At a small restaurant near the hospital, Jay and Yod were sitting across from each other, having lunch.
Yod, with his keen sense of observation, immediately noticed the lingering fatigue in Jay's eyes.
He tilted his head slightly, his voice gentle as he asked:
— "You must have cried a lot, Jay. Your eyes are still a little swollen."
Jay didn't even try to deny it. He just smiled lightly and replied:
— "Yeah… When I heard my dad was hospitalized, I totally panicked. I was running into the hospital, crying like a little kid."
Hearing this, Yod smiled warmly, his gaze full of understanding:
— "I know that feeling. The fear, the helplessness… the terror that someone you love might leave you."
Jay paused for a moment, his eyes softening as he asked:
— "You've been through it too?"
Yod put down his chopsticks, looking up at Jay. His voice was slow and calm, as if time had already smoothed the edges of old pain:
— "Yeah, I've been through it. But I wasn't as lucky as you… My father passed away."
Jay froze slightly, guilt flashing across his face. He quickly bowed his head to apologize:
— "I'm sorry… I shouldn't have asked."
— "It's okay, really. It's been a long time." Yod gave a small smile and waved it off easily.
The atmosphere between them didn't turn awkward as it often does when sad memories are brought up. Instead, a quiet, unspoken understanding seemed to pass between them.
Jay smiled gently and said:
— "You really are just like what Faisal told me… Calm, understanding, and someone who makes others feel safe talking to you."
Yod let out a soft chuckle, a modest smile on his lips:
— "Maybe it's because I'm used to dealing with all kinds of customers. Everyone has their own story… so I learned to listen, and to comfort them."
Just then, from across the restaurant, Chirawan approached with a large plate of food in her hands.
— "Seriously? You two are already this close after just one meeting?" she teased with a laugh.
Jay immediately turned and beamed:
— "Of course! When you meet someone as adorable as Yod, you've gotta make friends fast!"
— "You're such a smooth talker." Chirawan pretended to pout as she set the plate down on the table.
She looked Jay up and down and frowned:
— "Eat up! You're practically skin and bones."
Jay stared at the mountain of food in front of him, stunned:
— "This much? I don't think I can finish it…"
Chirawan crossed her arms and shot him a stern look:
— "You have to eat, whether you can or not! Ying gave very strict instructions. You've been up for days with no rest — do you want to pass out at the hospital too?"
Jay shivered slightly under her fierce gaze and obediently nodded:
— "Yes, ma'am…"
Sitting beside him, Yod couldn't help but chuckle at the scene — the affectionate "oppression" was clear.
And thanks to that, the atmosphere around their table grew even warmer, even more natural.
——————————————————
At night, the hospital room was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of warm yellow lights that gently touched the corners of the walls.
Jay sat on the edge of the bed, swiftly peeling fruit, his face calm and composed, showing no signs of exhaustion.
Watching his son, Mr. Sakda could only shake his head slightly, feeling a mix of affection and helplessness.
— "You should go home and get some rest," he said, his voice both gentle and lightly scolding.
— "It's fine. I'll stay here and take care of you," Jay replied as he focused on peeling an apple.
— "You've been up for several nights already. Look at me — this old man is doing fine now. There are nurses and doctors here to take care of me."
Mr. Sakda chuckled, his tone slightly proud, as if trying to reassure Jay.
— "But I'm still worried. And besides… it'd be lonely at home by myself," Jay pouted, placing the peeled apple onto a plate and pushing it toward his father.
Receiving the slice of apple, Mr. Sakda beamed and slowly chewed it, clearly enjoying both the fruit and his son's company.
— "Then go stay at Ying's house. I already asked him to keep an eye on you," he said casually.
— "Dad… I'm not a kid anymore," Jay sighed, a little embarrassed.
— "And… I've already troubled him a lot. While I wasn't here, he kept visiting you too."
Mr. Sakda raised an eyebrow, teasing:
— "He's that concerned about me, huh?"
Jay straightened up proudly and grinned:
— "Of course! I'm an exemplary son, after all."
Mr. Sakda chuckled softly, his eyes filled with affection:
— "If you're such an exemplary son, then just stay in Thailand for good. It'll be easier to take care of your old man."
The atmosphere dipped into a brief silence. Jay bit his lip, his voice soft as he answered:
— "…You know that's not possible, Dad."
Mr. Sakda had expected that response. He only smiled faintly, neither blaming nor pressing further.
— "Yeah, I know. That's why… listen to me and go home to rest."
— "Are you kicking me out, Dad?" Jay pouted dramatically, his eyes glistening with mock hurt.
— "Exactly. I am," Mr. Sakda laughed. "I even asked Ying to come pick you up. He should be downstairs by now. Go on."
Jay jumped up, startled:
— "Dad! Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
— "If I told you, would you have agreed to leave?" Mr. Sakda grinned, his face full of fondness.
— "Be good. You can come visit me again tomorrow morning."
Jay bit his lip, reluctant to leave as he looked at his father.
— "Alright… I'm heading out then. Take care of yourself, okay?"
— "Got it."
Mr. Sakda smiled warmly, his eyes following every little hesitant move Jay made.
— "Call me right away if anything happens!" Jay continued to remind him over and over.
— "I will, don't worry. I'm surrounded by nurses and doctors here. Now go home and get some proper rest."
— "Okay… I'll go now…"
Jay lingered a moment longer before finally leaving the hospital room.
Mr. Sakda watched his son's retreating figure, a tender smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
He shook his head fondly, bringing the half-eaten apple back to his mouth, chewing slowly, his gaze warm and filled with love.
