Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hi, bebis!

As I promised, I am back with the continuation of their story. For those who haven't read the first book, it was entitled Saved By You written by yours truly. I suggest to read the first book first before reading this one for better understanding.

Just like the first book, this has the same setting. Everything from the first book remained the same. Again, I am informing everyone that this is a work of fiction. Nothing in this story depicts reality as this is a product of the author's imagination. Everything that may seems similar to real life is purely unintentional.

I used the inspirational characters' real names in this story so if you are not comfortable, please refrain from reading. I am writing and sharing this story for those people who find comfort and peace in reading this kind of work. Whoever that might feel uncomfortable about it, I apologize.

Updates are still the same- no specific timeline- but just like the first book, you will get surprise updates for sure. I write alone and I do not have beta reader so bear with any mistakes. I am always open to reactions and insights, please do not forget to leave a comment. But remember to be kind, as I always remind everyone. Kindness costs no penny.

I am looking forward for your support. Happy reading!

With love,

𝑵𝒂𝒎

Chapter Text

It's almost three in the afternoon, Build and Blue were already dressed up and ready to go. Build is wearing a black suit above a black turtleneck while Blue wears a white shirt under a white small suit. Blue is busy playing on his Papa's phone while Build is busy putting shoes on his son's feet.

"Papa, she's calling." The three-year-old kid handed him the phone before getting off the couch and checking himself in the large mirror.

He likes dressing up when there is an occasion. He usually chooses what he wants to wear whenever he knows they are going out.

Build purposefully put images on his contact so if somebody calls him and Blue sees it, he will know who it was. Because Blue is not quite good at reading yet.

(𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑏𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡.)

The moment Build answered the phone, he heard the voice of a woman who was clearly warning him. Build chuckles.

"We are not going to be absent and we are not going to be late."

(𝑌𝑒𝑠! 𝑊𝑒'𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐷𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒!)

The call ended. Build can just shake his head.

"Baby love, are you ready?" Build looked at his son who's still checking his outfit in the mirror.

"Yes, Papa love!" Blue ran to him, giggling.

It's just going to be a twenty-minute drive to the art gallery. They still have spare time and Build pulled into a nearby flower shop to pick up the flowers he ordered. It's a good thing Sari decided to schedule his exhibit during Saturday afternoon. The roads of Central are almost clear and there are no traffic jams. As they stopped at a art gallery, Build pulled off Blue from his car seat and grabbed the flowers beside it.

There are people entering the art gallery already. Build looked at the time, they are five minutes early, he won't receive a nagging from her. Build crouched down and fixed Blue's hair. The kid looked at him with his doe eyes. He looks like this to people he knows but will completely look intimidating to strangers. Just like someone Build knows.

"You're so handsome, Papa." Blue said, touching his cheeks.

"Thank you and so are you." Build kissed his son's forehead earning a giggle.

Build was about to pick the kid up and carry him to the registration area but the kid protests.

"No,no." He said pointing to his shoes.

Build laughed. He bought his son a new pair of shoes for this event and the kid loved it so much. He thinks the kid wants to try walking with his new shoes.

"Alright. Come on." Build offered his hand out and the kid grabbed it, smiling big. The cutie hopped and skipped while holding his Papa’s hand.

Built is a little anxious, to be honest. Since all the tragedy in his life happened, he is not fond of socializing anymore. Being with too many people makes his heart beat faster and overthink. But he will be fine, he knows. He has Sari right there and his cute little muffin.

They got into the entrance where a registration table is placed. He's a little worried because Sari didn't give him an invitation but he can just call her. But before they could get into the table, a petite woman went near them.

"Good afternoon, Khun Jakapan. Hello, little Blue." She greeted them.

"Hi." Blue waved at him but not smiling. The kid is familiar with her as she is Sari's assistant but he actually rarely smiles at everybody.

"Good afternoon, Waan." Build smiled at her.

"Get inside. Khun Sari is anxious that you'll not come today." Waan looked at the women on the registration table. "VIP one is here. Who else has not yet arrived?"

"All VIPs are already here but the international sponsor hasn't arrived yet." One of the women answered as the other one was busy assisting other people.

"I already confirmed. He's on his way. Let's go, Khun." She led the way inside the art gallery.

There were already lots of people inside. It was an art exhibit. Sari is an artist and this exhibit is one of her biggest events. Most of her exhibits were fresh and bubbly, just like today. The theme is summer and flowers. Most of the arts are colorful and fresh-looking. There are minimal flower arrangements all over the area, adding more life to the venue. It's actually calming for Build knowing how much he loves summer and flowers.

Waan stopped near a water fountain located in the middle of the venue. Build smiled at the sight of it. Though it's just an improvised water fountain, there's still water running from it.

"Khun Sari, they are here." Waan declared.

Sari looked back at them and immediately excused herself from the people she was talking to. She excitedly went near the two newcomers.

"Finally!" Sari hugged him tight.

Build chuckled with the gesture. "You're nervous."

Sari pulled out of the hug. "So much!"

"Don't be. The exhibit is wonderful and you look good. Congratulations!" Build handed her the bouquet of flowers.

"Why bring me flowers? I have so many flowers here already. You should've just given me some cash." Sari blurted out but accepted the flowers.

"I offered to be your sponsor again but you refused." Build said, in a matter-of-fact tone.

Sari rolled her eyes, handing Waan the flowers to place it in one area where gifts and bouquets were.

"Let me greet my little guest first." Sari crouched down. "Hi, young man. You look so handsome today."

"Hi, Aunt Sari." Blue smiled at her before hugging her neck. "So many flowers."

"Do you like it?" Sari smiled.

"Yes. So many!" Blue beamed, making Sari and Build laugh.

"He definitely liked it." Build said.

Sari stood up and pinched Blue's cheeks. Blue held his Papa's hand once again.

"What's up, young man?" A man wearing black suit came to them.

"Uncle Prin!" Blue let go of his Papa's hand and ran to him.

Prin, Sari's boyfriend, lifted Blue and did a fist bomb. The two started talking to each other and Build heard a series of questions from Blue.

"Hi, Build." Prin greeted him and answered with a nod and a smile.

"Uncle, what is this?" Blue asked, pointing to the fountain.

"It's a water fountain. Guess what? We have a small fountain like this in the buffet but not water. It has chocolates." Prin told the kid.

Blue's eye bulged. "I want to see. What is a buffet?"

Prin started to walk away from them, still answering Blue's questions. A buffet was situated at the end of the venue with some round tables including a small platform. There will be a short program later.

"He loves Blue so much. He actually requested a chocolate fountain for Blue." Sari said, looking at the figures a little far away from them.

"Maybe you should try to make one already." Build told her.

"We talked about it already." Sari lifted her right hand and fixed her hair. But that's not what he really wanted to do. He wants to show off to Build her finger, where a diamond ring is sitting perfectly.

"He finally asked you?!" Build said, grabbing his hand to look at the ring clearly.

"Last night. While I was in the middle of panicking because of this exhibit." Sari is smiling wide at him.

"Congratulations!" Build hugged her. His heart is so happy for his friend.

"Thank you, Build." Sari hugged him tightly.

When they pulled out of each other, Build looked at the fountain. There are now colors dancing in the water. Sari saw his reaction.

"As you suggested. The fountain and the colors are really amazing. Thank you for suggesting it to me." Sari hugged his arm.

Build almost felt teary. He remembers how that particular fountain shines at night. The way it was perfectly situated in the middle of a beautiful garden that was full of flowers. The memories are back to him again. Of course, he would never forget.

"Khun Sari, the international sponsor has arrived." Waan spoke beside them.

"I'll let you meet him. Wait for a while." Sari left him.

Build continues looking around but not stepping away from the fountain. He darted his eyes to the water. He can't help it. He held out his hand to the flowing water and played with it. The water is cold but Build felt warmness in his heart. The memories are hitting him again.

He heard a commotion so he looked back. The guests were gathering around and greeting someone as if it was fully respectable. Who could it be? The King doesn't attend this kind of event. Sari didn't invite any Lords too as she is not acquainted with anyone in the aristocracy. Build and Sari are happy enough to be one of the elites and they believe it is better not to be connected to any Lord at all. Build has his reasons but Sari is not aware of it.

Build tried to look for whoever came. The guests started to go back to looking at the paintings so Build had the chance to see who it was.

And there he is. Sari is talking to the person he is most familiar with. Those sunglasses will never hide who he was. The way that double-breasted suit fits really well to that familiar body.

Build felt like floating. His heart is beating so fast and he doesn't know what to do. He's frozen.

The man removed his sunglasses and handed it to…. Prem.

Build swallowed the lump on his throat. They are here. After the painful three years, they are back.

"Papa, look!"

Build was out of his reverie when he heard his son's voice. Prin was carrying him while the kid was waving a marshmallow covered with chocolate stuck in a skewer.

"I made this." Blue giggled. He stuck his hand out for Build to carry him.

Build immediately got a hold of his son and looked back to Sari and her companions.

He is looking at Build. He is looking at Build and his son alternately. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑛.

Sari suddenly walked closer to them, leading Wichapas. Build felt panic. His hold to his son tightened. Why? Why is he nervous?

"Khun Wichapas, this is my fiancé, Prin." Sari introduced his boyfriend, lacing her arm around his.

Prin bowed to him before shaking his hand. "Thank you for sponsoring my fiancée's exhibit, Sir. It's nice to finally meet you."

He is Sari's international sponsor?

"And this is my very good friend, Jakapan, with his cute son, Blue." Sari continued.

Build didn't move. He continued looking at the man. Introduction is never needed for them. They know each other very well- his eyes, his nose, his lips, the way he breathes and the way he stands. They became quiet as Build didn't react. Build and Wichapas stared at each other, trying to communicate.

Their attention was captured when Blue offered the sweet on his hand to Wichapas. The kid's eyes darted to Wichapas, feeling an unknown connection to him.

Build's hand quickly pulled out his son's hand. "I'm sorry." Build bowed to Wichapas.

"Papa, I need to pee." Blue told his father.

A good time to escape the situation.

"Okay. Excuse me." But before Build could step away, Blue offered the sweet to Wichapas again.

The man accepted this time and Build walked away as quickly as possible.

"Blue is not really fond of strangers but I think he likes you." Prin smiles at the sweet on Wichapas' hand.

Wichapas looked at the sweet in the skewer before looking back to where Build and his son vanished.

–

The program had already started and the situation became more tense as the host, VIPs and the sponsor were seated at the same table. Wichapas' eyes never left the two people sitting parallel to him at the round table. Build is busy feeding his son but is aware of the pair of eyes looking at them, he chose to ignore.

Sari is speaking on the podium, thanking the guests, and her sole sponsor for making the event a success. Sari didn't forget to mention Prin as fiancé, which made the guests shocked. She also mentioned Build and Blue where she earned a cute little flying kiss from the kid, making the guests coo in his cuteness.

The program is done and Build already has a chance to leave. He can't leave earlier even if he wanted to as he doesn't want to disappoint Sari.

"We'll leave first." Build said to Sari and Prin.

"What? Why? It's still early." Sari complained.

Build can't find an excuse. He looked around and saw Wichapas having a look at the paintings, Prem following him.

"I need to go. I don't want to drive in the dark because I'm with Blue." Build picked up Blue.

"Okay. I'll send you off." Sari said and walked to the exit of the art gallery. Prin following them.

–

"Sir, they are leaving." Prem whispered to his master.

Wichapas roamed his eyes around and saw them leaving the premises. Build didn't talk to him aside from the "I'm sorry" he received earlier. He didn't even introduce his son to him.

He knows Build is mad at him but he didn't get the reaction he was expecting. He deserves a slap, a scolding, an outrage. Anything that will show his anger. But Wichapas only received a stare from him. Build is clearly shocked with his sudden show up but didn't display any anger for him. Was it a good sign? Or Build is restraining to show emotions again? He has a habit of keeping his thoughts all for himself.

Wichapas sprinted out of the art gallery. He saw them going to the parking lot, Build carrying the kid.

"Build!" Wichapas called.

The three of them halted. Sari and Prin looked back at him. Sari is completely confused with Wichapas. She clearly introduced Build as Jakapan to him because Build doesn't allow other people to call by his nickname other than close friends, which happens to be just her and Prin.

Build started to walk away again without looking back. Blue hugged his neck to face Wichapas.

"Build, let's talk." Wichapas sprinted faster.

Build has no intention to stop or to look back but he halted when he heard Blue speak.

"Papa, Daddy is calling you."

Sari's eyes widened in shock. She covered her mouth with her hand as she looked at Prin but the man looked at Build and Wichapas alternately.

Wichapas halted a few steps away from them. "Please, I want to talk."

Build felt his eyes start to get wet. No, he'll never cry. He promised not to cry about him anymore. He cleared his throat, swallowing the tears, before looking back. Blue let go of his neck and looked at his other father.

"We don't have anything to talk about." Build said, trying his best to be calm.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry I did that to you. It was all my fault, I admit." Wichapas tried to take a step closer but Build stepped back.

Wichapa felt a pang of pain with his action. Build doesn't want to be near him. It hurts that Build is near but he can't hold him.

Build is fighting his inner turmoil. He can't find the right term to describe his feelings. He is mad and lonely at the same time. The feeling of emptiness that was hiding inside his heart for years suddenly appears again. Wichapas and his ability to confuse Build.

"Papa, cold." Blue hugged his father's neck again.

Build didn't pay attention to it but is indeed cold. They are out in the open for a long time already. The wind is blowing a little freezing early at night and it is understandable that the kid can't stand it.

"Excuse me. My son and I need to go home right now." Build turned around and proceeded to his car.

As he was stepping away, Blue waved at his other father with a pout that is very familiar to Wichapas, still hugging Build's neck.

Build settled his son on the child seat at the back before going to the driver seat. Sari ran to him and held the car door before he could close it.

"Can you drive? Prin can drive you back home." Sari is so worried. He knows Build is not okay as of the moment.

"I'm fine. I won't endanger my son." Build smiled at her bitterly. "Thank you, Sari."

Sari nods and let go of the car door. Build closed it with a thud before starting to drive away.

–

Blue is getting ready for bed after their evening routine. He sleeps in his Papa's room. It's just the two of them in the large flat ever since. It has several bedrooms but they sleep in the master's bedroom together.

"Baby love, can Papa ask a question?" Build started the conversation.

Blue is already laid down and covered with the blanket while Build is sitting beside him, back rested on the headboard.

"How did you recognize him earlier?" Build was also shocked when Blue called Wichapas 'daddy'.

"Who? Daddy?" Blue looked up to him. Build nods. "Because of the picture. They are the same, right?"

Blue wanted to be sure that the man they saw earlier is his other father. He showed Blue a photo of Wichapas once, when he was asking about parents out of curiosity. Blue bugged him until he showed a photo of Wichapas telling that he is his Daddy. It never happened again. Build never showed him the photo again and Blue never asked. Blue is such a smart kid for remembering.

"Yes, they are the same."

"Then why Daddy didn't go home with us?"

And that's one of the questions he feared the most. It's either where's Daddy? Why is Daddy not with us? Or why does Daddy not go home to us? It's frightening for Build. How would he tell a three-year old kid that his other father abandoned them in the middle of his pregnancy and in the lowest time of his life? He doesn't want to break the kid's heart. Seeing his son sad is the last thing he wanted to see. Because Blue is the only one he has. The only family Build has.

"Because Daddy is busy and has to do something." That's the common alibi but Build chose to use it instead.

Sooner or later, when Blue is old enough, he will understand.

"Sleep now, baby love." Build kisses his son's forehead.

"I love you, Papa love." Blue threw a grabby hand for the good night kiss on the lips. It was a habit of the two of them before sleeping.

Build don't have any intention to sleep yet. His mind is too busy to think about what happened today. He stared at his son who's peacefully sleeping now. Build kissed him on the cheek, inhaling the sweet lavender scent of the body wash he used. He smiled. Build wished he could smell scents again so when Blue is old enough and his scent gland is fully developed, he can smell him -if he's not a beta of course.

Build hears the doorbell rang. He looked at the wall clock, half past nine. He frowned as his heart started to beat a lot faster. His anxiety is creeping him out, thinking who it could be. He stood up and went out of the room. Going straight to the door but he stopped.

Could it be Wichapas? Build knows, one of these days, Wichapas will know where they live.

Build took a deep breath before unlocking the door. He was so ready to face whoever it was on the other side. But he was relieved to see Sari and Prin, still wearing the same clothes they wore at the event.

"Build, are you okay? Sorry we just got here. Other guests came late so it took a while before we could leave." Sari hugged him.

"I'm good. Come in." Build stepped aside to let the visitors in.

Sari and Prin usually spend time in his flat so they are comfortable here. Prin removed his suit and Sari hanged it on the coat rack nearby. Build went to the kitchen and fetched some glasses and the best bottle of wine he has. He needs this. The flat has a wide and cozy couch facing the kitchen so Sari saw how Build wandered in the kitchen. Holding the three wine glasses in his left hand and the bottle of red wine in the other, Build passed by the dining table and went straight to the sofa where Sari and Prin were sitting. He sat beside Sari.

"Do you want to eat? I cooked pasta for our dinner." Build said, pouring wine to the glasses.

"Don't mind us. We already ate." Sari sat comfortably on the sofa, sitting on his one foot while his arm rested on the backseat of the couch. She tilted her body to face Build. "Is it true? Khun Wichapas is Blue's other father?" Sari started.

Build knew that is the agenda for tonight's late visit. He can't blame them. The news is shocking, of course. He nods as he hands out the glasses to them and takes a sip on his own glass.

"Really? How come? He was in Edinburgh for three years." Sari still can't believe it.

"He was in Edinburgh?" Build looked at him in disbelief.

Build tried to look for information of Wichapas's whereabouts, of course. But every time he does anything to find out, there is something that leads him to a dead end all the time. He did everything he could to find him but it's hard to search for a person who doesn't want to be found. Until Blue needs more time and care. So he focused on his son instead. He took care of Blue alone so his time only focused on the baby.

"Yes. He's a businessman in Edinburgh. Though he's staying there for just three years, he earned a pretty large amount of money. He told me he's coming back here just for the exhibit. Wait, three years. Does that mean before he went there, you already had Blue?" Sari continues. Sari never asked this kind of question before, she respects Build personal life. But today was different. A big news story unfolded in front of his eyes. She can't help but ask.

"I was eight months pregnant with Blue when he broke up with me." Build rested his elbows to his knees and palmed his face. "The day Blue was born is the same day he left us."

"How did Blue know it was his other father?” Prin asked before sipping his wine.

"I showed him a photo of Wichapas months ago. Just once. I didn't know he'll remember him that well."

"He's really smart." Sari smiled.

Build wanted to cry. He remembered how hard those days were for him. He was still grieving from his father's death, his brother was missing and Wichapas decided to break up with him for an unknown reason. Everything was chaotic and Build was so heartbroken. The sequence of events made him stressed and forced him to give preterm birth.

"I was alone. Everything was a mess and I gave birth earlier than expected. I was so afraid Blue would not make it." Build started to sob, all the pain from the past year is coming back.

Sari put down his glass on the coffee table and caressed his back.

"I was so lost at that time but Blue became my strength. He stayed in the neonatal ward for two weeks and I was relieved when the doctor told he's fine and healthy." Build wiped his tears. "What if he came back to get my son? What if he wants me to separate from him? I can't do that, Sari. Blue is my only reason to live."

"Is that the kind of person you loved?" Sari asked.

No. Wichapas is not like that. Build felt all the love from him way back. He always thinks of Build, he cares for Build. He always made him feel important and cared. Wichapas is not a selfish man. Never.

But three years is long. Who would've known if he changed? He even had the courage to leave three years ago without stating any reason.

"You better talk to him to know what he really wants. Listen to him and rest is up to you." Prin said, looking at Build intently.

"You don't have to deal with this alone, Build. We are here with you." Sari hugged him from the side.

It's a good thing Build met Sari two years ago. He found a friend and a sister in her.

~~

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑, 𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑐𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠. 𝐴 𝑙𝑜𝑢𝑑 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑐𝑎𝑟 𝑤𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑎 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑦 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚.

“𝐾ℎ𝑢𝑛!” 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑟𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑚. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑠𝑒.

𝐴𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒, 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑗𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠. 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑎𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑜𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑’𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑔𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑢𝑝. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑏𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑙𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑛’𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑦 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑠𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡.

“𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚.” 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑝𝑢𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑐𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔. “𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑟𝑡𝑦-𝑓𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑡, 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 𝑏𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ. 𝐻𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑. 𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡'𝑠 ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑠. 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒- 𝐽𝑎𝑘𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑃𝑢𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑎.”

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑢𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑥𝑦𝑔𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑢𝑏𝑒. 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑐𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑓𝑒𝑤 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛. 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑠 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑒𝑤 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑠 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑒𝑥ℎ𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑.

𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑦 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑. 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑜𝑓𝑓. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑎𝑦 𝑎 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑔𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑏𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑑. 𝑁𝑜 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒.

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Chapter Text

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑜𝑘𝑒 𝑢𝑝 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠, 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑥𝑦𝑔𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑘 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛 𝐼𝑉 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑝 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑. 𝐻𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑜 𝑑𝑟𝑦. 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑢𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑑. 𝐻𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡. 𝐻𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙. 𝐻𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑒𝑑. 𝑃𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑐 𝑟𝑢𝑠ℎ 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑜𝑢𝑐ℎ ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑦. 𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦. 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦? 𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑖𝑡 𝑢𝑝 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑎 𝑛𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑.

“𝐾ℎ𝑢𝑛? 𝑁𝑜, 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑝𝑢𝑠ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓. 𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦.” 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛.

𝐼𝑡 ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑠. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠𝑛’𝑡 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑠. 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑠. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟’𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚. 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑡? 𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑡?

𝐵𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑐𝑟𝑦, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛, 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑑.

“𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑐𝑘, 𝑜𝑘𝑎𝑦?” 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑡 𝑎 𝑏𝑖𝑡, 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑚.

𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑’𝑠 𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑦 𝑛𝑜𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑠 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑐𝑎𝑛’𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑘. 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑠ℎ𝑒’𝑠 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒, 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑’𝑠 𝑜𝑥𝑦𝑔𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑝 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟. 𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑓 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑’ 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦.

“𝑀𝑦 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦?” 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑣𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒.

𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑏𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑝, 𝑡𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠𝑛’𝑡 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑚. “𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 ℎ𝑒’𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡.”

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑟𝑦. 𝑁𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒, 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛.

“𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤. 𝐼 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑.” 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑. “𝐼’𝑚 𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑓𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑟. 𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑤𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 ℎ𝑒’𝑠 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑢𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.”

“𝐶𝑎𝑛 𝐼 𝑠𝑒𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑚?” 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑏𝑠.

“𝑂𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒. 𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦.”

𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑝𝑢𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡, 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑒’𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑟. 𝐻𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑎𝑛 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑢𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟, 𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐻𝑒’𝑠 𝑠𝑜 𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛, 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑠. 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑’𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑.

“𝐿𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝐼 𝑡𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢, ℎ𝑒’𝑠 𝑎 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑦. 𝐻𝑒’𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 𝑏𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑏𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ 𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑠 𝑜𝑙𝑑.”

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑝𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑢𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟. “𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑠ℎ.”

“𝑌𝑒𝑠. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒 ℎ𝑒’𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒.”

𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑤. 𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 ℎ𝑖𝑚. 𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑜𝑘𝑎𝑦. 𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑜𝑘𝑎𝑦.

“𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑠.” 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑’𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡.

𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑒. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑎 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒. 𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑝𝑎𝑦 𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑦. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 𝑎 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛. 𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒. 𝐻𝑒’𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑤.

“𝐾𝑙𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑛. 𝑀𝑦 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝐾𝑙𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑃𝑢𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑎.”

~~

Build woke up feeling suffocated. He tried to gasp some air but a heavy weight was struggling his airway. He looked at his side and saw his son deeply asleep. The kid’s right leg is on his neck. Build chuckles. Blue is an adventurer when he’s asleep. There are times that Build would wake up in the middle of the night seeing Blue almost falling off the bed despite the fact that they are using a king sized bed.

Build fixed his son’s position before kissing his temple and snuggling on the kid’s neck. Upon feeling the warmth of his Papa, Blue hugged Build’s neck and his leg was thrown to his Papa’s body. After a few moments, Build stood up to cook breakfast. Build is cooking some soup when he hears the door of the bedroom open. Blue is awake. He turned around and saw him walking like a zombie.

“Good morning, baby love.”

The kid didn’t answer but threw a grabby hand to his Papa. Build immediately lifted him up. “Not a good morning?”

Blue just hid his face in his Papa’s neck. Build managed to ready the table for them using one hand as his son is clinging to him like a koala. Blue ate his breakfast by being fed and after that Build started to clean up the table. Blue gets back to his usual self as he plays in the living room with his ride-on toy car.

“Papa, I will bump you.” Blue screamed before he bumped his toy car into his papa’s legs. The kid giggled.

“Why did you bump me? What if I get injured?” Build wiped his hands before crouching down to his giggling son.

“Papa is big, my car is small. You won’t get hurt.” Blue cupped his Papa’s face.

“Maybe it’s time to take a bath.” Build kissed his son’s palms.

“Later, Papa. After I play.” Blue started to maneuver his car again and roam around the house.

Build watched his son with a smile. He is very thankful Blue is a healthy kid now. Even though there are still instances where the kid got sick, it was not alarming. Kids do really get sick once in a while. Build sat on the sofa and checked his phone for any messages but the phone suddenly rang. Sari is calling.

(Hi. How are you?)

“Hi. I am good. What’s up?”

There were seconds of silence before Sari spoke again.

(You see Khun Wichapas’ assistant talked to me and told me to actually ask you if they can have your information like phone number or something. Don’t get it wrong. They are asking for your permission first. I haven't given them anything yet.)

Build smiled a little. Way back before, Build scolded Wichapas for getting his phone number from Prem. Now, they are asking for permission.

(I think he really wanted to talk. Maybe you should do it for Blue.)

He stopped. He looked at his son who’s now lying on his stomach on the carpeted floor, playing with his little toy cars. There’s nothing that connects him to Wichapas except for Blue. And Blue is so curious about his other father that he was able to recognize him at their first meeting.

“Maybe.” he whispered but Sari heard it.

(Will you do it? Shall I give him your number?)

“Sari, is Prin busy today? I want to talk to him about Blue’s custody with his other father.”

Build and Blue traveled to Prin’s office. After they met, he became Build’s lawyer as his former lawyer decided to move to another country. They were welcomed by Sari and they were guided to Prin’s office.

“You don’t have work today?” Build asked while they were in the elevator.

“I deserve a break after the exhibit.” Sari giggled.

They entered the office and saw Prin working on some paperworks.

“Clients.” Sari announced, making the man look at them.

“I prefer a friendly visit rather than a client visit. Sit down.” Prin massaged his temple.

Build and Sari laughed at each other. Sari and Blue started looking around the small kitchenette in the office. The woman is trying to take Blue away from them so they can focus talking.

“So, what can I help you, dear client?” Prin asked.

“Stop being sarcastic. This is serious.” Build whine, earning a chuckle from Prin.

“Alright. Since we are talking about seriousness right here. Build, I want you to listen to me. Why don’t you talk to him first before coming up with a custody agreement?” Prin rested his elbows on the table. It seems like Sari told him the reason for his visit.

“Prin, Blue is the only connection we have. Before everything slips up, I want this to be settled as early as now.” Build looked at him.

‘“And a slip up means?” Prin asked.

“I mean, you know, I don’t want to see him often. If we got regular schedules for Blue, we could avoid unnecessary interactions.” Build tried to explain.

“But having a parenting schedule doesn’t mean you won’t be meeting him at all.” Sari spoke as he carried Blue to the sofa. Blue is currently eating a sandwich that Sari made.

“I know. But isn’t it necessary to have an agreement if you are co-parenting?” Build tried to prove his point. He might look desperate right now but he stands his point.

Prin just sighed before picking up his pen. “Alright, if that’s what you want. Now, tell me all your demands and we will see if the other parent will agree to it.”

“Well…” Build stuttered. He cannot think of any demands. “Aside from visiting days, I don’t have any demands.”

Prin frowned. “No monetary demands or child support amount you need to ask him?”

“I don't know if it is still necessary to ask. All his assets were transferred to my name before he left. He even left us a life insurance and a whole educational insurance for Blue. He also gave us a bank account with millions in it that until now we haven’t spent out any penny.”

“Holy sh–” Sari was cut off by Build’s wide eyes. She looked at the busy kid beside him who’s eating the sandwich. “You’re a millionaire.” She told Build with wide eyes.

“Not me. It’s Blue who’s the richest among all of us here in this room.” Build rolled his eyes.

“The money from your family and the money from your ex-boyfriend is more than enough to call you rich. Are you sure you don’t want to be one of the Lords in this country?” Prin asked him.

Build crouched his nose. No, he doesn’t want to be a Lord. “The money from my father is equally divided between me and my brother. It’s not all for me. Infact, Blue got some shares from the other assets as my father didn’t forget to leave something for his grandson. The assets from my ex-..” he trailed off before giving a sigh. “The assets from him will be transferred to Blue once he’s at the right age already. So, yeah, Blue is the richest among us. Or maybe he wants to get everything back.”

“So, no child support demands?” Prin asked.

“I think that’s not necessary anymore. He already provided more than enough for his son.” Build looked at his fidgeting fingers on his lap. He felt so nervous doing this but he has to. He doesn’t want them to dance around at each other just because they both wanted to be a parent to their son. And his son deserves to know his other father as well. Build doesn’t have the heart to resent Blue the idea of a family. The sad part is, they can’t be a complete family anymore.

Prin and Build settled for the agreement and Prin called Prem for a meeting the next morning, not forgetting to state that they will be discussing Blue's custody so they better bring their own lawyer. Blue was left with his Auntie Sari at home.

Build and Prin sat across Wichapas and Prem in a private room of a restaurant. Build kept looking away as he felt Wichapas’ gaze to him since they got there.

“I’m sorry, Khun, but are we still waiting for your lawyer?” Prin asked when he realized that they are not with a lawyer like he requested.

“I don’t have a lawyer yet. I didn’t think I would need one.” Wichapas answered, gaze still buried to Build.

Build looked back at him but eventually looked away. Prin opened the folder and slid it to the table.

“As I said earlier, my client here, Mr. Jakapan Puttha, decided to make a custody agreement for your son, Klahan Puttha. It is written in that document that the kid will be in your care every weekend but you can make special visits upon the approval of my client. Also, there is no demand for child support indicated in the document as my client refused to ask for any monetary demands. The document only includes visiting days and some custody measures that need to be followed while the kid is in your care.” Prin explained the content of the document, clear and precise.

They are waiting for Wichapas to speak up. Build is more than ready to answer whatever his questions will be or any complaints. But instead of complaining, Wichapas held out his hand and Prem handed him a white envelope. He slid the envelope to the table like Prin did earlier, but this time it was for Build.

“I don’t have any complaints about the document. But I will just sign this if you accept what’s inside that envelope.” He said, looking at Build with full seriousness.

Build frowns. What could be inside this envelope that will cost him to agree without any complaints? Build opened the envelope and he saw a bank card. He looked up at Wichapas.

“It was indicated in the document that I am not demanding any financial support.” Build said, a little furious.

“I know. But it is my responsibility to provide for our son.”

Our son. Hearing those words made Build gasp for air. Blue is their son, of course. But hearing it from Wichapas makes it more meaningful. Build’s mind went back to the days when he imagined Wichapas holding their little son in his arms. He imagined the days when Build wanted to see them playing together, like father and son. He wanted Wichapas to be there whenever Blue was sick. He wanted to have someone to hold on to everytime Build was looking at the kid surrounded by nurses and doctors and would tell him everything will be alright. The days when he is heavily pregnant and Wichapas cared for him the most. The way he took care of Build and made decisions that affected his dreams just to be with him.

“Build?”

Build blinked twice as he came back to the present hearing Prin’s voice. He swallowed the lump in his throat before speaking up. “The money you left was still there. I can use it for Blue.”

“I left it to you more than three years ago. It’s yours, whether you use it or not. What I am giving you today is my responsibility for Blue.” Wichapas' voice softened as he said his son’s name.

How many times did Build imagined hearing Blue’s name from Wichapas’ lips? He lost count already but the longing was still there.

Build closed the envelope and put it inside his bag, accepting the offer. He wanted this conversation to be done as soon as possible because any time he’ll be a crying mess. He can feel his body and mind already giving up.

Wichapas signed the paper in front of him before sliding it back to Prin. The lawyer closed the folder and placed it back in his briefcase. “I will send you both a certified copy of this. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?” Prin looked at the two men alternately.

“I want to talk to him.” Wichapas is once again looking at Build earnestly, almost pleading. If Build would demand, Wichapas would definitely kneel and ask for forgiveness. Though he knows it won’t be enough.

“Aside from Blue, I don’t have anything to discuss with you. I have to leave now. My son is waiting for me.” Build immediately stood up and went out of the restaurant as fast as he could.

Being with Wichapas still hurts. Seeing him brings Build an uncomfortable feeling. Build readied himself before meeting them but his feelings betrayed him. He’s so emotional and can’t control himself. The only thing he could do is to run away from him. But why? He did nothing wrong and he’s the victim of the past. Why is he the one running away?

Build flinched as he heard a knock from his car’s window. He looked outside and saw Prin. He rolled the windows down.

“Are you okay?” Prin asked.

“Yes.” Build cleared his throat before smiling at him. “Are you going back with me?”

“No. I need to go back to the office. Please tell Sari that I’ll pick her up later.”

“Of course. I’ll get going now.”

Prin displayed a worried look but Build just smiled at him once again. He started to drive away. He decided to stop by a restaurant and buy Blue some dumplings. When he’s back at the suite, he opened the door. All his worries and confusion immediately washed away as Blue ran to him and hugged him like a koala.

“Papa! You’re back. Where have you been?” Blue showered his father with kisses. Build giggled as the kid kissed him wet on the kiss.

“Uncle Prin and I had to do something important. Are you a good boy?”

“Yes! I am a good boy. You can ask Auntie Pretty.” He said as he went down.

“He’s in a very good mood since earlier.” Sari smiled at him. “He’s even calling me Auntie Pretty. You know he’s in a very good mood if he does that.”

“I think so too.” Build went to the kitchen as he readied the dumplings he bought and brought them to the living room where Sari and Blue are playing.

“Have some dumplings. Blue come here.”

They started eating the food.

“Prin said he’ll be picking you up later.” Sari just nods at him. “Thank you so much, Sari, for taking care of Blue.”

“You sound like we’re not friends at all. You can leave Blue to me anytime. No need to thank me. He’s a very good kid. Right, handsome?” Sari bumped Blue’s nose with his finger and Blue giggled.

“Can you tell Papa why are you so happy today, my baby?” Build asked his overly joyed son as he wiped the sauce on his face.

“I had a very nice dream. It’s me, Papa and Daddy.” Blue counted using his little fingers.

Build and Sari looked at each other.

“What’s the dream about?” Sari inquired.

Build can’t ask the question so he’s glad Sari did. And right now, he’s afraid of his son’s answer.

“Papa and I were playing in the park and then Daddy came and gave me a blue bike. Daddy taught me how to ride a bike. It was so fun.” Blue casually said while stuffing more dumplings using his hands.

Build froze. His body started to shake and his fingertips were cold. His son is dreaming of a complete and happy family. Build can’t give to him. He is still in pain and he is still broken.

“Papa, wash.” Blue made him look at his hand full of dumpling sauce.

“Alright, let’s go.”

Sari stayed in the suite longer as Prin had a very important client who came late. So, after dinner, Build and Sari decided to sit for a glass of wine after Blue went to bed.

“Are you okay?” Sari asked.

“I don’t know, Sari. This is much harder than I thought.” Build closed his eyes before sighing deep. “Sari, was I being unfair to Blue? Am I being a bad father because we can’t have the family that he wants?”

“Build, you are the best person in Blue’s life. Things didn’t go well in the past and it will definitely affect the present. You don’t have to worry. When Blue grows up, he will understand.” Sarin placed down the wine glass at the center table. “But let me ask you, do you still want to do this?”

“What do you mean?” Build asked with a frown.

“This setup. Blue will live from one place to another, from a father to another. This might confuse him more.” Sari explained.

Build looked at him with worried eyes. Of course he thought about it. But that is the only way Blue can meet his other father.

“Build, don’t get me wrong but I just want to know. Do you still love him?” Sari looked at him earnestly. Her eyes are full of worry and sincerity.

Build still can’t find how to verbalize his thoughts. He can’t find the right words to explain what he thinks about their situation. Way back, Build dreams of seeing Wichapas again. Talk to him and clear things up. But after he was able to focus on Blue, he forgot about the thought. He just wants to make Blue happy. Whatever it takes, if Blue is happy, he’s willing to do anything. He only has Blue.

“This will make Blue happy, I know. He’s so curious about his other father though he doesn’t voice it out.” Build said before drinking what was left in his glass.

“That doesn’t answer my question, Build.” Sari did the same with his wine.

Build sighed, the most frustrated sigh Sari had ever heard from him. “What we had in the past was magical. Those were the most beautiful days of my life. I–” he trailed off before resting his elbows on his knees and buried his face on his palms.

Sari tried to console him by running a palm on his back. And she heard a sob.

“What he did was terrible. He left me in my lowest time. I needed him more than anyone else but I ended up facing everything alone. I still hate him for doing that to me.”

“He wanted to talk. Won’t you listen to him at least?” Sari continued comforting him.

Build lifted his face and looked at his friend. His eyes are full of tears and pain. “It’s been years. If he really wanted to talk to me, it should’ve been done within those years.”

Sari nods. She understands. The pain is still fresh and visible to Build and she doesn’t want to poke in his wounds anymore. Maybe, sooner or later, things will definitely be fine.

–

It’s grocery shopping day. Blue and Build were roaming around the supermarket. Build is pushing a cart with one hand while the other hand is holding Blue who’s been wanting to get away from him since earlier.

“Papa, I want that.” Blue pointed in a big pack of a detergent with colorful packaging.

Build laughed. “Why do you want that? Will you do the laundry from now on?”

“That’s soap?” Blue looked up at him with big innocent eyes. “The one that bubbles with water?”

“My baby is so smart. Where did you learn that?” Build asked with pure amusement.

“On the television.” Blue answered. Then he started blabbing how soap and water bubbles like how he watched it on television. Build took the opportunity to go through their grocery list and roam around the supermarket while having a chat with Blue about the bubbles.

Build is busy checking some snacks when Blue removes the hold from his father and starts looking for his own snack.

“Papa, can we buy ice cream after this?” Blue asked while looking and messing the snack on the shelves.

“If you promise that you will eat dinner really well. Stop messing with those poor snacks. The manager will scold you.” Build put some of his’ and Blue’s favorite snacks in the cart.

“Promise!” Blue found a very interesting packaging on the next shelf. He went there but something caught his attention. He stopped in the middle of the hallway and looked at the end where the bread and pastries are located.

“Blue, let’s go.” Build told his son but the kid didn’t budge. He was still looking somewhere, completely lost. Build frowned. “Baby.”

Build went to his son, leaving the cart. He was about to pick him up but he realized that Blue was actually looking up. Build followed his gaze and saw the man Blue was looking at.

It’s Wichapas. Standing in front of them, looking down at Blue like how Blue looks at him. The resemblance became too noticeable that it gave Build chills on his spin. The way Blue stands, stares and blinks mirrored his father.

Blue seems like he is anticipating something from his father but Wichapas stood still, holding a bottle of expensive wine at hand. Build tried to look at them alternately as the awkwardness of their staring game seeped through him. Build heaved a deep sigh. These boys and their awkwardness to strangers.

“Try to at least greet him. He will never talk to you unless you greet him first. You should know that.” Build told Wichapas.

Wichapas blinked twice before removing his gaze from his son and looking at Build. He swallowed an invisible lump on his throat before looking back at the kid, who’s still looking up at him with anticipation. Build wanted to laugh, finding out that Wichapas is nervous with his own son. Wichapas cleared his throat before crouching down to level Blue.

“Hi.” He said, almost whispering. He can’t believe he’s looking this close to his son. He can see his physical features really clearly right now. His heart leaped when a dimple appeared on one of the kid’s cheeks. A dimple like Build has.

Blue immediately launched himself to his father and hugged his neck, making the man almost stumble but grabbed Blue protectively with his free hand. “Daddy love!” Blue screamed.

Wichapas buried his face on Blue’s neck, inhaling his baby scent for the very first time. His heart felt squeezed as the scent seeped through his nose. He inhaled a few times, running his hand on his back.

Build almost broke down at the scene. The way Blue hugged his father full of love and Wichapas hugged him back with care. It’s a dream. He almost can’t believe it. Build tried controlling his own emotion but his tears betrayed him when Wichapas looked up at him, fat tears flowing richly from his eyes. Build never saw Wichapas cry, even once.

Blue removed his hands from his father and looked at his face. “Are you hurt, Daddy?” the kid started to wipe the tears on his father’s face.

Wichapas kissed his son’s forehead. “I’m so happy.”

Chapter Text

After seeing both of his father’s tears, Blue refused to be put down. The kid became worried as he witnessed how both of his parents were crying in front of him and it changed his mood.

Build paid for the groceries and unfortunately, he bought more than expected. Now, he has three grocery bags and a toddler to carry. He bit his lower lip. He didn’t bring his car thinking that the supermarket is just a few blocks away from their suite. Build is anxious. How will he carry all of this when his son doesn’t want to be placed down and walk?

“I’ll carry this. Where did you park your car?” Wichapas asked, starting to pick up the grocery bags.

“I didn’t bring a car. It’s fine. We will just walk back.” Build answered, trying to figure out how to carry everything.

Wichapas looked at the bags and then back to Build, seems like having the same dilemma.

“Is it.. Is it okay if I walk you home? You can’t bring all this while he’s being clingy like that.”

Unfortunately, Wichapas is right. Build sighed as he felt defeated. He nods to Wichapas. A small help won’t hurt. Maybe?

They are currently walking back to their suite as Build tries to coax his son and change his mood, Wichapas walking beside them with the grocery bags.

“Is he okay?” Wichapas asked worriedly.

“He’ll be fine.” Build answered, looking straight ahead.

“Pa…” Blue mumbled.

“Yes, baby?” Build asked his son.

Wichapas listened to them attentively, trying to know their conversation.

“My ice cream.” Blue said, removing his hug from his father’s neck.

Ah, Blue didn’t forget about the ice cream. “We’ll get it next time, okay?”

They have so many grocery bags and he can’t stop by the ice cream shop. But Blue started to whine. He shook his feet and hugged his father again crying. His mood is really destroyed. “I promised to eat dinner.” he said between the sobs.

Build looked at Wichapas, who’s looking at him like he is lost. “You can drop us at the ice cream shop.”

Wichapas was hesitant but he nodded instead. They entered the ice cream shop and Blue’s mood started to change. Wichapas put down the grocery bags below the table and was ready to leave but Blue immediately opened his arms to him. With confused eyes, Wichapas carried him.

“Daddy, I want strawberry ice cream.” Blue said to his father, pointing to the counter.

Wichapas looked at Build, asking for permission. Build can’t do anything other than nod at him. He sat on the table with a troubled mind. This is not in his plans.

“What flavor do you want?” Wichapas asked. Blue whined and wanted to be put down so Wichapas let him go.

“Anything.” Build answered.

Wichapas looked around the shop and saw Blue looking at the big signage with different pictures of ice creams.

“Hey, buddy. Let’s get some ice cream. Come on.” Blue ran to him and went to the counter holding his hand.

Build frowned at the sight of Blue and Wichapas at the counter, ordering some ice cream. He can’t believe how fast Blue was adjusted easily in meeting his other father. Usually, it would take a very long time for him to open up to a stranger. Most of the time, he never opens up to them. He’s planning to let them spend time together but not like this. Why do they look like…a family?

Build swept the thought when he saw them walking to him. Wichapas sat down in front of him, Blue settled on his lap.

“Is it okay for me to stay and join you?” Wichapas asked Build but before he could answer Blue spoke.

“Yes, Daddy. Stay more.” Blue is looking at his Daddy, thinking that he was talking to him.

Wichapas cupped his little face with his free hand. “Thank you.”

Build is a liar if he says he doesn’t want what he is seeing right now. His heart is so full seeing how Wichapas and Blue became so close in a short period of time. Their orders came and Build got cookies and cream with so many toppings. He almost laughed at the thought that Wichapas wanted to impress him with a cup of ice cream. Blue got his strawberry ice cream with slices of fresh strawberries on top and Wichapas got chocolate flavor for himself. Blue started digging in his ice cream but Wichapas didn’t move. He’s afraid to bother Blue while the kid is eating. Aware of Wichapas’ struggle, Build tried to get his son.

“Blue, come here. I’ll help you eat.”

But Blue rested his body on his Daddy indicating that he doesn’t want to shift seats.

“I’ll help him. Eat your ice cream.” Wichapas immediately fed Blue.

Build just looked at them with adoring eyes. Wichapas is struggling so much in feeding Blue. His movements are still awkward and Blue’s hyperactivity didn’t help at all. Blue wanted to taste his ice cream then motioned to Wichapas that he wanted the chocolate one too. Wichapas started feeding him alternately with the both flavors.

“Blue, not too much ice cream. Just finish yours and let Daddy eat his own ice cream.” Build reminded his son. The last thing he wants tonight is staying awake because his son is coughing so much.

“Blue can’t eat too much sweet and too much cold food because I easily cough.” Blue told his Daddy like he was casually informing him.

Wichapas looked at him with questioning eyes but Build didn’t answer. He just looked at his ice cream and started eating again.

Will he tell him? Will he tell him that Blue has a low immune system because he was born prematurely? Will he tell him that the day he left Build was the same day that Blue was born? Will he tell him that the reason for Build's preterm birth is him?

They finished eating their ice cream and they started walking again. This time, Blue is in Wichapas’ hand, carrying him with one hand while the other hand is carrying a grocery bag. Two of the grocery bags were carried by Build. They stopped in front of a tall building and Wichapas roamed his eyes around, scanning the area.

“Baby, you have to walk inside. Papa will carry all the grocery bags.” Build told his son while getting the grocery bag on Wichapas’ other hand.

“Daddy will carry me upstairs. Right, Daddy love?” Blue pouts before leaning his head to his father’s head.

Wichapas smiled at the action. He remember Build whenever he wants something. The cute little pout, the soft voice, the gestures.

“Let me carry him. I will send you to the doorway only.” Wichapas looked at Build with full anticipation.

Build looked at his son who’s still pouting. He felt a little uneasy but he couldn't find the heart to say no. Build started to walk inside without muttering a word. Wichapas followed him silently. They entered the elevator and an awkward silence covered them.

“Daddy, can you visit me tomorrow? I want to show you my toys.” Blue giggled at Wichapas, feeling excited about the plan.

“Daddy can’t visit tomorrow. He’s busy. You will visit him on the weekend though.” Build told his son. It’s going to be the first visit since they both signed the custody agreement.

“Really? We will go to your house?” Blue sounds more than excited.

“Yes. Do you want to hang out with me during the weekend?” Wichapas smiled at his son.

“Yes! Yes!” Blue raised both of his hands in the air like he was riding a roller coaster. “But Papa, we will not go to the mansion?” Blue looked at his Papa. Wichapas did the same.

Build didn’t have the time to answer as the elevator pinged. They are on their floor already. Wichapas followed Build silently again. Build stopped in front of the closed door.

“Thank you.” Build put down the grocery bags and grabbed the grocery bag from Wichapas’ hand but the man held tighter to it. Build looked at him with a frown, annoyance obvious on his face.

“Build…” Wichapas started to talk but Build cut him off.

“I will send Blue to you on the weekend. Tell Prem to send me your address.” Build tried to pull the grocery bag again.

Wichapas let go of the bag but he caught Build’s wrist. His hand is a little cold. He’s nervous, Build thought. Build flinched when he felt something burst inside his stomach. His eyes widened at the feeling. What’s this? What happened? A cold shiver traveled on his spine and his fingers twitched. He looked at Wichapas’ eyes. He wants to vomit. No, he wants to drink water. Something exploded inside him just now.

“Auntie Sari!” Blue shouted, making his parents look at the direction of the elevator.

Sari and Prin are standing a few meters from them. The couple hesitantly stepped near them.

“Is this not the right time to visit?” Sari looked at them alternately and then to their hands.

Build immediately pulled his arm, looking away.

“Let me help.” Prin grabbed the grocery bags and Build pressed the passcode so he could enter the suite.

“Good afternoon, Khun Wichapas.” Sari bowed to Wichapas.

Wichapas bowed to her a little before looking at Blue who’s still quiet in his arms. “Daddy has to go. I’ll see you on the weekend.”

“Yes, Daddy.” Blue hugged his father’s neck. Wichapas kissed his temple before putting him down. “Bye bye, Daddy love.” Blue waved his little hand to his father.

Wichapas messed up the kid’s hair before looking at Build. He wanted to say something but chose to just nod at him, earning no reaction from Build.

“Daddy, kiss.” Blue suddenly said, making everyone shocked.

Wichapas’ eyes widened as he looked at Build with the same reaction as him. What did Blue say? What kiss? They both look at the kid with confusion. Did he want them to…

“Kiss, Daddy.” Blue threw grabby hands on him and pouts.

Sari cleared his throat, recovering from the laughter he was trying to control. “Blue always kisses his Papa before he leaves. I think he wants it from you too.” she explained.

Build’s cheeks suddenly turned red. How can he forget about that? And what was he thinking just now? It’s embarrassing.

Wichapas got the message and crouched down to kiss his son on the cheek but he was startled when Blue kissed him on the lips.

Wichapas left the building and entered a black sedan. Prem was in the driver seat, waiting for him.

“You should’ve just asked him to ride this car instead of walking carrying those grocery bags.” Prem said, looking at him through the mirror.

Wichapas snapped a look at him before raising his eyebrow. Prem got his message and reacted like a light bulb appeared above his head.

“Ah. It’s the get-my-family-back project. I get it.” Prem smirked.

“What about the thing I asked you to do?” Wichapas asked his assistant.

“The wine you left at the store? I got it for you. It’s in the paper bag beside you. And about the shipment, your things are already packed and will be delivered within this week. Are you sure you want to be back for good?”

Wichapas looked outside the window where the building was. This is where he belongs. This is where his home is. “Yes. I’m more than sure.”

As expected, Sari bugged Build about what happened earlier. She asked multiple times why Wichapas were right there in front of their suite and Build had to explain to her over and over again.

“You should’ve seen their faces when Blue shouted ‘kiss’.” Sari laughed like she was about to lose air.

Build rolled her eyes here. “Shut up, Sari. I was caught off guard.”

“Did they think Blue is making them kiss?” Prin asked Sari. Him and Blue are sitting on the carpeted floor, building some legos.

“I was caught off guard!” Build shouted. How many times does he need to defend himself to them tonight? “You know what, I’ll cook dinner. You, guys, are talking nonsense.” He stood up and went to the kitchen, stomping his feet and feeling annoyed.

As they ate dinner, Prin spoke. “Khun Wichapas is hiring me to be his personal lawyer.”

Build and Sari looked at him.

“So, the rumors are true. He’ll be staying for good.” Sari said as he put some food on Prin’s plate.

“I think so.” Prin shrugged.

“Why is he staying? You said his business is doing well abroad.” Build can’t help but ask Sari. Curiosity is winning against him.

“I don’t have any idea. Maybe he just wanted to be back for some reason.” Sari looked at Blue, who’s currently struggling with his Papa’s chopsticks. “And some other reason.” Then she looked at Build.

Crazy. That’s crazy. Build cleared his throat upon realizing what Sari meant.

“Did you accept the offer?” Build asked Prin.

“Is it okay if I accept it?” Prin asked back.

“You never said no to clients.” Build sighed. “It’s your job. It’s fine.”

–

Build packed Blue’s necessities with a heavy heart. Don’t get him wrong. He’s happy that Blue will finally get time to spend with his Daddy, the kid is so enthusiastic with the fact that he’ll be spending days with his other father. Blue never forgets to remind his Papa about the things he wants to bring like some favorite toys, his duck hoodie that his Papa bought for him and the coloring books to show his Daddy. Build doesn’t want to ruin his son’s excitement so he projects the same energy, even if he's so worried. This will be the very first time he will be separated from Blue. Even though he trusts Wichapas in taking care of their son, it still fears him.

He looked around and saw Blue trying to tie his shoelace. “Baby love, do you remember everything Papa has told you?” He crouched down in front of him before grabbing the shoelaces to tie.

“Yes, Papa.” Blue smiled at him, his monolid eyes turned into a line as the kid smiled from ear to ear. He is so excited to be with Daddy.

“If something hurts…” Build tried reminding him again.

“Tell Daddy.” Blue answered with full enthusiasm.

“If it is hard to breathe…”

“Tell Daddy.”

“If it is too cold for Blue…”

“Tell Daddy.”

“If Blue wants to go home already…”

“I will tell Daddy that I miss you already and Blue wants to go home.” Blue giggles, making Build’s heart swell more.

Two days. He’ll just be gone for two days. Build cupped his small face before kissing his forehead, a sniff kiss.

“Don’t be stubborn to Daddy, okay?’ The kid nods. “I love you, baby.”

“I love you, Papa.” Blue leaned in as he kissed his Papa’s lips.

“Let’s go?” Build stood up and offered his hand to the kid.

Blue grabbed his hand and they went off.

Build followed the address that Prem had sent him. They stopped at a white gate. Build roamed his eyes around the neighborhood. They are still in the Central but it is at the far end where the houses are big and classy. He’s never been here before. He rarely goes out anyway. The houses are far from each other and surrounded by well-structured fences. The whole place screams aristocracy. He opened the backseat where Blue is seated and unbuckled his carseat. The kid jumped out of the car and before he could hold him, Blue ran to the doorbell and pressed it. Build shook his head as he fetched the kid’s bag beside the car seat.

Wichapas came to them running from inside the house. He immediately opened the gate himself.

“Daddy!” Blue threw his grabby hands to his father.

Wichapas smoothly picked him up. “Hi, baby.” he kissed his cheek before looking at Build. “Hi.”

Build just nodded at him and offered the bag, heart still heavy. Wichapas accepted the bag, unintentionally touching Build’s fingers. Build’s breath hitched. After three long years, he was able to feel like this again. Brief but it affects him, just like what happened last time in the suite. His fingers are warm and his skin is still smooth. But he didn’t let himself drown with the thought. Build pulled his hands off.

Prem came out of the door. He stopped a few steps away from them to give them privacy. He bowed to Build before giving him a warm smile.

“Would you like to come in? I prepared breakfast.” Wichapas offered, looking at him like he is anticipating something.

Build shook his head. “No. I have some more errands to do.” A lie. He will just go back to his suite and sulk like a parent who was abandoned by his child.

Wichapas nods but his eyes are disappointed. “Alright. I’ll drop him back to you tomorrow. Say bye to Papa.” he shook his son in his arms.

Blue offered a hug for his Papa and Build accepted. But Wichapas didn’t let go of the kid. Build’s face is over Blue’s shoulder making him a few inches away from Wichapas' face. Their eyes met. And the small, too small, distance from each other’s faces never helps.

“Bye bye, Papa. See you tomorrow.” Blue murmured, getting Build’s attention. Build kissed the kid’s temple before breaking the hug.

“Remember everything that I told you, okay? Don’t be naughty.” Blue nods, a little pouty. Maybe he’s sensing Build’s tension. “Alright. Go inside. I love you.”

“I love you, Papa.” Blue leaned in for a kiss. Build dropped a peck on his lips.

Wichapas put down Blue and handed Prem the bag. “Go with Uncle Prem inside. I will send Papa off.”

Blue immediately grabbed Prem’s hand before asking the kid what they had for breakfast and telling him that his daddy cooked for him. Blue looked back at his Papa with a smile and waved his little hand. Build’s heart clenched. He’s spending the night later without his son for the very first time.

“He’ll be fine. You don’t have to worry.” Wichapas told him with a small assuring smile.

Build looked at him. “I’ll go now.”

Wichapas nods at him. Build stepped away but he looked back. He contemplated for a few seconds before stepping closer again.

“Please call me if something happens.” He told Wichapas.

“Of course.” Wichapas answered.

Build bit his lower lip, trying to ease his worries.

“Is everything alright?” Wichapas can’t help but to ask. He can see how Build’s fingers are fidgeting.

“This is the first time we are getting separated.” Build confessed.

Wichapas felt a pang of guilt. He doesn’t want to create distance for them but he wants to be with Blue as well. He wants to be his father as well. Should he apologize for separating them?

“Nevermind.” Build sighed. “Just call me if necessary.” Build turned around and stepped away once again before Wichapas could answer.

Wichapas flinched as Build went back to him again with a swift turn.

“I-I don’t have your number.” Build fetched his phone in his pocket but didn’t hand it to Wichapas. “You see, I just…maybe, just maybe, I wanted to call to check on him?”

Wichapas laid out his hand for the device. Build handed it to him quickly. Wichapas pressed multiple times on the screen before they heard a soft ringing from the man’s own pocket. He fetched his own phone and showed it to Build.

“Call me anytime.” Wichapas told him and handed him back his phone.

“Yes. I’ll call…about Blue, of course.” Build felt a shock. Of course it’s about Blue. Why would he even call Wichapas if it is not about their child?

Build is certain he saw a grin on Wichapas’ face as he looked into the ground. But when he looked up, his face was back to normal. “Of course, about Blue.”

Build wants to slap himself. “I’ll go now.” He stepped away as fast as he could but he heard Wichapas speak.

“Be careful driving.”

Build felt a tingle in his stomach upon hearing the words. He felt something was going on in his stomach again, a strange one. Blue and him ate breakfast earlier, what could be this feeling? He drove away and looked at the rearview mirror, seeing Wichapas still standing in front of the gate, looking at him.

He came home to a very quiet suite. The loneliness he felt became more evident as he stepped inside. Why is he being dramatic? Blue will be home tomorrow. He is with his other father so he will be fine. Build messed his hair. A glass of wine at this hour won’t hurt, isn’t it?

–

After lunch, Blue is sitting on the couch staring at the television that wasn’t turned on. He roamed his eyes around the house, amazed with the interior design that was completely different from their suite.It has been hours since he is here but he’s still adjusting.

“What’s up, buddy?” Wichapas dropped beside the kid. “Do you like the house?”

Blue nods with a wide smile. “It almost looks like the mansion on the outskirts.”

Wichapas frown. “You know that house?” Blue is referring to the mansion. This house is a lot smaller than the mansion but with almost the same design. He built this years ago but never got to live here. He always opted to go home even if it is hours of long drive.

Blue started to climb on his father’s lap. A habit he has with his Papa when they are talking. “Yes. Papa and I always travel there sometimes to clean the two houses.” Blue showed his two tiny fingers to his father. “The cleaners will come to the big house then Papa and I will go to the bigger house for the cleaners to clean too.”

Wichapas can’t help but smile. “How often do you go there?”

Blue thought for a while. “Sometimes only.” he answered, not knowing how to answer that they go there once a month for cleaning.

“When will you go there again for cleaning?” Wichapas asked. He never had the chance to go back to the mansion ever since he came back from abroad.

“I don’t know. Papa decides.” The kid shrugged. “Daddy, I want to watch a movie.”

Wichapas smiled at his son. “Of course. What do you want to watch?”

The father and son were engaged with the movie until Wichapas felt Blue leaning on his body more. He looked at his son’s face. The kid is fast asleep in his arms. He adjusted the kid’s position to make him more comfortable but he didn't want to put him down. He adjusted his own position and leaned his body on the couch. Wichapas kissed Blue’s forehead before drifting off to sleep.

Wichapas woke up with a heavy feeling on his chest. He slowly opened his eyes, seeing his son still asleep above him. When did he lay down the sofa? The kid is lying in his stomach above him, cheeks squished on his chest. Wichapas smiled. Blue sleeps like his Papa. He loved how close he is to his son right now. He ran his hand on the kid’s back before kissing the crown of his head.

After some time, the kid stirred. Wichapas felt him yawn before looking up at his father. “Hi.”

“Daddy, hungry.” Blue told him, eyes still droopy.

Wichapas chuckled. Blue really reminds him of Build. Way back then, Build would take an afternoon nap and complain that he’s hungry when he wakes up. He sighed. The memories are hitting on him again.

“I’ll make something for you.” Wichapas sat up, Blue still on his chest.

The first night with Blue is a little exhausting. The kid was full of energy and refused to sleep. Maybe because he took an afternoon nap. Wichapas brought him to the room he readied for Blue.

“I am not sleeping with you?” Blue asked him.

“Don’t you sleep in your own room?” Wichapas asked back.

Blue shook his head. “I sleep with Papa. Because Papa doesn’t like it when he sleeps alone.”

Worry came to Wichapas. Build will sleep alone tonight because Blue is with him. Will he be fine? Does he still get nightmares in the middle of the night?

“Can I sleep with you, Daddy?” Blue tugged his right hand, his doe eyes looking up at him.

Wichapas smiled at him. “Of course.”

They are settled in the master’s bedroom. Blue was already tucked but he still doesn’t want to sleep. So, they asked questions about each other’s lives to catch up with the years they had lost.

“I have two uncles?” Blue asked..

“Yes. You will meet them soon.” Wichapas fixed Blue’s blanket. “Daddy wants to know. Does Papa tell you why you are named ‘Blue’?

“Papa said it’s because I was born color blue.” The kid giggled. He felt happy about it because his Papa said he was born special.

But Wichapas can’t help but worry. Why is his son born color blue? Was he sick?

“Daddy, can we call Papa before we sleep?” Blue sounded a little worried. Maybe he’s a little anxious about the fact that his Papa will sleep alone tonight.

“Of course.” Wichapas fetched the phone beside the bed and called Build. Blue was peeking with anticipating eyes. When the phone started to ring he handed it to Blue. The line opened and they both saw Build. Some lights are already turned off, it seems like Build is getting ready for bed too.

“Papa!” Blue waved at him, smiling from ear to ear. Build sighed in relief, like something heavy was off of his shoulders.

(Hi, baby love. How are you?)

“I’m okay. Are you okay?”

(Papa misses you so much.) Build pouts.

“Blue will go back soon.” Blue started pressing some buttons on the screen that caught his attention.

“Stop pressing those. You might end the call.” Wichapas told Blue as he tried to press something on the phone too, but he was not visible to the call.

Build suppressed a smile. “Let’s get to sleep, baby love. Good night.” He needs to end Wichapas’ misery before Blue gets too curious about his phone.

“Don’t end. Sleep with us tonight.” Blue looked at his Daddy. “Daddy, do not end the call.”

Wichapas smiled at him. “Okay. Let’s sleep with Papa tonight.”

Build blushed with the words so he removed the camera from his face and settled to the bed. Wichapas placed the phone beside Blue, as he saw Build was lying on his bed as well. He used a pillow as a stand to keep the call.

“Good night, Papa love. I love you.” Blue kissed the screen.

“Good night, baby love. I love you too.” Build smiled. He felt his eyes dropping due to sleepiness. Until he was defeated with tiredness and completely succumbed to sleep.

“Good night, Daddy love. I love you.” Blue kisses his father as well.

“I love you too, baby love.”

Wichapas spooned Blue as they both lay on their side, facing the camera. He saw Build already sleeping, cheeks pressed to the pillow. The look that Wichapas always dreamed to see over and over again.

“Good night, love.” he whispered.

Chapter Text

Wichapas woke up groaning. There was a hard impact on his back that kicked out the sleep in him. He opened his eyes, completely awakened. It’s like a hard punch obviously directed to his spine. Wichapas almost felt it was intentional. He rolled over to see what’s going on behind him. He almost forgot he’s not alone on his king size bed. A smile automatically showed on his lips as he saw his son sleeping peacefully. The kid is now sleeping horizontally, feet darted to his father. That explains the kick Wichapas felt earlier. It’s a good thing the size of the bed is big enough not to make Blue fall. The kid seems to sleep a little wild. Wichapas didn’t bother to move the kid to avoid waking him up. He just covered him with a blanket.

Wichapas started his morning routine. He always spends an hour at his home gym but not today. He wants to cook some breakfast for Blue. After taking a shower, he looked at the sleeping kid once more before going out of the room.

Prem is making a cup of coffee when Wichapas appear in the kitchen.

“Good morning, Sir.” He eyed the home clothes Wichapas was wearing. “You’re not going to the gym?”

“I want to prepare breakfast for Blue.” He started roaming around the kitchen, trying to figure out what to cook for the kid.

Prem smiled. “Do you want me to grab some ingredients outside?”

“No, thanks. Just give me a cup of coffee.” Wichapas answered without looking at Prem.

They were in the middle of the preparation when they both heard a loud cry.

“Daddy!”

Wichapas immediately dropped the ladle of the soup he was cooking and ran to the stairs with immense fear that something might have happened to Blue. He saw the kid standing on the top of the stairs, eyes full of tears. He can’t remember how he got to the top of the stairs but the first thing he did was scoop his son up and hug him tight.

“What happened? Are you alright?” Wichapas tried consoling Blue even though he can still feel his own heartbeat.

Blue refused to answer and continued sobbing on his father’s shoulder.

“Daddy is just making you some breakfast. You should’ve just come to find me in the kitchen.” Wichapas continued rocking his kid back and forth to calm him down.

“The stairs are scary.” Blue whispered.

Wichapas frowned and looked at the stairs, trying to figure out what is so scary about the stairs. “You don’t like the stairs?”

Blue moved and looked at the stairs. “In the mall, the stairs are high but Papa always picks me up when using them.” Blue wiped his own tears.

Wichapas sighed in relief. He’s thankful nothing happened seriously. It’s just that the stairs are too high for his three-year old kid. He forgot that they are living in a suite with no stairs so the kid is not used to it.

“You did a good job calling Daddy for help. Stop crying now. Daddy is already here.” Wichapas cleared his son’s tears before walking down the stairs. It’s a good thing his son didn’t try going down on his own or something serious might have really happened. A thought of removing the stairs came to his mind but he’ll think of it later.

Prem is waiting for them at the end of the stairs with worried eyes but Wichapas just nods at him, saying it’s alright. The breakfast is a little difficult because Blue became whiny after the incident. Blue refused to eat and leave his father’s arm so Wichapas tried coaxing him to get fed. Prem left after breakfast to attend some business. Wichapas is on leave to spend another day with his son and Prem is more than willing to take his responsibilities for the day.

“What do you want to do today?” Wichapas asked the kid while dressing him up after the morning bath. Blue is still gloomy but a little better than earlier.

“I brought my coloring pads. Can we do coloring?” Blue answered.

“Sure.”

As Wichapas finished dressing him up, Blue ran to his bag and pulled out three coloring pads and a box of crayons. They both settled in the living room, sitting on the carpeted floor while the pads and crayons were scattered on the coffee table.

“What color would that car be?” Wichapas pointed at the drawing on the drawing pad.

“White. Papa’s car is white.” Blue finds the white crayon on the scattered crayons on the table.

Wichapas can’t help but smile. When Tin and Ta were the same age as Blue,they also liked coloring. The difference is Tin liked coloring some drawing pads while Ta liked coloring their walls. Soon, Ta succeedingly influenced Tin in doing the same thing. They had to repaint some of their walls to cover up the art that his brother did.

“It’s not working.” Blue looked at the crayon and then to his father.

“It’s working. It’s just that the paper is white so the white color is hardly seen. How about we change the color?” Wichapas tried his best to explain and suggest an alternative.

“Do you have a car?” Blue asked.

“I do.”

“What color?” Blue put down the white crayon and waited for his father’s answer.

“I have a black one and a blue one.”

Blue frowned. Those are two colors. Blue only wants one. “Which one is your favorite?”

Wichapas thought deeply. He doesn’t have a favorite one but he can’t disappoint his son who’ s looking at him with so much anticipation. “The blue one because it’s your name.”

Blue giggled, feeling delighted with the fact that his name is his Daddy’s favorite.

“On my birthday, I will ask Papa for a bicycle. I want to learn how to drive a bicycle so I can learn how to drive a motorcycle and a car.” Blue continues coloring the drawing with strokes going to different directions making it a little messy in the eyes.

Wichapas smiled at his son. He wanted to buy him a bicycle at this instant but of course he would ask Build first. He doesn't want to create another misunderstanding between them. Wichapas was about to ask when Blue's birthday was but the doorbell rang.

"I guess our lunch is here." Wichapas stood up.

"Did you buy me chicken, Daddy?" Blue looked up at him.

"Of course." Wichapas messed up the kid's hair before going out to receive the orders.

Blue requested for a roasted chicken for lunch and who is Wichapas to deny. He was actually planning to cook for him again but he doesn't have a heart to leave his son again after what happened earlier. He placed the take out bags to the table and started cleaning the pads and crayons. Blue ran to the bags and ripped it down to see what's inside. There are two servings of pasta, a box of mochi with different flavors and the roasted chicken that Blue requested. Wichapas wanted to get some plates and utensils from the kitchen but Blue started digging on the pasta already. So, he scrapped the idea of getting some utensils and started eating too using the plastic spoon and fork.

It feels good. Having a lazy day with Blue feels warm and cozy. Having a talkative and hyperactive kid around the house is something he didn't know he wanted. Blue sometimes asks his Daddy some out of the blue questions or just simply asks him to remove the bones on his chicken. They are the only people in the house but it feels full with Blue's laughter. He sometimes pulls silly pranks on his Dad that makes Wichapas clueless most of the time. It was nice that Blue didn't have a hard time spending time with him. Though Wichapas lost three years of his life with his kid, he felt like he was given a chance to make it up to him. And to Build.

After lunch, they both agreed to play at the park before dropping Blue back to Build. They roamed around the different shops on the streets and spent the rest of the afternoon in the playground. Blue loved the place,especially the monkey bars. He told his father multiple times how he will convince his Papa to have something like that in their suite.

As the sun is about to set, Wichapas needs to bring back Blue to his other father. They walk hand in hand through the hallway, Blue's little bag on his shoulder.

The moment they got into the door, Wichapas was about to press the buzzer but Blue banged the door.

"Papa! I'm back!" Blue seems like having fun torturing the door and continuing banging.

Before Wichapas could stop the kid, Build opened the door with wide eyes. His gaze immediately found Wichapas' eyes and they held a few seconds of looking at each other until they heard Blue speak.

"Papa, look! Daddy bought me this. He has something for you too. Daddy, give him." Blue waved a small bouquet of daisies to show his father before tugging his Daddy's hand. "Give it to him! Give it to him!"

Wichapas cleared his throat, clearly nervous. He slowly raised his other hand and a big bouquet of white tulips caught Build's attention. Wichapas cleared his throat once again.

"We passed by the flower shop earlier and I bought him some and…" Wichapas looked at his son and then at the tulips he had on hand.

Why is he even nervous? These are just flowers. All he has to do is to hand Build the bouquet and leave. That's it. Wichapas internally cursed himself.

"They are beautiful, right Papa?" Blue squealed, making Build blink twice like he came out of a dream.

To avoid disappointing Blue, Build accepted the huge bouquet. "Thank you. But it doesn't have to be this big."

Wichapas looked bothered. He realized it was really big. Blue said it was great and of course anything fancy and big is cool in a toddler's eyes. He almost facepalmed.

Before he ashamed himself more, he opted to bid goodbye to Blue. "Daddy will go now. See you again next time." Wichapas crouched down to level his son.

"Bye bye, Daddy." Blue hugged him then dropped a kiss on his lips.

Wichapas messed his hair and he stood back up. He handed Build the backpack. "You don't have to pack clothes for him next time. I'll keep clothes for him at home." Build nods. "I'll get going. Thanks for allowing me to spend time with him."

Build looked away. "It's on the agreement."

Wichapas felt a little pain knowing that the agreement is the only thread that ties him to Blue and Build. But this is just for the meantime. He'll work hard to get them back. He messed up Blue's hair again before leaving.

"Bye bye, Daddy love!" Blue shouted as he walked away.

But the voice made Wichapas look back and suddenly tears started to form in his eyes. Wichapas smiled at his son and crouched down, opening his arms wide for Blue. The kid squealed and ran to him to accept the hug. Wichapas took his time hugging the kid and sniffing his baby scent. "See you soon, baby love."

Build had to look away and blink several times to keep the tears away. The sight is too painful for him. Does it have to be like this all the time? Everytime he would drop Blue to his other father, he felt restless. And when Wichapas will drop Blue to him, this will be the scene. It's painful. But they don't have a choice.

Wichapas stood up, letting go of Blue. He looked at Build who's standing in the doorway and smiled at him. But Build just looked away once again.

"Go back to Papa." Wichapas told his son and the kid ran back to where his Papa is.

Build and Blue entered their suit with bouquets of flowers at hand.

"Wow!" Sari exclaimed at the sight, seeing how big the bouquet was on Build's hand.

"I know. It's….too much." Build placed down the bouquet to the couch.

"Auntie Pretty! Look, Daddy gave us flowers." Blue ran to Sari and showed his small bouquet of daisies.

"Wow, this is beautiful. But your Papa surely has an extravagant one." Sari smiled at Build, clearly teasing.

"Daddy chose the big one for Papa because he said it's pretty like him." Blue told them with pure proudness in his voice.

But the information made Build blush like a red tomato.

"Really? Daddy said that?" Sari asked Blue but her eyes were kept to Build.

"Sari. Stop." Build tried to warn Sari but his ears are completely red.

"What? I am having a little chat with my cutie right here." Sari picked up Blue and settled on her lap. "Then where did you and Daddy go?"

Build can do nothing but sight. Sari will definitely dig into information that involves Build for sure.

–

It's been a few days since the last time he saw Wichapas. He never received a message or even met him anywhere.

If you think Build is looking for him, the answer is no. That's what he always tells himself.

Blue asked him a few times about his Daddy but he always makes an excuse that the man is busy. Instead, he decided for a Papa and Blue's day out. Build brought Blue to the mall and shopped for some clothes. They ate lunch at a fast food restaurant Blue picked. Then, they went to the toy shop. It was a busy and tiring day for Build as his energetic son led him to this and that. The day is about to end but they decided to stop by Sari's art gallery to hand her something.

They found Sari and Waan in front of the gallery. When Blue is out of the car seat, he immediately runs to Sari and shows off his new toy, a remote controlled dinosaur.

"I brought your house keys. Try to forget it once again and I'll tell Prin not to open the doors for you at all." Build joked while eyeing his toddler who's really engrossed in the toy.

"I'll try not to forget next time." Sari said as she kept the keys in her pocket.

"You gossip so much that's why you become forgetful." Build called Blue's attention as the kid is going farther from them following his toy.

"I only have my ears on interesting topics." Sari winked at him, pertaining to the conversation Blue and her just had last time about the flowers. "Gossips come to me, I don't find them. Like now."

As Blue reached his Papa, another figure went near them. Build, Sari and Waan immediately bowed their heads to pay respect.

"Good afternoon, Lord Ram. It's nice to see you today." Sari greeted the man with her business smile

Lord Ram smiled at them with full sweetness. "Good afternoon. It's nice to see everyone right now. My visit is just perfect."

Lord Ram is one of the youngest Lords in the country. He just became a lord after his brother, Lord Sonchai, died almost three years ago. It is still obvious that Build has bitter memories from their family but he convinced himself that Lord Ram is not to punish for his brother's mistake. Build is civil to Lord Ram but it's clearer than water that Lord Ram has different intentions to Build.

"I came to visit the art gallery since I wasn't able to attend your grand exhibit. I'm sorry for not being available on that day, Sari." Lord Ram looked really apologetic but there is something about it that screams negativity.

