Chapter Text
In the quiet serenity of a Friday morning, Pat awoke with the gentle glow of dawn casting a hopeful hue across his room. The aroma of brewing coffee intertwined with the soft melody of a distant city awakening. Eager to share the dawn with his love, he crafted a message to Pran, the words carefully chosen and filled with affection: "Good morning, love. How's it going over there?"
Yet, the digital echoes remained silent, and Pat, ever the optimist, brushed off the absence of a response as a triviality. Oblivious to the emotional tempest brewing on the other side of the screen, he embraced the day's routine, navigating the labyrinth of familial expectations while yearning for the evening's reprieve – a night out with Korn, his steadfast companion through the twists and turns of life.
Pat miss Pran, ever so loving sunshine puppy, it has been a dreadful week with his father, Ming dreading through the ever so many expectations. Though he has been avoiding the mentioning of The Boy Next Door because of his guilt for his past betrayal actions doesn’t mean it’ll be any easy in the future.
It all started when their business partner Leng invited Ming and his family for his son’s wedding celebration. It was taken grandly in one of the finest places in Thailand. The young girl wedded came from a respectable family background and the wedding was held with the blessings of both parties of the families.
If you ask Pat he’d say he’s ecstatic for the invitation and also had quite a lot of fun being the best men of his buddy Leng, but it all started with his father giving that look, the look that made him tremble not in fear but quite a way he’s unable to sort whatever the feeling it is.. he knew his father and probably Pran’s mother too knew of their fake breakup and how so in love both Pat and Pran still are. Though Pran’s departure has kept Ming away from questioning anything he knew but as a best friend who betrayed and is ashamed of his own acts and a son who’s disappointed on the agony he put him through, he knew better not to pull strings that will break any relationship they are holding in between.
It was around 3 in the afternoon and Pran hasn’t still replied to him.. it was kinda their unsaid rule to always FaceTime or if busy leave a text during the lunch breaks so as to update each other and let each other be at peace.
Suddenly the phone rang bringing Pat out of his own world, “hey man! You still up for tonight right.. Wai here has brought an imported vodka for us to celebrate our partnership with Bourloose, I can’t wait to catch up with you and celebrate this man”.
Korn was in fact super excited for this moment and he knew better than to spoil the mood, Pran is going through a stressful period right now because of his upcoming project in Singapore he’s probably busy with all the stuff going so it’s fine I shouldn’t be overthinking, Pat thought. He replies “of course man, you know when you and Wai partnered up and started running the bar me and Pran was bewildered cause obviously you two are exact opposites you know and the rivalry too was pulling both of you all other sides.. and Now managing to run it with least problems and even partnering up with Bourloose that’s fucking awesome man! I’m so proud of you guys you know!”. “Hahaha of course my man!! but just so you know even if Wai here is not gonna be existing I’d still be able to achieve everything cause he’s only being annoying until no..” “Hey you asshole! I heard that! You little shit com’mere..” “ hahah ok guys you all keep on fighting I have to finish all of this work today and you know how papa is.. I don’t wanna.. huhhh I’ll tell you guys later, anyway I’ll catch up soon okay!” “Also Wai don’t kill your boyfriend we all know he’s just ranting I’ll see you guys then!” “Ohh there’s lots going on your head it seems yeahh sure.. HEYY WAI DONT it hurts you asshole.. umm let me Yeaahh I’ll see you soon man don’t work too hard you always got me.. and Pran and .. ahh Wai so if there’s any problem we’ll be here okay! We’ll see you soon yea”. “Yea man I know that’s why I love you guys see you soon!”
6.30 p.m Bangkok Time
It’s nothing out of the ordinary to see Pran not texting whenever he’s busy on a complicated project.. but Pat is a lil too worried and you could say insecure sometimes.. the day Leng got married to the love of his life he saw it, Ming’s eyes, he’s never the person to show his emotions nor weaknesses, there were tears in his eyes, unsaid expectations, fatherly obligations and undeniable concerns. “MING KNOWS” Pat always knew that cause they’ve not been the most discreet for the past five years.
Ming tries he can see, not to question about his relationship with the boy next door it has always been.. well.. the unspoken topic. Pat has been yearning for Pran, his attention, love, touch and affection to be received without the boundary of thousand miles distance. It has been hard on him and he knows it has been hard for Pran too.. but it’s just five months more and Pran will come back. He’ll be coming back to him .. to his embrace build a home together and start building their life together.
Everyone will consider him to be the ray of sunshine just caring about fun and living in the moment kinda thing but deep inside he knows better .. he’s matured enough to take care of his fathers business, matured enough to not make any more mistakes and start building his future. He’s going to start building for his future it’s about time.
11.30 p.m Bangkok time
As the evening buzzed with laughter and celebration, Pat tried his best to lose himself in the moment. The clinking of glasses and the lively chatter enveloped him, providing a temporary escape from the knot of worry tightening in his stomach. Yet, with each passing minute, his eyes kept returning to the silent phone, a reminder of Pran's uncharacteristic silence.
Korn, ever perceptive, sensed something amiss. "Hey, buddy, spill it. You've got that look," he said, nudging Pat as they stood at the bar.
Pat sighed, "It's Pran. He hasn't replied all day, and it's freaking me out. Normally, he'd at least shoot a quick message during his lunch break."
Korn, leaning against the bar, nodded understandingly. "Long-distance struggles, huh? Maybe he's just swamped with work, mate. You know how these projects can be."
"Yeah, I know, but it's different this time. I can feel it," Pat admitted, his gaze fixed on the phone screen as if willing it to light up with a message.
Korn placed a reassuring hand on Pat's shoulder. "Look, give him some space. He'll reach out when he can. In the meantime, enjoy the night. Let's focus on the good times we're having and leave the worries behind," Korn advised, emphasizing the importance of the present moment without introducing any romantic undertones.
Despite Korn's attempt to lift his spirits, Pat couldn't shake off the nagging concern. As the night wore on, he excused himself, citing exhaustion. Alone in the quiet of his home, the weight of the unanswered messages pressed on him. Pat stared at his phone, grappling with a mix of emotions—love, frustration, and a tinge of fear.
The once joyous celebration now felt like a distant echo as Pat navigated the silent hours, hoping for the reassuring glow of Pran's name on his screen. The digital clock on the bedside table ticked away, echoing the passing time that only deepened the quiet ache of longing in Pat's chest.