——————————————————
Outside the hospital, Ying had arrived early and was waiting in his car.
His gaze patiently watched through the windshield until the familiar small figure of Jay slowly appeared.
Jay stepped out, glancing around in confusion, his brows furrowing when he didn't spot Ying.
Ying chuckled softly and tapped the horn once.
Startled by the sound, Jay quickly turned and, upon spotting Ying's car, broke into a bright smile and hurried over.
Ying opened the door, flashing his usual gentle smile:
— "Hop in."
— "Thank you, Ying. Sorry for troubling you again…"
Jay mumbled shyly as he climbed into the car.
— "It's no trouble. I'm always happy to help you,"
Ying teased lightly, though his eyes were warm and sincere.
Jay giggled softly, showing no signs of awkwardness or resistance.
Ying gently closed the door, then made his way back to the driver's seat and started the car.
The atmosphere inside was relaxed and familiar, as if they had done this a thousand times before.
— "Make sure you rest tonight," Ying said, his voice low and full of care.
— "You're completely worn out these past few days."
Jay leaned back into the seat, stretching lazily:
— "But… I still feel a bit anxious, Ying."
— "No need to worry anymore. I've arranged someone to take care of your dad,"
Ying reassured him, reaching out to gently ruffle Jay's hair in a comforting gesture.
Jay simply smiled sweetly, allowing him to do so without the slightest resistance, as if the closeness was something deeply familiar between them.
— "You've done so much for me already. I feel bad,"
Jay said brightly, turning to look at Ying.
— "It's what I should do,"
Ying replied with a soft smile.
— "Do you want to grab something to eat before we head home?"
— "No, I'm too tired… I just want to sleep,"
Jay exhaled tiredly, slumping deeper into the seat.
— "Alright,"
Ying nodded and kept his focus on the road.
Inside the quiet car, the streetlights outside slid by, casting slow-moving streaks of light through the windows.
Jay glanced over at Ying, hesitating for a moment before speaking softly:
— "Ying…"
— "Hmm?"
Ying tilted his head slightly, glancing at him with gentle eyes.
— "Tonight… could you… stay over at my place?"
Jay's voice was as soft as a whisper, his fingers fiddling nervously with the hem of his shirt, his cheeks flushing pink.
— "It's okay if you're busy… I'll understand."
Ying chuckled quietly, not needing to think twice:
— "Of course.
You're afraid to be alone, right? I'll stay with you so you can rest easy."
— "Really?"
Jay's eyes lit up, full of hope.
— "Really,"
Ying replied, reaching out to ruffle Jay's hair again, this time more playfully, as if spoiling him.
Jay only giggled happily, accepting it naturally, like it was something he was very used to.
— "Thank you so much, Ying…"
Jay beamed like morning sunshine, letting out a small breath:
— "Honestly, I'm not used to being alone.
When I was in France, I always had assistants around.
And at home, whenever Dad was away on business trips, there were always housekeepers…
But this time…"
— "I understand,"
Ying said in a low, reassuring voice.
— "Let's go home now and get you some rest."
— "Okay,"
Jay replied with a smile so bright and sparkling, it felt as if just having Ying beside him could make all his worries melt away.
———————————————————
In front of the flower shop, a car — clearly expensive at first glance — came to a stop.
Faisal stepped out and walked around to open the passenger door for Yod.
— "Thanks a lot these past few days.
Sorry for making you neglect your flower shop,"
Faisal said brightly, his eyes full of genuine warmth.
— "It's nothing.
I really enjoyed the experience,"
Yod smiled, his voice tinged with excitement.
— "Setting up such a grand stage… for me, it was pure joy."
— "I'm glad to hear that.
I was worried I was troubling you,"
Faisal said, scratching the back of his head, his smile a little bashful.
— "Not at all.
I should be thanking you instead,"
Yod chuckled, then teased:
— "By the way, when the party happens, you better not forget to invite me."
— "Of course.
You'll be my most special guest,"
Faisal said, laughing heartily, deliberately emphasizing the words "most special."
— "The most special… guest of yours?"
Yod raised an eyebrow, repeating it as if to confirm he hadn't misheard.
— "Yep.
The most special guest of Faisal.
Do you want the honor?"
Faisal teased, leaning his face closer to Yod's, his eyes glinting mischievously.
Yod's face turned visibly red, but he tried to maintain his composure, replying playfully:
— "If that's the case… I might have to reconsider."
— "What's there to reconsider?
Feeling shy?"
Faisal laughed, narrowing his eyes teasingly.
— "I… I'm going inside now!
You drive safe! Bye bye!"
Yod stammered, then quickly turned and practically ran into the flower shop as if fleeing.
Outside, Faisal laughed loudly and called after him:
— "Think it over carefully!
Will you be Faisal's special guest… or Faisal's special someone?"
Yod didn't dare look back, keeping his head down as he rushed inside, but the corners of his mouth lifted into a smile he couldn't hide.
— "He's just too cute,"
Faisal chuckled to himself, his gaze soft as he watched Yod's retreating figure before finally turning back to his car.
Inside the flower shop, Yod leaned his back against the glass door, sneaking a peek outside as Faisal's car disappeared into the distance.
Touching his flushed cheeks, Yod giggled, his whole face red:
— "This is so embarrassing…"
He then covered his face with both hands, trying to hide his silly smile, standing there against the door with a heart fluttering like a teenager's first love.
EndofChapter25.