Vegas, Pete and Chai watched the scene with a relieved smile on their faces. Pete's eyes filled with tears as he pulled Rain out of the huddle and hugged him. "Why didn't you talk to us lu? Why didn't you tell us what was in your heart?" he asked. Rain stayed silent, but the stiffening of his body was a dead giveaway that he was stressed about the reply. "Rain, little one, please talk to us, okay? Nothing hurts us more than seeing you upset," Vegas said, his heart going out to how sad Rain looked. "Because.. well.. because I don't want to.. to be a bur.. burden," Rain stuttered out, as everyone just stilled, completely shaken by Rain's answer. "Burden? What burden exactly Rain?" Sky asked, his voice sounding strangled, as if was speaking past a very large lump in his throat.

"Rain, please talk to us darling," Phayu said, as Rain sat silent, surrounded by everyone. Rain took in a deep breath, almost as if he was trying to gather all the courage in the world before he began talking. "I have never known my parents," he began, and Sky gasped. He was about to say something when Pai shushed him. "Let Rainy tell us everything first," he said. Sky nodded and moved closer to Rain, hugging him from the side, trying to give him more courage. Rain smiled gratefully. "I was left in an orphanage as a baby, never knowing who I born to. When I was around 14, the orphanage I was living in was shut down, and I was placed with a foster family, who only took me in because the government gave them some funds. I never saw those funds, but I had to make my own way into the world. I worked at a nearby convenience store and had to give most of what I earned to the family, as otherwise, I would be a burden on them. Even then, I did manage to save what I could. The shop owner I worked for was an older man, and his son was an architect. One day, he left some books around, and I found them. The shop owner had planned to give them away in any case, so when I asked him if I could take it, he agreed. But I didn't take them home, knowing that that could only lead to a disaster."

"But reading those books was amazing. It set off a desire in me to be an architect myself, and even though I didn't have the financial means to do it, I knew that I could figure out something. That's when P'Ren, the old man's son, the one who was an architect, came over to meet his dad. Khun Aroon had told P'Ren how I am interested in becoming an architect, and P'Ren started helping me. He told me the kind of questions that could come and he helped me prepare for the exam. He had studied in Kasetsart and he said that that and Chula were the best options I had. I got into Chula, with full scholarship, on the first attempt, and P'Ren and Khun Aroon took me out to celebrate. I continued to work for him even after I started at Uni. But then P'Ren was planning to move to Canada, and he wanted to take Khun Aroon with him as well. That is when I found P'Yihwa and P'Marine's florist shop. They showed me the same kindness at Khun Aroon had, and I have been working with them for 1 year now."

"Rain, how about the house I dropped you off at and picked you up from?" Phayu asked, shocked. Why had he never asked Rain all of this? "That belongs to my foster parents," Rain said. "And why are you not living with them anymore?" Sky asked, equally shocked. "When I started dating Phi, they threw me out, calling me a faggot. They said that I had taken enough away from them, living off like a leech and I had thanked them by being a fucking gay," Rain said. "But it was okay. I was more or less living with Phi by that time, so it was okay in any case." "And since how long have you been living here?" Pete asked, his concern growing. "Initially off and on for nearly four months, then continuously since the last 2. Phi was never around. P'Fah was also overworked. My 3rd year had been hard as it is, and I didn't want to add on to their burden," Rain said quietly. "You are not a burden Rain. And I was there before na?" Phayu asked. "Phi, you have not stayed for two nights continuously at home since quite a while. You have had so much to do. You have been pulling overnighters for the firm, you have been spending weekends, starting Friday night, at the garage, prepping bikes for the races, you have been taking care of the family business for your parents and uncles and have been travelling a lot too. Where do I come in the picture Phi?" Rain asked, his big eyes filled with tears that did not spill. "Why didn't you tell us what you are feeling Rainy?" Saifah asked, his heart breaking. "And say what? Prove that I am literally the biggest sore thumb among all you wonderful people?" Rain asked bitterly.

Phayu stared at Rain in shock, as did the rest of the family. Is that how Rain had been thinking all this while? They had all made a mistake when it came to Rain. All of them had thought that the other was taking care of the poor boy, and all they had done was push him further and further away from all of them. Pete remembered the tired look in Ven's eyes and forcing him to stay home and not drive, saying that Ro would take care of Rain. Or they had thought that Rain was with Sky, preparing for projects and studying for exams. All of them had become so busy in their lives, that they had forgotten Rain. All of them looked away, fighting their tears, as they all realised that they had all wronged Rain. But Rain, bless his wonderful heart, had not said a word to anyone, instead taking it all on himself, and let his wounds become deeper and deeper and fester. He had not bothered anyone, thinking that he didn't want to be a burden on anyone. How could they have done such a thing to their sunshine boy?

