayu rubbed the nape of his neck, feeling butterflies in his stomach. Suddenly he realised something and ran behind Rain. “Wait. Umm.. I just wanted to tell you that if you like the breakfast I made today, you are welcome to come to my house anytime,” he said. “Okay!” Rain said, smiling, and left, waving again.
3rd Person
Som stood around with his friends, giving out free stuff, so that students would vote for him. “Students! Please come and take a look. Som Apinya has decided to run for President of the Student Council. Now he will give you gifts. Hurry up if you want to grab it!” Jack spoke into the microphone, as Som stood around, trying to look cool, but ending up looking like a fool. “As soon as I get elected, the toilets in the whole school will be replaced by bidet toilets,” Som said, taking the microphone from Jack. “Bidet toilets!” Jack and Bas shouted together. “I will set up a 5G base station.” “5G base stations!” “All of you must support me. Thank you!” Som said. People came forward to take the freebies. “Don’t forget to vote for Som! Thank you!” Bas and Jack repeated as they handed over the stuff.
Bas suddenly spotted Sky. “Hey Sky! You look cute today! Why don’t you take one?” he said, offering Sky a drink. “Are you sure?” Sky asked, one eyebrow quirked. Jack and Som spotted him, and Som immediately called him. “Bas! What the hell do you think you are doing?” he asked. Bas looked at him, confused. “Take care of him,” Sky said, as he walked away. Jack took the drink from Bas. “Why are you doing this again?” Som asked. “What? I can’t give it to him?” Bas asked, looking puzzled.
Rain
Rain looked at the egg at the end of his chopsticks, admiring it. Sky leaned forward to eat it, thinking Rain was distracted. But Rain immediately pulled it back. “What are you doing?” he asked, looking disgruntled. “You are weird today,” Sky said. Rain pouted and looked down. “No!” Rain’s voice came out in a whine. Sky leaned in closer. “No? Really?” he asked, making Rain smile and blush. “No!” Rain replied. Sky looked at his askance. “Where did you go last night?” he asked. “I went.. to a friend’s house,” Rain said, trying to evade the question. “Friend?” “Hmm.” “Who?” “You don’t know him.” “Which of your friends don’t I know?” “Alright! I will introduce the two of you soon!” Rain said. “Why didn’t you stay at my home? My home is big,” Sky asked. “Okay, okay, eat now,” Rain said, rolling his eyes.
“Hey! Look! Phayu’s video is suddenly popular!” Sky said. Rain stared at Sky’s phone. ‘I don’t understand. Did he upload it himself to attract the fans?” Sky asked. “He’s not like that,” Rain said, immediately defending Phayu. “He’s not like that?” Sky asked. “Are you two close?” Rain’s head snapped up. “It’s my guess,” he said, looking away. But Sky was not fooled even a bit.
Phayu
“Ajarn!” Phayu said, running up to his favourite teacher and waiing. “Hello popular boy!” the Ajarn smiled back. “Popular boy? Ajarn, you uploaded my performance video? I was wondering why it suddenly popped up in the school community,” Phayu said, shaking his head, looking flustered. “I said I will help you. Now you have settled the popularity part,” she said. Phayu blushed. “Thank you Ajarn,” he said again. “Next we will discuss your views about the school’s development,” she said, patting the seat beside her, and Phayu slid in dutifully. “The main purpose is to let the students of Bodindecha High School have more diversified ways of development,” she said. “Hmmm,” Phayu looked thoughtful.
Rain
”The directors said that your competitors are very talented this time. You have to work hard yourself and perform well. Understand? I will get home early and wait for you. You can bring up any questions that you have and we will discuss them.” Rain read and reread the message from his father. He put away his phone and turned away to leave, almost bumping into Phayu on the way. “Hey! How come you are here?” Rain asked. “Just wanted to see you,” Phayu said, handing Rain his favourite drink. “You like this drink too?” Rain asked, and Phayu hummed. “Is there something you wanted to share with me?” Phayu asked. “It’s my dad,” Rain said. “Hey! My band is practicing tomorrow. Would you like to come? It can relieve stress,” Phayu asked, wanting to cheer Rain up. “Practice?” Rain pouted. “Okay,” he laughed, already happy to have Phayu’s company. “Nice!” Phayu said, as both the boys leaned against the railings and talked for a while.
Phayu
To say that he was impatient, would be an understatement. Phayu was on literal tenterhooks. He kept looking at his phone, and then at the road, waiting in front of the little club, in the basement of which, his band would practice. In between all the waiting, he would adjust his hair, check his clothes, basically do everything that would make him look perfect for Rain. Phayu knew for sure that he was truly, madly, deeply, in love with Rain. And he was also sure that Rain didn’t see him that way; yet. But Phayu was definitely not a quitter. Rain would be his; sooner or later; sooner than later, if he had his way.
Suddenly Rain stepped up in front of him and waved. “Hey! Rain? You are here? Sorry! You are here!” Phayu said, feeling flustered. Rain smiled his cute bunny smile, and Phayu rubbed the nape of his neck, awestruck at the cute boy in front of him. “Was it hard to find this place?” Phayu asked, trying to put Rain at ease, knowing he could come off as too intense sometimes. “It was not bad. It was easy to find it after you sent me the location,” Rain said. Phayu nodded. “Okay, let’s go in,” he said, tugging Rain to him. “Will I be a disturbance to you guys?” Rain asked. “No, they are all nice. Let’s go!” Phayu said, shifting his hand to Rain’s waist and pulling him inside. “Should I buy something for them?” Rain asked. “No need. Let’s go,” Phayu said, bringing Rain closer to himself.
Phayu opened the door to their practice room and ushered Rain inside. “This is where I practice with the band,” Phayu said, gesturing with his hands. “Il’s really not bad,” Rain said. Phayu looked at his bandmates, all of them who were bickering with each other, as Pai tried to keep the peace, and shook his head. “Let me introduce you to them,” he said, pulling Rain forward. Phayu jumped in before another fight could break out. “Hi! Everyone! This is my friend Rain,” he said. “Swasdi Khap everyone. I am Rain,” he said, waiing politely. All of Phayu’s friends immediately surrounded him.
Rain
“So you are Rain! Nice! Nice! Not bad!” they all spoke at the same time surrounding Rain. “So cute! Just like Pha..,” one of them started speaking but was dragged off by Phayu. A girl moved in. “Hi! I am Yihwa!” she said, shaking Rain’s hand. “You are so cute!” she said, pulling his cheeks. “Pai!” Phayu said, nodding towards Yihwa. Pai shook his head, laughing. “Okay, okay! Move away. Your enthusiasm will scare him,” Pai said, pulling Yihwa away. “So annoying!” Yihwa said, moving away. Pai smiled at Rain. “Hi! We meet again,” he said. “Thank you so much for the other day,” Rain said. “Don’t be so polite. Relax! By the way, why did you leave halfway that day? Pha..,” Pai was also cut off when Phayu jumped on him. “What are you doing?” Pai asked. “He is our band leader, Pai and like my brother!” Phayu said. “We are really close,” Pai said. “Okay, I will introduce the others to you. This is our bass player Cho,” Phayu said. Cho came forward and shook hands with Rain. “Oh! Your hands are so soft!” he said. “Okay, okay! Enough!” Phayu said, as Yihwa hit Cho. “This is our drummer Yihwa.” “Yihwa, the most beautiful drummer in the whole of Thailand,” she said, bowing. Phayu laughed and pushed her away. “Our guitarist, Saifah.” “Hi! I am Saifah. Would you like to drink something? We’ve got water, beverages and..,” he was cut off when Pai put his hand around his shoulders. “Why are you nervous?” Pai asked. “I am nervous for Phayu,” Fah said, and everyone started making fun of Phayu, making Phayu flustered and Rain laugh.
Phayu stood in front of them, pushing them back, making Rain laugh more. “Let’s practice. Shall we practice now?” Phayu asked. Rain was surprised to see this side of Phayu. Most of the time, he seemed so self-assured, that seeing him this goofy did something to Rain. “Which song are we going to play? Huh? Huh? Huh?” all of the teased Phayu, and Rain found it adorable. “Just that song! Go! Let’s go!” Phayu pushed everyone. “Why don’t you sit there?” Phayu asked, and Rain nodded. Rain watched mesmerised, as Phayu sang, feeling as if Phayu was singing just for him. After their practice, Rain sat with the whole band, lots of yummy food spread out in front of them. “Do you have dinner this early?” he asked. “We have to eat when we are hungry. You must be hungry too,” Phayu said.
Phayu
“There you go, tooth picks,” Yihwa said. “Fruits, I just washed and cut them,” Cho said, setting down a bowl. Saifah set down glasses of juice as well. Pai set down egg tarts. Rain could feel how excited they were to have him there. Although he was not sure why, it still felt nice. “Thank you so much!” he said. “No worries! Eat, eat before it gets cold, yeah!” Yihwa said, smiling. “How do you eat? No forks and knives?” Rain asked, and everyone let out a surprised laugh. “With hands of course!” Cho said, picking up a piece of chicken and biting into it with relish, making all of them snicker, while Rain felt shocked. “Or do you want Pha..,” Cho was cut off as Phayu stuffed more chicken onto his face. Phayu handed Rain a plate of dumplings, eliciting oohs and ahs from everyone. Phayu seemed to ignore them, as he asked Rain to eat and enjoy. “Thank you!” Rain said, grinning. “Are you not going to eat?” Rain asked Phayu. “No! You eat, he said, staring at Rain. Phayu realised that he could stare at this beautiful boy all day, and never feel bored.
Notes:
Don't forget the kudos (votes) and comments!
Chapter 5: Do you feel the same way?
Summary:
A little happiness, followed by a little sadness
Chapter Text
Unknown
“Why is it so hard to fall in love? I am lucky to have you by my side. I want to preserve the beauty of this moment forever. That necklace is like my broken heart. Could you repair it for me? Can you guard it forever?”
Pai
Pai stepped out of the dressing room. “Sky, does this one look good?” he asked, but Sky was not even there. Pai looked around, confused. There was a photo booth inside the shop, and Pai saw the photos dropping. He ran to pick them up, and just then, Sky pulled back the curtain. “So cute! Give to me na? Na?” Pai said, keeping the photos next to Sky’s face. Sky smiled. “Then, let’s take a photo together,” he said. “No, I am shy,” Pai said, turning pink. “I am not giving it to you. I will take photos alone,” Sky said, nose in the air, as he went back into the booth. Sky sat down in front of the screen, and suddenly pulled Pai inside. Pai fell across Sky’s lap, as they both stared at each other.