"I heard you went to Europe. It's fine, Lord Ram. And thank you for the flowers you sent me that day." Sari smiled back at him.

"That's the least I could give you. Congratulations. I heard the exhibit is more than a success."

"Thank you, Sir." Sari is keeping her business smile.

Lord Ram switched his attention to Build. The man's eyes quickly changed into soft and caring. "It's so nice to see you again after several weeks. You still seem as beautiful as the last time I saw you, Khun Jakapan."

Yes, that is Lord Ram. He never hesitates or gets ashamed in giving Build direct compliments whenever he gets the chance.

"Glad to see you too, Lord Ram." Build had to bow his head to escape the man's stare that creeps him to the bones.

"And you too, young man. Nice to see you again." Lord Ram crouches down to level Blue. "How are you?"

Blue smiled at him widely. "Papa and I went to the mall and we bought this, Lord Ram. See? It's a walking dinosaur." Blue started operating the toy and Lord Ram expressed his amazement to please the kid.

Another yes, Lord Ram happens to get Blue's trust since the man is good at giving compliments and getting interest from people. He is very good at talking to others. A perfect example of a very outgoing man.

Lord Ram and Blue started playing the toy, with Lord Ram sometimes glancing at Build and smiling at him. The man is listening to Blue attentively as the kid explains his new toy with glee. Lord Ram portrays animated expressions to entertain the kid and it worked so much. Blue is so happy with the attention.

"Sometimes, I think Lord Ram could be a good father to Blue. Do you see how close they are?" Sari blurted out because he knows that Lord Ram is far enough to hear them.

Build snorted. "Sari, Blue has two fathers already. He doesn't need another one."

"But you need someone to take care of you. And maybe, just maybe, he's a good fit. All these years of their interactions, haven't you thought about it even once?" Sari crossed her arms on her chest.

Blue and Lord Ram are close, yes. But Build can't see the man as someone as a father to Blue. Or maybe because he already closed his heart to anybody romantically.

Sari laughed. "Forget about what I said. All those Lords are pretty disgusting. They are into money and power and power and money. Nothing else." She said while rolling her eyes and made a disgusted look. "Get your son now before somebody else suspects that he's Blue's real father."

Build and Blue bid goodbye to them and left the gallery as fast as Build could. The thought of having a romantic relationship fears Build. After everything that had happened to him, having a relationship is really scary.

~~

"𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑, 𝐾𝑙𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑛'𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠. 𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑓𝑒𝑟 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒." 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑚.

"𝐼𝑠 ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒? 𝐷𝑜 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑜. 𝐼'𝑙𝑙 𝑝𝑎𝑦 𝑛𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒." 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑑, 𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟.

"𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤. 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤, 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑. 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑚 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛. 𝐾𝑙𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑦. 𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑧𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑓𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑠 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛. 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒, 𝑜𝑘𝑎𝑦? 𝑅𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔, 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡? 𝐾𝑙𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑤. 𝐷𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑒?" 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑'𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑐𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠.

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑟. 𝐼𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑢𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙. 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔. 𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑔𝑜 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒, 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑏𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔𝑜 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑡𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦, 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑤𝑠. 𝐻𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑐𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑏𝑢𝑡 ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑦 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦.

𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑦, 𝐾𝑙𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦. 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑟. 𝐻𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑟𝑎 𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑏𝑢𝑡 ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑎 𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟, 𝑠𝑎𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑜 𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙. 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑡.

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑑. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑𝑛'𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑢𝑝. 𝐻𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐾𝑙𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑛, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑦 ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒.

𝐼𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑡𝑦𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑙𝑎𝑤𝑦𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑒. 𝐻𝑒 𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑘 𝑡𝑜 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒-𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐻𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑦 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔.

"𝐾ℎ𝑢𝑛, 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑔𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠." 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑠 𝑎 𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑚. 𝑈𝑝𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒, 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑝. "𝐻𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟'𝑠 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒. 𝐻𝑒 𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒."

"𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑘 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠?" 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑛.

"𝐻𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟'𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑘𝑒. 𝑊𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡." 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑤𝑦𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑙𝑦.

"𝑆𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑑? 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛?" 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑒𝑑, 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑.

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑤𝑦𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑡. "𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑢𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟."

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒. 𝐼𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑑. 𝐻𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑦 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 ℎ𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔.

"𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟'𝑠 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦. 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑛, ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠. 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑜𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑔𝑒. 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠, 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟'𝑠 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒, 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟…" 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑦. "𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑦𝑒𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑, ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙."

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑢𝑝. 𝐻𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑤 ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟'𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ.

"𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜," 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑤𝑦𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒, 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑑. "𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑜."

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑝 𝑎𝑏𝑟𝑢𝑝𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒.

"𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠, ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒. 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑛, 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦. 𝐻𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑙 ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒, 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑒." 𝐻𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑎 𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒. "𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑠. 𝐼𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒."

𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦. 𝑆𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦. 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠. 𝐻𝑒 𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑤 𝑎 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑦 𝑙𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ.

"𝐻𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑." 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑. 𝐻𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑏𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑎 𝑓𝑒𝑤 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑤𝑦𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛. "𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑒?"

"𝐼 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤. 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦. 𝑊𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟'𝑠 𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙. 𝐻𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑚𝑒 𝑎 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠. 𝐴𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡, 𝑤𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑛'𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙."

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑢𝑛𝑐ℎ 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚. 𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑟𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑢𝑑. 𝐼𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑢𝑙, 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑢𝑛𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙. 𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠, 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑜𝑐𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒. 𝐻𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠𝑛'𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑠.

"𝐾ℎ𝑢𝑛, 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜𝑜𝑛. 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑗𝑜𝑏 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦. 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜𝑜𝑛."

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ. 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑜𝑏𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑛𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑙 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ.

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑟𝑢𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒-𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑. 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑖𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑢𝑝 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑠. 𝐴𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑑𝑜 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑐𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦. 𝑆𝑜𝑜𝑛, 𝑎 𝑑𝑜𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑'𝑠 𝑒𝑦𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑎𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑦.

"𝐻𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑜𝑛, 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦. 𝐹𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑑𝑜 𝑖𝑡. 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒, 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦." 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤. 𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑚. 𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑢𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑤. 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑛, ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑔𝑜𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑚.

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑'𝑠 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠. 𝐻𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑, 𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑡, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑑. 𝐻𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑒𝑎𝑟.

"𝐾𝑙𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑛!"

Chapter Text

The white tulips were now all dry. Build touched the dead petals as he tried to find some flowers that might have survived. He hasn't heard anything again from the person who gave him this. It's been more than a week now.

If you think Build hoped for a message from him about Blue's next visit on the weekend, you're wrong. But he almost runs every time his cell phone receives notifications. He always checks if he has a call or a text. Like right now, he's staring at the quiet device on the glass table.

Blue is having his afternoon nap. Build settled himself in the living room, knees on his chest while hugging his legs. He kept thinking of how Blue will cope up with their situation when he's older. Up to date, his son never asked him about it. But, Build knows, sooner or later he will start to ask. He's not planning to lie at all. Build is ready to tell Blue that he and Wichapas already broke up and got separated. And then he imagined his son's hurt eyes. No, he can't take it.

Build messed up his hair before standing up. He's about to walk away when his cell phone buzzes. He slumped back to the couch and grabbed the device hurriedly. Then he stopped.

Why is he in a hurry? What's wrong with him?

He calmed himself down, took a couple of deep breaths before opening the message. Build frown when he saw the message. Yes it's from Wichapas but they are a series of letters that do not form any word. Build tried to figure out what the message was about. He stared at the screen and then suddenly it buzzed again.

A video call from Wichapas. Build's heart almost leaped seeing the screen. He sat up straight before answering the call. But instead of Wichapas, the screen is in complete chaos. He can't see anyone and seems like the phone was being thrown away somewhere. He heard giggles and footsteps like people are running away. And then the call ended.

Build blinked twice. What happened? He looked at the screen that is now back to the message earlier. Build's eyes suddenly light up realizing those might be the twins. Without thinking, he pressed the video call button and called Wichapas, hoping to see the kids through the call. After a few rings, the call is answered.

"Hey." Wichapas smiled at him. "You called."

Build blinked. No, he doesn't like to talk to Wichapas. But, it might be what the man thinks.

"N-no. I mean, yes. Because you called earlier that's why I called back." Build tried to be reasonable.

Wichapas frowned and looked somewhere else before sighing.

"It's the twins, right?" Build asked, trying to find the kids.

"Yes. They stole my phone and called you. Sorry." Wichapas scratched his nape.

"Where are they? Can I see them?" Build's voice is full of anticipation, eyes twinkling. He really wanted to see the kids again.

"They just left for school." Build's eyes dropped in disappointment. Wichapas seems like he entered a room. "Where's Blue?"

"He's napping." Something came into Build's mind. "You're out of the country." He whispered but it was clearly heard on the other line.

"I had to finish something. I'm actually heading to the airport now to go back there. Did you miss me already?"

Build felt annoyed with the slight smirk in Wichapas' face. His eyebrows curled and he huffed. "Blue is asking for you." He rolled his eyes.

He heard a little snicker. "Alright. It's Blue who misses me. I get it." Teasing Build.

"Have some shame. I'm hanging up." But before Build could end the call Wichapas spoke again.

"See you soon." Wichapas muttered.

Build ended the call immediately, trying to fight the confusing thoughts he has.

–

Build virtually managed the businesses his father left him. He supervised the operations through emails and calls. He will just go on visits when it is badly needed or urgent. So whenever Sari calls and asks for a lunch date with him and Blue, he's always on the go. He got himself ready after Blue. Of course, the kid is in love with the fact that he is dressing up today. Sari mentioned that Prin and her will pick them up so no need to bring their car.

"Baby love, ready to go?" Build held Blue's hand.

"Yes, Papa!" Blue beamed, making Build chuckle.

Honestly, Blue's excitement is getting into him. Adding to the adrenaline after Sari told him over the phone that there is something important to tell him over lunch. He has no idea what it will be but he felt a little giddy about it. They both reached the lobby. The sun is shining too bright outside so Build sent a message to Sari that they will be waiting there instead of the driveway. Blue started getting busy running around the lobby, small talking to the security guard on the entrance then running back to his Papa. Build heard a few cute comments from the receptionists. Blue once again ran to the security guard and it seems like he's saying something about his shirt. Build tried to assess the older man's reaction as he might be getting annoyed but it seems like he was having fun talking to the kid as well.

Build fetched his phone from his back pocket to send Sari a message again when he heard Blue shout. He looked up and saw Blue being held by Lord Ram, smiling from ear to ear. Blue immediately went near them, who were standing at the entrance.

"Lord Ram." Build bowed to him.

"Hi, Khun Jakapan. Sorry for coming today. It seems like you have an appointment." Lord Ram scratched his nape.

"We're going out with Sari and Prin for lunch." Build answered.

"Ah, bad timing." Lord Ram looked at Blue and pinched his cheek.

"Is there anything you need?" Build asked.

"Oh, nothing much." Lord Ram placed Blue down on the ground and picked up a large paper bag. "I came to give you these. I bought them for you and Blue when I went to Europe. I hope you like them." Lord Ram handed him the large bag.

Build peeked inside the bag. It has several items. There are some clothes, chocolates and toys. "You don't really have to buy us these, my Lord."

"I want to. Let me do things like this for you and Blue." Lord Ram crouched down to level the kid. "I bought you some limited edition toys, do you want to see?"

Build is mesmerized with it, he admits. The way Lord Ram's eyes shine whenever he speaks to Blue and the kid's beams every time. Sometimes he thinks….

"Excuse me, let me show him some."

Build got out of his reverie when Lord Ram got something inside the bag Build was holding.

No. That's a bad idea, Build.

Lord Ram and Blue got focused on playing with the new toys when someone stood beside Build.

"Is lunch still on?" Sari bumped his shoulder playfully, eyes pinned to the two people in front of them.

"Of course, silly. He came to give Blue something from his trip." Build sighed.

Lord Ram stood up immediately when he saw Sari and the girl greeted him with a small bow.

"Sorry, am I interrupting your schedule? I'm about to leave anyway." Lord Ram smiled at them but Blue tugged his hand.

"How does this work?" Blue showed a small toy car, so curious.

Lord Ram picked him up and showed him how the automatic toy car works, and drowned in their own world again.

Sari eyed Build who's lovingly looking at them with a smile. "I know."

Build blinked twice. "What?"

"Stop denying. You feel it too. But," Sari looked at him with worried eyes. "Think about it thoroughly, Build. Thoroughly."

"I think you need to go, young man." Lord Ram smiled at the kid, shaking him lightly. "I'll be leaving now." He faced Build.

An awkward silence enveloped them. Sari felt itchy and tried to break the awkwardness.

"Would you like to join us for lunch, my Lord? I mean, if you're free." Sari looked at Build with hesitation.

"Yes. If you just want to." Build smiled at the man.

"Is it going to be fine?" Lord Ram looked at Build with so much anticipation.

"Of course." Build nods.

"What's taking you so long?"

All of them looked where the voice came from. It's Prin, walking up to them.

"Oh, Lord Ram." Prin bowed to him.

"Lord Ram will join us for lunch." Sari smiled.

"U-Uhm.." Prin suddenly felt uneasy. "I happened to bump with Khun Wichapas in the parking lot and…" he looked back where the man was standing still, looking stunned.

Build followed his gaze. Wichapas' eyes are fixed to Lord Ram holding Blue. Prin and Sari got a sudden uneasiness from the situation. A sudden punch and realization hit Build. He hurriedly fetched Blue from Lord Ram, the kid still busy with the toy car.

"Look who's here." Build told his son and pointed to Wichapas.

"Daddy!" Blue squirmed on his hold and ran fast to his other father.

Lord Ram put both of his hands in his pocket before fixing his posture, standing proud and provoking, eyes on Wichapas. He stood a little closer to Build.

"Hey, buddy." Wichapas accepted the hug from his son but he could not fetch him as both of his hands were occupied. One hand with two bouquets of flowers, white tulips and daisies, and the other with a large paper bag that is almost similar to what Build is holding. "This is for you." Wichapas gave a small bouquet of daisies to the kid.

Blue beamed, receiving the flowers and running back to his Papa to show it. Wichapas followed the kid and stopped in front of Build, handing the large bouquet of white tulips.

"Hi." Wichapas greeted him, smiling.

"Hi." Build almost whispered, but the redness of his face could not be hidden. Receiving a huge bouquet of flowers is a little embarrassing especially since they are in a public area.

"I came to give these to you. I bought you something. The twins choose the toys for Blue. Dao wanted to give you something as well. Everything is inside." Wichapas handed the large paper bag to Build.

Build smiled widely as he heard the mention of the twins and Dao. He immediately accepted the bag, forgetting that he was already holding one. Wichapas stopped handing him the bag after seeing that his hand was occupied, and looked up to Lord Ram.

Sari bit his lip to suppress a laugh. Prin tapped his back, warning his fiancée to not make a reaction about what they were seeing. Sari's reaction will definitely make the situation worse.

"I like these." She whispered.

"Like the dramas you often watch before going to bed." Prin whispered back.

"Oh, you haven't met yet. Of course." Build cleared his throat. "Wichapas, this is Lord Ram. Lord Ram, this is Wichapas, Blue's father."

Blue went to Prin and asked to be carried. The kid showed the flower from his father and a new toy car from Lord Ram. Prin focused on him.

"Nice to finally meet you, Khun Wichapas." Lord Ram held out his hand, grinning.

Wichapas clenched his jaw before accepting the offered hand. "Me too, Lord Ram." He is looking in the man's eyes, not projecting any type of emotion.

The handshake took a little longer than Build wanted it to be so he cleared his throat to get their attention but Sari spoke.

"We're going out for lunch. Would you like to join us?" She's looking at Wichapas.

The men let go of each other's hand, eyes still on each other. Wichapas looked at Build but didn't answer.

"Well, since Lord Ram is coming, I think Khun Wichapas should join us too." Sari suddenly spoke.

Build's eyes widened at her, trying to tell her to stop making the situation harder than it is. Sari just shrugged at him.

"Should I come?" Build felt a little coldness on his spine when he realized that Wichapas was asking him. Wichapas' face is still neutral, not an inch of emotion.

"W-well, only if you're not busy." Build tried to act normal but the tension is actually killing him inside.

Why do these two men look like they are going to jump on each other anytime?

Wichapas take a look again at Lord Ram. The man grinned at him more, making Wichapas' knuckle feeling itchy to give a punch. He has no idea why this man's presence bothers him so much but he refuses to show it.

"Alright. If I am not an inconvenience." Wichapas straightened his body to release a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

"Great. Shall we go now?" Sari clapped his hand once, trying to ease the situation.

"I'll hold this for you. Your hand seemed to be too occupied." Wichapas said, looking at the paper bag in his hand.

They all went to the parking lot. Wichapas squinted his eyes as he saw Blue on Prin's arms. He never felt anything seeing his son being carried by Prin but why did he feel a bit angry when he saw Lord Ram holding the kid earlier?

After reaching Prin's car, they found out that Lord Ram and Wichapas brought their own cars. Parked beside each other. Sari bit his lower lip, looking confused.

"So, where do you want to ride?" She asked, looking at Build.

"What do you mean?" Build frowned.

"I mean, you can go with Lord Ram or Khun Wichapas. Or stick to the plan, ride with us." Sari smiled at him.

Build sighed, a deep one. He knows what Sari is implying. "The car seat is in your car, Sari. Let's not make Prin's effort in assembling the car seat go in vain. Let's go before we all die of starvation."

Good thing Prin always has the car seat for Blue.

Build was about to open the back seat of the car when Lord Ram opened it for him. Maybe because he thought Build's hands were too occupied. Just being considerate, maybe. Build muttered a small 'thank you' before going inside. Before closing the door, Wichapas peek in.

"Let me keep this for now. My backseat is pretty unoccupied. Just to make you comfortable." Wichapas got the bouquet of flowers and the paper bag before Build could talk. Wichapas closed the door with a thud.

Sari told the men where they are heading and to just meet them there. Prin settled Blue on his car seat. Build got the bouquet of daisies and the toy car from his son. Prin sat on the driver's seat and Sari buckled her own seatbelt, sitting on the passenger side. Blue started looking outside.

"Papa, where's daddy?"

"He's driving his own car. We'll meet him at the restaurant." Build looked at his son with a smile before letting out a big sigh.

"That was deep. You okay?" Sari looked back at him.

"I don't know. I just… It's different." Build looked outside the window.

Prin started driving, focusing on the road.

"Well, I think it's normal. That's how men react when they come face to face with their rivals." Sari laughed.

"What do you mean?" Build raised his eyebrow.

Build saw Sari rolled her eyes. "Stop denying. I know you feel it too. They want to get your attention."

"But why?" Build has a hint but he doesn't want to admit it.

"Stop playing naive. I know you know why." Sari crossed her arms over her chest.

Of course he does. But Build still can't form any questions aside from 'why'. He was confused and curious.

"They are interested in you and they are provoking each other and…" Sari wasn't able to finish what she was saying as Prin cut her off.

"And they are getting into a car race in the middle of the highway." Prin said as he looked at the side mirror and rear view mirror alternately, checking the two cars behind them.

Build and Sari looked back and they saw the situation. The two cars keep cutting each other's line and gradually speeding off to obviously beat each other. Build slumped his body to the seat and massaged his temple. They are being kids.

"Yes, that's going to be a headache for you." Sari nods at him.

They parked at the restaurant and before they could go out, the two cars parked on both of their sides. Build had to heave a sigh once again before unbuckling his son from the car seat. They all went out of the car and Wichapas immediately fetched his son, who beamed and asked to be carried. They all went inside and Sari chose the table for them. Blue was seated between Build and Wichapas while Lord Ram was seated across Build, beside Prin and Sari. They started ordering and once their table was full of food, they started eating.

Build doesn't need to do anything aside from eating because Wichapas are too attentive with Blue. He helped the kid eat and gave him his requests. Wichapas is so busy with his son that he didn't eat his food or join the conversion at the table, or maybe he is not in the mood to talk right now. He didn't even glance at Build.

"Here, try this."

Wichapas stopped feeding Blue when Lord Ram placed some food on Build's plate, but he didn't look up. Sari bit her fork as she looked at Wichapas and Lord Ram alternately. Build wasn't able to speak other than muttering a thank you.

"Daddy, potatoes." Blue broke the silence, pointing to the slices of potatoes on his father's plate.

"You want some? Here." Wichapas stabbed the potato on his fork and fed it to Blue. "How was it?" He asked.

"Yummy!" Blue beamed, eyes turning into a crescent. Wichapas smiled back and messed up the kid's hair.

Unconsciously, Build smiled as well while looking at them. His heart is melting with the interaction. A dream he lost a few years ago.

Lord Ram saw how Build looked and smiled at them. Sari and Prin too.

"How about we get some desserts?" Lord Ram broke the moment.

Upon hearing the voice, Blue looked at the man. "I want!"

"Of course, you do." Lord Ram laughed. "Come on, let's get some sweets for everyone." Lord Ram stood up and rounded the table before picking up Blue.

Build was about to speak but Lord Ram cut him off. "No too much sweet and not too cold. Got it." And he winked before leaving, Blue in his arms, going to the small counter.

The table went silent for a while before Wichapas started eating his food for the first time. He is so occupied with attending to Blue that he forgot to eat. He is now finally tasting the food he ordered. He never glanced at Build and that made Build uneasy for some reason. Wichapas continue eating and not speaking a word. Build glanced at Sari but the woman just shrugged at him. He tried to look for Prin's opinion but the man continued his meal as well. Nobody dared to speak. The silence went on for a couple of minutes, everyone returned back to eating.

They were interrupted when Wichapas' phone rang. "Excuse me." He stood up without looking at anyone and went out of the restaurant to answer the call.

Sari let out a sigh of relief before slumping her body on the back of the chair. "I can't take this anymore. I will definitely get indigestion after this."

"Bear the consequences of your actions." Build told her.

"Of course, I will invite them. What else am I supposed to do? They went to you at the exact time we were leaving." Sari defended herself. She invited the men out of courtesy, of course.

"You said you have to tell me something, that's why you invited me today. What is it?" Build remembered the reason for their supposed to be private lunch.

"Ah, yes. I totally forgot about it." She sat properly. "So, Prin and I will be leaving for a few weeks. We will talk to my parents about the wedding." Sari said, looking at him intently.

"We're a bit worried about you. We'll be gone for a few weeks. Will you be fine?" Prin finally spoke.

Build let out a small laugh. "What am I? A five year old kid? I mean, I do have a toddler with me, yes. But don't worry. I'll be fine." Build smiled at them, a little sad. "Am I a burden to both of you?"

"What are you thinking?" Sari frowned.

"Build, don't be silly." Prin put down the spoon and fork he was holding.

"I mean, you always think about me and Blue. I am so indebted to both of you for always having my back. I feel bad that we look like extra baggage to you." Build can't help to feel that way. Sari and Prin are always there to look after him and Blue. They are very good people. But sometimes he feels like he's being an inconvenience for them.

"Shut up, Jakapan!" Sari's voice is a little higher now. "You are never an extra baggage for us. You and Blue are our family."

"Build, understand us. We're worried about leaving you and Blue here alone. We asked you out today so we can offer you to go with us to Sari's parents. Maybe you need a few weeks of vacation too." Prin tried to ease the emotions building up.

"Look, Build. Sorry for shouting at you but don't think that way again. Please, you're not a burden or an extra baggage for us, you know that. We just want you and Blue to be fine."

Build smiled at her. He's really indebted to Sari and Prin for giving them the family they needed. They were the best support system he got for the past few years. But since they are now building their own family, Build should rely on them less.

"I know what you're thinking. No, Build. Don't even think of going away from us. We're just getting married, we're not leaving you."

Build smiled at her. "Thank you, Sari. I will forever be grateful to both of you. Thank you for treating us as family. You can go on your trip. We will be fine here." He looked outside the glass window and saw Wichapas' back on them, still talking on his phone. "We will be safe."

"We got ice cream and egg pies." Lord Ram's voice gathered their attention. He's still holding Blue and followed by a waiter with a tray of desserts.

Blue sat back down to his seat and Wichapas was back shortly. Like before, Wichapas attended Blue. He made sure that the kid didn't eat too much ice cream. Lord Ram tried serving Build multiple times, Build accepted his offers but his eyes were kept to his son and his other father.

The lunch continued, tension less than the first moments. Wichapas kept his silence while the others enjoyed a conversion. Lord Ram is indeed an extrovert. They all enjoyed his stories not until he started poking at Wichapas.

"So, I heard you were once a lord, Khun Wichapas." Lord Ram asked, eyes darted to Wichapas.

Build frowned. Lord Ram knows Wichapas?

Wichapas stopped, placed down the spoon and wiped his son's face. "I was." He answered without looking up.

"What happened? Did you resign?"

Build felt the tension back. He knows Wichapas too well. One more hit and the man will definitely explode.

"I have to leave." Wichapas tried his best to keep his composure.

"I think that was too personal to share. We can leave it." Sari tried to laugh it out as she felt the tension going up.

"Ah, yes. That's why you left Khun Jakapan and Blue as well." Lord Ram grinned, of course no one saw it because everybody was looking at Wichapas.

Wichapas balled his hand into fist, feeling irritated. Build started to fidget. The last thing he wants is a commotion inside the restaurant where there are too many people. This will make news all over the central, especially if a Lord was involved.

"Lord Ram, I think that is something you are not involved with. Let's not invade their privacy." Prin decided to intervene. Build is once again thankful to him.

Lord Ram looked at Build, who was looking more hurt than Wichapas. He's doomed, he knew it.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." Lord Ram placed a hand above Build's resting on the table.

Wichapas glanced at it. Build removed his hand fast, not even a glance to Lord Ram.

"Daddy." Blue caught his father's attention before climbing into his lap.

"Are you sleepy, baby?" Build reached out to his son, caressing the kid's head.

Blue nodded and buried his face in his other father's chest.

"I'm afraid we have to leave now. A client is actually waiting for me." Prin said. Everyone knows he just wanted to end this gathering fast before anything bad happened.

"Let me pay the bill. Thank you for inviting me today." Lord Ram raised his hand to call the waiter for the bill.

"You don't have to, Lord Ram. We invited you so we should pay." Sari insisted but the waiter came fast.

"Can I have the bill please?" Lord Ram asked the waiter.

"Your bill has been taken care of, my Lord." The waiter looked confused and eyed Wichapas. Everybody looked at him as well. "Thank you for the gratuity, Sir." The waiter bowed to Wichapas and to the other before leaving. Wichapas must have paid the bill when he went back from the call.

Lord Ram felt another fire burning inside him as he looked at Wichapas.

"Thank you for paying the bill, Khun Wichapas. We should treat you next time." Prin stood up and the others followed.

"Thank you for inviting me." Wichapas fixed his son's sleeping body, leaning his head on his shoulder.

They all went to the parking lot and were ready to part ways.

"Will you be going back to your office? The suite is out of your way." Build asked Prin.

"We'll send you home first before going to the office." Prin told him.

Build looked around and saw Wichapas beside him, with Blue on his arms.

"I can send you home if you want." Wichapas said. Build seemed to be contemplating as Blue is completely asleep. "I brought his car seat."

Build smiled at him. "Alright."

Wichapas rounded his car and placed Blue on the car seat. The kid squirmed a little but gladly he didn't wake up. Sari handed Build the bouquet and toy car that they left earlier.

"Thank you. When are you leaving?" Build asked.

"Friday evening. Are you sure you'll be fine?" Sari looks really worried.

"Blue will be in his father's care on the weekend. I will have two days for myself. We're going to be fine. Call me, understand?" Build hugged her.

"You don't need to tell her that. She'll definitely call you until your ears bleed." Prin interrupted.

"I don't mind." Build laughed.

"We should go now. Call me too, okay?" Sari let go of the hug. She smiled at Wichapas and bowed to Lord Ram.

When the couple left, Build bowed to Lord Ram without uttering any word and went inside Wichapas's car. Wichapas didn't pay attention to him and sat on the driver's seat before speeding away.

The ride was quiet, especially because Blue is asleep. Build tried glancing at Wichapas but the man was too focused on the road. It was just a twenty-minute ride and they were on the building of their suit. Build is holding the two bouquets of flowers and the toy car while Wichapas is holding Blue on his arm and the two large paper bags on the other hand. They reached the suite. But Build stopped after opening the door. He can't bring Blue inside the room with everything in his hand. So, Build got the paper bags from Wichapas and opened the door widely.

"The first door on the right." He instructed. Wichapas nodded and walked inside.

Build hurriedly put everything down on the sofa and follow them. He saw Wichapas tucking Blue under the blanket. Blue is safely situated in the middle of the bed. Build started putting pillows on both sides.

"He's active even in his sleep. Good thing he never experienced falling off the bed." Build explained, trying to get into a conversation but Wichapas only nodded.

The man started walking out of the room and Build followed once again. Wichapas stopped in the living room and turned to look at him.

"I'm leaving now. Thank you for letting me join you for lunch."

Build nods. "Thank you for the flowers and for the gifts. And for dropping us as well."

Wichapas once again nods at him before turning his back, opening the door and vanishing from Build's sight.

Chapter Text

Wichapas stormed inside the house, passing Prem who just walked out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee at hand. Wichapas walked straight to his home office and shut the door with a loud thud that echoed inside the house. Prem blinked twice, eyeing the closed door. The home office is just beside the living room so Prem hesitated to proceed in there to rest or follow his boss.

One thing changed when all the tragedy happened more than three years ago is Wichapas' temper. As the man is known to be cold and quiet before, he changed into a hot-tempered person. Wichapas did not show it to others but Prem witnessed the changes. Wichapas turns into a beast when he's so mad. He would flip over tables, throw things away and sometimes make hasty decisions. That shocks Prem. His boss, though most of the time cold and snobbish, has been a very rational person. He never made any harsh and urgent decisions. So, the big change in his attitude confused his own assistant.

Prem sighed and brought the coffee back to the kitchen, fetching two glasses and a bottle of whiskey. It's still two in the afternoon but the alcohol will definitely calm Wichapas' nerves for sure. He knocked on the door before opening it slowly. Papers were scattered on the floor, a chair thrown over at the corner and the man looking outside the glass window.

"Do you need a friend?" Prem closed the door as Wichapas looked back at him. He raised the bottle and glasses in his hand.

Prem sat down at the sofa and placed down the glasses, pouring some whiskey on it. Wichapas went near and slumped down beside him.

"Who is it this time?" Prem gave him the glass and Wichapas gulped it down, bottoms up.

"Me." Wichapas answered, pouring another shot on his own glass.

Prem frowned, looking at him with so much confusion.

"I'm the problem. I'm always the problem. I will forever be the problem." Wichapas drank again.

"Maybe if you could elaborate, I would understand." Prem sipped on his glass. He's not planning to compete with his boss who's clearly intending to get wasted.

"It was my fault leaving them more than three years ago. It was my decision to give up. But I can't accept the fact that Build is now open to accept someone in his life again." Wichapas messed his hair aggressively.

Prem seems a bit enlightened but he needs more information.

"Who?"

"Someone named Lord Ram." Wichapas glared at nothing, flashbacks of Blue being on the man's arms.

"Ah. An aristocrat." Prem sipped once again. "What's the problem? You broke up with Khun Jakapan before you left. You don't have any reason to get mad if he's entertaining someone else at the moment."

Prem felt Wichapas' gaze shifted in him. He shrugged.

"Don't get mad at me, Sir. I just want you to realize that you are in no position to be mad. It's Khun Jakapan's choice. That is if there is really something going on with them."

Wichapas sighed. Of course, he's in no position for that. But seeing that Blue is so close to him too, it's alarming.

"Blue is fond of him too." He whispered.

Prem poured more liquor on his glass. "That's something else."

"Yes." Wichapas sat back up. "Dig some information about Lord Ram. I want to know more about him." He drank everything that was left on his glass before standing up.

"Sir." Prem stood up as well. "I know you didn't regret what you did before but Khun Jakapan should know what really happened. He has the right to know."

Wichapas went to the door. "I will definitely tell him soon. But first, I wanted to regain my position in his life, their lives." Then he went out of his office, going to his own bedroom.

"But the best way to know if you still have a chance is to tell him the truth." Prem said even if the man is out of the room already. He sighed and looked around. He better clean this mess up because Wichapas will definitely drown himself into work all night. That's how he copes up with stress.

–

Build buried himself into answering work emails and making calls for their business. He trusts his people enough and business is quite good. But he wanted to get distracted. He doesn't want to think of that lunch that messed up. His phone buzzed and saw a notification from Sari.

We will be on a 20-hour flight with a lay-over on Friday. I will call you once we land there. Send me a message for emergencies so I can check on the lay-over. Kiss Blue for me.

Build smiled. This girl really never forgot him, always. He typed some replies to her and went back to work. Few minutes of typing and a small creature entered the bedroom.

"Papa, hungry." Blue told him, pouting.

"Oh." Build looked at the time. It's almost seven in the evening. "Sorry, baby. I was working. What do you want to eat?" He stood up and fetched the kid. That's when he realized that his head hurts. Maybe he's strained from looking at his laptop too much today.

"I want rice." Blue hugged his Papa's neck.

Build had to put him back down to cook. He roamed around the kitchen and found some meat in the fridge. Of course, meat tastes good with rice.

"Papa, when will I go back to Daddy's house?"

Build looked back at his son who's now trying to roam around the living room, playing with his plushies. He forgot the day. It's Friday and he needs to drop Blue tomorrow.

"You'll be going to Daddy the day after tomorrow." Build started to thaw a frozen meat he found in the fridge.

His head is quite hurting but he still feels fine. He will just drink some meds and take a hot shower. Maybe it's just stress.

"I will bring my carrot tomorrow, okay?" Blue is holding his carrot plushie and showing it to his father. It's one of the plushies from Wichapas. Maybe it's from Tin knowing how the kid loves collecting plushies.

"Okay. Is there anything else you wanted to bring?" Build tried to continue his conversation with Blue though he felt a little itchiness on his throat.

Blue looked at his plushies scattered on the carpeted floor. "Just the carrot."

"Alright." Seems like the plushie is Blue's current favorite.

Friday morning, breakfast went fine for both of them as well as the whole day. Build joined him on his afternoon nap as his headache never left even after drinking some painkillers. Build woke up at almost sunset, bed empty. He stood up and found his son watching television in the living room. Blue seated on the sofa with the plushies lined up on both of his sides like an army. Build smiled with his son's cuteness. The kid is so focused on the television that he didn't know his Papa was coming near him. The suite is dim as Blue wasn't able to turn on the lights because it was too high for him.

"Hi, baby." Build sat on the floor in front of Blue, not wanting to mess the army of plushies on the sofa. He laid his head in the kid's lap and it earned a giggle but the kid's eyes are still focused on the television. "What are you watching?"

"Cooking." Blue answered, palm resting on his Papa's cheek on his lap.

Build saw a cartoon movie about cooking and Blue seems so interested.

"Papa, can we have that steak for dinner? I want that steak." Blue pointed to the television as the animated woman with an apron started plating a piece of steak on a plate.

It's perfect, Build thought. He can't think of cooking tonight because his head still aches. So, he will just order dinner for both of them. Build called a delivery from a restaurant and laid down on his child's lap again. He was almost dozing off when the doorbell rang and Blue excitedly jumped off the sofa. The quick actions made Build's jolt in pain. His headache is getting worse despite the hours of rest. Build followed his son because he can't open the door himself. After receiving the delivery, Build switched the lights on and prepared the dinner. An early dinner for both of them because Build felt the urgency to come to bed once again. After the dinner and the evening shower, they are both dozed off to sleep early. Cuddling his son, Build prayed the headache would be gone tomorrow.

But it's not. Build woke up with the same pain. He squinted his eyes and tried to assess himself if he could get up. His body is now also in pain. But he has a toddler going to his other parent and he has to drop him off. He gently woke up Blue. When Build was busy dressing him up, the kid looked at him with a frown.

"Papa, why? Are you in pain?"

Build tried to smile but it turned out weak. "Papa's head is aching a bit. But Papa is fine."

Blue looks a little hesitant. Build continued packing his favorite toys and gave him the carrot plushie. The ride is quiet, it seems like Blue is never as excited as yesterday.

"Are you excited to spend time with Daddy?" Build tried to act normal as he took a peek of his son through the mirror.

Blue just nods his head but he looks out of himself. The kid is a little pouty. Build just sighed, he shouldn't have told Blue that he's not feeling fine. He kept his focus on the road while fighting his throbbing head. As the car stopped in front of the house, Build felt terrible. His head is really aching and he's dying to hit the bed as soon as possible. He got out of the car and unbuckled Blue from the car seat. Before he got finished, Wichapas was already out of the gate. Build had to carry Blue out of the car as the kid refused to move.

"Hi, baby." Wichapas greeted his son but the kid just looked at him.

"Hey, Daddy's greeting you." Build caressed Blues back with his free hand. "Go on, Daddy's waiting."

Wichapas looked at his son and then to Build, quite worried.

"Just a little pouty but he'll be fine." Build handed Blue to the man.

"What got you pouty, baby love?" Wichapas asked as he settled him in his arms. Blue just hugged him in the neck.

"Papa is going now. See you tomorrow." Build to sound as normal as he could.

The kid immediately perked up and looked at his Papa. He opened his arms and invited his father for a hug, like they always do. The kid hugged him a little tight on the neck and kissed him on the lips.

"Bye bye. I love you." Build pressed both of his palms to the kids cheeks making his lips pout more.

Blue giggled a little. "I love you, Papa."

Build left fast, he needs to throw himself to bed and close his eyes. He doesn't want to leave Blue yet but his body is giving up.

Blue's mood is a little bit better after lunch. He started playing with his Daddy but he is still noticeably quiet, though he responds to his father's questions. Wichapas had to answer Prem's call so he left the kid in the living room and settled himself in the dining room with his laptop. After the call, Wichapas saw Blue coming to him with heavy footsteps.

"Daddy." The kid whispered.

"What's wrong, baby? Do you want to nap?" Wichapas crouched down to level the kid.

"I want to go home to Papa." The kid is a little teary and it made Wichapas panic.

Did he do something wrong? Did he make Blue feel bad?

"Why?" The only word he can mutter.

"Papa said his head aches earlier. What if he feels sick?" Blue started to cry, fat tears running down his plump cheeks.

Wichapas stared at his son, a little confused. He's partly grateful that he's not the reason why Blue wanted to go home but another worry grew into him upon realizing what Blue said.

"Okay, don't cry. We'll go to Papa now." Wichapas cleared the tears and lifted the kid up.

Without wasting any time, he fetched Blue's backpack and went out of the house. But Blue spoke in between sobs.

"Daddy, carrot." Pointing to the carrot plushie on the sofa.

"Oh, yes. Sorry." Wichapas picked up the plushie and locked the door. He didn't know how he did it with Blue, a small backpack and a plushie all in his hand.

He drove to the building, ran to the suite in the same situation he left the house. When they arrived at the door, Wichapas rang the doorbell multiple times but nobody answered. Blue started crying again, feeling his father's agitation.

"Don't cry, baby. Maybe Papa is asleep, that's why he can't hear the bell." Wichapas tried calling Build's phone but he still didn't answer. He bit his lower lip, trying to calm himself beside his crying son. A lot of possibilities are running into his mind. But he can't lose his grip right now, especially when Blue is with him.

Wichapas remembered he saw a receptionist in the lobby when they entered. He picked up the bag and Blue hugged his plushie as he lifted him up effortlessly, his daily workout being in use.They went back to the elevator and proceeded to the ground floor. The guard and the receptionists were alerted as Wichapas came to them panting.

"Hi. Sorry to disturb you but I need a key to the suite room."

"I'm sorry sir but we are not allowed to give a non-resident any key." The receptionist looked skeptical as his gaze shifted to Blue and Wichapas alternately.

"I think the resident in the suite needs urgent help." Wichapas tried convincing the woman.

"Khun Blue?" The receptionist asked the kid, whose eyes are watery. "Do you know this man?"

The kids nod. "He is my Daddy."

Wichapas smiled at the kid and kissed his temple.

The receptionist formed an 'oh' with her lips, indicating that she understands. "I need to know what is happening, Sir."

"Blue told me that his Papa is sick and when we came here he's not opening his door. This is an emergency, Khun." Wichapas explained carefully.

The receptionist then made a call through the telephone. "Security office, we need assistance in the lobby. Please send personel now." She dropped the call and faced Wichapas again. "I will be personally assisting you in their suite. I hope you understand that it is our policy to give your identification for security purposes."

"Yes, of course." Wichapas placed down Blue and fetched his wallet from his back pocket. He searched for his identification card and handed it to the woman.

The receptionist read the card and gave it to the other personnel. Two security personnel came. "Log him in. I will take them to the suite. Stand by for my call, we might need an ambulance." The she went out of the front desk. "Let's go, Khun Wichapas."

They all went to the elevator, Blue is back to his father's arms. As soon as they reached the door, the receptionist tapped a master key and it opened. Wichapas immediately went in. He dropped the bag on the sofa, Blue still in his arms. No one was in the kitchen, he checked all the doors he could see but no one was there. The only door left is the one on his left side, slowly opening the room. It was dark and the only source of light was the bedside lamp. He saw one side of the bed was crumpled. He stepped inside and saw Build covered in a blanket, deeply asleep.

Wichapas heaved a sigh. Blue started to squirm. He let his son go. The kid climbed up the bed and checked his Papa.

"Khun? Is everything alright?" The receptionist and the guards were at the door of the room.

Wichapas looked back at them. "Yes. Thank you for your help. I'll take it from here."

The receptionist still looks hesitant but she nods before motioning the guard to leave with her.

Wichapas looked at the bed once again. Blue is sitting beside his sleeping father and his palm is on the older's forehead. Wichapas stepped closer.

"How is he? Do you think he is sick?" He asked, even thought he knows the answer just be seeing how flushed Build's face is.

"I think Papa is sick. He is hot." Blue pressed his other palm on his own forehead, seems like comparing the temperature of his father to his. "So hot."

Wichapas smiled at the kid before motioning him to come. "Let's not disturb Papa's sleep. Let's make some dinner so he can eat and drink some medicines."

Blue hugged him like a koala. Before he closed the bedroom door, he looked at Build once again.

Wichapas is roaming around the kitchen, making some food. It is not hard to know where are the ingredients and equipments he needed. He's busy making dinner as Blue settles himself in the sofa, playing doctor, his carrot plushie as the patient. The sun is setting down, making the whole suit look dim. Wichapas walked to the switch and turned on the lights then he heard his phone rings. He fetched the device in his pants.

"Prem." He went back to the kitchen.

(Sir, the first contract was already signed. But the second one refused, saying he will only sign after he talk to you.)

"What else does he need? We already agreed to his demands." Wichapas caressed his forehead, looking tired.

"Daddy?" Wichapas jolted and looked back, seeing Blue with his stethoscope toy. "Are you sick too? I can cure you."

Wichapas chuckled. "Daddy is fine. Can you check if Papa is awake now? He need to eat."

Blue nods with full enthusiasm before running away.

"Don't wake him up if he's still asleep, okay?" He shouted a little to make sure he is heard.

A fast and loud 'okay' was heard along with rapid footsteps.

(You're with Khun Jakapan?)

Wichapas hummed as an answer. "He's sick so we need to stay here."

(Do you want me to go back now?)

"No. I'm fine here. Just finish all the contracts so we can get back to operations soon. I want to settle the businesses back as soon as possible."

(Alright, Sir. I'll call you again.)

The call ended. When the suite was quiet, he realized Blue wasn't back yet. So, he walked to the bedroom but there was no sign of Blue. Build is still sleeping.

"Baby love?" He heard some scrambling on the ajared door on the right side. After a few seconds, Blue came out with a pair of clothing at hand.

"It's evening. Papa should be wearing nightwear now." Blue placed the pajama at the bed and climbed up. And then he stopped and looked back at his Daddy. "He hasn't showered yet."

Wichapas stepped closer with a smile on his face. He sat down on the edge of the bed. "I will wipe Papa down but let's not change his clothes yet. After we eat, I will change his clothes."

Blue looked at his Papa and then back to his Daddy with a bit of confusion. Wichapas stood up and found a towel in the bathroom. He soaked the piece of cloth in the water before going back to the bedroom. He wiped Build down, earning no reaction from the patient. The temperature is still high so he needed to put a fever patch he found in the first aid kit in the bathroom. Blue is watching closely to them. When he was done, he went out to get dinner but before he got finished, Blue came running to him.

"Daddy, Papa removed the patch." Blue's eyes are wide. He looked really worried and shocked at the same time.

"Is he awake?" Wichapas settled everything in a tray.

"No. He does this." Blue reenacted how Build aggressively removed the patch from his forehead in the cutest way possible. "And then he went back to sleep."

"Alright. Let's go eat with him." Wichapas kept his composure so he wouldn't laugh at his son's cuteness.

They both went back to the room. Knowing that Blue will never agree on eating alone in the kitchen while Wichapas tries to feed Build, he settles the little gremlin on the other side of the bed with his dinner plate. Wichapas saw a thrown away fever patch on the floor. He placed the food on the night stand before sitting beside Build.

"Hey." He caressed his cheek. "You need to eat." But Build didn't even stir. "This will just be quick. I'll feed you." Still no answer.

Wichapas lifted the blanket carefully and whispered to him. "Build, please wake up for a while. You need to drink your medicine. Come on."

Build groaned. He inhaled twice before opening his eyes. The surroundings are blurry after a very long sleep. Build tilted his head slightly as a figure slowly became clear, hovering over him.

"Hi." A sweet smile welcomed him. "You have to get up. You need to eat."

With confused eyes, he roamed around his gaze. Blue, he needs Blue. When he spotted a small figure sitting on his side, he breathed a sigh of relief. His baby. The kid is so busy eating something. The cute little gremlin is too focused on his food, plumpy cheeks puffing, and he didn't notice his Papa looking at him. Build stopped adoring his son when he felt arms scooping half of his body and sat him up, back rested on the headboard.

"How are you feeling? You should've told me you're not feeling well." Wichapas fixed the blanket on Build's lap before picking up the tray on the nightstand. "Can you eat alone or…"

But before Wichapas could finish, Blue climbed up his Papa's lap. He looked up with worried eyes but couldn't speak because his mouth was still full of food.

"Hi, baby." Build smiled at the kid painfully. That's when he realized that his whole body is aching so much. His head feels battered and his whole body aches from the inside. He also realized his throat felt dry.

"Are you done eating?" Wichapas asked the kid.

Blue looked back at him and nodded, mouth still full.

Wichapas can't help but chuckle. He placed the tray down again and wiped Blue's chin that is stained with juices from the grapes he included in his dinner. "You have to get down. Papa needs to eat."

But Blue hugged his Papa tight, eyes looking at his Daddy wide and glassy, still chewing.

"Okay. I'll just feed him." Wichapas picked up the bowl of porridge and the spoon.

Build felt alarmed. Knowing that Wichapas is taking care of him feels a little uncomfortable.

"I.." he tried protesting but he coughed. His throat felt so dry and it slightly hurt when speaking.

Wichapas picked up the glass of water and helped him drink. "Better?"

Build nods.

"I'll feed you." Wichapas scooped a spoonful of porridge, blowing it slightly before feeding it to Build.

Build looked at Wichapas. He can't recognize the feeling. He doesn't like that Wichapas is inside his suite, in his room specifically. But he felt relieved that he had someone with him right now. He hasn't eaten since morning and he's not fascinated with the fact that it's evening already. He opened his mouth and accepted the food. Wichapas repeated the gesture.

"Delicious?" Blue asked, chin pinned on his Papa's chest.

Build and Wichapas almost laughed with the cuteness. Blue's eyes are twinkling and so curious. Build nods at the kid with a tight smile.

Urgently, Blue stood up. Went to the disregarded plate and spoon he was using on the bed earlier. The kid grabbed the spoon and went back to his Daddy.

"Blue wants that too." He waved the spoon to Wichapas, indicating that he wanted the porridge as well.

"This is Papa's food." Wichapas raised his eyebrow.

"But Blue wants too." The pouts.

Wichapas' heart leaped as Blue really resembled his Papa when sulking. The pout, the gestures and the rolling of his eyes.

"You might get sick too if you eat my food." Build told his son, fighting the tightness on his throat.

Blue slumped his body on his Papa. The pain radiated on Build's whole body. He felt weak and tired. Anytime, he'll pass out again.

"I still have some in the kitchen. I will give you once Papa finishes eating." Wichapas scooped another spoonful and fed Build.

Build's eyes went a little teary as his body continued to ache because of Blue's weight. But he can't push the kid away. He loves his son's smell. It comforts him. It's just that, today the smell is thicker. It's richer.

Build refused to take the sixth spoonful. Wichapas tried to coax him but he just shook his head, barely fighting the urge to pass out. He made Build drink the medicine and tuck him back to the bed. Blue forgot about the soup and fell deeply asleep after Wichapas washed him up.

He looked at the two sleeping figures at the bed. Wichapas felt complete. Being able to take care of Build and Blue made him feel happy. This is the life he was dreaming of. Build's phone started buzzing on the bedside table. Wichapas furrowed his eyebrows. Who could be calling in the middle of the night? He glanced at the screen and saw Sari's photo. He didn't hesitate and picked up the call.

(Build, why didn't you send me any message? Are you okay? We landed a few hours ago but I need to rest. That's why I just called now. I'm suffering from jet lag. How are you there?)

Without a pause, Sari started to talk.

"Hi, Sari." Wichapas greeted him when he got a chance.

A few seconds of silence was heard from the other line before a few shuffling was heard. "Khun Wichapas? Why do you have Build's phone?"

"Build is sick. I am trying to take care of him. Don't worry. I won't do anything bad to him. I just want to take care of him." Wichapas looked at Build.

(Yes, of course. I'm actually glad you are there. Actually, Build doesn't usually tell when he's not okay. He always keeps things for himself.)

Wichapas smiled. "He hasn't changed at all."

(Is he okay now?)

"He is sleeping again."

(Blue's immune system is a little weak. I'm afraid he might catch a fever if he stays with his Papa at the moment.)

"I tried earlier but he refused to leave his side. But I made him drink some vitamins I found in the cupboard." Wichapas fixed Build's blanket as the man stirred.

(Alright. Please take care of them. Let me know if something happens. Please?)

An immense worry is evident in Sari's voice.

"Of course. I'll keep you updated. Enjoy your vacation." After a few affirmations, Wichapas dropped the call.

Build began to squirm in his sleep. His forehead started to shine with sweat. He seemed to be dreaming.

"No. Please. Don't leave me." Build started to talk in his sleep.

Wichapas furrowed his eyebrows before sitting on the side of the bed.

"Please. No. Stay with me. Please." He started to cry. "My baby. Save my baby."

Wichapas wiped the sweat on Build's forehead and then the tears. His chest started to tighten as he realized what Build was dreaming of. It's about him. It's about the day he left him.

"Save our baby. Save our son." Build murmured as he slowly went back to sleep.

Wichapas stood up, eyes teary. His knees felt like jelly as he went to the walk-in closet. He held the door frame tightly, clutching his chest. Wichapas began to sob, dealing with the weight of his past decisions. All those years he is not on their side, all he could do is cry in pain. It has been years but it still hurts like it just happened yesterday. And hearing Build talk about it in his sleep hurts more. Wichapas' knees gave up. He knelt on the floor as he continued to sob. Pain and regret eating him alive.

Build woke up in the middle of the night. Head still feeling heavy, throbbing. He tried getting up, roaming his eyes in the dim-lighted room. He found Blue, widely spread out on his side, mouth open while deeply asleep. Build was about to reach out to his son when he realized he's wearing a different pair of pajamas. He frowned. After realizing that Wichapas was with him earlier, he tried to find the man. Seeing a figure on the foot of the bed, he crawled slowly.

Wichapas is sitting on the carpeted floor, back resting on the side of the bed, head tilted backward while leaning on the mattress. Just like Blue, his mouth is slightly open during sleep. Aside from the uncomfortable position, Build realized that he is still wearing the shirt and jeans from earlier. He wasn't even able to wash up. Tiredness evident on his face, Build let him sleep. Slowly, he dropped his body on the mattress, eyes never leaving Wichapas' sleeping face. He curled his body as he positioned himself comfortably, wondering when was the last time he was able to see Wichapas' face this close for a long time. Lonely tears fell on his eyes, reminiscing all the pain and hardships he had for the past three years.

Build lifted his hand, fingers almost touching Wichapas's face. Honestly, he wanted to touch him more, feel his warmth and hear his voice. He missed him, yes. But it will not erase everything he had gone through just because he left. His hand halted in the mid-air. He almost died and he almost lost Blue just because Wichapas left them.

Build pulled back his hand. He hugged his own body, crying himself to sleep, remaining in the position even if it is the wrong side of the bed.

Chapter Text

Wichapas woke up with a heavy feeling on his lap. He tried moving but the weight restrained him. Slowly, he opened his eyes and saw Blue hugging him, widely awake. He smiled at the kid and caressed his hair, making the kid look at him.

"Good morning." He greeted Blue.

Blue stood up immediately and looked at the bed. "Good morning, Daddy. Papa is still sleeping." The kid's hair is messy and seems like he just got up as well.

Wichapas looked back and saw Build, perfectly tucked in the blanket. "Let him rest more. Let's cook breakfast." He lifted the kid, and like usual, Blue hugged him like a koala.

Wichapas heated milk for Blue and made coffee for himself. As the kid waited at the dining table, Wichapas brought the milk and coffee. Accidentally, Blue hit the coffee cup with his arm and spilled it to Wichapas' shirt. It was hot and sticky. Wichapas stood up urgently and grasped Blue's arm.

"Are you hurt? Are you burnt?" Wichapas scanned Blue's arm.

"Daddy…" Blue's eyes started to tear up while looking at Wichapas' stained shirt. The kid felt so guilty for accidentally throwing hot coffee to his Daddy.

"Don't worry about it. Now, answer me. Are you hurt?" Wichapas caressed Blue's head.

The kids shook his head while wiping his eyes with his arms. "I'm sorry."

"Daddy is fine. Don't worry, okay? As long as you're not hurt." He kissed Blue's forehead. "You're a big boy now. Big men don't cry like that. Finish your milk. I'll make breakfast."

Wichapas removed his shirt, leaving only his pants on. He grabbed a blue apron with a cat design and started cooking breakfast. The apron served as his protection since he doesn't have a shirt. Blue finished his milk and went to the living room to start watching television. Blue continued talking to his father while the man was cooking. The kid tells his father what was happening on the television and sometimes asks his father about something that caught his curiosity.

Wichapas was so immersed in cooking and engaging in Blue's conversation when a groggy and sleepy Build went out of the room.

"Dad, will you bring me abroad some time?" Blue asked his father, now seated on the carpeted floor while playing with the plushies.

"Of course. Where do you want to go?" Wichapas continue shuffling in the kitchen.

"I want to ride a plane. I want to see the clouds and I want snow." Blue giggled. His back facing the room door so he didn't notice his Papa.

"That would be dangerous for you. Too cold is bad for you. Papa might not allow it." Wichapas started the fried rice.

"Yes. Too cold is bad for Blue. Then, where should we go?" Blue asked, standing up and going to his Daddy in the kitchen while hugging the carrot plushie.

"How about we visit your uncles?" Wichapas looked back at the kid when he realized that he's in the kitchen.

Build took a step to the kitchen but he didn't let them see him. He continues to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"Really? When are we going?" Blue started jumping up and down.

"We will ask Papa." Wichapas smiled at the kid. That's when he noticed a figure standing a few distance away from the kid. "Why did you get up?" With furrowed eyebrows, he stepped near to Build.

"Papa!" Blue hugged his father's leg.

"Good morning, baby." Build's voice cracked.

"How are you feeling? You should've stayed in bed." Wichapas reached them, still wearing the apron with a spatula in hand.

Build furrowed his eyebrow as well, contemplating whether to laugh or to ask. "I'm thirsty."

"Oh. Wait. Sit down first." He assisted Build in sitting on the chair. Then he ran to get warm water and handed it to Build. "Does your head still hurt?"

Build nods. "Clogged nose as well." He answered after drinking the water.

"Please stay in bed. Breakfast will be done soon."

Build looked at the kitchen top where a lot of ingredients are scattered.

"Aren't you busy? You can go back. I can manage everything here." Build sniffles and scratched his nose, making it red.

"Prem can cover for me. You need me." Wichapas smiled at him, admiring his flushed face. "Let me finish cooking so you can eat."

Wichapas went back to cooking, too focused. Build fight the urge to look at him. Wichapas is shirtless and is wearing his apron. But that doesn't cover the whole upper body. His muscles are visible on the side and back while the waistband of his underwear peeking through his pants. With Wichapas' back facing him, he can't fight the urge of observing how the muscles flex every time he moves. Build's breath hitched.

The doorbell rang, making Build snap out of his reverie.

"I got it." Wichapas ran to the door and opened it.

Prem froze upon seeing his boss. Wearing a cat apron, a spatula at hand and shirtless. He wasn't able to speak.

"Prem." Wichapas spoke first.

"Sir." Prem but his lower lip, preventing himself from laughing. "I brought you some clothes and the documents you need to sign. Your laptop is here as well."

"Who's that?" Build appeared from his back.

"Good morning, Khun Jakapan." Prem bowed slightly at him, Build imitating the gesture.

"Uncle Prem!" Blue ran to the newcomer.

"Hi, Khun Blue."

"Come in." Build said.

Wichapas stepped aside, letting Prem in. The latter can't help but giggle silently while passing the door.

Prem was guided by Build to the living room.

"Just a moment." Wichapas went to the kitchen and finished what he was doing.

"How are you, Khun?" Prem as Build.

"Better than yesterday." His head is still pounding but at least he can stand now. "Sit down and let me get you something to drink."

"Oh, no need. Don't exhaust yourself. I just need some signature from my boss." Prem almost laughed when he looked at Wichapas who's coming back to them, still wearing the apron.

"Let me see." Wichapas sat on the other side of the couch and Prem handed him the folder.

Build stood up, wanting to give them some privacy as he knows that is all about business.

Prem purposely didn't mention about the cute apron. As Wichapas scanned the documents, his serious expression didn't match the apron hanging on his body. Prem really wanted to laugh but he didn't want to be scolded.

They discussed a few things before Wichapas signed all the documents. "Let's start the operation soon." Giving the folder back to Prem.

"Copy that, Sir. By the way, I brought you some clothes." Prem lifted a paper bag he brought. "I am thinking you won't be using that apron all day." He pursed his lap to suppress the laughter.

Wichapas looked at his body, finding the apron still hanging. He frowned, shy and annoyed. "Get lost."

"I'll be taking the flight before lunch. Is there anything you want to give the young masters?" Prem swallowed the laughter.

"Call me when you get there." Wichapas stood up, followed by Prem.

"I will. I'll get going." Prem looked at the dining where Build and Blue are. "Khun, I'll take my leave."

"Stay for breakfast at least." Build stood up. Blue jumped out of the chair.

"I have a flight to catch. Thank you." Prem smiled at him.

"You're leaving, Uncle? We're not playing?" Blue looked at Prem with twinkling eyes.

"I need to check on the other masters. Let's play when I get back." Prem messed up his hair.

"When will you get back? How many nights of sleep?" Blue held his little finger to his Uncle Prem to count.

"I'm not sure about that." Prem scratched the back of his neck, a little worried where this conversation would go.

"Why?" Blue's eyes were big and curious, tilting his head on the side. Thinking about why his Uncle Prem didn't answer his simple question.

Build, feeling Prem's anxiety, decided to intervene. "Uncle Prem promised to play with you when he comes back. Right, Uncle Prem?"

Prem smiled at Build, grateful for saving him. "Of course. It's my pleasure to play with young master Blue."

Build furrowed his eyebrow. Why is he addressing Blue like that? Like how he addressed Tin and Ta way back when Wichapas was still a Lord of the country.

"I'm leaving now." He bowed to Build and faced Wichapas. He looked at the cat apron and bit his lips to suppress the laughter.

"Just leave." Wichapas' looks annoyed. "If you let that out, I'm kicking you all the way down to the ground floor."

Prem bowed once again and left, leaving Build and Blue stunned with how fast he went out.

"Sit. I'll bring the breakfast." Wichapas went back to the kitchen and brought all the food he cooked to the table.

Build settled Blue on his own chair. When everything was set, Wichapas spoke. "Do you mind if I use the bathroom? I need to wash up."

Build looked at him. He looked tired and disheveled. He definitely needs a cool down.

"You're not going to eat with us?" He can't help but ask. It's disrespectful that Wichapas did all of the dishes and he'll never ask to eat with them.

Wichapas smiled at him. "I'll be just quick. You both eat first and you should drink your medications so you can rest more."

Build looked away. He doesn't know why but there is something inside him that feels so familiar. Wichapas went to wash up, leaving the apron hanging on the kitchen hook. Build can't help but stare at it. It's his favorite apron. He never imagined that he'll be seeing Wichapas wearing his favorite apron. His attention was caught when Blue called him.

"Papa, chocolate." Blue reached out to the chocolate syrup for his pancake. Build added a few small squeezes.

He never touched his food. Maybe because he doesn't have an appetite, or maybe not. His head was throbbing once again and he started to cough. Build felt his body starting to get tired again. He just woke up and yet he feels tired once again. He flinched a little when a bottle of pills was placed in front of him.

"Sorry." Wichapas said, all washed up and hair dripping a little. "I heard you cough. Is your throat hurting?" He sat next to Blue.

"A little." Build cleared his throat, feeling a little fidgety. Wichapas is too attentive.

"Shall we go to the hospital? It seems like your condition is getting worse." Wichapas started assisting his son.

Build can't help but look at the dripping water from his hair to this clothed shoulder. Sooner or later, Wichapas' shirt would be soaked.

"You should dry your hair first." Build spoke, looking at Wichapas' bare face.

"Oh." Wichapas touched his hair. "I was in a hurry when I heard you cough. Just a moment." The man stood up once again and went back to the bathroom. When he gets back, he's drying his hair with a towel. "Why are you not eating? Do you want anything?"

Build is so confused. Maybe because he is not feeling well.

"Papa, milk." Blue tried to reach for his milk. Build was about to give it to him but Wichapas interrupted.

"I'll take care of him. You go on and eat. Tell me if you want anything." Wichapas started attending to their child, with the towel resting on his shoulder.

Domestic.

But the word gave Build an unfamiliar coil in his stomach. He started eating, not minding the thoughts playing on his mind. After breakfast, Build decided to stay on the couch while Blue was playing on the carpeted floor. Though he feels really weak, he doesn't want to stay on the bed. The open television made him more dizzy so he started to doze off. When he opens his eyes, he's already laying down, with a thick blanket above him and a fever patch on his forehead. He looked around, it seemed like it's already afternoon. He saw Wichapas sitting on the floor, back against the coffee table where a laptop is open and Build can see a flood of emails. He bit his lip, feeling guilty for disturbing Wichapas' work. Build saw Blue on Wichapas' lap, hugging his father. They are both asleep, Wichapas' hand inside Blue's shirt, tapping a little on the kid's back. His eyes were closed but he's not asleep. Unlike the kid on his lap who's currently drooling on his father's shirt.

Build moved, attempted to get up. But he felt a lump on his throat. He will vomit. His movements alerted Wichapas. The man immediately got up and placed Blue on the other sofa. After securing the kid, he went to Build.

"Hey, are you hurt? How do you feel?" A pool of worry in his eyes, he tried getting Build's attention.

Build was about to answer but instead of a voice, he puked on the blanket. He felt a series of tapping on his back. "That's okay. It will make you feel better."

He continues throwing up and every time he does, his head hurts a lot. He started tearing up.

"Don't cry. It will make your head hurt more. I'll get some water." Wichapas was about to run to the kitchen but Build held him, continuing throwing up. "It's okay. We will go to the hospital, okay?"

Build froze. He doesn't want to go to the hospital. He doesn't like hospitals if the reason is him being sick. "No need. This is just a fever." He laid down again.

Wichapas contemplated whether to coax him into going to the hospital or not. But in the end, he chose to follow Build's request. He removed the dirty blanket and replaced it with a new one from the storage. Build is asleep again.

The day went on, Wichapas was still busy taking care of Build and Blue. He took their sleeping time to check some emails and make some calls. It was tiring but they need him right now. This is the least he can do. He received a few calls from Sari during Build's sleep, checking on his condition. Sari almost booked a ticket going back when she heard that Build is not yet okay. But Wichapas assured Build is getting better. At night, he cooked soft meals for them. He helps Build eat and drink his medicines. Build didn't want to move so they opted to sleep on the couch.

Build felt a lot better in the morning. Seeing Wichapas and Blue cuddled on the couch, mouth both slightly opened, made him smile. Like father, like son. He got out of bed and started cooking.

Few coughs woke up Wichapas. He immediately looks for Build but the spot is empty. Wichapas immediately got up and went to the kitchen, hearing some movements.

"Hey. I'll do it." Wichapas spoke, scratching his neck, still half asleep.

"No. I feel fine now. Do you want some coffee?" Build asked, turning the coffee maker on.

Wichapas stood still. He felt a little difference on Build. He spoke with him without a hint of pain and defiance. He felt a little near.

"Are you sure?" Wichapas asked.

"Blue will wake up soon. Take the opportunity to drink coffee. He will cling to you once he opens his eyes." Build started making him a cup of coffee.

It actually hurts that Blue is getting so much closer and clingy to Wichapas. But he can do nothing about it. Wichapas is Blue's father too. There is nothing to be jealous of. He tried to set aside the thinking and offered Wichapas a breakfast as a way of thanking him. He took care of Blue and him for two days. It's an act of gratitude. Build placed a cup of black coffee on the table and Wichapas sat, muttering a soft 'thank you'. He coughed a few times while making breakfast, making Wichapas a little worried. But Build is moving fine, aside from a few sniffles and soundful coughs. When the breakfast is done, Blue is already awake. He wanted a kiss from his Papa but Build refused. Blue's immune system is still not that strong. He's afraid of passing the virus to the kid.

"Papa is still not well. I'll give you two kisses instead." Wichapas kissed both of Blue's puffy cheeks. He earned giggles and a neck hug.

They started eating breakfast and Wichapas never let him move that much. He put food on his plate and took care of Blue. It seems like he's already used to taking care of them now.

But Build felt the pain once again. What happened these past few days scares him. His life is colliding with Wichapas too much. The only connection they should have is Blue. Nothing more, nothing less.

Even though Wichapas is reluctant, he has to leave. A quiet breakfast and a change in Build's attitude made him realize that Build is not sick anymore. After the door was closed in front of him, a pang of pain went back to him. He tried to think that what happened in the past few days made progress between him and Build. But, unfortunately, it didn't.

–

Days after Build got sick, he still felt uneasy. He kept thinking of how Wichapas felt so comfortable inside his home. How easy it was for all of them to stay inside one roof. Build shook off the thoughts.

"Who wants to go to the big house?" Build asked his son, who's busy watching his favorite animated cooking show.

Blue perked up. "Me!" The kid raised his hand with a big smile on his face.

They traveled for hours. Blue is accustomed to the travel hours already because they always go to that house. Build will schedule cleaners for the two houses whenever they go there, making sure the houses are well maintained.

"Papa, where are we going first? To the big house or to the bigger house?" Blue inquired, feeling excited.

Build thought for a while. "Let's go to the bigger house first, okay?"

Yes, the bigger house Blue is pertaining to is the Wichapas' mansion that was left to him and Blue. They had visits to the house for cleaning and maintenance but they never slept there. Blue was busy playing in the garden while Build tried to fight the urge to reminisce everything during the general cleaning. After the clean up, they went to the next house. This is where Build grew up. Every time he enters the house, his heart will swell up in pain. Thinking of how many people died in his home, including his father. He still can't find his brother and Chat. Aunt Praya is nowhere to be found as well. It dawned on him once again. But when he felt little warm hands in his face, wiping his tears, he looked up.

"Papa, the cleaners have already left." Blue is looking at him with worries, seeing his Papa in pain.

Build smiled at him. "Where do you want to eat?"

"Can we eat burgers?" Blue asked, but still a little worried about his father.

"Alright. Burgers and fries. I know."

Blue started to perk up. A loud 'yehey!' echoed inside the quiet house. The kid picked up his carrot plushie and ran out of the house. Build looked around the house once more.

"I love you, Dad."

He followed his son outside. He locked the door and left. Build settled the kid on the car seat and they are off to go. They always eat before they go back to the Central. Build misses the restaurants in the market.

Just a few meters away from the house, Build passed by two women walking on the sidewalk, heading to the house. Build is engrossed in Blue who's talking about the burger he will order later and didn't pay too much attention to the sidewalk.

As the car almost reached the curve of the street, Build looked at the rearview mirror and saw the back figures of the women. One of the women seems like helping the other woman in walking. One is slender and young while the other one looks like an elderly, familiar. Build stepped on the brake. It took him a few seconds to realize who it was. He immediately removed his seatbelt and went out of the car, his heart pounding so much. Praying that he is never wrong. Hoping that it is the person he was looking for. It's been years but he'll never forget the woman he grew up with.

"Auntie!" He screamed out loud, tears starting to fall.

The women looked back at him. And then, the only confirmation he needed was a smile from the person he was looking for a long time. The next thing he knew, he was already running. Rapid footsteps until he clashed on her body, feeling the familiar warmth wrapped around him.

Chapter Text

"Auntie! Where have you been?" Build spoke in between loud sobs, arms tightened around the body of the old woman.

"I'm sorry." Aunt Praya caressed his hair.

Build took his time crying on her shoulder. All the pain, hatred and tiredness being let out of him. Finally, he found someone who would definitely understand his situation. He straightened up. "Where were you, Auntie? I was looking for you. Daddy… P'Than…" Build can't find the right words. He wanted to tell her everything. He wants her to know everything.

"I know, my son. I know what happened to the family." Aunt Praya sighed. "I came back to look for you. How are you?" She looked at Build's belly, silently pertaining to the baby.

Build smiled, touching his belly. "He's in the car."

Aunt Praya looked at the car, a small smile showing on her lips. "I want to meet him."

"Let's go." Build looked at the woman beside her. "Who is she?"

Aunt Praya smiled. "This is my daughter, Aroon."

"Hi, Khun Build. I heard so many good things about you and your family." Aroon bowed at him. She seems like a in her early thirties.

"It's nice to meet you, Aroon. Come on. Let's find a place to talk." Build guided them to the car.

Aunt Praya sat beside Build and Aroon on the back with Blue. Upon seeing the strangers, Blue felt uncomfortable.

"Papa?" Blue looked at his father with fear.

"It's fine, baby love. Do you remember the grandma I always talk about? Here she is."

Blue looked at the woman beside his Papa.

"Hi, Khun." Aunt Praya smiled at him full of love. Even though it was the very first time she saw the kid, she felt immense joy.

They found a restaurant and settled there. It is not peak hours yet so the restaurant is not crowded. Build ordered the promised burger and fries for Blue.

"Where have you been, Auntie? I was so worried." Build asked.

"I'm sorry, Build. I can't go to you as soon as I heard the news. I am one of the suspects in what happened. My family is so worried about me so I hid." Aunt Praya looked guilty.

"You're not at home when it happened?" Build looked confused. He thought Aunt Praya was at home back then.

"I asked your father if I could take a few days off. I went back home to take care of my grandchildren because my daughter is sick. The night I left, it happened. I'm sorry, Build." Aunt Praya played with his fingers.

"Stop saying sorry, Auntie. It's not your fault. It's just that…" Build started to tear up once again. "When I came home that morning, Daddy and the housemaids were…" It's hard for him to remember the sight of lifeless bodies on the floor.

"I understand. It was so chaotic." Aunt Praya looked at him with worry.

"I can't find P'Than and you. I thought… I thought you left me too." Build started crying.

"We decided to hide her after knowing that she is one of the suspects. She's too old to be investigated and jailed. We're afraid for her. I hope you understand as you are a child of someone too." Aroon looked at him with pleading eyes.

"I understand, of course. And I won't let them take Auntie. I know she's not guilty of what happened." Build wiped his tears. As soon as Blue saw the action, he lifted his body and went to Build's lap. He hugged his Papa tight.

"We went there three times already but you're not around. I have work and can only take Mama here a few times. But every time we go, you're nowhere to be found. We even go to the mansion that she says." Aroon told him.

"I live in Central now."

"Ah, I see. We can not go to the Central. We're afraid Mama will be seen by the police." Aroon bowed her head.

"You don't have to worry, Auntie. I will talk to the police and clear your name. I believe in you." Build looked determined. "Are you coming back to me, Auntie?" He looked hopeful.

Aunt Praya looked at her daughter, trying to ask what she thought.

"Ma, I know you want to. That's why you keep looking for him. Don't worry about me and the kids. My husband and I can take care of them. It's up to you. Do you want to go back to him?" Aroon held her mother's hand.

"He has no one with him now. I want to take care of him again." Aunt Praya smiled at her daughter.

"You have kids?" Build asked Aroon.

"Yes. Four healthy kids." Aroon answered.

"That's a lot." Build blinked twice. Amazed of how many kids that petite body had.

"I know. That's why my husband and I have to work hard. Countryside is far different from your place. Life is not easy there." Aroon laughed a little.

"I'll be working so I can help you again." Aunt Praya squeezed her daughter's hand.

"Ma, don't worry about us. Life is hard, we know that. Be well with him and live healthily. That's all I want. Can I trust you, Khun?" Aroon looked at Build once again.

"Of course. Auntie is my family. I will take care of her." Build nods at her.

"Where is your husband?" Aunt Praya can't help but ask.

Build felt chills run down his spine. He didn't expect the question. He caressed Blue's hair and dropped a kiss on top of the kid's head. Aunt Praya saw his reaction.

"Build?" Worry started to be evident to his eyes.

"He abandoned us."

–

Aunt Praya settled in perfectly in the suite. The first night, they got busy preparing the spare room. There's nothing much needed to clean up. The spare room is full of Blue's old clothes and toys but Build made sure they are kept on boxes so it was easy to set aside. After cleaning the room, Build finally had the time to tell Aunt Praya everything. Taking advantage of Blue's tiredness, Build coaxed him to sleep early. Aunt Praya is cleaning the dishes while Build is seated with a cup of tea on the table.

"I'm just starting to get back up, Auntie. I don't understand why he suddenly appeared. Blue and I are fine without him." Build sighed.

"He's still Blue's father. He has the right to be with the kid." Aunt Praya wiped her hand with a towel and sat beside him. Honestly, she's so disappointed with Wichapas. She never thought he would leave Build, especially at the hardest times.

"I know. That's why when he came back, I made myself clear that the only connection we have is Blue. But situations are not on my side. Our paths keep crossing and I don't like it." Build took a sip of the aromatic warm tea. This is not the usual tea that Aunt Praya makes but it has a different aroma that calms him.

"Build," Aunt Praya held his free hand. "Pain stays with us longer than happiness. Maybe, he has reasons for doing that." Though Aunt Praya is disappointed with Wichapas, she could not be rational.

"Whatever that reason should be, I deserve to know."

Build looked at her with a frown. She's right. No matter how many times he told himself that he's okay, it's still painful. No matter how hard he would reminisce about the happy memories they had, he always goes back to the hurtful ones. The pain overpowered the happiness. Everytime he thinks of being okay, it hurts more. The wounds are still fresh.

"I need to take a rest. You as well. I know you too well, you'll dwell on this kind of things alone. Don't be too hard on yourself. You're not at fault for whatever happened. I'm always here if you want to talk about it." Aunt Praya squeezed his hand before standing up and going to her room.