"You know what? This needs to stop," Pai suddenly said. "What P'Pai?" Sky asked. "We are all just sitting here and blaming each other for hurting Rain, but that's not what we should be doing!" Pai said, as he went and knelt in front of Rain. Rain looked startled. "Rainy, I said that I will be an elder brother to you, but I didn't take my responsibility very seriously. But that is going to change. I am going to do my job well, which means that now, Yu will have to win you back, pursue you again. And, and, you are not going to live in this decrepit box, that looks like it will fall any time, anymore. You will move in with Sky, and until Yu wins you over, deadline 30 days, I will also stay away from Sky unless you both are on a date. You need your best friend the most at this time, and I have already kept him away from you far too long," Pai said. Rain looked at him, shocked, then looked around, when he saw that everyone was nodding. "You couldn't possibly mean that P'Pai!" he said, sounding flabbergasted at the thought even. "I absolutely do!" Pai said. "And I agree," Sky chimed up.

Rain looked around, totally appalled. "Oh my God! Please don't do this! I am feeling so guilty now," he said, tears filling his eyes again. "On the contrary Rain, we should be the ones feeling like that. You have no reason to. But we are all going to do our best to prove that we deserve you. We have let you down enough, and it stops here," Vegas spoke up. "Exactly. Phi Chaai, you better step up your game. And believe it or not, I am with Pai 100 percent. I am planning to be Rainy's big bro, who should have been there for him before itself. You better ensure that Nong Chaai is treated like the Prince he is!" Saifah piped up. "Of course! My darling is never gonna be hurt because of me!" Phayu vowed solemnly. Rain blushed and hid his face in his hands at the soft gentle smile he got from his Phi. "But before everything, we need to visit the Uni. If anyone, and by that I mean anyone, dares to harm my baby, there is going to be fucking hell to pay!" Pete said, steely determination running through his tone. "Correct. We both will go in tomorrow itself," Vegas said. "Oh no! No! Not you. Porche will come with me. And you both? You and Kinn? You will pay Rain's foster family a tiny little visit," Pete smiled, and reminded everyone of a shark smiling at its prey before taking off its head. The Theerpanayakul men shuddered in fear. Pete in that mood was not to be crossed.

"Now, pack up your things Rain. We are moving right away. C'mon! We will all help you move!" Sky said, pulling Rain up and dragging him along. Less than two hours later, they stood inside Sky's dorm room, where Pai and Phayu helped the two boys adjust and set their things, Saifah stocked groceries and Pete cooked up a simple meal for everyone. After dinner, Pete looked at Phayu and Rain. "You look exhausted baby, as does Ven. So I would recommend that we all make our way home and let Rain and Sky rest. From tomorrow, Ven, you must start wooing our baby in earnest, and get him home to us soon. Rain, don't ever think you are alone. We are family, and you are not a burden, okay? You will come home to us whenever you feel like. Everyone is looking forward to meeting you again. You were missed," he said. Rain nodded, then looked at Phayu. "Phi, you don't need to pursue me..," he trailed off when Phayu stood up and pulled him up too.

"Rain, three years ago, when you came into my life, I realise that I did not treat you well. I love you so, so much, yet our relationship was based on so much manipulation. You deserve to be loved my darling. And Phi will do everything he can to prove it you, and the world, that Phi deserves to be yours, he deserves to stand by your side," Phayu said. Rain was about to speak up when Phayu put a finger to his lips. "My sweet boy, you were always perfect. Phi was wrong, okay? You deserve the best. Always!" he said, kissing Rain on his forehead, as everyone looked on in happiness, glad to see the faint blush covering Rain's cheeks. They would give their baby the world, just the way he deserved!

The next morning, when Rain and Sky walked down to get to college, Phayu and Pai were waiting there with their bikes. "Why are you both here?" Sky asked suspiciously, putting Rain behind him, as he giggled, the sweet sound making all the other three smile. "We are here to drop our 'wifeys' to Uni," Phayu said, reaching out and bopping Rain's nose, who scrunched it adorably. "What happened to 'pursuing' Rain?" Sky asked. "Well, I am pursuing him. But first, I have to declare he is mine, and therefore off-limits," Phayu said, his eyes hardening. After getting to know that his baby was suffering, there was no way in hell he was going to keep quiet. All these stupid comparisons needed to stop completely. Phayu was determined to do right by Rain. Pai nodded, throwing his full support behind his brother.

"Phi, will Pa Pete really go to Uni?" Rain asked, a bit worried. He really didn't want any issues. "Oh, he must already be there. The dean was requested to come in early, to meet Pa and Uncle Pete," Pai said, smiling rather nastily. No one could touch his little brother, physically, mentally or emotionally, and get away with it. And he knew very well that the same kind of support would have been thrown behind Sky, had he been the one who needed it. "Come on, let's go. Chula is going to see some fun!" Phayu said, as both he and Pai grinned rather widely, looking so exactly like Pete, that Rain and Sky exchanged a fearful glance, but didn't say anything, knowing very well that it was impossible to stop the Theerpanayakul men when they were in this particular mood.