Sky
“Okay, we are starting now!” Sky said lightly, trying to get past the awkwardness of Pai spread out in his lap. “No!” Pai said, trying to get away. “Quick, let’s take it together,” Sky said, pulling Pai back. “No!” Pai said again, and the picture got clicked just as he moved. “Il’s blurry. Come back,” Sky said, and made Pai sit again. “One, two, three. Wait, one more. One, two, three,” Sky said, as Pai and he clicked a few pictures. Pai even tried to smile in a couple of them just to make Sky happy. “Your expression looks like that of a horse,” Sky said, laughing at the pictures. “I am not used to taking pictures,” Pai said, pouting, making Sky laugh more.
“Okay, take one more photo, alone this time, and give it to me,” Sky said, trying to push Pai into the booth. Pai refused, but Sky became more and more insistent, until he pushed Pai a little, making his own chain fall of his neck and break. “Sorry,” Pai said, feeling terrible, even though he was not the reason it broke. “I can fix it. I’ll fix it and give it back to you, okay?” he added. “I’ll take it home, fix it all up and give it you later,” Pai tried to coax Sky as he refused to speak. “Sorry, we will take one more pic,” Pai added, this time taking Sky into the booth.
Rain
Rain got down from Phayu’s scooter, handing him the helmet, as Phayu handed him his bag. “There you go,” Phayu said, smiling. “Thank you,” Rain said. “You are welcome,” Phayu said, and the two of them giggled as Phayu’s hand got tangled with the strap of Rain’s bag. “Thank for staying so long with me today,” Phayu said. “Not at all. I also had fun,” Rain said. “That’s good,” Phayu said. “Call me again if there is such a gathering,” Rain said. “Call you? Really?” Phayu asked. Rain nodded. “Then, I will directly ask you out the next time,” Phayu said. Rain nodded and both of them wished each other good night as Rain walked towards his building.
Rain looked up at the building, not really keen on going back inside. Being with Phayu had given him a sense of freedom, and now the rules and the conformity of his life was smothering him beyond belief. He stepped away and went towards the overhang of the lobby, taking out his phone. He looked up as he saw footsteps approaching. It was Phayu, who just smiled and sat next to Rain, without saying a word. Rain pulled out the earphones Phayu had given to him, and gave one end to him. Phayu took it and moved closer, then helping Rain to fix his side too. The two sat there, music in their ears, magic in their eyes and peace in their hearts. For someone like Rain, this was a perfect moment, something he would keep in his memory forever, the image of Phayu staring at him, probably mirroring his own look. Rain didn’t know what Phayu felt for him, but in that one moment of bliss, Rain was more than willing to never find out.
Sky
“You said you were shy and didn’t like taking pictures,” Sky said, as he and Pai walked back after the time they had spent together. “I see that you loved the photo booth,” he added, walking backwards. But before he could complete his thought, he slipped off the pavement and would have fallen flat on his face had not Pai caught hold of him. “Why so careless?” he asked, both Sky and he holding each other’s shoulders. “Okay then, you should try!” Sky said, asking Pai to walk up. “Sure,” Pai said, immediately stepping up. “Don’t forget to walk on the line,” Sky said, admonishing Pai, wanting to make sure that Pai walked on just the line at the edge of the pavement. “Okay!” Pai said. “Close your eyes,” Sky said. “Okay,” Pai said, closing his eyes and stretching his arms outwards to balance himself. “See? Am I good?” Pai asked, super concentrated on not falling, but tripping and falling into Sky’s arms nonetheless.
“Did you do it on purpose?” Sky asked, trying to overcome the flustered feelings. “Who did it on purpose?” Pai asked. Sky and he stared at each other for a few moments, and then Sky leaned forward and kissed Pai’s cheek. Their gazes flitted from their eyes to their lips, as Sky reached in and pecked Pai’s lips. He leaned back, as if waiting for something, but when Pai didn’t say anything, Sky closed the distance between them and kissed Pai again, lips moulding with each other. Pai closed his eyes and allowed Sky to take the lead, not sure of what was happening, but kissing him back. Finally Pai broke the kiss and stepped back, much to Sky’s confusion. “I need some time,” Pai said. Sky immediately pushed Pai’s hands off of him and walked away.
Phayu
“Here,” Phayu put the straw in Rain’s favourite drink before handing it to him. “Thank you, but why did you buy only one?” Rain asked. “I bought enough money for only one,” Phayu said as they both laughed. “So, how is your revision going?” Rain asked, showing Phayu the iPad he was holding, their heads together. “This question? I was doing it yesterday. But I think I got confused,” Phayu said, scrunching his nose. “I will help you review it once more next time,” Rain said. “Okay, makes sense,” Phayu said. They both stayed engrossed in themselves, not knowing Sky was looking at them in surprise and irritation.
Rain
“You are ridiculous. You haven’t finished your physics and chemistry homework till now?” Sky asked Rain as they both walked around campus. “I thought it would be easy. I can do it now,” Rain said, sheepishly. “Is it because your dad added a new class for you?” Sky asked. “Yes,” Rain said, not quite meeting Sky’s eyes. “What class?” Sky asked. “The class.. of the new teacher last week,” Rain said, sounding unsure to his own ears. Sky looked at him. “It’s hard and the teacher is also strict.” “So you can’t use your cell phone because of this class?” Sky asked. “Hmm, I can’t use my cell phone in class,” Rain said, and turned away, again missing Sky’s reaction. “Is it because of the teacher or because of Phayu?” Sky asked. Rain looked back in shock. “Why did you lie? Am I not your best friend?” Sky asked, sounding a bit hurt. Rain and he stared at each other a few moments and Sky walked away, leaving Rain feeling terrible.
Phayu
Phayu sat with Rain, revising something intently. Rain’s sudden sigh captured his immediate attention. He looked up to see Rain staring into the distance, completely unfocused. He waved his hand in front of Rain’s face. “Huh?” Rain immediately looked at him. “What happened?” Phayu asked. “Have you figured it out? Let me see?” Rain asked, leaning forward to help Phayu. Phayu looked at Rain, wondering why the boy was so off. “Do you have anything on your mind?” Phayu asked, unable to see Rain sad. “No. Let me take a look at the sum,” Rain said, trying to divert Phayu. But Phayu was not to be deterred. “Say it!” he said, taking Rain’s hand into his own. Rain deflated. “I quarrelled with Sky. I lied to him that I’ve been taking home lessons recently, that’s why he couldn’t find me,” Rain said. “Oh,” Phayu said, looking thoughtful. “It’s okay. You both are so close. And he cares about you so much. You can definitely reconcile.” “Really?” Rain asked, not sounding like his usual chirpy self.
Suddenly Phayu leaned in. “Don’t move,” he said, as he put his hands on Rain’s cheek. “An eyelash,” he said, after a second. “Give me your hand,” Phayu said, and Rain did that. Phayu placed the lash onto his palm and blew softly into it. “By doing this, your good luck will come,” he said, smiling at Rain. He started doing his work when he was suddenly distracted by Rain staring at him. He stared back. “Hurry up and write,” he said, smiling inside. “Just worry about yourself,” Rain said, smirking at Phayu.
Rain
Rain watched as Sky sat alone at a table finishing some work. Despite all his bravado in front of Phayu, Rain was very afraid of losing Sky. Sky was not just his friend but his brother in everything but blood. He mentally shook his head and slowly approached his best friend. “Hey! Sky?” he said. Sky looked at him then turned his head away. “What are you doing?” Rain asked. Sky didn’t bother to answer, instead collecting his things and walking away. Rain immediately followed him. “Did you get the note I gave you? Did you eat the breakfast and the cake that I got for you?” Rain asked. “Yes, so what?” Sky asked.
“Sky, Am I not your best friend? Can you please not ignore me?” Rain asked. Sky glared at him. “Are you sure you have thought it through?” Sky asked. “I wanted to apologise to you. Trust me. I just didn’t have the right time to tell you,” Rain said. “So you have really no idea what I want?” Sky asked. “Any hints?” Rain asked, feeling sheepish. Sky rolled his eyes. “What do you think?” he asked. “Ah! Got it! I, Varain Lee, swear that I will tell you everything from now on. Forgive me please?” Rain said, putting out his puppy dog eyes. Sky turned away, but Rain leaned in on his shoulder. “Okay? Okay?” he pouted and acted all cute, knowing Sky couldn’t resist him when he was like that. Sky bopped his nose. “Aow! It hurts!” Rain jumped backwards. “Huh!” Sky said sarcastically and turned away. “It’s not that I can’t forgive you. But… hmm.. I want 10 Rain special massage coupons and you have to buy me lunch for a month,” Sky said. “Do you mean like this?” Rain asked, immediately massaging Sky’s shoulders. Sky nodded. “And lunch for a month?” “Hmm.” “Okay!! You are the best!” Rain said, flinging his arms around Sky’s shoulder and dragging him away.
Pai
Pai cleaned the table after the customer. His mood had been at an all-time low, and he had no idea what he was going to do. Sky had not responded to any of his messages, and Pai felt like a low-life. Pai looked at the last message he had sent to Sky.
Me : I’m really sorry about that day. Can we meet and talk?
He kept his phone down and stared unfocused on the ground. Had he really messed up too much? “We would like to order,” one of the customers called out, but Pai was lost in his own world. “Pai? Ai’Pai!” the barista called out. “Oh! Sorry,” Pai said, hurrying to the customer and apologising.
Phayu
Phayu opened the door to his favourite restaurant. “Pa! Two of us!” he called out, holding the door open for Rain. “Two mochis please!” he called out again. “Let’s sit here Rain?” Phayu asked. Rain nodded and both of them kept down their bags and sat down. Rain looked around the shop. “I didn’t even know there was a shop like this near the school,” he said. “The mochi here is awesome. That’s why I brought you here to try it,” Phayu said. “Thank you!” Rain said, eyes sparkling. “By the way, how do you know that I love to eat mochi?” he asked. Phayu was flustered. How did he answer that without sounding like a creepy stalker. But suddenly Rain looked at his watch.