Build tried pushing away the thoughts. As he thinks of Wichapas more, it hurts more. It's funny that a person can ruin his sanity this much. He went to his own room and saw his son spread out on the bed, mouth a little open as usual. He should focus on Blue. His life revolves on his son now. Blue is all that matters to him.

–

Mornings become more lively in the suite. Build waking up from the smell of food and a warm pair of arms on his neck. Blue is still asleep. He peppered the kid's face with kisses but the kid got irritated and turned his back away. Build smiled. This kid has a temper too.

He went out of bed and straight to the kitchen. "Good morning, Auntie."

"Good morning." The woman is cooking some soup. "Do you want some tea?"

"I'll do it. Don't worry. What is that?" Build asked.

"Crab soup. I searched your kitchen, I hope you don't mind." Aunt Praya smiled apologetically.

"No worries. This is your house too from now on." Build started to make himself a tea. The moment he took a sip, he grimaced. "Your tea is really far better than what I make."

Aunt Praya laughed. "I'll buy ingredients later for the tea I always make for you. Does your son love cookies?"

"He likes sweets. But he can't have too much. Cold and sweet foods easily make him sick." Build said.

They had breakfast when Blue woke up. It was just a normal day and Blue started getting excited about his birthday. There is a big red circle on the calendar of his birthday and the moment Blue saw it, he felt giddy. Blue started counting the gifts he wanted to receive, the place he wanted to go and the people he would invite. There's nothing much. He only wants a blue bike, he wants to go to a barbecue party and he will invite Uncle Prin, Auntie Sari and Uncle Prem. Papa, Daddy and Grandma are given since they will plan for his party. He was so excited.

But Build feels a little bit off. Every year, no matter how he wants to focus on Blue's birthday, he always ends up thinking of the moments before Blue was born. The day Wichapas left him is the same day he gave birth to Blue.

Just like his thoughts were heard, the doorbell rang. Blue perked up.

"It's Daddy!!"

Build frowned. It couldn't be Wichapas. It's not yet the weekend to fetch Blue. And how is Blue so excited and so sure that the person on the other side of the door is his other father?

"Maybe not, baby." Build stood up and went to the door. He doesn't want to disappoint his son. He opened the door and was shocked. It was indeed Wichapas.

"Hi." Wichapas is smiling. A basket of fruits in one hand and a bouquet of white tulip. On the other hand is a paper bag and a bouquet of daisies. "How are you feeling?"

Build wasn't able to answer. Why does he keep showing at their door? Why does he need to appear whenever he's thinking about him?

"I told you it's Daddy!" Blue ran to his other father.

"Were you waiting for me?" Wichapas crouched down, receiving a kiss on the cheek. "I have something for you." He handed the paper bag to the kid and the bouquet of daisies.

"Yehey! I got flowers again. What's in here?" Blue started tearing the paper bag. " Sushi!!" He ran inside, holding the gifts from his Daddy.

Wichapas stood up again. "Here. I hope you like it." He handed Build the flowers and the basket of fruits. It's evident that he is biased with grapes. Most of the space is occupied with different varieties of grapes.

Build's scent.

Build accepted the gifts without a word. He didn't even invite Wichapas inside. He's still dwelling with his thoughts when Blue comes back and pulls his Daddy inside.

"Dad, come. Let's plan my birthday party." He was guided to the couch and a bunch of drawings were scattered on the coffee table.

"What are these?" He asked.

"I drew them for my party. These are barbecues, yellow lights and music." Blue pointed to the different unrecognizable drawings. "Dad, will you come? We should plan, okay?"

Wichapas smiled at his son. "Of course. I'll be there."

Build felt anger inside him started to grow once again. 𝐼'𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒. He should've been there since the beginning. Blue is turning four already. Where was he during those days? Where was he when they needed them the most? Where was he when Build cried on the walls of the hospital, begging the doctors to save his son? Where was he when Build had to run out of the suite in the middle of the night because Blue is having convulsion? He was nowhere.

He placed the fruit basket on the dining table and kept the flowers on the kitchen counter. His eyes turned red as he tried to fight back the tears. It was so painful. Wichapas promised him that as well. That he will be there at all costs. But no, he left. Wichapas left them suffering and blinded.

"Grandma will cook a lot of food. Delicious foods." Blue continues to draw again.

"Grandma? Who's Grandma?" This is the first time he heard Blue speak about a grandma.

"Grandma. The one who cooks well." Blue answered.

As Wichapas was still confused, the door of one of the rooms opened. The familiar figure of a woman exits from the room. Wichapas stood up abruptly.

"Auntie!" Eyes wide and hands trembling, he stepped forward.

The old woman smiled at him.

"Auntie, you're back. How are you?" Wichapas' voice is laced with worry and shock. His eyes full of questions ang longing.

"Here, getting older everyday." Aunt Praya jokes. He stepped near Wichapas, looking at him straight in the eyes. She lifted her right hand and caressed Wichapas' cheek with a smile.

Wichapas trembled. He can't speak even a word. The warm palm continued caressing his cheek. He almost tears up but Blue speaks once again.

"She's Grandma, Daddy. She cooks really well." Blue started giggling.

"Yes. Grandma's cooking is the best." Wichapas closed his eyes, swallowing the lump in his throat.

Grandma didn't confront him about what he did to Build. She believes whatever happened, it should be solved by the two of them. But Build's attitude caught both her and Wichapas' attention. Build never spoke since Wichapas came. He always opted to sit on the corner and away from them, working on his laptop. Wichapas continue to take care of Blue. It was a weekday and it's not time for him to be with Blue. It's not in the contract. So, after spending an hour with Blue, he chose to leave. Aunt Praya tried to ask him to join their lunch but he refused. He left the suite without hearing anything from Build.

–

Blue spent the weekend in Wichapas' care, just like how they agreed. But Build never spoke a word to him again. When he dropped Blue in the suite on Sunday evening, he wanted to talk to him. He was waiting on the couch while Blue was washing up with Aunt Praya. The old woman said Build went out to visit some businesses and should be back soon.

When the door opened, Wichapas stood up.

"Hi. I dropped off Blue." He said.

Build just looked at him and nodded. Wichapas stared at his movements as Build passed by the couch. He was about to get inside his room when Wichapas spoke again.

"About Blue's birthday, what's the plan? Do you need any help?"

Build tried to compose himself. He doesn't want to lash out. The wounds inside him always hurt the most this season. And seeing the reason for that pain right now doesn't help at all.

"If you need anything, I'm right here." Wichapas felt good in voicing out his presence at the moment, hoping that Build needed him.

Build slowly face him. "I wish you were, more than almost four years ago." His cold eyes stared at Wichapas intently.

Wichapas stopped, a little confused with what was happening. "Build?"

"Stop making my son believe that you will always be here. Stop making promises you can't keep. Stop making us hopeful with your presence. You're not as reliable as you think." Build gritted his teeth. All the pain of the past continuously flowing out like water.

"Build, what's going on?" Wichapas tried to step forward but Build lashed out more.

"Don't you dare come near me. We don't have business with each other. Blue is the only common factor we have. Stop making yourself believe that we still have connection." Build wiped his fat tears, short sobs can be heard in between his words. "I endured four years alone. I can do it again without you!"

Wichapas realized what was happening. Build finally letting his anger out. This is how he imagined their first meeting but it didn't happen. He knows Build always keeps his feelings and thoughts to himself. Now that the pain is coming out, he feels different. Guilt and his own version of pain started to eat him alive again, like how he endured the years without Build.

"I'm sorry." The only words Wichapas can say.

Build laughed mockingly. "Sorry? For what? For leaving me in my lowest time? For disappearing like thin air? For not being there when I gave birth? I almost died. My son almost died as well. And it's because of you!" Build pointed harshly on him. "It was you. It's because of you I almost didn't live. You broke me! You hurt me! You almost killed me!"

Build's angry voice echoed into the quiet suite. Every word felt like a dagger in Wichapas' heart. Anger for himself started to flame up. He can not think straight. He's so mad with himself. Wichapas' eyes started to swell.

"If my son died that day, I will never forgive for the rest of my life. So, don't act like it was nothing. We were fighting for our lives back then. We only have each other. Just us! And we can do it again without you! We don't need you!" Build's knees felt weak. He dropped his body with a loud thud on the carpeted floor and started to cry out loud.

Every year, he has a mandatory silent breakdown before Blue's birthday. Reminiscing all the pain he had. The loss of the people he loves and the pain of being abandoned is caged inside him. The constant worry for his son's life and fear of facing the future alone is still fresh on his mind. His life is pathetic and painful.

"Why am I so easy to let go? Why am I not so important to anyone?" Build continues to weep.

Wichapas stepped closer and crouched down to hold him but Build refused aggressively.

"I don't need you! We don't need you! Leave! Get out of my house!" Build, face wet of tears, pushed Wichapas away.

Wichapas can't do anything. Build don't want to be held. He balled his hand into fist, feeling restrained. He doesn't know how to console him. He doesn't know how to properly say sorry. Build continued weeping on the floor, clutching his chest. Wichapas can't bear the scenery, Build shouting in deep pain from the wounds of the past, so he stood up and left. Thinking that without him, the pain will subside.

As the door shut, Build looked up, searching for the figure. But the only thing he saw was the huge bouquet of white tulips sitting perfectly on the couch.

–

Wichapas stepped at the accelerator of the car, hands gripping tightly at the steering wheel. He gritted his teeth in anger. Veins in his arms are evident as he kept clutching the leather steering wheel so hard. Then, tears started to fall from his eyes.

"Aaaaaahhhh!!" He punched the steering wheel multiple times, releasing his anger and guilt.

Build cried because of him. Build is in pain because of him. Build is still suffering because of him.

"I'm an unworthy, stupid human! Bullshit!" He shouted but due to his fast driving, he couldn't even hear himself. He continued stepping on the accelerator.

The highway patrol officers were alerted as a black car passed by them like lightning. Good thing, the highway is slightly clear in this area. Three of them rode their patrol bikes to chase the car due to overspeeding. They opened their sirens and followed the direction of the car.

Wichapas saw the lights coming for him. It was three motorcycles with blue and red lights. It was the police. That's when he realized he was overspeeding. Shit, another trouble. He was ready to face them but when he decided to finally step on the break and park aside, the break didn't work. His current speed didn't reduce. His car remained going fast, almost flying.

"Shit!" He muttered. He stepped on the break multiple times but nothing happened.

The patrol men continued giving warnings but the car didn't stop. Wichapas tried dodging a few cars on the way, making it a lot harder to drive. Suddenly, he smiled like he was out of himself.

𝑀𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑜 𝐼 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝 ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑚.

Wichapas closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He relaxed both his feet on the carmat, neglecting the accelerator and brake. His eyes immediately swelled up seeing Blue's smile like a hallucination. The way the kid hugs him, the way his son giggles.

"𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝. 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑢𝑠 ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒. 𝑌𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘!"

He can also see Build's stolen glances at him. His timid smile every time he accepts the white tulips from him. The way his eyes speak more than his mouth.

𝐼𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟?

He held the steering wheel once again, tighter. Another smile grew on his lips.

𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒 𝑚𝑒! 𝑌𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑡 𝑚𝑒! 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑒!

The patrolmen were shocked when the car suddenly swayed going to the left, going to the concrete barriers. They increased their speed, trying to make more warnings. The car continuously moved, fast as lightning. Before they could get near, the car crashed to the concrete barriers and flew up high. It crashed down to an open field and rolled multiple times. The car was too far from the road now and the motorcycles couldn't get through the barriers, so the patrol men got out of their motorcycles. The car was already several meters away from the highway. Several cars stopped to gossip. The patrol men climbed up the concrete barriers but as they jumped into the field, the car exploded, earning loud gasps from the bystanders.

Chapter Text

Build never left the spot. He curled himself into a ball, hugging his knees. Fat tears continue to fall from his eyes, never ending sobs choking him. He shouldn't have done that. He promised himself not to lash out. He wants to deal with this in the most subtle manner for the sake of Blue. But he didn't succeed. He confronted Wichapas about the past inside his own house where Blue could possibly hear everything.

And Build's thoughts are correct. As soon as the commotion died down, the door of their bedroom opened. Aunt Praya and Blue went out of the room, seeing Build breaking down. Blue is worried. He quickly ran to his father and hugged him from the back.

"Papa?" Blue tried to inquire to his father but the man continued crying. "Did you have a fight with Daddy?"

Build cried more. One of the things he doesn't want Blue to experience is seeing and hearing his parents fight. He doesn't want Blue to experience a chaotic family, though their family is already one. Build inhaled before moving himself to face Blue. He saw Aunt Praya standing a few steps away from them.

"Papa and Daddy have a little misunderstanding but we are fine. Don't worry, okay?" Blue wiped his own tears.

"But Papa is crying and Daddy left without kissing Blue." The kid pouted and tears started to pool on his eyes, feeling a little hurt.

"Daddy is in a hurry. He told me to kiss you on his behalf, would that be okay?" Build tried to smile but the tears continued to fall.

Blue looked at his father, a little skeptical. Though he is hesitant, he nods. Build knows his son didn't buy his excuse but he kissed his lips, like they always do. He's glad Blue is a very smart kid.

"Have you eaten? Do you want some tea to calm you down?" Aunt Praya went near them.

After dinner and a hot cup of tea, Build can't find a way to sleep. He's standing by the window, trying to find peace. His mind is full of thoughts, more of anger and regrets. He could've been more calm. He could've confronted him outside the suite, where Blue is away. Blue definitely heard everything. The kid didn't ask anymore, like what he did after Build showed him a photo of Wichapas, but the kid will definitely remember. Build inhaled and looked at the sleeping child on the big mattress, hugging his carrot plushie. Blue just wanted a family. But given the situation, it will be too hard. As a father, all he wants is to make his son happy. Why is it so hard to make his aon's wish come true?

Build almost jumped after hearing his phone rang. It was the middle of the night and this must not be about work. Maybe it's Sari. He walked to the bedside table and picked up the phone, only to see Prem's name on the caller ID. He frowned before answering.

"Khun, I am so sorry. I know it's midnight there right now but I don't have any other choices left." Prem sounds in a hurry. Build heard shuffling in the background. "Khun Wichapas had a road accident. He's in the hospital and no one is with him."

Build froze, chills ran down his spine. He looked at his sleeping son once again. A pang of guilt punched him and his heart was beating so fast.

"How is he?" The only words he can speak.

"The hospital staff called me and said he's still in the operating room. I'll take the earliest flight I can get. But…" Prem hesitates. He knows Build and Wichapas is still not on the best terms but what can he do? Wichapas has no one by his side and he's thousand miles away from him. Even if he gets the earliest flight, it will take a couple of hours before he gets there.

Build's mind stopped working. He wanted not to care. He's been in a life and death situation as well and he got no one. Wichapas will survive.

But Build found himself running from the entrance of the hospital. He quickly went to the reception and asked a nurse.

"I'm looking for Wichapas Sumettikul. Last time we received a call, he's in the operating room."

The nurse looked at him. "Are you a family?"

Build can not answer, trying to analyze their relationship. He's not a family and he's not a friend. What should he tell her?

"I'm the closest he has. His family is overseas." Build cleared his throat, a little uncomfortable with what he said.

"Okay. Just a moment." The nurse checked her computer. Build started to tap his one foot on the ground, restless. "He's out of the operating room. You can go to the third floor, room number three one zero."

Build muttered a quick thanks and ran to the elevator. As he got to the room, he opened the door with a bang. He also questioned himself why he did that. Is he in a hurry? Is he worried? No, probably he was just guilty and partly blaming himself for whatever happened to Wichapas.

He stepped inside the room, seeing a body laying on the bed. An IV drip connected to one of his hands and an oxygen mask covering his nose and mouth. He's breathing but not awake. Build walked near him, observing his status. He has scratches on his face and neck. His left arm is in a cast from the fingers to the upper part as well as his left ankle. Build took a deep breath. His conscience was a little relieved seeing that Wichapas was alive.

The door of the room opened. Build looked back and saw a doctor and a nurse came in. The nurse immediately checked Wichapas while the doctor went to Build.

"Are you his family?"

Build swallowed a lump on his throat. How many times do they need to ask if he's a family of Wichapas?

"I'm the closest he got. His whole family is overseas." Build just repeated what he said in the reception desk. Basically, that was the reality after all.

"Alright. The operation went well. We removed the glass pieces on his body and made a couple of stitches. We actually removed some of it from his arms as well. His left arm is broken and his left ankle is twisted. He also has two broken ribs. Once he's awake, you should let us know because we need to run more tests." The doctor smiled at him.

"Alright. Thank you."

The doctor left a few more instructions to the nurse before leaving. Once the doctor left, the nurse opened the lowest drawer of the bedside table. "His things are here but the cellphone is completely broken. His wallet is here as well. We checked it earlier because we needed to find someone to call and inform about his situation. By the way, are you Khun Prem?"

"No. Prem is his assistant. He called me about the situation."

The nurse formed an "oh" with his mouth silently and looked at Wichapas and back to Build like she formed a conclusion about them. "Okay. If you need anything, I'll be at the nurse station in the middle of the hallway or you can press the button right here for an emergency." The nurse pointed a red button on top of the bed before leaving.

Build furrowed his eyebrows, trying to figure out what's with the nurse's reaction just now. He looked back at the sleeping body and tried to figure out what to do. Wichapas will definitely take a lot of time here in the hospital so Build decided to go out to get some necessities. But right after he closed the door, two policemen went near him.

"Sir, we are from the district police. We would like to get a statement with him. Is he awake?"

A part of Build got irritated on how the policeman approached him so he crossed his arms in front of his chest. "He's still not conscious. What is this all about?"

One of the policemen sensed his irritation so he took over. "He was overspeeding and caught himself into an accident. We just have to do some investigation and he has to face some charges."

Build nods. "He'll definitely face the situation. But as of the moment, he won't be able to do that. Can't we just deal with it after his hospitalization?"

"We will be back in the morning to continue the investigation. We hope he's already awake by then." The arrogant police answered.

Build wanted to speak harshly but he contained himself. He's starting to get tired and lashing out would just drain his remaining energy. As the policemen left, he continued with his errand. This night is very long for him but he can't find the will to relax. His emotions are still high and he can't find the will to rest. When he got back to the room, with a bag of necessities at hand, he tried to see if Wichapas was awake. He looked at the clock, it's four in the morning already. Tiredness started to kick in and he sat on the chair beside the bed. He tried his best not to fall asleep but he failed.

He woke up after feeling a few movements inside the room. He raised his head and tried to straighten his vision.

"I'm sorry for waking you up, Khun. But I need to inject some medication." The nurse smiled at him with apologetic eyes.

Build smiled back at him and nodded. He stood up and went to the bathroom. He washed his face and wiped it down before going back. The nurse had already left. He dialed on his phone and called Aunt Praya to check on Blue. The kid is still asleep. Aunt Praya asked for Wichapas' condition, asking if he wanted her to cook for him. A dismay and worry is evident in his voice when Build told her that Wichapas is still unconscious. He was about to speak again when he heard a groan. Build quickly ended the call and went near the bed. Wichapas slowly opened his eyes. He looked disoriented and in pain.

"Are you hurting? Are you okay?" Build immediately asked.

Wichapas' eyes moved to look at Build, sensing the familiarity of the voice. But his eyes were moving fast and it seemed like it didn't focus. Build felt nervous. He doesn't want to think of it but it seems like Wichapas is having a hard time seeing.

"Hey, answer me. Can you see me?" Build tried waving his hand in front of Wichapas' face.

His speculation was confirmed when Wichapas shook his head left and right, indicating it's a no. Build immediately pressed the red button on top of the bed. Wichapas is still looking at him but it looks like he's staring into nothing. Two nurses and a doctor came. They immediately checked Wichapas as Build made himself out of the way.

"It seems like he's having a hard time seeing." Build told the doctor.

They continued checking Wichapas and the doctor asked him some questions, most of them focused on his sight. When the doctor faced Build, he said, "It seems like his sight is affected by the accident. He will undergo some tests. I will talk to an ophthalmologist to look for him. Please wait for further instructions."

Build nods at him. "Aside from that, will he be okay? Is there anything else to be worried about?"

"As far as I can see, that's the only thing we should be concerned about. But we still need to observe him. His broken ribs still hurt. Please refrain him from moving too much, as well as his arm and ankle. By the way, he can eat and drink but please opt for soft foods and soups." They left after that.

Build went near Wichapas again without uttering a word. Wichapas removed the oxygen mask using his right hand with an IV drip.

"Hi." Wichapas smiled, but his eyes were still not focused on Build. "You're blurry." And then he laughed.

Build felt a little pinch of anger on how Wichapas reacted. How can he laugh in this kind of situation? "Stop laughing. It's not funny."

Wichapas pursed his lips and looked away. "Sorry."

Build felt the hurt in his voice. He sounded in pain and lifeless. Build took a deep breath before speaking. "Are you hungry?" But he received nothing as an answer. "You should eat. I'll get some food for you."

"I'm fine. Don't tire yourself over me. You've already suffered enough because of me." Wichapas' tone was cold and silent, like a man in despair. He was looking at the window but the light coming from it was not clear.

"I'm glad you're aware." Build wanted to sound sour but the worry never left his tone. "But you should at least eat."

"I'm not hungry." Wichapas spoke again.

Build started to get irritated. What's so hard about eating? He's injured and needs to eat. Why is he making it hard for him? Build moved and went out of the door, closing it with a loud bang. Wichapas looked at the door even though he couldn't see it clearly, hoping that Build would never come back. But after almost thirty minutes, the door opened once again and Build entered with bags on hand.

"I told the nurses not to bring any hospital food. I know you will not eat them anyway. I bought something from the restaurant. I know you'll eat this." Build started arranging the food on the bed table before going to Wichapas. "I'll help you sit up so you can eat."

"This is the best time to leave, Build." Wichapas is once again staring at the window. "I won't be able to follow you or disturb you. I can't even see you clearly right now. You can leave me here."

"Shut up and sit. Regain your sight and strength and let's fight about this after your recovery." Build moved Wichapas' blanket and helped him sit up.

Wichapas can't help but follow, feeling a little fearful about Build's tone of voice. But inside him, he felt giddy knowing that Build cares for him. He groaned as he moved. His broken ribs are making it hard for him. His movement and his breathing became labored. Build took a few seconds before he moved away, making sure that Wichapas' breathing was back to normal. He rolled the bedside table with food and placed it in front of Wichapas. Build went back to the bags and continued taking out other supplies but Wichapas didn't make a move.

"Don't try my patience right now. I'm not in the mood for a fight." Build sounded irritated already.

Wichapas started to move, making Build a little relieved that he was going to eat already. But the sound of the spoon on the floor made him look at the man. "Sorry. I'm…" Wichapas didn't know what to say.

Build saw the spilled soup on the table. Some of it spilled on his hospital gown. Build bit his lower lip, he forgot that Wichapas can't see clearly right now and his uncasted hand has an IV drip connected. Build went near him, a spoon and towel in his hand. He wiped Wichapas' hospital gown before sitting on the other side of the bed, making the table in between them.

"Open your mouth. I'll feed you." Build said as he scoop a spoonful of soup. He blew it twice before bringing it to Wichapas' mouth. The man accepted the food. They continued that set up until Wichapas almost ate half of the it.

Wichapas suddenly lifted up his right hand. Build stopped on scooping some porridge. Wichapas' fingers touched his face, exploring his features by his hand. "I want to see you right now."

Build's breath hitch. A feeling bursted out of his stomach because of the touch. Wichapas' hand is cold. Is he nervous?

Wichapas' eyes started to pool some tears. "If my sight won't be back again, I'm glad your face was the last face I saw." And a bitter smile showed on his face.

"The doctor already assigned an ophthalmologist for you. We just have to wait for the schedule." Build scooped the porridge and blew it. Wichapas removed his hand from his face but Build almost grabbed it, wanting it to stay longer. But no, he should not do that. "Eat some more."

"I'm full." Wichapas looked away once again. Even though he can't see what's outside the window, he wants to see the light coming through it.

Build cleaned up the table. He helped Wichapas take his medications but the man continued to be silent. Build almost felt alone in the room for a few hours. But a knock was heard. When he opened it, the policemen came back and Build let them in.

"Khun Wichapas, we are from the district police and we are here to talk about the incident last night."

Wichapas didn't move, still looking outside the window. "I'll face the charges. I will pay for the damages I made. My assistant will be here within the day. I will tell him to call you."

"We will be needing your statement to go on with the investigation." One of the policemen said.

"Write whatever you want to write. But I am not drunk or under the influence of drugs. If you write those down, I will be the one to sue you."

Build tried to be quiet but he couldn't. "Sir, can I talk to you?"

The policemen followed him outside of the room. Build stopped a few steps away from the door, making sure Wichapas would not hear them. "I understand that you want to finish the investigation as soon as possible but his lawyer is currently out of the country. Is it alright if we wait for his lawyer and assistant before going through it? He's still medically unstable."

The two policemen looked at each other. "Alright. But once his lawyer is back and he is physically capable of giving a statement, you need to contact us as soon as possible."

"Yes, absolutely." Build assured them.

After the policemen left, Build fetched his phone. He dialed a number and pressed a call.

"Hello, Prin."

–

The day went by quietly. Wichapas refused to speak and Build didn't want to start a conversation. Wichapas was fetched by a hospital staff saying that he has a schedule with the ophthalmologist. They left the room with Wichapas sitting on a wheelchair. Build went with him as he underwent some tests. When they got back to the room, Wichapas slept. It was almost evening when Prem came. He quickly checked on his master.

"I'm sorry for troubling you, Khun Jakapan. Thank you for looking after him." Prem bowed at him.

Build felt uneasiness. He felt so far from Wichapas. He doesn't know what's going on Wichapas' mind right now. Build informed Prem about everything. Prem was shocked about the information but determined to clear his master's name.

"I already called Prin. They are coming back, maybe they'll be here by tomorrow. Please wait for him before you go to the police station." Build spoke.

Prem nods. "Would you like to go home and take a rest?"

Build looked at the sleeping Wichapas. He's tired but he can't find the will to leave. "Can you go and get him some clothes? He's uncomfortable wearing a hospital gown."

Prem answered. "Yes."

"And if it is not too much, can you stop by the suite and get me some clothes as well. I'll call Aunt Praya to cook us dinner."

"Auntie is back?!" Prem's eyes are wide in shock.

Build smiled at him. "Yes."

"Alright. I'll go get things for both of you. I'll be back real quick." Prem went out of the room.

Build stayed sitting beside the bed, waiting for the man to wake up. As the evening came, Build closed the window. Wichapas woke up and tried to push himself to sit up but an excruciating pain refrained him from doing so. Build immediately helped him, putting a pillow on his back for support.

"Do you want to drink?" Build asked, knowing that Wichapas slept for a long time and might be thirsty.

Wichapas nodded and Build helped him to drink. "Is it evening already?"

Build answered. "Yes. Are you hungry? Let's just wait for Prem. I asked Aunt Praya to cook for you and Prem is picking it up." Build placed another pillow below his casted armed to make it comfortable.

"Blue must already be looking for you. You should go home."

Wichapas is right. Aunt Praya called multiple times already because Blue is asking where he is. When he talked to his son, he said that he's with Wichapas but he can't tell him about the situation. It will surely make the kid worry.

"If I go home, Blue will ask me to bring him to you."

"I don't want him to see me like this." Wichapas frowned, imagining Blue's reaction if he saw him.

"I know. That's why I didn't tell him."

Prem came and they started to eat, Build still helping Wichapas like it was the most natural thing to do. They talked about things that Build doesn't understand, mostly about work. Prem felt a little worried that his master can't see clearly but he didn't show it.

"I need to go out to pay the hospital bill." Prem told Build. The latter just nodded at him.

"Do you want to change into your clothes? You seemed uncomfortable." Build suggested.

"This hospital gown is really uncomfortable." Wichapas answered.

Build walked to the duffle bag that Prem brought. He fetched a pair of button down pajama shirts for him. He changed Wichapas' clothes as carefully as he could. It was awkward, of course. The last time he did this was years ago, they were still in a relationship back then. He made it extra careful not to hurt his casted arm and broken ribs. He didn't also let Wichapas move too much to avoid straining his ankle. Build saw the scratches on Wichapas body. A big bruise on his left shoulder down to his chest. He also has small stitches near his stomach. He couldn't bear to look at it for a long time. It looks like the injuries hurt a lot but the medicines help Wichapas bear the pain.

All this while, Wichapas' eyes never left Build. Though the vision is unclear, he can't help but stare at him. Even if his sight is damaged, Build is still so beautiful. His smell didn't help either. Build's perfume overpowers his natural scent but Wichapas didn't care. As long as he could smell the sweet grapes in him, he's okay. Build started buttoning down the clothes when Wichapas dropped his head on Build's shoulder. Build froze.

"Are you hurt? We're almost done."

"I'm sorry. I really do. I thought coming back and doing my best is enough for you to forgive me. But I was wrong again. I didn't want to hurt you once again."

Build's heart beats faster. He can't move. He was caught off guard by the action. Build felt Wichapas' breath became fast. He closed his eyes and looked up to control his tears.

"If I don't get my sight back, I'll go back to where I have been hiding all these years. I'll let you go back to your life without me. Sorry for ruining your life once again." Wichapas straightened up, trying to make his voice strong and stable.

"Blue wants a barbecue party and a blue bike for his birthday. You better make sure that you're already well before the day comes." Build looked down at him.

Wichapas looked up, though he couldn't see Build clearly. His eyebrows are furrowed and mouth agape in wonder.

"Let's talk about everything when you get well. But you have to promise me that you'll answer all of my questions." Build said firmly.

Is this him trying to get back with Wichapas? The answer is no. This is him finding the way to peace and getting to be free of the pain of the past for him and Wichapas. Making their lives uncomfortable by fighting is not worth it, especially now that they have Blue.

"I'll try." Wichapas spoke, looking down.

"No. You'll answer all my questions. You're not going to hide anything from me anymore. I deserve to know."

Chapter Text

Blue is fussy. He's been crying and throwing tantrums since after dinner. Aunt Praya tried her best to coax the kid to sleep but she failed.

"Do you want a glass of warm milk before going to bed?" Aunt Praya fixed his shirt.

"I want Papa and Daddy." Blue rolled on the mattress.

"Papa and Daddy are busy. How about a piece of cookie?" Aunt Praya made special cookies for Blue. She made less sweet cookies so Blue can eat them whenever he wants.

"Nooooo." Blue rolled on the bed once again. "I want Papa." This is the very first night that he's not sleeping with either his Papa or Daddy on his side. The moment Build was not there beside him, his Daddy was present.

"Grandma, please bring me to Papa. Please? Please?" Blue stood up and hugged Aunt Praya's neck, pouting and crying.

Aunt Praya sighed. How can he say no to this sweet little kid?

"Alright. If you sleep now, I will call Papa when you wake up tomorrow."

"Nooo. Right now. Please?" Blue stood up and jumped on the bed making the mattress shake, feeling devastated that he didn't see his parents the whole day.

Aunt Praya fetched his phone and called Build.

–

Build ended the call with Aunt Praya before entering the hospital room again. He saw Prem and Wichapas discussing something about business again.

"Can't that wait? You have to rest. You're not supposed to be working." Build said as he placed his phone on the bedside table.

Prem stepped back from Wichapas. "I told him to rest but he kept asking questions, Khun."

Wichapas snapped a look at Prem although he couldn't see him clearly. A look of betrayal was shown on his face.

"Stop asking him questions and try to sleep." Build told Wichapas and was answered by a pout. "Prem, can I ask you a favor? Can you pick up Blue and bring him here?"

"Oh, your son actually asked me multiple times earlier while I'm picking up your things. Will he be staying here tonight?" Prem asked.

Build just answered by a nod and Prem went off. As he looks at the man on the bed, Wichapas is looking at him. "Your son is being fussy and giving Auntie a hard time. He doesn't go to sleep and keeps looking for us. I don't have a choice."

"You can just go home. I'll be fine here. I have Prem." Wichapas knotted his eyebrows. Severe worry is evident on his face.

"We're not arguing about this again." Build sat on the couch nearby and stretched his neck, sighing deep. He is now feeling the exhaustion of the day.

Wichapas felt guilty, knowing that Build is tired based on the sigh and felt more guilty knowing that he was the reason for it . He tried fixing himself and lay down but his broken ribs hurt so much whenever he moved. He suddenly felt a pair of hands helping him to lay down.

"The more you push yourself that much, the longer you will stay here. Is it hard to ask me for help?" Build spoke, fixing the pillow to make him comfortable.

"You're tired. I don't want to be a burden."

"Staying here for long because of being hard-headed is burdensome. You should know that." After that, Build went back to the couch.

"Blue will see me like this." Wichapas voiced the worry.

"He'll definitely ask endless questions. You better think of a way to avoid them." Build gave him a knowing look. They are both aware of Blue's curiosity, especially about his parents.

After almost an hour, they heard small knocks on the door, indicating that a little gremlin was coming in. The door opened and a small creature came in, wearing a duck printed pair of pajamas, a backpack and the carrot plushie in tow.

"Papa, Daddy!" The smile faded once he saw his Daddy's figure on the bed. Blue looked at him with utter curiosity.

"I'm here to deliver a small moving package." Prem entered as well, with a small smile. Build laughed at him.

"Hi, baby love. Come here." Build opened his arms for a hug, trying to get the kid's attention.

Blue moved to hug his Papa. But his eyes always go back to Wichapas, who's currently doing his best to see clearly.

"Would you like to greet Daddy, too?" Build offered. As Blue nodded a little, Build lifted him up and placed him on the bed.

"Hi, baby love." Wichapas greeted, but his eyes were moving fast. He's trying to have a clear vision of his son.

"Daddy, are you sick? What is this?" Blue touched the cast on his hand. The questioning has started and there is a long way to go.

Wichapas didn't answer. He's not sure if telling Blue what happened is right.

"Daddy is a bit sick. And that is called a cast. Daddy somehow broke his arm and it will help him get better fast." Build answered for him.

"Why did you break your arm? That's painful." Blue's eyes are wide but Wichapas can not see them.

"It's an accident, baby." Wichapas can only answer that.

"Give me your bag." Build tried removing Blue's bag from his shoulder but the kid quickly moved to open it.

"Wait." He started getting things inside the bag."Can we read this tonight? I want Daddy to read this to me." Blue placed a thin story book on the bed.

As Wichapas' heart sank, Build bit his lower lip. Wichapas wants to read for him but how can he? He can't even see his son's face clearly.

"And Grandma said I can eat this here. She packed some for you too." Blue took out a small container that included small pieces of cookies.

Build almost laughed. Since Aunt Praya made Blue cookies with a low level of sweetness, he became addicted to it. Just like how they are all addicted to her dishes. Build get the container and place it on the bedside table.

Blue gave him the bag as well and positioned himself beside his Daddy. "Come on, let's read." He gave the book to Wichapas .

Wichapas was about to accept the book but Build interrupted.

"Baby, don't move that much beside Daddy. You might hurt him. And Daddy is sick, can I be the one to read instead?" Build sat beside his son.

Blue contemplated at first. But after a few seconds of thinking, he handed Build the story book. But Build can not be settled. Blue is moving too much and he can see Wichapas' facial reaction to the movements. He's hurting.

"If I will be the one reading, I should be in the middle, right? So, Daddy and Blue can see the pictures." Build tried coaxing the kid to change position. It will be better for Wichapas. Telling Blue that his father can't see clearly might change his mood. Build knows his son too well.

"Yes!" Blue quickly stood up, pressing a hand on Wichapas' cast. The latter can't do anything but bite his lip and close his eyes to refrain from screaming in pain.

Build's eyes pooled in worry before positioning himself in the middle. "Are you okay?" He asked, examining the cast.

"It hurts." Wichapas answered, almost whispering.

Build gave him an apologetic look before settling in. Blue hugged him from the side and tapped the story book. "Start."

Build and Wichapas stayed seated, back resting on the headboard. "You should lay down as well."

"I'm fine. Start reading." Wichapas gave him a bitter smile.

Build tried to read what he was thinking but gave up. He sighed before opening the story book. He started reading, making his voice as lively as he could. The three of them are so engaged with the story that he didn't realize Prem was taking a photo of them. After taking a few shots, Prem left.

–

Sari and Prin immediately went inside the hospital, luggages left in the car. They asked the receptionist about the room number and after knocking thrice, no one answered. So, Sari opened the door but wasn't able to step forward after seeing the view inside.

Three figures are asleep on the bed. Wichapas and Build were seated but Wichapas' head is on Build's shoulder while the latter's head is leaning on it. Blue is hugging his Papa while the older's hand is protected and secured on the kid's body. Build's other hand is holding a storybook that lays on his lap. A view of a family.

Sari immediately took out his phone and took multiple shots before going inside. Prin followed her. Sari picked up a carrot plushie on the floor, the kid might have dropped it during his sleep. She has no intention of waking them up but Build suddenly opened his eyes and saw Sari and Prin. Build was about to open his mouth but Sari gestured to be quiet. That's when Build realized their position. He looked at Wichapas, who's deeply asleep just like Blue on his other side.

But Build became worried. Wichapas' ribs are broken and he should not be sleeping like this. So, he tapped Wichapas to wake him up. Successfully, Wichapas started to wake up. He lifted his head from Build's shoulder but the movement made a sharp pain on his chest. He can't even take a deep breath. Seeing Wichapas' contorted face, Build immediately moved.

"Does it hurt? You have to lay down. Tell me whenever you're ready, okay?" Build fixed the blanket. Wichapas took small breaths. "Ready?"

Wichapas nodded and Build helped him lay down comfortably. Though the movement caused pain, Build assisting him is a big help. After fixing Wichapas' position, Build went off the bed and fixed Blue's position. He placed a pillow in the middle to avoid Blue hitting his father's arm. Build kissed his son on the forehead. He went to Sari and gave her a hug.

"Sari and Prin are here." Build said, informing Wichapas.

Sari and Prin looked at each other, a little confused about why Build needed to inform Wichapas about their existence. "Good morning, Khun. Sorry for coming too early." Sari told Wichapas.

"Good morning, Sari." Wichapas greeted back but his eyes were looking somewhere else.

Sari looked at Build with questioning eyes. "His vision got affected by the accident. He can't see clearly as of the moment."

Suddenly, Prem went inside holding a few paper bags.

"Good morning..oh! You have visitors. Good morning, everyone. I brought breakfast. Aunt Praya called me earlier and asked me to bring this." Prem placed the bags of food on the table.

"Aunt Praya? Your head housemaid?" Sari looked at Build as the man nodded at him. "Alright, I missed a lot. You have to tell me everything, okay?"

Build just laughed at him. They all looked at the bed as Blue moved closer to his Daddy and hugged him on the neck, throwing the pillow away. "Morning, Daddy." And kissed his father's cheek.

Build's heart clenched. This is the first time he saw Blue like that to his Daddy. He almost forgot to restrain his tears as his breath hitched. Build had to take a deep breath to bring back his composure. How long did he pray for this? This was his dream a long time ago

"Good morning, baby love." Wichapas kissed his son's forehead.

Blue was about to doze off again but the sound of the paper bags and the smell of food invaded him as Prem took out the containers. He immediately sat up. Blue opened his arms, telling his Papa to lift him up. "Papa."

Build smiled at the kid and picked him up. "Good morning. Are you hungry?" Build kissed his son.

Blue nodded as he wiggled on his father's arm. Build let him go to Prem, asking for a container with food. Prem handed him a blue container. "Auntie said it is specially for you."

Blue accepted the container and went to Sari. "Auntie Pretty, open."

They all laughed at Blue cuteness. As Sari opened the container, Blue sat on the couch, sleepiness still evident on his face.

"He's also a food enthusiast just like his Papa." Prem shook his head, smiling as he reminisced about the past.

"How are you, Khun?" Prin asked Wichapas.

"Feeling better than yesterday. I need to get better as soon as possible. I still have so much to do." Wichapas answered in monotone.

"I will be needing your statement before I go to the police. Will you be fine about that?" Prin said.

Wichapas frowned. It took him a few seconds before getting what he meant. It's a good thing Prin agreed to be his lawyer now.

"Yes. Of course." Wichapas answered.

"Let's eat first." Build helped Prem with the food. It's a good thing Aunt Praya cooked a lot today.

Build helped Wichapas in eating again. Sari can't help but observe them. Most of the time, Build is nagging Wichapas about something. But Sari knows that he's not actually irritated.

"You should eat too. I'll try to eat on my own." Wichapas told Build.

"How can you eat by yourself? This is soup and porridge. You'll just spill it again." Build continues nagging.

"I think I should start practicing eating with this eyesight." Wichapas pouts.

"Stop sounding pitiful. You did it to yourself." Build scooped a spoonful of porridge and brought it to Wichapas' mouth.

Wichapas flinched as the food burnt his mouth.

"Oh, sorry." Build quickly grabbed a tissue and wiped his mouth. "Drink." He helps Wichapas drink to ease the burn.

The people inside the room watched them closely, aside from Blue who was too busy with his fruit bites.

"Stop arguing with me. Just eat." Build continues feeding Wichapas, making the latter just follow.

After breakfast, Prin and Wichapas had a conversation about the incident. Build wants to hear them but Sari grabbed his arm and guided him on the couch. Blue asked Prem to go with him and buy some milk on the vending machine. Prem is completely aware that Blue is just curious how a vending machine works.

"What happened?" Sari asked.

"What?" Build looked confused.

"I missed a lot. You should tell me. About you being sick. You found your head housemaid. And now, you're here taking care of him. What's going on?"

Build looked at Wichapas who's too engaged in talking with Prin. "It's… Let's just say I'm taking care of him because he took care of me when I was sick. That's it."

Sari threw him a suspicious look, squinting her eyes like she didn't believe everything.

Build sighed. When Sari is like this, he knows he can't escape. "We decided to talk when he recovers."

"Oh. So, is that you giving him a second chance?"

"You see, it will be hard for Blue if we keep dealing with the past. Blue is growing up and sooner or later he will find out about what happened. I don't want him to hate his father like I felt before."

"You didn't answer my question. Is it a second chance?"

"To be Blue's father? Yes. I'm giving him a chance to be Blue's father again."

Sari clicked his tongue, indicating that he's not satisfied with the answer. "As someone else in your life?"

Build sighed before looking at Wichapas again. He found the man looking at him as well and gave him a soft smile. "My main concern is Blue. Nothing else."

–

"There are no serious complications. I think the reason why you got your eyes blurry is because of the impact. Other than that, nothing to worry about. But you have to be cautious. I would advise no radiation during the healing period. Sleep and eat healthy. Gradually, your vision will go back to normal." The doctor said to Wichapas.

They are inside the ophthalmologist's room. Build is sitting on the nearby chair as Wichapas is completely seated on the wheelchair.

"How long before I get my vision back?" Wichapas asked.

"If you take the medications I gave you regularly, you'll get your vision back immediately. But I want you to know that if this didn't work, and you wouldn't be extra careful during the healing process, it might take longer." The doctor told him and looked at Build. "He'll be needing help during the healing period."

Build was taken aback. Why is the doctor telling him that?

–

A few days later, Wichapas was allowed to go home. He will continue his healing at home with a casted hand and a crutch - but unfortunately, he won't be able to use it due to his unclear vision.

This is Build's first time inside Wichapas's house. Prem is pushing his master's wheelchair inside as Build tries to assess the inside of the house. The vintage minimalist design felt like the people living in his will just stay temporarily. Blue settled himself completely in the living room, being accustomed to the place.

"Sorry for bothering you for a long time, Build." Wichapas spoke as they stopped in the living room. "You should take a rest. Thank you so much."

Build looked at him, assessing his situation. Though he wanted to ask if he needed some help, he knew Prem would be there to take care of him.

"I will not drop Blue on the weekend. Focus on getting better." Build told him as he placed the duffle bag on the couch. "Blue, say bye to Daddy."

The kid ran to them. "Bye, Daddy. I love you." Blue kissed his father on the lips.

"See you soon, buddy." Wichapas hugged his son tight. "I love you too."

They left the house. But Build can't help but be bothered. There are only Wichapas and Prem at home, will they be okay?

Two days later, Build and Blue went into their old routine. Build never received any messages or calls from Wichapas or even Prem. But he tried to push those thoughts away. A whole day had passed, but his worries continued to grow. He grabbed his car keys and went out of the room. Blue is watching television on the couch as Aunt Praya is doing something in the kitchen.

"Auntie, I'll be out. Is it okay if you look for Blue for a few hours?"

"Sure. You don't have to worry. Will you be here for dinner?" Aunt Praya wiped his hands.

"Yes. I'll be back before dinner." Build went to his son. "Papa will be out for a few hours. Be good to Grandma, okay?"

"Okay." Blue answered, too focused on the television. Build kissed him on the lips before heading out.

He went straight to Wichapas' house. Upon stepping on the break, he questioned his decision. Why is he here? Why is he still concerned? Why does he have to do this?

He tried to calm himself down before going out of the car. There's no point in going back now. He stood in front of the gate and pressed the doorbell. But no one answered or even went out. He pressed it once again. His eyebrow raised as no one answered. Is there no one inside? He pressed the button once again and leaned to look inside. As he held the metal gate, it moved. The gate is open, making Build more suspicious. He pushed the gate and went inside. He took hesitant steps, being cautious of any possible danger.

Build got inside the house, it was dim. The main lights are off and the fact that it's almost sunset didn't help. He looked around and found Wichapas on the middle of the stairs, staring at him like he was trying to figure out who he was.

"Hey." He said.

"Build? Why are you here?" Wichapas is holding the railing for support. His arm and ankle is still casted and it seems like he's forcing himself to go down.

"What are you doing? Why are you standing there?" Build went near him as fast as he could. "Are you crazy? Why are you forcing yourself?"

"I heard the doorbell ring and I was about to go see who it was." Wichapas explained.

"Where is Prem? The gates are open, that's why I just went in."

"I asked Prem to do some business errands. Why are you here?"

Build stopped. He's asking the same question to himself as well.

"Nothing. I…" Build tried to find a not embarrassing excuse but he can't find one. "Why are you even here? Come on! Go back to your room."

Build guided Wichapas upstairs as Wichapas told him where to go. He settled the man on his bed.

"Since when Prem is gone?" Build asked when Wichapas was seated on the bed.

"Since noon." Wichapas answered.

"Wait. Have you eaten lunch?" If Prem went out of the house at noon, who gave him food for lunch?

"I haven't eaten yet." Wichapas answered coolly.

"Huh! So you haven't taken your medications yet?" Build placed both of his hands on his waist, like a mother scolding his stubborn son. Wichapas didn't answer, making Build sigh in frustration.

"Wait for me here." He went out of the room and went down to the kitchen. He rummages through all the stocks and cooks whatever he can.

Build went back to the room with a tray of food on hand. He entered the room and found Wichapas sitting nearby the window, looking outside in deep thought.

"Here's your food. It's already dark outside. You won't be able to see anything." Build told him as he placed down the food on the bedside table.

"Even if it's daylight, I won't be able to see clearly." Wichapas smiled at him.

"That's why you have to take the medications seriously. Stop being stubborn." Build brought the food near him. "I'll feed you."

"Is that soup?" Wichapas asked.

"No. It's fish filet and stir fried vegetables." Build answered.

"I'll be fine. Give me the plate." Wichapas opens his uncasted arm to get the plate.

"Stop pretending you don't need help." Build sat in front of him and started feeding him. Wichapas accepted the offer, knowing that he would not win against Build.

"If I asked for help back then, things couldn't have been worse." Wichapas said out of nowhere.

"What did you say?" Build furrowed his eyebrows.

"You want to know the reason why I left, right?" Wichapas looked away. "I'll tell you."

Build's breath hitched. He didn't expect Wichapas to take the initiative. Build had been dodging the topic since Wichapas came back. But when he thought he's ready to hear it, he felt fear of the truth.

Is it worth it to know? Is his reason valid?

"I can wait until you recover." Build scooped another spoonful of food but Wichapas spoke again.

"I was too afraid to lose all of you. I can't bear the fact that you are all in danger because of me. So, I made a decision myself without telling you."

Build clenched his fist as Wichapas continued. He knows he asked for an explanation but he didn't expect it this way.

"You're so hurt back then with everything that happened to your family. I don't want to make you more worried and hurt so I decided to keep it a secret."

"Are you saying it's my fault?" Build felt a sudden range inside.

"No. It's all my fault. I should be blamed. I was weak and incompetent. That's why I understand if you can't forgive me."

Build started to feel tears in his eyes. He wanted to ask more questions but he couldn't. He might not be ready to know the truth yet.

"But I never regret anything I did in the past." Wichapas looked at him, mirroring Build's eyes. Both pairs of eyes stare at each other with tears.

"My brothers were held captive in my own home as well as the whole household. Thinking that I couldn't protect my own family inside my own territory terrifies me. And when I found out that your father settled everything before he died, made me realize that someone is into our family. Your father was so ready to leave that he left all his assets to you and your brother. That's when I realized that everything was long planned." Wichapas sobbed, reminiscing the same helpless feeling he had way back then. "Seeing you with a red dot on your forehead right after your father's burial made my whole world crumble under my feet. One wrong move and you and our baby will die in front of me. All I need to do is to leave you. But how can I do that if I know that you are holding on to me during that time of your suffering? And if I stay, multiple lives will end, including you and our son."

Wichapas reminisced the moment he felt immense fear - the most fearful moments of his life. He saw how a red dot from a snipper somewhere settled on Build's forehead. They were standing in front of their house after the burial. The only instruction he should follow is "After the burial, leave him and vanish." He was left with no choice. He chose to leave rather than see multiple innocent lives be ruined.

Build heart leaped in fear after hearing that. Just imagining that he wouldn't get a chance to give birth to Blue fears him a lot. He can't think straight right now.

"I only have my brothers and you as my family. And seeing you all die because of me is not what I want. So, I opted for what I know was the best at that moment." Wichapas looked down.

"Leaving me was the best option? Hurting me was the best option?" Build gritted his teeth in pain. He wanted to shout. He wants to tear things. He wants to punch Wichapas on the face.

"Rather than see you die? Yes." Wichapas looked back at him with determination. He looked so sure about his answer.

"But you almost killed me as well! You almost killed me and my son! You abandoned us. You left us. You vanished!" Build can't help but lash out. He stood up, making the plate of food scatter on the floor.

"I made sure my departure will not affect your health. I talked to everyone that concerns your pregnancy to look after you. I'm glad they didn't break the promise." Wichapas wiped his own tears.

"Bullshit! Complete bullshit!" Build kicked the chair he was using earlier. Wichapas didn't even flinch. "I only needed you that time. Only you! You know I only have you."

"This is the best time to say this. And if you allow me, I will say this to you forever. I'm sorry, Build. I'm so sorry for hurting you and for leaving you. I was a coward. I was selfish. Sorry for not being a man enough to protect all of you." Wichapas stood up, looking at him with full sincerity. "I know it's too late. But I want you to know that I just want to protect you. And to be honest, being with me is dangerous. So, I am letting you go once again. Because it's happening once more. And if leaving you once again could make you all safe, I will do it. Getting back here was a wrong decision, I guess."

"What do you mean?" Build looked at him, a mix of anger and worry was evident in his eyes. All the confusion and pain burst out of him.

Wichapas stepped forward. He lifted his uncasted hand and wiped Build's tears before cupping the side of his face. Build furrowed his eyebrows. Wichapas' movements are precise, it means he can see clearly now.

"I'm sorry for bothering your life again. I shouldn't have given Blue the hope of a complete family." Wichapas closed his eyes. "I'm sorry, Build."

Build felt a surge of fear once again. The thought of him leaving them felt wrong. Blue is already accustomed to him. Blue is happy to have him as his Daddy. And Build, he's already fine with the set up they have. Why does he have to leave again?

As the thought and questions played on his mind, the sound of a ringing phone got their attention. Build felt suspicious as Wichapas' eyes flickered open with shock. He moved to where the mobile phone was but before he could step away, Wichapas held his hand.

"Build." Wichapas tried to stop him. Making Build's suspicious mind skyrocket.

He swatted away Wichapas' hand and walked to the bed. He grabbed the phone and saw an unregistered number calling. He tapped the answer button and brought the phone to his ears. As he heard the voice on the other line, he snapped a look at Wichapas. The familiarity of the voice didn't escape his ears. Deep anger boiled inside him. Immense displeasure ate his rationality as the voice continued to speak. Wichapas looked at him with worry, clearly not happy with the situation. The man was about to step near him to get the phone but Build spoke with glaring eyes.

"Fah."

Chapter Text

Wichapas stood frozen on his track. His eyes were fixed to Build. He doesn't know what to feel as Build knows everything now.

What if he doesn't believe him? What if he doesn't accept his reason?

Build hung up the phone and threw it back on the bed. "It's her?"

Wichapas looked down, feeling useless. How can he let Fah do this to him, to them?

"Either you'll tell me or I'll find out myself."

Wichapas look back up at him. This is the time to redeem himself. This is the time to tell Build everything, all of it.

"Yes, it's her. She held my whole household captive. She told me to leave the country in exchange for your safety. I was weak, Build. But I can give up everything just to make sure you and our son are safe." Wichapas stepped forward.

Hearing Build's sobs tears him apart. It felt like daggers in his heart. He lifted his uncasted hand and wiped Build's tears away. Wichapas leaned in, connecting Build's forehead to his, making Build close his eyes.

"You're my greatest strength. You gave me all the solidity. But you are also my kryptonite, my biggest weakness. You make me breathe and alive. I will do everything in my power to make you safe. I am nothing without you."

The dim room became more breathable. The pain from the past is still aching but it's bearable now. Build thought that being hurt without knowing the reason sucks. And now that he knows, it hurts less. But the pain is still there. It never left, it will forever remain.

"And yet you thought of leaving again." Build opened his eyes. "You shouldn't have come back if you're leaving again. You're just repeating what happened before."

They look into each other's eyes, conveying all the feelings that can't be said. Build felt tired. He can't take the same pain again. He has a child to take care of. He needs to be strong. Build stepped back, making distance. Wichapas almost grabbed him back and wanted him to feel more. But how can he ask for that if he is the reason for those tears?

At the exact moment, Prem entered the open door of the room. Seeing that the main lights were off and two figures were standing in the middle of the room, he stopped. Build sensed his presence so he turned back. He walked to the door, wiping his own tears.

"He hasn't eaten yet. Order some dinner and make sure he drinks his medications." After saying that, he left the house.

Wichapas sat on the bed with a heavy heart. He told Build everything but it still felt lonely. He didn't expect that telling the truth would be so emotional. Is he regretting what he did?

"Did you tell him?" Prem asked, only answered by a nod. "And? Is the plan still up?"

"I…I don't know." Wichapas messed his hair with his free hand.

"If you still want to leave, I already booked the flight for you. I'll follow once everything is settled here."

–

Build lost all the energy to cry. He went through his life like nothing happened. Like how his days started hugging a small body on the bed. Like how they have a delicious breakfast with Aunt Praya. Like how Build tried to engage himself in the animated cooking show that Blue is so invested in. Build wants to remain normal.

But he kept looking at his cellphone. He's waiting for a message. The last time they saw each other, he could finally see. It's been almost two weeks now but he hasn't heard from him or even Prem. Did he left again?

"Still a coward." Build glared at his cellphone like it offended him.

"Hmm?" Blue asked, thinking that his father was talking to him.

"No, not you." Build hugged his little gremlin sitting on his lap. The kid started to focus on the television again.

–

It was a bright morning when Build woke up feeling suffocated. He can't breathe as he feels something is depriving him of some air. Build opened his eyes and his vision was blocked by a white kraft paper. He lifted his head to see the reason for his suffocation and saw a bouquet of white tulips, positioned on the pillow, only an inch away from his face. He raised an eyebrow.

As the moment sinks in, he realizes who these flowers could be from. He grabbed the flowers and moved out of bed. Holding the flowers in his hand, without completely knowing, he went out of the room with rapid footsteps. As he opened the door, he heard giggling from the living room and the smell of food. He stepped outside, making the people in the living room stop from laughing.

"Good morning, Papa." Blue ran to him and hugged his waist.

But Build's eyes are fixed on the other person. "Good morning, baby love." He managed to answer though he kept his gaze at Wichapas. The man is uncasted and his ankle looks fine already. He felt relieved.

"Good morning." Wichapas greeted him with a smile.

Build cleared his throat to regain himself. "Are you here to pick him up?" Build walked up to him, Blue holding his hand.

"It's not the weekend yet. I just stopped by to give those to you." Wichapas pointed to the bouquet of tulips he was holding.

"Papa, you didn't wake up so I put it on your pillow. It's beautiful, right?" Blue gets the bouquet from him and runs to the kitchen to show it to his Grandma.

Build and Wichapas were left in the room, staring at each other. Build don't know what to say or what to ask. He wanted to know where he went or if his sight was completely back but he refused to ask.

"You're uncasted already." The only words he can say.

"Yes. The doctor said I'll be fine without them." Wichapas scratched the back of his head.

"Thank you for the flowers, by the way." The awkward air that Build is inhaling right now feels more suffocating. But, why does he feel this way?

"Dad, where have you been?" Blue suddenly came back, flowers left in the kitchen. "I didn't go to your house." The kid stopped in front of his Daddy and raised both of his hands to be lifted up.

Wichapas looked conflicted. It looks like he is hesitating to pick up his son. But, he still did. He tried picking up Blue but his face contorted as the immense pain from his broken ribs hit him. Wichapas can't help but plop down the couch with Blue in his arms, wrapped protectively. Build immediately went to them, eyes wide in worry.

"What happened? Are you still in pain?" Build sat beside him. He grabbed his son and sat him on his lap.

Wichapas groaned. "The doctor said these broken ribs will heal longer than usual."

"Then why did you lifted him up? Are you crazy?" Build glared at him.

"Daddy is crazy?" Blue asked his Papa with confusion.

"He is." Build answered.

Wichapas can't help but smile despite the pain he was feeling. But when he looked back at Build, the man was glaring at him so he pushed back that smile.

"Breakfast is ready." Aunt Praya said, peeking out from the kitchen.

"Come on, Daddy. Grandma always cooks so good." Blue grabbed his Daddy's hand, excited to let him taste his Grandma's cooking.

Of course Wichapas knows. How can he forget all the dishes and desserts Aunt Praya made. Even his brothers love the dishes she makes.

Build followed them in the kitchen only to find Wichapas standing, clearly contemplating whether to sit down and eat.

"Stop confusing yourself. Just sit down and eat." Aunt Praya looked at him with her soft smile.

But before Wichapas sat down, he looked at Build like he was asking for permission. Build just nodded at him and went to the kitchen counter to get some coffee. Aunt Praya picked up the white tulips beside him and that's when he saw the bouquet of daisies as well.

"These are so beautiful. The flowers he always brings are fresh. Let me put these in a vase."

"Let's eat breakfast first." Build looked at her.

"I have already eaten. You go and eat. I'll take care of these." And then Aunt Praya left the kitchen.

Build went back to the dining table, two coffees at hand. He placed down one cup near Wichapas' plate and one for him.

"Thank you." Wichapas said before placing some food on Blue's plate.

They started eating. Aside from Blue's multiple demands on his food, the table is quiet. Wichapas is so attentive with his son. He is always in a rush to give Blue's demands. Build found it weird. Blue was never that demanding on him but it looks like he's enjoying being spoiled by his other father.

"Ahm… Build, I know it's not the weekend but can I bring Blue out for today?" Wichapas looked at him with hesitation.

Blue perked up when he heard it. "Where are we going? Can Papa come?"

Wichapas looked back again to Build, wanting to get the permission he asked.

"Where do you plan to go?" Build continue eating. Of course, if he would say yes, he would want to know where they would go.

"Where do you want to go?" Wichapas asked his son.

Blue thinks first before answering. "Wait." The kid jumped out of the chair and ran out of the kitchen. And vast silence enveloped both of them without Blue's presence. But it didn't last long as the kid came back with a magazine on hand.

"Papa, Daddy. Look at this." The kid gave the magazine to his Papa first and climbed his way up to the chair with the help of his Daddy.

"Baseball?" Build asked, looking at the magazine. There is a picture of a man fully geared with a baseball uniform and a bat on hand. "You want to try this?"

"Yes! I want to hit the ball like on the television and then run really really fast." Blue giggled while telling his father.

Build smiled at the kid, feeling so proud of how his child is growing up being curious with a lot of things.

"Can we go, Daddy?" Blue asked his other father, who was busy wiping his son's mouth.

"We should ask Papa first." Wichapas glanced at Build.

"Papa?" Blue's eyes are wide with expectation. He looked at his Papa with severe enthusiasm.

Build sighed and gave Wichapas the magazine. Wichapas accepted the magazine and looked at the picture. "You can go."

"Yehey! We are going to the baseball field!" Blue shouts, eyes turning into a line as he smiles so wide.

Build poked his son's nose, can't help with the cuteness.

"He really looks like you when he's excited." Wichapas told him.

Build's smile faded as he composed himself again. He turned back to eating, ignoring the statement he heard. How is he supposed to react? Of course they'll have similarities. Blue is his son after all.

"Papa, let's take a bath so we can leave early. Let's go." Blue jumped once again from the chair and grabbed his Papa's hand.

"Am I going with you? It's Blue and Daddy's day." Build told his son.

"Papa can't go?" Blue looked back at his Daddy with confusion, almost pleading.

"Of course, he can. That is if he wanted to." Wichapas looked at Build, waiting for an answer.

"Papa, Daddy said you can go. Come on. Let's go! Let's go!" Blue screamed in glee, pulling his father away from the dining table.

"...love, you haven't drank water yet." Wichapas said before the two of them were out of the dining room.

"Oh, right." Build immediately went back and drank his water. He almost drank all the water before realizing what he heard. He stopped drinking and looked at Wichapas.

The man is looking at him as well, a little shocked. They looked at each other like they were both asking a question about what happened.

Build instinctively responded to Wichapas when he heard him call. Wichapas was actually talking to Blue, calling him "baby love". But since Blue is being loud, Build wasn't able to hear the first word. Wichapas can't help but smile. Build immediately felt extreme embarrassment. His face turned red and his fingers turned cold. Before anyone could speak, Build stepped out of the dining area rapidly.

"Daddy, water." Blue poked his father. He has been waiting for his father to give him the glass.

Wichapas smiled triumphantly before giving his son a glass of water.

–

Build and Blue is getting ready inside their room. Aunt Praya was cleaning in the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Aunt Praya was about to wipe her hands but Wichapas stood up fast.

"I'll go and check it, Auntie." He insisted, not wanting to bother the woman.

Aunt Praya muttered a 'thank you'. Wichapas opened the door and then stopped on his track. It was a good thirty seconds of silence before him and the man outside gathered themselves.

"Khun Wichapas, I didn't know you were here."

"Am I supposed to ask for your permission first?" Wichapas placed both of his hands on his pocket, anger starting to simmer inside him without any valid reason.

Lord Ram laughed. "Of course not, this isn't my house yet, after all."

𝑌𝑒𝑡. Wichapas didn't misheard it. He has been too attentive to this man's words ever since. Wichapas is too suspicious of him and he'll never ignore this feeling.

"Why are you here?" Wichapas knows he sounded arrogant but who cares? He want to make Lord Ram feel not welcome here at all.

"I just stopped by to give this to Khun Jakapan. Is he inside?" Lord Ram lifted a basket of fruits arranged with some flowers.

"Of course, he's inside. This is his house, after all." Wichapas looked at him icily, mocking clearly evident on his tone. "He's doing well and is not sick. Why are you giving him that?"

Lord Ram's face dimmed. He's insulted with Wichapas' words.

"He's inside getting ready. We're actually going out for a family day. Let me just give that to him for you." Wichapas handed out his hand to accept the basket.

"I can give this to him." Lord Ram answered coldly, gripping the basker tight.

"He's busy. It might take too long. Let me do it for you." Wichapas grabbed the basket out of his hand. "On behalf of Build, thank you."

Wichapas felt safe. As long as Lord Ram is calling Build as Khun Jakapan, it's safe to say that Build's walls are still up for Lord Ram. But he will never be at ease as long as this Lord is roaming around them.

With gritting teeth and clenched fist, Lord Ram left the suite. Plotting his mind with a lot of things, he stormed out of the building with anger. His determination to get Build only rose. He love challenges and excitement. Grinning, he looked up at the building.

Wichapas placed the basket on the dining table with a thud. Aunt Praya flinched with the sound and looked back at him.

"Oh, is this from Lord Ram again?" Aunt Praya wiped his hands and went near him.

Wichapas furrowed his eyebrows. "Does he always bring gifts to Build?"

"Yes. Sometimes he dropped by but most of the time they were delivered. Let me see." Aunt Praya looked at the fruits and flowers.

Build and Blue got out of the room, ready for the day. Build is holding Blue's little backpack, checking if he got everything the kid needs.

"Daddy, I don't have a cap and a bat and shoes for baseball." Blue pouted at his father.

"That's fine. Let's stop by the shop and buy everything, okay?" Wichapas crouched down and messed up the kid's hair.

"Nooo! My hair!" Blue ran away from his Daddy and went back to Build. "Papa, fix it. Daddy messed it up."

Build giggled. "It's not messy. Come here." Build fixed his hair once again. "Why are you being so conscious about your hair lately?"

"Because I'm a big boy now. I should be handsome all the time." Blue answered seriously.

"But you're handsome in Papa's eyes. If you're a big boy now, who will be Papa's baby?" Build pretended to pout.

"Then…." Blue looked at him like he was thinking deep until he opened his mouth with full passion. "Make a little baby so I can be a big boy now."

Build froze, not expecting the answer. Wichapas mirrored his reaction, clearly shocked as well. The air inside suddenly felt warm. Until they heard Aunt Praya's laugh.

"You should leave now before things get worse." The woman went back again to the kitchen, continuing his work.

Build stood up and held Blue's hand going to the door, still caught off guard. He refused to look at Wichapas but the basket on the table caught his attention.

"Who is this from?" Build asked.

"From Lord Ram again." Aunt Praya spoke without looking back.

Build scrunched his face like he was so done with it. "We're leaving, Auntie."

"Go ahead. Enjoy your day." Aunt Praya smiled at them.

"Bye bye, Grandma. I'll buy some pie for you." Blue waved to his Grandma.

Build just smiled at his son. Wichapas followed them, still thinking about Blue's statement earlier. He doesn't know whether to be happy or worried about it. As they got inside the car, Build on the passenger seat and Blue at the back comfortably sitting on the car seat, Wichapas remained quiet. Build got curious but didn't ask. He thinks something was off.

They arrived at the sports shop and Blue started fitting a uniform and baseball shoes. The kid chose his cap design and a bat that is for his age. Blue was so specific with what he wanted. Even the ball he wanted to buy has criterias to meet. 𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟. Build thought, remembering how Wichapas has always been specific with everything he wanted in the past. Wichapas paid for everything.

They went to the baseball field. There are some people already playing in the place but it's not crowded. Blue excitedly wore all his newly bought uniform and shoes, his Daddy helping him. Build found the nearest bench and sat, watching them start to play. He can hear the laughter from his place. Blue clearly doesn't know how to play baseball yet but Wichapas is teaching him. Build is quite amazed how Wichapas looked knowledgeable in playing baseball. He is teaching Blue some moves and how to hit the ball perfectly. Wichapas is throwing the ball and Blue will try to hit it. There are times that Blue is so focused but he will still miss the ball, making him laugh so hard. It was refreshing to see. Build looked at his son, so young and free.

Build stood up and went to the nearest shop. He bought some snacks and drinks for them. For sure, his little gremlin will definitely ask for some food after playing on the field. As he got back to the bench, he arranged everything for easy access.

"Dad!"

Build heard a bloody scream from Blue. He quickly turned around to see what happened. Build saw Wichapas kneeling down the ground, clutching his chest. Build ran as fast as he could. Blue is now looking at his Daddy with fear and worry.

"What happened? Are you okay?" Build crouched down to level Wichapas.

Wichapas can't answer. He's out of breath and his chest is aching terribly. Build faced his son.

"Are you hurt?" Build checked his son's body, feeling relieved as he saw that his son was not hurt.

"Papa, I hit Daddy. He threw the ball and.. and…" Blue started to cry.

Build looked back at Wichapas, who's clearly still in pain. But after a few seconds, he managed to smile.

"Daddy is okay. You're a great batter. You hit the ball." Wichapas tried to inhale but failed. Breathing only adds up to his pain.

"But the ball hit you. I'm sorry, Daddy." Blue cried heavily, feeling afraid.

"That's an accident, baby." Build wiped Blue's tears before looking back to Wichapas. "Can you stand up? I'll bring you to the hospital."

Build was about to help him stand up but Wichapas held his hand tightly. "You're just scaring him more. I'm fine. Just help me sit down."

Wichapas is smiling but his eyes are full of pain. Build looked at his son who's still crying. Conflicted, Build helped Wichapas sit on the bench and positioned Blue on his lap.

"Stop crying. It's not your fault, okay?" Blue tried to coax his son but Blue just hugged him. "Does it still hurt?" Asking Wichapas.

The man smiled at him. "His a great batter. Do you think he will be a famous baseball player in the future?"

"Stop making this a joke. Just say it if you're hurt, please?" Build almost choked. His heart is beating so fast right now and doesn't know what to do.

Wichapas tried to inhale again. This time, he managed to do a shallow breathing. "I'm fine. I'm sorry."

"Are you sure? We can go to the hospital if you're not okay." Build continue to insist.

"I'm sure. Can I have some water instead?"

Build immediately moved, opening the lid before handing him the water. Blue is still hugging his Papa, face buried on his chest. Wichapas drank half of the water before looking at Blue.

"Hey, buddy. I'm good. You don't have to worry." Wichapas reached his son's head and carresed it. Blue lifter his head, eyes still pooled of tears. "I'm okay, see?" He opened his arms like a man free of pain.

"You both scared me. Let's just go home." Build told them.

"We just got here. How about let him play more and I'll stay here." Wichapas offered.

Build looked hesitant at first. "Do you still want to play?" He asked Bluea and the kid nods at him. "Okay, go and play. Daddy will take a rest. Don't go too far okay?"

Blue went off his father's lap and ran in the middle of the field. After a few minutes, two kids went near him and asked to play. Soon, Blue is so immersed with playing with them.

"He's a smart kid. You raised him very well." Wichapas said, looking at his son playing on the field.

Build didn't answer him. A few minutes of silence before Build spoke. "Do you play baseball?"

"Yes, when I was in the primary school until middle school. But I stopped as I became more interested in business."

"You never told me." Build looked at him.

Wichapas smiled softly. "Baseball reminds me of my father. Even my nickname reminds me of him that's why I refuse to use it until now."

Build frown. "What does he calls you?"

"Bible." Wichapas looked back at their son. "My baseball jersey's are named Bible. He gave it to me as a nickname. But when he died, I refused to use it anymore."

Build felt quiet. "I didn't know you can play."

"I haven't seen you play saxophone either. So we can call it quits." Wichapas looked back at him, eyes full of regrets but lips are tugged with a smile.

Build looked away. He never played saxophone in the past years. He didn't even know if he can play it anymore. Suddenly, Blue ran back to them.

"Papa, thristy."

Build handed him a small bottle of fruit juice.

"I want three cookies too." Blue told him.

"Three?" The kid nods and Blue handed him three cookies.

Blue ran back to the field where his new playmates are waiting. They all sat on the groud and Blue gave them the cookies. They started eating and laughing to each other. Build felt immense pride on the seen. His son is very smart and he's so proud of it.

"Blue wants a barbecue party for his birthday. I'm planning to celebrate it at a beach." Build opened the topic, making Wichapas look at him.

"I can arrange it. Will you let me?" Wichapas want to he part of the celebration. It's his son too, he better have a part as a father.

Build nods without looking at him, eyes fixed on his son.

–

Wichapas got home in the afternoon. He intended to go straight to his office to finish some works but Prem called him.

"I got this on the mail box." Prem handed him the blue envelope. It was unsealed but Prem didn't open it.

Wichapas accepted the envelope. There he saw multiple photos taken today. First, it was Build, Blue and him on the sports shop while they are buying some uniform and equipments. Second, it was Blue and him playing on the field. Third, it was Build going out from a shop with a brown paper bag at hand. Fourth, it was Build crouching down in front of him while Blue is beside him, during the time Blue accidentally hit his chest with the ball. And lastly, it was him and Build sitting on the bench as Wichapas is looking fondly at Build while he was talking.

He gripped the photos tightly until it crumpled. Everything will be messed up again soon. He needs to act. He needs to protect them. This time, he will not fail.

Chapter Text

They developed a new routine. There are times that Sari and Prin come to the suite for dinner. The reason is because they are both captivated by Aunt Praya's cooking. Most of the time, Sari would say what dish to eat and Blue would suggest the dessert. As an experienced cook and the head housemaid of the Puttha family for a very long time, Aunt Praya can cook anything that Sari suggests.

"Auntie, I want to learn how to cook that dish for a long time now but Build doesn't have time to teach me. " Sari pouts, like a kid being devoid of a toy.

Build almost laughed with the gesture. She always does that whenever Aunt Praya is cooking. Sari always wants to learn her dishes. Right now, they are sitting on the dining table, cutting the vegetables while Prin and Blue are playing in the living room.

"I'll teach you later. I need to go out and buy some ingredients for the apple pie so we can eat at dinner time." Aunt Praya was about to leave but Build spoke.

"I'll do it, Auntie. Text me what I need to buy." Build stood up from the chair, leaving Sari with the vegetables that needed to be cut. He went to the living room to fetch the car keys on the coffee table. "I need to buy something outside. Do you need anything?" He asked them, busy with the coloring book.

"Papa, I want jelly. The one with many colors." Blue told him without looking up.

"Alright. How about you, Prin?"

"No. I'm good. Thanks." Prin smiled at him.

"Come back fast, okay?" Blue is now looking at him, with a little frown.

"Of course. I'll just buy some ingredients and your jelly then I'll be back real quick." Build kissed his son in the forehead.

"Promise? Quick as in quick?" Blue continues frowning.

"Quick as in quick." Build smiled at his son. It's a little bit odd that Blue is like that to him now. "Finish coloring the book and I'll check it later, okay?"

Blue nods at him and goes back to coloring his book. Build went out of the suite.

It has been almost half an hour when Build left the suit, Blue stood up and went to the kitchen, leaving Prem watching the news on the television. He climbed up the chair and started inspecting the vegetables that Sari was cutting. Sari and Aunt Praya are talking to each other while doing their own things.

"Grandma, are you making apple pie for me?" Blue asked curiously.

"Yes, Khun Blue. I am making an apple pie for you." Aunt Praya smiled at the kid.

"Papa will buy me jellies with many colors. I will put the jellies on the pie and then eat it. That will be delicious." Blue murmurs as he continues to inspect the vegetables on the table.

"Will you let me taste that?" Sari inquired, smiling at the kid.

"Yes. I'll give you, Uncle Prin, Grandma, Papa and Daddy." It looks like a light bulb appeared on Blue head. "Auntie, can you call my Daddy?"

Sari looked at him. "Why?"

"I want to ask him something. Please?" Blue placed both his hands in front of his chest like he was praying with a big pout.

Aunt Praya laughed at him. "Build is always like that before whenever he wants something."

Sari sighed, how can she say no to this cutie? She fetched her cell phone and dialed Wichapas' number. After a few rings, it was answered.