The Dean of the Architecture was sweating bullets as he looked at the two men sitting in front of him. Who did not know Pete and Porche Theerpanayakul? When the Dean had received the message that the members of that family wanted to meet him, he had first been confused and then fearful. Everyone knew that despite Vegas and Kinn Theerpanayakul being the very public faces of that family, who held the real reins of power. "What can I do for you Khun Pete? Khun Porche?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady, knowing he was failing miserably. "You have a student in your department. Name Varain Lee," Pete said, smiling politely. "Yes, yes, we do. Brilliant student," the Dean said. "Hmm. If he is that brilliant, why is he being bothered for his grades, his submissions, and even his scholarship?" Porche asked. "We also are aware that if it wasn't for his mentor, he would have even lost his scholarship? Is that true?" Pete asked. "No, no! Absolutely not! Varain is wonderful. All the teachers know he is brilliant, so they just push him more," the Dean trembled. "Is that so? Are you sure?" Porche asked, leaning forward. The Dean had no idea where to look. "Of course Khun. You can be rest assured," he said, hoping he was able to placate these two deadly men. "Well, in that case, for the sake of your position and the grants our family gives to this university, we hope that you are right," Pete said. "And I really hope, for the same reasons, that we never have to come back here, except for Rain and Sky's graduation," Porche said, leaning back and crossing his legs in the most relaxed manner. Pete had not moved in all this while, just watching the Dean like a predator waiting to pounce. The Dean nodded frantically. "Of course! Rest assured!" he said, nearly peeing his pants at the look on Pete's face. "Good. We will see you then," Pete said, standing up. But all the Dean could see the uncoiling of a snake ready to strike. He shuddered, but took Pete's offered hand, hoping to get these two men out of his office as soon as possible.

The moment they stepped out, Pete called Vegas. "What is the update on your end?" he asked as soon as Vegas picked up. "Well, they have taken the option of moving away," Kinn said, confirming that the two brothers were on speaker. "What about the money they stole from Rain?" Porche asked. "They don't have any left, but they will return it. Chai made sure of that," Vegas said, the glee in his voice very apparent. "What did he do?" Pete asked. "You know how he can look scary right?" Kinn said. "Scarier than Vegas?" Porche asked. "Don't ask. He just stood there behind us, flipping his knife in the air. They were hypnotised into making any promise that was asked. And then he told them there would be eyes on them at all times, until the debt was repaid," Vegas laughed. 'So they are out of Rain's life for good?" Pete asked. "Yes," Kinn said. "Good. Now we can help our baby heal and get better soon," Pete said, the smile on his face apparent even on the call.

The entire faculty watched in surprised fascination as Rain got down from the back of Phayu's bike. This was something no one had expected. As soon as Rain stepped away, waiting for Sky to take off his helmet, Phayu was surrounded by some students who crowded around him, nearly pushing Rain away. Phayu stepped backwards and pulled Rain towards him by his waist. "Be careful there," he warned, his tone and action surprising everyone. "Phi, you know Rain?" one of the students asked. "Of course he does. Rain is Sky's friend, and Sky is P'Phayu's cousin's boyfriend," another student said. "Actually..," Pai trailed off when Phayu raised his hand. "Yes, it's true. Rain is Sky's friend, and of course Sky is Pai's boyfriend," he said. "Ai'Yu!" Pai hissed, as Rain tried to step back, his eyes filling with tears. It seemed like P'Phayu was still ashamed of him. Phayu pulled him even closer, an action that didn't go unnoticed by anyone, and then lifted Rain's chin and kissed his eyes, taking the tears away. Everyone, including Rain and Sky, gasped!

"He is all that, and so much more. He is the love of my life, my darling, and has been that since the past 3 years, and will continue to be for the rest of my life. It's not like I don't know what he has been going through here, but he wanted to do things on his own, which he has, admirably, so he didn't let me tell everyone he is mine. He is a star student in his own right, way better than me. He thinks he is not good enough to stand by me, while the truth is, I am the one not good enough to stand by his side. So, I am going to court him again, make him fall in love with me all over again," Phayu said, looking into Rain's eyes at the last line. "May Phi hit on you Rain? Until you decide he is good enough for you? Will you say you won't let me go?" he asked, holding both of his darling's hands. Rain nodded, barely hearing the 'ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod' that rushed out of Sig's mouth, and the cheer that went up at his agreement. He looked up at Phayu with stars in his eyes, and Phayu bent down and kissed him, sealing the deal, marking Rain as his forever. This boy was his, and would always be!