“What’s wrong?” Phayu asked, relieved to have avoided answering. “I have class later,” Rain said, sounding a little tense. “But there’s still time. I should be able to make it.” “Are you sure?” Phayu asked, looking at his own watch. Before he could say anything else, the shopkeeper came forward with the mochi. She set them down and both the boys thanked her. “This mochi tastes better when it is hot, so eat up quickly, okay?” Phayu said. Rain quickly ate a bite and his whole face transformed. “Does it taste good?” Phayu asked. “Very delicious,” Rain said, talking with his mouth still full.
Pai
Pai paced the sidewalk in front of Sky’s building, checking his phone every now and then, hoping to see the other boy soon. Hearing footsteps, he turned around, immediately spotting Sky. “When will you stop ignoring me?” he asked, standing in front of Sky. Sky took off his iPods. “Why should I stop ignoring you?” he asked. “Then can you let me explain?” Pai asked. “There is nothing to explain,” Sky said. “I am little tired today,” Sky said moving away. “Wait!” Pai said, holding Sky’s arm. “Just tell me a time when we can meet for a meal,” he said. “Let me think about it,” Sky replied. “Please leave now Pai.” Sky turned and walked away, leaving Pai staring after him with a disgruntled look on his face, knowing that his grovelling had to be much more than this if he had to convince Sky.
Later that night, he sat in his room, with his tools set out, as he repaired Sky’s necklace. It was a heart shaped pendant on a long silver chain and a very beautiful piece of craftsmanship. Pai wanted to make sure that he would do a great job so that he could prove himself to Sky. As he did that, he remembered the moments he had spent with Sky.
3rd person
“I am sorry Ajarn. I will discuss it with his dad and see what we can do,” Rain’s mother spoke to his teacher. “Also, don’t worry, I will pay you the hourly fee for today’s class.” “Don’t worry, we can talk about that another time,” the teacher said. Just then Rain’s father rushed in. “I am sorry Ajarn. You came here in vain,” he said. “It’s okay,” the Ajarn said. “This brat is way too naughty,” Rain’s father said. “No, actually, in recent classes, his grades have not declined even a bit. He is not as focused, but I feel that he has become more lively and cheerful recently. You can care more about him. I still have classes. I will take my leave,” the Ajarn said, and Rain’s parents nodded and waiied to the teacher as she left. “See? Even the teacher said Rain has been acting weird recently,” his mother said, looking worried. His father frowned, his anger rising.
Rain
Rain’s steps slowed as he walked towards the door of his house, and his heart felt heavier. He paused at the door, and took in a deep breath, almost as if knew what was coming. He opened the door and heard his mother talk to someone. “Sorry to bother you. Thank you,” she was saying, when he walked in. “Rain! Where have you been? You didn’t answer the phone! And we were worried sick about you!” “My phone ran out of battery,” Rain said, his voice devoid of all emotions. His father got off the couch and slowly walked towards him. “Where have you been?” he asked. “I had a meal with my friend,” Rain said. “Had a meal? Were you so busy eating that you forgot to attend the tutoring class? The teacher waited downstairs for an hour and couldn’t find you. Do you know how humiliated I will be if you keep behaving in this reckless manner?” “Okay, talk nicely,” his mother tried to soothe his father.
“Even if you go out for a meal, you should tell us in advance,” his mother said to him. “I was delayed because of the meal. It’s not a big deal,” Rain said nonchalantly. “You..,” his mother trailed off. “Not a big deal? Not a big deal? You were late for class. Did you do your homework? Did you memorise the English words? How about French? Did you prepare for your IELTS? You can’t even do your part well, and you still want to eat? You starve to death!” his father screamed at him, punctuating each question with a push or a poke to his chest. “Control your emotions! Control your emotions,” Rain’s mother tried to get in between Rain and his father. “Rain, you made a mistake. And your attitude is still so bad? Apologise to your dad,” she said, as Rain looked away. “Dad, sorry,” he said, a mutinous set to his lips. “Kneel down in your room and reflect on yourself! Don’t get up until I allow you! Piss off!” his dad screamed again. Rain turned away, pursing up his lips, hoping he would not cry in front of the man. Rain knelt in his room, anger and rebellion mounting further and further in his heart.
Notes:
Work is ongoing on Draugs.. I promise I will have it up soon!
Chapter 6: No need to cover up
Summary:
Communication is key!
Notes:
I wish everyone would communicate the way Phayu and Rain do!!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Unknown
“He has been ignoring me. How can I make him forgive me? It seems like there’s only winter left in this world. Is there any way to melt all the ice between us? Could you tell me the answer?”
Sky
Sky sat eating a sandwich when his phone pinged with an incoming message. He sighed, knowing fully well that it would be Pai. He knew that he was not angry with Pai, just.. disappointed. It was almost as if it was impossible for him to find love. He didn’t blame Pai (well, maybe a bit), because he knew that he may have come on too strong, but it was not like Pai had not responded. It definitely had not been one sided, right? Sky sighed again. He was tired of all this hide and seek. Maybe it was time to throw down the gauntlet.
Phayu
Phayu sat at his table, reviewing for the exam. With the student council elections coming up, just popularity or a clear agenda would not suffice. Good results were mandatory too. Phayu was in no way a poor student, placing consistently in the top 1% of his class, but maybe it was time to become like Rain and be right on the top. He looked up when his phone rang. “Hello, what’s up?” he asked. “What are you doing?” Pai asked on the other end. “I am studying. You need something?” Phayu said. “How is your revision going?” Pai asked. “Why are you asking me this? This is so not like you. So weird,” Phayu said, a tad bit suspiciously. “Nothing, just..,” Pai trailed off. “Tell me! What’s wrong?” Phayu asked, feeling a bit worried. “Do you know a guy named Sky in your school? I would like you to do me a favour,” Pai said. “Okay, tell me what you want me to do?” Phayu asked. He listened intently for a while, then nodded. “Okay, I will tell him,” he said.
The next morning, Phayu made his way to Sky. “Sky, are you free to talk?” he asked the boy, who sat on a bench leaning against the table behind him. “What’s the matter?” Sky asked. “Rain has been troubled recently because of you,” Phayu said. “What does it have to do with you?” Sky asked, smirking. “I am worried to see him upset because of you,” Phayu said. “Even I am not worried, why should you be?” Sky asked. “Yes, I know you have been close to him lately.” “No, no. Don’t get me wrong. I really care about him. I hope you can accept me,” Phayu said. “We are in the final year of high school. Why are you getting close to him now?” Sky asked, curiously.
“I didn’t expect to be friends with him. It’s just that, he appeared at the lowest moment of my life and helped me. I can still meet him now and be so close to him. I really feel that it’s so unreal,” Phayu said, smiling shyly and blushing lightly. “Why is there the smell of love?” Sky asked, rolling his eyes. “Hey! Don’t misunderstand. We are not together yet,” Phayu said. “So.. you don’t want to be just friends with him?” Sky was immediately pointing his finger at Phayu. “Well.. I..,” Phayu was unable to say anything, he was that flustered. “Let me tell you, liking someone is very difficult. Especially Rain. He is good in everything, but his talent in love is less than 1%,” Sky said, making Phayu giggle. “So, should I thank you now?” he asked, looking slyly at Sky. Sky thumped Phayu on the back. “You are really a fool!” Sky said, as both of them burst out laughing.
Phayu looked at Sky smiling. “But I have one more important thing to tell you,” he said. “What is it? Tell me?” Sky said, still smiling playfully, not noticing how Phayu had gone a bit serious. Phayu dug something out of his pocket and held it out to Sky. “This is from my best friend and bro Pai. He wanted me to give it to you. This is the first time that I have seen him treat someone so sincerely. Please give him a chance?” Phayu said, keeping Sky’s chain in the open palm he had extended towards the other boy. “Why didn’t he bring it to me himself?” Sky asked, pouting, and looking away. “He came to you so many times. But you didn’t let him explain. Please give him one more chance. Think about it,” Phayu said, lowering his voice, making Sky look at him. “This necklace was fixed by him,” he added, keeping the chain in front of Sky and running away, calling out a hurried ‘bye’ over his shoulder. Sky stared at his retreating back, completely disgruntled.
Sky
Sky watched as Phayu left, and then stood up to leave himself, but his eyes were drawn to the chain Phayu had left on the table. He picked it up, and stroked its surface, eyes betraying his thoughts about Pai.
Sky looked at the boy pacing around in front of his apartment. His heartbeats picked up speed, but he took a deep breath. He had already once been hurt by someone he cared for deeply. But he hadn’t lost his faith in love completely. Yes, it was true that Pai had asked for a moment to think, but he had been consistent in his pursuit of Sky, and Sky knew that he was slowly being worn down by Pai’s persistence. But he still wanted to see what the other boy would say.
Pai
Pai paced up and down, continually looking at his phone, willing it to ring, or hoping there would be a message. Sky was late. Why was Sky late? Was he in trouble? Had his ex found him? Pai was going crazy with these multitudes of thoughts in his head. He finally recorded a message to send to Sky. Sorry. I know I am annoying you like this, but the stupidest way I can think of is to wait for you downstairs. Because I really want to see you. Could you reply to me?
Rain
“Rain, why don’t you have a seat? Dad and Mom have something to say to you,” his mother said, as his father looked on. Rain sat quietly, wondering what had happened now. “I thought that after giving you a chance, you would know how to grasp it, reflect upon yourself, and correct it. In the end, you still screwed up,” his father said. “You have been letting us down lately. After much discussion with your dad, we have decided to strengthen your discipline. Give me your phone,” his mom said. “Why?” Rain asked. “Do it,” his father said, polishing his glasses. Rain reluctantly handed over his phone to his mother. “I will turn on your phone’s location system,” she said, opening her own phone. “So from now on, your father and I can track your daily location, lest we lose contact like last time, we can at least know where you are,” she said. “If you don’t know self-discipline, let us help you,” his father added.
“Mom, I have seldom worried you until now. Is it necessary to distrust me like that? This way, I have no privacy at all,” Rain said. “Privacy? What right do you have to talk to me about privacy? Your only responsibility right now is to study hard and go home on time,” his father shouted. “Rain, we do this for your own good. Do you know that you are at a very important stage right now?” his mother said. “For my good? Have you ever asked me what I want? You want me to become the second you,” Rain said, feeling stressed, as his mom looked on in shock. “The second me? With your conduct right now? By having such low demands on yourself, you won’t make it in ten or even twenty years!” his father shouted again.