(𝐻𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑜?)

"Hello, Khun Wichapas. I'm sorry for bothering you but Blue wants to talk to you." Sari spoke.

(𝑂ℎ, 𝑜𝑘𝑎𝑦.)

Sari gave the phone to the kid after pressing the speaker. "Daddy?"

(𝐻𝑖, 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡'𝑠 𝑢𝑝?)

"Daddy, Grandma is cooking a lot because Auntie Sari and Uncle Prin will eat dinner here tonight. I think Grandma is tired but she has to cook a lot." Sari and Aunt Praya looked at each other, suppressing a laugh. "And… and Grandma will make an apple pie for me and I will put colorful jellies on top. You have to taste them, they will be delicious."

Sari shook her head, smiling while continuing her job.

"Daddy, would you like to come here and eat with us?"

(𝐼𝑓 𝐼 𝑔𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡, 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑚𝑎 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒. 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑚𝑎 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑.)

Blue looked up at his Grandma. "I will give you my share."

They heard laughter on the other line.

(𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛, 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 ℎ𝑢𝑛𝑔𝑟𝑦.)

Blue suddenly stops to think. Being hungry is not part of his routine.

"Stop making the kid think. Just come here and have dinner with us." Aunt Praya spoke even though he's a little away from the table. "I am making your favorite buttered shrimp."

(𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝐼 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑛𝑜 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑠, 𝐴𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑒?)

"You can't. So, just come here." Aunt Praya placed the pie in the oven.

"Daddy, come here fast. I will show the coloring book. Uncle Prin helped me color the animals." Blue started pressing the buttons he saw on the screen on the phone out of curiosity.

(𝑂𝑘𝑎-)

Suddenly, the line was cut off. Blue looked at Sari, eyes wide in shock.

"Daddy got lost."

"Because you pressed the end call button." Sari looked at the screen of the phone.

"This is you and Uncle Prin." Blue played with Sari's phone, seeing the wallpaper.

"Yes, that's us." Sari engaged the kid in the conversation.

"Where is this?" Blue stared at the photo.

"It's in front of our house. But it's not finished yet. The construction just started and soon when the house is done, I will let you play there." Sari brought the vegetables in the sink to rinse.

"Really? Can I bring the carrot there?" Blue jumped out of the chair, leaving the phone on the table.

"Of course. You can bring all your toys." Sari looked back at the kid.

The questioning went back and forth until the doorbell rang. Sari quickly went to the door to check. As she opened the door, she saw Wichapas standing outside, two bouquets of flowers in hand, a paper bag and a bottle of expensive wine.

"Oh, you brought a lot. Let me help." She pointed to the bouquets. "These are obviously not for me and I am more interested in this one." She grabbed the bottle of wine and gestured to him to come in.

As Wichapas went inside, his eyes roamed around the suite. It was busy and a little noisy with the sound of cooking and the television. Usually, the suite is quiet if it is just Build and Blue.

"Someone's Daddy is already here!" Sari shouted as she placed down the bottle of wine on the table.

Rapidly, a little gremlin emerged from the bedroom, hugging his carrot plushie.

"Daddy!" He quickly launched himself to his father. Wichapas crouched down as he accepted the hug.

"Hey, buddy. How are you?" Wichapas kissed the kid's head before looking around once again, looking for someone.

Aunt Praya came near them. "Put down everything first. I'll be done cooking soon. I'm just waiting for Build."

Wichapas stood up and placed the paper bag and bouquets on the table but Blue grabbed the small bouquets of daisies. "Where is he?"

"He's out to buy something. I don't know what's taking him so long." Aunt Praya went back to cooking.

"How long has he gone?" Worry started creeping inside him but he is fighting it back.

"More than an hour. He should be here already." Sari answered him.

Wichapas can't help but be worried. The supermarket is not too far from the suite. If Build brought his car, it would only take him approximately thirty minutes to go there and get back. Fear started to creep him out. Immediately, he fetched out his phone and dialed Build's number. A few more rings and he was routed to the voicemail. He dialed once again but it was just the same.

"I'll go and pick him up." Wichapas stormed out the door, heart beating faster than usual. He tried fighting all the bad things that came into his mind but he couldn't help it. He's more than worried. It's already dark outside and Build was out for more than the expected hours.

Wicahapas stepped on the accelerator in panic.

–

Build just got out of the supermarket. His hands both carry a paper bag. The supermarket is usually crowded today. It took him time to find Blue's favorite jellies after buying the ingredients and lining up on the counter. The lines were long and he had to wait to pay. When he left the supermarket, it was already dark. He immediately went to the parking lot. He's finding his car keys when he heard someone speaking from near.

"Khun Jakapan." It was Lord Ram, standing at the back of his car.

"Lord Ram." Build bowed to him.

"It's good to see you here." The man stepped forward, groggy and swaying.

𝐻𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑟𝑢𝑛𝑘. Build got alerted. The man continues to stride towards him with a little difficulty. Build instinctively stepped back.

"You're drunk, Lord Ram."

"Oh, yes. The council had a little get together. We've been drinking since noon."

Build can smell the alcohol even from a distance. He looked around to see if there were any people around but, unfortunately, the parking lot was empty.

"I'm sorry but I need to go home. My son is already waiting for me." Build tried opening the car door but Lord Ram held his wrist.

"You seem aloof with me, Khun. Are you scared?" Lord Ram's eyes started to differ. They were sleepy and drunk earlier but now it was glaring. Suddenly, hunger is evident in his eyes.

Build felt scared. He knows this look. He is completely aware of the way Lord Ram looks at him. His trauma from the past flashed back on him. Build started to shake.

"Lord Ram, you're drunk. Don't take actions that you will regret when you get sober." Build tried removing his hand from the grip but Lord Ram tightened it further. Build held the paper bags tightly while trying to remove his hands from Lord Ram.

"What more do you need? I'm being kind to you. I gave you gifts. I accepted your son. What more do I need to do for you to see me? Hmm?"

Being taller and bulkier than Build, Lord Ram pushed his back on the car. Build hit his spine on the car and groaned in pain. The act was tough and his body was shaking in fear. Lord Ram held both of his hands.

"Lord Ram, don't do this!" Build fought back but he was already cornered.

"Give me some chance, Khun. I already invested a lot in you." Lord Ram leaned in, targeting Build's neck.

"Lord Ram!" Build fought back. He leaned back his head to create distance. He shook his hand aggressively to remove the grip, making the paper bags fall on the ground.

Build felt defenseless. It's going to happen again. It's like the night in the past that he was chained and captured. That night he thought everything was over. The night he thought he had already forgotten. It's happening again. Build felt his consciousness leaving his body. He started to weaken.

When Build accepted the defeat, Lord Ram flew a few steps away from him. Build opened his eyes, seeing Lord Ram get back up and glaring beside him. He followed the gaze and his eyes landed on Wichapas. The man's face is red and his eyes are dark. Wichapas is staring back to Lord Ram with intensity. Build saw the veins on his arms bulge in as he clenched his fist.

"Huh! A knight and shining armor?" Lord Ram mocked Build. "What? Because you tasted him means he's already yours? You should definitely learn how to share."

The words heated Wichapas more. He launched himself to hurt the man but Build hugged his waist.

"No. No, please." Build tried his best to restrain him but Wichapas is stronger. "You can't hurt him. He's more powerful than us. We can't win over him." Build whispered, eyes starting to pool in tears.

It seems like Wichapas is hearing nothing. He still wanted to lay a hand on Lord Ram. His anger defeated his mind, he can't think straight. Wichapas almost threw Build away as he stepped forward again to get near to Lord Ram. Build's strength is nothing compared to Wichapas. So, instead of restraining him physically, he used his own technique. His one hand remained on Wichapas' waist and the other lifted on his face, holding his cheek. Build tried getting his attention and spoke.

"Hey, take me home. Please, our son is waiting."

Wichapas blinked twice, anger starting to dispense. He slowly looked at Build and frowned as he saw his eyes pooled with tears.

"Are you hurt?" Wichapas checked him, looking for any injuries.

"No." Build shook his head. He removed his hand from Wichapas' cheek and fetched the car key in his pocket. He pressed the key on Wichapas' chest before whispering. "Let's go home."

Wichapas held the hand on his chest. He felt how Build's hand trembled. He took a deep breath to calm himself. Wichapas got the car key and caressed Build's hand softly. He moved, opening the car door to get Build inside. After making sure Build is comfortable, he picked up the paper bags and placed them at the backseat. Wichapas glared at Lord Ram once more, who's grinning at him like he won. His fist itched again. He'll never feel better until he can punch that smug face. He rounded the car and sat on the driver seat before speeding away.

Build is fidgeting on his seat. He kept staring outside of the car when suddenly it stopped. Build snapped a look at Wichapas. He saw the man gripping the steering wheel tightly glaring at nowhere. Without any further reason, Build felt scared again. It seems like the man beside him is not Wichapas. His heart clenched as his tears fell down his cheek. He wants someone to hold on to. He can still remember how the cold chains on his ankle grips before and how Lord Ram's hands grip his wrists. It feels the same. Without knowing, a loud sob was heard from him. That's when Wichapas was pulled out of his reverie. He looked at Build and was shocked to see him crying.

"I-I'm sorry. I-I…" Wichapas messed up his hair. He's being drowned by his thoughts on how to get revenge that he forgot Build is still with him. "I'll take you home."

Build nods at him, wiping his own tears. He looked at Wichapas once again before trying to calm himself.

They entered the suite quietly. As they both emerged in the dining room, Sari saw that there was something wrong. Wichapas' face is stern and icy while Build is gloomy and seems to be afraid.

"What happened?" Sari went near Build, and touched his shoulders. That caught Aunt Praya's attention.

Build almost cried but he heard Blue's voice and quick steps going to them.

"I'll tell you later." Build breathed deep to compose himself.

"Papa! You're not quick!" Blue asked his father innocently, referring to the promise of being fast in getting the jellies.

"I'm sorry, baby. Something came up." Build crouched down and hugged his son tightly, inhaling his comforting scent, his source of peace.

"Did you have the jellies?" Blue asked again.

"Yes. Daddy has the jellies."

Blue immediately removed himself from the hug and went to his other father who helped him find the jellies on the bag. When he got what he wanted, Blue ran to Aunt Praya.

"Grandma, look! I can make jelly apple pie now."

Build almost fell on the floor completely. The sound of his son's innocent voice almost made him cry once again. Sari helped him up and guided to sit on the chair. Wichapas placed down the paper bags on the kitchen counter before getting some water and giving it to Build. Prin, sensing that something is wrong, went to the kitchen.

The dinner was ready and everyone ate. The atmosphere was a little tense but Blue made it better. With his series of questions and innocent statements, the people on the table shared laughter and conversation. But Build was stiff. He shared some laughter but that's not the real him. It never escapes the eyes of the adults while Wichapas looks like he's about to kill someone.

The dinner ended and Blue went to wash up with the help of Aunt Praya. Build and Wichapas had the chance to tell Sari and Prin what happened. Sari got worked up.

"How dare he do that to you? He's insane! He should be jailed." Sari drank all the wine in his glass.

Wichapas is standing at the far side of the suite, but enough to hear them. He's looking out of the window, holding his own glass of red wine. He tried smelling it but he still missed how Build smelled, the smell of fresh grapes and how it smells bitter like a wine in some instances. He sighed. Without him knowing, Prin is observing him. The man is quietly drinking his own glass of wine while listening to the two beside him and observing Wichapas subconsciously.

"Prin, we can sue him right? You have to put him in jail. You're Build's lawyer, do something." Sari looked at his partner.

"Do you want to file a case?" Prin asked Build.

Build looked down. "He's a Lord. We can't win against him." He never drank the wine in his glass. His mind is too occupied with a lot of things.

Wichapas looked at him. He felt useless. Build is right, power is important in this country. Money and power is the rule. He has the money, power is next. Wichapas saw Prin looking at him. They stared at each other like they were talking before Wichapas looked back outside the window.

The visitors bid their goodbye. Unfortunately, Blue was already too tired and slept easily on his Daddy's arms so Sari and Prin weren't able to say goodnight to him.. As Wichapas lay down the kid on the bed, Build stood on the window, staring blankly outside.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Wichapas gets his attention.

Build looked at him, so much sadness in his eyes that Wichapas couldn't bear to see. "I'm home now. There's nothing to worry about. Be careful driving home."

Wichapas nods, reluctant to leave. "Call me if you need anything."

"Thank you."

Build walked him out of the suite. Though Wichapas doesn't want to leave, he shouldn't stay if Build didn't ask to.

–

It's been hours since the suite became quiet. Aunt Praya is already sleeping in her room and Blue is on his Papa's side. Build never felt like sleeping. He's widely awake, back resting on the headrest of the bed. He continued thinking of what happened. It was the same fear he had experienced before. The most threatening part was he never saw regrets in Lord Ram's eyes. He can't believe it happened again. Even just thinking of it makes his body shiver. Was he just unlucky? Why is he being a trouble magnet?

Build inhaled. Maybe a glass of warm milk will help him calm down and sleep. So, he slipped out of the bed, making Blue squirm. Build waits if the kid will wake up but he doesn't. Build grabbed his phone and went out of the bedroom. He walked through the dark living room and went straight to the kitchen. Build was about to open the fridge when he heard a noise from the door. He placed down his cellphone on the kitchen counter and checked the noise. As he was about to grab the knob, suddenly the door opened. His heart almost jumped out of his chest when figures of two men entered the suite. The dim light refrain him from seeing their faces. He quickly ran back to the kitchen to get his phone but one of the men grabbed him. Build fought back, trying to remove himself from the grip. He tried anything that could help him but the things always slipped out of his hand. Soon, cluttering noise invaded the quiet night.

"Let me go!" Build tried to punch the man but failed.

Build saw the other man going to the direction of the bedroom. His son. His son is sleeping inside. Build pushed the one holding him with full effort, making the man stumble and lose his grip. Build ran to the other man and pushed him away. The man landed on the glass coffee table and it crashed. At that moment, Aunt Praya went out of her room to check the noises. With shock evident on her face, she saw Build fighting for his life.

"Auntie! Get Blue and lock the door!" Build threw anything he could get to the men who continued to dodge the attacks.

Aunt Praya quickly stepped inside Build's bedroom and locked the door. Build tried his best to not let the men reach the door. He needs Blue to be safe. What Build didn't expect is when one of the men held out a gun, pointed at him. Of course, they are intruders, they most probably have guns with them. Build stopped, afraid that if he makes a wrong move, he'll die. Shaken, he raised both of his hands in the air. The men stepped forward to reach him, grinning. But before they could be closer, two more men entered the room. Suddenly, the men who first entered the room was already on the ground and unconscious. Build wasn't able to grasp everything. When the lights turned on, there were four people inside his suite whom he didn't know. Two of them are lying on the floor and two of them are standing in front of him.

"Who are you?" Build asked, trying to sound strong but his voice was shaking.

The men only bowed to him and one of them stepped away to make a phone call. The other one asked. "How are you, Khun? If you are hurt we can bring you to the hospital."

Build frowned. They didn't answer him. Then he flinched. He quickly turned around and knocked on the bedroom door.

"Auntie, please open this!" Build's voice is urgent. He needs to check on Blue. He needs to hold his son.

When the door opened, he entered the bedroom and saw his son sitting on the bed in daze. Build went to him and hugged him tight.

"Are you okay?" Aunt Praya asked him.

"Yes, Auntie. How about you? Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine. Who are they?"

"I don't have an idea." Build looked at his son. "Sorry for waking you up, baby love."

"Papa, I want milk." Blue scratched his cheek, looking at his father with sleepy eyes and pure innocence.

Build contemplated whether to bring Blue in the kitchen. The suite was messy and he didn't want to scare his son.

"I'll warm up a glass of milk for him." Aunt Praya volunteers.

Build tried to think deeply. Who could it be? He has no idea who would make interest in intruding the suite. How come they were able to enter when the building security is tight when it comes to visitors? Could the security here be compromised? Build hugged his son once again. His only priority is to keep his son safe. Now, he succeeded in doing so but will this happen again? Will he be able to protect his son if something like this happened once again in the future?

Before he could answer his own questions, a figure entered the room, breathing heavily like he ran a hundred meters to get there.

"Build." Wichapas went near them. "Are you hurt? Are you okay? How are you both?" He tried to check both of their bodies for injuries.

Build almost cried seeing him. That moment, he felt all the fear he had been fighting since earlier. His eyes blurred from tears but he choked it down. Wichapas saw the gesture. He knows Build too well. He will try his best to be brave at all costs.

"You did well. I'm sorry, I'm late." Wichapas cupped Build's face. "Let's cure the wounds, okay?"

Build didn't even know he has scratches. He looked down to his hands. He has small wounds and scratches on his hands and arms. He also has some scratches on the face that he was not aware of.

"I'm fine." Build tried to put an excuse.

Aunt Praya came in with a glass of warm milk. Unaware of the surroundings, Blue accepted the glass and Aunt Praya took care of him. Wichapas went out of the bedroom, saying that he'll get the first aid kit but Build didn't buy it. He followed Wichapas outside the bedroom. Build looked around the suite, it was messy and things were broken. The bodies of the intruders are nowhere to be found. Build went to the kitchen but stopped at the corner after hearing some voice.

"I have taken the bodies away, Sir. We noticed something was wrong because the door was open for a long time so we came in as fast as we could."

"Regardless, you're still late. Haven't I told you to keep your eyes on them? Didn't I make myself clear on that?" It was Wichapas' voice, stern and sounding angry.

"We're sorry, Sir. This will never happen again."

"Yes, because you're fired. Build has wounds and they were able to get near them. I won't spare that kind of mistake."

Build felt the need to interfere. He appeared in the kitchen, making Wichapas shocked. One of the men who saved him earlier bowed to him and immediately left. With a questioning look, Build faced Wichapas. The latter looked away, started to look at the cupboards.

"Did I take too long? Just give me a minute and I'll find the kit."

"Did you hire bodyguards for us?" Build went near him.

Wichapas stopped, still not facing Build. There is no room for denial anymore. Though he had made that decision with good thought, he's afraid that Build will take it negatively. The last thing he wanted to have is a misunderstanding between them.

"You should've told me so I could have asked them for help."

Wichapas looked at him. "You're not mad?" He's trying to read Build's expression but anger is not evident on his face.

"They saved me. They saved our son. How can I get mad?" Build looked down, scanning the wounds in his hand.

"Yes. I should've told you. I'm sorry, it's my fault-" Wichapas' voice sounds remorseful.

Build tried to understand what else he was saying but a loud ringing fell on his ears. His eyes started to blur and he couldn't feel his body. Build looked up to Wichapas, it seemed like the man was still saying something but he couldn't hear him. Build frowned. Why can't he hear? Why can't he see him clearly? Suddenly, he felt his body limp. He fell forward, losing consciousness. Build landed to a hard chest and a pair of hands grabbed his waist.

"Build!"

Chapter Text

𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒, 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑠𝑘𝑦. 𝐻𝑒'𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑑. 𝐻𝑒'𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑦. 𝐻𝑒'𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑. 𝐻𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠𝑛'𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑔𝑜 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑓 ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑛'𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒, 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑒. 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑠𝑡, 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑒. 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝐷𝑎𝑜'𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑠. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠, ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑢𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠, ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑡 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔.

"𝑊𝑒'𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑦." 𝐻𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑.

𝐷𝑎𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑚 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛.

"𝐷𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑜 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑢𝑠?" 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚. 𝐻𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠𝑛'𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑠. 𝐴𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒.

"𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑔𝑜 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢." 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑, 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠 𝑠𝑜 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑.

𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝐷𝑎𝑜. 𝐻𝑒 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒.

"𝐷𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑒, 𝑚𝑦 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑?"

𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠. 𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒, 𝐷𝑎𝑜 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝑘𝑖𝑑𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑏𝑒 𝑛𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑦 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝐷𝑎𝑜. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟. 𝐷𝑎𝑜 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑒'𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑑 𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦, 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑚.

𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑙𝑦, 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑑𝑠. "𝑊𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢."

𝐷𝑎𝑜 𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚. "𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛, 𝐼'𝑙𝑙 𝑔𝑜 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢."

𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑡'𝑠 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑝 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑗𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟. 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 "𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑏𝑒ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑒'𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒" 𝑟𝑢𝑛𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑑. 𝑇𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑓 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡, ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟. 𝐼𝑠 𝑖𝑡 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒? 𝐼𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑜?

𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟, 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑚 𝑔𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦. 𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑. 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑚 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑛, 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑓. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑖𝑡. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚, 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑜𝑓𝑓. 𝐼𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚. 𝐴𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠, 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘, 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑚 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑠.

𝐻𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑜𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑'𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑎𝑦. 𝐼𝑓 ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟, 𝑎 𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑'𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑. 𝐽𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡. 𝑆𝑜, ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑛𝑜 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡. 𝐻𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘. 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟, ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑤 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑝𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑, 𝑐𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑖𝑔 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑦. 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑡, 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑢𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠. 𝐻𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑𝑙𝑦 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑚𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑. 𝐵𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚. 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑏𝑏𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑑.

"𝐷𝑟. 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦, 𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑'𝑠 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒. 𝐼𝑡'𝑠 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦."

𝐻𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟. 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑚𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑟𝑎 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑠 𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑦 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑎𝑦. 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔.

𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛, 𝑎 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒. 𝐽𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑣𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑡. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑙𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑜𝑢𝑡. 𝑆ℎ𝑒'𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑜𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑. 𝑆ℎ𝑒'𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑐𝑢𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐻𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑢𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑.

"𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑖𝑑 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡. 𝑁𝑜𝑤, 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘. 𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑡'𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑜. 𝑅𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟, 𝐼'𝑙𝑙 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑦𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢." 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑.

𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒, 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡. 𝐴 𝑙𝑜𝑢𝑑 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟, 𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑜𝑢𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑢𝑑𝑠. 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑝𝑢𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑠. 𝐵𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑛 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑠 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑤.

𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑. 𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑚. 𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑖𝑚.

𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑔𝑢𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒. 𝑊𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑡? 𝐻𝑒 𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑤 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑙𝑎𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑟, 𝑎 𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑, 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚.

–

"Khun?" Sari tapped Wichapas' shoulder to wake him up. Wichapas opened his eyes slowly, trying to separate his dream into a reality. "You're having a nightmare."

Wichapas blinked. It was the same nightmare he had for almost four years. He always dreams of it. It was the ghost hunting him. Wichapas was able to gather himself when he heard Sari once again.

"He's awake now."

Immediately, Wichapas stood up from the couch. He didn't even know when he fell asleep. He can't even imagine how he slept while sitting up. Wichapas went to the hospital bed only to see Build looking at him with droopy eyes.

"Hey. How are you feeling? Are you hurt? Are you hungry?" Wichapas can't bear but to ask. Build is out of consciousness for more than a day already. Waiting for him to wake up felt like forever.

"I'm fine. You're talking in your sleep. Was the dream that bad?" Build asked him, eyes a little worried.

Wichapas cleared his throat, not wanting to admit it. Yes, the dream was too bad that it affected all of their lives.

Sari went out of the room to call for a nurse. Blue is sleeping on the other couch with Aunt Praya looking at him. When Sari came back with a nurse, the latter started checking Build. After a few minutes, the woman spoke.

"The doctor said there's nothing to worry about. He's just stressed and over fatigued. We can just wait for the saline to run out and he can go home." And then she left.

Sari sat beside his bed, Prin entered the room and it seemed like he just got out of a phone call.

"The suite is not safe for you anymore. I just can't understand how they manage to get inside. The security there was so tight." Sari looked agitated.

"Maybe the security was compromised. Do you have any idea who it could be?" Prin placed both of his hands on his pocket.

Build tried to think. Was it Lord Ram? Was he so mad at Build that he hired people to kill him? Or was it…Build looked at Wichapas who's actually looking at him. Was it Fah?

"You know what, never mind. The police are investigating already. We just have to wait. For the meantime, stay with us. It'll be safer for the three of you." Sari suggested. "The apartment we are in is small because we're just waiting for the house to finish but we can move to a bigger one so you, Blue and Aunt Praya can move in with us."

Build felt embarrassed. It would be very troublesome for Prin and Sari to move houses just because of them. "Sari, that's very inconvenient."

Prem came in, a little hurry, and went to Wichapas' side. Build saw when Prem whispered something and Wichapas nodded. Looking back at Build, Wichapas' eyes met his. Build is certain that Wichapas has some information.

"Build, that's not an inconvenience. You have to be safe. And coming back to the suite is not a good idea. In fact, your things there were broken." Prin spoke.

Build had always been thankful to them. They were always one call away whenever he needed them. He's always been so grateful for that.

"Build, we are just worried about your safety. After everything that has happened, we can't let you be alone." Sari held Build's hand. "Or if you don't want us to move, can you stay with Khun Wichapas at least? Just to make sure you're safe."

Build snapped a look at Wichapas, a little shocked with his friend's suggestion.

"Sari." Build tried to argue.

"Build, please? We want you to be safe. That's the only solution we can get." Sari looked at him with pleading eyes. She is deeply worried about Build. "Auntie, don't you think I'm right?" Sari looked at Aunt Praya.

Aunt Praya is just sitting beside the sleeping kid, not uttering a word. She looked at Build and smiled, silently saying that whatever his decision would be is fine.

"We will get you some clothes and other necessities." Sari sighed.

"Let me go with you so I can cook some food. The saline is still full. We might have to stay overnight." Aunt Praya stood up after making sure Blue was deeply asleep.

"I'll get you some clothes as well, Sir." Prem informed Wichapas before leaving.

Sari, Prin and Aunt Praya left as well. Wichapas remained standing beside the bed, looking at Build with worried eyes. Build looked up at him and asked.

"What did Prem tell you? Did he get any information?"

Wichapas sighed before sitting at the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling?"

Build frowned. Wichapas is dodging his question. "We once had a conflict when you kept a secret from me. Do you want it to happen again?"

Wichapas lowered his head, clearly confused whether to tell him or not. He looked at Build's hand. He wants to hold it. He wants to feel the warmth of his palm.

"It is all about me. It's mine and your son's safety. I have all the right to know." Build started to tremble. He is getting a little furious about it.

"I know. Of course you should. It's just that, you're sick right now and I don't want to worry you." Wichapas explained, voice soft and caring.

"Just tell me." Build sighed.

Wichapas took a few more seconds before speaking. "Fah is back in the country."

Build froze. That girl is back again. His son is in danger, they are all in danger. They need to be extra careful. That woman is crazy.

"I think Sari was right. Would you like to move in with me?" Wichapas spoke, making Build more frozen in place. The sound of it seems like Wichapas is asking for marriage.

"W-what?"

"I mean, just for the meantime. I ordered my people to clean up your place and take care of the damage. I also instructed them to add up security. While everything is not yet done, please stay with me so I know and I can keep you safe." Wichapas meant well. His top priority is Build and Blue's safety.

There's a pool of stomach pain that strikes up on Build. Actually, he had been feeling it since he woke up but didn't pay too much attention to it. They both look at each other, Wichapas waiting for an answer and Build didn't know what to say. Suddenly, Build's phone rang. He forced himself to sit up. Wichapas immediately helped him and handed him the phone. It was Dr. Cherry calling. Build answered the video call. Wichapas busied himself putting pillows on Build's back to make him comfortable. They moved in sync.

"Hi." Build spoke as he saw Dr. Cherry on the other line.

(Hi- wait. Who's that?)

Dr. Cherry's attention was switched to the man beside him. Wichapas heard her and looked at the screen. The woman's eyes went wide. Wichapas suddenly smiled, acknowledging her.

(W-what? H-how..)

"I'll tell you later." Build answered. He understands Dr. Cherry's reaction towards Wichapas.

"All good?" Wichapas asked Build, pertaining if he is already comfortable.

"Yes. Thank you."

Wichapas sat on the nearest chair.

"How are you, Doc? It's been a while since you called." Build asked.

(I should be the one asking you that. Build, your doctor called me after seeing that I was your gynecologist. He told me you're at the hospital. I just want to know, have you had your heat already?)

Build instantly became red. He didn't expect that question, especially that Wichapas could hear them. Wichapas instantly perked up, looking at Build curiously. The look only added to Build's embarrassment.

"What do you mean?" Build whispered to the phone.

(Build, it's been years since you had your heat. As far as I can remember you said it was when you got pregnant with Blue. You know it's bad. And your health is getting affected again like before. If you don't experience heat, your health will continue to deteriorate.)

That's crazy. How can he be forced to experience heat? It is something that naturally comes. But since he had Blue, he never experienced it again.

"What's new? I was a broken omega before." Build answered.

(That's the point, you're supposed to be not a broken omega anymore because you already gave birth. I just can't find an answer why you didn't have any regular heat after giving birth.) Dr. Cherry sounds so frustrated.

"Okay, Dr. Cherry. Can we…" Build glanced quickly to Wichapas, whom he found staring at him. He looked back at the phone. "Can we talk about it some other time? Or maybe when you come back."

(Okay. I'll go there soon to check on you. I'll just settle things here and get a flight. I'll talk to you later.)

"Yes. Thanks. Take care." Build turned the video call off as soon as he can. He can't go through the conversation as long as Wichapas is hearing them.

Small movements from the couch caught their attention. Blue started to stretch his body, indicating that he's awake now.

"Daddy." Blue called out as soon as he saw his father.

Wichapas stood up and picked up his son who immediately hugged him like a koala.

"Papa is awake now." Wichapas whispered. He brought Blue to the bed. Blue reached out to his Papa. The kid sat on his Papa's lap.

"Papa is asleep too long." Blue told him with a pout.

"Papa was tired. Were you a good boy while Papa was asleep?" Build bumped his son's nose with his finger.

"Yes. I didn't eat many sweets and cold food. Is Papa feeling better now?" Blue scratched his cheek, eyes still looking sleepy.

"Papa is better now. Can I get a hug?" Build opened his arms, asking for a hug. Blue hugged his father tightly.

"Baby love, would you like to stay with Daddy in his home?" Build suddenly asked, making Wichapas look at him.

"Why?" Blue asked, face buried on his Papa's chest.

"The suite will be renovated. Baby love can't be exposed to too much dust and dirt. So, staying with Daddy is the best option for now." Build caressed his son's head.

Wichapas frowned at Build. He can't read what is on his mind? Was he sending Blue to him alone?

"With you, Papa?" Blue asked, eyes looking at his father with pure innocence.

Build didn't answer. He was actually planning to let Blue stay with his Daddy to ensure that he is safe. His only priority is for his son not to get hurt. And staying with Wichapas will secure his safety. Build just can't find a reason to move in with him.

"I can't be with you? Why?" Blue just can't understand what is going on.

"Where are you going to stay?" Wichapas can't help but ask.

Build can't answer. Honestly, he doesn't know yet but as long as Blue is safe, everything will be fine.

"I don't like to be away from you?" Blue buried his face on his Papa's chest making Build's heart clench.

Build knows Blue is sensing that something is going on. With this kind of situation, Blue will always stay close to him. Whenever something is unfamiliar to him, Blue always wants to be with him. Because all this time they only have each other. But Build is so sure that the safest place for his son is with his other father. Wichapas will protect the kid with all of his might.

–

After coaxing Build persistently, with the help of Aunt Praya and Sari, Build agreed to stay with Wichapas. He readied a room for Aunt Praya and a room for Build and Blue. Blue ran around the house like he owned it. He is already used to being in the house and he loves it. He's not afraid of the stairs anymore so he freely went up and down making Build's heart grow in fear.

"Auntie, the kitchen is all yours. I filled all the cupboards and fridge with everything you might need. Tell me if you need anything else." Prem guided Aunt Praya to the kitchen to let her see his work.

"I'll show you your room." Wichapas led Build upstairs. When Blue saw them going up, he quickly followed and asked his Daddy to carry him. They went to the other wing of the house, almost at the end of the corridor.

"Daddy's room is there. Too far from us." Blue pointed to the other part of the house, pertaining to his Daddy's room at the end of the other wing.

"You can visit me anytime." Wichapas smiled at his son and then looked at Build. The latter's eyebrows furrowed a little, asking himself whether Wichapas is telling that to the kid or to him.

Wichapas opened a room, telling him to enter. The room is nice and big. It looks warm and cozy with its modern vintage design. The color is calm and relaxing. The bed is big enough to fit four people and looks so soft upon seeing the sheets.

"Wow! The bed is big like yours Daddy!" Blue jumped out of his father's arms and quickly went to the bed.

"If you need anything, just tell me. Cleaners comes every Wednesday. They clean the whole house and do the laundry." Wichapas informed him.

Build nods.

"How are you feeling?" Wichapas can't help but inquire. Build had been quiet since they got out of the hospital.

"I'm fine." Build's eyes wandered around the room just to dodge Wichapas' gaze.

Wichapas thought Build was uncomfortable with him. He's not talking that much and never looked at him. "I ordered something for lunch. You can take a rest for a bit and we'll call you when it arrives."

After that, Wichapas left the room. Prem carried the luggage in their room and he started unpacking. Blue went downstairs. Unpacking alone made Build think about what will happen in the next few days. Wichapas informed him that he ordered a high end lock mechanism abroad to be installed in their suite. Build declined, finding is very unnecessary. But when the man said that it was for Blue, he didn't argue anymore. Build wanted to visit the suite but Prem told him that a major renovation is ongoing and dangerous for him to be there. Build didn't know why a major renovation is necessary when all they need to do is replace some furniture.

After unpacking all of their clothes, Build went downstairs. As he was about to enter the kitchen, he heard a scream from his son followed by a loud giggle. Build stopped on his track and stared at his son who's running towards him.

"Papa!!"

Following the kid is Wichapas. Hair a little disheveled and is panting. Build looked lost and confused. Before he could utter a word, Blue spoke again.

"Papa, Daddy is tickling me all over my body!" Blue exclaimed, eyes teary from laughing and hid behind his father.

"Huh! You started it. You startled me when I entered the kitchen." Wichapas placed both of his hands on his waist.

"Noooo!" Blue laughed, the loudest laugh Build ever heard from him.

Build's heart filled with joy. He never thought Blue could laugh this loud. All this time, though Blue is an energetic kid, he never heard this kind of laugh from him.

Wichapas was about to get Blue from hiding behind his Papa.

"Papa, save me!" Blue tugged Build's shirt, smiling all teeth.

Wichapas stopped. An awkward air filled the space. He contemplated stepping towards Build. Knowing how awkward Build feels around him, he didn't continue. He made a great precaution on getting near Build. They had a few seconds of staring at each other's eyes, testing each other. But Prem saved the moment. He entered with a small box in hand.

"Khun!" He beamed, looking at Blue.

"My macaroons!" Blue ran to his Uncle Prem, itching to grab the box.

Build and Wichapas looked at the kid. They are still side by side but Wichapas' glance never left Build's face.

"Did you go out just to buy that for him? You don't have to do that." Build suddenly said. Blue was not a spoiled kid. Even though they have the money, Build taught him about being wise in all aspects. Build never tolerated unreasonable tantrums. He also taught Blue not to be an inconvenience to anyone if necessary.

"No, Khun. I went out to settle something." And he looked at Wichapas like he was asking something but chose to continue. "Khun Blue told me he wants macaroons so I stopped by the bakery to get some. It's not a problem at all." Prem smiled at Build genuinely.

Build sighed. "What will you say to Uncle Prem?" He said, looking down at his son who's struggling in opening the box.

"Thank you, Uncle Prem. You're the best uncle in the world!" Blue gave him a little thumbs up, making the man chuckle in delight.

The rest of the day went well. After lunch, they went into their own business. Wichapas and Prem went inside the home office, Build took a shower. It was almost three in the afternoon when Build realized that Blue was not yet back in their room, so he decided to follow him downstairs. The house was quiet and no one was around. Build directly went to the kitchen thinking that Blue might be annoying Aunt Praya. But as Build went near her, the woman was alone.

"Auntie, have you seen Blue?"

"No. The house was quiet. I thought he was with you. Have you checked his Daddy? They might be together."

Build muttered a thank you before heading to the home office. It was the last door, facing the backyard. He contemplated for a few seconds before knocking. After a while, Prem opened the door.

"Khun." Prem said and stepped aside to make way for him to enter. But Build stayed outside the office. Wichapas looked up. Upon seeing Build on the doorway, he immediately put the pen down and stood up.

"Do you need anything?" Wichapas went near them.

"I was just looking for Blue. Is he right here?" Build tried his best to speak clearly. Wichapas ang him locked their gaze so he can clearly see how Wichapas frowned.

"No. I thought he was with you."

Both of their stomachs clenched at the same time. Build immediately stepped away, multiple negativities crawling in his mind. His heart started to beat fast as with the heavy steps.

"The gate is locked, he won't be able to go outside. No one can easily enter the premises." Wichapas followed Build and tried to ease his worry.

As they step on the living room, there is no sign of Blue. Build started worrying more.

"Calm down." Wichapas told Build. "Prem, check all the surveillance cameras."

Prem was about to step away when they heard a little noise. The three of them followed the faint noise. They rounded the coffee table and saw Blue, laying in his stomach on the carpeted floor, snoring. Beside him is the carrot plushie. Build let out a sigh of relief, letting go of all the worries.

"You don't have to worry. The gate's lock is high and Blue can not reach it. No one can enter the house without permission. The guards are well aware of it." Wichapas spoke in the softest tone, trying to sooth Build's worries completely.

"You have guards at the gate now?" As far as Build can remember, the house doesn't have a guard. Whenever he drops Blue for the weekly visit, no one is stationed at the gate.

"For your safety, of course." Wichapas replied, stepping near the sleeping kid and scooped him up.

Build followed them upstairs, carrot plushie on hand. Wichapas went to their room. Build opened the door for him and placed Blue on the bed. As a deep sleeper, Blue didn't even stir.

"He's so like you. A deep sleeper." Wichapas whispered, but Build was able to hear it.

Build looked at the man who's currently tucking the kid. He didn't know how to react.

–

It's almost dinner and Aunt Praya and Build are working in the kitchen. Build is chopping some vegetables and Aunt Praya is busy on the stove. Prem suddenly entered.

"Oooh! Finally, I can have a better taste of Aunt Praya's home cooking again." He beamed.

The woman laughed at her. Prem went to the coffee maker.

"You'll have coffee?" Aunt Praya asked.

"I'll get a cup of coffee for Khun Wichapas. He's so drowned in his work. He didn't even eat the macaroons I gave him for a snack." Prem almost pressed the coffee maker but Aunt Praya halted him.

"Just a moment, I'll make him some tea." Aunt Praya immediately washed her hand and proceeded in making the tea she always makes for Build. "Why is he so busy at home? He should be resting when he is in the house."

Prem sat beside Build. "Things are a little bit hectic. We just transferred everything here and it is a little bit hard settling down."

Build looked at him. "Transferred?"

"Yes. Khun decided to transfer the company here from abroad. We just finished all the physical transfer but everything is still in the adjusting phase. The main office of his company is now here so he has to monitor them closely to avoid mishaps that could harm the company."

Build frowned. If everything is alright abroad, why did he choose to transfer everything here?

"Is he.." Build trailed off. Before he could continue what he was about to ask, Aunt Praya placed a cup of hot tea in front of Prem.

Prem muttered a thank you and stood up, the teacup on his hand. But before he left, he said. "Khun Wichapas is regaining his position as a Lord. He's almost finished with the assessment." Then he left.

Build was stunned. Does it mean Wichapas is staying for good?

–

During dinner, two men entered the dining room wearing a black shirt and jeans. Upon seeing their faces, Build already knew who they were. These two are the men who helped Build that night. The men bowed to Wichapas.

"Good evening, Sir." They both said.

Wichapas nod. "Build, this is Harris and this is Brent. They will be working for you." Wichapas told him.

Build clearly remembers asking Wichapas to keep them before he fainted. He looked at the men. In closer look, they both seem to be older than Build. "Hi, I'm Build. Have you eaten? Come and join us."

"We just ate, Khun. Thank you." And then they faced Wichapas. "We need to patrol the territory, Sir. Can we leave now?"

Wichapas nodded and the men left. Build pouted. He told Wichapas that the man was under his paycheck before but they asked for Wichapas' permission to leave. Wichapas misinterpreted his actions.

"Don't worry, they are my trusted men. They will take care of you and Blue."

Later that evening, Build emerged from working on his laptop. He's been away from work for several days and needs to cope up with a lot of documents on his email. He tried working on them one by one and checked them thoroughly. It was almost eleven in the evening when he felt thirsty. He stretched his body and looked at his sleeping son before standing up and going out to get a glass of water. The house is already dark and quiet. Thinking that he might be the only one awake, he stepped lightly on the floor to ensure no one would be bothered. He was guided by the little wall lamps on the corridor of the house. As he was about to reach the stairs, he saw a figure on the other wing, walking to him. He stepped on the dark side of the corridor, making sure he was not visible. The man almost reached the stairs. Build saw he was pulling a luggage behind him. As the figure passed a wall lamp, he saw that it was Prem. As he reached the stairs and was about to step down, Build went near him.

"Prem."

Prem squeaked, almost dropped the luggage. He clenched his heart when he saw Build going out of the darkness.

"Khun, you scared me." Prem tried steadying his breath. "Why are you still awake?"

Build didn't answer the question. Instead, he looked at the big luggage beside him. "Where are you going?"

Prem bit his lower lip and looked away. He acts like a kid caught in the act of doing silly things. When Build is certain that he won't be getting any answer, he spoke again.

"Whose luggage is that?"

Prem didn't answer again, making Build's patience grow thin.

"Answer me. Or I'll leave this house right now."

"Khun Wichapas asked me to pack his things. He told me to arrange an apartment for him earlier and he decided to stay there while you're here." Prem admitted, feeling defeated.

Build clenched his fist. The reason why Prem was able to buy Blue the macaroons is because he went outside to make arrangements in renting an apartment. "So, he doesn't want to be with me in his house?"

Prem's eyes widened. "No. That's not…" but before he could finish, Build went down already. He can see the anger in Build's eyes. He tapped his forehead with his palm accepting his faith that this will be a more common occurrence in the household from now on. The contradicting decision of his masters.

Wichapas went out of his office, laptop bag on his shoulder. He closes the office door with a click. He stepped cautiously to avoid bumping into something and making a noise. The whole household is asleep and the lights are off. He relied on the moonlight from the outside to get to the front door. But when he was already in the middle of the house, the light flicked open. Wichapas squints in the sudden brightness. He saw Build near the switch, arms crossed on his chest, an eyebrow ark.

"Running away again?" Build asked.

Wichapas was caught off guard. He looked upstairs and saw Prem halfway off the stairs with Wichapas' luggage beside him, looking down like a reprimanded kid.

"Why are you still awake?" Wichapas asked, shock evidence on his face.

"Is this the resolution you always have in mind? Always running away?" Build asked once again.

Wichapas sighed. "I am not running away. I just want you to stay here comfortably. I know having me around is bothering you. So, I opted to stay outside so you can stay without any worries."

"And how would you think I will feel when I know that the owner of the house moved out because of me?" Build started shaking in anger. "Have you asked me?"

Wichapas looked down, mirroring Prem's action. But he quickly looked up again. "It's fine. I'm willing to step out just to make you feel comfortable."

Build placed both of his hands on his side, clenching his fists. "You know what, if things are difficult for you, we'll just leave."

Wichapas perked up, alerted with what he heard. "No. It's not like that. Build, please. I'm just trying to make your stay here comfortable. And I know having me around is hard for you. I know I wasn't forgiven yet so I don't want to torment you with my presence. It's not what you think."

"You know what's wrong with you? You decide on your own. You don't know how I feel so don't make a decision using your guesses about me. If you leave now, we will leave this house too. Try me." Build snapped. It felt like he was kicking Wichapas out of his own home. It's embarrassing and concerning on his part.

"No. I…" Wichapas exhaled a defeated sigh. He will never win this conversation. "Prem, bring back the luggage upstairs." He said, looking straight in Build's eyes.

Prem quickly grabbed the luggage and stepped upstairs.

"I'm sorry. I don't want to make you feel that way." Wichapas apologized.

Build didn't answer. He just stepped away and entered the kitchen. He fetched the water from the fridge and poured it into the glass. He drank the water straight and sighed.

Upstairs, Prem is putting back everything in the closet with a smile on his face. Finally, someone who can knock off some sense to Wichapas is back. He tried opposing Wichapas' decision to move out but it was turned down. He's positive that Wichapas will be back to being rational again now that Build is back to his life. Even after being caught by Build, he feels great. He knows things will be better now for Wichapas now that Build is with him.

Chapter Text

Build woke up, squinted his eyes because the sunlight chose to rise on his face. He forgot to close the curtain last night due to immense anger. He rolled on the bed, only to find out he was alone. He looked at the clock. It's almost eight in the morning. He quickly washed up and went down. He went to the kitchen and found Aunt Praya done with cooking breakfast.

"Good morning, Auntie."

"Oh. You're awake. Blue is about to wake you up." Aunt Praya placed some dishes on the countertop.

"Where is he?" He asked.

Right then, Blue entered the kitchen followed by Wichapas. They locked gazes, making Build blush.

"Good morning." Wichapas greeted.

Build looked away before greeting back.

"Papa, I went to our room. You're not there." He ran to his Papa and asked to be carried. "Papa, I woke up today and this hurts." Blue pointed to his forehead. Build immediately understood the kid. His head is aching.

Build quickly felt his forehead to see if he have a fever. To Build's relief, his temperature is normal. "Let's eat then you'll drink medicine for the headache, okay?"

The kid nods.

"Go with Daddy at the table. We'll follow." Build instructed Blue and the kid complied.

Aunt Praya placed the dishes on the dining table. Build placed a cup of coffee in front of Wichapas, making the man look at him with a small smile. Build ignored it. Wichapas settled Blue in between him and Build's seat. When done, they all sat for breakfast.

"Where is Prem?" Aunt Praya asked.

"He left first. He has something to finish." Wichapas said while assisting Blue in eating.

"Let me handle him. You have to go to work. You need to eat." Build got the spoon on Wichapas' hand. He thought that Wichapas might not be able to eat well before going to work.

The breakfast went well. Wichapas left for work. Blue still has a headache until the afternoon. The kid's mood drops gradually. Build cuddled Blue on the couch when Aunt Praya approached.

"Build, my daughter called me and she is in the city. Is it okay if I meet her today?"

"Auntie, you don't have to ask for permission. Do you want me to go with you?" Build offered.

"No. Blue is not feeling well. I'll be fine alone. I'll be back before dinner." Aunt Praya smiled at him.

"You don't have to be in a hurry. Stay with her for as long as you want. I'll ask Brent to accompany you."

The woman didn't argue. She knows that all of them are not in a safe situation so she didn't decline the offer. She went to her room to change. Build called Brent and in an instant the man came in.

"Uncle Two, my head is aching." Blue faintly said, still cuddled in his father's arms.

Build smiled at his son. He calls Harris Uncle One and Brent as Uncle Two. Build tried correcting this but Blue didn't want to call them by their names. So he settled for those nicknames. The bodyguard seems not offended about it. In fact, they always smile when they talk to Blue. But other than that, they always have serious and calm expressions.

"Did you drink medicine already?" The man asked.

Blue nods. "It tastes awful."

Brent smiled. "It's fine. It's to make you feel better." Brent looked at Build. "Do you need anything, Khun?"

"Auntie is going out. Can you accompany her?"

"Of course." Brent said and asked permission to leave to get the car ready.

–

It was already dark and Blue's situation is getting a little worse. Build started to worry when he felt that Blue already had a fever and cold. He tried leaving Blue for a moment to cook something but the kid started throwing tantrums. To make everything quick, Build opted to make chicken noodles for the kid. While feeding Blue, the kid started to cough a little. The coughs were loud indicating that he has a phlegm. Build started to get more worried. He fears that something is wrong with Blue again like the early days. But Blue's doctor said he was already fine and nothing to worry about.

A few more spoonfuls of the soups and Blue vomited everything he ate. Build was shocked and he trembled.

"Are you okay, baby?" He asked, tapping the kid's back. "Let's go upstairs and clean you up, okay?"

Blue didn't answer. Build cleaned up the kid and put a new fever patch on his forehead. Blue drank his medicine. His cheeks and nose are red, eyes droopy but don't want to sleep.

"Sleep now, baby. Papa will stay here with you, my love." Build cuddles his son. When he's sure that Blue is asleep, he dialed Blue's doctors asking for advice. The doctor said it seems like it is just a normal fever. If something went wrong, especially his breathing, or Build was still unsettled, he said to bring the kid to the hospital immediately. Build monitored Blue's breathing. It was the thing he was most concerned about. Blue has always had difficulty breathing since he was a kid. If any symptoms appear, he will definitely bring Blue to the hospital.

The realization that he is currently alone in the house hits him. For years, he was completely fine with being alone in this kind of situation but he felt restless right now. Blue coughs in his sleep. Build continues to monitor his temperature and his breathing. Every thirty minutes, Blue will wake up to cry. Build will pat his back and coax him to sleep again. It was almost eight in the evening already, no one is back yet. Wichapas might be so busy. He knows that the transition of the company eats his time right now. Build fetched his phone from the night stand. He looked for Aunt Praya's number but he paused. Auntie is with her daughter right now, he doesn't want to spoil their meetup. Build bit his finger nails in anxiety. And then, Blue stirred up again. The kid fiddled and then sat up urgently and threw up again. Build's worry grew more.

After changing Blue clothes once again and changing the bed sheets, he immediately dialed Wichapas' number. It took a few moments before the call was answered.

(Hi.)

Build bit his lower lip and looked at his son. The kid is back to sleeping. "Hi. Sorry but are you busy?"

(What's up?)

Wichapas didn't answer his question, that means he is busy.

"It's Blue. He has a fever and vomited twice already. Auntie is out and…"

Wichapas sensed Build's tension. Build heard fumbling on the other line before hearing an answer.

(I'll be right there. Calm down, okay?)

"Yes. Make it quick."

(I promise.)

After hearing the word, the call ended. Build stared at the screen of his mobile. He thinks something is actually wrong. Before, whenever Blue is sick and he's so worried, he will call Sari to help him out. Right now, why did he call for Wichapas? Is he relying to him now? Build thought for sometime, eyes never leaving his son's sleeping figure. Wichapas is Blue's father too. It's just right for him to know the situation, he tried to reason out to himself.

After a few minutes, the door of the room opened. Wichapas, looking tired and anxious, entered.

"How's he?"

Build stood up. "He always wakes up and cries. The doctor said if he has difficulty breathing we should bring him to the hospital." He is calmer now that he knows he's not alone.

Wichapas nodded and sat on the bed, scanning Blue's face. When he realized Blue was deeply sleeping, he faced Build. "Have you eaten?"

Build shook his head.

"I haven't eaten yet either. I'll make something for us." Wichapas stood up and left the room.

Build stayed in the room with Blue. When Wichapas comes back with a tray of food, Blue is on his Papa's lap. Build rests his back on the headboard.

"He woke up? Did he throw up again?" Wichapas placed the tray on the mattress. He removed the two glasses of water and placed it on the bedside table.

"He has nothing to throw up anymore." Build caressed his son's back.

"Is he asleep now? Let's eat."

Build eyed the tray. Wichapas cooked some meat and on the bowl was the reheated chicken soup leftover. Build stomach churns. He wanted to eat. But when he tried to put down Blue on the bed, he cried. Build felt defeated. He settled Blue once again on his lap and rested his back on the headboard.

"Go and eat. I'll eat later." Build said.

Wichapas started cutting the meat. He scooped a spoonful of rice and a slice of meat. Build looked away to divert his attention. He can't bear to see Wichapas eat something good in front of him. But suddenly, the spoon is in front of his lips. He looked at Wichapas with questioning eyes.

"Just eat. I'll feed you." Wichapas moved the spoon and it touched his lips.

The smell of the meat invaded Build's mind. He's really hungry. He slowly opened his mouth and accepted the food. A small smile appeared on Wichapas' lips. He repeated the action. Alternately, he fed Build with rice and meat and then the soup.

"You should eat as well." Build told him, after accepting a few spoonfuls of food.

Wichapas scooped another rice and meat and ate it. Build widened his eyes as Wichapas used the same spoon he used to feed him. Scooped a spoonful of soup and blew it a little before feeding it to Build. It's like nothing for him that they used the same spoon. They ate at the same time alternately, they used the same spoon until they finished the two plates of food. After that Wichapas helped him drink the water and drank on the same glass he used. Build is still stunned.

After eating, Wichapas set aside the tray with empty plates. "I'll go wash up real quick. Call me if anything happens, okay?"

Build just nodded at him, feeling so embarrassed with what Wichapas did. Before Wichapas came back, Aunt Praya was already home. She said she had to drop her daughter off at the train station. After changing his clothes, Wichapas went back to the room. He found Build in the same position, asleep. He gently lifted Blue from his Papa, making Build wake up. Blue stirred and cried.

"Sssshh! It's Daddy." Wichapas positioned Blue on his lap, imitating Build's position. Blue opened his eyes and looked up at his father.

"Daddy." He called out with a faint voice and then he coughed.

"I know, baby. Daddy will cuddle you so Papa can lay down and sleep." While tapping Blues back, Wichapas then looked at Build. "Lay down properly. I'll wake you up if something happens." Wichapas moved his free hand and assisted Build to lay down. He covered Build with the blanket to make him more comfortable. Build's eyes are heavy. As soon as he felt comfortable, his eyes completely shut down.

Wichapas caresses Blue back while his other hand is tapping Build's head. He's losing himself in the battle of sleepiness but he tried his best. He remained awake just in case Blue wakes up due to discomfort.

It was dawn when Build woke up. He immediately sat up to check Blue. His abrupt actions shocked Wichapas.

"What's wrong?" Wichapas looked sleep deprived. A pang of guilt invaded Blue's mind.

"Sorry, I overslept." He said. He never sleeps this comfortably whenever Blue is sick. What's happening to him?

"It's alright. It's still dawn. Sleep more." Wichapas coaxed him. But Build can not do it anymore.

"I'm fine. You have to rest too." Build checked Blue's temperature. It's much lower than before. "Give him to me so you can sleep." Build tried to get Blue from his Daddy's lap but the kid buried himself on his other father's body.

"It's fine, really." Wichapas spoke, voice soft and endearing.

Build decided to get up and cook some breakfast. As expected, Aunt Praya is already working in the kitchen for breakfast. Build cooked Blue's favorite soup. When it's done, he went upstairs to feed Blue. As he opened the door, the sound of snores invaded the room. Wichapas, sat up while his back is resting on the headboard, is asleep. Blue is deeply asleep on his father's lap, cheek pressed on the older's chest. Their mouths were agaped, completely duplicating each other.

Build's heart swells.

Their resemblance is undeniable. Obviously, they are father and son. As Build went near them, he could perfectly hear the snores like they were competing with each other.

Build smiles.

They are so adorable. After a few minutes of staring, she placed the tray on the bedside table.

"Hey, baby love." Build caressed Blue's head. The kid woke up, slowly opening his eyes. "You have to eat. It's time for medicine."

Blue moved, making Wichapas wake up.

"You can lay down. I will feed him." Build told Wichapas, soft and caring. He feels guilty that Wichapas is awake the whole night while he's deeply asleep.

"I'm fine. I'll go and eat downstairs." Wichapas tried to put down Blue on the bed but the kid squirmed.

"I want to go with you, Daddy." Blue cried, feet and arms shaking vigorously.

Blue is throwing a tantrum early in the morning. Build can only sigh. Blue is always like this when sick. He only wants to be cuddled.

"Ssshhh. Don't cry. Your head will hurt more if you cry." Wichapas picked his son again and caressed his back.

Build can sense that Wichapas is being too softhearted with Blue. Everything that Blue says is followed. Wichapas never say no to Blue. Builds thinks it is something they talk about. But maybe some other time because Blue is not feeling well today.

"Okay. Let's go downstairs." Build told them.

They arrived in the dining room, Blue hugging his Daddy like a koala and Build on tow.

"Good morning, Khun." Prem greeted them.

Build returned the greeting and placed the food tray on the table. Aunt Praya immediately gets the tray and replaces the food with the hotter one.

"He's still not okay?" Prem asked, eyes on Blue.

"Uncle, Blue is sick." Blue looked at Prem with droopy eyes.

"Oh. What do you want to eat, young master? I can buy it for you." Prem cooed at Blue.

Build frowned. 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟. The last time Build heard that word was when he was with Tin and Ta, when Wichapas was still one of the Lords in the country. Build looked at Wichapas and it's very obvious that he's avoiding his gaze. Should he ask? Why would he? But he really wants to know.

"I want pizza." Blue answered with a hoarse voice.

"Okay. I will…" Prem was cut off.

"No pizza until you're not sick anymore. Come here. You have to eat and drink your medicine." Build didn't know what happened. Maybe he's a little irritated by the Wichapas and Prem is spoiling Blue so much or maybe because he was not informed by Wichapas' new hierarchical status.

They started eating breakfast. Aunt Praya made sure that the soup Build feeding Blue is still hot. The kid loves her cooking and ate more than he did last night. Wichapas tried to glance at Build but he received a glare. Prem saw it and was about to snicker on the side when he felt a glare too. Looking up, he saw Wichapas, eyes piercing on him. After breakfast, Build and Blue settled on the couch. Wichapas got them a blanket and Blue's medicines.

"Are you having a hard time breathing, baby?" Build asked his son who's laying on the soft couch and bundled by the thick blanket.

"No, Papa. Just hurts when I cough." Blue tapped his chest, indicating that it hurts whenever he has to cough.

"It's alright. When all the phlegm is out, you'll be fine. You have to tell me if you can't breathe, okay?"

Wichapas is sitting on the other couch, watching them. Prem is standing behind him.

"Papa, where is my carrot?" Blue asked. He forgot about it last night.

"Oh. I think it's in our room. Just a moment, I'll get it for you." Before Build could stand up, Wichapas spoke.

"Let me get it for you." The man stood up and gestured to Prem to follow him.

Build saw the simple signal and narrowed his eyes, suspicion growing inside. As the two retreating figures left the living room, Build sighed. What do he expect? That Wichapas will tell him everything that is happening in his life? Who is he to know that kind of information? Blue rolled his eyes, irritation growing inside him.

As Wichapas came back, he's already alone. He gave the carrot plushie to Blue and the kid cuddled it immediately. After a few taps from Build, the kid is already fast asleep. Wichapas stayed sitting on the other couch, watching the two of them. It made him calm.

"Aren't you going to work today?" Build asked him, eyes never leaving the kid.

Wichapas jolted a little, not expecting that Build would talk to him as he sensed the irritation on his glares earlier. "I'll wait until Blue is fine."

"Blue is feeling better than yesterday. You can go to work. You must have a lot of responsibilities already." Wichapas sensed the sourness in Build's voice.

Wichapas scratched the back of his neck and sighed. He never expected Prem to slip his tongue earlier.

"Let me explain."

"Why would you? Do I deserve to know that?" Build never spared him a glance. He kept tapping Blue's back.

"Build, please. Listen to me first." Wichapas tried to catch his attention.

"What? You'll tell me what conspiracy you are building with Prem?" Build raised his eyebrow, finally looking at Wichapas.

"It's not a conspiracy." Wichapas defended. He felt like he was being interrogated.

Build was about to say something when both of them heard a small voice.

"Are you fighting?"

They looked at Blue who's looking at them curiously. The fever patch on his forehead and the red nose makes him so adorable. His cheek is pressed on the pillow making his lips pout a little.

"No. No, baby. We're just talking. Sorry for raising my voice." Build caressed Blue's head.

"Papa smells like sour grapes." Blue said, closing his eyes and dozing off to sleep once again.

Build stopped. He tried processing what Blue said. He doesn't have a scent after giving birth to Blue. He looked at his sleeping son with confused eyes. Maybe the kid is just dreaming.

–

Blue is sitting on his Daddy's lap as they both watch the television. They just finished having lunch in the living room. Blue is a lot better now but still a little gloomy. Build was in the kitchen to bring the dirty plates when Harris came in.

"Sir, a woman named Sari is outside. She's accompanied by another woman and is asking to enter the premises." Harris reported, sternly.

Wichapas looked up at him, still cuddling Blue. "Let her in. And from now on, she can enter the premises without my permission. Not unless she's accompanied by others."

Harris bowed to him and left. Wichapas took a mental note to brief his men whom to trust and who is not. Build went back to the living room and started tidying up the blanket that Blue used. Before he folded the blanket, two women entered the house.

"Build!" Sari called him.

Build looked at her with surprise. He went near her and gave her a tight hug.

"Gosh! I miss you." Sari said.

"I don't believe you. You should've come sooner if you miss me." Build rolled his eyes, earning a smack on the arm.

"I have a surprise for you." Sari stepped aside to let Build see who's with her.

"Dr. Cherry!" Build screamed, running to the woman who's smiling at him widely.

With the scream, Wichapas looked up to them, revealing himself as he was covered by the high backrest of the sofa.

"How are you?" Dr. Cherry asked while returning the hug.

"I'm fine. When did you come? You should have told me." Build asked her.

"I have been calling you since last night but your phone is off. I went to your suite but it's under renovation so I called Sari and she told me you're here." Dr. Cherry roamed his eyes until it landed on Wichapas, who's sitting on the couch with Blue on his lap, looking at them. She slightly bowed. "I'm sorry for coming without notice, my Lord."

Blue snapped a look at Wichapas. The confirmation landed unexpectedly. Wichapas looked like a guilty man being caught in a red light. Dr. Cherry and Sari looked at each other with confusion.

"Good day, Lord Wichapas." Sari bowed as well.

Wichapas stood up, Blue clinging to him. "You don't have to worry about it. You are always welcome to our home. Please be comfortable."

𝑂𝑢𝑟 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒. Build knotted his eyebrows. Irritation growing once again.

Build assisted them to the couch. Before Build could sit, Wichapas went near him.

"Let's talk about it later." Wichapas said, in a whisper so the others won't hear and then she faced the girl. "I have to bring him upstairs. Please, enjoy your stay."

Sari and Dr. Cherry stood up and bowed to him.

"Please don't be too formal with me. Treat me like a friend." Wichapas fixed his son in his arms, that's when he noticed that Blue was already asleep. "Come on, baby. Let them gossip."

As Wichapas walked upstairs, Sari and Dr. Cherry laughed with what he said. They all sat on the couch. Dr. Cherry saw the medicines on the center table. Build quickly explained.

"Blue is sick. But you don't have to worry. He's better than yesterday. I think he just needs more rest and he'll be back to his usual self."

Dr. Cherry nods. They talked about a lot of things. Until it went to Build suspicion about Wichapas being a Lord and Dr. Cherry's confirmation earlier.

"So, why are you sulking?" Sari teased.

"Yes. Why are you mad that he didn't tell you?" Dr. Cherry asked.

"I'm not mad. It's just that… you know. I should know." Build shrugged. He can't even find the right reason why he is feeling this way. "You know what, nevermind. So, what brings you here?" He asked Dr. Cherry.

"Okay. Aside from checking on your condition that your previous attending doctor reported to me, I want to tell you both something."

Anticipation and excitement shone on Build and Sari's eyes. Sari and Dr. Cherry built a friend because of Build. The previous visits of Dr. Cherry in the past years made her create a bind with Sari as well. Back then, Sari and Build were so inseparable especially Blue was so little and Build was alone.

"I just wanted to say…" Dr. Cherry lifted her left hand and tucked her hair to his ear, making her fingers visible to the two. A pink diamond ring shown in the sunlight. Build and Sari gasps.

Build grabbed her hand and examined the ring. "You're getting married?"

Dr. Cherry nods with a big smile. Sari looked at the ring and laid his own hand on beside Dr. Cherry's.

"Oh my! You're engaged as well?!" Dr. Cherry screamed.

Sari nods as well. They both laughed wholeheartedly.

"That's crazy. Don't tell me, Build, you're engaged as well?" Dr. Cherry asked.

"I'm offended." Build smacked Dr. Cherry's hand playfully.

"Huh! Maybe soon." Sari shrugged.

"What do you mean?" Build raised his eyebrows.

"I don't know. We don't know the future." Sari roamed his eyes around the house like she's telling them something.

"You're unbelievable." Build rolled his eyes at her.

"What? It's not impossible." Sari spoke again.

Build became quiet. Was it really a possibility? Ge's afraid. Afraid that if he opens his heart again, he'll get hurt once more. He almost lost his life and his son because of love. He can't let that happen again.

Dr. Cherry grabbed his hand and caressed it carefully. "Build, I know everything that you've gone through, I understand the hesitation. But never close your heart, please. You deserve to be happy."

Build smiled timidly. "I'm happy. I have Blue. I need no one else."

Dr. Cherry and Sari shared a meaningful glance. If that's Build's decision, who are they to interfere?

"Speaking of Blue, I want him to be the ring bearer at our wedding. Is that fine?" Dr. Cherry said with full enthusiasm.

"Of course. He'll be excited for sure. When will it be?" Build asks.

"In two weeks."

"Oh! Are you in a hurry?" Sari asked.

"It was planned long ago. I just want to reveal it to you personally." Dr. Cherry smiled apologetically. "You'll be there both, right?"

"Of course! But make sure you're at my wedding too." Sari hugged her side.

"You don't have to invite me. I'll definitely come." Dr. Cherry beamed in laughter.

Build smiled at them. He's happy that his friends are settling down. They found their happiness.

At the end of the stairs, Wichapas is observing them. He heard the conversation as he went down to get a glass of water. He can see the emotions playing on Build's eyes. Wichapas saw a glint of sadness on his eyes but immediately washed over by a happy laugh.

–

Dinner was done and Blue is a lot better, almost back in his old self. Build changed his pajamas and let him sleep. He went down to grab a glass of warm milk to help him sleep. As he entered the kitchen, he saw Wichapas making coffee.

"Hi. Do you need anything?" Wichapas asked.

"I just need warm milk. I can't sleep." Build said and fetched a cartoon of fresh milk in the fridge.

"Let me." Wichapas got the milk from his hand and started heating it in a pan.

Build didn't move. He remained standing, body resting on the kitchen counter. He watched as Wichapas move fluidly in the kitchen. After a few minutes, the warm milk is ready. Build muttered a soft thank you before taking a sip. Wichapas stood beside him, placing the cup of coffee beside his glass of milk.

"I want to explain." Wichapas started. Build didn't speak. "I regained my title as a Lord last night. I was about to tell you but Blue got sick. When you call me, I just got back from the council. I wanted to get back home as fast as I could to tell you the news."

Build looked at him. "Why do you want me to know?"

Wichapas was taken aback. "Because I promised to tell you everything. I promised not to keep any secret from you." Looking at each other's eyes, the only light they have is the counter top lights making the surrounding peaceful. They were so focused on each other.

"Okay." Build looked away, feeling loud thumps on his chest. The stare is too much for him. What is happening?

"Sorry if you learned the news from other people." Wichapas spoke again.

"You don't have to. And congratulations." Build thought now that he is a Lord, he must be too busy. And staying here would be a burden. "I think we need to rent an apartment while waiting for the suite to finish. I don't want to burden you."

Wichapas frowned. "No. Stop thinking you're a burden. You will never be. All of you are safe here so please don't leave. Let's wait for the suite to finish."

Build didn't answer.

"Honestly, I don't really want to be a Lord anymore. All I want is a peaceful life with…" Wichapas looked at him with sincerity. "With Blue. But I need to make you and Blue safe. And in order for me to do that, I need this power. I am doing this to protect you both. I hope you understand."

Build's breath hitched. He can't believe Wichapas is being too straightforward to him. An undeniable happiness came to him.

"Where's Prem? I haven't seen him since this morning." Build diverted the topic.

"He's overseas, taking care of something."

–

Days after, Build woke up without Blue beside him once again. He is already used to that. Every morning, Blue always goes to his Daddy. As he descended the stairs, he saw Blue and Wichapas entering the main door. Both are wearing a white tank top, and gym shorts. Build frowned as Blue ran to him, all sweaty.

"Good morning, Papa love. Daddy and I went for a run. We jog!" Blue beamed.

Build's frown became deeper. Blue just got a fever a few days ago, he's worried he might get sick again.

"Good morning." Wichapas greeted, wiping his face with a towel making his biceps visible yo Build. His whole body is sweating and every muscle movement looks like his skin is shining. "Don't worry. He's not that tired. He's riding my back most of the time." Wichapas continued wiping his arms and then he fetched another towel from his shoulder and wiped Blue's body out of sweat.

Build can smell a familiar scent of summer wood and forest. It's suffocating but calming at the same time. Confusion and addiction invaded his mind.

"Are you okay?" Wichapas asked him with worry.

Build blinked twice, regaining his consciousness.

"Papa, I'm hungry." Blue tugged the hem of his shirt.

"Yes. I think breakfast is ready. Let's wash up and get some breakfast." Build guided Blue upstairs but he looked back. "Are you going to work today?"

Wichapas, caught off guard with the question, "No. It's Saturday." Actually, he has a lot of things to do but it could wait. There's something special going to happen today.

After breakfast, Build is working on his laptop. Blue and Wichapas are in the living room, playing. He let the two of them have the day together as Wichapas is spending busy days at work during weekdays. But Build heard a series of knocks.

"Build, you have visitors." It's Aunt Praya.

Build felt excited. Sari always visits him nowadays but Dr. Cherry is too busy with wedding preparations. Thinking it was Sari, he quickly turned off the laptop and went downstairs. He heard giggles and laughter, little voices. Build frowned. The kid they have in the house is Blue. His heart pounded.

As he entered the living room, he was greeted by multiple large luggage. It's like someone just came home from another country. His curiosity is killing him. The voices and laughter became clearer. He stepped forward and revealed himself to everyone. There he saw everybody. Wichapas is sitting on the couch, watching the three small figures trying out winter clothes. Aunt Praya, Prem and a woman standing on the side, laughing at the kids, as they do silly actions.

"It's hot and heavy." Blue complained.

"Wear this one, this looks good on you." One of the kids said. Build will never forget that voice.

"This one, too. You should try this as well." As well as that voice, it's so familiar to him that he didn't need to see their face to recognize them.

Build's heart is pounding so fast.

"Khun!" The woman screamed as she saw him. She immediately ran towards him with a bright smile.

Confusion is so evident in Build's eyes. He can't believe what he is seeing right now.

"Dao?" He spoke.

"How are you, Khun?" Dao asked, reaching for his hand but Build pulled her for a hug instead. Build hugged her tight until she felt her shoulder wet with his tears.

Build felt the longing and sadness again. But on top of it, he's so happy that he can finally see and touch the people he missed so much.

"I'm glad to see you too, Khun." Dao giggled, eyes became watery as she spoke.

Everyone can hear Build's sobs. It alarmed Wichapas and Blue. Dao kept caressing his back to calm him down. After a few minutes, Dao is wailing too. It alarmed Prem so he went near them and tried to console them both. After a few minutes of crying, they release each other. Build roamed his eyes around and saw the kids, Tin and Ta, looking at him. They looked hesitant. Build stepped forward but the kids stayed where they were, glassy eyes looking up at Build. The older crouched down to level the kids, like he always does. Tears continue flowing from his eyes.

"Hi." Build greeted them, almost a whisper because he's choking on his sobs.

"Phi." Tin whispered and he began crying.

Build opened his arms, telling them to give him a hug. Tin quickly dived in, burying his face on Build's shoulder. Build cried more, feeling the warmth on his neck. He looked up at Ta, who's holding back. Build smiled at him through his tears and caressed Ta's head.

"Can I have a hug?" Build asked.

As he spoke, fat tears fell from Ta's eyes. He dived in as well for the hug. Loud sobs were heard across the room. Wichapas had to pick up Blue because he can sense that the kid is so worried to see his Papa crying this much. Dao's loud cry chorused, making her body shake.

Prem ran his hand up and down her back before saying. "Stop crying too much. It's not good for you."

Chapter Text

"How are you, Dao?" Build started the conversation.

They're both seated on the couch while the kids are busy rummaging the luggage full of clothes and snacks that the twins brought. Wichapas and Prem are standing near the glass window, busy talking about something. Business, maybe.

"I'm alright, Khun. Khun Wichapas took care of us really well. How about you? How are you?" Dao's eyes are puffy due to crying.

Build kept wiping his nose with tissue, he can't stop tearing up. "Blue and I survived. That's the best thing that has happened in all of these years."

"He's big now. A very amazing kid. Full of energy." Dao smiled, looking at Blue.

The living room is now full of scattered clothes and snacks. Prem started cleaning it up. Blue ran to his Papa and asked to open a snack.

"Stop making a mess. Sit here and eat your snack peacefully." Build instructed the kid after opening the snack.

Blue followed. With open chips on hand, he climbed the couch and settled himself beside Build. Tin came running to him.

"Baby love, I have jellies. Look! Do you like these?"

Blue nods, mouth full of chips. He looks so adorable.

"Here. It's all yours. I have so much in my luggage. If you want more, tell me. Okay?" Tin pointed to his luggage.

Ta went to Blue. "Here. I bought you some clothes. What color do you like? Blue is beautiful, right?" Ta is holding a few shirts printed with some cartoon characters.

Blue nods again and clutches the shirts on his hand. Build almost laughed. The twins are really fond of Blue. Blue offered the pack of jellies to his Papa to open but Build denied, asking the kid to reserve this for later as he was still eating the chips. For sure, Blue and Tin will get along when it comes to food.

"Khun, I want to tell you something." Dao got his attention. Build immediately looked at her, full of anticipation. Suddenly, Prem sat beside her. "I'm getting married."

Build's eyes widened. "You have a fiancé?"

Dao nods. "And I'm two months pregnant." She held her belly that is not yet obvious.

"W-what?" Build became more surprised. "Who?"

Dao bit her lower lip and looked at Prem.

"Y-you?!" Build screamed. "Why you?!"

Prem cleared his throat. "I'm starting to get offended, Khun."

"I mean… Uhmmm… Why? Since when? How?" Build can't create a perfect question.

"Why not? And what do you mean how? Do you want to describe how we made this?" Prem laughed as he placed a palm above Dao's on her belly.

Dao smacked Prem's arm and glared at him. "Khun, I want you to walk with me on my wedding day. Are you fine with that?" She held Build's hand.

"Why me?" Build's eyes started to tear up again.

"You're the only family I have. Khun Wichapas will be Prem's best man so he won't be able to walk with me in the aisle. I want you to be beside me on that day. Please?"

Dao is an orphan. She doesn't have a family and staying with the Sumettikuls is the best thing she ever did. She was well taken care of like a real family.

"Of course. I'm more than glad to do that for you. Oh, Dao!" Build hugged Dao, his emotion overflowing. "When are you planning to do the ceremony?"

"Two months from now. We actually planned it before she got pregnant." Prem answered.

"They haven't talked to Prem's mother about the details of the wedding." Wichapas informed Build.

"We're planning to visit them soon. Can you go with us? I need your support." Dao is so nervous. Though he knows Prem's mother is nothing but kind, she can't help but be nervous.

"Sure. Just tell me when." Build held her hand, assuring her that she will support her all throughout.

–

The dinner table is so fun. As the kid throws stories and shared giggles. Wichapas attended to Blue as Build ate on his own. Nowadays, it has become a natural occurrence. After Build ate, he will take care of Blue and Wichapas will eat. They moved fluidly. Domestic.

"My birthday is near, right Papa?" Blue asked with full enthusiasm. Build nods. "I'm this?" Blue held his four fingers up high. Build laughed and nodded once again. "Daddy, can we go to the beach on my birthday?" Blue looked at his other father with hoping eyes.

