I went to the living room, sat down, and tried to make sense of what had just happened.
My heart was still racing, and my cheek was warm where Chak had kissed me.
He kissed me.
He actually kissed me.
It wasn't just any kiss—it was soft, careful, like he was afraid to break the moment. And then he hugged me… and it felt like everything I've been trying to deny just burst to the surface.
I grabbed my phone and quickly typed a message to Taeng:
You won't believe what just happened. Chak just left… but before he did, he kissed me on the cheek and hugged me.
I hit send and just stared at the screen for a few seconds before I stood up and walked to the art room.
I needed to do something with all this emotion. Drawing always helped clear my head.
I picked up my sketchbook and a pencil and started drawing Chak's eyes—the way I see them when it's just the two of us, when the world fades and it's just his gaze and mine. There's a depth in his eyes, something he hides from everyone else… but not from me.
When I finished, I left the sketch on the table and headed to iron his shirts. My hands were busy, but my mind wasn't.
Why did he kiss me?
Was it just a friendly gesture? Or did it mean something more?
And why did it feel so…
When I was done, I checked my phone again. Taeng had replied:
Wait, what?! Ice Man is starting to melt?! Kit told me how well you played it off—pretending you were fired.
I smiled.
I replied:
What's going on between you and Kit?
His answer came quickly:
Nothing's going on between us.
You sure? I teased. I saw the way you were looking at each other.
Taeng responded with:
Stop it. Maybe I like him… the same way you and Chak like each other but don't want to admit it.
I stared at the screen for a moment before replying:
You're right. You two are the same.
A new message popped up—but this time it wasn't from Taeng.
It was from Chak.
Short and to the point:
You don't need to cook dinner tonight. I'll be home soon.
I typed back: Ok , and put my phone on the shelf.
I picked up the freshly ironed shirts and carried them into Chak's room, carefully placing them on the dresser.
As I turned to leave, I noticed a piece of paper sticking out from a book. Something about it made me pause.
I reached for it and read it.
It was a letter.
From Chai.
To Chak.
Dear brother,
I knew you'd react badly when you found out your brother is gay and has a boyfriend. That's why I didn't tell you earlier—I was afraid of your reaction. I'm sorry if I disappointed you. You've always been there for me, and I hope you still will be. I don't want this to affect our relationship.
Just know that I love you deeply, and I'll always be here for you whenever you need me. You can always count on me.
I know Raeng betrayed you and Kit, but you don't have to hide your emotions and act cold. I know who you really are. I know you, even if you think I don't.
Please don't do something you'll regret—remember what happened with Pim.
Chai
---
I read the letter again. And then again.
There was something about it that stirred something deep inside me.
Who is Pim?
And what happened with her that was so serious Chai had to mention it like that?
Suddenly, I heard the front door open.
"Niran!" Chak's voice echoed through the house.
Startled, I quickly folded the letter and slipped it back into the book, placing it exactly where it was. I didn't want him to know I had read it—not yet.
I stepped out of his room and took a deep breath.
I decided I wouldn't ask about Pim.
Maybe… maybe one day he'll tell me.
As I reached the top of the stairs and saw him, I couldn't help but smile.
I rushed toward him, curiosity bubbling inside me. "What did you buy me?"
He smiled and handed me a small paper bag.
I peeked inside and my heart flipped—my favorite chocolate… and a wooden keychain in the shape of a paint palette, with a brush and the first letter of my name carved into it.
"Thank you," I whispered, hugging him tightly.
"How did you know this is my favorite chocolate?" I asked, looking up at him.
Chak looked at me and simply said, "I think you already know the answer."
I narrowed my eyes at him, playful. "Taeng?"
He just nodded and pulled me even closer into his arms.
His hugs always felt safe… like I belonged there.
"I have something for you too," I said, suddenly nervous.
He raised a brow. "You do?"
"Wait here," I said and ran to the art room.
My heart was pounding again, but in a different way this time.
I hope he likes it, I thought as I picked up the drawing.
I hid it behind my back and returned to him. "Close your eyes."
He obeyed, and I placed the drawing gently in his hands. "Okay… open."
As Chak opened his eyes, I saw surprise—and then a soft, genuine smile spread across his face.
"What is this?" he asked, his voice softer than usual.
"That's… how I see your eyes," I explained. "The way they look at me when we're alone."
"Niran," he whispered, almost like he couldn't believe it. "This is beautiful."
"Thank you," he said, still staring at the drawing.
"No… thank you," I said, my voice a little shaky. "For letting me see you. Because behind the mask you wear at work, I've come to know someone with a big heart. And you mean so much to me. I'm grateful every single day that I met you."
I hugged him again, holding on just a bit longer this time.