By now, Rain was fed up. “What if I make it?” he asked rudely. His father banged the table. “You better watch your mouth young man,” he said, pointing a finger at Rain. “Enough Rain! Stop contradicting your father. It’s just installing a location system. Here, take it,” his mother said, returning his phone to him. “Go to your room and study.” Rain controlled his temper as much as he could and stood up from the table, walking to the direction opposite to his room. “Where are you going?” his father asked. “I am going to the convenience store. You can check anyway,” he said, pointing towards his mother’s phone, then walking out.
Phayu
Phayu ran towards a dejected looking Rain, worried out of his mind. “Look at you. It’s so cold. Why aren’t you wearing a coat?” Phayu said, throwing his umbrella away and putting a coat around Rain. “Why were you looking for me in such a hurry?” Phayu asked, as Rain stared at him. Phayu had run out without a second thought the moment he had received Rain’s message. Now he looked at the boy who was his world. Rain looked like he was in a daze. “I just wanted to talk to someone,” Rain said. “Here I am. What’s up?” Phayu asked. “I hate my family and my father more and more,” Rain said, voice rising, and eyes filling with tears. “I really can’t take it anymore. They only care about my grades and what others think about me. They even installed a location system on my phone.” “They must be worried about you,” Phayu said, trying his best to diffuse the situation.
“I don’t think so,” Rain scoffed. “They may just do this so that if something happens to you, they can find you as soon as possible,” Phayu said. “No! You don’t understand! I feel like I am getting further and further away from him now, you know?” Rain’s voice cracked. “So why don’t you tell him these words directly?” Phayu asked. “You are the only one to hear these. It’s okay if you don’t comfort me. Instead, are you trying to teach me?” Rain asked, crying now. “No, I just want to help you,” Phayu said, keeping calm, knowing Rain needed him. “Who are you to tell me these things?” Rain asked, pushing Phayu away. “You don’t have a dad like mine! How could you understand what I am feeling now?” Rain shouted. Phayu took a step back, shocked at Rain’s words. He looked away for a moment and swallowed the lump in his throat. Then he cupped Rain’s cheeks and wiped his tears. “It’s okay, stop crying, okay,” he said, comforting the boy despite his own heartbreak.
The next day, Phayu was extremely distracted during the practice. The remaining band members looked worried. Pai stopped the members from playing. “What is happening to the vocals?” he asked. “Phayu!” Fah called out, hitting him on his knee. Phayu looked like he was coming out of a daze. “Where are we going?” he asked, looking lost. “To your home,” Fah said. “Are you okay?” Cho asked. Phayu looked around at his guys, feeling terrible. He stood up, apologising deeply, and decided to continue practice as usual.
He paced in his room, unable to understand what was happening to him. he felt as if there was a weight on his chest that wouldn’t go away. He didn’t want to blame Rain because he knew the other boy didn’t mean it. But he couldn’t forget the hurt he had felt at Rain’s words. He plonked down on his bed and took off his glasses, running his hand through his hair. He sighed and fell face down on the pillow. His mother came up the stairs and knocked on his open door. He immediately sat up. “Mae? What happened?” he asked. “Phayu my boy? What are you doing?” she asked, leaning against the jamb. “I am okay,” Phayu said, putting his glasses back on. “I am okay? I didn’t even ask you and you said I am okay. Something must have happened. We haven’t shared our doings today. So? How was your day?” his mom asked, adjusting his chair and leaning against it.
“How was the band?” she asked. “It was good.” “And your new friend?” she asked, grinning. Phayu smiled. “It’s good. It’s all good,” he said. His mom smiled and nodded. “All right. It’s good that everything is fine. It’s time to sleep,” she said. “You go to bed too Mae,” Phayu said, lying down. His mom came closer and covered him with his blanket, tucking him in. “Don’t think too much. Just quickly go to sleep. Tomorrow will be a better day,” she said, as she removed his glasses and put them aside. She stroked his hair. “And remember, you can tell me anything you want,” she said. “I know Mae. Now go sleep! Love you,” he said. “Me too! Good night lu,” she said, switching off the light before leaving the room, looking back one last time at Phayu.
Pai
Pai woke up from his sleep and looked at his phone for the time. The car had hardly been a comfortable place. But he did not want to miss Sky today as well. He stood up as soon as he saw Sky walking out. “Good morning,” he said. Sky hesitated for a second. “I am going to be late for class,” Sky said, before walking on. “Did you sleep well? I brought you breakfast,” Pai said, walking alongside Sky. “Can you give me a chance to take care of you?” Pai asked, his heart in his mouth. Sky stopped and turned around. He walked back to Pai, taking the packet containing the breakfast Pai had brought for him. “I will call you after school” he said, walking away. Pai looked at the boy, relieved that he was at least getting a chance.
Rain
Rain watched as his father gave an interview on television. He spoke of all the tenets he forced his son to follow as well. Rain’s mouth contorted in irony. He turned off the programme in anger. He was really fed up of his father’s behaviour towards him. he left home and walked, his rambles taking him to in front of Phayu’s Mae’s restaurant. He watched as she prepared the soup for the noodle bowls, and felt a stir in his heart. “Mae?” he called out. “Rain! Are you here to meet Phayu?” she asked, looking happy to see him. “He didn’t answer my phone,” Rain said, feeling sad. “Have you eaten? Even if you are in a bad mood, you must eat. How about chicken shredded noodles?” she asked. “Thank you Mae,” he said, sitting on a stool in front of her.
“Look at you! You look like a sad puppy,” she said, and he smiled. She quickly set a bowl in front of him. “Eat while it is hot, okay? Eat well,” she said, turning away. “Thank you,” he whispered. She turned away to go inside when he suddenly held her hand. “Mae?” She hummed. “What if I said something that made Phayu unhappy?” he asked. This time, it was her turn to hum. “It depends on whether you meant it or it was said in anger,” she said. Rain thought back to the day Phayu had come running to him. "Who are you to tell me these things?" Rain had asked, pushing Phayu away. "You don’t have a dad like mine! How could you understand what I am feeling now?" he had shouted. “I really don’t know how to get along with people,” he said. “It must be because I spend so much time studying,” he said, sounding sage.
“But that day, I heard Phayu say that many of your classmates at school like you very much,” Phayu’s mom said, as she sat on a stool in front of Rain. “He said your grades are good and you are active in whatever you do, aren’t you?” “That’s what my dad wants me to do, not what I want,” Rain countered immediately. “Then what do you want to do? What things make you happy?” she asked. “I am not quite sure. I actually haven’t thought about it at all. But I really envy Phayu,” he said. Phayu’s mother leaned forward. “Actually, all parents love their kids. They will teat their kids in the way they think is best. It's just that maybe kids don’t like don’t like those methods. So you should ask yourself,” she said, putting a hand on his shoulder. “What does Rain want? Then communicate with your parents. Or how else would they know what you want? When you have figured it out, talk to them. And then they will know.” Rain nodded. “Do the same with Phayu. Communicate,” she said. Rain hummed, smiling a bit. “All right, eat the noodles. You will have strength after you eat,” she said. “Thank you Mae,” Rain said, as he quickly ate what she gave.
The next morning, Rain looked all over the school for Phayu, finally finding him in the school auditorium, strumming a guitar and adding melody to some lyrics. Rain stood at the entryway, knowing that he had hurt Phayu, and feeling terrible about it. But there was a bigger emotion in his heart at that moment. Phayu had been a really good friend to him, so it was probably wrong to feel what he felt for him, right? Rain walked right upto Phayu and took a deep breath. He was about to speak when Phayu looked up. “What are you doing here?” Phayu asked, a smile on his face. Rain clapped softly. “What?” Phayu asked. “I think your performance right now was great,” Rain said. Phayu laughed and patted the space next to him. “Take a seat,” he said. Rain sat down. “What’s up?” Phayu asked.
“I couldn’t reach you all day yesterday. I am wondering if you are still angry,” Rain asked, pouting a bit. Phayu laughed again. “I have been busy practicing lately. And.. how could I possibly be mad at you?” he said. “No. I think I should apologise to you in person. I shouldn’t have taken out my anger on you just because I was in a bad mood,” Rain said. Phayu looked thoughtful. “What’s the matter?” Rain asked. “Then I am sorry too,” Phayu said. “Why?” Rain asked. “Because I was wrong too. We grew up in different environments. I didn’t know you were so stressed. So, in the future, if something happens, let me know, okay? I don’t want it to be like this time,” Phayu said. “If we quarrel, we make up. If we quarrel again, it will be okay after we make up again,” Rain said, smiling his bunny smile at Phayu, who laughed and shook his head.
Suddenly, Rain gestured to Phayu to come closer. “What?” Phayu asked. Rain gestured again. Phayu leaned towards Rain and Rain leaned in as well. “Now that we have made up, shall we quarrel again?” he whispered into Phayu’s ears. Phayu quirked a brow. “Nonsense!” he exclaimed, as both of them laughed, relieved to have put their first fight behind them. “I liked a part of your singing right now,” Rain said, all of a sudden. “I know which part you are taking about,” Phayu said, immediately strumming his guitar. “This part, right?” as Rain nodded. “Let’s sing it together?” Phayu asked, as he continued to play. Rain picked up the lyrics perfectly, and he sang along with Phayu, a feeling of wonder settling into his heart.
Notes:
There are just 2 more chapters left in this story.. Do leave your feedback if you like it!!
Chapter 7: Can we be together?
Summary:
Phayu and Rain become boyfriends.
Rain faces his hardest moments!
Notes:
Well... I know you guys were looking for some other story update.. but please have patience!! That will also come... :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Unknown
“What is it like to be someone else’s harbour of refuge? I think it should be like holding up an umbrella, hoping to cover him from all the wind and rain. Remember, if your world is raining, I’ll hold up an umbrella for you forever.”
Phayu
Phayu and Rain entered their usual shop. “Pa, two of the same! 2 mochi please!” Phayu called out before sitting down with Rain. “Hey Phayu? I am starving today. What else do they have?” Rain asked. “Okay, wait a minute,” Phayu said. He stood back up and called out again. “Pa? One mochi, one black tea and can we also have the menu please?” he said, before sitting back down. Suddenly Rain took out his phone. Phayu saw that it was ringing. “Are you not going to pick it up?” he asked. But Rain kept the phone away, looking a deer caught in the headlights. “Are you okay?” Phayu asked, feeling worried. “Let’s go for a walk later, okay?” Rain said. Phayu understood that Rain was not ready to answer that particular question and accepted the change in topic.