Wichapas looked up, meeting Build's eyes. Remembering the time that he asked Build to help him plan for the birthday. Wichapas didn't answer, he's waiting for Build's signal.

"Of course. Daddy will arrange for your birthday at the beach." Build answered for him.

Wichapas never felt this way before. He's so happy that he can't even react. He heard shouts from the kids, screaming in glee. They started to lay down their plans on the special day.

As they retire for the day, Blue is still ecstatic with the happenings. He already has uncles to play with. It was very hard for Build to change his sleepwear as the kid kept moving and blabbing. When Blue is finally tucked, they hear small knocks at their door. Build smiled, he knew who their visitors were for the night. He stood up and opened the door. Tin, holding a plushie, and Ta, clutching a pillow, is looking up at him smiling. Build sighed with a smile and stepped aside, allowing the kids to enter. The kids beamed and ran inside. The sight of his uncles coming made Blue get up fastly.

"You'll sleep here?" Blue asked.

"Yes. We always sleep with Phi." Tin said.

"You have a plushie too? I have one too!" Blue got his carrot plushie and showed it to him.

"I bought that for you." Tin said, giggling.

"Really? This is from you?" Blue frowned. He thought this was from his Daddy.

"Yes. I told Hia to give that to you." Tin settled himself beside Blue. He tucked the youngest in and himself. Ta lay down beside Tin.

Build smiled at the sight. He was about to go near the bed when another knock was heard.

"That's Hia! Sleep! Let's pretend to sleep so he will not bring us to our room." Ta immediately coaxed his twin brother.

Tin then looked at Blue. "Close your eyes. Faster!"

The three kids pretended to be asleep. But their eyes are flickering and Blue's lips are actually smiling. No one would ever believe that they are asleep. Build's was caught again by knocks on the door. He opened it and didn't need to guess who it was because the kids were right.

"Sorry for bothering you. I know they are here." Wichapas spoke in an apologetic tone. "I'll get them."

Build looked at the kids on the bed. "But they are sleeping now." Build looked back at Wichapas and winked, hinting to believe him.

Taken aback, Wichapas asked. "Oh? They are?" But after a few seconds of silence, he realized what the wink meant. "Okay. I'll let them sleep here. Is that okay?"

"Of course, they always do that before. It's not a problem at all." Build gave him a small smile.

Wichapas longed for his smile. His eyes flickered in happiness when he saw Build smiling at him.

To tease the kids, Wichapas tried a technique he knew would work while trying to peek inside. "Good night, baby. I love you."

"Good night, Daddy. I love you too." And then they heard hushing and whispering.

Build and Wichapas both laughed with the silliness.

"Good night." Wichapas spoke again, looking at Build earnestly.

"Good night." Build answered with a nod.

"Hia, say 'I love you' to him too." They both heard a whisper from the bed. Ta's voice.

"He won't say it. You know how slow he is." Tin's small voice interrupted followed by a loud sigh of defeat from Ta.

They both look at the bed but the kids continue to pretend to be asleep. Unknowingly, Build's ears are red from what they heard. To save him from shame, he immediately closed the door.

–

Build decided to visit the suite. He wanted to know what's going on in their home. As he entered the building, the receptionists and guard greeted him. He misses the place and the friendly people. The staff stated that they miss Blue so much. Though the place was held accountable for what happened, Build didn't hold a grudge against them. He received an email after the incident from the building's management saying they are having their own investigation with the incident and will give him updates about it. As he went to his suite, he saw different materials in the hallway. He even hears some construction noises from his suite. He got near and heard some voices.

"Sir, the special door with high-end automated lock you ordered was still in progress. The manufacturer said it might take a month to finish and the delivery will take another month since it was from overseas." An unfamiliar voice was heard.

"Couldn't it be faster?" He heard Wichapas' voice.

"I asked them that but they said quality shouldn't be compromised. They don't want to lose you as a client."

"I see. Tell them to keep sending updates."

"Understood."

When Build is sure that they are done talking, he enters the room. The workers looked at him with curiosity, making Wichapas look back at him.

"Hey, why are you here?" Wichapas went near, a little shock about seeing him.

"I just want to check." Build roamed his eyes around. Wichapas is right, the whole suite is in renovation. There are even new couches that are still covered with plastic. Even the kitchen is being renovated.

"Oh, is he your husband?" The man with a folded plan on hand asked Wichapas. "Hi, Sir. I'm Engineer Reed. Nice to finally meet you."

Build looked at his laid hand that was waiting for a handshake. Build frowned. Husband, he said? He looked at Wichapas but the man looked away. Build squinted his eyes before accepting the handshake.

"Hi, call me Jakapan." Build spoke.

Build stayed for less than an hour. Mr. Reed guided him to the suit and explained the changes. Build finds it exaggerated. From the customized door to everything that is happening on the construction. As the tour ended, they decided to leave.

"Did you drive here?" Wichapas asked when they rode the elevator.

"No. I'm with Harris." Build answered.

"Good. I'll drive you home."

"You don't have to. You need to go to work." Build found out from the man earlier that Wichapas always stop by everyday to check the progress of the construction.

"I insist. Let Harris follow us." As they reached the parking lot, Harris immediately went near Build. Before the man could speak, Wichapas instructed him to just follow them.

The journey was quiet but Build had a lot of questions in mind. The silence inside the car makes him more itchy to ask the questions. After contemplating for a while, Build can't hold it in anymore.

"Are those necessary?" He asked.

Wichapas glanced at him real quick before looking back at the road. "Hmm?"

He was about to speak but his eyes traveled to the Wichapas' long fingers on the steering wheel and then to his slender arms where his dress shirt is folded up to his elbows making his nerves in the arms visible. Wichapas never changed. He's still the fittest man he's ever known. His gaze traveled to Wichapas' broad shoulders until a silver necklace caught his eyes. But he wasn't able to see the pendant of it as it was hidden behind the cloth.

"Build?" Wichapas' tone laced with worry upon not hearing anything from Build.

Immediately, Build looked up and their eyes met. The unknown force traveled to Build chest until he felt a loud thump on his throat and a jolt of pain on his stomach. He frowned. Clearing his throat, he fixed his position and looked forward.

"I mean, the customized door and hiring an engineer for the renovation. Isn't it too much?"

"The door is for security and the engineer is to make sure the contractors will follow my demands. I want the best security for you and Blue. I will not take the risk of you staying in a less secured house once again." Wichapas never looked at Build while speaking. Though his eyes are busy on the road, he fought the urge to hold Build's hand right now. "I'm sorry for not consulting you about it. I should've asked for your opinion. Should I stop everything and let you handle it?"

Build felt the worry on his tone. He never wanted to make him feel that way. In fact, he's glad Wichapas took the initiative to do all of that for them because he passed out after the incident.

"Everything was set. The materials had been ordered and the construction had already started. Let's not make it go to waste. Thank you, by the way."

Wichapas smiled at him earnestly. "You don't have to say thank you. You know why I am doing this."

Build felt his ears felt hot but he bit his lower lip to refrain from being obvious. "Send me the bill after the construction."

Wichapas frowned. Build saw how his hands gripped the steering wheel tightly but the man didn't answer. Instead, a loud ringing of Wichapas' mobile phone echoed inside the car. It was connected to the car's head unit so Wichapas answered it by tapping the touch screen.

"𝑆𝑖𝑟. 𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑜𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒? 𝑌𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑖𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦."

Wichapas' frown became deep. "Is it urgent?"

"𝑌𝑒𝑠, 𝑆𝑖𝑟. 𝐼𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛."

Wichapas looked at Build. "Alright. I'll be there."

And then the call ended. Before Wichapas could speak, Build started.

"It's fine. Let me ride with Harris."

"No. Ahmm.. Can we stop by the office real quick? It won't take long. I'll take you home after." Wichapas don't want to let go of him. As this is the only time he was alone with Build, he wanted to seize the moment.

Build didn't answer. Few minutes later, they pull up in front of a new building. Build looked up, noticing that the Building is newly built. It was not too tall but it was wide. Wichapas rounded the car and opened the passenger seat for him.

"I'll just wait for you here." Build answered, looking up at the man.

"Why? Come with me." Wichapas laid out his hand.

Build pondered before removing the seat belt and accepting the hand. As they entered the building, the receptionists immediately stood up upon seeing Wichapas. They bowed to them deeply. With a shy feeling, Build returned the gesture. And then Prem came into sight.

"Khun, you're here!" Prem beamed with joy like they haven't seen each other at home. The immense reaction made Build frown.

Prem and Wichapas stared at each other. They are communicating with their eyes. The fact that they worked together for a very long time created a very strong communication between them that they can understand each other just by staring.

"You can talk like normal people, you know." Build interrupted, feeling annoyed as he watched them.

"I'm sorry, let's head to the office." Prem stepped aside to let them go ahead to the elevator.

As they rode the lift, Prem started giving out information regarding the building.

"This is just a ten-story building. The main chief's office is on the last floor. The rest are offices of different departments." Prem continued giving out information that Build can't quite grasp why he needs to know. When they reached the floor, Prem guided them out. The hallway is made of glass walls that make Build see what's inside of every room. People were busy with their jobs but when they passed by everyone looked at them and bowed. An immense embarrassment crept inside him. The attention he is getting is really not sitting on him well.

Before Prem could open a huge door, a loud voice was heard from the other wing of the hallway.

"Khun!" The three of them looked at the woman who's happily running to them. "You're late!" The woman placed his hands on his waist like reprimanding Wichapas.

"What are you doing here?" Wichapas asked, calmness in his voice is evident.

"Why are you like that? Can't you be warmer to others? Here." With frowning eyebrows, he held out a folder to Wichapas. "The revised contract. Tell if it is good enough already so we can both sign it up. Stop being demanding. You're asking me to be an investor so treat me well."

Wichapas accepted the folder. "Let me review it first. And for your information, you volunteered to be my investor." Wichapas gave the folder to Prem.

Build only followed their actions with a quiet gaze. His eyes traveled to whoever was speaking. He felt invisible. His eyes observed the woman in front of them. She was wearing an Earth-toned coordinate clothing. Her straight cut pants go really well with her fitted crop top covered by a suit with the same color. She's wearing heels and her hair is long and shiny like a princess. She's beautiful, all in all. Build scrunch his nose discreetly. He felt a little insecure as he realized today's fashion is just sweatshirts, denim pants and rubber shoes. He's not actually planning to go here in the first place. If he had known, he would wear something formal.

The woman looked at Build. "Is he an investor too? Hi, I'm Iris." And she laid out a hand.

"I'm Jakapan." Build accepted the hand and they did a handshake.

"Let me warn you. He's too picky with terms and conditions. The folder I gave him was my third draft of terms and conditions." Then she clicked her tongue like a disappointed girl.

The closeness between them was evident, Build thought. They talk like they know each other really well.

"No. I'm not an investor." Build cleared up.

"Really? Then…" Iris looked at Wichapas but before she could continue to speak Prem intervened.

"He doesn't need to invest, Khun Iris. I'll let you know regarding the update of your document." Prem smiled at the woman.

"Okay. I'll head out now. And you.." Iris glared at Wichapas. "Answer my calls, will you? You're really hard to reach."

Prem looked at Build, fearing his reaction might be negative, he interfered.

"Don't contact him, Khun. If you need anything let me know first and I'll make it work for you." Prem guided the woman to the elevator.

Wichapas opened the huge door and guided Build inside. The office was huge and fresh. The ceiling to floor wall glass made him see the whole city outside. It was ten in the morning and the streets were busy. Build roamed his eyes. The room has minimal decors, very Wichapas coded.

"Please feel comfortable. I'll make this as quick as possible." Wichapas said as he sat on his chair and started scanning the documents on the table.

Build sat on the sofa, still looking at the decors. The opened and Prem entered with the folder from Iris and placed it down on the table to be reviewed.

"Khun, would you like some tea?" Prem asked him

"Don't mind me." Build smiled at Prem.

"Tell me if you want anything."

"Sure."

Build stayed seated as Prem and Wichapas worked. He occupied himself with texting Dao and asking for the kids. He can't help but smile as Dao sent him a photo of the kids playing in the living room.

After more than an hour, Wichapas stood up and went near him. "Are you okay?" He asked.

"Yes." Build answered.

"Sorry for making you wait. I'm done. Let's go?" Wichapas held out his hand to help him stand.

Build accepted the hand but let it go when he was already standing. They left the office and headed to the elevator. When they were about to exit the building, Wichapas spoke.

"It's almost lunch. What do you want to eat?"

Build looked at him. "Aren't we going home?"

Home. Build is regarding the place as 'home' these past few days. He sighed.

"Let's eat lunch first before going home."

They rode the car once again and headed to a restaurant. Build bit his lower lip. If he had really known that they were going to the office and to the restaurant he should've worn something better. Right now, he won't even be mistaken as Wichapas' assistant. Standing beside a well-dressed Wichapas is very embarrassing.

As they went in to look for a seat, a familiar figure collided with them at the entrance. Build automatically felt fear and anger. He looked at the figure with full disdain but he never uttered a word. In full instinct, Wichapas held Build's wrist and stepped forward fluidly to cover him from the man. A protective gesture.

"Khun Jakapan, can we talk?" Lord Ram started the conversation.

Wichapas observed him. There is no sign of remorse in Lord Ram's eyes. Instead, determination and arrogance is still evident. A glint of hope that Build would never reject his offer. But Build remained quiet. His hand was shaking uncontrollably and he felt cold.

"I just want to apologize about what happened. I was drunk and I didn't know what I was doing. I tried reaching out but you blocked my number. The staff on your place said you moved out. Where are you staying right now?" Lord Ram continued to talk, ignoring Wichapas' glare.

"You don't have to know." Wichapas answered, voice icy.

Lord Ram inhaled, trying to calm himself. "Lord Wichapas, have you ever tried not to intervene when others are talking? It's basic etiquette."

Wichapas grinned, grip tightening on Build's wrist. "He's not talking to you. You're just blabbering on your own."

Lord Ram tried his best to suppress his anger. "This is between him and me. Step aside and let me talk to him." He stepped forward to get closer but Wichapas stepped forward as well.

"You have to get through me before you can touch him."

They glared at each other. They started to gain attention. People are looking at them already.

"You think I can't get past you?" Lord Ram snickered. "Too confident for a newly approved member of the council."

"We're on the same status now. I can do what you do. Or it might be better what you can do." Wichapas grinned, eyes challenging like a wolf in range.

The anger inside Wichapas is starting to be uncontrolled. They can feel the range invading his sanity. The urge to throw Lord Ram on the floor became more challenging. His body and mind is clouded by anger, an urge to kill.

"Too ambitious. You can't beat me." Lord Ram smiled like an evil. It is clear that he is provoking Wichapas to do the first move. In this situation, if Wichapas hit him first, people will definitely think he is the victim.

Wichapas, consumed by anger, let go of Build wrist and was about to throw a punch but Build quickly stepped forward to stop him. Build held Wichapas' hand and the other hand on Wichapas' waist. In Lord Ram's angle, it looks like Build is hugging Wichapas.

"Hey, calm down. There's too many people here." Build whispered but it seems like Wichapas can't hear him. He looked into his eyes but all he could see was fire. Wichapas is so mad. "Hey, look at me." He tried getting his attention but no success.

Wichapas is lost in emotion. All he wanted to do is to punch that face and beat him. He wanted to tear him apart until he begged for his life. He wants to see how Lord Ram will crawl on the ground, trying to escape his wrath. But no matter how Lord Ram tries to escape, he can never get away from him. He has to teach him a lesson. Wichapas is lost in the dark, mind clouded by revenge.

But he suddenly felt a warm hand on his cheek, making the surge of anger find its calmness. Slowly guiding his face, Build made him look at the latter's worried eyes.

"Love, can you hear me?"

Chapter Text

With Harris on the driver seat, the journey back home is deadly silent. Wichapas is leaning on the backrest, eyes closed. Build is sitting beside him, occasionally eyeing Wichapas to check. It was noon, the sun was hanging proudly on the sky but the cold aura inside the car was suffocating. Build can not find the correct word to ask Wichapas as he saw the man with creased eyebrows, eyes still closed. Soon, they arrived at the house. It took a few minutes before Wichapas realized that they arrived. Build is sitting completely silent beside him, not leaving his side.

"Come on. You have to eat lunch." Wichapas said coldly.

Build can't find the reason why Wichapas is acting that way. Since they left the restaurant after the argument, he's been not in the mood. Build followed him out of the car and headed inside. As they heard the consistent laughters of the kids, Wichapas immediately headed to his home office without uttering a word. The kids saw Build standing on the front door so they ran immediately.

"Lunch is almost done. Be at the dining room in thirty minutes." Aunt Praya announced.

The kids beamed. Instead of waiting, they followed Aunt Praya to the kitchen. Dao went near Build and tapped his back softly.

"Khun, are you okay?"

Build blinked twice, trying to get back to reality.

"Did you and him had a fight?" Dao inquired further, pertaining to Wichapas and him.

Fight? Did they fight? He just tried to refrain Wichapas from hurting Lord Ram. After that, Wichapas never uttered a word.

𝐷𝑖𝑑 ℎ𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑅𝑎𝑚? 𝑊𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑚?

"Can you call Prem and tell him to get here as soon as possible?" Build asked. Dao immediately nodded and fetched her phone from her pocket.

While Dao is talking with Prem on the phone, Build went to the home office. He held the knob to open it but he heard clashing and the sound of broken glasses inside. Build flinched. His eyes widened as he heard the continuous crashing inside. It felt like someone he didn't know was inside the room and it made him afraid to go in.

"Khun?"

Build didn't know when Dao went near him. He's looking at the door without blinking.

"He's like that when he's too stressed. He developed that attitude four years ago, when we left. He didn't sleep and eat for weeks. He almost never talked even to his brothers. He shut himself in his room." Dao sighed. "Until we found him unconscious one day. We brought him to the hospital and the doctor said he was too stressed out. They think he was close to being insane. Khun Wichapas was prescribed with medicines that he should take if he acts like that but most of the time he only allows Prem to get near him."

Build analyzed all that Dao is telling him. He felt his fingers grow cold.

"He always wanted to get a flight back here but we can't let him go in that state. And when he's calm down, Prem always asks him about the flight but he always refuses, telling us that coming back will harm you and your son. But the truth is, the more he holds back, the more his mental health crashes down. Coaxing him to eat is so hard, even his brothers can not do that. Until Prem found a way to get information about you. Getting updates makes him calm and slowly gets back to his old self. But every time he wants to know more about you, Prem gets stucked. Like he was being devoid of digging more updates about you and your kid."

Build clenched his fist. All this time, Fah is watching them and doesn't let Wichapas get connected with them.

Frantic steps captured their attention. Prem came, rushing. He heard the crashing sounds inside and immediately entered the room. After a few minutes, the noise subsided. Only then, Build had the strength to push the door open but before he entered, he instructed Dao.

"Please look after the kids. Don't let them get near here."

Build doesn't want the kids to see what is going on with Wichapas. As he entered the room, it was dark. No light is coming in, the window is shut as well as the lights. He can see the silhouette of Prem running from the restroom and going back to the couch. Then he realized Wichapas was sitting on it. Build clicked the lights open. Both Prem and Wichapas looked at him, a little shocked. Prem is holding a first aid kit. Build scanned Wichapas' body, looking for the reason why Prem needed the kit. His eyes stopped on Wichapas' hand. It's bleeding profusely. The blood is dropping from his fingertips to the carpeted floor. Build's heart pounded loudly. He almost ran to Wichapas, the sight of blood terrifying him.

"You…" Build cannot finish his words, terrified with the sight of blood. "What…"

"He got a cut on his palm and his wrist." Prem answered his unspoken question.

"Are you trying to kill your self?! You shouldn't have done that!" Build's lips quivered.

Wichapas looked at him with bloodshot eyes, tears brimming. "Sorry. I didn't mean to."

Build frowned. He cannot understand what is going on with him. His eyes traveled inside the room, things were shattered, glasses were broken and papers were everywhere. Build's eyes landed on three bottles of pills on the table. He picked it up and read it. Though he doesn't know what they are, he has a guess. He looked at Wichapas but the man looked away, avoiding his gaze.

"We have to bring you to the hospital. First aid kit is not enough for your wounds."

"No need. Prem always does this." Wichapas shifted his position on the couch. His cold demeanor towards Build made the latter uneasy.

Prem was about to open the kit but Build grabbed it. He opened the kit and wrapped the unclean wounds with a thick gauze. "It's either you go with me to the hospital or I'll leave this house. You choose."

Wichapas snapped his look at Build who was busy with wrapping the wound, making his fingers dirty with blood as well. When he was done, he stood up and instructed Prem.

"Prem, get the car ready. The wound needed to be taken care of immediately." Build spoke.

Prem left, feeling relieved that finally someone can control Wichapas. Over the last four years, they have been dependent on the medication to get him back to reality but now Build is more effective than those pills.

Build is so anxious with the wounds. If the cut on his wrist is too deep, that would be a big problem. They sneaked out of the house, they didn't want the people in the kitchen to worry, especially the kids. When they got in the car, Build texted Dao about what happened.

In the hospital, Wichapas' wounds are being stitched and wrapped into thick bandages. The nurse also gave Wichapas a wrist splint on top of the bandages, saying his right wrist is also sprained. After that, the doctor prescribed a painkiller and some instructions on how to clean and take care of the wounds. They left the hospital, the ride was quiet. Build thought Wichapas was asleep as the man didn't utter a word and kept his eyes closed. He looked at his hand. Trying to recall everything that happened. He was about to touch the bandaged hand when the car stopped, and they were back to the house. Wichapas opened his eyes and Build looked away, pretending nothing happened.

As they entered the house, the kids were down for a nap in the living room, completely asleep on the couch.

"How are you? What happened?" Aunt Praya came to them, eyes really worried.

"I'm okay, Auntie. Just a small cut." Wichapas answered, trying to ease the woman's worry.

"I'm not a child anymore. I know if a wound is serious or not. You even have a splint." Aunt Praya glared at him, making Wichapas scratch the back of his neck. "I'll heat up the food. The three of you haven't eaten lunch yet." Then she went to the kitchen.

"Come and eat. You have to take the painkiller." Build instructed Wichapas.

Prem looked at Wichapas. Whenever he says that, Wichapas will refuse. But this time, Wichapas followed obediently. Prem snickered.

As they sat down at the dining table, the food was served. On the bad side, the food was pasta and beef. Wichapas cannot use the knife to cut the meat.

"Little Ta requested for that dish. Eat that for now and I will cook softer food later at dinner so you won't have a hard time." Aunt Praya spoke.

Just as Wichapas was about to pick up the knife with his injured hand, it fell down. His fingers are nonfunctional because of the bandage and splint. The thin sound of metal on the floor made Wichapas stop. They heard a sigh from Build and he started cutting his own meat.

"I'll get you another one." Aunt Praya picked up the knife and went back to the kitchen.

But before Aunt Praya came back, Build switched their plates. Build got Wichapas' untouched food and replaced it with a plate of cut meat and pasta. Wichapas looked at him.

"Eat." Build said quietly.

Wichapas' chest felt warm. He cannot believe Build is taking care of him right now. Being consumed by the warm feeling, he demanded. "Feed me. My hand is injured." He lifted his bandaged hand.

"You're ambidextrous. Stop fooling me." Build continued cutting the meat on his own plate.

Wichapas pouts. Mission failed.

He glared at Prem who was silently laughing on the other side of the dining table. When Prem saw him glaring, he cleared his throat and calmed himself.

After the late lunch, the tiredness of the day hit Wichapas. He sat down on the couch, beside the sleeping Blue. On the other couch, Tin and Ta were tangled and asleep as well. The best thing about Ta, no matter how much he bully his twin brother, he always makes sure that Tin is safe and secure. Wichapas made his way to squeeze himself to Blue's side, avoiding to strain his injured hand. After a very hard attempt, he made it successfully. Blue immediately wrapped his arms to his Daddy's neck, still asleep.

"Tata Love ate my gummies." And then the kid pouted.

Wichapas observed the kid. He thought he was awake but seeing his normal breathing, he found out that the kid was sleep talking. Wichapas smiled with content. He kissed Blue's head before dozing off to sleep.

Wichapas gained his consciousness upon hearing small noises beside him. He opened his eyes slowly and saw the three kids playing on his splint. Ta is drawing something while Tin and Blue are patching stickers on it.

"I'll put the blue whale here." Blue said before patching the sticker on the splint.

"What are you doing?" In a hoarse voice, Wichapas asked.

The kids stopped and looked at him. "We're treating you, Daddy. They will help heal your hand." Blue answered and continued patching stickers.

"Hia." Tin stood up and looked at his face carefully. "Are you okay? Does it hurt so bad?" Tin had tears brimming on his eyes, indicating that he is so worried.

"I'm okay. Just a small wound." Wichapas smiled at the kid, trying to wash away the worry.

"It's not a small wound. You are bandaged thickly. It means it's a big wound. And you have a wrist splint, it means your hand is not well." Ta spoke while doodling on the splint, speaking as straightforward as he always be.

The words made Tin more worried and he began to cry. "You will not pass out again like before, right?"

Wichapas had to sit down to hug Tin. "I'm really okay. Don't worry."

"Before, you passed out and slept for days. I don't want that to happen again." The kid trembled in Wichapas' arms.

"Ssshhh. Hia is okay. Believe me." He tapped the kid's back using his uninjured hand.

Minutes later, the kid calmed down. Removing the embrace, Wichapas found Build sitting on the adjacent couch. The man is busy with his laptop, probably working. Wichapas was about to speak when Build's phone rang. As Build answered the call, he stood up and brought the laptop upstairs.

The dinner passed by as usual, noisily voiced by the stories of the three children. As Build settles Blue on the bed, the kid is already asleep. He remembered Wichapas didn't clean the wound on his hand and had to change the bandage. Build contemplated for a moment before stepping out of the room. He strode on the other wing and found himself next to Wichapas' door. It was slightly ajar so he's hearing a conversation inside.

"Slowly!" It's Wichapas' voice.

"I'm trying my best to be gentle. Just don't move too much." And there's Prem.

"You're not being careful at all. It hurts."

"Be quiet. They might hear us."

Build frowned. A little skeptical about what he is hearing. They are almost whispering, trying to be discreet.

"Make it fast. I want this to be done as quickly as possible."

"Then stop wiggling. Stay still. I'm almost done."

Build can't help it anymore. Severe curiosity is killing him so he pushed the door open. Prem and Wichapas stopped, Prem's hands on Wichapas' dress shirt obviously opening the buttons. They are looking at Build with obvious shock. The three of them exchanged gaze until Prem had to cry in pain as Wichapas kicked his shin.

"Fuuuck!" Prem jumped several times, clutching his leg.

"Get out." Wichapas glared at him. Embarrassment dawned at him after realizing that Build saw them in that situation.

"You just asked for my help and you…" Prem stopped, realizing the situation. He looked at Build and then back to Wichapas and then back to Build. "Oh! I just remembered Dao is looking for me." He stepped quickly to the door where Build stands quietly. "Please help him change. His hand is quite useless as of the moment and taking off clothes is hard for him." Prem was about to completely leave but he turned back. "It's not what you think. I was just helping him. Really." And then he left.

Build and Wichapas were left looking at each other, Wichapas' face tinted in embarrassment. Build cleared his throat before speaking.

"I was just going to remind you to clean your wound and change the bandage before going to bed."

Wichapas blinked and couldn't find any words to say. After that, Build left the room, slamming the door shut. Wichapas looked at his body still fully clothed. Prem only managed to unbutton three of them. It's really hard to use his fingers now. Then he looked at his belt. It was still locked. It would be a bit hard unlocking it using only one hand. Wichapas sighed. He started unbuttoning the dress shirt sloppily but he was shocked once again when the door of his own room opened abruptly. Build strode in with a frown and closed the door. He went straight to where Wichapas was standing and started unbuttoning his shirt.

It took a few seconds for Wichapas to grasp what was going on. As he felt Build's fingertips brushed on his bare chest, he felt the most caring touch he ever had in the past few years. Build's forehead is frowning but the look in his eyes is screaming worry. His gentle touch made Wichapas' heart swell. Slowly, a smile formed on his lips.

Build glanced up. He frowned more upon seeing Wichapas' curved lips. "What are you thinking?"

Wichapas removed the smile and immediately shook his head. Build removed the shirt and instructed him. "Clean your self. When you're done, I clean the wound and change the bandage for you."

Wichapas was about to head to the bathroom but he found himself half dressed, his pants is still on. He looked at Build with pleading eyes and then looked at his belt. Build followed his gaze and immediately turned red as he saw the well-defined V-line peeking out the pants' waistband. Sighing defeatedly, he reached out to undo the belt and shooed him on the bathroom. Wichapas smiled agaid with his reaction. Refraining to wet his injured hand, he successfuly cleaned himself. He went out of the bathroom only wearing a pajama pants and a towel draped on his shoulder, hair still wet from the shower. Build is sitting on the bed with the first aid kit. Upon seeing him, Build immediately turned red.

"Can't you even wear a shirt?"

"I can't. I'm having a hard time with my hand." Wichapas raised his injured had.

Build rolled his eyes. He gestured Wichapas to sit beside him to change his bandage. As Build started, Wichapas never left his gaze on Build. His facial features never changed, though he looked more mature than before. His skin is still soft and he still smells so good.

"If you keep looking at me like that, I will leave this instant." Build spoke without looking up at him. He continue cleaning up the wound.

"I can't help it. You're still as beautiful as the first time I saw you." Wichapas murmured.

Build's hand stopped. He had to breathe deeply to regain his focus. "The first time you saw me, I was looking disheveled from running away from the guards. Do I look beautiful that time?" Build raised his eyebrow.

"If I'm not captivated, why would I let you ride my horse that day?" Wichapas tilted his head to the side. “I even told the guards I didn’t saw a thief when you are right there beside me.”

“I became a thief because of your brothers. I…” Build exhaled, trying to contain his feelings.

“That’s the best lie I have ever made in my life.” Wichapas whispered; eyes still glued to Build’s face.

Build looked back at him. His eyes are asking for a lot of questions but he can’t voice them out. Either he doesn’t know what to ask first or if he still want to ask. Suddenly, the electricity turned off. The moonlight from the open window iluminate the beauty of their physique. As the glowing lights touched Build’s face, Wichapas can’t help but touch his face. Tracing every feature, Wichapas can’t help but smile.

“I miss you so much. I miss being this close to you. I miss seeing your beautiful face. I miss touching you. I miss your smell. I miss you every single day. I don’t want to be away from you again.” Wichapas’ heart ached from longing.

Build bit his lower lip, trying his best not to cry. “Then why did you left? Why didn’t you came back soon? Am I a burden? Am I weak?”

“You are the bravest person I’ve ever known. You are the strongest. I apologize, I really do. Please give me another chance. Not just as Blue’s father but as your partner too. I love you so much.”

Build’s eyes filled with tears.He doesn’t know what to do. His heart is screaming in joy and pain at the same time. Build closed his eyes. What he had endured these past few years was unforgettable. The sleepless nights, the hurtful days. He only has Blue that time, his only source of life.

Suddenly, his eyes opened in shock. “Blue. Blue is afraid of being alone in the dark.”

As the power was out, the entire house was dark. Build quickly stood up and ran to the other wing where their room was in. Wichapas followed him closely. Build opened the door only to see the messy bed without Blue. His heart leaped.

“Blue?!” He bursted out. Build was about to step back when he collided with a strong body. He staggered but a strong arms steadied him, almost lifting him up.

“Relax. Blue will not be able leave the house. Where surrounded by tough security.” Wichapas told Build in the calmest way possible. Though he is a little anxious as well, he never lets Build see it.

The light flicked open. The electricity is back. Right then, they heard cheering from the twins room. They both went to the room to check.

“See? I told you the lights will be back soon.” Tin’s voice echoed.

“Stop crying now. Let me clean your face. Come here.” Ta’s voice followed.

Few more noises can be heard inside. Build and Wichapas looked at each before Wichapas open the door. They saw the three kids sitting on the bed. Ta is cleaning Blue’s face with his hand while Tin is rubbing his back. The kids sensed their presence.

“Papa.” Blue called out, arms open asking to be carried.

Build immediately carried Blue and hugged him thight. “I’m sorry, baby. It’s Papa’s fault. I shouldn’t have left you alone. I’m sorry.” Relieving the worries on his heart, Build kissed his son’s fluffy cheek.

“We heard him crying in your room so we came to check. It’s dark so we brought him here.” Tin explained.

“Tata love and Tin love cuddled me so I can stop crying.” With muffled voice, Blue told his parents.

A look of pride and joy flashed in Wichapas. He never thought that in just a few days, their bond became this strong.

“What will you say to them?” Build forced fhe kid to face the twins.

With a small sniff, Blue uttered. “Thank you, Tata Love. Thank you, Tin Love.”

“You’re welcome, Baby Love. You can always go here in our room if you’re afraid.” Tin giggled.

“I will teach you how to fight so you won’t be afraid anymore.” Ta said, determination evident on his face.

As an act of gratitude, Build warmed up three glasses of milk and fed it to the kids. After that, they got into a deep slumber.

The next day, Build and Blue went down for breakfast but the scenario in the kitchen made Build's heart clench. It flashbacks memories. Tin and Ta wearing school uniforms, having breakfast. They exchanged jolly greetings and Build and Blue settled on their seats. Like usual, Wichapas attended Blue's meal while Build ate his breakfast.

"Why are you wearing the same clothes?" Blue can't help but ask, pertaining to the school uniforms that the twins are wearing.

"We are going to school." Tin beamed.

Build looked at Wichapas, without uttering a single word, Wichapas knew what Build was asking. "I transferred them to a private school."

Then, Dao placed two snack boxes on the table. They were transparent so everyone could see what's inside. Build's heart immediately swelled as he saw the sandwich he taught Dao before. The sandwich he made that the kids really love. Dao saw Build's expression and gave a small smile.

"Can you send us to school together?" Ta asked, full of anticipation in his eyes.

"Yes! Like before." Tin giggled.

Build can remember there are times they both send them to school. They were such happy memories.

"Phi might be busy today. Maybe some other time." Wichapas didn't want to burden Build with the twins' request so he spoke.

"Papa, I want to go to school too. Can I go to school?" Blue asks his Papa with gleaming eyes.

"Not for now. But we can send them to school today." Build answered with a small smile, followed by cheering noises from the kids.

Wichapas drives with Build on the passenger seat. Build insisted on driving, worried about Wichapas' injury but the man insisted. The kids at the back, Blue settled on his car seat and the twins safely fastened with seatbelt. Dao and Prem are following them in the other car while Harris and Brent are following them discreetly.

"What do we agree upon in entering your new school?" Wichapas asked the twins, eyes kept on the road.

"No troubles." Tin answered.

Wichapas glanced at the mirror, waiting for Ta's answer.

"Look, it was just once. And I just need to protect Tin because they are bullying him." Ta looked determined to defend himself.

"I know. And I'm glad you did. But as much as possible, do not cause any trouble. Deal?"

They are almost at the school. It is a huge private school. Mostly, kids from the most refined families are studying there. High tuition fees, high class teachers and top notch education. The school buildings scream money. Most of them are donated by Lords and, some, from the elites. The kids from the royal family study here too.

"If they don't bully him, it's a deal." Ta answered. Everyone knows how overprotective Ta is when it comes to the family members, especially his twin brother. Because he believes that only he can bully his brother, like a usual brother does.

Wichapas sighed in defeat. "We're here." He parked the car in front of a grey building. As soon as he went out, a woman in her mid- twenties dressed in a teacher's uniform welcomed him. Build stayed inside the car, watching their interaction. The woman is all smiley and very welcoming. They shared a handshake and after a few exchanges, Wichapas went back to the car to pick up the kids.

"That's their homeroom teacher. Would you like to come down and meet her?"

Build was taken aback with the question. He just can't find the reason why he needed too.

"No. I think that's not necessary." Build answered.

Wichapas looked at him like he had something to say but held back. He let Tin and Ta out of the car but before they do, they bid goodbye to Build and Blue.

"Will you pick us up later?" Tin asked Build after grabbing his lunch bag.

Build was caught off guard again. Why are they treating him like they are still family when they know that the only reason they are connected is Blue? Seeing the hesitation in his eyes, Wichapas answered instead.

"Phi has work to do. Dao and Prem will pick you up later." Wichapas handed Ta his lunch bag. "Come on."

As the car door closed, Build heard Blue speaking. "Papa, is this school?"

Build looked back and smiled at the kid. "Yes, baby."

"I want to study here with them."

"We'll see about that." Build can not even make a promise. He's afraid that if he says 'yes' today to his son and something happens in the future, Build doesn't want to make his son disappointed. Who knows how long Wichapas and the twins will be with them?

Wichapas got back to the car after the kids went inside the building. "Is there anywhere else you want to go?" He asked before driving out the school's premises.

"Aren't we going back?" Build asked.

"I just need to pick up something."

Wichapas stopped in front of a flower shop. He stayed inside for about five minutes and when he came back, he had a bundle of daisies and a bouquet of white tulips at hand. He handed the tulips to Build and gave the daisies to Blue. The kid beamed in surprise. Build looked at him in questioning eyes.

"I just realized it's been a long time since I gave you this. I'm sorry, I was too busy to even realize." Wichapas smiled at him, eyes full of sincerity.

Build can not comprehend why Wichapas love to give them flowers, tulips and daisies specifically. He looked at the fresh tulips on his hand, wanting more explanation.

"Why do you always give me this?"

"I know you'll be mad if I give gifts and other material things. I always remember how much you loved the flowers in my garden back then so I decided to just give you these." Wichapas explained.

Build had a sudden flashback. The garden flowers that were tied messily, the gift he always received back then. He let out a small smile. It was a really great memory.

"Build, I know what I did was wrong. And I would like to let you know that I am willing to do everything just to make it up to you and Blue. I'll make things right." Wichapas confessed.

In the past days that they were together, he saw Wichapas' efforts. How caring the man is, not just to him but to Blue. He's doing his best to be a good father. Wichapas is doing all his might to get Build's attention. He's actually making everything easier for Build. Build is not naive, he knows the reason for all of that. Who would not want a complete family? Even him wanted a complete family for Blue.

Does Wichapas deserve another chance? Can they still continue what they had before?

Build chose not to answer. As the car started to move, Build looked outside the window, trying to assess everything. But his mind stopped as his heart started to thump loudly on his chest. His eyes are glued to a woman standing on the other side of the street, wearing a flowy yellow long dress and huge sunglasses. Build guessed who she is but tried to convince himself that he was wrong but when he saw the woman smirking at him, his heart stopped.

Chapter Text

Build had to go on through his days. He spent his days visiting the warehouses and the renovation of the suite. Everything is going well. The renovation will finish within three weeks. They can go back to the suite before Blue's birthday. He's excited but a little bit hesitant on how Blue would take the news. It seems like he's used to being in Wichapas' house now and Blue really loves his new playmates.

Build just parked in the garage when his phone rang. Seeing Sari's name on the screen, he immediately answered the call.

"𝐻𝑖! 𝐼'𝑚 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑜 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝐵𝑙𝑢𝑒'𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑦 𝑤𝑒𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔."

Build frowns. "You don't have a wedding dress yet but you have Blue's suit already?"

He heard Prin's voice. "𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑒𝑒, 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑖𝑡. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑎𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐵𝑙𝑢𝑒."

Then Sari's answer. "𝐼𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑜 𝑐𝑢𝑡𝑒! 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑙𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑜𝑜. 𝐵𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑜 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑤𝑒𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 𝑜𝑘𝑎𝑦 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑤𝑒𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠."

Wichapas came and parked next to his car, but Build was too engaged with the conversation so he didn't notice. Seeing that the engine of Build's car is still on, Wichapas knocked on Build's window. Build jolted and immediately open the window.

"Are you good? Why are you here?" Wichapas asked. His hand is now fine and the bandages and splint are gone.

"Yes. I am just talking to Sari and Prin." Build showed the screen to Wichapas, displaying Sari's name.

Build grabbed his bag and turned off the engine. Wichapas opened the door for him as he went out.

"𝐼𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐾ℎ𝑢𝑛 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠? 𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑤?" There's a hint of teasing in Sari's tone.

"We just got home. Separately." Build clarified.

Wichapas took Build's bag and carried it for him. He guided Build inside the house as the man was really engaged on the call. After a few minutes, the call ended and they heard laughter from the garden in the backyard. They followed the noise and found the three kids and Prem playing with bubble soap. Prem is still wearing his office clothes, it seems like he just got home with Wichapas but was intrigued with what the kids are playing.

"Papa! Daddy! Look!" Blue ran to them. "They brought me this. It's cool!" Blue showed his parents how it works.

"Khun, I'll head upstairs first. Aunt Praya said Dao is not feeling well. I need to check." Prem told them.

Build looked at Prem with worry. As Prem ascended to the stairs, Build decided to follow. They reached the room and found Dao sleeping on the bed. As Prem sat on the mattress, Dao opened her eyes.

"Hey, why didn't you call me? Auntie said you're not feeling well." Prem asked, feeling Dao's forehead to see if she has a fever.

"I just need to sleep. Nothing to worry about." Dao sat up, Prem's is helping her. She saw Build standing at the door. "Good evening, Khun."

Build smiled. "How are you feeling?" He went near.

"Just a little headache." She looked at Prem before speaking again. "And had an episode of nosebleeding."

Prem got alarmed. "What?! Get up. Let's go to the hospital. Come, I'll carry you downstairs"

"No need. I'm already fine." Dao gripped Prem's arms, trying to calm him down.

"What do you mean? It's a nosebleed." Prem argued.

Build can't help but smile. This is the first time he saw Prem like this.

"How many times did it happen?" Build asked.

"Just once." Dao answered.

Build remembered he had this episode before while carrying Blue. The only difference is that he has his brother to take care of him. "Don't worry. It's normal for pregnant people. But if it happened again you should let us know. Okay?"

Dao nods. "Yes, Khun. Thank you."

Build left them alone. He found Wichapas outside the room, waiting for him.

"How is she?"

"If you're curious and worried, you should go and check." Build folded her hands on his chest.

"I'm not any help. I've never been pregnant before. You can help her better." Wichapas said, smiling.

Build stopped. He reminisced the days it was very hard for him during the pregnancy. But he's thankful he had people around him at that time, especially his brother and Wichapas. Wichapas was very hands on during his pregnancy. He was very caring.

"Dinner is almost ready. Go and freshen up." Wichapas handed him his bag.

–

Build just finished his warehouse visit. He opened the car door and was ready to go but his phone rang.

"Hello?" He answered the call without looking at the screen, not knowing who the caller was.

(𝐻𝑖. 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢? 𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑤?) Wichapas' voice echoed on the other line.

"Not yet. But I'm on my way."

(𝐼𝑡'𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒. 𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑠?)

"No. I'm going to drive on my own." Build fasten his seatbelt. He knows that Harris is secretly following him. It was a deal for them to let him just go with his life without being guarded obviously as it may take attention that Build didn't want.

(𝐴𝑙𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡. 𝐷𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒. 𝐼'𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑡𝑜𝑜. 𝑊𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑢𝑦 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦?)

Build can't help but feel warm inside. These past few days, Wichapas had been extra caring. "No, thank you. Drive safe too."

After the call, Build started to drive. It's almost nine in the evening already. Build had to resolve an issue with their stocks and was caught up with time. The road is clear and a little isolated. The streetlights are inconsistent, some are lighted but most of them are not. He was alone on the road. He's driving carefully as the road is a little dark. Soon, a bright light came from the back. A huge truck is following him. Build decided to slow down to let the truck have its overtake. When the truck was already beside him, it didn't leave his side. Though it was a two-way road, the truck didn't go back to their lane. Build frowns. Build tried slowing down more but the truck copied him, slowing down as well. Build got nervous. He stepped on the gas and the car accelerated. But to his shock, the truck moved fast as well. Slowly, the truck is trying to hit his car. Even a small touch from the truck will damage Build's car. Build accelerated more. This is the fastest speed he had ever done in his life. This time, he saw that the streetlights were completely off and they were in the middle of nowhere.

Build is very anxious. A small bump from the truck will make his car turn upside down for sure. And the fact that no one is around, it will be very hard to ask for help. Build gathered himself, he kept his speed and tried to escape the truck. The loud roar of his car is echoing in his ears. He can't die right now. His hand is gripping the steering wheel hard, fingertips cold and trembling. He saw the truck come closer again, this time he's very sure he will get the bump. This is the fastest speed his car could go. No more choices left.

He expected a hit but he heard a loud bang from the back. Suddenly, the truck swayed in indistinct motion. Build had to slow down to avoid the uncontrolled truck. The huge vehicle swayed aggressively. Build's eyes widened but he kept his speed. The truck's tires are burning. It swayed more before halting a few meters away. Build forgot to step on the brake until a black Maserati stopped in front of his car. He stepped on the brake that created a loud screech on the road. Another black car passed by them and then stopped near the truck. The black Maserati's door opened and Wichapas went out. He opened Build's car door.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Severe worry is evident in his eyes. He crouched down to see Build's face.

Build's hands trembled on the steering wheel, his eyes never leaving the broken truck. Wichapas cupped his face, forcing to remove his attention from the burning truck. "Look at me."

His eyes are red and teary. Build's whole body is shaking in fear. He almost lost his life. "T-the truck… I-I was driving and…"

Build can not continue each sentence. He doesn't know how to explain. He sounded like a kid telling his parents about something bad. Wichapas' heart clenched. It aches seeing Build trembling and anxious. He pulled Build to his body and embraced him tightly.

"I know. Don't worry, I'm here. You have me now." Wichapas caressed Build's back. He dropped a few small kisses on the Build's temple, an attempt to calm him down. It seems like it worked. Build circled his arms around Wichapas' waist and buried his face on his neck, feeling safe and secured.

Wichapas let Build calm down first. He continued caressing his back. Deep inside, Wichapas' anger built up. He knows who's behind this act and he will never let this pass. Build's life is on the line, not just once but twice. It's time to tell them who the real Wichapas is.

"We have to go. Let's go to my car." He assisted Build to his car. Brent and Harris went near them. "Clean this up."

Build refused to go home, afraid that Blue would see him in this condition. They decided to stay in the suite. The renovation is almost done, only needs some furnishing. The electricity is still not working so they rely on their cell phone's flashlight. Build dropped his body on the bed, feeling weak.

"Would you like to take a shower?" Wichapas said, voice soft and caring.

Build shook his head. Wichapas removed Build's shoes and tucked him on the bed.

"I'll buy some food for us…"

"No." Build grabbed his hand. "Don't leave me, please."

Wichapas stopped. He looked at Build's tired eyes. He can't bear to see him like this. Build had been through a lot already. He doesn't deserve all of this. Wichapas removed his own shoes and slid inside the new sheets. Build immediately tangled himself with Wichapas. They felt each other's warmth. Soon, Wichapas felt Build trembling. He loosened the hug and looked at Build's face.

"I'm sorry." Wichapas whispered. "I shouldn't have let you drive alone."

"It's so scary." Build cried louder, letting all the fear inside him burst. "I thought I won't see my son again."

"I will never let that happen. Listen to me. " Wichapas cupped his face. "I will protect you with all my might. I will never leave you and I will never let anything happen to you and to our son. I want you to trust me again."

Build saw the sincerity in Wichapas' eyes. He choked on his sobs, trying to calm himself. The bits of the earlier incident flashes back to his memory and he can't help but to tear up again. The fear and exhaustion is killing him inside. He snuggled closer to Wichapas. He buried his face on the other's neck, seeking comfort in his body scent.

"You did well today, my love. I'm so proud of you." Wichapas kissed his forehead.

A conflict of emotions runs through Build. He can not determine which emotion he would follow. Build tried to assess his feelings only to find himself into a more conflicting thought.

Build felt betrayed for a very long time. Honestly, Wichapas broke his trust the moment he left. Everytime he remember everything he has experienced alone, his heart always breaks. Everytime he counts the heartbreaking moments he endured, his heart breaks. But what can he do? It was all in the past. But surely, those are memories he will never forget. The care he's been receiving right now is what he wanted for a long time. It's very hard living all alone. But he was able to do so because he has Blue. The past was terrifying and so is the present. The difference is, now, he has someone that will protect them, care for them and love them. A family they can finally call.

In the middle of the night, Build woke up as he heard Wichapas' voice.

"Know her whereabouts and what she is up to. She's crossing the line again but I'll never let her win. She's not working alone, know her accomplices. I want all the details by tomorrow."

Wichapas' features lighted by the moonlight. He was standing near the window glass, his phone in his ears. His face is a reflection of deep anger, one that Build is unfamiliar with. Suddenly, as the person on the other side spoke, Wichapas massaged his temple. Build knows the action, Wichapas is getting stressed. He remembers Dao telling him the effect of stress on him. Sadly, they do not have the medicine bottle right now. If Wichapas would lash out, nothing could calm him.

"No other survivors? How can we get evidence?" Irritation laced on his voice, almost bursting out.

Build slid out of the bed. He walked quietly and hugged Wichapas from the back. The latter's body stiffened, not expecting the touch. Wichapas ended the call and faced him.

"Why are you awake? Are you hungry? Harris brought us food and water." Wichapas hugged him back. The anger inside him subsided. Just a simple hug from Build calms his nerves and gets him to his senses. Such an amazing power Build has.

Build didn't answer. He just stayed hugging Wichapas, letting his guard down. He let his emotions win tonight.

–

"Uncle One and Uncle Two, where is my Papa?" Blue asked Brent and Harris as he went near the gate.

They looked at each other, contemplating if telling an almost four year old kid that his parents are in the suite alone was the correct answer.

"My Papa and Daddy didn't go home last night. I slept at Tata Love and Tin Love's room. Uncle Prem and Auntie Dao sent Tata Love and Tin Love to school. Grandma is baking some cookies. I don't have anyone to play with." Blue pouts. He's holding his bubble soap bottle that the twins gave him.

Brent and Harris tried to think for an answer. Blue continues babbling. He continues to complain about being alone.

"I'm so lonely and pitiful. I don't have a playmate." Blue sat down in a little flower box. He rested his chin on his hand and pouts, trying his best to look sad.

The two bodyguards almost laugh at his cuteness. Brent crouches down.

"Don't be sad, little boss. We can be your playmate."

Harris slapped Brent's shoulder. "What do you mean?"

"Little boss is sad. We should make him happy." Brent argued.

"Really? Will you play with me? Let's go!" Blue beamed, deep excitement is evident on his face.

Brent and Harris didn't have a choice. They played with Blue using the bubble soap. Soon, Blue decided to bring some of his other toys to the front yard. Aunt Praya laid out a blanket on the little lawn to secure Blue's toys. She even brought them some snacks. Blue's loud laughter indicates he is having a good time with his bodyguards. Though the bodyguards are contemplating if it is still part of their job.

Soon, Wichapas and Build got home. They saw how Brent and Harris bicker on Blue's toys. Wichapas almost couldn't believe his eyes when he saw two muscular men, sitting down on a checked blanket and surrounded by kid's toys.

Brent and Harris immediately stood as they saw Wichapas and Build coming. Blue followed their gaze until he saw his parents coming over. He ran to them and gave them a warm hug.

Days passed, Wichapas and Build became closer. After the incident, Wichapas always drove Build whenever he needed to go out or visit warehouses. Build insists to just let Brent or Harris do it for him but Wichapas declines. Wichapas added private security around the house, in the twins' school and whenever Build left home. Sometimes, Wichapas is being caught up with work and responsibility as a Lord. But he always do his best to make sure that he's beside Build when needed.

–

The most awaited day came. It's Blue's birthday tomorrow. They will celebrate his fourth birthday with an out of town trip. The barbecue party the kid requested will happen on the beach. Everyone is present, including Dr. Cherry, Sari and Prin. After a joyous lunch on the seaside, everyone took advantage of the nice weather. They decided to go for a swim. Since the birthday party will be tomorrow, it's good to relax today. Build stayed under the shadow of a tree, eyeing the three kids playing in the sand. He's wearing his eyeglasses to fight the extreme weather. Soon, a splash of water nearby caught his attention. He looked that way and saw Wichapas, half-naked, going out of the water. The sunlight kissed his muscular body. Sea water dripped down his soft skin. It seems like he purposely wanted attention so he pushed back his wet hair, making the women near Build's area scream in delight.

"You're drooling."

Build jolted as he heard Sari's voice. As far as he can remember, he was sitting here alone. When did the Sari came?

"And fantasizing." Dr. Cherry spoke on the other side.

Build almost lost his sanity. Since when did he have companions?!

"I'm not. I'm looking over the kids." Build cleared his throat.

"The kids? The kids are right here, eating some watermelons." Sari pointed out the kids sitting on the other laid out blanket, enjoying watermelons.

Build immediately felt embarrassed. His whole face suddenly turned red.

"Huh! Now you're ashamed?" Dr. Cherry teased.

Wichapas went near the other laid out blanket where Prem and Prin is sitting. Prin threw a canned beer to him which he immediately catched. The movement was so hot that the girl from the back kept screaming, deliberately wanting to get Wichapas' attention.

"Oh my gosh! He's so hot! I never saw a man like him before."

"Look at that physique. That is very rare."

"His face and his body is so perfect. A boyfriend material for me."

"Excuse me? He's a husband material for me."

Build heard everything. He almost wanted to throw a whole watermelon to the girls but who is he to do that?

"But look at the two men he is with. They are hot too." The other girl spoke. "Especially the one in white shirt."

The woman is pertaining to Prin. Sari clenched her jaw, deep possessiveness running over her. Build and Dr. Cherry looked at her, waiting for her move.

"Babe!" Sari called. Prin immediately looked back and stood up to go near her. "Can I have some juice? I'm too lazy to stand up."

"Sure. Just a second." Prin went to the nearby table and grabbed a plate of skewers.

Sari accepted the glass of juice, deliberately displaying her engagement ring that shone under the sunlight. "Thanks, babe."

Prin kissed Sari in front of everyone. The murmur of disappointments echoed from the back. Sari ate the skewers with a smirk.

"Boastful." Dr. Cherry teased, making Build and Sari laugh.

"Sadly, that one is taken. I have to get my way to the half-naked man." One of the girls spoke.

"You're insane. I'll get him for sure." The other one argued.

"Stop dreaming about my dream boy." The other protests.

Build anger is surging up. The reason? He doesn't know. Or maybe, he is just denying the fact that he is jealous.

"Claim what's yours, Build." Dr. Cherry took a bite of the watermelon.

"I don't have an engagement ring to show off." Build laughed half-heartedly.

Suddenly, Blue came to them. "Papa, I want some grilled squid and orange juice."

Build was about to stand up but he remembered something. He doesn't have a ring but he has Blue. Then, Build shouted. "Daddy!"

Wichapas, including Prem and Prin, looked back, shock evident on their faces. Even Sari and Dr. Cherry almost choke on what they are eating. Wichapas got on his feet and went near them, a little confused as well. Build never called him 'Daddy'. This is the very first time he did.

"Our son wanted some grilled squid." Build spoke, looking up at Wichapas.

"And orange juice, Daddy." Blue added.

"Alright. Let's go and get some." Wichapas held Blue's hand and they went to the table.

Dr. Cherry had to drink some water before speaking. "Braggart!"

"That is what you call maximizing resources. I don't have an engagement ring but I do have a kid with him so.." Build shrugged his shoulders. "But that's just an act."

Sari looked at Dr. Cherry. They were talking through their gazes. Feeling something is going on between Wichapas and Build aside from co-parenting.

The women on the back expressed dissatisfaction. They can't believe Wichapas is already a family man. They decided to leave and find another spot.

It was almost midnight and the adults, aside from Dao and Aunt Praya, decided to meet for a few bottles of alcohol. They settled on the nearest resto bar near the sea where they rented their rooms. Dao is pregnant and should not be awake this late so she helped Aunt Praya in settling down the kids to sleep. They had different rooms rented. Dao and Prem have a separate room, Build is with Aunt Praya and Blue, Sari and Prin are together, Dr. Cherry has her own room, and Wichapas and the twins. But since the adults decided for a night out, the twins, Blue and Dao was settled on Build's room with Aunt Praya.

"It's time! Let's go!" Dr. Cherry suddenly stood up, earning a confused gaze from everyone.

"Where are we going?" Build asked, confused.

"There is a summer party happening here tonight. And we're not wasting it. Let's go!" Dr. Cherry leads the way.

A huge crowd welcomed them, locals and foreigners. There is a huge dance floor and a DJ is playing upbeat music in the middle. People are dancing, drinking, chatting and some are making out.

"Yes! This is life!" Dr. Cherry screamed.

"Does your fiancé know you're here?" Sari asked.

"Of course he doesn't. But he will know by tomorrow. For now, let's enjoy the night!"

Dr. Cherry found a table for them. No chairs provided, it was a cocktail table. All of the tables were arranged around the dance floor. They started taking shots. Sari, absorbing Dr. Cherry's energy, started taking shots and dancing. Build didn’t have a choice but to join them.

“This is going to be a long night.” Prin sighed. He offered his bottle of beer to Wichapas for a toast.

Wichapas accepted the offer, eyes never leaving the three people dancing in the middle of the crowd.

“Sir, I think I should go back.” Prem whispered, trying to exclude himself to the chaos.

“No. We need an extra hand.” Wichapas answered.

“Drink this and relax. We need your help for later.” Prin handed Prem a bottle of beer, grinning.

Dr. Cherry, Sari and Build continue dancing. When they are tired, they go back to the table and drink. The waiter kept giving them drinks. The alcohol started to kick in. The three of them started swaying and their visions became blurry. But they never intended to stop.

“I need to pee. I’ll be right back.” Dr. Cherry left the table. The way she walks can easily determine that the alcohol already affected her body.

Sari pulled Build to the dance floor again. They continue dancing to the rhythm. Wichapas’ eyes never left Build. He was just right there, quietly observing them. Suddenly, three men went over to Sari and Build, dancing as well with a flirtatious smile.

“Hey, sexy. What’s your name?” One of them asked Sari.

Build felt uncomfortable. They were surrounded by three men who clearly had ill intentions. Sari immediately lifted her left hand and showed the engagement ring on her finger.

“Oh. You're getting married. Interesting. Would you like to try something different before getting tied up?” The man continued.

“How about you, pretty? Are you engaged too?” The man on Build’s left side almost touched his face but Build quickly slapped his hand.

“Hands off.” Build glared at him.

Wichapas, Prin and Prem observed the situation. Wichapas held his bottle of beer tightly, eyes starting to flare. Sari held Build’s hand and pulled Build to the other side of the dance floor. They continued dancing until the three men showed up again.

“Can you stop following us? We just want to dance.” Sari spoke, irritation evidence. Her face is flushed red because of too much alcohol.

“Sari, let’s go back. Come on.” Build tried holding Sari’s hand but the woman pulled away. Build is also affected by the alcohol. His vision is a little blurry but he can still handle it.

“Stop bothering people. You’re not handsome enough to make me cheat on my fiancé. Back off!” Sari shouted.

Since the music was too loud, the men on the table could not hear what they were talking about. But the scene is clear that Sari is irritated and was scolding the boys.

“Your tongue is sharp.” The man sneered. “I like that in bed.” The man lowered his head to Sari’s face but Build pulled Sari and hid her behind his back.

“Stop it. You’re being annoying.” Driven by the urge to protect Sari, Build kept his friend on his back.

“Come on, pretty. We just want to make friends.” One of the men laughed.

“We don’t need more friends. We have enough.” Build glared at the man.

The three men laughed, mocking the two of them. Build’s irritation grew. He wanted to smack their faces and leave. But in his state right, he’ll not win against the three. The last thing he could do is to ask for help. His eyes wandered back to their table. His gaze met Wichapas’ furing eyes. Build bit his lower lip before blinking twice to clear his vision. The look in his eyes was clearly read by Wichapas. He placed down the bottle of beer and spoke.

“Prem, get Dr. Cherry from the restroom and wait for us outside.”

Prem immediately sprinted, sensing the trouble coming. Wichapas stepped to the dance floor, followed by Prin whose face was covered with coldness. The men continue bothering Sari and Build. Sari tried to fight back and Build shielded Sari from being touched. One of the men almost touched Build’s waist but a hand gripped his wrist.

“You’re not supposed to touch what’s not yours.” Wichapas spoke, gripping the wrist tightly.

The man started to feel the pain. “Fuck off. Who the hell are you? Playing Superman, huh?”

Sari ran to Prin. “They are bugging us. They are annoying. They keep talking to us.” Influenced by the alcohol, Sari sounded like a kid telling her parents about a bully. She also pouted and pointed to men.

“I know. Keep yourself up.” Prin tried to steady Sari but the woman was already intoxicated and kept swaying.

“I can’t. The world is spinning around so fast.” Sari lowered her head. Prin gripped her waist to keep her standing.

Build started to get nervous, not about the possible chaos but about the injuries they might take from Wichapas.

“Take your hands off of me.” The man tried to pull away his hand but the grip was too strong. “I said fuck off.”

The flare in Wichapas’ eyes never left. Suddenly, the man’s wrist cracked. Without too much effort, Wichapas broke her wrist, making the man scream in pain. Build step up.

“Stop. Stop that.” He’s afraid of what's about to happen.

“Did he touch you?” Wichapas looked at Build.

“He didn’t.” Build answered, trying to assess Wichapas’ eyes.

“And why do you care if I touch him? He’s just a freaking omega…” before he could finish the sentence, Wichapas twisted his wrist again making him scream so bad.

People around them stopped dancing but the music didn’t stop. Wichapas’ eyes burning. The look of anger that Build knows where is leading. If Wichapas lash out in here, things would be worse. Build decided to hold Wichapas’ other hand and cling to his shirt.

“I’m drunk. I want to go back.” Build whispered.

Wichapas looked at him, eyes changing emotions. He let go of the man’s hand and let him collapse on the floor, still screaming in pain. He held Build’s waist.

“Are you okay?”

“Let’s leave. It’s suffocating here.” Build tried his best to speak louder and clearer but the alcohol already kicked in. The words came out as a murmur.

Wichapas held him tighter and guided him out, Sari and Prin following them. Prin is having a hard time because Sari was too drunk, moving and talking a lot. Outside, Prem and Dr. Cherry was waiting. As they went near them, Dr. Cherry waved a black plastic back. Prem looks so tired and done with her.

“The party is not oveeeeer!” She screamed. She bought some canned beer from the nearby convenience store while waiting. Sari quickly ran to her, almost getting tripped.

“Sari!” Prin called.

“Ssshhh!! These are just beers.” Sari glared at Prin. “Let’s drink it by the sea.” Sari suggested to Dr. Cherry.

They found themselves sitting by the seashore with empty cans of beer. Dr. Cherry is almost passed out, Sari is waking her up to continue drinking.

“Build. Wake her up. One more round.” Sari asked Build.

Build crawled to them, feeling so dizzy. “Dr. Cherry, wake up. How can you be knocked out by a can of beer?” Build laughed. They continue shaking the poor woman.

“They are going to regret this tomorrow.” Prin said, looking at them.

Wichapas just sighed.

“I’ll take Dr. Cherry to her room.” Prem stood up and got Dr. Cherry. The woman started babbling and walking unsteadily making it so hard for Prem.

Wichapas and Prin stood up as well and picked up Sari and Build. Sari protested but Build quietly followed.

“Can you walk?” Wichapas asked.

“I think so.” Build tried his best to walk straight but he failed. Wichapas grabbed his waist and wrapped his arms around him.

Nearby, they can hear Dr. Cherry throwing up. Without a choice, Prin had to hoist Sari on his shoulder to bring her back to their room.

“Build! Do not drink without me, okay?! I will protect you! I’m your best friend!” Sari shouted while punching Prin’s back. She protested and wanted to go back to Build but Prin reprimanded her.

When the two were already out of sight as well as Dr. Cherry and Prem, Build laughed. “They are so drunk.”

Wichapas looked at his red cheeks and drooping eyes. “And so are you.” They continue walking back to their rooms. It’s a good thing that the rooms are separated and just by the beach. The kids didn’t hear the noises. Besides, it’s already three in the morning.

Build touched his burning cheeks. “The kids will see me like this.” Build pouted. He’s afraid the kids will actually see his wasted state, especially Blue.

“Sleep in my room. I’ll just book another one for me.”

Wichapas guided Build to his room. It was facing the beach and the wind was cold. Wichapas tried to help Build to take a cold shower. They just made it quick as Build was already falling asleep. Afterwards, Wichapas made him wear his own shorts and tshirt. Once Build settled on the bed, Wichapas took a shower as well. He was about to leave the room to book another one but Build spoke, asking for water. He helped Build drink some water but before he could place down the water bottle, Build laced his arms around him. Shocked, Wichapas tried his best to close the cap and put down the bottle.

“Sleep now.” He tried putting Build back to bed but Build squirmed in defiance. “What’s wrong?”

Suddenly, Build fidgeted. And then Wichapas felt something wet on his shoulder up to his back. Build vomited on him. All he could do is to sigh in defeat.

He settled Build once again on the bed and cleaned him up. After that, he went to the bathroom again for another shower. When he’s done, he found no one in the bed. Worry kicked in. Build is drunk and he couldn’t have just walked around in the middle of the night. With wet hair, Wichapas hurriedly went out. He was ready to look around when he saw a familiar back sitting by the beach, looking at the dark sea. He went back inside and grabbed a blanket.

Build jolted when he felt a warm cloth draped over him. He looked up to find a freshly showered Wichapas sitting beside him.

“Why are you here? Let’s head back. You should take a rest.”

Build smiled at him. “I’m sorry for bothering you and for vomiting on you.” He lowered his head.

“Did you enjoy tonight?” Wichapas asked him, no annoyance in his voice.

Honestly, this is the first time he had so much fun after years of being too focused in life. He was lonely for four years and he didn’t know what made him feel comfortable and safe so he let his guard down. He nodded as an answer.

"That's all that matters. Let's head back so you can sleep. You're too drunk." Wichapas stood up and offered his hand to Build.

But Build didn't accept the gesture. His gaze went back to the black ocean, staring into nothing. He's been contemplating this for a long time now but he's not sure so he tried to set aside the thought. Wichapas sat down again.

"Why did you break the man's wrist earlier? You could've just reprimanded him." Build asked.

"Why did you call me 'Daddy' to drive those women away?" Wichapas smirked.

Build looked at him with wide eyes. He didn't know that Wichapas knew his intention earlier.

"I… Blue is asking for some food. I just voiced out for him." Build rolled his eyes.

"Okay. If you don't want to admit it." Wichapas shrugged with a mocking smile.

"Stop." Build glared. His neck and ears turned red in shame.

"Stop what? I didn't say anything." Wichapas' smirk never left his lips.

"Stop smiling!" There's a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"I'm not smiling." Wichapas pursed his lips but his eyes spoke volume.

"I said stop!" Build slapped his arm.

Wichapas can't help but laugh. He missed the playfully annoying Build. Build studied his face. How his eyes turn into a line when he's smiling or laughing. The crisp sound of his laugh that only few people hears. The playful side of him that has been rarely seen. Build's heart clench. He can remember how he cared not just for him but for Blue as well. How Wichapas can drive him crazy. His emotions are being played. Whenever he thinks of the past, it is painful. But thinking of their lives today, why does it feel like there is hope?

"Can you promise to tell me everything from now on?" Build asked, sincerity in his eyes.

Wichapas stopped laughing. He looked at Build, a little confused.

"I want to know everything. I don't want to be left in the dark again." Build's eyes brimmed with tears. "Can you do that?"

There was a stream of emotion in his heart that wanted to burst. He felt his breath hitch as he anticipated Wichapas' answer. But instead, the man cupped his red face and kissed his forehead. A sense of comfort once again enveloped Build. The feeling he longed so much. He gripped Wichapas' shirt.

"Answer me." Build insisted.

"I won't make the same mistake again. We suffered enough."

Wichapas rested his forehead to his'. A lone tear fell on Build's eyes.

"I want to give us another chance."

Wichapas stopped. His eyes fixed on Build's gaze, like asking for a confirmation. Build didn't speak further. His heart leaped, breath was stuck on his throat.

"I want to trust you again."

"Let's talk about it when you're sober."

"I'm sober." Build answered. Foreheads still connected, Build held his hand that was cupping his face. Build dived in and their lips got connected.

Stunned, Wichapas didn't move. He estimated his moves. Worried that Build might just be under the influence of alcohol. He pulled back.

"Let's talk about this after you get a rest, okay?"

"You don't believe me?" Build glared at him.

"Of course, I do. But you have to rest first." Honestly, Wichapas is worried that Build might just be under the influence of alcohol and take back what he said once sober.

Build immediately stood up and threw him the blanket. "You don't believe me!"

Build walked away, stomping his feet on every step.

"Build!" Wichapas called, holding the blanket.

A loud closing of the door echoed.

"He's really drunk."

Chapter Text

Build stretched his body. His limbs are numb from sleep. But his head throbbed like being hit by a hammer. The sunlight from the window didn't help. He forced himself to sit up. He roamed his eyes around only to find out he's not in his designated room, and he's alone. As he investigated the area, he found a huge bouquet of white tulips beside him. He can't help but smile. He picked up the flower and smelled it. A little card was placed on the pillow next to him.

𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔! 𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑢𝑝 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑡. 𝑊𝑒'𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔. :)

The smile never left Build's face. One last glance at the flowers and then he took a shower. His clothes and other things are already inside the room. Build don't have any idea who brought these here. After the cozy shower, he decided to go out. He was met by laughter and the sight of everyone busy for the birthday party.

"Papa!" Blue came to him running.

He picked up his son and kissed him good morning. "Happy birthday, my baby love."

"Where did you sleep? You didn't sleep with me." Blue pouts.

Build bit his lower lip. His eyes glanced at the people around him who were looking at him like he is a suspect of a crime.

"Papa didn't go back to your room last night?" Sari asked, hands on his waist.

"No. I slept with Tata Love and Tin Love." Blue answered.

Sari's eyes narrowed, like a mother suspicious of her son's acts. Build was about to defend himself when Wichapas suddenly came.

"Did you have a good sleep?" He asked, adding fuel to the fire.

Sari's eyebrow lifted. She was about to step forward and talk to Build but Prin caught her arm and brought her to the table. Sari pointed her two fingers to her eyes and to Build's, like she was threatening her that she's keeping an eye on him.

Blue went down from his Papa's hug and went to the table set up for lunch. It is a long table near the sea filled with a lot of food. It was arranged by the hotel staff for the birthday.

"You should've woken me up." Build told Wichapas.

"You're resting. Besides, you're just in time for lunch. Come on." Wichapas guided Build to the table.

They all sat for the extravagant lunch. The summer sun and the sea breeze made the day so perfect. Blue sat in between his parents. The others have their places on the table. They had a fancy lunch at the restaurant. They had a feast and Blue blew a huge cake. The kid was so happy and even screamed how much he loved his Papa and Daddy. Everyone went quiet when they heard Blue's wish for his birthday.

"I want my family to always be happy. I want everyone to be with me for a very long time. And I want my Papa and Daddy to always be together so Papa will not cry at night anymore."

Build looked at his son. He didn't realize that Blue knew he was crying at night. He always makes sure that Blue is already asleep whenever he has his breakdowns in the middle of the night. Everyone looked at Build.

"And I want a blue bicycle!" Blue screamed before blowing the candle, earning a laugh from the others.

Blue received the gifts from them. But Build and Wichapas' gifts are waiting at home. As usual, Wichapas fed Blue. He kept feeding the kid without touching his own food. He also served Build food on his plate. He's really like a perfect husband and father. After a while, Ta and Tin asked Blue to swim with them. Of course, Blue agreed. Prem, Dao and Aunt Praya looked after them.

"I swear that would be the last time we will drink like that." Dr. Cherry said, massaging her throbbing head.

"I ordered some soup to ease the hangover." Wichapas spoke, peeling some shrimp.

Why regret it now? You all really had fun last night." Prin laughed at them. Earlier this morning, Sari kept complaining about a headache and body pain. She vomited twice and almost didn't have the energy to get out of the bed.

"I will never drink with you again." Sari looked at Dr. Cherry with regrets.

Wichapas finished peeling the shrimps and placed it on Build's plate. Shocked, Build muttered a soft 'thanks' to him. Then, Wichapas smiled at him. The both look each other in the eye, like they wanted to say something.

"I can't remember anything from last night. What did we do? How did we go back?" Dr. Cherry stuffed her mouth with potatoes.

"Me too. Black out. I remember nothing." Sari sighed.

"So you don't remember how hard it was for me, Prem and Lord Wichapas." Prin sighed.

Wichapas looked at Build, trying to figure out whether Build can remember about last night but Build kept eating his food. Wichapas can not distinguish if Build doesn't remember what he told him before going to sleep. They kept talking about what happened last night but Build and Wichapas didn't contribute. They stayed quiet.

Wichapas is thinking if he should talk to Build about last night. Or, if Build remembers what happened. Apparently, they slept together. Build was already in deep slumber when Wichapas slid beside him. The moment he covered himself with the blanket, Build circled his arms to his waist. He almost forgot to sleep, savoring the moment.

Build, on the other hand, is contemplating whether to talk to him or not. He is so embarrassed about the confession. Wichapas must be thinking that he was not serious because he was drunk. Yes, he drank bottles last night but he's conscious about what's happening. He remembers everything. And since he didn't get a proper answer last night, his mind is intrigued about it. Maybe Wichapas already forgot about it.

The lunch ended and everyone decided to go for a swim. Build and Sari changed into their swimming outfit while Dr. Cherry chose to sleep under the beach umbrella, wearing her red one piece swimsuit and sunglasses, still complaining about the headache. Sari is wearing a two piece yellow swimsuit while Build is wearing baby blue beach shorts and a see through top. With that, Build's upper body is seen by all, mainly getting attention from the alphas. Wichapas frowned but didn't complain as Sari and Build dipped on the water.

The sun was too hot. Prin, Prem and Wichapas stayed on the other umbrella, drinking beers in the middle of the day. The alcohol and the burning sun got Wichapas sweating. He removed his button down top and slumped on the beach chair, sunglasses on. People passing by can't help but look at him. Especially the women. His perfectly toned body, muscle flexing without effort, gathered a lot of attention. Suddenly, a female foreigner went to him.

"Hi. I just want to say you look so handsome. Can I have your number?" The woman spoke in English, handing him her mobile phone.

Wichapas' eyes kept looking at Build on the sea. Because of the eyeglasses, it is not evident that Wichapas is guarding him. Wichapas got the woman's phone and typed before giving it back to her. When the woman saw what was written on her phone, she frowned and stepped away without looking back.

"𝑆𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝐼'𝑚 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑑."

Build saw the interaction. Suddenly, Build felt a surge of anger inside him. He saw how Wichapas accepted the phone and gave it back to the woman. It is clearly evident that Wichapas gave his phone number to her.

"Are you okay?" Sari asked, looking at Build who's glaring at the people on the seashore.

"Yes. Let's swim farther, it's too shallow here." Build swam away.

"What? Build it's too deep for me already. I can't come with you." Sari shouted but Build could not hear her.

Build continues swimming away until he almost can not see the people on the shore. Feeling irritated, he floated and closed his eyes, assessing his own feelings. Why is he even mad? What is wrong if Wichapas wanted to meet other girls? He's single and attractive and handsome and sexy… wait! He reprimanded himself for thinking that stuff.

Sari went back to the shore and got some coconut juice before going to the kids who are busy building a sand castle with Dao and Aunt Praya. A few moments later, Sari saw a huge wave from the middle of the sea. She quickly got up and ran to the water, she stopped when the water was below her knees, afraid of the huge wave.

