Liam's Pov

When we arrived at Ruby's house I parked the car before getting out. Pravat and Tankhun followed behind me.

I knocked on the door and within seconds Ruby opened it and greeted me with a hug.

I didn't hesitate to hug her back, a smile plastered on my face. 

However, the hug only lasted for a second.

Ruby quickly pulled away and before I knew it she was raising her hand in the air.

Slap!

My head whipped to the side and I could already feel my cheek, the one that my friend just slapped, turning red.

I put my hand onto the cheek that Ruby slapped before turning to make eye contact with my friend.

"Hey! What the hell?!" Tankhun yelled, clearly shocked and angry. 

Out of the corner of my eye I could see my boyfriend trying to lunge at Ruby but Pravat held him back.

"I have to agree. Ru, what the hell?" I asked.

Ruby scowled at me and shoved me backwards, hard, causing me to stumble slightly.

"That's for worrying the hell out of me, idiot!" Ruby yelled.

I stared at her and could see nothing but anger yet worry coursing through her eyes.

That and the fact that tears were beginning to build up in her eyes and were threatening to spill.

A small sigh escaped my lips as I slowly removed my hand from my cheek and stared at my friend.

I understand why she slapped me.

No doubt Pravat informed her about what happened with Tankhun and I.

No doubt Ruby was worried sick about me thinking of all the possibilities of what could've happened.

And no doubt she was scared that I would've died out in the woods all because of my recklessness.

So, without saying anything I walked towards her and wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into a hug.

Ruby didn't hesitate to wrap her arms around me, hugging me back, while resting her head onto my shoulder.

"I'm sorry for scaring you. I can't promise I won't be reckless again and I can't promise to never get myself in a situation like that one again. But what I will promise is that I will be more careful" I told her.

"You better. Or I will do more than slap you" Ruby warned me.

I chuckled and nodded my head, "I know".

Ruby let out a small laugh before burying her head more into my shoulder, tightening her arms around me.

We hugged each other for a bit before pulling away.

She then turned to Pravat and Tankhun.

When her eyes met the eyes of my boyfriend her eyebrows furrowed together in confusion.

"Uh...Li, who's your friend? I only know Pravat but not him" Ruby asked.

Tankhun huffed, visibly annoyed at being called my friend.

I opened my mouth to say something when my boyfriend walked over to me and wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

"I'm Tankhun and I'm his boyfriend" Tankhun introduced himself. 

Ruby's eyes widened at that and she looked at me for confirmation.

I chuckled and nodded.

To give her solid evidence I turned my head around and planted a kiss onto Tankhun's cheek.

Her eyes widened more at what I had done but judging by the look on her face I can tell she believed it.

And judging by the smile on Tankhun's face, as well as the blush on his face, he really enjoyed what I did.

The shock in Ruby's eyes went away and a small smile appeared on her face.

"Well, it's about damn time" Ruby said.

"I know right" Pravat nodded.

Tankhun looked at the two of them in shock while I chuckled and shook my head.

Ruby then led us into her house and once we were all inside she closed and locked the door.

She then led us to Nampheung's room where her mother was since she was still looking her over.

When we got to the room we saw Ms. Kraisee sitting at the edge of the bed while wiping a wet towel on Nampehung's forehead.

Nampheung was lying on the bed fast asleep.

"Mom, they're here" Ruby told her.

Ms. Kraisee looked up and a small smile appeared on her face when she saw us.

She looked a bit surprised and confused at seeing Tankhun but that quickly went away.

"Good, you boys are here" Ms. Kraisee smiled.

Pravat, Tankhun and I wai'd politely and she did the same. Ruby came and took the towel from her.

Ms. Kraisee nodded at her daughter before getting up from the bed.

"So, there's good news. Nampheung is slowly learning to talk again" Ms. Kraisee revealed.

That made my eyes widen.

I looked at Pravat and Tankhun and saw that they were in the same boat as me.

"Really?" I asked, turning back to Ms. Kraisee.

"Yes, but don't get too excited. She's learning to talk again but so far she has only said a few words. Not full sentences" Ms. Kraisee explained.

Now, while I was a bit disappointed it was still better than nothing.

As long as there's some progress going I don't care.

"Well, it's better than nothing" Pravat sighed.

"Yeah" Tankhun nodded as he looked at me.

I nodded myself and saw Ms. Kraisee sigh in relief.

I'm assuming she thought I would get angry and yell out in that anger.

That definitely wasn't the case.

Yeah, I am disappointed that Nampheung isn't fully speaking but that doesn't mean I'd get angry and lash out.

And even if I was angry I would leave the room just to cool myself down to avoid lashing out.

I remember that's what my parents would do whenever they argued with each other.

Or, on occasions, I'd argue with one of them or both.

Although, my dad was the one to always leave the room.

He used to have anger issues in the past but learned to control himself after meeting my mom and having me.

And to avoid lashing out, he'd always leave the room in order to cool down.

I remember one day he sat me down and talked to me about it.

"Son, if you ever get angry don't lash out. Instead, turn around and leave the room and go somewhere to cool down. Lashing out won't do anything. You'll just end up saying or doing something you'll regret later on"

Dad always gave great advice.

He and mom did. They were the best.

"But please don't fret. I promise that I am going to do my best to have her speak in full sentences and not just words" Ms. Kraisee said.

I smiled at her as did Tankhun and Pravat.

I stepped forward and gently took her hands into mine and looked into her eyes.

"Please don't apologize, Ms. Kraisee. You have done more than enough and I'm grateful" I politely said.

This woman is the reason Nampheung is getting real help and is the reason she will be back to her old self.

This woman is helping us even when she knows the dangers it will bring especially when it involves the mafia.

There's no way I could ever be angry at her when she has done more than enough.

Ms. Kraisee smiled softly at me and placed a hand on my cheek and gently caressed it.

I easily leaned into her touch, it was just so comforting and motherly. 

It reminds me of the times mom did this since she was always trying to cheer me up whenever I was down.

"You're a sweet young man, Liam. I promise I will continue working and helping Nampheung. I made you a promise and I intend to keep it" Ms. Kraisee said.

I shot her a grateful smile and nodded at her.

Ms. Kraisee smiled at me and kissed my forehead before pulling away and making her way back over to Nampheung.

I sighed before walking over to Tankhun and wrapped my arm around his shoulders.

"Come on. I promised to tell you and Pravat everything" I said.

Tankhun's eyes widened before he nodded in agreement.

We grabbed Pravat and the three of us left the room to head into the living room so we could talk.

I have to keep my promise meaning it's time to tell them what I promised I would.

I just wonder how they're going to take it. Especially Tankhun.