“Sure! Where do you want to go?” he asked. “I want to leave this place. Anywhere is fine,” Rain said. Phayu nodded. At the moment, the shopkeeper brought out their order. They thanked her, and Phayu pushed the mochi towards Rain. “Eat it while it is hot. It tastes better that way,” he said. Rain stuffed a spoonful into his mouth, making Phayu laugh. “Look at you, is this how we eat?” he asked, picking out the crumbs from the corner of Rain’s lips. Phayu smiled, as Rain blushed slightly and focused back on eating.
Pai
Pai turned around as he heard footsteps. Sky walked towards him, a slight frown on his face. “Did you have the breakfast I gave you?” Pai asked. Sky hummed. “Can you listen to my explanation?” Pai asked. “There is nothing to explain. Anyway, I must have misunderstood that you like me,” Sky said, looking away. “Don’t interpret it yourself. Didn’t I send you many messages?” Pai asked. “I deleted them all,” Sky said. “Deleted them all?” Pai questioned. Sky hummed. “Didn’t you even read them before deleting them?” Pai asked, stepping forward. “Yes,” Sky said, smiling a bit. “Then there is nothing to say,” Pai said, as he pushed Sky into the wall behind him and proceeded to kiss his brains out. When they finally broke from the kiss, they both looked at each other, laughed, and hugged, knowing it was definitely the start of something new for both of them.
Rain
“Put your centre of gravity here,” Phayu instructed, as he helped Rain onto a skateboard. Rain stepped up with his right leg. “Like this? Like with this leg?” he asked, trying to balance. Phayu, who was wearing roller blades, stepped forward, helping Rain balance. Rain immediately put his hand on Phayu’s shoulder, sure of the support he would get. “Are you ready?” Phayu asked, holding on to Rain’s elbow and Rain nodded. “Come on! Three, two, one.. here we go,” Phayu said, as he pushed Rain along, skating along with him. “Watch out.. careful.. careful.. are you okay?” he asked. “I didn’t expect you to bring me here,” Rain said. “I thought I would bring you here to exercise. We are making a turn okay?” Phayu said. By this time, Phayu’s hand was around Rain’s waist, and Rain’s around Phayu’s shoulder. “Be careful.. come on.. lean your body this way,” Phayu said, as he now held Rain’s arms in order to navigate his turn. “Are you sure?” Rain stuttered, just as he stumbled and fell into Phayu’s arms. They both stared at each other for a while, before Phayu spoke up. “Are you okay?” Rain straightened. “I didn’t quite make it,” he said. “It’s okay. Try again?” Phayu said.
They both practiced a while longer before they both leaned on Phayu’s bike, looking at the Bangkok skyline. After a few moments of silence, Phayu turned to Rain. “Are you feeling better?” he asked. “Hmm!!” Rain nodded with a smile. Rain was beginning to understand that it was not the things that he did that made him happy; it was the person he was with. Phayu was becoming someone altogether too important to him, and he revelled in the feeling of contentment that he got when he was with him.
Phayu
“This place is great, isn’t it? I will take you there more often,” Phayu said, as he stopped his bike in front of Rain’s apartment building. When he got no response, he turned around to look at Rain and found that he was fast asleep, his chin resting on Phayu’s shoulder. ‘It was a miracle that he hadn’t fallen off,’ Phayu thought, shaking his head at his cute boy. Rain had started seeping into the smallest parts of his life, his every waking and sleeping moments. He could not imagine a world where there was no Rain. It was like a physical blow to him, whenever he thought about how he could lose this boy.
“How could you fall asleep?” he whispered, adjusting the bike just as Rain’s head lolled off his shoulder. He caught it just in time, his hand around Rain’s helmet. He stared at that beloved face, eyes flitting between his eyes and lips. Phayu couldn’t believe it sometimes. Until a few days ago, Rain had been an unattainable dream. Now.. Phayu slowly tilted his head and brushed his lips over Rain’s forehead. He wanted to do so much more. But he loved this boy, and his wildest dreams, he would never do anything without consent. He pulled Rain’s arms around his chest and held it there, holding on to it tightly. He could wait a lifetime, if that’s what it took.
Sky
“I would like a cup of black tea, little sugar, no ice, thank you,” Rain said to the barista, as he and Sky stood in one of their favourite coffee shops off campus. “I want an iced strawberry au lait and a hot latte with extra syrup,” Sky ordered, as Rain looked on. The barista nodded and entered the orders. “Why did you order 2 drinks?” Rain asked, as they made their way to their seat. “You never drink coffee.” “Who said that there would be no secrets between the two of us?” Sky asked, as they settled in. “Drinking coffee is that big a secret?” Rain asked, sounding puzzled. “The coffee is for my boyfriend,” Sky said, sighing, as Rain’s jaw dropped open in surprise. “Your boyfriend? Why did you choose him? Didn’t he make you unhappy previously? You both are now seriously dating?” he asked. Sky laughed at the barrage of questions. “Not the bad guys who made me unhappy before. It’s a warm guy who rescued me,” he said. “Oooooo,” Rain said, smirking playfully.
“Look! There he is!” Sky said, pointing towards the door. Rain immediately turned around surprised to see Pai walking in, Phayu in tow. Phayu was smiling broadly, waving hi, until he saw Rain, both of them flustered to see each other. “Hi!” Pai said, as Sky stood and shifted to the seat opposite so he could sit with Pai. Rain moved as well so Phayu could sit next to him. Both of them looked very confused and Sky noted that.
Phayu
“Why are you also here?” Rain asked, whispering to Phayu. “Pai said he wanted to introduce me to his boyfriend formally,” Phayu said, looking between Pai and Sky. “And why are you also here?” “Because Sky said that very same thing to me,” Rain said. “What is going on?” Phayu asked, laughing. “Let me formally introduce. This is Pai, my boyfriend,” Sky said. “Hi, I am Prapai, Pai for short, Sky’s boyfriend. Come and see our concert next time,” Pai said, looking at Rain. Rain nodded. “Idiot!” Phayu kicked Pai under the table. Pai only laughed. Rain stared at Phayu. “You have been to their concert before? Why didn’t you ask me to go with you?” Sky asked, pouting a bit. “I just passed by, so I went to take a look,” Rain said, a bit sheepishly. “Who said there should be no secrets between the two of us?” Sky asked, putting his nose in the air. Rain was saved from answering when the barista brough out their drinks. They thanked him after he had placed them on the table. “What do you usually like to drink?” Sky asked Phayu. “Black tea, little sugar, no ice,” Phayu replied immediately. Rain stared at him again and Sky picked up Rain’s drink with a snicker. “Then maybe this drink is for the two of you,” he said, smirking openly now, as Phayu and Rain stared at each other this time.
Sky
Sky watched Pai take a sip of his drink then slid his hand through his boyfriend’s. He then watched the interaction between Phayu and Rain with ever growing interest, as they used two straws to share the same drink. The two of them were not a couple, but the open and easy affection that he saw on Phayu’s face and the ease and comfort with which his best friend accepted Phayu, made Sky realise two things. One, what he was looking at, was definitely beyond mere friendship from both sides, despite knowing how Phayu felt about Rain from a long time ago. Two, Phayu was going to be Rain’s redemption, the light at the end of a very dark tunnel, that Sky had seen Rain navigate with a lot of difficulty and despair. He could already sense the changes that were coming, and hoped that Phayu was strong enough to withstand the incoming gale with Rain.
Phayu
Later the four friends stood around, playing games on their phones and pulling each other’s legs, and fighting over who should have helped whom and who was the reason they lost. It was a fun moment. “I am hungry,” Rain suddenly spoke up. “Hungry? How can you be hungry? Didn’t you just eat a lot?” Pai asked, sounding surprised. “Well, my Rain is like that,” Sky said. “Yours? How is he yours?” Pai and Phayu spoke up at the same time. “Hey! You both don’t have to overreact like that. I have known him longer than the two of you,” Rain said, putting his arm around Sky’s shoulder. “Yes! We are good friends,” Sky said. “So what if you are good friends? That means I consider you special just in vain,” Pai said. Sky immediately shifted and started acting cute with Pai, who giggled. Rain made a disgusted face and mimicked Sky, acting cute with Phayu instead.
Sky glared at the two of them. “What are you both doing?” he asked. “We are imitating the two of you,” Phayu said, grinning happily. “Phayu Soikham!” Sky said. “What?” Phayu said. “You are irritating!” Sky said. “Hey! You cannot call my best friend irritating,” Rain said, immediately crossing his hands over his chest, trying to look intimidating but failing miserably. “Okay, okay. Then let’s do something fun!” Sky said. “But I am really starving!” Rain said. “Then let’s go eat something,” Sky said, and Rain nodded excitedly, and they quickly walked away, leaving Phayu and Pai behind. “Not bad,” Pai said, as he watched Phayu staring at Rain going away. “What?” Phayu asked. “It seems like things are getting better between the two of you,” Pai said, bumping Phayu’s shoulder, making him laugh. “When do you plan to confess?” “Not so soon! Not like you!” Phayu said, bumping Pai right back. “The faster, the better,” Pai said. “Let’s go! No more nonsense,” Phayu said, walking away and pulling Pai along with him.
Sky
Sky played a few keys of the keyboard that Pai was working on, sliding closer to him and then trailing his fingers up Pai’s arm. The two of them were in Pai’s room, surrounded by a bit of mess, but Sky was too engrossed in Pai to care. His fingers tickled Pai’s neck and he laughed, holding on to Sky’s hand. “What are you doing?” he asked, kissing Sky’s fingers. “What’s the matter?” he asked, as Sky continued to stare at him. “What happened?” Pai asked again. Sky blew into his ear, making Pai giggle. “What are you upto baby?” he asked. “Nothing. I am distracting you,” Sky said, tapping out odd notes on the keyboard as Pai tried to play. “Really? And why is that?” Pai asked. “Because you need to get me something to eat,” Sky said, bopping his nose onto Pai’s. Pai laughed and stood up, but Sky pulled him down for a kiss. Pai pecked him and pulled back immediately. “You can kiss me you know? I am 18 already and it’s not like we have not done it before,” Sky said, pouting. “I know. But I seem to lose control around you. Plus we are in my apartment, not in the open. So better I get you something to eat before I forget stuff,” Pai said, grinning, before he disappeared. Sky smiled after him, knowing that sooner or later, he would have Pai where he wanted him.