"Build! Come back here!" She shouted. But she's too far from him and the wind is also a little bit strong. "Build! Can't you hear me?"

Wichapas saw Sari's agitated movements, he removed his eyeglasses and observed Sari. Suddenly, Sari looked at them, waving her hand aggressively like asking for help.

Build opened his eyes. The sun is so proud that it hurts his eyes. The weather is so good and it is indeed a perfect time for a beach party. Build was about to swim back when a huge wave crashed over him. The wave pushed him down the deep sea. He tried swimming but the current was too strong. With the intention to get back up, he forced himself to swim upward. Straining himself, Build felt spasm. His calves hurt and felt strained. He can't move his feet but he tried swimming using only his hands. Build was brought too deep and it took him a lot of effort to reach the surface of the water. He's getting out of breath and feels tired. Whenever he's almost on the surface, a huge wave will come crushing him. The spasms became severe. He can't even move his thighs and he lost air. Suddenly, a pair of hands grabbed his waist. Before losing consciousness, he saw a half-naked man taking him away.

Wichapas brought Build to the shore and laid him down in the burning sand. Build's face is pale and he's not moving. Wichapas pumped Build's chest. He did cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. After pumping a few more, he lowered to deliver a rescue breath on Build's mouth. He kept repeating the action, desperation evident on his face.

Dr. Cherry came with her first aid kit. She checked Build's pulse. "Pulse is too slow. Keep pumping."

She dialed on her phone and after that she came back to look for the pulse again. "I can switch if you're tired."

"No." A heavy rejection was heard. Wichapas kept pumping and delivering rescue breath, too focused.

The kids started crying in fear. The sight is too terrifying for them. Dao and Aunt Praya decided to keep the kids away. They brought them to the cabin.

Wichapas never felt tired. He kept pumping. "Come on, Build. You can do this. Breathe. Wake up."

After a few more pumps, Build coughed water. His eyes remained closed but he's now conscious. Dr. Cherry flipped him over, now lying on his stomach, while she massaged Build's back upward to help him cough more water. Wichapas dropped his body on the sand feeling relieved and tired. His eyes never left Build.

The rescue came with a stretcher. They got Build and went away.

"We need to bring him to the hospital to make sure that the water didn't reach his lungs." Dr. Cherry spoke, keeping him aware. "Dress up and follow us." Dr. Cherry went with the ambulance.

Prem handed Wichapas a shirt and helped him stand up. Sari and Prin went into another car. As Prem stopped at the entrance of the hospital, Wichapas jumped out. He saw Dr. Cherry in front of the emergency room, talking to a doctor. As he reached her, the doctor left.

"How's he?" He inquired.

"He's being checked. Calm down. He's conscious but still has to go through some tests." Dr. Cherry tapped his shoulder.

Sari and Prin came. They waited outside until the doctor attending to Build came out.

"How is he?" Wichapas asked.

"He's okay. He responds well. We just need to wait for the tests to make sure. If they come out well, you can take him home."

"Can we see him now?" Sari inquired.

"Sure. Come in." The doctor led them to the emergency room where Build is resting.

"Thank you, Dr. Rivas. I owe you this one." Dr. Cherry shook the doctor's hand.

"What are you talking about? And stop being formal with me. As if we don't know each other's secrets in medical school." He laughed.

They were classmates in university. It's safe to say that he is one of the closest friends she had way back then.

"Still, thank you." Dr. Cherry laughed at him.

As the doctor left, Wichapas went to Build's side. He has oxygen with him, helping him breathe. His eyes are closed. Wichapas contemplated, he wanted to touch his hand but was afraid of waking him up.

"He'll get a great scolding from me when he wakes up." Dr. Cherry placed her hands on her waist, looking at Build.

"He scared the hell out of me." Sari said, fixing Build's blanket.

"Let's head back to the resort. The kids and the others are waiting." Prin told Sari.

"Yes. Blue is probably very worried right now." Sari stood up from the chair. "We'll wait for you at the resort." She told Wichapas.

Wichapas just nodded at her but not sparing her a glance. He kept looking at Build's sleeping face, devoid of any emotion. Wichapas was so afraid. He thought he's going to lose Build again. He felt so scared.

After two hours, Build was declared fine. Test results were clear and he was allowed to be discharged. As he opened his eyes, he immediately saw Wichapas looking at him.

"Hey. How are you feeling? Should I call the doctor?" Wichapas grabbed Build's hand.

Build removed the oxygen mask. With a hoarse voice, he asked. "What happened?"

"You drowned. What had gotten into your mind that you went so far for a swim?" Wichapas frowned.

Build bit his lower lip, feeling guilty. Should he tell Wichapas that he saw him give his number to that foreigner? No, he better not.

"I just wanted to go for a swim. I didn't realize I was too far already."

"You…" Wichapas blew a deep breath. He needs to calm himself down before speaking. He was so frightened and worried.

"I ruined my son's birthday." Build spoke once again.

"No, you didn't, it was an accident." Wichapas handed Build an open bottle of water.

Build drank a few sip and spoke again. "I want to go home."

"Alright. We're going home." Wichapas closed the bottle lid.

Wichapas never expected that when Build said 'home', it was really their home. Build asked the driver to drop them to the suite. Wichapas can't believe that Build really wanted to go home. He thought, these past few days, when Build said home, it was Wichapas' house. But now, it's their real home.

It was already evening when Build went off the van, Blue was sleeping in his arms. Sari and Prin were in the other car and had their own journey back. Dr. Cherry got into a direct flight as she has to do something abroad for her wedding. The twins are asleep.

"Thank you for giving us a ride. I'll take our things some other day. I'll drop Blue at your house on the weekend." Build spoke.

Wichapas is looking at him with no expression. It made Build hard to read his mind. Wichapas barely do that to him. The man is always expressive towards him, especially those eyes. Build knew his decision was urgent but needed space. He needed enough time to think. Everything is a mess inside his mind and he's cautious not to make reckless decisions. That night, Build had the courage to give him another chance. But Wichapas thought he was too drunk. He waited for Wichapas to bring up the topic but the man never did.

Maybe, they were dancing to a different song. Maybe Wichapas only wanted to be Blue's father. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Be careful on your way back. Good night, everyone." Build turned his back, Blue snuggling on his neck. Aunt Praya followed them.

As Aunt Praya opened the door of the suite, Build went in and brought Blue into their room. He changed the kid's clothes into a comfortable nightwear and tucked him in. Build was about to take a shower when Aunt Praya knocked. Build opened the door.

"Would you like me to cook dinner for you?"

"No, Auntie. You can take a rest. Thank you for asking." Build smiled but sadness was evident in his eyes.

Aunt Praya was about to say something but she restrained. She just smoothly tapped Build's cheek and left.

The next morning, Build slowly opened his eyes. This is his room but why does it feel different? Maybe he's already used to the room they stayed in Wichapas's house. But everything had already ended. They are now back to reality. Staying in that house made Build feel warm and cozy. But it's not his house. He felt embarrassed. How can he get used to someone else's home? He wanted to mock himself for feeling comfortable in staying on other's space. Maybe it's time to go back to his own world.

–

Wichapas is sitting on his desk, drowning himself on the paperworks. He needed to finish everything as he is planning to drop by to Build's suite tonight. But then he heard a knock from the door. He uttered a firm response of letting them in. Right then, a female employee opened the door.

"Good morning, Sir. Someone named Fah is looking for you."

Wichapas looked up, frowning. He was about to speak when a woman, wearing a red dress and huge sunglasses, entered like she owns the place. The female employee left immediately.

"How are you, Khun? Or should I say, my Lord?" She sat on the sofa, crossed her legs and removed her sunglasses.

Wichapas felt a rush of blood on his head. The deep hatred and anger filled him. This was supposed to be a quiet and busy day.

"What do you want?" Wichapas asked, putting down the pen he was using.

"Well, I just want to know how you are holding up with everything. Your new office, your new businesses and the hate you've been receiving from Build." Fah displayed a mocking grin.

Wichapas clenched his fist. But after a few breaths, he eased. He calmed himself down.

"I'm doing good. And I would like to let you know that you are the last person I wanted to check on me. You may now leave." Wichapas picked up the pen and continued his work.

"But Build hasn't forgiven you yet, right? Or will he ever forgive you? You abandoned them." Fah raised her left eyebrow, clearly provoking Wichapas.

"This has been your tactic for years now, Khun Fah. I guess, you better create a new technique in scaring me. I was blinded by your threats for years and I refuse to be the same coward today." Wichapas stood up. "Please leave my building before I call the security to throw you out."

Suddenly, Fah laughed. "What are you boasting? This start up company and your redeemed status as Lord of this land? Come on, Wichapas. These are just new. No foundation, no strength. I can crush you down again like how I did years ago."

"You can. But I won't let you." Wichapas stepped forward and went near her. "I have learned a lot of things from the past four years. I made the biggest mistake of my life by leaving Build. My life was ruined and it affected the people around me. It's all because of you." The anger in Wichapas' eyes is very evident. "But now, I am not allowing you to hold me like you used to before. This war is long overdue. I got everything back to me now. Don't let me make the first move or else you'll be ruined forever."

Fah frowned with the threat. She can't deny the shivers that run down her spine. The words felt like they will be in reality soon. Fah tried to read Wichapas' eyes but she failed. All she can see is anger and an urgency to kill. She stood up, trying to steady her body.

"You know you can't scare me."

"I am not scaring you. I'm telling you to get ready for what is about to come." Wichapas smirked, looking determined of whatever he was planning.

Fah was about to speak again when the door suddenly opened. Prem stopped at the doorway when he saw who's inside the office. He almost dropped the tablet on his hand and his face paled. This is the face he will never forget in his life.

"I've been a fool for years. That's enough." Wichapas glared at Fah.

"Are you declaring a war?" Fah stood up, hand crossed on her chest. Her words are full of arrogance but her eyes never hid the fear that crossed them.

"The war started four years ago. It's time to end this now." Wichapas placed his hands on his pocket, standing proud and strong.

"And if I say I still have Jakapan's life on my hands?" Fah smirked, clearly trying to trigger Wichapas. She knows his weakness.

"I know you're not working alone. Once I know who your alliance is, I'll end both of your lives in my hands."

–

Build just finished his visit to the warehouse. He decided to stop by a bakery to buy Blue some treats. He was about to leave the shop when he found a man standing behind him.

"Lord Ram." Build's heart almost left his chest. The shop was so quiet that he didn't even know when Lord Ram came in.

"Can we talk?" Lord Ram spoke, firm and cold.

Build didn't have a choice. The bakery has a few tables to sit on. They sat at one of the tables, Build specifically chose the one near the front door. Just in case something comes up, he can leave as soon as possible. The bakery owner served them some hot chocolate, bowing to the Lord before leaving.

"I want to personally apologize for what happened, Khun Jakapan. I admit I was drunk and it was entirely my mistake allowing myself to be driven by the influence of alcohol. I had decided to go abroad to reflect on my actions. It was the most embarrassing deed I have ever done in my life. I meant no harm. I was just driven by what I feel for you. Please, forget everything and let me start anew once again." Lord Ram is looking at Build with full sincerity. His eyes are twinkling like a pool of tears are about to be evident.

Build frowned. It looked so real. His words, his gestures, everything. Build refused to speak.

"I know I did and said horrible things to you that day." Lord Ram suddenly moved and kneeled in front of Build. Making almost jump out of his chair.

People entering the bakery, the bakery owner and the people passing by saw them through the outside glass wall looking at them with wide eyes. The respected Lord Ram is kneeling in front of Build, head down and uttering apologies. What could this possibly mean?

"Please forgive me and give me a second chance."

People had the wrong context upon hearing the words. In an instant, a story spread to the whole capital. The news was quick to disperse as the whole capital became interested in the story.

𝐾ℎ𝑢𝑛 𝐽𝑎𝑘𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑃𝑢𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑎 𝑖𝑠 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑅𝑎𝑚'𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑎 𝑓𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑛𝑒𝑟, 𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠.

Chapter Text

The whole Central is captivated with the story. The scene became the talk of the town within hours. The people became so invested in the story that they added some spice on it. They said Lord Ram and Build's relationship had been going for quite some time already. Some of the residents on the Building where Build lives also stated that they often see Lord Ram in the premises. Some said they saw Lord Ram and Build outside. Gossipers also said Lord Ram was so fond of Blue. They create a perfect family.

Build ignored the issue. He thought that if he decided to be silent, the rumors would definitely die down. But he was wrong. Days after disregarding the rumor, news came to his knowledge. With Sari's multiple connections when it comes to gossip, she informed Build about the current trend. That he's pregnant with Lord Ram's child. Build felt anger. Things became out of hand. First, they said Lord Ram is the perfect father for Blue and now he's pregnant with his child? How could it be? Due to the massive attention, Build decided to stay inside the suite.

Wichapas looked at Prem. His assistant filled him with all the rumors going on. Wichapas was so confused. He can't believe all that he heard. Though they did not publicize that he is Blue's father, they didn't hide it as well. Build and Lord Ram don't have a relationship, Wichapas is certain about that. And that Build is pregnant with Lord Ram's child made it more unbelievable. Wichapas sighed. He didn't even know why this issue became big.

"It all started when people saw Lord Ram kneeling in front of Khun Jakapan in a bakery." Prem continued.

Wichapas was so pissed. Lord Ram is clearly enjoying the situation. He never spoke up to clarify anything between him and Build. The acts are clearly intentional. He was about to call Build when he received a message from him.

𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝐵𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦. 𝐶𝑎𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑘 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑢𝑝?

It's the weekend and Blue is supposed to stay with him. Wichapas went to the suite. As Build opened the door, he saw Wichapas standing outside. Build let him in.

"Please wait for a while. Blue just finished his bath." Build looked so stressed. He looks like he's out of energy.

"Where's Auntie?" He asked before sitting down on the couch.

"She went to the grocery store." Build answered while going back to the bedroom.

Wichapas observed his movements, trying to figure out what Build was thinking. Suddenly, Blue came to him running. The kid has no shirt on and he has two shirts on hand.

"Daddy, which is better? This or this?" He showed his father the shirts. One is red printed with a yellow duck and the other one is green with a bear design.

Wichapas looked at the shirts. "I think this one is better." He pointed to the green shirt.

"You and Papa chose the same shirt." Blue giggled while running back to his Papa inside the room.

Wichapas felt happy. It's always been his most peaceful hours whenever he's with Blue and Build. They are his solace. His very own safe zone.

Build and Blue came out of the room. Build is holding Blue's backpack while the kid has his carrot plushie on tow. Build handed him the bag.

"Sorry for asking you to pick him up. I just don't feel like going out today." Build lower his head.

Wichapas felt uneasy. He knows the current issue is affecting him so much. He knows him too well. Whenever he's too stressed out with something, he tends to shut down people. He tends to push them away.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"Yes. Just feeling a little unwell. But nothing to worry about. Maybe I just need some sleep." Build smiled, not his usual smile.

"Are you sure you want Blue to stay with me? I think you need him." Wichapas offered the backpack back to him.

"No. It's your turn to take care of him. I'll be fine." Build shook his head.

Though hesitant, Wichapas and Blue left the suite. When Build is sure he's alone, he directly goes to his bed and takes a deep slumber.

–

Wichapas can't help but feel uneasy. While Blue and the twins are playing with the bike he gifted Blue in the front yard, he stays seated on the garden chair. He has been thinking about Build since last night. He almost never fell asleep. His thoughts were cut when Dao placed a cup of coffee for him. Then, Prem placed a tray of cookies and juices for the kids.

"Are you alright, my Lord?" Dao inquired, one hand caressing her small bump.

"Yes." Wichapas cleared his throat, trying to act as normal as he could.

"If you're worried, you can voice it out. You don't need to keep it to yourself." Dao sat on the other chair with Prem's help. Her belly is not yet that big but it was already obvious.

Wichapas sighed. "I just don't know how to ask him about it." He's pertaining to the news about Build and Lord Ram's relationship.

"Then don't. But let him feel you there for him. Sometimes, we don't need words to comfort us. It's the presence that counts. Knowing Khun Jakapan, he always prefers someone who stays with him."

Wichapas looked at Dao with so much amazement. Dao has the knack of making him realize things. He immediately stood up and picked up the car keys. The kids who were eating their cookies looked at him with confusion. Wichapas ran to his car and sped away.

"Hia! Buy us some muffins, okay?" Tin shouted, waving his hand to his brother.

–

Wichapas entered the suite, opened by Aunt Praya.

"He didn't eat dinner last night and he refused to get out of bed this morning. I'm getting worried." Aunt Praya clasped her hand on her chest, eyes full of worry.

Wichapas immediately went in front of the room. He knocked before speaking.

"Build? Hi. Can we talk?"

But he received nothing in response.

"Can I come in?" He asked once again, still answered by complete silence.

"It's not locked. I was able to get inside earlier but he's deeply asleep." Aunt Praya informed him before leaving.

Wichapas stared at the knob, hesitating whether to twist it or not. Deep worry ate Wichapas' thinking so he grabbed the knob and twisted it. With a soft push, he was able to see the room. It was dark and quiet. He stepped inside before closing the door behind him. He tried his best not to bump into anything while reaching the bed. He heard deep breathing. He crouched down to see Build's face against the darkness. Wichapas saw how peaceful Build was while sleeping. He opened the bedside lamp, making Build frown and turn his back to him. Wichapas sighed before sitting at the edge of the bed.

"Build, you need to get up and eat something. Aunt Praya said you haven't eaten anything since last night." Wichapas spoke in the softest tone he could. Knowing Build, you should never interrupt his sleep and his meals.

"Sleep." Build mumbled.

"I know. But you have to eat something too." Wichapas continue coaxing him but Build seems like he's already in a deep slumber again.

"What do you want to eat? Do you want me to ask Aunt Praya to cook something for you?" Build was silent again. "Or do you want me to order take outs?" But he answered with nothing as Build breaths became soft."

Wichapas felt defeated. He stood up and went out of the room. Aunt Praya hurried up to him with anticipating eyes but Wichapas shook his head. Both of them sighed.

Wichapas asked Aunt Praya to stay with Blue in the house. He's afraid that Blue might get worried if both him and Build are not beside him. Though Aunt Praya doesn't want to leave Build, she knows that with Wichapas, Build is in good hands. After Aunt Praya left, Wichapas went back to the room. Build is still lying on his side and deep asleep. He sat by the edge of the bed once again. He continues looking at Build's back, trying to figure out what's going on. After a couple of quiet minutes, Build stirred. He was sobbing and fidgeting. Wichapas became alarmed and tried to wake him up.

"Hey. What's wrong? Are you having a bad dream?" Wichapas helped him sit up.

Build is still sobbing but no tears are falling from his eyes. He slowly opened his eyes and adjusted to the light before looking at Wichapas straight in the eyes.

"Hi." Wichapas said softly, a smile forming on his lips.

Build didn't answer. He only looked at him blankly. Like a kid dozing off.

"Did you have a bad dream? Do you want to tell me what it is about?" Wichapas cupped Build's face, trying to make him back to reality.

"The noodles that Aunt Praya gave me don't have eggs." And Build started to tear up.

It took a couple of seconds before Wichapas understood. He stifled a laugh and shook his head. Wichapas almost lost it when he realized Build is dreaming about food.

"You're hungry? I'll order something. Noodles?"

Build shook his head. "I want you to make it for me."

Wichapas' eyes became bigger. He reminisced about the time when Build was pregnant and woke him up in the middle of the night, asking for noodles. He stopped, trying to analyze Build's expression. Could it be…. Build is pregnant again? He shook his head. How could it be? He had no partner since Blue was born. But what if the rumours are true? What if Build and Lord Ram is…

"Noodles." Build whined. Wichapas got out of his thoughts with Build's whining.

"You want me to make them for you?"

Build's nods before almost closing his eyes to sleep again. Wichapas pressed his palms on Build's cheeks to make him awake.

"In one condition, you have to be awake until I'm done cooking."

Build dropped his body on the bed once again. He covered himself with a blanket until half of the face was hidden.

"Are you awake?" Wichapas inquired. Build nods in response. "Will you stay awake until I come back?" Build nods again.

Wichapas took the opportunity to cook noodles with egg for Build. After a few minutes, he came back to the room with a tray in hand. He placed the tray on the bedside table before sitting on the bed once again. Build smelled the food and immediately sat up, making Wichapas shocked. Build ate the noodles but didn't even finish it. After eating half of it, Build continued to sleep again.

"Do you feel unwell? Do you like to go to the hospital?" Wichapas asked. Build didn't answer.

After cleaning the kitchen, Wichapas went back to the room. He felt odd as the room started smelling like something sweet. Build didn't leave the bed, it might not be his perfume. Wichapas settled himself to the armchair beside the window. He left the lamp open for him to see Build. As the night deepened, Wichapas felt tired and fell asleep.

It was in the middle of the night when Wichapas woke up. He felt hot and sweaty. Wichapas looked around the room, only to see Build curled up on the bed. Wichapas immediately stood up and went to him.

"Are you hurting?" He asked.

"My stomach hurts." Build groaned.

Wichapas started to panic. Could it be the noodles? He prepared it carefully so he's sure it was clean. What could it be?

"Let's go to the hospital." Wichapas was about to scoop Build up when he saw a flash of red on his eyes. Wichapas stopped looking at Build's eyes intently. He's trying to figure out what's going on with Build.

"It hurts." Build groaned once again, eyes closed.

Wichapas's hands shook and became sweaty. Could it be….

Wichapas ran to the bathroom and came back with a wet towel. Beads of sweat formed on Build's forehead. He damped the wet towel to his forehead and neck. Wichapas stopped when Build moaned, long and deep. He almost dropped the wet towel. His own stomach started to coil. A flash of shiver ran down his spine as Build arched his back, exposing his neck to him. He shook his head, trying to think normally. He wiped Build's neck again with shaking hands. Build moaned once again to the feeling of chills from the wet towel.

"Stop doing that." Wichapas glared at Build whose eyes are still closed.

But Build didn't listen. Or Wichapas is not even sure if he is conscious at all. Build moaned once again, this time, loud and seductive.

"This is dangerous." Wichapas gritted his teeth as he looked at Build. He felt the heat building up in his stomach and his knees started to weaken.

It's not yet time for his rut. But if Build continues doing this, it will be very dangerous for both of them.

"More." Build mumbled, talking about the wet towel. "Wipe me more." His back continues to arc, toes curling.

"Listen to me. I need to leave. This is dangerous for the both of us." Wichapas was about to stand up but Build wrapped his arms to his neck.

"Running away again?" Build's eyes have a rim of red on both irises. That's when Wichapas confirmed hsi own speculation.

"You're in heat. And you're triggering my rut. This could go bad." Wichapas whispered, breath playing on Build's face.

Build smirked as the alpha's breath touched his skin. He arched his back once again, neck meeting the Alpha's lips. Wichapas froze, fighting the urge to bite.

"Coward." Build mumbled.

Wichapas knows what he's doing. Build is provoking him to lose his temper.

"Call me whatever you want. I don't want to do something you'll regret."

Build sighed at the feeling of hot breath on his neck. It felt right. It felt like it belonged there.

"Help me." Build looked at Wichapas' eyes, teary and pleading.

Wichapas was taken aback by the sudden change of demeanor. He observed Build's eyes, the rim of red is gone. But in just a split second, it was back. Build is sweating all over. His silk pajamas are now sticking on his body. Build's bangs are wet with sweat but it made him more seductive. His lips are apart and tongue is licking his bottom lip.

"Lay back and be good."

Build followed. He settled himself on the bed, anticipating touches from Wichapas. But to his dismay, Wichapas stood up and fetched a pair of new pajamas. He went back to the bed but Build was glaring at him.

"You need to change. You're all sweaty." He said.

He was answered with a firm "No!" Build turned his back from him.

"Build, come on." Wichapas tried to coax him.

Suddenly, loud sobs were heard again. Honestly, Wichapas is thankful that Blue and Aunt Praya are not at home tonight. They might think that he is doing something to Build with all these moaning, sighing and crying. Wichapas sighed.

"You need to change." Wichapas spoke after a few seconds. But he received nothing as an answer. "I'll leave the clothes here. Let me take a shower to cool down. I badly needed it." Wichapas placed down the pajama set and ran towards the bathroom. He started a cold shower to cool down. It was very hard for him to resist. He almost lost it.

When he comes back, Build is still in his sweaty pajamas. Wichapas can't help but sigh. He went to Build's side of the bed only to find Build clutching his stomach. Panic invaded him.

"Hey. What's wrong?" He tapped Build's back.

"It hurts. It hurts so much." Build curled his body, still clutching his stomach. He started to cry and loud sobs were heard again.

Wichapas felt his forehead only to find out he's burning. The man immediately scooped him up to change his clothes, a shirt and a comfortable short instead of a pajama set. Suddenly, his phone from the bedside table rang. He immediately answered the call upon seeing who it was.

"What's going on?" He asked impatiently.

(𝐾ℎ𝑢𝑛 𝐵𝑙𝑢𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑓𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑒'𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔.)

Wichapas felt like he was being bathed with ice cold water. He looked at Build who's crying from a stomach pain before answering.

"Bring him to the hospital and call Dr. Cherry. I need to bring Build there as well."

He immediately dropped the call and scooped Build out of the bed.

"It hurts." Build buried his face on Wichapas' chest and gripped a handful of his shirt.

"I know. We're going to the hospital,okay? Stay with me. Don't fall asleep." He managed to say as they got into the elevator and proceeded to the underground parking. He settled Build on the passenger seat and secured his seatbelt before speeding away.

The exact time he got in front of the hospital, Dr. Cherry is waiting with two nurses and a stretcher. As Wichapas lay Build on the stretcher, he provided information to Dr. Cherry.

"I got this. Blue is in the emergency room with his doctor. You should go and check on him. I'll keep you updated with Build's condition." Dr. Cherry and the nurses pushed the stretcher inside.

Wichapas were frozen. He wanted to go beside Build. He wanted to stay with him. He wanted to hold his hand and keep him warm until he felt alright. But Blue needs him too. He messed up his hair before dashing to the emergency room. When he got there, he saw Blue laying on the bed, nurses busy fixing his oxygen mask. Prem and Aunt Praya standing beside the kid. As he ran, they immediately saw him. Wichapas reached for Blue's hand. The kid looked at him with tired eyes.

"D-Daddy." Blue smiled at him.

"Hi, baby. How are you feeling? I'm sorry for being late." Wichapas kissed Blue's forehead.

"D-Daddy, it's hard to breathe." Blue's eyes look like they are going to close at any moment.

"It's okay, baby. That oxygen mask will help you. Don't remove it, okay?" Wichapas caressed the kid's cheek.

Blue nodded at him and roamed his eyes. "Where's Papa?"

Wichapas, once again, froze. He's trying to find the correct words not to make Blue worried. "Papa is with Dr. Cherry right now."

"Why? Papa is sick too?" Blue inquired, a flicker of worry revealed in his eyes.

Wichapas cleared his throat, trying to maintain his calm demeanor during the situation. But deep inside, his worries and anxiety are eating him. "I'm not sure what happened yet but Dr. Cherry will check him up. Don't worry. Papa will be fine so you have to be well too, okay?"

Before Blue could answer, a male doctor came to them.

"Where's Khun Jakapan?" The man's eyes scanned the people.

Wichapas stood up immediately and spoke. "He's being checked as well. He has a fever. But I'm Blue's father. How's he doing?"

The doctor nods in understanding. "He's going to be fine. I guess he got too tired after playing so much. It's normal for his condition. But he needs to rest and wait for the other tests. He needs the oxygen until his breathing is finally better. I highly suggest you get him a room now so he can be comfortable."

Wichapas nodded and thanked the doctor. When the doctor left, Dr. Cherry came in. "I heard you'll get a room for Blue? Sorry, I was eavesdropping. That was unintentional. But make it a double room. Build needs to stay here for a few days as well."

Wichapas instructed Prem to get a room for them. Blue is now sleeping and Aunt Praya wiped the sweat on the kid's forehead.

"Can I talk to you?" Dr. Cherry addressed him. Wichapas followed the woman until they were in the middle of the quiet hallway. It was already midnight and most of the people were sleeping.

Dr. Cherry started with clearing her throat to ready herself with the information she will provide. "Build had his first heat after several years."

Wichapas was not shocked. He suspected that when they were in his room. Good thing he was able to restrain himself.

"It was painful for him. I know you know that." Wichapas nods. It was like that when Build had his first heat before too. Stomach pain is a common symptom. "It's just that…" Dr. Cherry seemed hesitating. "Did something happen between you two?"

Wichapas ball his hand into fist, feeling a little embarrassed with the question. He contemplated for a few seconds before shaking his head. "Nothing. I don't want to take advantage of his situation."

Dr. Cherry sighed. "I understand your side. You're just being a gentleman. But I would like to let you know that the reason why his stomach hurts so much is because he didn't get a release."

Wichapas furrowed. Feeling confused.

"The heat pooled inside his stomach and belly. Since it was his first time after a few years, it hurt him a lot."

Wichapas contemplated his decision earlier. If he only helped Build get a release earlier, this could've never happened. But if he did that knowing that Build is not in the right mind, it means he's taking advantage of him.

"Don't be guilty." Dr. Cherry said, like she's reading Wichapas' thoughts. "I know how much you respect him and I am thankful for that. You don't have to worry. I already gave him some painkillers. We just have to wait for his fever to go down and observe if there will be other symptoms that will rise."

After being quiet for a long time, Wichapas found the courage to speak. "The heat. Is it a good thing that it's back or.."

"It is a good thing, actually. It will improve his health and it will make him feel better."

"But he's in pain earlier." Build's cry echoed in his mind. He can't forget how Build clutched his stomach and cried in pain.

"It's normal. As time goes by, if his heat will occur regularly, the pain will be tolerable and he'll know what to do with it." Dr. Cherry tapped his shoulder. "Stop worrying. I'm here to help. If you need to know more, just ask. I'll get going, my Lord." She gave him a small bow before leaving.

Wichapas remained standing in the middle of the hallway, feeling worried and confused. Build is unconscious as well as Blue. He doesn't know what to do right now. He felt useless as he couldn't share any of their pain. He ran a hand on his hair and to his face, feeling tired and frustrated. But it doesn't mean he's going to sleep tonight. As Build and Blue lay unconscious on their separate beds, Wichapas stayed awake in between them. Aunt Praya sleeps on the couch and Prem is outside calling Sari and Prin. It's almost sunrise but Wichapas never even dozed off. He never wanted to miss anything that would happen to any of the two. When the sun was already shining, Sari and Prin came in a hurry.

"What happened?" Sari blurted out as Prin settled down with a bag of breakfast on the nearby table. Sari scanned Wichapas. The man looked really stressed, sleeplessness evident in his eyes. His hair is disheveled and looking over fatigued.

Wichapas bit his lower lip, trying to find the correct words to explain. "They both have a fever. Blue got tired from playing too much."

"And Build?" She asked, eyeing Build.

"He was in heat."

"Oh." Sari blinked, absorbing the information. This is the very first time she heard about Build being in heat. There are times she heard Build and Dr. Cherry talked about it but Build always brushed it off. "And you're with him during…" Sari wasn't able to finish her question when they heard Build groaned.

Wichapas immediately lowered his body, whispering to Build's ear. "Hey. How do you feel?"

Yet, they heard another groan from Build.

"Are you hurting? I'll call the doctor." Wichapas pressed the red button above the bed to call for the doctor.

"What happened? Why am I here?" Build asked him with droopy eyes.

Wichapas froze before asking. "You can't remember anything?"

Build slowly shook his head. At some point, Wichapas is thankful that Build can not remember anything from last night. Honestly, he doesn't want Build to feel awkward or shy about it.

"You have a fever. I had to bring you here." Wichapas contemplated before continuing. "Blue is here too." He stepped aside to let Build see Blue on the other bed, oxygen mask still on.

Build got alerted. He forced himself to sit up but Wichapas stopped him. "He's fine now. He just needs some rest, like you."

"What happened?" Tears suddenly pooled into Build's eyes. Extreme worry flashed through his face, wanting to hold his son's hand.

"It's my fault. I let them play for too long. I'm sorry." Wichapas cupped Build's face and tried to gather his attention.

Build looked at him thoroughly. As he scans Wichapas' face, he realizes how messy he looks. He never had seen the man in this state ever since. Wichapas has always been neat and clean. He never let himself look untidy. But today, with his white shirt on and messy hair, Wichapas looked like he never had even a blink of rest.

"But don't worry. He's fine now. He's worried about you." Wichapas pressed Build's cheeks softly. He guided Build back down as Dr. Cherry entered the room.

She checked Build thoroughly before stating that he's fine. She reminded him about the medications he needed to take. By the end of the check up, Build asked her.

"What's wrong with me?"

Dr. Cherry flashed a sweet smile. "There's nothing wrong with you. In fact, you're getting back to normal."

Build frowned. "What do you mean?"

"You had your heat."

–

Build and Blue stayed at the hospital, based on the doctors' advice. Wichapas never left the room even a split second. As Blue felt uneasy, he always asked to be carried by Wichapas. Though Build wanted to carry Blue, he was forbidden to do so. He observed as Wichapas coaxed Blue to sleep. The kid still has the oxygen mask on, occasionally asking his Daddy to remove it. But Wichapas declines and always tells the kid that it will make him feel better faster. Wichapas tried to engage Blue in small talks to avoid boredom. As Build saw the scenario, his heart swells in both happiness and worry.

What if, one day, everything will go back to how it used to be? What if, one day, he wakes up and it's just him and Blue again? What if, one day, he needs to cry every night again?

As he played with those thoughts, soft knocks were heard followed by creaking the door open. To their surprise, Lord Ram entered with a huge bouquet of mixed flowers and basket of assorted fruits. He entered the room with a huge smile, making Build shiver and Wichapas annoyed.

"Hi." he greeted.

Chapter Text

Lord Ram stayed at the hospital for a while. He sat on the chair where Wichapas used to sit. When a nurse came in to check in Build and Blue, Lord Ram seemed like putting on a show. He started peeling some apples and created a conversation.

"How are you feeling?" He asked while peeling the red apples he brought. "You should've called me and told me you're not feeling well."

The nurse can't help but smile with how soft and caring Lord Ram sounded. Of course she already heard about the rumor. And seeing Lord Ram at the hospital today, caring for Build, only added up to the speculations.

"You don't have to do this, Lord Ram. I'm fine." Build tried to emphasize the invisible boundary between them.

Lord Ram finished peeling the apple and offered it to Build. Build looked at the apple and scrunched his nose, a habit that Blue is starting to get from him whenever he dislikes something. "I don't eat peeled apples."

The man stopped, looking at the apple. "Oh. Sorry. I should've asked you."

"Excuse me, my Lord." The nurse bowed to him before facing Build. "I'll be injecting you medicine through the drip, Khun." Build nods at him and mutters a soft thank you after. "The doctor advised you to stay in bed as much as possible. Please take a full rest and the doctor will see you in the afternoon." But as the nurse provides the information, she keeps glancing between Build and Lord Ram. It's just like she was informing the patient and his relative at the same time.

After the nurse left, Wichapas' anger was burning inside. He wanted to snap and shout, imagining how his fist would land on Lord Ram's face.

"Would you like some grapes, rather?" Lord Ram started putting the grapes on the bowl next to the basket.

"Lord Ram," Build started. "I really appreciate you being here and worrying about me but.." he looked at Wichapas, who's sitting in Blue's as the kid sleeps on his lap. "I think your stay would only draw attention and would create more stories outside."

Lord Ram looked at him without any reaction. Suddenly, he sighed like a defeated man. "I apologize about the rumors, Khun. I don't want it like that."

Build frowned. If he doesn't want the situation to be like this, then why is not speaking up for the truth?

"Thank you for the fruits. The gesture is highly appreciated." Build moved from the bed and set his foot down.

Wichapas was about to jump out of the bed to help but Blue stirred on his arms, groaning in discomfort due to the sudden movement. Lord Ram immediately rounded the bed and held Build's arm.

"What are you doing? The nurse told you to stay in bed." His worried eyes looked real, like he was really worried.

Build removed his hand. "I need to use the toilet." He held the IV drip stand and started rolling it but Lord Ram insisted.

"Let me help you." He grabbed the rolling stand and was about to hold Build once again but Build spoke.

"I can do it alone." A hint of discomfort in his voice.

Suddenly, the door swung open and the newcomers saw how Build's brows furrowed and his voice with a hint of annoyance. Aunt Praya immediately went near Build.

"What's going on?"

"I need to use the toilet."

"Okay, come on." Aunt Praya guided Build until he was inside the toilet and waited outside.

Sari and Prin remained on the doorway, looking at Lord Ram like he was an uninvited guest.

"The room is already cramped for all of us. We need to decrease headcount." Sari folded her arms in her chest, eyebrows raised on Lord Ram.

"I just wanted to pay a visit." Lord Ram sounded like he was a kid being bullied.

"You already did. Time is up." Sari stepped forward, still looking annoyed.

"Sari." Prin held Sari's shoulder, his other hand holding a huge paper bag.

"Well, I…" Lord Ram tried to reason out but he gave up. He gritted his teeth, clenching his jaw, his eyes never left Sari. He looked at her with a deep gaze. "I should get going then."

Prin guided Sari away from the doorway and let Lord Ram step out. Sari closed the door as quietly as she could, not to interrupt Blue sleep. Build got out of the toilet and Aunt Praya guided him back to the bed.

"You're too feisty. You should be careful with him." Prin placed the paper bag in the near table and Aunt Praya started arranging it for lunch.

"Why would I not be annoyed? He knew all the rumors but remained silent. In fact, it seems like he was enjoying it." Sari slump down the couch.

"You should be worried, at least. He is a Lord after all." Build spoke, fixing his blanket on his lap. He heard everything from the toilet earlier.

"Why would I be worried? My future husband is a lawyer. And my future brother in law is a Lord." Sari spoke so confidently.

All of the people inside the room, except the sleeping kid, snapped a look at Sari.

"Who?!" Prin looked at her like she grew another head.

Sari raised her eyebrow. She looked at them with a determined face before pointing to Lord Wichapas. "Him! Hello?"

"What do you mean.." before Prin could finish, Sari interrupted him.

"What to expect? They already have a kid together and Lord Wichapas stayed with Build on his first heat…" Before Sari could finish her sentence, Prin covered her mouth with her hand. Sari muffled a sound, trying to remove Prin's hand on her mouth.

Build was shocked. Suddenly, he turned red like an apple after hearing Sari. He looked down on his blanket and fiddled with it. He wanted to ask questions about how come Wichapas is the one he was with during his heat. As far as he can remember, Wichapas already fetched Blue before he fell asleep.

"Why are you blushing like a virgin? Hello? Your son is already four years old!" Sari exclaimed. Cannot believe how Build reacted to her statement.

"Sari!" Prin ran a hand on his face, feeling deeply embarrassed and tired of his fiancee. "Lord Wichapas is not your brother in law.."

"At least not yet." Sari murmured.

"And stop saying embarrassing things." Prin placed his hands on his hips, like he was reprimanding Sari.

"What is so embarrassing about that?!" Sari looked at Wichapas on the other bed, in her shock, the man's face and neck was colored deep red as well. "Why are you both blushing too much? What is this? A teenage love?" She rolled her eyes.

"That's enough. Eat your lunch before it gets cold." Aunt Praya interjected, almost giggling about the chaos. She brought Build own his food and set it up on the overbed table. After that, she went to wake up Blue with a bowl of porridge she made. "Give him to me. You need to eat as well. Grab yours at the table."

"I…" Wichapas was reluctant. He looked at his son and at Aunt Praya. Blue's oxygen mask was replaced by a nasal cannula to help the kid eat easier.

"It's fine. Go grab your lunch, freshen up and rest. You've been restless since we came here."

Wichapas sighed. "Thanks, Auntie."

They had a peaceful lunch, aside from Sari picking a fight with Prin. It's a good thing Prin, as a lawyer, has a very long patience. In fact, sometimes, Sari's banter is pointless. It looks like she just wants to annoy Prin. After Build finished his lunch, he started cleaning the overbed table. Wichapas immediately ran to him.

"Let me do it. You should rest." Wichpas cleaned up the table and placed it back to the corner.

Build observed him once again. Wichapas looked overfatigued. He looked like a walking zombie, to summarize the description.

Sari and Prin decided to leave after lunch as Prin needed to go to work. Sari wanted to stay but Prin dragged him away, stating that she was just going to annoy the patients. Blue remained awake after lunch and asked to hug his Papa. He can't leave the bed because of the oxygen tied up on him so Build went to his bed instead, with the help of Wichapas. Aunt Praya had to go out of the room, talking to her daughter on the phone.

"Papa, I want an apple." Blue looked up at his father. They are cuddling on the bed.

"I got it." Wichapas stood up from the couch, getting an apple from the basket. He made sure that the basket of fruits that Lord Ram brought earlier was thrown away at the corner. They have their own basket of fruits anyway. After slicing the apples, making sure it was not peeled, he gave it to them. He sliced enough apples for Build and Blue. As he gave them the bowl of sliced fruit, Blue made a comment.

"Daddy, you look awful." Blue spoke, stuffing his mouth with a sliced apple.

"What do you mean, buddy?" Wichapas sat on the spot below the kid.

"You look like you were run over by a train." Blue scrunched his nose, looking at his Daddy.

"That's exaggerated." Wichapas stifled a laugh. "But I think I really need to freshen up." He looked at Build. "I'll take a quick bath. Call me if you need something. Don't move too much."

"You're exaggerating, too. Go ahead and take your time." Build spoke but not looking at him, busying himself on the sliced apples.

After a few minutes of bath, Wichapas decided to rest on the couch. Now that Build and Blue were both conscious, his mind is already at ease. Not less than five minutes of hitting his back on the soft couch, he fell asleep. Blue fell asleep as well. Build stood from the bed and grabbed an extra blanket. He rolled his IV drip stand on the couch and draped the blanket on Wichapas. He crouched down to look at him closely, making sure he was really asleep. Wichapas' face is pale, dark circles under his eyes and his eyebrows are furrowed. He almost laughed. Even in his sleep, Wichapas is hunted by problems. Build brought up his finger and touched the crease between his eyebrows, making Wichapas groan and relax his face. Build immediately remove his finger and wait if Wichapas will wake up. With heavy breaths and wide eyes, he waited for the man to open his eyes. When he was sure that Wichapas was still asleep, he sighed in relief.

"Am I interrupting?" Dr. Cherry spoke, making Build stand up in shock.

"You scared me." Build looked at her with scared eyes.

"Why are you scared?" Dr. Cherry looked at him with suspicious eyes before glancing at the sleeping man on the couch. "Are you planning something?" She smirked.

"What? No!" Build went back to his own bed, IV drip stand in tow.

Dr. Cherry stifled a laugh before going near him. "How are you feeling?"

"I think I'm already fine. Can't I be discharged now?"

"Not yet. If you didn't faint during your heat, you can consider it good. But since you lost consciousness, it means something is off. You need to stay here for a few more days. And besides, Blue is still not okay. I talked to his doctor, he said when the fever is gone and he's breathing fine again, he's free to go."

"And me?" Build looked at her with hope.

"We'll see about that." Build sighed in defeat. "Do you feel any pain?" Dr. Cherry continued asking.

"My stomach hurts occasionally."

"Do you feel it when you eat or when moving?" She started taking down notes on her clipboard.

"No. It just comes and goes."

"Rate the pain from one to ten. One as the lowest."

"Seven."

"That's good. If the pain becomes unbearable, make sure to call for help. Understood?"

"Is it normal?"

"You had stomach pains even before. When you had the same transition before having Blue. If it's tolerable, it's normal. But if it's not, then you need further examination. Your body will get used to it. There's no specific medicine for that but you will definitely find a way to cope with it." Dr. Cherry continued scribbling on her clipboard.

Build looked confused. Not understanding it fully.

"Lord Ram came to visit?" Dr. Cherry asked, after writing down all the instructions to be given to Build's attending nurse later.

"How did you know?" Build pouted.

"It's all over the hospital's gossip today."

Build made a face, feeling violated by the invasion of his privacy.

"But the most intriguing thing for them is why Lord Wichapas stayed with you from the beginning and cuddled your son all the time." Dr. Cherry laughed. "They are so puzzled."

"Let them be confused." Build rolled his eyes.

"They think Lord Wichapas is the reason for your alleged break up with Lord Ram." Dr. Cherry laughed once again, clearly enjoying the news.

"What?! That's hilarious!" Build exclaimed, feeling the anger inside.

"Which one? That Lord Wichapas is accused as a third party or the rumor that you had a relationship with Lord Ram?"

"I…" Build sighed, trying to calm his heartbeat. "Neither of them were true."

"I know. It's just that everyone is too invested with the play that Lord Ram made." Dr. Cherry cleared her throat. "Honestly, you have to be careful. It seems like he's up to something."

–

After being kicked out of the hospital room, Lord Ram went out to get his car in the parking lot in front of the hospital Building. He is furious and clenching his fist, feeling disrespected. He looked up once again at the hospital building, trying to figure out how he could get to Build without being interrupted. Lord Ram was about to leave when a black car stopped in front of him. The window slowly rolled down and a woman with big sunglasses was revealed on the backseat.

"It's nice seeing you again, Lord Ram." She smirked.

"What are you doing here, Fah?" Lord Ram furrowed, clearly annoyed with the woman's presence.

"Get in. I want to have a word with you." Fah didn't even look at him.

"Why would I?" Lord Ram slid his hands into his trousers pockets.

Slowly, Fah looked at him and removed her glasses. "You don't have the right to refuse. I know you know why." She smirked.

Feeling cornered, Lord Ram gritted his teeth. He looked at Fah with disdain and annoyance before rounding the card. He slid beside Fah. The driver brought them to the isolated corner of the outdoor parking area before leaving the car, giving them privacy.

"You're so consistent. After all these years, you're still sticking with our plan?" Fah started.

"What do you mean?"

"We planned to wipe off the Puttha family. And since Build was not there during the…accident," she grinned, almost laughing at the terminology she used. "You're getting him now. When are you planning on killing him?"

Lord Ram felt awful. He wanted to strangle the woman beside him right now. "Accident? I want to remind you that after that accident you are pertaining to, you vanished. You left me."

Fah's laughter echoed in the enclosed car. "Why are you so furious? I left you with money and power, didn't I? Your long desired power and money owned by your late brother. I worked on it for you. I could say, you are where you are right now because of me."

"I am here because I worked for this. You just helped me get what was supposed to be mine."

"Oh don't be ungrateful, my Lord. You won't be able to get that position without my help, admit it."

Lord Ram's finger itches to be at Fah's neck. He wanted to snap out and hurt her. She's too full of herself and annoying.

"Now," Fah moved, her hands suddenly fell on Lord Ram's chest. The man stiffened in the touch. "You are well respected and powerful." Her hands ran through his body, sending shivers to Lord Ram. "Can't I receive a thank you?" Fah slid her hand in between the man's legs, pressing a little hard.

"What do you want?" Lord Ram spoke with roughness.

Suddenly, Fah lifted his body and skillfully sat on his lap, locking him in place with her legs on both sides. Fah's chest was pressed firmly on his, feeling the soft lumps of her breasts. Her flowy dress covered half of his body, hands playing on his buttons.

"Don't be naive. We can still continue the alliance." Fah whispered in his ears, slow but full of threat.

"It has been years, Fah. You should get over it."

Suddenly, a hand was already on Lord Ram's neck. Long nails digging on the side of his soft skin.

"You don't get to say when I will stop. I want to make them suffer forever. None of them will be happy." Fah glared at him, hand gripping his throat firmly. "In one snap, I can make your money and power disappear. I can snatch it from you as easily as clapping my hands."

Physically, Lord Ram can defend himself against her. He roamed his eyes outside the car. He knows that if he hurts her, it will not take him ten steps before finding his dead body in the middle of the parking lot. Or he'll find himself on the street as a beggar. Fah's hand travelled once again to his shoulders and then his chest, unbuttoning them one by one.

"Let's work again, my Lord." She leaned in and spoke breathily. "Together again, my Alpha."

Fah dived in to kiss him full of passion and command. She rocked back and forth on the man's lap, surrendering to the fire. On the other hand, Lord Ram felt nothing. Although the bond made him feel like he wanted to succumb to the fire, he fought with it inside. He let Fah get what she wanted, Lord Ram followed to every position she ordered. He made sure to satisfy her. One thing on his mind, destiny is cruel for giving him a mate with an evil heart.

–

It has been days since Build and Blue was admitted to the hospital. Blue is fine now and is now running here and there inside the hospital room, playing with anyone who is available.

"I wish Ta Love and Tin Love were here to play with me." He pouted, sitting on the couch.

"I'm playing with you now. Is Daddy not enough?" Wichapas picked him up and sat the kid on his lap.

"But I miss them." Blue started playing with his Daddy's buttons.

"When Papa is already fine, we can go home and you can play with them again." Wichapas messed with Blue's hair.

"Papa, are you well now?" Blue looked at his father who's sitting on the bed. IV drip was now removed but his stomach still occasionally hurts.

"Papa is fine now. Dr. Cherry might allow me to go home already." Build smiled at his son.

"Yehey! Blue is fine now as well." Blue jumped out of his father's lap and started digging to the bag of books and toys that Aunt Praya brought from the suite to keep Blue busy.

Wichapas stood up and went to Build. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm so much better. I want to go home." He answered.

Wichapas sat beside him. We'll wait for the doctor's approval."

Build nods at him. He can't win any argument about this anyway. He looked at Wichapas and studied his eyes. Their gaze met and it is so obvious that Build has something to say.

"What is it?" Wichapas asked, never breaking the gaze.

Build immediately looked away, cheeks tinted with red. He pinch his fingers to fight the feeling of embarrassment.

"If you don't ask, it will hunt you forever." Wichapas spoke, grinning playing in his lips.

Build refused to look at him but decided to ask. "Why were you in the suite?"

Wichapas inhaled. He knows Build will definitely ask about it. "Can't you remember anything yet?"

Build shook his head, eyes still on his fingers.

"I went there to check on you. When I came, Auntie told me you haven't eaten anything and didn't come out of your room. You were burning with fever when I came and…"

"And?" Build looked up, eyes looking at Wichapas like an intrigued person.

"And you lost consciousness that's why I brought you here."

Build gaze speaks of suspicion. It seems like he didn't believe Wichapas was telling him the entire truth. He can feel it.

"That's it?"

It was Wichapas' turn to look away, feeling deep heat on his face and neck. He deliberately left a huge part of the situation unsaid and Build is digging on it. He doesn't even know how to tell him about what happened that night. It will cause Build embarrassment and might heighten his guards against him once again.

"Yes." He answered as short as he could.

Build wanted to dig on it further but Dr. Cherry came and told them some good news. Blue and Build can now be discharged.

–

Everything went as normal after the hospitalization. Wichapas became more careful with Blue. The previous situation traumatized him, to say the least. Somehow, he still blamed himself about what happened even though people around him say it's not his fault. Nonetheless, it happened during his turn to take care of Blue so it was still his fault.

On the next weekend that Build dropped Blue at Wichapas house, Dao asked him to come in for a while. She said he needed to tell them something important. As they sat down on the couch, along with Wichapas and Prem, Dao seemed restless. The sound of the kids playing somewhere in the house echoed before Dado could even speak.

"Are you okay? What's wrong?" Build held Dao's hand, feeling so worried.

"Khun, Prem and I are scheduled to meet his family next weekend. I'm nervous." Dao spoke, looking at Build and Wichapas alternately.

"I told her that she had no need to worry but she kept being restless." Prem scratched the back of his neck. "She used to wake up in the middle of the night because of that."

"Dao, you know it's bad for you to have incomplete sleep." Build scolded her.

"I know. It's just that…. What if they don't like me? I'm an orphan and…" Dao held Build's hand tightly.

Build smiled. "What's there not to like about you? You're a great woman. Beautiful and kind. They'll like you, I know that." Build squeezed Dao's hand to comfort her.

"Thank you, Khun." Dao smiled back. Being an orphan, she found a huge support from Build and Wichapas throughout. Like a real family.

"And besides, even if they don't like you, their disapproval will not work. You're pregnant already." Wichapas speaks in a matter of fact tone, pointing to her belly.

Build had to close his eyes and let out a deep breath, trying to control his emotions.

"So… there's a possibility they would just accept me because I'm already pregnant?" Dao tilted her head to the side, eyebrows furrowed, and started to overthink.

"No. No, Dao. It's not like that." Build looked back at Wichapas, glaring. Wichapas had to take a step back with the intensity of the stare. It felt like he was being stabbed.

Prem ran his hand over his face. He knows how quickly Dao would overthink things during her pregnancy. "Okay. The reason she wanted to talk to you is actually because she wants you to go with us. For support."

"Yes. I want both of you to be there. We will officially tell his family about the wedding and my pregnancy. And to, finally, meet them in person. We had already told them everything through a video call but we think it is something to be discussed personally."

"That's very nice to hear. You're such a great woman." Build spoke, feeling proud of how responsible Dao is.

"So, will you come with me?" Dao looked at him with so much expectation.

"Of course. Why would I say no?" Build giggled.

Dao sighed in relief and then looked at Wichapas with the same expecting eyes. Build looked at him as well, a hint of expectation shines.

Wichapas nodded and then smiled at her. Dao hugged Build tightly, feeling relieved and excited.

"It's in the north. We do not have airports there so it will be an eight-hour drive." Prem spoke, smile not leaving his face.

"Where are we going?" Blue suddenly emerged from somewhere, followed by the twins.

"We're going to Uncle Prem's hometown next week." Wichapas answered his son.

"A vacation? Yehey! We're going on a trip!" Blue yelled, eyes shining in glee.

"Let's pack our bags. Come on!" Tin grabbed Blue's hand and ran away.

"Do not pack too many snacks, Tin!" Ta followed them.

Later that day, the house was full of cries and wailing. The kids expected to leave the same day, forgetting that the trip will be next week. Too much disappointment made them sad that Blue and Tin started to cry. Ta just shook his head and looked at the crying kids with unbelievable eyes.

Chapter Text

Because of the scheduled trip this weekend, Build decided to make an earlier appointment with the cleaners today. It's Thursday and he woke up earlier to drive so he could get home as early as he can. He remembered the multiple reminders of Aunt Praya to drive slowly and carefully because it seemed like it was going to rain. The clouds are dark and heavy, the wind whistling. It really seems like it is going to rain.

Build decided to clean their own mansion first. It took them half of the day and then they moved to another mansion. The moment they travelled to the next house, it was already raining hard. But still, Build decided to continue and reminded the cleaners to be as quick as possible because he needed to drive back home. But as they finished the routine, it was already past four in the afternoon. Looking at the window, it doesn't look like it was still afternoon. The surroundings are dark and heavy rain is pouring outside.

"Thank you for today. Sorry for messing up with your schedule." Build smiled with guilt. He's talking to the cleaners' team lead.

"Not a problem at all, Khun. Are you going back today? The rain is too hard. I'm afraid driving so far would be dangerous." The man looked outside.

"I might wait until the rain is a little calm and then I'll go." Build scratch the back of his nape.

"Alright. But if the weather didn't change, you should stay for the night. It's for your safety." The cleaners bid their goodbyes.

Build saw them as their van vanished into the fog of the heavy rain. Build sighed. It would be very dangerous for him to travel with this kind of weather.

He slumped on the couch and dialed Aunt Praya's number.

(𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑? 𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑜𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘?) As soon as Aunt Praya answered the call, Build heard a hint of worry.

"Not yet, Auntie. The rain is too heavy right now."

(𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒'𝑠 𝑎 𝑡𝑦𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑛. 𝐼 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒. 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑠. 𝐷𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑑)

"Don't worry about me. Once the weather calms down a little, I'll drive back home." Though Build is skeptical about it. Every minute, the rain became heavier. "Where's Blue?"

(𝐻𝑒'𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑛𝑎𝑝. 𝐼 𝑏𝑒𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 𝑢𝑝 ℎ𝑒'𝑙𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢.)

Build glanced at his wrist watch. It's almost six already. He'll never make it before Blue wakes up. He doesn't even know if he can make it tonight. He sighed. "Just tell him I'll be back soon."

The older woman made an affirmative sound. The moment Build pressed the end button, a huge and frightening lightning struck outside along with turning off all the lights inside the mansion. Build stood up in shock when it was followed by a loud roar of thunder. His heart almost leaped out of his chest. He is alone in a dark mansion. Fear crept inside him. Build is not usually afraid of dark and thunderstorms. The thing he fears right now is the fact that he is alone.

Build closed his eyes. He tried to calm himself but when another strike of lightning and a deep roar of thunder echoed inside the house, all he could do was cover his eyes and sit on the carpeted floor, eyes still closed. His mind is so occupied that he lost his phone in the dark.

–

The moment Aunt Praya hung up the call, he heard a loud cry from the bedroom. She immediately went to check and to confirm her guess, Blue is already awake and wailing, calling for his Papa. The woman tried comforting the kid but was unsuccessful. He kept calling his Papa's name. She tried every coaxing he knew but the kid's loud crying chorused with the heavy rain.

With a defeated sigh, she grabbed his phone again and dialed Build but the line was off. After multiple tries, she gave up and dialed another number.

(𝐴𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑒?)

"I'm sorry for calling you but I don't know what to do. Blue doesn't stop crying. He's draining himself."

Wichapas frowned. (𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒'𝑠 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑?)

"He went to the mansions. He scheduled the cleaning earlier than usual because you have a planned trip this weekend. That's my other worry. He is stranded there alone and with no food." Aunt Praya felt shaken. His worry is palpable from the other line.

Wichapas stood up from his bed and moved as fast as possible to change his clothes. (𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑘 𝑡𝑜 𝐵𝑙𝑢𝑒.)

"Here." Aunt Praya turned the call into speakers. "Daddy wants to talk to you."

A few more sobs before Blue could even speak. "D-Daddy. P-Papa is… Papa is not here."

Wichapas' heart broke into several pieces. He can't imagine the look on his son's face. (𝐼𝑡'𝑠 𝑜𝑘𝑎𝑦, 𝑏𝑢𝑑𝑑𝑦. 𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑎 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡. 𝐷𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑔𝑜 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑎. 𝑈𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑒 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑚𝑎 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑜𝑘𝑎𝑦?) But he received sobs only from the other line. (𝑌𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑎 𝑏𝑖𝑔 𝑏𝑜𝑦 𝑛𝑜𝑤, 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡? 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑚𝑎 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡? 𝐶𝑎𝑛 𝐷𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑜𝑦?)

“Y-yes.”

Wichapas sighed in relief. (𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑. 𝑌𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑎 𝑏𝑖𝑔 𝑏𝑜𝑦 𝑛𝑜𝑤.)

Wichapas drove off through the heavy rain. The road is almost not visible at all. But nothing could stop him. He needs to get to Build as soon as possible. It might take him more or less than two hours but he needs to get there no matter what it takes. Build is alone and has nothing to eat. Wichapas made sure to bring something from the house but all he could do was the box of bread and a liter of water. His mind is clouded on how he could get to Build as soon as possible.

It took him more than two hours to park in front of Build's old house. The gates are locked and the garage is out of sight. He can’t figure out if Build's car is parked inside. The driveway is empty. But he still tried. He stepped into the rain, soaking himself. He tried opening the gates but to no avail. Lightning strikes and thunder roars, his eagerness to find Build is more powerful than the danger of the storm. He shouted his name multiple times. He doesn’t know if his voice is audible from the inside but he still tried. But it seems like no one is there. The house is dark and no sign of life inside.

Shaking in the cold, Wichapas went back inside the car. He drove off to the next destination. His old mansion. This is the first time that he’s going back to this old house after coming back to the country. He never even visited once because the house is not his anymore. But today, the high hope that Build is inside the mansion and not somewhere else is what’s on his mind. He hopes that Build didn’t try to drive back home and got stranded somewhere else. His worry grew seconds by seconds. As he stopped at the huge gate of his old mansion, the rain poured like a bucket of water from heaven. The lightning and thunder roared like they were so mad at everything. Wichapas went out of the car and checked the gates. Luckily, they are open. He immediately opened them and drove his car inside. He parked at the drive way because the garage of this house is at the back. The possibility that Build is here is high. But the mansion is too dark and too quiet.

“Build?!” He called.

Wichapas searched the living room, the kitchen, the dining calling his name but nothing. He found no one. He used his mobile phone’s flashlight to see through the dark. He's about to run to his previous study room when he heard a noise from the stairs. Like someone is in pain.

–

Build decided to stay inside the master’s bedroom. The exact room where he and Wichapas stayed before. There is something peaceful inside this room that made him feel safe. He curled himself at the foot of the bed, sitting on the carpeted floor, knees to his chest. His palms cover his ears from the thunder. His eyes closed not to see the lightning. From time to time, he will doze off. But whenever he wakes up, fear will embrace him. He started getting teary eyed. He’s frightened and he’ll never deny it. The house is dark in the middle of a heavy storm. He has no one. Whenever he closes his eyes, the flashbacks of the past are clear to him. How he was alone all these years. How hard it was to take care of a baby all alone. How painful it is to cry in the middle of the middle because he’s too tired. How he tried to be strong but whenever he hit the bed, sadness would take over. All of it is heavy and painful.

Tears started to fall down on his cheeks. And he sobed. Until he found himself crying. He’s alone and hungry. Suddenly, he heard movements from downstairs. Build became alarmed. His finger shakes in fear. He didn't know what to do if someone tried to rob the premises. And a thought broke his heart.

Is this how his father and the other people in their house felt before the tragedy happened? Will he die tonight? If he does, what will happen to Blue?

The pain of what could possibly happen made Build more frightened. But if he would die, he would want to die fighting. So he stood up from the floor, cheeks wet from tears. He stepped outside the room. His only guide not to stumble going to the stairs is the struck of lightning. But tears never stopped flowing from his eyes. Fear, worry and pain mixed up. Step by step, he went down the stairs. He suppressed all the sobs so as not to make any noise. He gathered all the courage left in him. As he descends the stairs, the tears and the dark surrounding never help. As lightning cracks, Build twisted his ankle and fell. The last three steps were missed and Build fell with a loud thud. He hissed in pain.

Suddenly, a source of light came in. He looked up and with the light in on his face. He couldn't figure out who it was until a pair of arms caged him.

"Thank God you're okay."

Build felt solace. That voice, that smell, that warmth. He will never make a mistake guessing who it was. Right then, he let out a loud cry. Letting go of all the fear he has.

"Ssshhh! You're okay. I'm here now."

The voice is soft and calming. The very comfort Build wanted to have. The hug and the voice brought back his sanity. After a couple of minutes, staying on the ground, Build moved away. With flowing tears on his cheeks, he looked up and their eyes met.

"Why are you here?"

Wichapas smiled. "I was looking for you."

Right then, Build had the time to take a look at him completely. Wichapas is all wet and he looks cold.

"Why did you run in the rain?" Build tried to wipe Wichapas' hair but the man held his wrist.

"I'm okay. Don't worry about me. Did you fall?" Wichapas looked up the stairs.

"Yes. I think.." Build tried to stand up but ended up falling into Wichapas' arms.

Wichapas focused the flashlight on Build's ankle. It was swollen and red. He clicked his tongue. He immediately lifted Build up and carried him back to the room upstairs. Putting down Build on the bed, he checked on his ankle.

"I brought food. Let me get them in the car." Wichapas handed Build the cellphone. He was about to step out but Build grabbed the hem of his shirt. Build didn't speak but his eyes were pleading. Wichapas handed him the cellphone. "Hold this. I'll be quick."

As the door shut close. The cellphone's light gave a little ease to Build's mind. At least, it's not too dark anymore. After a few minutes, Wichapas came back with a bag of bread and water. He handed Build the water after opening the lid. After that, he handed him a piece of bread. Surely, Build is too hungry by now. After the first bite, Build stopped. Something smells different. He looked at the bread with suspicion. It smells like faint fresh woods after the rain. What are these breads made of? He looked at Wichapas and observed his disheveled state. His wet clothes, his damp hair and the tiredness on his eyes.

"You're wet. You should take a shower." Build spoke, voice low.

Wichapas had the realization. He bit his lower lip before nodding.

"There are towels and robes in the closet. But there are no clothes." Build informed him. Of course, there are no clothes in there as no one is actually living here. Build just made sure that there are few clean towels and robes in every room.

Wichapas got the towel and a robe from the closet before walking into the bathroom. At that moment, the faint smell of the fresh woods disappeared. Clouded by a lot of thoughts, Build shrugged and continued eating. After a few moments, he remembered Blue. Worried, he grabbed Wichapas' phone that serves as the light in the room. He wants to call Prem to ask if Blue is okay. Disappointment ate him as he saw that the phone was locked and then it went off. The screen blacked out as well as the flashlight. He tried turning it on but it was in vain. The mobile phone has no battery left. With a heavy sigh, Build placed the phone to the bedside table. He looked at the huge glass window. The rain is still pouring heavily outside with a series of lightning and thunder.

Suddenly, the bathroom door opened, revealing the freshly showered Wichapas wearing a thick white robe. With the help of the lightning from outside, Build can see how beautiful the man is standing on the bathroom doorway, drying his own hair with a towel. Wichapas went near him, sitting near his foot. He sat there in silence before touching Build's swollen ankle. Build jolted in shock, a different kind of electricity climbed up to his body.

"Does it hurt?"

Build only had the time to examine his own ankle. It was swollen and red. It definitely hurts but he was too hungry to feel it earlier. He just nods. Wichapas stood up again and grabbed a smaller towel and wet it with water. Then, he came back and wrapped it on Build's ankle.

"Cold." He murmured.

Wichapas smirked. That's all we have right now. Bare with it just tonight. I'll take you to the hospital tomorrow."

Build scrunch his nose. The smell of wood suddenly reached his nose once again. He looked at Wichapas and saw how droopy his eyes were.

"Take the bed. I'll sleep on the floor." Wichapas stood up and went to the closet. This was his home for so many years so he knows where the linens are stocked. Of course, Build has a few duvets and blankets hidden on the cabinets. He made his own makeshift bed on the foot of the bed. His head was pounding so hard that he just wanted to close his eyes.

Hours later, the storm never subsided. The window is now closed with curtains, declining the lightnings to be seen inside. But the growl of the thunder is still heard. Build sat up. He crawled to the foot of the bed to take a look at Wichapas. But he stopped when he realized that Wichapas was sitting up as well, back leaning on the bed. He tested the waters, trying to see if he was awake. But Wichapas' head suddenly dropped on the mattress, head tilted backward. Build bit his lips to avoid making any noise. The man is asleep. He settled himself on the bed, his head near Wichapas' side face. The smell is still there. It's fresh and calming. But, suddenly, a groan of pain was heard along with the change of smell. It now smells like burning woods and flame again. Like someone is making an arson in the forest. Build perked up. Another groan from Wichapas and he is completely sat up. Build went down the bed, careful with his aching ankle. He sat on the makeshift bed, taking all the vision he could to assess Wichapas' state. He kept groaning like he was in pain.

"Hey." He whispered, hands touching Wichapas' shoulder. Then he realized the robe had fallen from his shoulder. He is now touching his bare skin. He immediately retrieved his hand. "Are you awake?"

But another growl was heard. Build gave up, though still worried. He stood up and almost went back to bed but Wichapas called him.

"Build."

He stopped, waiting for the next word. But nothing came. He knitted his eyebrows, thinking that Wichapas might be dreaming. Dreaming about him. Fighting the urge to wake him up again, he climbed back to bed. He tucked himself under the blanket and tried to fall asleep. But only a few minutes had passed, he stood up again and went back to Wichapas' makeshift bed. He assessed the man's face again. He's in the same position he had earlier on the makeshift bed.

"Build." Build almost stood up in shock. He thought Wichapas was completely asleep.

Build leaned in, observing the other's face. The dark room only allows him to see Wichapas' face when he is so close. When his sight had already adjusted with the image, he found out that Wichapas' eyes were closed. It allowed Build to assess his face further. The slightly knitted eyebrows, the long lashes, the attractive nose and when he looked at his lips, it twitched like it was fighting the urge to smile. Build furrowed his eyebrows, questioning his sight. He leaned in more to check, annoyance building up inside him. He can now feel Wichapas' breath on his face. Too close. Build was about to step away when a loud growl of thunder was heard. His heart leaped, tension made his body shake in fear. His legs moved on their own and his knee landed on a soft skin. The loud cry escaped Wichapas' lips.

"Oh my god! I'm sorry!"

Wichapas clutched his side, enduring the pain through gritted teeth, contorted face and a couple of hiasing.

"I didn't mean it. The thunder scared me. I'm so sorry!" Build held his hand that's clutching his side.

"I think you crushed my kidney." Wichapas hissed again.

"I'm really sorry. I…" Build is almost teary eyed but Wichapas laughed.

"Relax. I'm just messing up." His hoarse voice echoed in Build's ears with a hint of tease.

Build stopped for a few seconds before slapping Wichapas's arm, full force.

"Ouch!"

"Now that hurts for real!" Build glared at him but he was pouting, making Wichapas laugh.

"Okay. I'm sorry." Wichapas stopped laughing. "You've been watching me while I'm asleep so I tried to mess up with you."

"How did you know I'm watching you? Huh! You're not asleep at all?" Accusing glare darted to Wichapas.

"How can I fall asleep if you've been eyeing me like you wanted to kiss me?" Wichapas smirked. The kind of grin that Build is too familiar with.

"You.." But before Build could argue, another loud thunder roared. He squeaked in shock and jumped into Wichapas' arms. The other immediately wrapped around his arms to Build's waist, making him steady. Build's face bumped on Wichapas' hard chest. And worst, it was bare skinned.

"Let me go." Build's voice is muffled on his chest.

But instead of unwrapping his hands, Wichapas pressed his other hand on Build's head, making him bury his face on his bare chest further. "Shhhh! I know you're scared. It's okay. You can use me as your shield."

Build squirmed. He knows Wichapas is messing up with him. But his protests are to no avail. Losing hope, he stopped moving. After a few minutes of staying in that position, he spoke again. "I can't breathe." But he received nothing as an answer. "Let me go. I'll die from suffocation and your body heat is not normal…." He paused.

Wichapas' temperature is not normal on his skin and his scent smells like burning woods.

He immediately looked up, swatting Wichapas' hand on his head. Build saw Wichapas' head dropped on the side, eyes closed.

"Hey!" Build cupped his face. "Are you okay? Wake up!" Right then, his palm felt burning on Wichapas' cheeks. "You're scaring me. Hey!" Build tried tapping Wichapas' face twice but nothing happened.

Realization hit Build. Wichapas is burning with fever. Full of worry, Build stood up and went to the bathroom limping, trying not to strain his swollen ankle. He went back with a wet towel on hand.

"You have to go up to the bed. I can't carry you." He said, trying to know if Wichapas is still conscious enough to hear him. Build tried to strategize on how he will make Wichapas get up to the bed. His body is much larger than him so it is very impossible to carry him up. His body is larger and more muscular and fit and….

Stop checking him out! He's sick!

He scolded himself and anchored Wichapas' arm to his shoulders. "Help yourself. I cannot lift you up. Come on. Get up." Wichapas didn't answer.

With a defeated sigh, Build started wiping off Wichapas. The cold towel made Wichapas groan and tilt his head on the other side.

"Why didn't you say you're not feeling well? You always keep everything to yourself." Build nags though he is not sure if the other is listening, still wiping his body to cool down. "That's why you smell like burnt wood, I thought it was the bread."

"You're smelling me?" A grin flashed on his face.

Build almost jumped again when Wichapas spoke. He hit his arm and then rested his fist on Wichapas' chest. "Stop that! Your habit of speaking out of nowhere will kill me sooner or later! That's not funny!"

Wichapas studied his face. Build's eyes are teary, his face flushed in anger and his hand is trembling in fear. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I was just messing around."

"Then stop messing around. We're stranded. I'm injured. You're sick."

Wichapas felt the guilt. He can see how stressed Build is right now. "I'm sorry. Stop worrying about me. This is just a fever." He held Build's hand resting on his chest.

"I just don't know what to do." Build wiped his tears. "We're stranded. I want to check on Blue but your phone is already out of battery. I'm injured and you're sick." Build choked on his own sobs.

Wichapas' heart clenched. In the past months that he saw Build, he was strong. He has this huge wall around him that makes him looks unbeatable. But right now, Build is crying in front of him, face flooding with tears and nose as red as apple. He cupped Build's face and let him lock their gaze.

"Blue is safe. Prem fetch them from the suite. They are safe at home. I'm fine. This is just a fever. My head hurts but this could be gone after getting some sleep. How about your foot?" He examined Build's ankle.

"It didn't hurt until it was forced." Build wipes a snot on his nose, feeling vulnerable in front of Wichpas.

It was like this before. Build is vulnerable in front of Wichapas and the latter would comfort and protect him at all cost. Wichapas knows addressing each and every issue that Build is worried about will ease Build's mind. That's how he knew it would work. And he was right. Build somehow became at ease. He lifted the hand that Build used in wiping the snot and wiped it using his robe. Like a kid being cleaned up by his parent.

"I'm here. No need to worry." Wichapas pulled him, embracing Build as tight as possible. They went into a comforting silence until Build stopped trembling on Wichapas's arms. "Can I ask you something?" Wichapas broke the silence.

"Hmm?" Build hums against his chest, feeling the vibration on each other's body.

"I know what I did to you has no forgiveness. I'm completely aware that it was my fault and willing to make it right."

Build shifted. He looked up at Wichapas and studied his face. The sincerity and calmness evident on his face. A pair of hands cupped his face.

"I'm so sorry and I will be sorry for the rest of my life. But, if you will allow me to, can I at least make it up to you? And I want to be someone that Blue is proud of."

Another wave of tears flowed from Build's face. Lips turned down like a kid. "You're a good father."

"But I want to be someone who is good for you as well."

Build didn't answer. Their gazes locked like they are speaking their own language that only them knew. The intensity of their emotions seems palpable. Wichapas' other arm crawled to his nape before he dived in to press a warm kiss on Build's forehead. The lips lingered for a long time, making Build close his eyes. Wichapas inhaled Build's scent, the most intoxicating scent he knew ever since. "I miss you so much."

Chapter Text

The trip to Prem's hometown lasts for almost four hours. Prem is on the driver seat of the van they are using because he knows the way. Dao on his side, rubbing her big belly. At the back, Build and Wichapas took the first row of the passenger seat and then the kids refused to separate. That's why they are buckled at the second row, Blue in the middle. On the remaining rows are luggages and bags of toys that the kids packed like they are going for a long vacation when, in fact, it will just be a two-day trip. The laughter and bickering of the kids made the journey alive. Build had to bribe them with food to get a little peace but it didn't work most of the time. Every hour they had to make a shortstop for Dao to stretch her body. Sitting and staying in the same position makes her body go numb and she needs to pee. Aunt Praya didn't come with them. Since all of them are going on the trip, she asked for a day off so she can visit her daughter and grandchildren. On the other car, a group of bodyguards led by Harris and Brent is following them discreetly. Of course, Wichapas will never compromise their safety. They haven't heard anything from Fah and that makes Wichapas worry. It means she's up to something again.

"We're here." Prem declared, a huge smile on his face. He quickly went down and ran to the other side to help Dao in getting down from the car.

