When I opened my eyes that morning, I found myself lying on my side, facing Chak. The soft morning sunlight gently filtered through the window, casting golden patterns across the room. For a few seconds, I just stared at him. He looked peaceful, almost fragile in his sleep — a rare sight for someone so composed and intimidating during the day.
His dark hair was slightly tousled, his long lashes resting on his cheeks, and the corners of his lips subtly curved, as if he was dreaming of something pleasant. I couldn't help but smile.
I leaned in and gently pressed a kiss to his cheek. My heart fluttered the moment my lips touched his skin, and as I pulled back, I felt my face flush with warmth. *Did I really just do that?*
Chak stirred slowly, blinking his eyes open. When he saw me, a soft, sleepy smile formed on his lips. Then, without a word, he pulled me into his arms and held me close.
"Good morning, my artist," he whispered, his voice still rough from sleep.
I returned his smile, heart racing.
"Good morning, my Chak."
There was a moment of quiet. A beautiful, unspoken understanding between us. I didn't want to move. But time wouldn't stop for us.
Reluctantly, I sat up on the edge of the bed. Chak stretched beside me, his gaze still on me.
"Are you ready for today?" he asked.
I took a deep breath, my fingers nervously fidgeting in my lap. "A little nervous, to be honest. I'm scared it might not go well."
Chak stood and walked over to me. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around me again. "Don't worry about anything," he said firmly, the warmth of his embrace slowly calming my racing thoughts.
I rested my head on his shoulder, and for a moment close my eyes.
"I love you," I whispered.
"I love you too," he replied softly, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "Come on, let's go have breakfast."
I left the bedroom and made go way to the kitchen. The aroma of something delicious greeted me. Taeng was at the stove, flipping something in a pan, while Kit sat at the counter, watching him with a fond smile.
"Good morning," I greeted them.
"Good morning, Little one," Kit replied with his usual teasing tone.
"How are you feeling?" Taeng asked as he turned around briefly.
"I'm alright," I said. "How did you two sleep?"
"Great," Taeng answered quickly, perhaps a bit too quickly.
Kit leaned toward him and whispered something, clearly trying to keep it from me.
I raised an eyebrow, amused. "What was that? What are you not telling me?"
Kit grinned mischievously. "Nothing, nothing."
Taeng looked away shyly, biting his lip.
"Come on, now I really want to know," I insisted, walking over to them.
"Okay, okay," Kit finally gave in. "But you can't tell anyone, alright?"
He looked at me seriously, lifting an eyebrow in mock warning.
I nodded eagerly.
"Taeng and I… we slept in the same bed last night," Kit admitted in a hushed voice, like he was revealing a closely guarded secret.
My eyes shifted from Kit to Taeng and back. Taeng looked like he was about to die of embarrassment.
"That's not a big deal," I said with a warm smile. "I'm happy for you two."
"You're not going to tease us?" Taeng asked, clearly expecting something more.
I chuckled. "Nope. I think it's cute."
Just then, Chak walked into the kitchen. He was still wearing his black silk robe over his pajamas, looking effortlessly elegant. "Good morning," he greeted everyone and came straight to me, wrapping his arms around me in a gentle but possessive hug.
Kit smirked. "At this rate, Ice Man is slowly turning into Warm Man."
Chalk and I just looked him and smile.
Taeng set the food on the table. We all sat down to eat. The air was light, filled with small talk and laughter. At one point, Taeng lifted a forkful of food and held it up to Kit, who leaned in and took a bite.
"Mmm, delicious," Kit said with a grin, clearly savoring both the food and the attention.
After we finished eating, I helped clean up the dishes, then headed to my room to get dressed. I picked out a pair of jeans and a simple blue t-shirt. As I was fixing my hair in the mirror, Chak entered the room.
He walked up behind me and looked at my reflection. "I'll be heading out soon," he said softly. "Take care of yourself."
He leaned down and kissed my forehead.
I turned to face him. "I promise I will," I replied and returned the kiss, this time on his cheek.
We left the room together. Kit and Taeng were already waiting by the door.
"See you, Little one," Kit said, giving me a small wave.
Taeng stepped forward and gave me a tight hug. "Everything will be okay," he whispered into my ear.
He walked up behind me and looked at my reflection. "I'll go to the office soon," he said softly. "Take care of yourself."
He leaned down and kissed my forehead.
I turned to face him. "I promise I will," I replied and returned the kiss, this time on his cheek.
We left the room together. Kit and Taeng were already waiting by the door.
"See you, Little one," Kit said, giving me a small wave.
Taeng stepped forward and gave me a tight hug. "Everything will be okay," he whispered into my ear.
Chak gave me one last look, then pulled me into a longer embrace, as if reluctant to let go. Then he turned and followed the others out the door, leaving me alone in the house.
As the door closed behind them, a wave of silence filled the space. I looked around, suddenly aware of how quiet it was. Too quiet. I sat down on the couch, trying to distract myself, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Chak. His touch, his warmth, his voice.
I glanced at my phone.
Noon… when will you call?
--Two hours later--
The sound of my phone ringing cut through the silence. My heart jumped as I snatched it off the table.
Noon.
I answered quickly. "Hello?"
"Niran," she said, her tone urgent. "Can you come to the company? I really need your help with something. It's important."
I paused for a moment. I knew this was part of the game. I could feel it.
"I'll be there in twenty minutes," I said calmly.
"I'll wait for you at the entrance," she replied and hung up.
I stared at the phone for a few seconds, then placed it down on the table.
"The game has begun," I whispered to myself.
I stood up, grabbed my jacket, and headed for the door, already bracing myself for whatever came next.