Rain
“Choose one,” Phayu said, as Rain stared at him in amazement. Phayu was holding out these bat like things that you could dip in soapy water and then blow bubbles out of. Man! This boy was mad, but he was so narak with that jeab smile of his that Rain melted into a puddle. “Okay, I will take this one,” he said, pulling out the one from Phayu’s left hand. “Okies! Yay! Let’s start,” Phayu said, dipping his in the soapy mixture. He gently blew into it and the bubbles floated around. Rain stared mesmerised. “You try now,” Phayu said, breaking Rain out of his own thought bubble. Rain followed exactly what Phayu did, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way it should have. A rather large and ugly blob like thing floated out, much to Rain’s chagrin. Phayu laughed, and then reached out to show him the right way when Rain pouted at him. He stood behind him and held his hand, dipping the bat into the suds, and gently allowing the bubbles to release.
Phayu
Phayu watched with the biggest smile on his face as Rain moved the bat slowly around, bubbles moving all around them. Rain’s smiles had become Phayu’s life, and he couldn’t imagine living without them anymore. He wanted those smiles to grace his sunshine boy’s face forever, and he was ready to do anything that would give him that chance. He took out his phone and raised it, wanting a picture of Rain, and maybe even a video. He knew very well what he wanted his next step to be. He was still nervous about it, but willing to take the chance. He knew very well that it would be a worse regret not asking than being rejected. When Rain saw him record, he even posed, making Phayu grin. He even asked for a selfie, which made Phayu’s heart beat even faster than he had imagined. “I will take you to better places next time,” he said, loving how Rain was so happy. “Why do you always do so much for me Phayu?” Rain asked. “Because I like you.” It slipped out of Phayu before he could stop himself.
He took a step back when the smile fell off Rain’s face, and he turned around to look at Phayu. But then he stopped himself. He had nothing to be afraid of, right? “I like you Rain,” he said again, staring into Rain’s eyes. Rain kept staring at him, and then nodded shyly. “I like you too Phayu,” he said, his whole face lighting up with joy. Phayu thought his heart would burst out of his chest. “So.. umm, so will you be my boyfriend?” he asked. “I absolutely will,” Rain whispered back, stepping closer to Phayu as their foreheads touched. Phayu was beyond ecstatic. This was more than he had imagined, and way more beautiful.
Later that night, he was putting together his music when his phone pinged.
Rain🌧️ : I loved the pics. We should click more. I will click. Yours are good, but blurry.
Me : I was too busy staring at the cutest boy in the world, so my hands were shaking.
Rain🌧️ : Ew.. cheesy! Just admit you were nervous.
Me : I do. I do admit. I was quaking in my boots so to say. I was afraid you will reject me and then stop being my friend.
Rain🌧️ : Which action of mine ever made you feel that I would ever say no? I would not say no to you in any universe Phayu; this or any other.
Me : Who is being cheesy now? Anyway, I am glad you think that way. Because I have no idea what I would have done had you said no.
Rain🌧️ : Okay, go to sleep boyfriend, so that I may meet you early tomorrow.
Me : Goodnight boyfriend. I will see you bright and early tomorrow.
Rain🌧️ : Thank you for an amazing first day together.
Phayu felt like putting his head on a pillow and just bawling his lungs out. Rain was amazing and sweet, amazingly sweet, and Phayu was sure he would die for this boy. He could feel it. He quickly changed his wallpaper to their picture together, unaware that Rain was doing the very same, at the very same time.
The next evening, Phayu dropped Rain off. “I am hungry,” Rain said, as Phayu took the turn towards his building. “It’s late. You are still hungry?” he asked. “I am,” Rain said, clinging cutely onto Phayu, resting his chin on his shoulder. Phayu laughed. “Well, you are home. Have something light before you sit down to study,” he said. Rain pouted like a petulant child, and Phayu laughed internally. Who would have thought that the nerdy, smart, well put together Varain Lee could be such a cute and big baby. He shook his head. “I don’t want to cook,” Rain said. “You can order something in,” Phayu said. “My mom will hate that, say it’s not healthy enough,” Rain said, now crossing his hands in front of his chest. That, combined with his pout, wanted to make Phayu laugh out even louder.
3rd Person
Unknown to the two of them however, Rain’s mother was about to get into the taxi just behind where the two of them were standing. She was shocked to see her son with a boy, just standing and laughing. She was not homophobic per se, but she knew her husband very well, and knew that there would be hell to pay if he saw Rain with another boy. She was about to go and speak to them, when her phone rang. She looked down to see who is calling and picked it up. When she looked up, she saw that Rain was hugging this boy, and her son, he looked so.. happy. It had been a while since she had seen Rain this happy. She simply sat in the taxi and left, hoping she would be able to talk to her son sooner or later.
Rain
Couple of days after his date with Phayu, Rain sat in his room, finishing some school work, when his mother called out for him. He immediately went out to the salon, where both his parents waited. The moment he saw his father’s face, he knew it could be nothing good. “Kneel,” his father said. “I am sorry? Why?” Rain asked. “KNEEL DOWN!” his father repeated. Rain did as he was told, knowing that anything else would only bring him more trouble. “Who was the person who sent you back on the scooter?” his mother asked, and Rain could feel fear coating his heart. This was not what he had expected. “Nobody dropped me. I walked home,” he said, lying through the skin of his teeth, knowing there was no way he would take Phayu’s name and let any harm come to him. He would die before that.
His father threw a cushion at him, and Rain let it connect, knowing that if he dodged, the repercussions would be worse. “You dare to lie? Your mother saw it!” his father said. “Just tell us the truth. Who was that boy?” his mother asked. “He is a classmate,” Rain said in a monotone, not letting any emotions show, because that would be dangerous as hell. “Classmate? Is he from your class?” his mother asked. “What is his name?” his father asked. “Even if I tell you, you will not know him,” Rain said. “Tell us!” his father demanded. “He is not important,” Rain said. “I asked you his name Rain!” his father shouted, but Rain kept quiet. “He is just a classmate, and he helped me couple of times. That’s all,” Rain said. “I asked his name, not what he did for you,” his father started to shout.
“I know all your classmates. So, is he in your class?” his mother asked, keeping a hand on his father’s arm. “He is not, but he treats me well,” Rain said, trying to still be emotionless, but this was Phayu he was talking about, his very life. “He treats you well, so you just blatantly run around with him? Haven’t I asked you not to make weird friends?” his mother asked, looking appalled. “He is not weird,” Rain said, his mask cracking a bit. “He has great grades, is looking to go abroad for studies, and is in a band!” “In a band?” his mother asked, as his father leaned back with a heavy sigh, as if the fact that Phayu being in a band was the end of the world. Which, for them, it probably was, because being in a band meant that he was nothing but a delinquent. Rain tried to bring his emotions under control. It would not do to burst out, how much ever he wanted, because that would give his parents more ammunition.
“No wonder he was dressed so badly!” his mother said. “He was not dressed badly. He is an amazing person. Even though he doesn’t have a dad, he works hard, and helps his mother..,” Rain trailed off when his mother raised a hand. “Wait! He comes from a single parent family?” she asked. “Haven’t we taught you anything? Haven’t we told you that the kind of friends you make reflects on you personally?” “We have explained so many times that birds of a feather flock together. Children from single parent families are always troublemakers! And you have decided to be friends with a troublemaker? Have you no sense?” his father shouted. At that, Rain lost it!
“What is wrong with single parent families? He is not a troublemaker! He is on a scholarship, and plans to go abroad!” Rain said, standing up to defend Phayu. His father also stood up. “Look at how he has spoiled you already! Is this his way of talking to elders that he has taught you now?” he stepped forward belligerently. “Some lowly fellow, no father in sight, what the hell can he achieve in the future?” he continued. “What? It would have been better if he was like you?” Rain spat out. His father raised his hand, but Rain didn’t even flinch. No one, and definitely not his high and mighty father, was allowed to say anything about Phayu! But the slap never landed as his mother pulled his father’s hand back. “Who is the reason you live like this Rain? Appa has done so much for you, how can you talk to him like that?” she asked. “Why have I never felt anything you have done for me? Giving me material things, paying for my education, both in school and my tutors, is that what you have done for me? Doesn’t every parent do that anyway? Clothes, books, food.. all of this is your responsibility, nothing more, nothing less. What have you done for me, huh? All I have felt is your pressure and stress. All you have ever done for me is for your honour, and never because you love me!” Rain shouted, his façade finally cracking, as tears filled his eyes. His father slapped him across the face! “ENOUGH! Enough I said! Go to your room and kneel until you learn your lesson!” his father shouted. Rain simply turned on his heels and left, holding the fact that he had Phayu now close to his heart!
Notes:
Hope you are still liking this story.... just one more chapter to go!!
Chapter 8: I want to be your faith
Summary:
Rain takes matters into his own hands.
Phayu talks about his love for Rain.
A future is decided!
Notes:
Wow!! A roller coaster of emotions this one!! And it's finally over. It's not the kind of stories I usually write.. But I hope you will love it anyway.. I have some really interesting stories coming up, so stay tuned guys!!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Unknown
“What exactly do I want? I want no regrets and choose what I want. You would support me, right?”
Rain
“I wonder why biology needs to exist as a subject!” Sky said, pouting as he flipped through the pages of his book, irritated as hell. “It’s okay. It’s not that hard,” Rain said. “Easy for you to say Mr. Bright and Brilliant. It’s ordinary mortals like us who suffer with lowly subjects like these,” Sky said, not noticing how Rain’s smile fell off. “Well, let me know if you need any help revising Sky,” Rain said quietly, feeling a bit hurt, but refusing to show it. “Thank you,” Sky said. Suddenly his phone buzzed. His whole mood shifted as he saw the message and he left to go to the washroom. He had dared not meet Phayu, knowing that his boyfriend would immediately note how disturbed he was. Somehow, despite having met not so very long ago, it really surprised Rain how easily Phayu seemed to gauge his moods. Even Sky, whom he had known since they were in diapers, didn’t get Rain the way Phayu did.