Dao felt more nervous now that they are actually here. She let out a sigh that sounded like she was in trouble. Prem knew her so well that he immediately held her hand.

"Relax. You're going to be fine." He smiled.

The remaining passengers went down the van, the twins rubbing the sleepiness in their eyes but Blue remained asleep. Wichapas decided to carry him instead, resting the kid's head on his shoulder. Build guided the twins.

"Nana! They are here!" A sweet voice of a young woman echoed through the garden filled with fresh vegetables and flowers. And then, the front door opened and a woman with little gray hair appeared.

"Oh! Finally!" The woman exclaimed. She walked through the garden, followed by the young woman, and reached the guests and immediately hugged her son. "Oh, my son. I'm glad you all arrived safely." And she eyes the others. Upon seeing Wichapas, she immediately bowed down, as well as the young woman. "Welcome, my Lord."

Wichapas nods, being so familiar with the greeting.

"And this must be Khun Jakapan?" The old woman stepped closer to Build. "Welcome to our humble home, Khun."

"Thank you. I'm glad I was able to make a visit." Build smiled.

"And my precious daughter in law." The woman suddenly faced Dao, who immediately gasped. "How are you, my dear?" The woman cupped Dao's face.

"I'm okay…" Dao trailed off, not knowing what to call her.

"Nana. From now on, you'll call me Nana. All of you will call me that. If that is okay with you, my Lord." The old woman faced Wichapas like he was asking for permission.

"If you are comfortable with it." Wichapas gave her a smile

"Phi, I'm hungry." Tin tagged the hem of Build's shirt. The kid tried to make his voice as low as possible but they heard them all.

The adults laughed. They went inside the house and enjoyed the feast that the woman readied for them. Fern, Prem's sister, guided Wichapas to a guest room to lay down Blue. Then, they joined the other for brunch. Build is sure Blue will make a fuzz when he wakes up in a different house. Prem's home is cozy. It's not huge as Wichapas' mansion but it has several spare rooms to use. A wide kitchen and a very warm living room. The brunch was full of shared laughter. Nana is being extra caring with Dao. She gave her all the best parts of meat and even provided her with a healthy soup, exclusive only for her. That made Dao a little calm. It was amazing. After eating, Fern started packing some food.

"Where are you taking those?" Prem asked.

"To the clinic. Remember the two doctors I told you that helped Nana when she almost had a heart attack at the market?"

Prem nods.

"They opened a little clinic beside the market. Nana and I always bring them food. They also want Nana to come every other week for a check up. They are so kind." Fern smiled as she secured the lids of the food packs.

Prem smiled back. "I'll make sure to pay them a visit."

"They'll love it. I have to go now. It's almost lunch." Fern started putting the containers on the insulated bag. Prem followed her sister at the front door. At the garden, Nana and the others are taking a tour about the different vegetables and fruits. The twins decided to sleep with Blue in their room. Fern placed the bag in the basket of her bike.

"Fern!" Prem called her sister. They shared a few words that the others could not hear and then Fern left snickering.

"Be back before sunset!" Nana shouted as Fern started to pedal away.

"I'm sure to be here before sunset!" Fern waved back.

"Stop driving with one hand!" Nana shouted again, earning a giggle from Fern. All stepped back to the veranda of the house. "Your sister loved driving her bicycle with one hand. I always tell her not to do that but she's so hard headed. If she fell…"

Nana's rants faded away when Prem held her hand. "Nana, can we come inside for a minute? We have something to tell you."

Nana looked at her son with confusion. Build looked at Wichapas with questioning eyes but the man only shrugged at him. They are all gathered in the living room, Nana sitting on the couch. Build and Wichapas remained standing, back facing the door. Prem helped Dao in getting to her knees, they both held their palms in front of their chest.

"Nana, I know you are already aware but I still want to have your formal blessing. Please allow us to have a happy married life. I will make sure to take care of Dao and our baby." Prem started.

"We want to say sorry for being reckless. We didn't expect to get pregnant before the wedding. I apologize if I disappointed you."

Build's heart clenched. A part of him is happy to see this, to see how a couple ask for blessing. This is touching. But his heart can't help but clench. The fact that he will never experience it broke his heart. First, he is not planning to get into a relationship anymore. Second, he does not have any family left to be asked for blessings. His eyes started to form tears.

Nana made a soft smile, cupping Dao' palms. "You are an amazing woman. You are strong and responsible. Prem told me your life story and I admire you for being strong. I am happy that my son chose you to be his partner. I am at ease that my son is well loved if it is you." Her hand travelled to Dao's round belly. "This kid is the fruit of your love for each other. The evidence of pure intention. I will accept you and this child with all of my heart." And then she faced Prem, held his hands that were positioned at his chest. "You became the man of this family at a young age. When your father died, you stepped up for me and for your sister. You became the responsible man that every partner could ask for. I was glad you were able to meet the best people in your life that helped you to become who you are right now." She glanced at Wichapas with a thankful look and looked back to Prem. "It's time for you to have your own happiness." She held Dao's hand and Prem's hand together in the middle. "I give you my blessing. Live a happy life, away from danger. Be a partner that understands each other. Never lie, never keep a secret. Once you are married, you become one. The little blessing that is coming to you is a bond that holds you forever. Be faithful and honest. Trust each other. Treat each other well. May you have the best life together."

At the end of the small speech, Dao is already crying. Her shoulders were shaking and she kept on sobbing.

"Oh, my daughter. Stop crying. That will be bad for you." Nana hugged Dao like her own child. She kept telling Dao comforting words but Dao kept on sobbing.

Build is happy. Dao finally has someone to call mother. She deserves that.

"Would you like to have a stroll around?" Build got out of his trance when Wichapas spoke.

Build frowns and lifts her eyebrow, like asking him if he is serious. Wichapas lifted his hand with a smirk. A motorcycle key is hanging on the Wichapas finger.

"The kids are asleep. Blue will definitely make a fuzz when he wakes up." Build crossed his arms to his chest.

"They will manage. They will be just fine." Wichapas grabbed Build's arm and pulled him away, leaving the house.

"Where are you taking me? You are not even familiar with this place." Build scowled.

They stopped in front of a motorcycle parked in the garden. Wichapas hopped in and started the engine. He looked at Build with a smirk. Build looked at Wichapas and the motorcycle.

"Do you know how to drive this? This is not a big bike like what you have before." Build asked. The motorcycle is just like a normal motorcycle, nothing like Wichapas' motorcycle before. Build already saw Wichapas' big bike way back when they were in a relationship.

Wichapas laughed. "Just trust me."

Build's eyes flickered as he heard the word. Trust. Build trusted him before but what happened? Build gave his all to him before but what happened? He felt an invisible punch on his chest.

Wichapas offered his hand to Build, asking him to get into the ride. Build pursed his lips, contemplating what to do. But after a few minutes of dilemma, he accepted the hand and hopped onto the motorcycle.

"Hold on tight. I'll give you a wild ride." Wichapas spoke, a mischievous smile on his lips.

Build frowned again. "You better make it safe. We're not wearing helmets."

"You're safe with me, baby."

Build immediately turned red. The endearment took a toll on his mind. He almost gave in. But as a defense, he slapped Wichapas' shoulder that earned a laugh from the other.

The journey to the market is slow. Wichapas made sure that they both appreciated the view. The fields are full of ripe products, the green mountain and the fresh air. The smell of the province is really relaxing. The sun is up brightly but it is not hurting their skin. The cool air helps. As they reached the market, it was buzzing with people. Most of the sellers are bargaining items with the buyers. Some were just looking around like Build is doing. He remembers the time that he joined Aunt Praya at the market and walked around from store to store. The only difference right now is there's someone who keeps following him around. Build looked for items from one stall to another. If something caught his attention, he would stop and take a look at it. Like when he saw the bracelet made of black and blue small beads. It's simple and childish. Blue will like it.

"That's a good choice. Your child will definitely like that. Your husband seems to like it as well." The seller looked at Wichapas standing behind him. Build looked at Wichapas only to find out that the man is too close that they look intimate.

"You're too close." Build deadpanned.

"Oh. Sorry. I was just interested in the bracelet." Wichapas bit the inside of his cheek to suppress the smile.

Build know him too well. That kind of expression is the Wichapas he is so familiar with. The childish side of him. Build narrowed his eyes on him, letting him know that he was suspicious. They continued strolling around the market when they heard whispering on the side. Build was walking a few feet away from Wichapas, who was also curious about the products. Build turned around and saw a group of young women following them. No, they are following Wichapas. They are giggling and pushing each other, making Build annoyed. He continued walking until he stopped in front of a bubble tea store. Build looked at the man making bubble inside, gulping as he saw how the man made the drink. He can't remember when he last tasted bubble tea. He refused to buy it because it was bad for Blue. He knows that if he bought it, Blue will ask for some and will continue to have it until his throat hurts. So, Build stopped drinking bubble tea. But now, as he saw how the seller made the drink and he can smell the cooking boba, his mouth is watering. Build wanted to buy some but when he reached for his pocket he realized he did not have his wallet with him. Wichapas grabbed him urgently so that he did not bring his wallet and cellphone. Build sighed. He was about to leave but Wichapas stepped in. When the last customer left the stall, Wichapas ordered. Build waited. But when the bubble tea was ready, he saw that Wichapas only ordered one. Pouting, he turned away, thinking that Wichapas only ordered for himself.

"Hey!" Wichapas grabbed his arm. "Where are you going?"

"Go, drink your bubble tea." Build didn't face him though Wichapas was holding his arm.

Wichapas giggled. "This is yours."

Build immediately faced him, eyes glistening with the news. "Really?!"

"Of course. Who could it else be? This is really yours." Wichapas handed him the cold cup of bubble tea.

Build immediately grabbed the cup and drank, closing his eyes as the sweet drink hit his tongue. He smiled widely at Wichapas, who's looking at him with full adoration.

"Taste great?" Wichapas said.

"Yes! You want to try?" Build absent-mindedly offered the bubble tea to him. His widened when Wichapas sipped on the same straw unbothered.

"Too sweet." Wichapas commented.

Build frowns. It's not too sweet for him. Build took another sip on the same straw, trying to defend his bubble tea. "It's not. It tastes fine."

Build attention was grabbed by the young women on the side. They are looking at them, pouting. Maybe they saw the intimate scene. Build sipped on the straw again, smirking.

As they walked through the market again, Build saw the stall selling different corn dogs. He stopped in front of the stall, taking a glance at the young women following them.

"You want one?" Wichapas asked.

Build nods enthusiastically, lips wrapped on the bubble tea straw.

"Which one?" Wichapas is asking which flavor he would like. Build pointed at the cheese flavored corn dog. Wichapas can't help but smile as Build can not speak, really enjoying the bubble tea. He bought one and gave it to him.

As they went on through the stroll, Build offered the corn dog to Wichapas. The man took a bite on the same spot he bitten.

"You should've bought yourself one." Build spoke, mouth full of food

"Why? You do not want to share with me? That's my money though." Wichapas placed both of his hands on the pocket of his jeans, smiling at him.

"It's not that. We might not be full if we continue to share." Build reasoned out.

Wichapas almost laughed, he knows Build just wants to have the whole food to himself. But Wichapas can't let an intimate scene pass him. So whenever Build allows him to take a bite, he will grab the opportunity. If he can bite Build himself, he would do it. Oh, the way his heart jumps whenever Build looks at him smiling. He misses this so much. The alone time with him without shouting and fighting.

They stopped at almost every store until Wichapas' hands were full of food. Build is not yet finished with the corn dog and bubble tea but he asked to buy some more food. They decided to sit on a nearby bench.

"I don't like this anymore." Build handed Wichapas the corn dog, which has only one bite left.

"Eat the rest. There's only one bite." Wichapas told him.

"No. Take it." Build shook his head and offered the last bite to Wichapas. In shock, Wichapas took the last bite. "I want the waffle." Build looked for the waffle they bought earlier on Wichapas' hand and grabbed it. He handed the bubble tea to Wichapas.

"The ice cream is melting." Wichapas said, looking at the melting ice cream on the cup.

"Oh. I forgot." Build grabbed the ice cream cup as well. Wichapas placed down the food at the bench, in between them. "Here." Build offered a spoon of melted ice cream to him which he accepted.

"I told you, it's melting." Wichapas spoke.

"It tasted the same though." Build shrugged. He took a little scream when the melted ice cream fell on his pants.

"You're so clumsy." Wichapas clicked his tongue.

"It's an accident." Build pouted.

Wichapas can help but smile. His pouts really work like magic. "Wait here. I'll buy some tissues."

Wichapas left him alone on the bench. While eating the ice cream and the waffle alternately, someone stood in front of Build. Thinking it was Wichapas, he spoke. "The waffles taste good too." He looked up only to turn his face pale.

"Hi, Khun. I didn't expect to see you here." Lord Ram spoke.

Build's heart suddenly hammered on his chest. He doesn't know what to do or what to say. He continued looking up to him.

"How are you, Khun? What are you doing here in the countryside?" Lord Ram is smiling at him widely. Like a cunning wolf.

Build was about to speak when he heard someone speak for him.

"I guess that's none of your business." Wichapas went near them, sitting beside Build.

"Oh. You're with him, Lord Wichapas. I see." Lord Ram's sarcasm brought coldness to the air.

Wichapas didn't even give him a glance and started wiping Build's jeans. The intimate scene caused a frown to Lord Ram's forehead.

"I am here to check some property I want to buy. You know, getting more investments." Lord Ram spoke again.

"And it is not our concern whatever your business is today. Have a great day." Wichapas looked at him with warning. The message was immediately received by Lord Ram.

"It seems like your head is hotter than the weather, Lord Wichapas. Anyway, I better get going. See you around, Khun Jakapan." Lord Ram placed a smirk on his face before leaving.

It is very evident that the other Lord's presence ruined Wichapas' mood. His frown was kept while trying to clean Build's pants. The atmosphere became a little awkward. So, to lighten Wichapas' mood, Build offered the waffle to him.

"It tasted good." Build spoke, softly.

Wichapas eyes the waffle before looking at Build. He smiled when he realized it was an attempt to calm him down. He took a bite of the waffle while his eyes were still on Build. The tension is palpable. It went through Build's bones. There's a shiver on his spine. It's cold but his body felt warm. Wichapas' gaze holds something that Build is ever familiar with.

Build cleared his throat, leaving the waffle on Wichapas' mouth, before looking away. "Eat it. I don't like it anymore." The uneasiness made Wichapas chuckle. Stuffing his mouth with waffles, his eyes never left Build. The latter busied himself eating the rest of the melted ice cream.

Build is not sure how they ended up with a small boutique. Wichapas is making him try to fit white clothes. He doesn't remember how many clothes he had already tried, only not to pass Wichapas' standard.

"Why are we doing this?" Build asked, receiving a new set of white clothing from Wichapas.

"I just want to buy you some clothes." Wichapas stated.

"But you're making me all white clothes. What's up with white? Is it your new favorite color? As far as I can remember, you like black." Build continues yapping.

Wichapas cocked his head on the side. "So, you still remember my favorite color? It's been four years."

Build stopped, contemplating as hell. With nothing he could think of as an excuse, he turned around and walked inside the small fitting room. When got out, he saw Wichapas wearing almost the same white clothes. Their pants are white partnered with a white button down top that has fine embroidery. It was refreshing to the eyes. Build has small details of white flowers while Wichapas had small details of vines on his clothes. And then, the shop owner handed them two different sandals that looked perfect with the clothes.

"I definitely do not have an idea what these are for." Build continues blabbering while wearing the sandals. Wichapas took over and continued strapping Build's sandals on.

"I'll tell you later. Let's go." Wichapas offered his hand to help him stand up, which was accepted.

"Where are we going?" Build asked.

"You'll see."

"Let me grab my clothes first.." but Wichapas pulled him out of the store.

They rode the motorcycle again. Build thought they are going back to the house as they were going the same road they took earlier but suddenly Wichapas took a different route.

"Where are we going?" He asked.

"What? I can't hear you." Wichapas answered. The motorcycle's engine and the wind affect their conversation.

Build leaned in a bit. "I said, where are we going?"

"Sorry, I still can't hear you."

Frustrated, Build totally leaned his body to Wichapas. His hand wrapped around Wichapas' waist. Build rested his chin to Wichapas' shoulder to make sure he would be heard. "I am asking where are we going?"

Wichapas smiled. He actually can hear Build earlier, it's just that he wanted to feel him more. "You'll see." He answered.

They started going uphill. The sun is about to set and Build's curiosity is picking on him. When they stopped, they were on the top of a hill. The place was set up. The place is beautiful with the view and the white themed set up. Is this a…wedding?

Wichapas guided Build to wait in their van. They heard the children's laughter. Build saw them playing a few feet away, wearing the same set of white clothes making them look like triplets.

"What took you so long?!"

Build looked at the person speaking. "Sari?! What are you doing here?" He was so confused.

"Well, I became the organizer for today." Sari spoke as he pinned a flower brooch on Wichapas' chest. Sari is wearing a white long dress that made her look like a fairy. So stunning with her perfectly wavy hair and a flower above her left ear. After placing the brooch on Wichapas' clothes, he faces Build. "Come here." Sari placed the same brooch on Build's chest. "You wait here and he's going with me."

Build is so confused. He does not know what's going on. All of the people are wearing white. There are guests, most of them are not familiar with him. After a few minutes, a wedding song started to play. The entourage started to walk on the aisle made of flowers. He saw Prem walk down the aisle with his mother and sister. And then he saw Wichapas walking down and stopped beside Prem in front. There is an officiant standing in the middle of an arch in front. This is really a wedding. After a few minutes, when the entourage were done, all of them looked at Build. Build's heart stopped, what now? What should he do? He almost jumped when Brent opened the door of the van, revealing Dao who is also looking so confused.

"Khun, what is going on?" She asked Build. Build wanted to answer but even he did not know what's going on.

Dao got off the van. She's wearing a chiffon dress that reached the grass, a flower crown and holding a bouquet. Her belly is evident with the dress she is wearing. A perfect pregnancy glow up. Build smiled. Now, he knows what is really happening. He offered his arm to Dao.

"I will walk you to the altar." Build said.

Dao's eyes widened as she looked around. That's when she realized the scenario. She grabbed Build's arm.

"Are you okay?" Build asked.

"They locked me inside the van. They pull down the covers so I do not know what's happening outside. I…" Dao mumbled.

Build chuckles. "I have no idea as well. I don't even know how they did this. But you are getting married today."

They started walking down, the wedding music invaded the place. Everyone is in awe, looking at the beautiful bride. Dao started crying when she saw Prem at the end of the aisle, smiling at her.

"Do you want to run away? Just tell me." Build whispered.

Dao laughed at him. She knows he was just joking to ease her emotions. "They'll find us, anyway."

"Definitely. See the man beside your soon-to-be husband. That man is cunning. He'll find us." Build eyes Wichapas, who kind of had an idea that Build us talking about him so he narrowed his eyes.

Dao kept laughing at him until they reached the front. "Thank you so much, Khun. You made my dream come true. Thank you for walking me down the aisle."

Build also has tears in his eyes. He just hugged Dao and kissed her temple, making Dao cry so much. Dao can't help it. She wrapped her arms around Build, burying her face on his shoulder. The pain of being an orphan is dawning on her.

"I wish you a happy married life. A truthful partner and a healthy baby. Take care of your family but do not forget to take care of yourself as well." Build caressed her head, tears flowing on his cheeks.

"Thank you so much, Khun. Thank you for being my family." Dao's muffled voice made Build's heart clench more. She tightened her embrace.

"You will always be my sister. Stop crying now, it's bad for you and the baby. I'm starting to think you are regretting being engaged with him." Build joked, earning a laugh from Dao and Prem.

As he let go of Dao, they positioned themselves in their designated area. Build stood beside Wichapas who offered him a tissue. After muttering a thank you, he found Wichapas' arm wrapped around his wait, thumb running circles above his clothes to comfort him. In the middle of the ceremony, Blue went to his Papa, worried about how much his father was crying. He asked to be carried and buried his head on his Papa's neck.

The sunset wedding was perfect.

Chapter Text

After the ceremony, everyone stayed for a party. Everyone is enjoying the music, the food and the ambiance. Dao is already wearing a jacket on top of her wedding dress. The wind up the hill is now colder but that doesn't stop everyone from enjoying the rest of the night. Fern invited her friends and Prem's relatives came as well. The twins and Blue found playmates and everyone is busy.

Wichapas had to mingle as well. Prem had to introduce him to other people but most of the time, he stays with Build. Now, Wichapas and Prem are drinking with Prem's uncles along with Prin. They are having a good time. Build kept himself busy with talking to Sari, Dao and Fern. Nana is busy keeping the aunties company.

Suddenly, Build saw Wichapas picking up his phone, and someone was calling him. Wichapas walked a few feet away to answer the call. After a few minutes, a car came and Harris went down from it. Wichapas and Harris exchanged a few words before they hurriedly left the place, riding the car. Build just observed, not stating any word.

It's already three in the morning and Build is still phasing back and forth from the living room dark living room. The party concluded at midnight and everyone is currently taking a rest. Everyone found out that Wichapas left early. Prem was worried as well but he tried to comfort Build by saying Brent and Harris are with him. That should work, but Build's instincts are hitting him. The twins slept in his room with Blue. They do not want to be alone in their room as Wichapas is not back yet.

After a few minutes, he heard some noises at the front door. He immediately opened the door and Build almost fainted on what he saw. Wichapas' right arm around Brent's shoulders while his left shoulder is dripping in blood. He immediately reached out and helped them. They settled Wichapas on the couch.

"Patrol the area. You know what to do." Wichapas spoke, gritting his teeth. Brent bowed and immediately went out.

Build examined his shoulder, hands shaking. After a few minutes, Harris came in with a pack of first aid kit. No one dared to open the lights to not disturb the others from sleeping.

"I'll take over. Thank you, Harris." Build got the first aid kit and Harris left. "Can you stand up? We can't do it here. We need to go to your room."

Wichapas just nods. Build guided him to his room. They locked the door to make sure that no one will see Wichapas in this state, especially if the twins wake up in the middle of the night and decide to check on their brother. Build helped Wichapas take off the button down shirt. It was clean and white earlier but now it was soaking in dark red blood. As the cloth slipped off his shoulder, a bullet wound appeared. Build gasped.

"It's just a graze. No need to worry." Wichapas tried to talk to him. "Why are you still awake? It's already late."

Build didn't speak and started cleaning the wound. He doesn't know what to say. His hands are shaking and his voice is stuck on his throat. His heart is hammering on his chest like it wants to jump out.

"Build." Wichapas spoke again.

"I'm waiting." Build finally speaks, focused on cleaning the wound.

"Hmm?"

"You promised to tell me everything. You promised not to keep me in the dark anymore. You promised we will face this together." Build looked at him with worry and fear. "I'm waiting for you to tell me what happened."

Wichapas gulped. He wanted to keep this away from Build. But he knows that if he did, Build will definitely lash out. And there is no point in hiding. Build caught them already. The plan to sneak into the house without anyone knowing is a failure the moment Build opened the door for them. He cleared his throat.

"Someone tried to gate crash the wedding earlier." Build's eyes widened but he continued cleaning the wound. "It's a good thing Harris and Brent found out before they reached the hill. They caught them. But when I was interrogating them, asking who sent them, their reinforcement came. I didn't get any information. We got into a gun fight. Don't worry, I called for more bodyguards to make us safe. They are all over the area."

As Wichapas finished telling him what happened, Build finished dressing the wound at the same time.

"You need to get this checked tomorrow." Build spoke.

"No need. It's just a graze. And you already took care of it. Thank you." Wichapas looked up at him with gloomy eyes.

"Are you okay?" Build observed how his eyes flattered.

"Yes. Just tired." Wichapas answered with a small smile.

Build was not convinced. He lifted his hand and touched Wichapas' forehead. It was hot. A fever. Build remembered that Wichapas had a fever a few days ago at the mansion.

"Your fever is back."

"It's fine. I just need to take a rest. Good night, Build. You can go back to your room." Wichapas dragged himself to the bed, settling himself to sleep half-naked.

He heard the door closed, sighing he knew he was already alone. His head hurts like hell and his shoulder feels stinging. After a few minutes, the door opened again and he felt a pair of hands helping him to sit up. He groaned.

"You need to drink medicine." He heard Build's voice as he opened his eyes. Wichapas rested his body on the headboard. Build gave him the medicine and helped him drink some water. He ran to the bathroom and wet the towel he got from his room. When he came back, Wichapas was already sleeping while sitting up. He started wiping his half-naked body.

The man groaned at the cold sensation he felt. He opened his eyes. He was captivated by the Build's beauty enhanced by the side lamp that is only their source of light.

"You're so beautiful." Wichapas muttered.

Build stopped wiping his body. He glared at Wichapas. "You're really sick."

Wichapas chuckles. But he regretted it right away because his head pounded.

"Stop speaking and take a rest." Build helped him lay down again. Build held the back of his neck to help him lay down carefully.

Everything was fine until Build felt Wichapas' hot breath on his neck as they were too close. He stopped and looked at Wichapas, who is now looking clearly at him like he is not sick. The tension grew. Wichapas gripped his wrist tight but it didn't hurt. The man started to breathe deep and fast. Their eyes looked like they were talking using a language only they knew.

It was hard to Build. He doesn't know what to do. His breathing started to struggle. His body became weak. There was a cold shiver running to his spine but his body was warm. And then he dived in. Their lips met but they didn't move. The feeling of Wichapas' lips is enough for him. The hot breath, the soft lips.

Build pulled away. But if it is enough for Build, it is not for Wichapas. He grabbed Build at the back of his neck, pulling him back. Build squealed as he sat on the side of the bed, lips intertwined with Wichapas. This time, it's not steady. Wichapas devoured him with so much passion. Longing evident in every kiss. Wichapas took over the kiss. He licked Build's lower lip to ask for permission. Build's eyes were wide as he studied Wichapas' expression. But there is no turning back now. As Build closed his eyes, he opened his mouth to welcome Wichapas. Wichapas smiled through the kiss.

Build is letting his guard down.

As he invaded Build's mouth, he forced himself to sit up. I'm shocked, Build pulled away.

"Your wound!" Build studied his shoulder to check if the wound is affected.

"It's fine." Wichapas' hand travelled to Build's side of the neck. Before diving in again.

The kiss is not calm. The passion and the need palpable in every sigh. Build's hand started to travel on his chiselled chest down to his toned abs. It was intoxicating. Build suddenly moved, sitting in his lap. Both legs cornered Wichapas' waist. Wichapas chuckles through the kiss. He propped on his right elbow to get a better angle for the kiss, left hand holding Build on this place. Build cupped Wichapas' face with both hands. Build taking over the kiss. He sucked in Wichapas' lower lip, making the man groan. But Wichapas want to devour him as well. He caught Build's tongue and sucked on it. Build had to close his eyes not to let his soul slip out of his body. It was good. No, it felt great. Build loved every piece of it.

But he has to pull away again. Out of breath, he spoke. "We cannot do this. You're injured." His eyes travelled on Wichapas' face, chest falling up and down to catch his breathing.

Wichapas kissed him again, deep but he shortly pulled away. "You'll do it. You'll be on top. Ride me."

Build's eyes widened. He's not sure. "What?"

Wichapas reached out, caressing his face. "You can do this, love."

Build contemplated. He doesn't know what to do. It was new to him. And it was years ago when he did it. He never had any intimacy with others when Wichapas left. He doubted his skills.

But Build felt the need. He inhaled as he looked at Wichapas' encouraging eyes. Can he really do it?

Damn all these doubts. Build kissed him again, this time grinding his body against Wichapas. He felt the other's hardened shaft on his own and it made him crazy. Build let go of his lips and swiftly removed his own shirt.

"Fuck." Wichapas mumbled, eyeing every curve of Build's body.

Build stood up, removing his pajamas. Still keeping Wichapas in between his legs. Wichapas' eyes flickered as Build hard shaft sprung into his face. He almost dived in to get it into his mouth but Build kneeled down again.

"I know what you're thinking." Build whispered to him.

"You're making me crazy." He spoke.

Build removed Wichapas' soft pants and underwear in a swift. Build gasped with their shaft touched.

"Ugh! You'll be the death of me." Wichapas threw his head back.

Build kissed his throat, sucking his Adam's apple. Wichapas' groaned in pleasure. The vibration travelled from Build's lips to his shaft, making it harder than before. Build let go of his throat but Wichapas followed his movements. He dived in and captured one of Build's nipples. Build gasped. He held Wichapas' hair, playing with his fingers. Wichapas sucked, bit and pulled his nipple before turning to the other one. Leaving them swollen and red.

"Aaahhh!" Build sighed, throwing his head back making his body curved in the most beautiful way. Wichapas grabbed his waist on both sides and pressed it, gaining another long moan from him.

"You're still so beautiful. And you still taste good as before. I missed you so much." Wichapas' mumble against his nipples.

Build grabbed a handful of his hair and pulled him away from his chest. He kissed Wichapas with full passion and need. He got Wichapas' tongue and sucked like his life depended on it. And then he positioned Wichapas' shaft against his hole and slowly sat on it.

Wichapas squirmed in delight. Build is sucking on his tongue while his shaft is slowly entering his hole. Heaven. He'll meet heaven soon. When he felt Build perfectly settled above him, he grabbed his face and pulled away from his tongue.

"You're killing me. You're taking away my soul. Only you can do that." Wichapas chuckled as he rested his forehead to Build.

Build answered by pumping himself. He lifted up until only the tip was inside of him and then he sunk down again. Wichapas groaned in pleasure. "You're cunning. So attractive." And then another groan as Build repeated the action.

Build can't help it anymore. He moved as fast as he could trying to satisfy both of them. He pumped on him as fast as he could. They exchange sighs over each other's mouths. Their gazes lock. Build's strands of hair stuck on his forehead, sweating a lot. He tried his best but he can't find the right spot. He got exhausted and pumped slowly, head dropping on Wichapas' shoulder.

"What's wrong?" Wichapas asked.

"The angle. I can't find it. I'm getting exhausted." Build confessed, feeling his thighs trembling in exhaustion.

Wichapas let out a small chuckle before kissing Build's naked shoulder. "Let me help." Slowly, he lifted Build up but not enough to slip out of him. His hands gripping Build's waist and then moving a little on the side. When he is sure, he sunk Build on him once again. Build cried and moaned at the same time. He had to cover his mouth to muffle the scream when that hit the spot. He threw his head back but he kept pumping. Both hands covering his mouth. Wichapas laughed. When Build was already used to the sensation, he looked down at Wichapas.

"How did you know?" Build asked, panting.

The man grinned at him. "How can I forget my most favorite spot?"

Build can't help but dive in again, sharing a wet kiss with him. His heart is bursting in pleasure. Something he never felt for a long time. The night was long and exhausting. But it was memorable. The night ended up Wichapas spooning Build.

"I need to check your wound. Let me see it first." But he received no answer. Build carefully moved out of the hug and faced the man beside him. Wichapas is asleep, mouth slightly open. Build can't help but smile, remembering how Blue sleeps this way as well. He checked the wound and decided to change its dressing. The gauze is full of blood already. He wanted to regret what happened because it might make Wichapas' health worse. After changing the dressing, he touched Wichapas' forehead to check his temperature. He almost laughed when he found out that his temperature was back to normal. He slowly slipped out of the bed and went back to his room with the kids.

–

Build had to force himself to wake up before breakfast not to be suspicious. They are all sitting on the veranda after breakfast. They are looking at the three kids helping Nana and Fern water the plants in the garden. Prem, Dao, Prin, Sari and him sat down with a coffee. After a few minutes, Wichapas joined them. He sat down beside Build. Build almost jumped out of his seat when Wichapas slipped his hand on his leg below the table. Good thing everyone is entertained by the scenario in the garden where the kids are really engaged in watering the plants. He slapped the man's arm away discreetly, earning a frown in Wichapas.

"You know what? I think someone stole my honeymoon last night." Prem suddenly spoke.

Build got alerted. Did they hear them? Do they know? That's impossible. Their guest rooms are a few doors away from Wichapas' room.

"What do you mean?" Sari asked, sipping on her coffee.

"I didn't get my honeymoon last night. She slept like a log. We're supposed to have our honeymoon since it's the wedding night." Prem justified.

"You already claimed your honeymoon card seven months ago." Dao deadpanned at him pointing to her belly.

"No. That should be different. We made it when we're not yet married." Prem answered.

"Stop speaking nonsense!" Dao became red, slapping Prem's shoulder.

We just laughed at their banters. These two rarely quarrel in front of us but this time, it felt like they are more open to share their relationship with us.

Their attention was caught when they heard a bloody scream from the garden. It was Tin running away from his twin.

"Hiaaaa! Help! Aaaaah!"

"There! It will eat you! Come here!" Ta chased his brother.

"No! Go away! Aaaaah!"

Blue started running to his parents on the veranda. He climbed the little steps holding his shirt. "Papa look!" He showed his father the contents of his shirt. Inside were eggplants, tomatoes and other vegetables from the garden. "Nana allowed me to pick some vegetables. See?"

"Wow! You picked all of this?" Build started removing the vegetables on his son's clothes, hoping they won't leave a permanent stain.

Blue nodded at him while giggling. "Ta love is scarring Tin love with the caterpillar I found on the plant." Blue pointed to the twins chasing each other in the garden.

Build just shook his head and started to wipe his son's hand out of dirt. Wichapas called out to the twins.

"Enough of that. Come up here and take a bath." Wichapas shouted, gathering the twins' attention. Tin ran away from his brother as the other one placed the caterpillar back to the plan.

"We did well, buddy. Thank you for allowing me to scare my brother. Now, grow up and be a beautiful butterfly." Ta caressed the soft body of the caterpillar before running to the veranda.

Build took over in taking the bath of the kids. Blue already asked his Daddy to pick him up multiple times but Build didn't allow it. Wichapas' wound is still fresh. He found a way to talk to Prem secretly when he saw the man in the kitchen.

"Prem, I need to tell you something." He started. "We need to bring Wichapas to a hospital. He had a gun wound last night." Prem's eyes widened. "It's just a graze but I'm still worried."

Prem thought. The hospital is an hour away from their place. "There is a clinic beside the market. Maybe we should bring him there."

Build agreed but Tin heard them. They do not even know when the kid came. "We are going to the market?"

Build bit his lip. There's no point in making excuses now. Tin will definitely tell the other two that he heard them talking about the market and refused to tag along. Build imagined the chaos and he winced.

"Yes. The waffles there are great. As well as the ice cream." Build said enthusiastically.

"How did you know? Did you go on a food trip without us?" Tin looked at him with suspicious eyes.

"Fern just told me. Go on. Gather the others. Tell them we are going to the market." Build pushed the kid away, who immediately followed.

–

The kids were so engaged in the products and foods at the market. When Build got the chance, he pulled Wichapas away from the group.

"Where are we going? Are you kidnapping me?" Wichapas jokes.

"Of course not. We need to go to the clinic. We need to get your wound checked."

"You're thinking too much about it. Stop worrying. You already cleaned it up." Wichapas grabbed his hand to stop him.

"Look, I am not sure what I did to you last night…" Build trailed off when he saw Wichapas cocking his head in the side, looking mischievous. "I mean to your wound. I am not a doctor. I am not my brother. So we need that to get checked. It was swollen when I changed the dressing before we left."

"This will be fine soon. It's just swollen because it was fresh."

"Even so. Just follow me, okay? Prem said that there is a clinic around here with two doctors." Build started wandering around until they found the clinic.

Unfortunately, it is closed for the day. "Sorry, Khun. But our doctors are scheduled to pick supplies from the other town today." The assistant spoke.

"When will they be back?" Build asked.

"They just left almost thirty minutes ago. Usually they come back after sunset. The drive is long. The other town is a two hour drive away."

Build sighed. He just wanted to have immediate care for Wichapas' wound.

"Look, I promise to get this checked once we are back at the capital. We are leaving after lunch so I just need to bear with it for a few more hours. It doesn't hurt that much anyway." Wichapas convinced Build, who's looking disappointed at the moment.

Build can't help but agree. They left the clinic and joined the others in strolling at the market. Few minutes after they left, a man came running to the clinic.

"Oh, why are you back so early?" The assistant stood up from her seat.

"As usual, he left his phone again." The man shrugged.

The assistant laughed. The man entered the room and got the left phone. "Got it. Bye now."

"Drive safe, Dr. Chat."

Chapter Text

Sari, Prin, Prem and Wichapas were able to tell them the story of how they worked secretly to make the surprise wedding happen. Wichapas and Prem planned everything from the blessing up to the wedding organizers and the short notice invitation to Prem's relatives and closest friends. Sari and Prin took over the clothes, well, mostly Sari and Prin became her chauffeur. Sari was so excited and beaming while telling the story of how she worked hard on keeping her mouth shut to make everything successful. But not everything is a hundred percent happy about it as Build continues to ask why he was not included on the plan. Build was sulking but he admittedly enjoyed the event as well as how he was surprised like Dao.

They decided to leave the place after a feastful lunch that Nana and Fern prepared. Sari and Prin brought their own car so they rode separately. They were driving close to the van but Sari requested to slow down as she wanted to enjoy the view.

"Stop!" Sari suddenly spoke. Prin looked at her with confused eyes. "Babe, pull over."

Prim immediately pulled over and looked at her. Sari looks so pale. Her eyes are teary and her lips are white. "Hey, are you okay?"

But Prem didn't get an answer. Sari immediately opened the car door and went out. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she puked. Prin hurriedly went out as well and went to Sari's side.

"Babe, what's happening?" He asked, tapping Sari's back lightly.

Sari continued to vomit, throwing up everything she ate from the delicious lunch. After a few moments, Sari stopped and leaned into Prin.

"How are you feeling?" Prin caressed Sari's head.

"Awful." Sari murmured.

Prin tried to look around and check if there is a nearby hospital or clinic to get Sari checked but the only establishment he saw is the gas station at the other side of the road and a restaurant that looks vintage.

"You have to sit." Prin guided Sari as she sat her down on the car, feet still on the ground. "Can you tell me what happened?" Crouching down to level Sari's position.

"I don't know. I just suddenly felt like throwing up. I think I ate something bad at the market earlier." Sari pouted.

"I'll go over to the gas station and ask if there is a nearby hospital to get you checked. Will you be fine alone here?"

Sari nods, losing all the energy. But before Prin could stand up, a figure appeared.

"Hi. Sorry but do you need help?" A man was standing beside them, smiling but his eyes were worried. "I saw her throwing up. Is she okay?"

Sari and Prin looked at each other.

"Oh. Sorry, my bad. My name is Than. I'm a doctor. My husband and I were having lunch at the restaurant when we saw you pulling over."

Prin stood up, feeling relieved that there is a doctor in the area. "Hi. I'm Prin and her name is Sari. She suddenly asked me to pull over and she threw up." He stepped aside as the man stepped near Sari and crouched down.

"What do you feel?"

"I just suddenly felt dizzy. Then I started to feel like I needed to puke." Sari sighed.

"Have you had lunch?" The man asked.

"Yes. But I think it's something I ate at the market from the other town."

But the doctor frowned, and seemed suspicious of what she told. And another came, first aid kit on hand. "What's up?"

"She's claiming possible food poisoning but I think it's motion sickness." He stood up and got the first aid box from the other person. "Oh, by the way, this is my husband. His name is Chat and he is also a doctor." He said, while handing Sari a tablet and a bottle of water.

Sari immediately drank the medication.

"She never had motion sickness before. She actually travels a lot." Prin spoke with confused eyes.

"It's normal. You'll get used to it soon." Than smiled at Sari.

Sari and Prin looked at each other. "What do you mean?" Prin asked.

"Oh." Than looked at his husband with teasing eyes and then he laughed. "How are you feeling now?" He asked Sari, not answering Prin's question.

"Better. A lot better." Sari smiled at him.

"Good. You should slow down while driving and keep the windows open to give her fresh air." Than looked at Prin and then back to Sari. "When you get back, you should go and see a doctor for a check up."

Sari frowned. "A check up?"

–

Build dropped his head to the office desk he is currently situated in. He wanted to lash out but after reminding himself that he did this trouble to himself, he did not know whom to be angry with. Of course, it's himself. These past few.weeks, he's been making crazy decisions in life. The door suddenly opened and he immediately looked up.

"Build," Wichapas started. "I need the new investor's profile now. Please bring it inside."

Build narrowed his eyes. New what? How is he supposed to know who their new investor is?

"Wait, I don't know…" he eyes the folders on the filer and the computer in front of him with confused eyes.

"I'll wait inside. I'm in a virtual meeting. Please make it fast."

Before Build could react more, the door closed. Who is that investor? What file is he looking for? Is there any hard copy of the file? What is he supposed to do?!

He grabbed his phone to send a message to Prem asking about the file. But Build stopped.

-𝑂𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘 𝑎𝑔𝑜-

𝐼𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑎 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑚'𝑠 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑜𝑤𝑛, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠𝑛'𝑡 𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑎 𝑔𝑖𝑓𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 𝑎 𝑡𝑜𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑚. 𝐻𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑡 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑡𝑦. 𝐴𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡. 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑢𝑛𝑐ℎ ℎ𝑖𝑚𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡. 𝐷𝑖𝑑 ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑡 𝑖𝑡? 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑦, 𝑛𝑜. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑𝑛'𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛. 𝐻𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ ℎ𝑖𝑚𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑜𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠. 𝐵𝑢𝑡, 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙, 𝑖𝑡 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛! 𝑆𝑜, 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑎 𝑔𝑖𝑓𝑡.

"𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑠 𝑣𝑎𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛?" 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑝 𝑡𝑜 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑.

"𝑌𝑒𝑠!" 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑𝑙𝑦. 𝐻𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑚 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑡𝑠. 𝐴 𝑔𝑖𝑓𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐼𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑠𝑘 𝑖𝑓 ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑦𝑚𝑜𝑜𝑛? 𝐻𝑒'𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑛𝑜 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒. "𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑑. 𝑁𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡. 𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑜 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑙."

"𝐵𝑢𝑡," 𝐷𝑎𝑜 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑜'𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 𝑠𝑜𝑓𝑎. "𝑊ℎ𝑜'𝑙𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑘𝑖𝑑𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑠?"

"𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑠? 𝑊𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑜. 𝑊𝑒'𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔." 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑚 𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙.

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑝. 𝐻𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑛'𝑡 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠. 𝐻𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑎𝑜 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑣𝑎𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.

"𝐼 𝑔𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡." 𝑊𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑝 𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙.

𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑓𝑖𝑑𝑔𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑚. 𝐻𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡. 𝐻𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑦𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑠. 𝑈𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑.

"𝑀𝑒. 𝐼'𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑘𝑖𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑠. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜 𝑛𝑜𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑦. 𝐽𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑. 𝑁𝑜 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠, 𝑛𝑜 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑠. 𝐽𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑗𝑜𝑦."

-𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘-

Build almost cried. What should he do?!

The door suddenly opened again. "Build, the file? I really need it right now." Wichapas looked serious and started to get haggard. But the white dress shirt seems to be hugging his body too tight that his muscles are almost visible in Build's eyes.

Wichapas went near and grabbed a green folder on the filer and stepped near him. Build flinched when Wichapas softly tapped the folder on his head. "Stop checking me out and go to work."

Build felt ashamed. He tried hiding his blush by looking away but he failed. Wichapas entered his office again with a wide grin.

"Khun, I need to get these documents signed for the product shipping tomorrow." Lisa, one of the employees, went near him and handed some paper works. Build has interacted with her a few times now. He thinks she is in charge of the administrative tasks for sales as he always brings Build documents for signing.

"Okay. I'll bring it back to you later. The boss is in a meeting right now." Build smiled at her.

"Thank you." Lisa left.

"Khun, the new suppliers had already sent their products for checking. It is in the warehouse." One of the employees, one that he didn't know the name of, spoke to him. "Is the boss free to check them?"

"He's currently in a meeting but I will let him know once he is done." Build smiled at him too.

"Khun, the satellite office from abroad is asking if there are other things that the boss wants to get delivered? There are some documents still left there." One of the staff asked him as well.

Build almost sigh in front of her. "I will ask him later. I'll get back to you about that."

Build is so tired. He's been receiving requests and questions one after another. Not just in person but in email as well. Clients, investors and staff from other offices kept sending emails. He's about to scream.

Build has his own business as well. But he has a secretary and in-charge people that are working for him. Now, he really appreciates them more than he did before. This job is really draining.

After a while, his alarm went off. He needs to pick up the twins from school. Build had to inhale to gather himself. He sent a message to Wichapas, informing him that he needed to go out and pick them up. He didn't receive any answer. Maybe the man was too busy to check his phone. As he went out of the building, Harris was already waiting for him. He immediately rode in the car. They made it before the school gates were open. Build had to show his ID to the security and the teacher before he could get the kids. The system immediately recognized his ID because Build is listed as an authorized person for the kids, registered by Wichapas of course. As the teacher signaled the twins to come, the twins immediately ran fast to him.

"Phi, I got something for baby love. See?" Tin pulled out a bubble bottle from his backpack. Blue will definitely love this.

"Phi, are we going to your suite again?" Ta beamed.

"Yes. You have to stay there for a while again until we finish work." Build assisted the kids as they buckled them up.

The ride to the suite is full of babbling from the kids. But Build still almost fell asleep in tiredness. Build fought the sleepiness and decided to check his own emails about his business. Surely, there is a lot to read. When they came to the suite, Blue greeted them with high energy. Being with his uncles really made him more active than ever. Build only had the chance to kiss his son and tell them that he needed to go back to the office. Build never felt any worry at all. Aunt Praya takes care of the kids for a couple of hours while they are at work. Wichapas had more disguised bodyguards stationed around and inside the building so as not to catch too much attention.

As Build came back to the office, a couple of folders were already situated on his temporary table. He pouted, grabbed all of them and entered Wichapas' office. The man is writing something down, wearing his eyeglasses. Build had to push himself in to make sure he's not distracted by the view.

"Here." Build spoke. "I don't know how it happened but when I left it was just one folder. After I came back, there are now a lot." Build pouted.

Wichapas chuckled and looked at the folders. "You look tired."

"And so are you." Build mentioned.

"We're still in the transition phase. We have a lot to do."

Build really wanted to help. But their industry is different from each other. Plus, Wichapas' business is bigger than his so it has much more workloads.

"Here." Wichapas handed him a bottle of water that he immediately drank.

Feeling refreshed, he started. "The materials from the new supplier are ready for checking at the warehouse. And the satellite office is asking if you still have any materials or documents wanted to be sent out."

Wichapas stood up and rounded the huge table. He sat on the edge of it, looking at Build. "I'll visit the warehouse tomorrow. Tell the satellite office to send the rest of the documents." Then he reached out to grab Build's hand. "And you can go home. I'll pick up the kids once I'm done."

Build furrowed his eyebrows. "What? Why?"

"You're tired." Wichapas said.

"I am but…" Build can see that Wichapas is tired too. He just can say it out loud. "No. I'm staying."

Wichapas looked at him with intensity, squeezing his hand a bit. His eyes are begging Build to go home and take a rest. But Build remained on his stance. He just looked back at Wichapas with a raised eyebrow. Wichapas can't help but chuckle. He reminded himself how hard-headed and determined Build is. All he could do is drop his head on Build's shoulder, making the latter flinch. They were enveloped into a comforting silence before Build spoke.

"I'm not a fan of office romance. I need to leave."

But Wichapas didn't move. Is he asleep? Build moved and cupped Wichapas' face to take a good look. His eyes are closed but the eyelids are moving a bit. Clearly on his playful attitude. Build slapped both of his hands to Wichapas' cheeks, a playful smack.

"Aww!" Wichapas abruptly opened his eyes.

"Get back to work so we can leave early." With that, he turned around and left the office.

It's almost seven in the evening when Wichapas decided to leave the office. Build is busy checking his own emails on his phone, seated with Wichapas at the backseat. Harris was driving for them while Brent is incharge of the safety of the kids. Suddenly, a loud thump was heard inside the quiet car. Harris had to glance up at the rearview mirror to see what happened. Build fell asleep. His phone fell from his hand and landed on the car floor and his head was leaning on the window, mouth slightly open.

"He's so tired, boss." Harris commented.

"He is." Wichapas answered, picking up the phone on the car floor, taking a glance of the unread emails on the screen. He scooped Build and rested his head to his own shoulder. Instantly, Build scooted over to him and pushed himself to Wichapas' body, closing any space between them. Wichapas had to circle his arm to Build's shoulder to make them both comfortable. As an answer, Build moved to unconsciously snuggled his face on Wichapas' neck. Wichapas had to close his eyes to remain calm. Build’s breath is fanning the skin of his neck. It's hot and natural. He knows Build is comfortable right now. He takes a look at Build's phone. After exiting the email tab, he scrolled a few times before setting it down.

Build woke up with little noises that sounded like whispers. He's not sure if he's awake or just dreaming.

"Wake him up. I'm already hungry."

"Ssshhh! If we are too noisy, he might get irritated."

"The soup smells so good."

"Tin, wake him up. You're the most hungry here."

Slowly, Build opened his eyes. He saw three kids kneeling on the side of the couch where he was lying sideways. When they saw him awake, the three of them beamed, almost clapping their hands.

"Hi, Papa." Blue greeted with twinkling eyes.

Build wanted to answer but his throat was too dry so he just answered with a tired smile.

"Phi, you're drooling." Ta said, laughing at him.

Build moved to wipe the drool and stretch his body. He never thought that the couch could be a comfortable bed.

"He's awake! We can eat now!" Tin shouted as loud as he could while running to the dining area. Blue and Ta quickly followed.

Build sat up, still in a sleep daze. He looked at the wall clock, almost eight in the evening. No wonder the kids are already hungry. He immediately looked up when he felt someone standing in front of him. It's Wichapas, looking down at him. His white dress shirt was folded up to his elbows, still tucked on his black trousers.

"Come on. Let's eat."

But Build is not having it. He gestured for Wichapas to go before leaning his head on the backrest of the couch, closing his eyes again.

"Get up or I'll carry you to the kitchen." Wichapas warned. But Build did not open his eyes. He moved to pick up Build but he opened his eyes like a warning. "You have to eat before going back to sleep. The kids are waiting for you."

Build sighed. He brushed his disheveled hair before standing up. But the sleepiness was still there so Wichapas had to support him in the dining area. Build's hair is sticking here and there, making Wichapas want to laugh. He looks so adorable. Build's eyes were droopy as Wichapas helped him sit on his chair. Everyone started eating but Build kept dozing on and off. Wichapas placed food on Build's plate but Build only held the spoon and fork, eyes almost closing again.

"Eat now." Wichapas spoke. But Build didn't hear him. Wichapas scooped some food from his plate and placed it near Build's mouth. "Open your mouth." Build followed, eyes still closed. When Wichapas was able to put the food on Build's mouth, he removed the spoon. "Chew." Build followed again, chewing the food lazily. Wichapas let out a deep sigh. Build is so tired that even eating, which is Build's favorite hobby, is neglected.

They were able to finish dinner, Wichapas making Build eat as much as he could. The kids kept laughing at them, saying that Build is such a baby. Aunt Praya attended to the kids' needs as Wichapas was busy attending to the big baby's needs.

"Good night." Build heard a soft whisper on his ear and a warm pair of lips on his forehead before he dozed off to a complete rest.

–

Build almost jumped out of his own bed, looking at the window with horror. The sun is brightly up. He's late for work. He grabbed his phone on the bedside table to check the time. It's almost ten in the morning! He didn't hear his alarm. He's supposed to be up at six in the morning to be at the office by eight. Wichapas will drop the twins at school and they will meet at the office by eight. That became his routine for more than a week now after sending Prem and Dao on a honeymoon vacation. He immediately called Wichapas' number but he was routed to a voicemail. Wichapas must be swimming on workloads now. Build quickly got up, realizing that he's still on his clothes from yesterday. He grimaced with the fact that he slept with yesterday's clothes on. After taking reasonable time to shower, he quickly dressed up. When he's done with his morning routine, he left the room in a hurry. He saw Blue watching television with a bowl of mixed fruits on his lap, eyes glued on the screen.

"Good morning, my love." Build greeted his son. Blue immediately jumped out of his seat, putting the bowl on the couch and jumped to his Papa's arms.

"Good morning, Papa love." The kid kissed his lips. Build tasted the sweetness of the strawberry he ate.

"Have you eaten breakfast already?" Build asked.

Blue nods his head. "Grandma said we should eat first because you're still asleep. She made a ham sandwich and pumpkin soup for me."

"Wow! That's delicious. Papa needs to go to Daddy's office again today. And I'm already late. Be good to Grandma okay?" Build kissed his son on the cheek.

"Can I go with you today?" Blue asked, looking at him with anticipation.

Build's heart clenched. His time with Blue lessened when he started going to the office. He wanted to stay with the kid and spend time as much as they could but he needs to help Wichapas in the office as well. "Maybe next time, baby. Daddy has a lot of work these days. The office is so busy. You might just get bored."

"Okay." Blue shrugged.

Build put down the kid and he immediately went back to watching his favorite cartoon series. Build almost left when he realized he forgot his wallet on his bedside table. He placed down his work bag and cellphone on the coffee table in front of Blue before going back to the room. He found his wallet in the second drawer and when he got back Blue was already holding his phone like he was talking to someone.

"The strawberries are sweet but the kiwi do not taste good." The kid spoke, eyes glued on the screen. He is talking about the fruits.

"Who's that?" Build asked his son.

"Daddy called. I answered it." Blue looked at his Papa.

"Oh. Tell him I'm on my way." Build picked up his bag and got ready to leave.

Blue copied what his father said. "Daddy said no need. He wants to talk to you." Blue handed him the phone.

"Hey. Uhmm… I am about to leave the suite. I didn't hear the alarm so I woke up late. Sorry." Build bit his lower lip, feeling guilty.

(𝐻𝑖. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑜. 𝐼 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑚 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡.)

Build frowned. "What? Why?"

(𝑊𝑒𝑙𝑙, 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑓𝑒𝑤 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠. 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑠𝑜𝑜𝑛. 𝑁𝑜 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑦.)

Build felt silent. It was already hard even when he was there as his assistant. How can he manage the workloads alone?

(𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐼'𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒. 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑓𝑓 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑛. 𝐼 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑡.) Build heard a long sigh from the other line.

Build wanted to argue but Wichapas did not give him the chance to. As soon as the call ended, Build looked at his son’s figure who was too focused on the television. Build sat next to Blue, who immediately neglected the bowl of fruits and sat on his Papa’s lap. Build cuddled his son and they both eyed the television. Blue had been particularly interested in this cooking series this past few weeks. It is a cartoon show that talks about cooking and baking. Suddenly, Build had an idea.

“Baby, would you like to go to Daddy’s office and bring him food for lunch?” Build asked his son.

Blue suddenly beamed. “Yes!”

Aunt Praya helped in preparing the food. They practically made lunch that is good for two adults and a kid. Brent drove them to the office. Before lunch time, Build and Blue was able to reach the office. Just in time. The receptionist greeted him. As they strode inside the office, Blue kept asking about the things that caught his attention like the paintings on the hallway or the huge figurines near the elevator door.

As they reached the office door, Build lifted his hand to knock but he heard people coming from the other part of the hallway.

“Please, give that project to me. I can handle it.” That's a woman’s voice.

"I told you. That one is critical. I'll be handling that." That was Wichapas' voice.

The footsteps became near and the voices became more clear.

"Trust me. I'll nail this deal. I have already proven myself to you, haven't I?"

Before Wichapas could answer, Build saw them coming. The woman's arms are encircled on Wichapas' own arms. Wichapas is holding a tablet, Build recognized it as Prem's gadget because Build used it these past few days. The woman with long black hair looked at Wichapas like a child coaxing her parents to buy her ice cream. Wichapas looked up, only to meet Build's unreadable eyes. Build bit his lower lip to control his reaction.

Who is she? Why is he holding Wichapas like that? Why does Wichapas not look bothered that someone is holding him? Why do they look so close?

"Daddy!" Blue screamed.

Chapter Text

The moment Blue ran to his other father, he crouched down to receive the offered hug from the kid and lifted him up. The woman's arm slowly slipped off and her eyes immediately lit up upon seeing Build.

"What are you doing here?" Wichapas' eyes never left Build.

Before Build could answer, his son interrupted. "Papa and I made you lunch. We bring a lot. Auntie cooked delicious soup."

As Blue babbled to his father, Build's eyes shifted from the woman to Wichapas and back to the woman again. Wichapas got the hint, of course. And to avoid further misunderstandings, he introduced her to him.

"Remember Iris?. You met her once."

Build recalled. Yes, one of the new investors of the company.

"We met already before. Can't you remember me?" Iris smiled at him.

"Yes. Of course, I remember you." Build smiled back, a stiff one.

"That's great! I hope we could have time to talk more. But I have a flight to catch. I need to go back as soon as possible." Iris pouts.

"You should go ahead. Happy birthday. Your bill at Celia's will be on me as my birthday gift." Wichapas fixed Blue's position on his arms.

"Can I have a party?" Iris smiled at him mischievously.

"You're pushing your luck." Wichapas went near Build, brushing his own arm to his. Build shivered. The smallest contact always has the most impact if it's from Wichapas.

"Still coldhearted as f–"

"Language." Wichapas looked at him with a warning while trying to remind Iris that Blue is there.

"Oops! Sorry." She giggled. "Anyways, I have to go. Bye, Khun." She waved at Build.

"Bye. Happy birthday." Build smiled at her.

"Thanks! You owe me a drink when I get back." And then she winked. Before Iris turned around, she rolled her eyes to Wichapas.

Build can't help but think. This is the first time he saw Wichapas being so comfortable with others, other than Prem, at work. They look so close like they knew each other so well. Like they've been into a lot of things already. Like closest friends. Or maybe more than that?

"Let's go inside." Wichapas broke his reverie.

Build settled himself on the soft couch while arranging the lunch they brought on the coffee table. Blue is sitting on the other couch while Wichapas is on his telephone, talking about business of course. Blue is playing on his Papa's phone. Build can't help but steal glances. The sight of Iris' arm around Wichapas still lingering on his mind. He can't imagine Wichapas allowing someone that close to him.

"What do you have here?" Build flinched. He didn't know when Wichapas sat beside him. He looked at the man who's busy looking at the food on the table.

"How long have you known each other?" Build asked, making Wichapas look at him.

"Who? Iris?" Wichapas started placing some food on the plates in front of him. One for him and one for Build.

"Yes. You look so close to each other." Build opened the special bento box made by Aunt Praya for Blue.

Wichapas studied his face. He looked at Build's eyes too long, reading his mind. A few seconds later, Build decided to let go of the gaze.

"I've known her for less than three years, I think. She decided to invest in my company after she graduated college as a sign of rebellion to her family." Wichapas had placed a plate in front of Build and started munching the food on his own plate.

Build frowns. The woman is clearly from a wealthy bloodline, it's evident. What she wanted to know is about the rebellion. Before he asked, Build called his son to eat. Blue immediately left the phone, sloppily went down off the huge couch and ran to his father. Blue knelt down the marble floor and started eating the food on his bento box.

"What do you mean rebellion?" Build asked further.

"His father always tells her that she can not handle the company. That she is nor good enough. So, during college, she worked part time at my company. And then when she got a huge amount of money from her mom after graduation, she invested in my company. She wanted to prove that she can make her own money." Wichapas fill Build in as much as possible. Remembering the promise of 'no secrets' between them.

"You know a lot about her." Build mumbled, poking his own food with his fork.

Wichapas looked at him with a frown. Build has been weird ever since they met at the front of the office. "Are you okay?"

Build perked up, eyes dodging Wichapas' gaze. "Yes. Of course." He cleared his throat. "Finish your lunch and we'll head back home." Build spoke to his son.

"But I want to be with Daddy more." With a mouth full of food, Blue answered back, copying his Daddy's frown.

"He's busy." Build answered.

"You can stay. I would love to have you both here."

Build didn't argue. There is something inside him that wanted to go away but the force of staying won. After the shared lunch and catch up from Blue and Wichapas, who are mostly Blue, the older went back to work. Wichapas is sitting on his desk, sunk into his own world. Blue and Build on the couch, the kid drawing on a bond paper and pen from his Daddy. Build laughed as the kid drew silly figures that he can only identify if Blue will name them. After almost an hour, Blue stood up and went to his Daddy.

"Daddy, look. I draw the flowers you always give me."

Wichapas looked up from his computer and accepted the paper with a smile. There are a lot of mini flowers drawn on the paper along with other indistinctive figures. If his son didn't tell him that those are daisies, he wouldn't recognize them.

"Wow. You drew this?" Wichapas asked with a grin.

Blue crawled to his father's lap and settled himself in his embrace while facing the paper. "Yes. Blue draw those. They are tiny." Blue showed his point finger and thumb to demonstrate how little were the flowers actually.

Wichapas laughed. They continue talking to each other. Blue explaining his drawings and Wichapas asking questions that caught his attention. Build stayed on the couch, eyeing the two. His heart is melting on how Wichapas is so interested in the kid's drawing and how drowned he was in the young man's stories. Deep inside, he knows he's more than happy. But something in him is threatened. Until when will this last? Is it alright to be used with his presence again? Is Blue the only reason why they are connected? The night they shared, is it just a heat of the moment? And if it is, what shall he do next? He's afraid once again. Build is being used to have Wichapas around once again. But he can help but think that if ever he will leave again, what will happen to Blue? What will happen to him? The last thing he wants to see is his son crying his heart out because his Daddy left them once again. It will tear him apart. And the only way to protect both him and his son is to not let his guard down again.

–

"Why are you back this early?" Build asked, eyeing Prem and Dao with an invisible big question mark on his head.

"We really enjoyed the trip. But Dao can't stay anymore. She's having a hard time walking and the past three days were mostly spent inside the hotel room." Prem answered.

Build looked at Dao who's smiling at him apologetically. "Thank you so much, Khun. I really enjoyed the trip. It's just really hard to explore everything with a big belly."

Build pouts. There is still one more week left on the planned trip. But, of course, Dao's health is more important.

"That's fine. As long as you and your baby is okay." Build smiled at them. "By the way, I need to leave. I have to visit one of our warehouses today." He stood up.

"Is Harris going with you?" Prem asked, worry evident in his eyes.

"Yes. But Brent will stay to watch Blue." Build went to the front door.

"If you would like, I can pick him up later to spend time with his uncles." Prem opened the door for him.

"Yes, Khun. Please? I miss Khun Blue so much." Dao's eyes are twinkling.

Build just laughed. "Alright. I'll call Auntie about it."

When they reach the front door, Build is expecting Harris to be waiting for him outside. But, instead, he saw Wichapas leaning in his car. Build went near him with a frown.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

Wichapas looked at Build and then to the house. "This is my house."

Build was taken aback. That's stupid question, he knows. "I mean, where is Harris?" He curled his arms in front of his chest.

"Don't look for him. I'll drive you today." Wichapas showed him his own car keys. "Let's go."

"How did you…." Build wasn't able to finish his question because Wichapas opened the driver's seat and went inside. Build just snort, looking at Prem and Dao who's chuckling from the dook. Prem shrugged his shoulders.

Build went to the other side and opened the door, he was about to go in but a huge bouquet of mixed white tulips and daisies was on the seat. It's so huge that he almost can not see Wichapas on the other side. Build blushed. Wichapas lifted the bouquet for him to sit.

"Does it need to be this huge?" Build frowned, hiding the smile.

Wichapas placed the huge bouquet on Build's lap, making Build disappear from the front view of the car. "I just realized I haven't given you flowers for a few weeks now. I need to catch up."

"And I need to breathe." Build said in a muffled voice.

Wichapas giggled before lifting the bouquet and had a hard time putting it in the back seat. Build sighed.

"Don't you think that's too much?"

Wichapas just shrugged and started driving. Build can't help but steal glances of the man beside him. He's driving quietly, eyes focused on the road. As they exit the Central, the refreshing weather hits them.

"Aren't you supposed to be at work?" Build said, taking out his tablet to check his emails.

"I heard you will visit a warehouse today. So, I decided to come."

"You heard or did Harris report to you?" Build glared at him.

Wichapas bit his lower lip. He's caught.

"We had alright talked about this. They are my bodyguards, under my paycheck. Why do they still need to report to you?" Build doesn't have the intention to call him. Unexpectedly, the words came out a bit bitter than what he expected. Guilt suddenly creeping in.

It took Wichapas a few moments before answering. "I just don't want you to be there without me. The last time I remember you visiting the warehouse, you ended up being kidnapped."

Build's eyes widened. It has been years but Wichapas still remember that. Though, for Build, it was really hard to forget. One of the most traumatic days of his life. Build looked up, looking at Wichapas. They gazed at each other. Wichapas slowly smiled at him.

The journey to the warehouse was spent in peace. No one initiated a conversation but the comfort of being on each other’s side is palpable. It’s calming. Build was able to finish his emails before they arrived at the warehouse. They immediately got out of the car. They were welcomed by Build’s team. As they greeted each other, Wichapas received respect as one of the Lords in the country. They started touring around, catching up about stocks and deliveries. The entire time, Wichapas stayed behind to give Build space in doing his job. He can’t help but observe how serious and passionate Build is. As his team, which consists of six people, discusses everything about business. Wichapas didn’t even try to talk to him. He just let Build focus. Not until Wichapas observed something. One of the team members had Wichapas a little suspicious. He has had his eyes on Build since they came. He always took every opportunity to step beside him, talk to him and even place his palm Build’s lower back when trying to guide Build to something. Suspicious, isn’t it?

As their visit concluded when it’s almost sunset, the team asked for a small get together. Build rarely visits warehouses so having their boss today really makes them excited. The two girls of the teams suggested a dinner but the men suggested a dinner with some drinks. All of them agreed. Build can not do anything but to agree, giving Wichapas an apologetic smile. But Wichapas shook his head, non-verbally stating that it is alright followed by a reassuring smile.

They went to a roadhouse bar around the area. The area is already busy and loud. People are halfway drunk already at this time and the band plays music. It is amazing that people are getting drunk already when it is still dinner time. They are situated at the far corner of the bar, where a long table awaits. While on the road, the team already made a reservation and already ordered a lot. They settled in, Build and Wichapas sat next to each other. On the opposite side, the man eyeing Build sat with a smug smirk.

“You should eat first before you drink.” Wichapas placed food on Build’s plate.

“Let’s not drink a lot tonight. You’ll be driving and Sari’s house warming party is tomorrow.” Spoke as he looked at Wichapas.

“I know. Eat.” Wichapas handed him a glass of cold water.

Build started to eat and the table started to share stories. They spend time laughing and mocking each other. As time passed by, Wichapas learned that the man eyeing Build is named Est and it seems like he had a crush on Build for a long time now as the team mocked him multiple times. Wichapas raised his eyebrow. In panic, Build looked at Wichapas who was now glaring at his employee. The latter picked up his beer mug and gulped half of the content.

“Hey, easy. You have to drive back.” Build whispered but Wichapas’ eyes never left Est, who's currently having a conversation with his teammates. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. Don’t worry,I can drive you home.”

Est continue eyeing Build and it itches Wichapas. He just wants to poke those eyeballs out and throw them away.

“Khun, since this is the first time you agreed to be with us for a night out, cheers!” One of the girls proposed to Build, followed by the others.

After a shot, Est immediately filled up Build’s glass of beer. “Why not do a bottom’s up for me, Khun?” He asked. The whole table, except Wichapas, cheered.

Build frowned, the size of the beer mug is tall and he’s not used to drinking beer. He might vomit after drinking it all. But the pressure from the team eats him up. Build was about to pick up the glass again when Wichapas grabbed it and drank it empty. Build was shocked, as well as the whole team.

Wichapas knows Build is not a heavy drinker. He even gets drunk with just wine. As Wichapas emptied the bottle, the cloud clank of it on the table made the whole table quiet.

“He can not drink a lot.” Wichapas declared.

The whole table got the statement. And then they started cheering for Est to drink as well. All of a sudden, it became a drinking competition. As the rest of the team went to the dance floor, Build,Wichapas and Est remained seated. Est and Wichapas throwing dagger glares at each other.

“Stop. You’re already drunk.” Build warned Wichapas. “And why are you mad at him?” He whispered.

Wichapas did not answer. He lifted up the beer mug and chugged the liquid down, eyes still not leaving Est. The rest of the team went back to the table, tired and sweaty from the dance. They felt the tension between the two and decided to just drink.

“Oh. There is no more beer. Let me order some more.” One of the team members stood up to go to the counter but Build stopped him.

“I think this is enough. You’re all drunk.”

“Get me a bottle of whiskey. And get whatever you want. The bill for tonight is on me.” Wichapasstated as he drank the remaining liquid on his glass.

The whole table cheered and started giving their orders. Build slapped Wichapas’ arm. “What are you thinking?!”

Wichapas just smiled at him. A pinch of drunkenness evident on his eyes. “I’m okay. Beer won’t knock me out. I need something hard.”

Build glared at him. “Shut up.”

But Wichapas only smiled at him, looking back to Est. The other man has a mocking smirk on his lips, clearly provoking Wichapas. Build just sigh.

After a few hours, they were all drunk except Build. The two team members are also sober enough to control the other.

“Is it true that you are courting Khun Jakapan?” Est started with a drunk voice, finger pointing to Wichapas.

The other team member slapped his hand, reminding him that he was talking to Lord.

“Why do you care?” Wichapas answered, face flushed with the effect of alcohol.

Build just wanted to sink right now and escape the scene.

“Huh! Lord Ram had been courting him for a long time but he’s still not succeeding at all. Maybe Khun Jakapan is not into some desperate Lords or something...” The other team member covered his mouth in panic. Immediately asking for forgiveness from the Lord.

Wichapas straightened up from his seat, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

“Don’t argue with him.” Build warned Wichapas.

“Do I look desperate to you?” Wichapas raised his eyebrow.

Build’s stress is firing up. He wanted to smack Wichapaz on the face right now.

“Why would you follow him here if you’re not desperate? Huh?” Est laughed and drank the glass of whiskey in his hand.

“Alright. That’s enough. It's time to go home.” Build interrupted.

“I don’t see it as any of your business.” Wichapas fired back.

“Well, he’s my boss.” Est shrugged sloppily.

“And you think I didn’t see your motives? Like how you look at him?” Wichapas smirked.

“That’s enough. Come on. Let’s leave.” Build grabbed Wichapas arm to help him stand up.

“So what? What’s in it for you if I like him? Why do you care if I make a move?” Est stated with a mocking face, fueling Wichapas’ anger.

“Est! Stop spitting nonsense! We all better leave.” Build warned everyone. “Come on. Stand up.” Once again, he grabbed Wichapas arm, this time the man followed.

Before they left, Wichapas grabbed a handful of cash from his wallet and left it on the table. Build thinks it's more than their bill but he only cares to leave. He guided Wichapas out of the roadhouse bar, body swaying due to alcohol.

“You didn’t listen to me, huh?” Build as he settled Wichapas on the passenger seat. He ran to the other side and settled himself on the driver’s seat. “I already told you not to drink too much. How are we supposed to go home now? It’s past midnight. You…” he looked at the man beside him. The man is already asleep, mouth agape. Build had to control his anger. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he’s calm enough, he started driving.

Going back to the Central will take a few hours of drive. Build decided to just spend the night at the mansion instead of going back. It is thirty minutes away from the roadhouse bar. It would be safer if they spend the night there and wait for Wichapas to sober up. As they reached Sumettikul’s old mansion,he quickly ran to the other side.

“You have to wake up. I can’t carry you inside.” Build placed both of his hands on his sides. “Wake up.” But he received no response. “You're a pain in the ass, Wichapas! You’re too stubborn!” Build shouted in annoyance. He grabbed the man’s arm and pulled him out of the car. Build draped his arm around his own shoulder and half-carried him inside. Build had to stop and contemplate his decisions in life when he saw the huge stair in front of him.

“How the hell am I going to bring you to your room?!” Build cursed. Lastly, he opted to lay down Wichapas on the sofa. Build removed the white cloth cover and threw Wichapas on the couch. Out of breath, he spoke. “I should’ve at least spare a time to go to the gym.” He almost fainted. Wichapas were too heavy and stink from alcohol. Build grimaced. He smelled himself and he frowned. He smells like sweat, smoke from the roadhouse and alcohol from Wichapas’ sweat. Too annoyed, Build kicked the foot of the couch. “I can’t wait to laugh at you tomorrow with your hangover.” He mumbled and went upstairs.

Build went to the master’s bedroom and grabbed a fresh robe. He went inside the bathroom and started undressing. He smelled his clothes once again and it still disappoints him. He’s completely undressed when he stepped into the shower. Build sighed as the cold water ran to his skin. It was so refreshing. He let his body stay under the shower, not moving. He took the time to relax his body and mind. He had to think of what happened tonight. He never thought Est felt that way about him. And Wichapas had to hear it. Build shook his head. It was quite problematic. He’ll deal with it later. After a long shower, he brushed his teeth and went out with the fresh robe. He went inside the walk in closet and grabbed a bath towel and another fresh robe. Before walking out, he grabbed a hand towel. If in case Wichapas can not get up to take a bath, he will just give him a sponge bath. As he stepped outside the closet, he bumped into a hard surface.

“Ouch!” He screamed. He touched his nose to see if it was broken and looked up. “What the hell?” He saw Wichapas, leaning on the door.

“You’re rude. You left me alone downstairs.” His voice is rough, evidence that he just woke up. His hair is sticking at all sides possible. His eyes are droopy and face still in flash. Build’s ear suddenly felt hot.

“I just grabbed something to help you freshen up. But since you’re already awake, go ahead and take a bath. You stink so much.” Build pushed the garments to Wichapas’ chest. He pushed enough to get Wichapas away from the doorway and went outside.

“Heartless.” Wichapas mumbles before going to the bathroom door. “By the way, you look so hot on that robe.” Wichapas smirked and disappeared.

Build looked at himself and that’s when he realised the robe is dropped from one of his shoulders and his nipple is visible. He quickly fixed his robe and tied it tightly on the waist. “Pervert!”

Build went out of the room to get some water downstairs. He always makes sure that there are a few bottles of water stocked on this house. As he went upstairs, he found Wichapas laying on his stomach in the bed. The man is freshly showered and the towel hanging delicately on his waist. Build placed the water bottle on the bedside table before sitting on the bed. Build looked at the sleeping figure. He narrowed his eyes to check if the man was really asleep. How come Wichapas showered that fast? Build became suspicious. He thinks Wichapas just wet his body to feel a little comfort. He might not even use the stock shampoo and body wash or even brush his teeth. He placed a new set of toothbrushes in the sink earlier for him. If he didn’t use it, that's gross.

To make sure Wichapas really took a bath, Build leaned in to smell him. He can’t smell any hint of shampoo or body wash. He leaned in closer to smell his mouth. Did he brush his teeth? As Build leaned closer, a hand grabbed his nape and the next thing he knew, a pair of lips already sealed his. He squealed in shock. Wichapas started kissing him deeper as he slowly sat up, lips still connected. Build tried pushing him away but Wichapas held his nape tighter. He tasted like toothpaste. Build is now sure he brushed his teeth.

After a few minutes of a passionate kiss, Wichapas let go. His eyes are still droopy and he is still drunk, Build can tell. Both of them are out of breath. As Build was about to speak, Wichapas did before him. “Are you taking advantage of a drunk man? Hmmmm?”