Rain splashed water on his face as he heard other students leave the restroom discussing how best to score marks. His phone buzzed again.
Appa : I have spoken to your Principal. He has assured me that he will let me know your marks as soon as you submit the paper. Better do well and don’t let me down!
Rain looked at the message as if it were a snake, ready to bite him. He was so done. He did not even put the message on read, choosing to ignore it. He just needed to get through this one day, and then he would be fine. He splashed some more water on his face and then straightened. He could do this!
All the students of his class sat in the English classroom, discussing what they would do after exams were over. Rain sat still, pensive, hoping everything would work out as he wanted it to. There were a lot of things going through his head, but all of it coalesced into just one goal; ensuring that he stood up to his father. He was so done with everything. He wanted to be free. Was that too much to ask? He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he even failed to notice the speculative looks that Sky was throwing at him. Soon, the teacher walked in. “Okay everyone, put away all your books and bags. Only pencils and erasers on hand. Quickly!” he said and the students rushed to do what he had asked. Everyone quickly settled in and the teacher handed out the question papers and the answer sheets. Rain started marking the answers. Suddenly he stopped, his mind going back to all those moments with his father.
“You just got into a decent school. Could you please be more conscious of your future?
“You have to run for the Student Council, and win. No half baked tries! Better do your best! Don’t let me down!”
“Did you study the English words? Did you do your homework? Can you ever do anything right? Why must you be so useless and foolish all the time?”
“How dare you talk to me about privacy? All you need to do now is study! And nothing else. That should be your sole focus! School, and then get back home!”
“Have you ever cared about me? Loved me? All you ever cared about was yourself! And your honour!”
Rain put down his pencil and sat back, clearly thinking something. Then he picked up his eraser and erased every single answer that he had marked. He looked at the paper for a few minutes, sighed, and then smiled. He got up, gave the paper to the teacher, and left the class with a spring in his step!
Phayu
This was almost the tenth time he was calling Rain in the past 15 minutes after Sky had told him that Rain had left the exam hall within 10 minutes of it starting. However good he was in English, there was no way in hell Rain could have finished that paper in just 10 minutes. Something was seriously wrong and Phayu had immediately started calling him, and looking for him at the same time. Sky and he had split, hoping to cover more area at the same time. Phayu was getting desperate. Rain had been slightly withdrawn since a couple of days, but he had assured Phayu he was okay. But he knew his boy well. Something had been eating him from the inside, and despite Phayu’s asking several times, Rain had chosen to stay mum, promising him that they could talk once exams were over. Phayu had not forced him, not wanting to put further pressure on Rain, and the moment had passed. But now, Rain had apparently submitted a blank paper, something unheard of from a top student like him, and had then conveniently disappeared. Phayu was out of his mind with worry, especially since Rain was not even picking up his phone. “Where are you Rain? Why the hell are you not picking up my call?” he muttered under his breath.
Rain
Rain sat on the edge of the school field, his phone in his hand. He didn’t bother to look down at it, letting it ring and then go to voicemail. He was not interested in picking up any calls or responding to the several messages that his father had already sent, each voice note increasing in anger and frustration at what Rain had done. He knew perfectly well what he had done, thank you very much, and he didn’t need his father to point out his flaws once again. He had first thought of throwing his phone away, so that no one would be able to contact him, but interspersed with calls and voice messages from his father, there were also calls from Phayu, and while he knew he needed some time, Phayu was his beloved. There was no way he would stress Phayu out. He would just try to figure out what to say to him later.
“I can’t believe my son turned in a blank paper!”
“Are you sick?”
“Are you avoiding me?”
“What the hell were you thinking boy?!”
“If you have a problem, you could have told me! I am your father!”
“If you don’t respond, I am coming to your school right away!”
Rain shuddered at the thought of his father coming here. It was time for the next step, so he opened the camera of his phone, switched on the video mode and turned the front camera on. “Yes, I don’t dare to speak to you face to face, which is why I am using this method to get my message across to you. It’s true I handed in a blank paper, and yes, I did that on purpose. Let me explain why. Consider it my moment of rebellion. Every day, I come home to an empty house. You both say that you are doing everything for me, for my future, for me to have a better life. But what about the life I am living right now? Have you both thought of that?” Rain paused for a bit, trying to speak past the lump in his throat and failing miserably as tears started to flow down his eyes. “Whenever you are around, you never ask me how I am. All you want to know is if I am living up to your expectations. And I tried. I tried every day. I tried so hard to keep you both happy, keep you both satisfied. But nothing seemed to work. Nothing I said or did ever made you happy. All that happened was me letting you down. I was not even allowed to have a friend you hadn’t approved of. I am so tired, so fed up of this. All of this. I began to feel like a burden on you, on myself. Many times, I decided that maybe I was not even good enough to be your son. But you know what I have realised? It’s not a me problem, it’s a you problem. You were strict, unapproachable, never loved me. But had you both tried, I would have given you both the world on a platter. You refused to acknowledge me as your son if I did not agree to everything you said. Well, let me just say, I refuse to acknowledge being your son. Now that it has come to this, let me see if I can find a better way to live. I am sure I will be able to survive better.” By the time he hit send on the video, Rain was sobbing his heart out, but he ensured that his parents got his message. He had just switched off his phone when he felt arms going around him. He knew those arms, and he leaned fully into them, sobbing even more, letting Phayu take the weight of his sorrows.
3rd person
“Rain just sent me this video,” Rain’s father said, giving his wife his phone, as they both sat together in the aftermath of Rain’s actions. As she watched, Rain’s mom gasped at how Rain was crying. “Did we do something wrong Ter?” she asked, her own eyes filling with tears. “I don’t understand. All that I ever wanted was that he should not go down a wrong path. Was that too much to ask? What did I ever do wrong?” he asked. “Maybe.. maybe we did push him too hard? What if.. what if we let him figure out things on his own?” she said. “Is he even old enough for that? I mean, we can decide what is best for him,” his father said. “And that seems to have backfired spectacularly Ter. So maybe it’s time we just leave it to him,” she said. “But he has all our resources in hand,” his father said. “Exactly. Our resources. We did not have such a great beginning. We had to struggle for everything, so we thought we will push it on to him to do better. But all our successes are worthless Ter, if we push our failures on our son. Let his do what he wants. Let us give him the space. Let’s just be listeners from now on,” she said, putting her hand on her husband’s arm, knowing that it would be a struggle, but they might have to change for their son if they wanted him with them in the first place.
Rain
Rain walked down with his club members, discussing all the practice they needed to do post lunch, for their big performance happening the next day. He was relaxed. The events post the exam had made it clear that his parents would let him choose his own path, and he had already decided what he wanted to do. A long ago conversation with Phayu, when he had been filling his form for the student council, had remained in his head. At that time, he had thought that Phayu was feeling bad about being his competitor in the race for being the President of the Council, but later, he had realised that Phayu had just not wanted to go far away from him. So he had been doing his own research, and he had some very important news to give to his beloved after this club performance would get over. It was not exactly the path his parents had chosen for him, but Rain was okay with that. He would follow his passions, and his Phayu, and that was more than enough for him.
Suddenly his phone rang, and the news from the other side was shocking. “All five of them ate something bad, and now they all have food poisoning!” he said. The rest of the club members were shocked! “What do we do?” Arthit, the person who played the cello, asked, looking worried. “I can ask a friend of mine. He has a band. Maybe he can help us out as he may know people,” Rain said, immediately thinking of Phayu. The others nodded gratefully. “That would be awesome,” Amy, their violinist, said. Rain immediately dialled Phayu’s number.
Phayu
Phayu parked his scooter in front of his Mae’s stall, removed his helmet and took his phone out. “Eighteen calls? Why is he looking for me so urgently?” he smiled, as he immediately called Rain back. “You okay love?” he asked, blushing at the endearment that slipped out, hoping Rain would not notice. “Okay, okay, slow down. Take a breath and tell me again,” he said, when Rain babbled off something. “Oh! Food poisoning? Ah! I see. Give me 10 minutes. I will call Pai and then get back to you?” he said, as Rain finally quieted down. He smiled and shook his head before calling Pai. “Hey bro! Rain’s club had a performance tomorrow, but some of the members are in hospital due to diarrhea and vomiting caused by food poisoning. Is there any way we can help them out?” he asked. Pai must have said something, because Phayu laughed. “I am sure Rain will agree,” he said, before calling Rain back.
“What are you looking for young man?” Phayu’s mom asked him, as she saw him stick his head into his father’s old music collection. “Rain’s club had a performance tomorrow, but some members are sick. So we are going to perform with them. I am looking for a good song to sing along with,” Phayu said, not even looking up from his perusal, until his mom screeched! “Ow! What was that for?” he asked staring at her in shock. “Oh my God! I have to go find a nice dress to wear,” she said, turning around from where she was leaving. “Mae, it’s not like that. I will send you the link for it. It’s a closed door event only for school and board members,” Phayu said, laughing at his mom’s antics! Oh, how he loved this woman! “Well, okay then. So, what kind of song are you looking for?” she asked. “Something to do with love, obviously,” Phayu said distractedly, diving back into his father’s collection. “Because it is for Rain?” she asked. “Hmm,” he hummed and then sharply looked up again.
“You like him no?” she asked, a small smile on her face. “You could tell?” he asked, blushing a bit. “You are ‘oh, so easy to read’ baby,” she said. Phayu could feel himself blushing more. “I love him Mae. And what is strange is that he loves me back,” Phayu said, wonder lacing his tone. The he stared at his mom. “I didn’t mean to say that. It just.. slipped out,” he said, wanting to just hide his face so no one could see him. Instead he went back to rifling through the CDs again. “Yu, are you sure about this?” his mother asked, pulling his attention once again. “Sure about what?” he asked absently. “About being with Rain? You know our country. Acceptance will not be easy. From whatever you have told me of his life at his home, he is not in a good place. Over and above that, you are planning to go abroad for your studies. It’s a dream you have seen all your life. Are you willing to give that up? Or are you sure he will wait for you?” she asked, not wanting to hurt her son, but these were questions that had been worrying her for long.
“I don’t know Mae, but I will figure it out I guess,” Phayu said, looking pensive. Then he shook his head. “No time for this Mae. I need to find a song as soon as possible. What will I sing tomorrow? I can’t let Rain and the others down,” he said, looking a bit frustrated now. “You are looking for one of your dad’s songs?” she asked. “His songs are all good, so I don’t know which one to pick,” he said. “Then pick the song that speaks the most to you. The you right now. The one song that makes you feel alive, makes all your emotions feel alive,” she said. He stared at her for a couple of minutes, then reached forward and hugged her. “Thanks Mae. You are the best!” he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek before he picked up one of the discs lying right at the bottom and rushing out. He needed to give his band the music beforehand, so that they could practice.
3rd Person
“I didn’t expect you guys to be able to pull this off in just one night,” the current Student Council President, P’Ren said. The new Student Council President would be announced after this performance, and Rain was very excited for Phayu. He had withdrawn, not being at all interested in this post, and was hoping that Phayu would get it so that he would be able to fulfil his dreams. “Well, thankfully our friends helped us out,” Sky said, as Rain smiled. Just then, Phayu came running. “Thirty minutes more for backstage prep,” he said. “Then why don’t you guys go and do any last minute preparations you need to?” P’Pam, another member of the Student Council, said. Rain, Sky and Phayu looked at each other and nodded. “Okay, sounds good,” Rain said. “Are you guys confident?” P’Ren asked. All of then nodded. “Of course we are!” Rain said, pumping his fist in the air, as Sky put his hand on his shoulder and Phayu looked on indulgently. “Okay! Good luck then! Su su!” P’Ren and P’Pam said, as the younger boys made their way out.
“Ter, Rain’s performance is about to start. Don’t you want to watch it? I am really keen on knowing how he does, and that new friend of his. I wonder how he will do,” Rain’s mom said. Although his father was keen too, he pretended to be disinterested, but he kept his ears open, wanting to know more and more about his son. Rain’s mom smiled to herself. Whatever he would say or do, Rain’s father did love him. Yes, they had been unable to show it to him, because it had been buried under too many demands they had put on him. But they had come too close to losing Rain to ever stand in his way ever again. On the other side of town, Phayu’s mom was also reminded that it was her son’s performance when she too received the link. Since she was not at home, she stood in the shade of a bus-stop, and connected to the link, excited about how her son would do.
The band began performing. When Phayu began to sing, both students and teachers, as well as the board of directors, were mesmerised. They had not realised such talent lay among them. The students had some inkling, thanks to a teacher releasing the footage of one of Phayu’s songs, but to see him like this, live, it was amazing. His voice flowed over them like silk, the words creeping into their hearts. But Phayu had eyes only for Rain. He knew that he had picked this song for the sole reason because he wanted to sing it to Rain; the Rain who had held an umbrella over his head, the Rain who had looked at him with tear drenched eyes at a kindness shown, the Rain who had made his way into his heart and soul without any effort, the Rain for whom he would turn the world upside down. It was clearly a confession of the perfect love that he felt for the boy who was his everything.
Rain and Phayu
Rain and Phayu lay on the roof of the school, as Rain loudly belted out the song Phayu had just sung, and Phayu quietly laughed watching him. Phayu had become the Student Council President, which meant that his scholarship to Berklee School of Music, Massachusetts, was confirmed. And no one had been more thrilled than Rain. It was as if he was the one who had achieved all of this. Phayu suddenly sat up, and Rain looked at him expectantly. “Are you seriously that happy?” Phayu asked. “I am! I am ecstatic!” Rain said. “Seriously? You are okay with me going so far away Rain?” Phayu asked, his heart breaking. Yes, it had been his dream to go abroad and study, that too on full board and scholarship. But if that meant leaving Rain, he had thought of reconsidering the decision. But here was Rain, who was almost giddy with delight at the thought of Phayu leaving.
“Wasn’t it your one single dream?” Rain asked, as he stared at Phayu, his smile falling a bit, sitting up as well. “Oh my God Phayu! Hope you are not thinking of changing your mind for any reason!” he added. “What if I said I was?” Phayu asked. “What? What? Why?” Rain was nearly panicking. “Rain, if I leave, do you know what that means for us?” Phayu asked, his heart hurting. Rain stared at him for a few seconds and then the biggest smile burst out on his face. He cupped Phayu’s cheeks. “My silly beloved! Did you really think that I would let you leave me?” he asked, as Phayu stared at him in concentration. “What do you mean?” he asked, shocked at being called beloved by Rain. “I have applied for a BS, that is, a Bachelor of Science, in Clinical Psychology at Tufts, in Boston. I will be going with you Phayu. You are never going to be alone, and neither am I,” Rain said, as Phayu stared at him, overwhelmed. “And you got in?” he whispered, his voice choked. “Just one last interview babe, and we can fly out together as soon as we complete school,” Rain said, pulling Phayu’s cheeks.
Phayu just couldn’t help it. In his wildest dreams, he had not imagined that Rain would take such a big step for him. He cupped Rain’s face and pulled him closer, pecking his lips. They stared at each other as they drew back, and then they both dived right back in. It began as a soft moulding of lips on lips, but when Rain sighed, Phayu slipped his tongue in, capturing the sigh and the moan that went with it. They drew back when they both needed the air, and Phayu kept his forehead on Rain’s. “That was my first kiss,” he said, sounding a bit sheepish. “Mine too,” Rain said, sounding as if he had just run a marathon. “My first kiss was with you,” Phayu said, staring at Rain and trying to stop himself from kissing him again. “My last will be with you too. I want to be your faith my beloved,” Rain said, before coming closer and kissing Phayu again. This time, both their tongues came to play and when they drew back, they were both flushed with happiness.
Epilogue, six years later
“Could you please stop all this jumping around? We are at the airport!” Pai said, as he tried to control Sky. “They have been gone six years! Six fucking years! It was supposed to be just four! All because Phayu got a chance to do his Masters. So Rain also stayed back with him. Hmpf!” Sky said, rolling his eyes, as if it was all Phayu’s fault. Pai shook his head at his boyfriend. Phayu and Rain had really done what they had set out to do. Phayu had gotten a scholarship to Berklee, and not very surprisingly, Rain had gotten his own scholarship. They had come out to Rain’s parents before they left, but with two such outstanding children in front of them, no one had been able to refuse. After the four years had been up, Phayu had gotten another scholarship to do his Master in Music Composition from Juilliard, and the two had moved to New York, where Rain had joined Columbia for his Masters in Clinical Psychology as well. He had gotten done in one year, but he had obviously waited for Phayu to finish his degree. Finally, the two were coming back, and Sky was over the moon, waiting for his best friend to come back.
“Sky! There they are!” Pai pointed out. Sky whirled around immediately. Phayu and Rain walked towards them. Phayu was dressed in black slacks, black shirt open at the neck, a thin silver chain with a black stone hanging on his chiselled abs, long hair pulled back in a bun, and pierced ears, sunglasses perched on his head. Rain was dressed somewhat similarly, except his pants were white, with a pale blue shirt, half tucked in, half out. He too had longer hair, but he had gone ash blonde, making him look soft and fragile in front of Phayu. He also wore a chain and his sunglasses were on his head too. “Phayu looks like Mafia, and Rain looks tiny in front of him,” Sky giggled. “They look like a power couple to me,” Pai said, looked almost shocked at their transformation. “I agree,” Sky said.
He couldn’t believe how far the two of them had come. He rushed forward to hug Rain and the two friends jumped on each other in happiness, as Pai and Phayu also hugged and then looked on indulgently at the boyfriends. “We have a lot to catch up on, but first, we need to go home,” Rain said, pulling his sunglasses off. “Wait, wait! What the fuck?! What is this?” Sky asked, snatching up Rain’s left hand where a ring glinted. “And you too!?” It was Pai’s turn to snatch up Phayu’s hand. “You guys got ENGAGED?” Sky shouted, much to the chagrin of the other three, who looked around the airport bowing to show their apologies. “Sky!” Rain hissed, totally embarrassed. “And no, we are not engaged. We are married. We got married in New York,” Phayu said, smiling broadly at his husband. “What?” Pai asked, looking dumbfounded. “And your families? Rain’s parents? Your mom?” “Well, that’s why we said we need to go home first. Both of us want to break the news to them and well, you know?” Rain said. “Will they be okay with it?” Sky asked. “His mom will surely be. I don’t know about my parents. But considering the fact that Phayu is going to be working with some big production houses and I have a job in the Psychology department of Bangkok Hospital, they might give us some leeway,” Rain said. “Plus, our marriage is completely legal too,” Phayu said.
“Rain! Phayu!” The two looked up and were startled to see their parents rush towards them. “Mae?” Phayu asked, sounding surprised. “Appa? Mom?” Rain sounded even more incredulous. “How did you know we were arriving today?” Phayu asked, and Rain immediately looked at Pai and Sky, who looked extremely sheepish. “Umm.. we told them?” Sky said. “To our credit, we didn’t know you got married!” Pai said, and all the parents stopped short! “Married?” Rain’s father’s voice came out completely strangled while Sky bopped Pai on the head. Phayu and Rain sighed. Well, the cat was fully and completely out of the bag now. They looked at each other and then pushed their left hands together in tandem. “Married,” Rain confirmed, hoping to all the Gods that his father wouldn’t throw a tantrum in the middle of the airport.
“The rings are beautiful!” both the moms cooed in happiness. “Getting married in a foreign country and all is fine, but you have to register your marriage in Thailand. Only then will we accept it,” Rain’s father said, trying to look stern, but failing miserably when his son jumped into his arms, crying. “Thank you Appa! Thank you Mom! Thank you so much!” he said, as he pulled his mom into the hug too. “Well, Phayu, what are you looking at lu? Join us!” Rain’s father said, holding his arm out for his son in-law. How could he ever say no to Phayu, the boy who had changed his son’s life around, and made him a completely different person. Whom they had thought of as someone upto no good, a troublemaker, was not only a competent composer who was already working with big teams, he was also someone who had given their son a path to follow. And now, they were both home, and their family would finally be complete. There was not a single dry eye in the group as everyone hugged each other, finding their faith and happiness in each other!
Notes:
It took a lot of research to figure out colleges, believe me.. but I did it! And I gave them a happy ending! Which is my favourite kind!!
BubblerGirl on Chapter 1 Mon 07 Oct 2024 03:50AM UTC
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Poetryinmotion1982 on Chapter 1 Mon 07 Oct 2024 04:12AM UTC
Last Edited Mon 07 Oct 2024 04:59PM UTC
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