Build raised his eyebrow. “Excuse me? You’re the one who kissed me….” Before Build could finish, Wichapas dived in again. The kiss is deeper this time that Build had to sigh in between as Wichapas pushed him to the headboard of the bed.

Chapter Text

Build rested his back on the head board. He tugged on Wichapas' hair as he matched the kiss. Wichapas' hand started to roam on his leg, lifting the hem of the robe. Build moaned when his fingers grazed on his inner thigh. He pulled the other's hair harder. In a swift motion, Wichapas moved Build on his lap, legs circling Wichapas' waist. Build's back remained on the headboard of the bed, lips never leaving each other. Wichapas threw away the towel that serves as his only cover. Build gasped when Wichapas left his lips, getting as much air as possible.

"You didn't even have underwear, baby." Wichapas rested his forehead to his, fingers roaming around his waist to his inner thighs.

"I have no extra." Build managed to answer, eyes closed and heaving breath.

"Look at me." He whispered, breath fanning Build's face.

Build slowly opened his eyes, only to meet golden rimmed eyes, looking at him like a hungry wolf but in control.

"Do you want it?" Wichapas asked.

Build blushed. He dropped his face on Wichapas's shoulder and nodded. The man laughed. The sound from his chest vibrated and travelled on chest but it hit the most down there.

"No need to be shy, my love. I'll give it to you tonight…" Wichapas cupped his head and turned him to his face. "And for the rest of your life."

Wichapas divided into his neck, licking the scent gland. Build almost screamed. That tease will kill him. His belly is aching in need. His body is as hot as a fever. His mind is clouded. His sight was red.

Only Wichapas can make him feel this way.

Slowly, Wichapas left small red marks on his neck before grabbing his waist and lifting him a bit to sit properly on his groin. Wichapas groaned in pleasure as Build gasped for air. He didn't even enter him but the sensation is almost the same. Skin to skin, they are both lost in paradise. Build scratched Wichapas' back with his nails, seeking support. A few more grinds and they are both gasping for air. Wichapas suddenly pushed away, enough to speak to him properly. He opened his palm on Build's lips.

"I don't have a lube. Spit."

Build's eyes widened. He almost fainted from what he heard. Wichapas saw the conflict in his eyes. He leaned in and kissed his forehead. "I promised to take care of you. I'll make it as gentle as possible. Do you trust me?"

Build looked at his eyes, like a child seeking assurance. A few more thoughts and he grabbed Wichapas' hand. He licked his fingers one by one and then spit on his palm. Wichapas smiled.

"Good boy."

Wichapas dived in for a hot kiss. His wet hand snaked on Build's waist and from the back, he reached his hole. Build cried. Wichapas massaged his entrance slowly. Build hid his face on Wichapas' neck, embarrassed by the noise he made. Wichapas slipped one finger, making Build squirm. After a few pushes, another one followed. Before Build knows, he's already prepared. Wichapas scooped as much precum as he could from Build and wet himself with it. Wichapas groaned. The feeling of his own palm felt heaven but he can't wait to go to paradise. After a few strokes, he positioned himself on Build's entrance.

"Ready?" He asked in Build's red ears.

"Just….just…." Build can't form a sentence. He is so drowned in pleasure. So, he just tapped Wichapas' shoulder to give him a go signal.

Wichapas laughed again, and the vibration went straight to Build's belly. Embarrassment and annoyance creeping in. Wichapas didn't make him wait for long. Slowly, he sunk Build to him. Build threw his head back, hitting the headboard with a thud, eyes rolled back. Wichapas immediately grabbed his head for protection.

"Are you alright?" Worry laced on his voice.

"Move. Move!" Build tapped his shoulders with urgency. But he himself started to move up and down to find more pleasure.

Wichapas smirked. "Demanding. I like it." He started moving. They were both panting. The sound of skin invaded the room. Build's robe dropped from one of his shoulders, nipple once again exposed. Wichapas didn't lose the opportunity. He licked the soft lump and bit. Build cried once again. Wichapas' hands went to Build's slim waist under the robe, guiding him to the rhythm. It felt like a dream.

"Does it hurt?" Wichapas inquired.

Of course it does. It's raw. Build can feel the bare skin hitting his inside. But pleasure is more than pain. Build shook his head, unable to form any words. He bit his lower lip, cheeks as red as cherry. Wichapas frown, he smelled grapes. Fresh grapes. He can't help but smile. The scent he missed the most. It was addicting. He's drunk but he's well aware of that smell. It's not a hallucination. He's smelling Build's sweet scent right now.

Build can't help it. He felt how his own body released more of its own scent. His body shook as he came above Wichapas, making the scent more noticable. Wichapas dragged a long inhale of the scent. Build's fingers dug deep on Wichapas' shoulders that it left a mark. After a few pumps, Wichapas came as well.

Panting, Wichapas rested his forehead to Build again. He smiled when he saw how flushed Build's face was. He dropped butterfly kisses on his cheeks and nose. "I missed that smell." He said. "Again."

Build squealed as Wichapas lifted him and turned around, still inside him. He slowly lay Build down on the soft mattress, feet hitting the headboard this time. Build gasped as he felt Wichapas moved again. How come he's already hard without pulling out? Build gripped the sheets, biting his lower lip. Wichapas sat on his knees. Seeing Build's hard attempt to suppress the scream, he continues pumping in as he admires the bare neck that has little bites from him. He placed his hand on Build's belly and pressed it while pushing in hard and deep. This time, Build screamed. He felt a bag of water burst inside his belly. His face and neck turned crimson red, head sinking in the mattress. Wichapas continued his moves, palm never leaving Build's belly.

"I love the way you scream when you're under me." Wichapas spoke.

"Shut up!" Build snarled, embarrassed of all of this.

"Oh, my love." Wichapas bent down and captured his lips. "No need to be shy. I know your body more than you do." He licked Build's lower lip.

Build moaned again. Losing the battle of embarrassment, he demands. "Faster. Deeper."

And who is Wichapas to defy? Sitting back on his knees, he lifted Build legs and hung them on his broad shoulders. With a better angle, Wichapas did it. Faster and deeper. Build had to grip the sheet more and throw his head left and right. Moaning, screaming and the sound of skin echoed in the quiet night.

~

Build grabbed a pillow and hid his face. He tries his best to stop moaning but how can he when he is bent over the bed with his foot on the carpeted floor. Wichapas' hands on his waist, pumping him from the back. Wichapas' hand crawled, fingers tracing his backbone upwards. Build shivered. He felt something cold spike his spine. After a few seconds, he felt Wichapas body on his back.

"I missed you so much." And he bit his earlobe. Build lifted his face from the pillow. "Your scent. Your body. Your voice. I can't get enough of you." And Wichapas started planting another set of kiss marks on his nape.

~

Build moaned, eyes rolling at the back of his head. The carpeted floor felt warm and cold at the same time. His legs are shaking and his hole hurts. Wichapas kept pumping, arms on the sides of Build head. Breathing hard and heavy, sweat dripping from his own forehead to Build's hair. Build squirmed. Wichapas suddenly sat on his knees, still grinding. He grabbed a pillow from the bed and placed it on Build's lower back to get a better angle. They are now on the carpeted floor at the foot of the bed. Wichapas growled when the pillow is situated properly.

"You're sucking me in, baby. I love it." He slapped Build's thigh. "Keep your legs wide open for me, my love."

Build can't help but comply. He spread more, presenting everything to Wichapas. Wichapas leaned in again. Went back to his old position. Face to face, they keep staring at each other while the rhythm continues.

"You're so beautiful." Wichapas kissed him. He's more than sure that his lips are now plump. Wichapas reached for his locks that are sticking in his forehead due to immense sweating. After a few minutes, Build's body shook. He came again. He can not remember how many times he came tonight. He lost count and he has no energy to recall anymore. A few more pumps and Wichapas followed. Dropping another kiss, Wichapas pulled out of him. Build sighed, feeling how Wichapas slowly got out of him.

"Are you alright?" Build has no more energy to answer. He was about to doze off to sleep when he felt Wichapas stood up and came back to him. "You have to drink." Wichapas assisted him to sit down and drink on the water bottle he brought earlier for him. Build drunk a few gulps and Wichapas finished the rest. Build dropped his weight in the other's chest. "Was I too hard?" Wichapas caressed the back of his head.

"I need a bath." Build mumbled.

"Of course. Let's get you a warm bath." Wichapas kissed his head before helping him get up. Build stood up but when he tried stepping, his knees gave up. Wichapas immediately grabbed him and lifted him up like a koala. "I got you." He whispered.

"As you should. It's your fault anyway." Build answered, head laying on the broad shoulder.

Wichapas giggled. "I'll take full responsibility, my love." And dropped a kiss on the side of his neck.

They entered the bathroom. Build stood in front of the sink, looking at himself in the mirror. His hand gripping the edge of the marble sink for additional support. Wichapas standing behind him, slowly removed the soiled robe from his body. It was wet with cum and squirt but he loved it.

Build's eyes widened when he saw his bare skin. From his lower neck to his chest, it was full of pink and red marks. Build touched the marks.

"You're crazy." He spoke, looking at Wichapas through the mirror.

Wichapas pouted, looking like a kid being reprimanded. He lowered to drop butterfly kisses on Build's shoulders that are also full of marks.

"How am I supposed to hide this at the party? Are you expecting me to wear a turtle-neck at a pool party?" Build continued to stare at the marks and glared at Wichapas through the mirror.

"I can't help it. Your skin is so soft. And it smells so sweet." Wichapas kissed his earlobes, hand crawling from Build's waist to his belly and back to his waist again. Wichapas licked the back of his ears.

"Stop. Aren't you tired?" Build slapped his hands.

"I'll never get tired of you." Wichapas suddenly lifted him and sat him on the marbled sink. "Last one." He whispered.

Build huffed. "You've been saying that since earlier."

"Last one and then I'll give you a hot bath and we'll see what's next." Wichapas winked.

The next minute was spent in a steamed bathroom. Build's back on the mirror, Wichapas hand on the side of his head. Build's fingers scratched his back, it hurts but it's worth it. Everything went as blurry as the steam of the hot shower affected the mirror.

–

"Who wears a hoodie at a pool party? Don't you feel hot?"

Build jolted on his seat when Dr. Cherry, wearing a blazing red bikini, sat beside him. "No. I'm okay." He cleared his throat.

They are in Prin and Sari's new house. This is a housewarming party that only they are invited to. This is what Sari promised Blue about the huge pool in their new house. The kids are playing in the pool while being watched out by the men on the side of the pool, holding their bottles of beer.

Dao looked at him with suspicion. He knows that hoodie that Build is wearing. It was Wichapas' hoodie, she is sure. Build avoided Dao's gaze.

"Let me get some drinks." Build stood up and grabbed a tall glass. He crouched down to open the huge cooler to scoop some ice. Sari, who's grilling some meat, looked down on Build and saw a glimpse of his unexposed neck. She saw something suspicious on his neck but she refused to ask.

"Sari, your house is very beautiful. It's huge and cozy." Dr. Cherry wore her eyeglasses and lay down on one of the beach chairs.

"Thank you. I'm glad it was done before the wedding." Sari placed down a plate of grilled meat on the table and sat across Build.

"Well, when are you really going to get married?" Dr. Cherry grabbed her sunblock and started applying it while laying down.

"Date hasn't been set yet but it will be in my hometown overseas. But for sure it will be this year. We are planning to get pregnant next year." Sari giggled and touched Dao's belly.

"Are we invited?" Dao asked.

"Of course. I'm not like someone here who had a secret wedding anyway." Sari smiled at Dr. Cherry.

"Okay. Let me tell you again. That was a surprise wedding. Super intimated. It's just his family and my family there. I didn't even know I would get married that day." She even sat up to explain.

They all laughed.

"So why are you here now? Aren't you supposed to be on your honeymoon?" Build asked.

"He needs to be in Poland for a medical conference. But when he comes back, we'll be flying to Alaska. Maybe for a month or two." Dr. Cherry lay back down again, enjoying the sun.

They decided to catch up on their lives. After a few minutes, Blue came running to his Papa.

"Papa, milk chocolate please." He asked with a smile.

Build stood up and got a cold milk chocolate for his son. He was about to open it but the kid stopped him. "No. Daddy will open it for me." And he ran away.

"That kid is growing up too fast." Dr. Cherry smiled at Blue.

She can't help reminiscing about everything that Build and Blue had been through the past years.

Blue went to his other father and gave the cartoon of his new favorite chocolate milk before sitting on his lap with a bath towel to avoid his father getting wet. The kid asked his father to open the cartoon for him. Wichapas placed down his bottle of beer on the outdoor table. Prin and Prem are sitting with him on the outdoor sala set to look after the kids who were swimming. They are all wearing their sunglasses to avoid the heat. Wichapas opened the carton of chocolate milk and handed it to Blue. As the kid was too excited about the drink, he spilled it on his father's white shirt. Almost half of it stained Wichapas' clothes, making Blue scream. The noise grabbed the attention of the group on the other side of the pool.

Blue immediately teared up. "I'm sorry, Daddy."

Seeing his son in tears, he quickly kissed his forehead. "Don't, buddy. Daddy is okay. It's an accident."

"Sorry." Blue repeated.

"You're forgiven." He smiled. "Now, drink the rest of that and join your uncles again at the pool, okay?"

Blue nodded and drank the rest of the drink. As he went down of his father's lap, Wichapas removed the wet towel on his lap and his sunglasses.

"I'll get you a new short upstairs." Prin was about to stand up but Wichapas stopped him.

"No worries. I have an extra shirt." Wichapas effortlessly took off his shirt, back facing the group on the other side of the pool.

"Oh my god!" Dr. Cherry gasped as he saw Wichapas' body.

Surely, it is well toned and perfect but what makes her, Dao and Sari gasp is the scratches on his back that look fresh. Sari immediately looked at Build who is now as pale as paper looking at Wichapas as well. Hurriedly, Sari grabbed the collar of Build's hood and tugged it down.

"Oh my god!" Sari imitates Dr. Cherry's reaction.

Dao and Dr. Cherry looked at Sari and Build. Dr. Cherry immediately sat up, removing her sunglasses. She gasped upon seeing the kiss marks on his neck.

"Do you have rashes?!" Dr. Cherry asked with sarcasm.

Dao and Sari can't help but laugh. Build immediately turned red, ears hot.

Without them knowing, Wichapas was near them already and stood beside Build.

"Where's the bag? I need a new shirt."

Build can't look him in the eyes. He grabbed the bag and pulled out a black shirt. Wichapas wore it and left.

"Girls, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Dr. Cherry asked.

"I think so." Sari crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"They visited a warehouse yesterday and weren't able to go home last night. That's why we got here first and they just followed. Nothing suspicious at all." Dao shrugged with sarcasm as well.

"Dao!" Build warned her.

"Huh! I knew it. A hoodie on a summer day at a pool party." Dr. Cherry smirked.

Build wanted to sink. He wanted to jump into the pool and not float anymore.

"Since when?" Sari raised his eyebrow.

"I do not know. Nothing official yet." Build looked down.

"So, you went to bed with someone who's not your boyfriend." Dr. Cherry raised her eyebrow as well.

"But they have a child together. Isn't that enough reason?" Dao asked with a confused expression.

"They broke up. Co-parenting doesn't include being intimate with your son's other father." Dr. Cherry looked at Dao.

Dao nods in understanding.

"Stop. Just…" Build sighed.

The three waited for the answer. When Sari is sure that Build has no intention in continuing the sentence, she speaks. "What's your plan?"

"Nothing. I don't know." Build answered, looking confused and agitated.

"Just follow.your heart, Khun." Dao smiled at her with pure sincerity.

Build looked at the other side of the pool. Their gaze met. Wichapas gave him a warm smile but Build chose to look away.

–

Build was sitting on a bench inside a mall. Sari and her will go shopping. Build came early and has to wait because Sari is still in a meeting for her new exhibit. He was patiently waiting when he felt his phone buzzing in his pocket. He saw Wichapas calling.

"Hello?"

(Hi. Where are you?)

"At the mall. Sari and I will look for some new clothes. Why?"

(Nothing. I just….miss you)

Build suddenly turned red. "We saw each other yesterday."

(That was yesterday.)

These past few days, they've been seeing each other every single day. There's no day that will pass that they will not see each other. Though they do not have a confirmed relationship yet, they used to see each other more often. But today was different. Since Build made an appointment with Sari, they can't see each other today.

"Shut up."

The man on the other line chuckled. (Are you with Brent or Harris?)

"Brent. I'm just waiting for Sari to arrive." Build looked up to check if Sari was coming but he saw someone familiar instead. Build immediately stood up and ran to the barrier near the escalator.

"I need to go. I'll call you back." Build immediately ended the call and ran to the other side of the barrier. He rode the escalator going down and followed that person.

That back, that fingers, that type of clothes. He's more than sure who it is. The man is now walking away, a paper bag on the right hand and an iced coffee on the left. His brother's favorite coffee.

Build ran past the people on the escalator. When he got down, he ran to where the man went. It led him.outside the mall, where a lot of cars and a lot more people were entering and leaving the building. Near the fountain, he saw the figure stop and checked his clock, like he was waiting for someone. Build ran to him.

"Phi!" He shouted, heart thumping very loud on his chest. "Phi!" He shouted again as the man didn't look back. He went closed and stopped when he's right behind the man. "P'Than." His voice is shaking.

The man looked back and he confirmed. It was really his brother. Build started to tear up and hugged the man.

"Phi! Where have you been?" Build cried, hard and loud.

But the man was shocked. His hands were kept away from Build, eyes wide and looking so confused. It took him a few minutes to process everything.

"Excuse me. Do I know you?" The man asked, making Build stopped from weeping.

Build slowly loosen the hug and look up at him. Build is confused either.

"Y-you don't know me?"

"I'm sorry but do we know each other?" The man smiled at him.

Build became more nervous. Why does his brother not recognize him? It's his brother, for sure. The face, the voice, the physique. He's more than sure this is his brother.

"It's me B–"

Before Build could finish, a loud explosion from the fountain was heard. Debris and water flew away. People started to run, some flew away from the impact including Build. His elbow got scratched on the pavement. Dust covered the whole area. Build eyes became blurry. He tried to find his brother but somebody lifted him up and brought him away.

Chapter Text

"Just one day! One fucking day I didn't see him and this happened! Damn it!" Wichapas punched the wall right outside the hospital room. Prem tries calming him down but he is in rage.

Sari and Prin came running. Sari immediately saw the mark on the wall, adding to her nervousness.

"Where is he?" She asked Prem.

"The nurses and the doctor are settling him in the room. They said he's fine but they haven't let us in yet." Prem explained.

Sari sighed before hugging Prin, making herself calm. Wichapas stayed on the other side, back resting on the wall.

"Sir, let's get you treated." Prem is really worried. Wichapas is in deep anger right now and Build is unconscious to calm him down. Surely, only Build can comfort him. He tried reaching on the injured hand but Wichapas dodged it.

"Fuck off!" He snarked.

Prem just let out a sigh. The conversation made Sari and Prin look at them. It was the first time they saw Wichapas in this condition, mad and uncontrollable. It is very far from the Wichapas they know around Build.

"Brent," Wichapas called. The bodyguard went near, shirt and pants stained with Build's blood. "Update."

"We have the lead sir. We just need to confirm everything and we will follow your orders." Brent said, eyes glued to the floor.

"I don't need any confirmation. Anyone who could possibly be involved here shall pay. Do you understand me?" Wichapas glared at the man.

"Yes, my Lord." Brent immediately went away.

"Sir, I asked Harris to bring Aunt Praya and the young master to your house. Young master doesn't know what happened yet. He thinks Khun Jakapan is with Khun Sari right now." Prem explained.

The door of the room opened and Wichapas immediately passed the crowd to speak with the doctor. "How's he?"

The doctor and the nurses bowed to him before speaking. "He is stable now. We had already removed the debris on his arm. The wound is deep and should not be strained. To make sure he will not strain his arm, we put him on cast. He is currently in deep sleep due to anesthetia and supposed to wake up within twenty hours."

"Can I see him now?" But before the doctor can answer, he run inside.

"Someone needs to come with me for some documents to fill out." The nurse smiled and looked between Prem, Sari and Prin.

"Let me do it." Sari offered and looked at Sari and Prin. "Go ahead and check on him. But please do me a favor, don't ever let Lord Wichapas off of your eyes. He's not in the right mind right now to be away. Things might be more chaotic."

Prin nods at him, though confusion burns at the back their mind. Prem went away with the nurses and doctor. The couple entered the room only to shocke by how grandious it was. A VIP suite. Almost looked like a luxurious hotel room. A complete sofa set, a kitchen with amenities and a double-door refrigerator.

"What?!" Sari whispered as she observed the room. She saw Wichapas sitting beside a king-sized bed where Build is laying down, oxygen mask covering his mouth, IV drip on the his uncasted hand. They went near him and Prin tapped Wichapas back. The latter is hugging Build on the waist, face burried on the sheets. Wichapas didn't move.

Build has small scratches on his face. Sari can't help but get teary. If only she was not late on their meet up, this would not happen to him. Prin hugged her once again, knowing his fiancé's dilemma.

When Prem came back, he has multiple paper bags on hand. Necessities, ready to eat food and groceries. "The doctor said he might stay in here for a few days so I brought some supplies." He explain as he looked at Sari and Prin. Sari went near him and helped in arranging the supplies. Prin went out for a phone call.

"Does the room have to be this luxurious?" She asked.

Prem muffled a laugh. "My boss always want Khun Jakapan to be admitted in this kind of room because he always want the best for him. But, you know Khun, he will not agree. Since he is unconscious, Lord Wichapas decided for him. Wait until Khun Jakapan is awake. He will definitely scoled him." Prem nods at Wichapas who's still hughing Build's waist. It seems like he was asleep.

"He was so mad earlier." Sari placed the fruits on the tray.

"This is the first time you saw him like that, I understand." Prem sighed. "When we were overseas, he got into emotional struggles. The regret and guilt of leaving Khun Jakapan ghosts him every single day. He became irritated and less patient. Well, he was very impatient even before. It's just that, he met Khun Jakapan. That's when he started to soften, especially to when he met the Puttha family. He found a family in them." Prem looked at his boss with sympathy. "When the head of the family died, he was hurt too. And the older son went missing until now. Lord Wichapas had to be strong for Khun Jakapan. But the destiny do not agree with them that time. We had to leave." Prem sighed. His gaze lingered more to the two men tangled in bed before placing some supplis in the fridge.

"Will he be okay?" Sari sounded so concerned about him.

"Lord Wichapas?" Prem looked back at him. "If Khun Jakapan will wake up soon, he will be alright. But if Khun stayed unconcsious for a long time, please be ready to endure his awful attitude." He smiled at Sari apologetically.

Sari looked back at Wichapas. She surely haven't seen this side of Wichapas at all. She surely knew as calm and quiet. Sari just saw his other side today. After a few minutes, Brent came in with two duffle bags at hand. One bag for Build's necessities packed by Aunt Praya and one bag for Wichapas packed by Dao. For sure, Wichapas will never leave the hospital as long as Build is here.

It was almost midnight but Build is still not awake. Wichapas, standing at the balcony of the hospital room, lit his cigarette. He's on his fourth stick in just an hour. How can he refuse a drag? He's nervous, mad, worried and sad at the same time. Partly guilty for what happened. If he just went with him olat the mall, things will be different. Wichapas looked at the dark skies. There are no stars tonight. It will probably rain. He took a long drand and threw the cigarette on the bin with his bandaged hand. Prem was able to coax him to bandage his hand. It's fine, though, no broken fingers just scartches. He feth his cigarette box again and lit up another one. As he put the box back on his pocket, Prin stood by his side. He joined Wichapas is looking at the busy street downwards.

"Build will nag you if he knew you're smoking." Prin spoke, eyes still on the streets.

Wichapas laughed bitterly. Build will definitely scold him. "I know." He answered and took another drag. “He’s allergic to these.”

"He always scolds me whenever I smell like cigarettes. But since he's still asleep, can I have one?"

Wichapas pulled out the box and lighter and handed it to Prin. "You want a companion when you get nagged, I see." As the man lit up his own stick, he took a long drag and puffed the smoke while looking upward. "What's your plan?"

"Kill them all." Wichapas spoke, a cigarette in between his lips.

"Do you know them already?" Prin asked but Wichapas kept quiet. They both observed the busy street, finishing the cigarttes. Prin gets himself ready for the chaos that his client will face.

Prin was able to coax Sari to go home and get a rest. Sari was so reluctant at first but Prin assured Sari that Wichapas will take care of him. Though still hesitant and wanted to stay, Sari went home with Prin. Wichapas took a bath, trying to clear his mind from worry and anger, and of course to remove the scent of the cigarette from his body. He used the supplies that Prem bought. When he got out, the dim room felt so lonely. Build was still laying down the huge bed, an oxygen mask covering his mouth and an IV drip connected on his hand. He walked up to him, pulling a chair to sit beside the bed. Build’s face is pale, very far from the sweet face he memorized. Wichapas misses the blush whenever he praises Build’s beauty. He misses the glares everytime he would annoy Build. He misses the angry banters from Build. He just misses him in general. Wichapas mibed his hand to fix the bangs on Build’s forehead. He took all the time at night to think on how he would fix everything up. As the weight of the days hit him, he rested his back on the chair. After a couple of minutes, he fell asleep.

Prem entered the hospital room at six in the morning. He brought some breakfast and extra supplies for his boss. He had his laptop as well because he knows he will soon ask for it. As he entered the dark room, he saw Wichapas sleeping on the chair beside the bed, arms crossed to his chest. The only source of light was the lampshade on the bedside table. Prem sighed. He can’t help but feel pity with Build and Wichapas. It has been years that they are facing this chaos. They deserve a quiet life.

As Prem placed down the bags on the kitchen counter, Wichapas jolted awake. He roamed his eyes all over the room and locked his gaze to Build who was still asleep. He sighed, running his hand all over his face. Wichapas stood up and went to the kitchen.

“Coffee?” Prem asked and was answered by a nod.

Wichapas grabbed his laptop and went to the dining table. He started checking his emails, catching up for the time he’s not working. Prem placed down a cup of coffee beside him and walked through the curtains to open it, showing the sunrise.

“Any update?” Wichapas asked, sipping his coffee.

“We had checked the cameras in front of the shopping mall. Nothing caught the bomber. We think that it was planted there even before the mall got busy. The only weird thing was, why did the bomb explode the time Khun Jakapan was there. And…” Prem went back to his bag to get an envelope, handing it to Wichapas. “Before the explosion, Khun Jakapan was talking to someone. I might be wrong but I want you to see it for yourself.”

Wichapas opened the envelope. He took a few copies of the surveillance camera footage. Those are captured scenes from the shopping mall. The fountain was too far from the camera but it was a bit evident. Build was hugging someone by the fountain and it is definitely not a Sari. It was a man. Wichapas frowned and continued to flip. In the second picture, Build and the man were talking to each other. In the third one, the photo was zoomed in on the man’s face.

“P’Than?” Wichapas mumbled.

“The footage is a bit blurry but I thought the same way.” Prem sat beside him.

No, it was not blurry with Wichapas. He is a hundred percent sure that it is Build’s brother.

“I went through the lists of the injured people from the explosion but he is not there. I even tried visiting them one by one but I never saw him at all. After the explosion, the cameras were ruined and didn’t capture any more footage.” Prem sighed.

Wichapas looked at Build. He wanted to know what happened that day. And where is P’Than’s whereabouts. If Build and P’Than had already met, why is he not visiting Build? Is he badly injured as well? But why does Prem cannot find him?

Wichapas’ reverie got cut off when the door opened. Sari and Prin entered the room with a basket of fruits. Prin placed the basket to the kitchen counter as well and Sari immediately went to Build to check on him.

“Has he woken up yet?” Sari asked, fixing Build’s blanket.

“Not yet.” Wichapas answered. He was about to put the photos back into the envelope but it got Prin’s attention.

“Are those from the explosion?” Prin asked.

“Yes.” Wichapas answered. Before he could fully insert the photos inside, Prin halted him. “What’s the matter?”

Prin got the photos and looked them up. “Why is Build hugging Dr. Than?” Prin asked, looking at Wichapas with a frown. The question got Sari’s attention so she decided to join them.

“Who?” Sari asked Prin.

“Dr. Than, the one we met in Prem's hometown.” Prin handed the photos to Sari for her to check.

“In my hometown?” Prem asked.

“Yes. When we were going home from the wedding, Sari felt sick so we needed to stop. Him and his husband, who’s also a doctor, helped us.” Prin explained.

“That’s how he knows I am pregnant.” Sari looked at them with a confused face.

“Husband? P’Chat?” Wichapas asked.

“I think that’s the name. Yes.” Prin placed his hand on his pocket. “Do you know them?”

“Dr. Than is Khun Jakapan’s brother who’s been missing for a long time. And Dr. Chat is the family friend who went missing with him during the incident of Build’s father.” Prem answered.

Sari gasped, covering her mouth in shock.

“Are they staying in Prem’s hometown?” Wichapas asked them.

“Yes. We met them during their trip for supplies but they have a clinic in Prem's hometown.” Sari answered, handing the envelope to Wichapas. “What a small world.”

–

It was almost lunch, Wichapas was too focused on his laptop and working at the dining table. Sari is scrolling on her phone, sitting on the huge couch. The room really looked cozy. Suddenly, the patient started to move. He groaned. Before Build could open his eyes, Wichapas and Sari were already on the side of the bed. As his eyes started to focus, he saw Wichapas’ face. Sari ran out of the room to call the doctor.

“Hey. Are you hurt? How are you feeling?” Wichapas tried to assess Build’s face and body.

Build slowly shook his head as an answer. He wasn’t able to speak due to the oxygen mask.

“I’m glad you’re awake now.” Wichapas smiled at him. The man leaned in and kissed his forehead. “You scared me. I was so worried.” He whispered as his lips touched Build’s forehead, closing his eyes in relief.

After the doctor checked Build, they were told that Build had to stay in the hospital. Build’s body was in shock and it’s hard for him to move due to the massive impact of the explosion. His arm is still casted and the other one is connected to the IV drip. Wichapas is peeling an apple for him as he sat on the bed, back resting on the headboard.

“How’s Blue?” Build asked.

“He’s fine. He’s in my house with Auntie.” Wichapas answered.

“Can you call him? I want to talk to him.” Build requested. As Wichapas finished peeling the fruit, he chopped it into bite sizes and handed it to Build in a bowl. He quickly fetched his phone from his pocket and video called Dao. Build and Blue, as well as the twins, made a catch up with each other. Build completely forgot about the fruit so Wichapas started feeding him.

–

It was evening and Prin already fetched Sari to go home. Build was left with Wichapas in the room. The man is tucking Build to get some sleep.

“Take a rest now.”

“Are you leaving?” Worry laced on Build’s voice.

“Of course not.” Wichapas kissed his forehead. “I just left you for a day and this happened. Don’t ever think of being away from me from now on.”

“Thank you.” Build sighed in relief.

Wichapas looked down on him. His eyes were full of guilt. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” Build asked.

“For not being able to protect you.” Wichapas looked away, heavy guilt starting to get evident on his face.

Build reached out, holding Wichapas’ hand. “It’s not your fault. I think if it didn’t happen that day, it would happen anyway.”

“Build.” Wichapas spoke in a warning.

“Let’s not deny it. We are still in danger. Either together or not, our lives are in danger like how it was a few years ago.” Build spoke, eyes started to get teary. He can’t help but to get flashbacks of everything that had happened. From his father’s death to the explosion at the mall.

“I’ll end this. I promise you. This will come to an end.” Wichapas spoke with determination. He doesn't let any more of this happen anymore. Wichapas do not want a day to come that more people will get hurt because of this.

“I trust you.”

The words startled Wichapas. He’s been gaining Build’s trust in the past months and hearing it from him really makes him happy. He saw hope in Build’s eyes and he cannot let that hope crush down. Wichapas kissed Build’s hand.

“Can you sleep with me tonight?” Build asked.

Wichapas is once again startled. It was the first time Build asked him to lay down with him. But he had a second thought. It might actually be uncomfortable for Build to sleep with someone because of the cast.

“Please? I don’t want to be alone.” Build pouted, the gesture he knows Wichapas can’t decline.

Wichapas laughed, feeling defeated. “You really know how to get me.” He rounded the bed and climbed on the other side. The king sized bed is more than enough for them. As he settled on his side, Build scooted over to him. “Hey, stop moving like that. Your wounds are still fresh.” Wichapas warned.

“But you’re too far.” Build spoke, and again, pouting.

Wichapas is amazed with Build’s attitude. It was the Build he knew years ago. The Build he missed so much. “Then let me be the one to come to you.” Wichapas scooted over to him. He placed his arm under Build’s head and Build settled on his arms. Build moved a bit to lean his head on his shoulder, slightly laying on his side. The casted arm in between and Build felt disappointed. He looked at the cast like it was an enemy. Wichapas smiled. “Are you uncomfortable?”

“No.” Build smiled while looking up at him. “Let’s sleep.”

Wichapas nods. “Good night, my love.” He kissed the top of his head, lingering for a moment to inhale the natural scent.

Build smiled. “Good night.”

In the middle of the night, as both of them are in a deep sleep, Build had a nightmare. He was hugging his brother but he was slipping away from his hold.

"𝐸𝑥𝑐𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑚𝑒. 𝐷𝑜 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑦𝑜𝑢?"

Build’s heart quickens. His brother does not know him. He doesn’t remember him.

"𝐼'𝑚 𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑑𝑜 𝑤𝑒 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟?" 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚.

Build can’t form a word to answer his brother’s question. He wanted to shout his name. He wanted to tell him that he is his brother, the only family he has. Build tried to hug him once again but his brother stepped back, eyes looking at him like he is some weird man. Build tried to step forward but his brother turned around and left, leaving Build crying in the dark.

“Build, hey! Wake up!”

Build opened his eyes in a snap. He’s breathing fast and all sweaty. Wichapas is looming over him, worried.

“You’re having a nightmare.” He said.

“P’Than. I saw P’Than at the mall. I talked to him but….” Build looked at Wichapas in horror. “H-he doesn’t know me.”

Wichapas frowned. “What do you mean?”

“H-he doesn't remember me. H-he doesn’t know me. Phi d-don’t know my name. I..” Build is trembling. He doesn't know how to explain it to Wichapas but he’s confused and worried that his brother does not know who he was.

“Hey, calm down.” Wichapas cupped his face, thumb running on his checks to calm him down. “Calm down.” Wichapas gave him a smile of assurance. “You trust me, right?”

Build looked him in the eyes. Gradually, his breathing started to get back to normal. He slowly nods at Wichapas. The man leaned in and kissed his forehead. Build felt assured. He felt like everything would fall into place soon. He closed his eyes, feeling the soft lips on his sweaty forehead.

“That’s my good boy.” Wichapas mumbled.

–

Prem knocked on the wooden door of an old house. It's one of the ancestral houses in his hometown. Ever since he was a kid, this house has been unoccupied. For the past years, it was well maintained by a caretaker and no one lives there, as far as he knows. But when he talked to Fern about the doctors she always talks about, her sister stated that they lived here. That's when he realized that everytime Fern would tell stories about them, she never mentioned their names. As soon as he found out, he went to the house to check. It was almost eight in the morning, the countryside breeze was so fresh. As the main door creaked open, Prem held his breath.

“Dr. Chat.” Prem spoke, eyes glued to the man standing in front of him, mirroring his reaction.

“Prem?”

Dr. Chat invited him inside. They went to the back house porch. Dr. Chat gave him a cup of tea and he has his own. They settled on a wooden bistro set.

“How did you find us?” Dr. Chat started.

“Khun Jakapan met Dr. Than before the explosion at the Central. We saw the camera footage.” Prem spoke.

“Build was there?” Dr. Chat looked at him in shock.

“Yes. He is in the hospital right now.” Prem told him. “He was unconscious when I left but he’s awake now.”

Dr. Chat sighed in relief.

“Where is Dr. Than?”

“He’s out for his morning walk at the riverside. But he’ll be back soon.” The doctor took a sip of his tea. “He’s been having nightmares since we got back from the Central. I thought it was because of the explosion but it seems like it has other reasons.”

“What do you mean?” Prem frowned.

“He got minor injuries from the explosion and I thought that it triggered his amnesia. He always has nightmares but when I ask him what it is all about, he can’t remember. He’s just crying his eyes out.”

“He has amnesia?” Prem clenched his fist. It’s more chaotic than he expected.

“Yes. He remembers no one, including Build, his father or me. He doesn’t even remember who he is.”

Chapter Text

“You know you can go home and go to work, right?” Build spoke, eyeing Wichapas who is busy on his laptop.

The man is seated on the dining table with multiple folders brought by Prem earlier. He was typing something on his laptop. “No.” He simply answered, eyes glued on the screen.

Build moved. He pushed himself up to a sitting position. Wichapas immediately looked up and ran to him. Assisting him to sit up and putting a pillow before resting his back on the headboard.

“You should call me if you want to sit up.” Wichapas spoke, frowning.

Build smiled and tugged the hem of his shirt, asking him to sit down. Wichapas followed. He sat on the edge of the bed, facing Build.

“We have a lot to talk about.” Build started.

Wichapas looked at him with confusion. “Like?”

“Like this room.” Build look around the lavish room. It was too grand for him. “Isn’t this too much?”

Wichapas followed his gesture. “I don’t think so.”

Build glared at him.

“Look, it’s just fine. This is to make you comfortable while healing.” Wichapas held his hand.

“But I can be comfortable in a normal room. The one with a normal bed, not this king sized bed you got me here.” Build softly tapped the sheet with his uncasted hand since it has IV drip connected.

Wichapas grabbed his hand back. “And where am I supposed to sleep if you have a small bed?” Wichapas asked him.

“And why do you want to sleep in my bed? I’m the patient.” Build looked at him with confusion.

“Oh, so you think I can bear not to sleep with you if we are in the same room? No.” Wichapas shook his head like a kid arguing with his parents.

Build clicked his tongue while rolling his eyes. “Another one.”

Wichapas looked at him with anticipation. He thought Build would talk about something about their current status but Build lifted Wichapas’ hand and smelled it. After a few sniffles, he looked at Wichapas. “You smoked again.”

Wichapas brought his own hand to his nose and smelled it. He already took a bath and made sure it was clean. “I didn’t.” He answered when he was sure that his fingers didn't smell like cigarettes.

Build smirked. “I saw the cigarette butts on the veranda earlier.”

“You went to the veranda alone?”

“That’s not the issue here.”

Wichapas looked at the veranda that was visible from the glass wall. He looked at the cigarette bin at the corner of the balcony before biting his lower lip. “Just two.”

“Two?” Build raised his eyebrow.

“Okay. Three.” Wichapas looked away.

Build sighed. “It’s not just three.” Build tapped the pocket of his pants where the cigarette box is. “You know I’m allergic to this, right? And you know I don’t like you using cigarettes.”

Wichapas felt guilty. Build is not scolding him nor nagging him. He was calm enough to say all of this to Wichapas and the latter appreciated it. Wichapas got the cigarette box in his pocket and threw it away in the trash bin next to the bed.

“Sorry. I was just anxious. I can’t help it.” Wichapas held his hand once again.

“It’s okay. I understand.” Build smiled at him. Wichapas’ world stopped. He realized how he missed that smile, that chubby cheeks and that crescent eyes.

“Now, I am the one who has something to say.” Wichapas scooted over to him, making them closer.

“Hmm?” Build hummed.

“Build, I know I hurt you before.” The first sentence made Build stop. “I know what I need never deserves forgiveness from you. I admit it was entirely my fault. No one should ever be blamed for what happened to us. But…” he sighed, feeling all the mixed emotions in him. “I want to be with you again. I want to be in your life again. Not just as Blue’s other father but as..” Wichapas looked at his eyes, deep affection and care evident in it. “As your partner again. As someone who has the right to protect you. As someone who has all the right to guard you from harmful people. Build, can we be…”

Before Wichapas could finish, loud knocks were heard from the door. After that, a man with a huge bouquet of white roses came in. Wearing his extravagant clothes, imposing his status in the society, Lord Ram came in with a wide smile.

“Good morning, Khun Jakapan.”

Wichapas stood up, glaring at the man who just came in. “Speaking of harmful people.” He whispered.

“I heard you’ve got into an accident. Sorry for being here just now. I didn't know you were one of the people at the mall that was affected by the explosion.” He handed Build the bouquet of flowers. “I wish for your speedy recovery.”

“Thank you, my Lord.” Build accepted the flowers with a stiff smile.

“Oh.” Lord Ram looked at Wichapas with a mocking smile. “Good morning to you, Lord Wichapas. I'm sorry I didn’t see you earlier.”

Wichapas placed his hand on his pockets but he didn’t answer. The room was dead silent. Build was looking from Wichapas to Lord Ram back and forth. They are having a staring battle and Build can sense that any time they would snap at each other. He suddenly wished Prem was here right now.

“How are you doing, Khun?” Lord Ram suddenly spoke, eyes never leaving Wichapas’ face.

“A-Are you talking you talking to me?” Build asked, nervousness evident in his voice. He knows that if these two will have a fight right now, he wouldn't be able to get in the middle.

Lord Ram looked down at him with a creepy smirk on his face. “Of course. Who else would I care for in this room if it’s not you?”

Build looked at Wichapas, who’s glaring at the other man right now. “I’m alright, Lord Ram. Thank you for asking.”

Build can feel the extreme tension in the air. He’s feeling suffocated by the unsaid words of the two. It was like both of them are just waiting for a wrong move or words and then they will get each other’s throat. Build felt anxious.

Right then, the door opened again, revealing Sari and Prin. The couple stopped on the doorway after seeing the two men glaring at each other. They also felt the tension inside the room. Sari looked at Build who was looking at her like asking for help. Sari stepped in quickly.

“Good morning, Lord Ram.” She said sarcastically. Sari will never forget what he did to Build few months ago. They way Build trembled while telling the story of how Lord Ram assaulted him will never be forgotten.

“Good morning, Sari. Good morning, Prin.” Lord Ram greeted back with the fakest smile that Sari had ever seen. He can’t believe he tried convincing Build before to consider Lord Ram when the aristocrat is just starting to pursue Build.

“What brings you here?” Sari crossed her arms in front of her chest, saying the words with sarcasm. Prin felt the anger on Sari’s tone so he placed his hand on her lower back to remind her of the situation. Sari seemed to get his signal and cleared her throat to calm down.

“I just paid Khun Jakapan a quick visit. I was about to leave anyway.” Lord Ram faced Build once again. “I have to go now, Khun. I will find time to visit you again.”

Lord Ram left the room. Sari slumped her body on the bed. “As if he is welcome here.” She rolled her eyes.

Build smiled at her. “Calm down. Stress is not good for you.” He placed his hand on Sari’s belly.

Sari smiled and placed her own hand on top of Build’s. Then she suddenly sniffled. “It smells like wine in here. Do you have wine?”

“No. We don’t have wine here.” Build shook his head, looking at Sari with a confused gaze.

“You’re having your craving again. I told you, wine is not allowed to pregnant women.” Prin scratched the back of his neck, frustration evident on his eyes.

“I swear. It smells like wine here.” Sari looked at her future husband with a hint of annoyance.

“Don’t mind her. She’s been craving red wine since last night. I already gave her a sip but she wanted the whole bottle. I’ll leave now. Clients are waiting for me in the office.” Prin tapped Wichapas’ shoulder and nodded at Build. “Bye, babe.” He kissed Sari’s head before stepping away.

“Wait!” Sari called when he was about to hold the knob. Sari stood up and snatched the bouquet of white roses on Build’s lap. “Throw these away. They are ugly.” She shoved the flowers on Prin’s arms.

“These aren’t yours. Why are you deciding for Build?” Prin looked at her with a frown.

Wichapas went near them.

“Just throw it away. They don’t look good.” Sari went back to the bed.

Prin looked at the set of flowers like he was contemplating if he would follow Sari’s order.

“One piece of advice.” Wichapas spoke, earning Prin’s attention. “You don’t get to argue with your pregnant partner. You’ll never win.” He said while smiling.

“Speaking from experience?” Prin asked, earning a nod from Wichapas. He just sighed in defeat. He looked at Wichapas again. “Build is not even pregnant but you never won an argument with him.”

Wichapas was taken aback. He realized Prin was right. He almost laughed at the thought. They bid goodbye to each other, Prin taking the bouquet with him. Wichapas looked at Sari and Build who’s now so engaged in a conversation that looks very serious. He chose not to intervene. He just went back to his laptop and resumed his work.

“I have something to tell you.” Build whispered to Sari.

Immediately, Sari perked up. Ready for the gossip, she scooted over to him. “Spill.”

Build looked at Wichapas, contemplating whether to tell Sari now or not. Sari followed his gaze. They are both eyeing Wichapas who is currently busy on his laptop. Sari realized that the gossip was about the busy man.

“Just be quiet, okay? Do not be too loud. He might hear us.” Build whispered.

“Got it.” Sari nods.

“Before Lord Ram came earlier, he was about to ask me something. I think…” Build looked at Sari with lots of confusion and fear in his eyes. “I think he was about to ask me to be with him again.”

Sari frowned. He looked at Wichapas again, who’s now busy talking to someone on the phone while looking at the laptop, and then back to Build. “You're not yet together?”

Build shook his head.

“Then what are you? Fuck buddies that are co-parenting?”

Build covered Sari’s mouth with his uncasted hand, making the IV host stretch hastily. The UV stand shook vigorously and the needle on Build’s hand moved. Suddenly, a drop of blood was seen on the bed sheet. “Aww!”

In an instant, Wichapas is near them. Build and Sari didn’t know how fast Wichapas got there. Sari looked up at Wichapas, blinking multiple times.

“What’s wrong? What happened?” He inspected Build’s hand, and the IV host dropped on the floor. “It’s bleeding, hold on.” he immediately pressed the red button on the top of the headboard and pulled a few sheets of tissue on the bedside table. Wichapas carefully wiped the blood on Build’s hand. “Does it hurt?”

“A little bit.” Build answered and then bit his lower lip in guilt.

Soon, a nurse came in and checked. Sari and Wichapas had to step away to let the nurse attend to him. “Luckily the needle didn’t break inside. You’re fine, Khun. Just be careful.”

Build thanked her with a guilty smile.

“No worries. I was about to get here as well. The doctor instructed me to remove the cast. I need to clean them as well.”

The nurse started her job. She removed the cast and cleaned the wound. It’s a good thing Build didn’t break a bone from the accident. But the wound on his hand needed an operation to remove the debris. Even so, the wound is already healing so he should be fine after a few days. When the nurse left, Wichapas sat at the edge of the bed. Sari went to the kitchen and started to look at the stocks on the fridge. Wichapas kept looking at Build’s fresh bandage.

“I’m fine, really.” Build smiled at him.

Wichapas sighed. He touched the bandage lightly and looked at Build, eyes full of worries. “Can you still count how many times we’ve been in the hospital in the last few months?”

Build chuckles. “Not a pleasant memory to remember.”

Wichapas smiled at him. “I don’t want us to have this kind of memory anymore.”

Build’s smile faded. He looked at Wichapas’ eyes, trying to read his mind. “What do you mean?”

Slowly, Wichapas slipped his hand into Build, intertwining their fingers. “I just don’t want anything to happen again. I don’t want anyone to get hurt anymore.”

–

Tin and Ta’s classes are done. Tin used to wait for his brother to finish this martial art lesson before going home. It’s just an hour lesson after class. Ta tried to coax Tin to join but the kid didn't like it. It was violent, as Tin described. He saw how his brother was kicked, tossed and fell down multiple times. If Ta is not laughing every time he was tossed by his trainer, Tin would think his twin is being physically harassed. Tin would usually buy time by coloring his book or doing his homework at his usual spot. He created a usual place inside the training room. There is a small table on the corner with a chair. Nobody occupied the area aside from Tin. And because of that, the trainer refused to remove the table. It stayed there for Tin.

The kid started doing his homework when he felt hungry. He left his usual position, knowing that Ta still had thirty minutes to practice. He left the training room and went to the canteen. Unfortunately, all stalls were already closed. School hours and only a few people are roaming around the school. Tin pouted. He is so hungry right now and neither Prem nor Dao are here yet to accompany him in buying some snacks outside the school. Tin went to the main gate. He went to the guard house where he saw the guard himself talking to the telephone, back facing the glass door. Tin knocked multiple times but the guard didn’t budge. He wants to ask the school guard to accompany him in buying some snacks. He knows students are not allowed to go outside without the guardian picking them up, so he will not be allowed to go outside alone.

Tin knocked again several times but still to no avail. It seems like the phone call is too important. Tin sighed. He stepped away from the door and decided to go back to the training room when he saw another kid looking at him. The kid is wearing a training suit just like his brother. Maybe, he is part of the team as well. He looked like he was older than Tin.

They looked at each other.Tin looked at the other kid with curiosity and the other looked at him like he saw nothing. The other kid looked bored and just woke up. His hair is sticking everywhere indicating he just got up from a nap. The kid passed by him, scratching his nape and yawning. He looked inside the guard house and then ducked down to hide himself. He almost crawled to pass the guard house until he passed the school gate. When he stepped to the walkway of the street, he looked back at Tin and smirked before leaving. Tin was left dumbfounded. He almost panicked when the guard suddenly went out of the room.

“Do you need anything?” The guard asked Tin.

The kid flinched. He looked at the guard and then back to the streets.The guard followed his gaze but he saw no one. Tin frowned. Where did the other kid go?

“Kid? Is your guardian already here to pick you up?” The guard asked.

Tin slowly shook his head.

“Then go back inside. Wait for your twin to finish the training and I will allow you to go outside once your guardian is already here. “ the guard went back inside the room.

Tin kept looking at the streets trying to figure out where the other kid went. After a few minutes, Tin went back to the training room. Ta is not finished with the training yet so Tin went back to his table and continued doing his homework. A few moments later, a small paper bag landed on his table. Tin looked up and saw the kid earlier, standing beside his table with a lollipop on his mouth.

“I know you’re hungry. Take that as a ‘thank you’ for not telling on me.” And then the kid left.

Tin was left dumbfounded. He peaked on the bag and saw some chocolates and candy bars inside. Tin was about to look again at the other kid who went on the other side of the room but when he looked up, Ta was already beside him.

“You scared me!” Tin said.

“Where have you been earlier?” Ta asked his brother, frowning.

Tin swallowed. “I was hungry so I tried looking for something to eat.”

“Why did the prince talk to you? Is he bullying you?” Ta crossed his arms on his chest, eyebrow raised.

“The prince?” Tin frowned again.

“Yes. Prince Kamon, the King’s only son. Did he do something to you?”

Tin didn’t know he was a prince. “He gave me these.” Tin showed the content of the bag.

Ta became suspicious. The prince was quiet and snobbish. He never talked to anyone on the team and always chose to stay away from the others. The twin looked at the young prince who was lying down at the corner, seeming like sleeping.

“I really don’t like him. Do not talk to him again,okay?” Ta warned his brother. Tin can only nod as he looks alternately with Ta and the prince.

–

The kids were allowed to visit Build. The hospital suddenly became chaotic and noisy. Kids are playing all over the place, Blue enjoying his new bubbles given by the twins. Build watched them from the bed. Prin was playing with them while Sari was talking with someone on her phone at the balcony. Dao and Prem are making them some snacks. Wichapas went near Build.

“How are you feeling? Do you need anything?”

Build shook his head with a little smile. Wichapas sat beside him.

“When can I go home?” Build asked.

“The nurse said they are just waiting for the doctor’s approval. Maybe tomorrow.” Wichapas looked at him. “I think it will be okay if you stay in my house after you get discharged.”

Build looked at him in a snap.

“I was just thinking that it would be better to be there since a lot of people will look after you.” Wichapas held his hand.

“I’m okay. I can take care of myself. And Aunt Praya is with me, you don’t have to worry.” Build looked at him with doe eyes.

Wichapas will be at ease if Build is with him, but he can not say that. Wichapas knows he should not force him. It will be better if Build will decide for himself. He doesn't make any argument with him. Wichapas nods.

“Alright. I understand.” He sighed and stood up. He went back to the table where his laptop and some papers were located.

Build’s eyes on him. He’s still conflicted. He wanted to make sure what was happening with them. Though he knows Wichapas made everything clear that he wants him back, he’s still afraid. What if everything happened again? What if they go back to what happened several years ago? It would hurt him for sure. And the most frightening is to see Blue crying because he’s looking for his other father. Build is confused. He knows there is a part of himself that wants to start over again with him but he’s afraid.

“Papa.” Build was out of his reverie when Blue went up to him.

“Yes, baby?” Build smiled at the kid.

“I want to stay here with you and Daddy. Can Blue sleep here tonight?”

Build’s heart clenched. He misses Blue as well. It’s been a few days since Blue and him slept together.

“Sorry, baby, but it is not good for you to sleep here. You can sleep with Ta Love and Tin Love. You like sleeping in their room right?” Build tapped the bed, coaxing Blur to sit beside him which the kid followed.

“But Blue misses Papa and Daddy so much.” Blue pouts. “If Ta Love and Tin Love are at school, Blue is alone. Blue is lonely. Grandma can’t play with Blue because her back will ache. Auntie Dao can’t play because her belly is big. Uncle One and Uncle Two are busy. Who will Blue play with?”

Prem smiled at Build, hearing what the pouty kid said. “Khun, here is your tea.” He placed a cup of tea on the bedside table.

Build mouthed a thank you to him.

“Papa, Uncle Prem said when Aunti Dao gives birth, I can play with the baby.” Blue suddenly perked up.

Build saw hope in coaxing the kid. “That is correct. When The baby is born, you can play with the baby.”

Blue nods. “Papa, how come the baby was inside Auntie Dao’s belly. Did he swallow the baby? Why would Auntie swallow the baby? Didn’t Uncle Prem get mad when Auntie Dao ate their baby?” Blue frowned at his father.

Build and Prem looked at each other, both confused with the questions. Build is finding the right answers when Blue asks again.

“Papa, how did you make Blue? Did you and Daddy make me and swallow me too before you give birth to me?”

Build stopped, feeling like all his blood left his face. How is he supposed to answer that? When Build looks at Prem, the man is suppressing a laugh. He glared at him. Prem straightened his face.

“Baby…” Build tried to find a better and more understandable answer for a four year old.

“Papa, can you and Daddy make another baby so that I have a brother like Ta Love and Tin Love?” Blue’s eyes are full of stars, hope and glee evident on his face.

Prem can not hold his laughter anymore. He burst out laughing upon seeing Build’s reaction. The man is looking at his son, face pale and looks so shocked about the question. Prem’s laughter caught the attention of Wichapas and the twins. Build glared at him.

“Why are you laughing, Uncle Prem?” Blue looks at the man like he is a weirdo.

Prem cleared his throat, Trying his best to calm down. “You know what, young master, why don’t we try asking your Daddy about that? I think he can answer that instead of your Papa.” Prem held Blue’s hand and guided him down the bed. They went to Wichapas who immediately placed Blue on his lap. Prem went back to the kitchen counter. Build can’t hear it but it looks like Wichapas asked Blue about something and when Blue started talking, Wichapas immediately looked at Build. Build looked away, knowing what is the question that Blue asked his other father. Slowly, Wichapas smiled at him. Build rolled his eyes and lay down on the bed. Wichapas started entertaining the kid on his lap, answering every question he had for him. Build can not imagine the answers that Blue would get from his father. He knows Wichapas will tease him about it for sure.

Chapter Text

Build had been discharged from the hospital. But strangely enough, it felt like the entire Sumettikul household had moved in with him.

The suite was nowhere near large enough.

Prem and Wichapas had turned the living room into a makeshift office—laptops and paperwork sprawled across the coffee table. Dao and Aunt Praya had overtaken the kitchen, chopping and stirring among ingredients cluttering both counters and dining table. They were cooking for what felt like an army.

Meanwhile, Blue and the twins had fully converted the bedroom into a playroom. Plushies, plastic dinosaurs, toy cars, and glittery stickers littered the floor and bed like confetti after a parade.

Build had been told to rest.

But rest was impossible when your supposedly quiet recovery room now looked like a daycare center meets a military headquarters.

He stepped out of the bathroom just as a shrill scream echoed from the bedroom. Seconds later, Blue and Tin came sprinting down the hallway. Tin dashed to the kitchen. Blue launched himself into Wichapas’ lap, nearly knocking the laptop off.

Prem instinctively grabbed the device before it fell. Wichapas steadied Blue on his lap.

“Easy there, buddy,” Wichapas chuckled, though his eyes were still scanning the documents.

“Daddy, Ta Love is smooching Blue on the face!” Blue cried, muffled against his chest.

“Young master, don’t play here—it’s dangerous,” Dao called from the kitchen.

“Hide me, P’Dao! Ta smooching us. It’s gross!”

Build stood frozen, watching the mayhem with a hand over his face.

This suite isn’t big enough. It never was. Build facepalmed himself.

It was after lunch when Build found the time to speak with Wichapas. The man is engrossed with the paperworks since Prem was back to the office. The kids were playing in the bedroom again. Build sat beside Wichapas. The man immediately placed down the papers and looked at him.

“Hey, do you need anything?”

Build sighed. “The doctor said I need more rest.”

“Yes. You should go and take a rest.” Wichapas smiled at him.

“How am I supposed to take a rest? The bedroom was converted into a playroom?”

Wichapas bit his lower lip. “I will send them home now so you can rest.”

He was about to stand up when Build held his arm. “You don’t have to be like this. I am safe here.”

Wichapas sit back down. “Remember when someone attacked you here before. We thought you’re safe here back then.”

“But you upgraded the security already. The door lock is fine and Brent and Harris are keeping us safe.”

“Are you saying you don’t need me anymore?” Wichapas sighed and looked away.

Build sighed. “I am saying we don’t have to squish in a small suite like this. You can work well and the kids can play well in your huge mansion.”

“So, you want us to leave?” Wichapas looked at him, full disappointment in his eyes.

“You…” Build closed his eyes, trying to calm himself down. He took a deep breath and looked at Wichapas again.”What do you really want?”

Wichapas perked up, eyes similar to Blue whenever the kid wants something. “Move in with me. The house is big enough for all of us. We will fit there. You can take a rest there without being disturbed by the kids. The house is big enough for all of us.” Wichapas looked at him in the eyes with huge anticipation. He is smiling at Build while waiting for an answer.

Build contemplated. Moving in with him is like taking everything to another level. The visit to the mansion before is different from moving in with him.

“That's different.” Build stated.

Wichapas gave him a deep frown. “How so?”

“We’re…” Build bit his lower lip, trying to read what’s on Wichapas’ mind. A part of him wanted to give in but a part of him reminds him of everything that had happened in the past. “It’s just not like before.” Build looked away.

Wichapas knows what’s going on. Wichpas knows the way Build thinks. He is completely aware of the other’s dilemmas. He was about to speak when his phone rang. They both looked at the mobile phone located at the coffee table. An unknown number appeared on the screen. Build is waiting for Wichapas to answer the phone but the man continues to glare at it. Build’s heart skipped a beat. He’s anxious about it. He has a hunch who the caller is. After a few seconds, the phone stopped ringing. Wichapas never answered the call.

“I will move in with you.” Build stated. Wichapas looked at him with a huge smile. “But in one condition.”

Wichapas held his hand. “Name it.”

“Let me meet her. Alone.”

–

Build, Blue and Aunt Praya moved in but they will stay with the same room that they used before. Wichapas had no choice but to agree with Build’s condition. But he’s anxious. He wants Build to stay away from danger and it seems like it didn't work. Build wants to meet the danger himself.

It was a cold evening. The meet up place is a Japanese restaurant in a hotel. Wichapas booked a private room from the restaurant. Build agreed that Wichapas would drive him there and would wait at the parking lot. He wanted to go with him but he was prohibited. At least, Build agreed that Ha rris will be nearby the private room in case of emergency.

Build is sitting on the table quietly when the door opens. A woman, wearing a huge hat that is covering her face and a sky blue dress that touches the floor enters. Build smirked. It’s been years but she still has the same weird fashion style. The woman satin front of him. She removed the hat and smiled at Build widely.

“Khun Jakapan, it’s been a while since we met. How have you been?”

Build clenched his fist on the table. He’s been controlling his anger since the morning but now that she is here, the woman who ruined his relationship, he might lose the thinnest thread of patience he has right now.

“We’re not acquainted and will never be, Khun Fah. So stop talking to me as if I am a friend to you.”

Fah laughed, a loud one. “I am trying to be civil right here but you are not allowing me. Alright, why do you want to speak with me? Hmm?” She crossed her arms and placed his left leg on the right, looking intimidating.

But Build would never be intimidated by her. So, he crossed his arms in front of his chet as well and rested his back on the wooden chair. ‘Noting, I just want to see how you like right now after so many years. We haven’t seen each other since you ruined my life.”

“Me? I didn’t ruin your life. You ruined your life.” She laughed again. “If you only listen and give Lord Wichapas to me before, nothing will be ruined.” She glared at him.

It was Build’s turn to laugh. “Do you think if I gave up on him before, he would run to you? You wish!” Build leaned in. “Can’t you see? It has been years since you imprisoned him with your threats but he still came back to me.” Build gave him a cocky smirk. “It was always me, Khun Fah. It’s only me.”

Fah slammed her hands on the table. “Don’t be too cocky, Khun. The last time you became comfortable and happy, you lost your family. Remember?”

Something inside Build snapped. It was her. It was her who killed his father and the reason why his brother was missing. “You killed them!” Build stood up, eyes watery and his body was shaking.

“Me?” She laughed like a mad woman. “I didn’t. My hands never smelled like blood at all. Why would I do it when someone is willing to do it for me?”

Build’s body felt like jelly. He’s been looking for justice for a few years now but she never had any leads. Now it was clear that it was Fah and someone was working with her. He doesn’t know what to do with the information.

“ Do you know what your father’s last words are?” Fah looked at him with fake doe eyes, clearly mocking his father’s last words. “𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠.” and she laughed like a witch satisfied with his wrongdoings.

“Who killed my father?” Build eyes started to blur. That fact that his father thought of him even on his last breath hurts him more. “And where is my brother?!” Build shouted. His whole body is shaking in anger and pain.

“Oh! The doctor? I don’t know. But they told me he was shot in the head. For sure he’s dead as well.” Fah shrugged at him

“How can you be this heartless?” Build wept. The pain of the past went back to him. His father’s death and his brother is still missing. He has been in pain for several years now but today it hits the most.

“No one deserves happiness. If I can’t be happy, no one will ever be.” Fah glared at him, deep hatred evident in her eyes. “I want my family’s approval before and I can only have that if I get Lord Wichapas. The wealth and the power of a queen. He is a strong competitor to the throne. He was more than capable of being a king. And I am more than compatible to be a queen. But you came and ruined everything. You blinded him. You poisoned his mind. You deserve to die.” Fah picked up a chopstick from the tabe. She stood up and was about to stab Build on the face when a strong pair of hands held her wrist.

Harris pressed Fah’s wrist making scream in pain and dropped the chopstick. The man pushed her away and she stumbled. Harris held Build’s arms and helped her to stand straight. In quick motion, Fah left the room. Harris was about to follow her but Build slumped his body on the floor, whipping and screaming his Dad’s name.

Wichapas sat in the car, parked beneath the hotel in the cool, dim stillness of the underground lot. His foot tapped restlessly. Every second ticked by like a drumbeat against his ribs. He wanted to go upstairs. Wanted to be there. But Build had insisted—this was something he had to do alone.

When the elevator doors finally slid open, Wichapas sprang out of the car.

Harris emerged first, one arm wrapped tightly around Build’s waist, steadying him. And then Wichapas saw him.

Build looked like he’d been torn in half.

His face was pale, drenched in sweat and tears. His eyes, usually so guarded, were swollen red. His steps were sluggish, legs nearly giving out beneath him.

Wichapas rushed forward, heart racing. “What happened?”

Harris’s voice was low, controlled—but the tension was thick in his jaw. “Fah tried to stab him. With a chopstick. I got to her in time.”

Wichapas’ blood ran cold. His eyes locked on Build’s trembling figure.

“Let’s get him in the car,” he said quickly, voice tight with fury and worry.

As soon as they slid into the backseat, Build collapsed against him, his body curling into Wichapas like a child seeking warmth after a nightmare. His fingers fisted Wichapas’ shirt. And then he broke.

A raw sob tore from his throat, so loud and heart-wrenching that it echoed in the car. Wichapas wrapped his arms around him, one hand cradling the back of his head as he cried—loud, unfiltered, broken.

“I—I didn’t know,” Build choked out between sobs. “All this time—I didn’t know.”

Wichapas pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his face. “Know what, love? What happened?”

Build’s lips trembled. He tried to breathe, but it came out as another sob. “She did it,” he whispered. “Fah. She’s the reason my father is dead.”

The world stopped.

Wichapas didn’t move. Didn’t breathe.

“What…?”

“She had him killed,” Build said, voice cracking. “She said someone else did it for her. She laughed about it. Said her hands never touched blood—because someone was willing to do it for her.”

His shoulders shook again. “My father’s last words… were for me. Even when he was dying, he was thinking of me.”

Wichapas’ throat tightened. His hand moved gently to wipe the tears from Build’s cheeks, but they just kept coming, one after another, falling like rain from a sky that had held too much for far too long.

“She ruined everything,” Build gasped. “She destroyed my family… and now she’s back like none of it matters. Like she didn’t steal years from me. Like she didn’t burn my entire world down.”

“And my brother…” he said, shaking his head. “She said he was shot in the head. She doesn’t even know. Doesn’t even care. Just shrugged like he was nothing.”

Wichapas pulled him in again, arms tightening around him protectively. “You’re not alone anymore,” he whispered. “I swear to you—this ends now. She’s never going to hurt you again. Not ever.”

But Build didn’t answer. He just clung to Wichapas like the last solid thing in a world that had collapsed under his feet.

“I tried so hard,” Build whispered finally, his voice barely audible. “To move forward. To forget. To live.”

He broke again.

And Wichapas just held him tighter, feeling the depth of everything Build had buried for so long finally breaking free.

–

Wichapas didn’t sleep that night.

He sat on the edge of the bed, one hand resting on Build’s back as the man finally drifted into a restless sleep, his body still occasionally twitching from leftover sobs. The room was quiet, but Wichapas’s mind was anything but.

His thoughts were wildfire.

The woman who had clung to his title like a crown she believed was rightfully hers.

The woman who had ruined the man he loved.

She had ordered the death of Build’s father. Possibly killed his brother. Tore apart his life—and laughed about it.

And tonight, she tried to stab him over dinner like it was nothing more than swatting a fly.

Wichapas clenched his fists. His jaw tightened until it ached. If Harris hadn’t been there...

He looked down at Build, curled against him, his tear-streaked face still damp, his breath finally even.

That should never have happened. Not to Build. Not to anyone. And certainly not under his protection.

Wichapas’ chest burned with guilt. He had failed him once. Years ago, he thought he was doing the right thing by letting go—for safety, for peace, for duty. But it had only left Build vulnerable, alone to pick up the pieces of a shattered.

He wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

No more compromises.

No more waiting for the next move.

It ends now.

Wichapas stood up quietly and walked out of the room, careful not to disturb Build. He closed the door softly behind him and pulled out his phone.

“Brent,” he said when the line picked up. “Get Harris and the others. Wake Prem if you have to. I want a full briefing within the hour. No excuses.”

“Understood, sir. What’s the target?”

Wichapas’s voice dropped. Cold. Focused.

“Fah. We're done playing nice.”

There was silence on the other end. Then Brent replied, “Yes, sir.”

Wichapas hung up and rubbed his face, trying to breathe through the storm inside him.

He walked to his study, flicked on the light.

A dangerous woman with a royal surname and a dangerous obsession.

She had used influence, manipulation, even violence to get what she wanted. And when she couldn’t have it, she destroyed everything around her

But Wichapas wasn’t afraid of her anymore.

Not when Build was finally back in his arms.

Not when he could see the end in sight.

He would tear down everything Fah had built—from her fake alliances to whatever shadow network she had crawling beneath the surface. He would bring her crimes into the light, not just for Build, but for every person who suffered because she believed she was untouchable.

He would burn her empire down.

But first, he’d let Build rest.

He owed him that.

But it was hard when Build decided to lock himself inside his room. Even Blue or the twins can not enter the room. Blue started crying after a day of not seeing his father. He even suspected that his Papa was not home. He only stopped wailing when Wichapas came home from work.

Blue’s other father went to the room. It was locked. Wichapas tried knocking multiple times but no one answered.

“Auntie said you haven't eaten since last night. Do you want me to cook for you?” No one answered. “Build, open this and talk to me, please. Blue is looking for you.” Still no answer. “If you don't open this, I have to unlock the door myself.” Of course, he has the master key.

After a few minutes of silence, Wichapas asked Dao to bring the master keys. He immediately opened the room. It was not sunset yet but the room is dark and quiet. If he doesn’t know that Build never left the room, he might suspect no one is in there. He entered the room quietly and opened the lights. He closed the door and looked for Build. The bed was neat, indicating that no one used it. He opened the bathroom and the walk-in closet but he found no one. His heart jumped in worry, thinking that Build might have left the house without no one noticing.

Wichapas was about to run outside when he unnoticed a pile of blankets and clothes on the floor beside the bed. Wichapas move forward. He rounded the bed and there he found Build, buried on the pile of clothes. He immediately ran and checked on him.

Build is pale and unconscious. Wichapas was about to lift him up to bed when he smelled something familiar – wine. It smells sweet and bitter at the same time. Wichapas stopped. Build is in heat. He remembered Dr. Cherry says that Build never had his heat after giving birth to Blue. If this is the first time after a few years, this will be very difficult to Build. And the scent does not help. Wichapas is so distracted by the scent. It felt like he was drunk.

Wichapas swallowed the lump on his throat before lifting Build. He placed him on the bed. Build is still unconscious and never even stirred. Wichapas was about to leave and ask help from Aunt Praya but a hand grabbed his shirt. It was so tight that the shirt lost its tuck. Wichapas immediately kneeled beside the bed to level Build’s face.

“Hey, are you awake? What are you feeling?” He caressed Build’s face trying to see if he’s conscious enough to answer.

Build just murmured. He flipped his head side by side, frowning and murmuring incoherent words.

“Tell me properly. I can not understand.” Wichapas spoke again, lips near Build’s ear.

The whisper made Build open his eyes. His vision adjusted to the lights of the room. His neck was sweaty and he felt feverish. He looked at the man beside him. His hooded eyes captured Wichapas’ gaze. The man smiled at him and kissed his forehead that was glistening to the beads of sweat. Build moved. Wichapas was shocked when Build started unbuttoning Wichapas’ shirt. Wichapas held his hand and tried to stop him but Build slapped his hand.

“Do you want something to eat?” Wichapas tried to coax him and divert his attention.

Build shook his head and turned on the side, back facing Wichapas, hugging the shirt he just removed from Wichapas’ body. The latter smiled. He is sure Build is not conscious enough because Build said no to food. He stood up and went outside. He found Aunt Praya, Dao and Prem waiting for him outside the door.

“He’s fine.” They all let out a sigh of relief but they looked at him with questioning eyes why he is shirtless. He scratched the back of his neck, feeling shy. “He took my shirt. He is in heat.”

The three people waiting for him gasped.

“He is? Oh my! That's good news. I’ll cook something for him.” Aunt Praya immediately left.

“I’ll call Dr. Cherry.” Dao followed Aunt Praya.

Prem went near him, smiling.

“What?” Wichapas asked, glaring at him.

“Nothing. I’m not saying anything.” Prem shook his head but the stupid smile never left his lips.

“Stop smiling. It’s irritating.” Wichapas rolled his eyes at him.

“I’m not smiling.” Prem smiled widely, clearly mocking his master.

“You know what, go and ask Dr. Cherry what to do.” Wichapas' neck started to turn red and he could not look straight in Prem’s eyes.

“Oh! You do not know what to do? Are you sure?” Prem laughed at him.

“You know his condition is different. We should be careful.” Wicahapas explained.

Prem nods but in a mocking way. “Alright. Alright.”

“You know what, just leave.” Wichapas pushed his left shoulder.

“Why are you so red? I’m not saying anything.” Prem laughed.

“Leave. Go!” Wichapas pushed Prem away.

Prem left the area laughing. At some point, Wichapas contemplated coming back inside the room. He doesn’t know when Build's heat started and when he will reach the peak. He should be careful. With shaking hands, Wicahapas went inside. He found Build in the same position when he left, curled like a ball while hugging his shirt. Wichapas sat at the edge of the bed. He caressed Build’s back that is facing him. He rested his back on the headboard. The tiredness of the day started to take a toll on him. He reached for the remote control of the air conditioner and lowered the temperature a bit. He knows Build felt warm and wants to help him even just for a bit. He closed his eyes, trying to subside the tiredness even for a bit.

It only took a few minutes when he felt something moving on top of him. He immediately opened his eyes and he saw Build. Looking at him with hooded eyes. Build is looking at him like he is in another world. His eyes have a rim of gold. Wichapas looked at him, waiting for any next move.

Is he anticipating? Yes.

But, suddenly, the gold rims on Build’s eyes subsided. Slowly, Build closed his eyes and sat on Wichapas’ lap. He rested his head on the crook of his neck, both legs caging Wichapas’ hip. He positioned himself on top of Wichapas like how Blue used to do when he was sick. Wichapas suppressed a laugh when he felt Build’s steady breathing on his neck. His breath is warm and tickling his neck but he never minds. He started accessing the man’s back to make him comfortable.

After almost an hour, he heard a knock and he answered with an affirmative tone. Aunt Praya and Dao entered with a tray of food and drinks. Dao handed Wichapas a bag of medicines.

“Dr. Chery said he should drink this to help him with the heat. She said it might be painful for Build this time so he needs someone to take a close look at him. And...” Dao suddenly blushed.

Wichapas looked at him. “And?”

“Dr. Cherry said you should be the one to take care of him at all costs.” Dao suppressed a laugh.

Aunt Praya and Dao looked at Build who is currently sleeping peacefully on Wichapas, cheeks rosy and mouth slightly open.

“Call us if you need anything else.” Aunt Praya smiled at him and guided dDao outside.

Wichapas tried waking up Build but every time he attempted to, Build would stir and glare at him before settling himself again on Wichapas’ chest. He waited until Build would calm down and agree to eat. But it never happened. Wichapas failed to fight the tiredness. With the heavy weight on top of his body and the warmth he was feeling, he closed his eyes as well.

The next thing he realized, it was already morning. He stretched his body, which is sore for sleeping in a sitting position. He stretched his arms only then he realized that he was alone. Build is not with him anymore. He sat up, roaming his eyes around the room. He entered the bathroom only to see he was not there. He tried looking at the walk-in closet but no one was there either. He ran outside the room, shirtless. He found Dao in the kitchen, having her morning tea. The kids are still asleep as it was too early for them yet.

“Good morning, my Lord. Are you okay?” Dao looked at him with curiosity.

“Have you seen Build?” Wichapas asked rapidly.

Dao shook her head. “No. Sir. I just got here.”

Wichapas messed up his hair in frustration. Right then, he received a text from Brent.

𝐾ℎ𝑢𝑛 𝐽𝑎𝑘𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑤𝑒𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑. 𝐼 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙, 𝑆𝑖𝑟. 𝑆ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝐼 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘?