"I hope everybody understands why someone is jealous of something. It is because jealous people feel threatened that someone might take away what belongs to them."

Chula Uni, the day of the performance –

Preparations were in full swing, as participants and staff rushed in and out making sure each and every thing was in place. The Annual Christmas Gala at Chula was a prolific event that no one liked to miss. It was by invitation only and was for dignitaries and other top level people who would donate generously to the charity recommended by Chula or to a cause or even to upgrading or improving the University as well. Knowing that the Theerpanayakul family would be here in complete attendance once again, had sent the upper echelons of the management into a tizzy. The family had never participated in any Uni event in the past years, not even when their sons had been here, although their contribution was always felt to be bountiful and their magnanimity was always noted with great pleasure. However from this academic year, they had suddenly become even more interested in the workings, and the management was under tremendous pressure.

The Head Chancellor of the college had in fact received a call the previous night that the first row will be occupied by the Theerpanayakuls and four of their guests. This had led to a last minute adjustment in the seating arrangement, as, if the first row would be occupied by them, the row behind would have their bodyguards, and others who would be liberally sprinkled throughout. However, Rain and his friends, who were busy preparing for their performance, were unaware of the rioting being caused by the huge presence of their families. Everyone had used the rooms to get ready, and finally, it was Rain's turn. When he came out, Sig whistled. "Rain? Nong? Are you sure you want to wear this and go on stage? I am pretty sure P'Phayu is gonna throw a hissy fit!" he said. 'This' was a pair of red tights with a thin black stripe running down either side of the leg. The top was a sheer nude draped all over with numerous thin sparkly chains with diamante on them.

"You look fabulous," Yihwa said, giving a sign with both thumbs up. "I agree, but between what happened yesterday, and this dress, P'Phayu is going to burst a vein!" Sky said, making everyone laugh. "Well.. That's the idea," Rain said smugly. "Hey Rainy boy! What is happening inside your devious mind?" Nut asked, enjoying Rain's smirk. "He deserves what he gets today," Rain said. "He didn't even bother to call me after he saw what happened. Instead, what do I see? Him consoling P'Jom! Huh! Like he can get away with that on my watch!" he added, smugness changing to an annoyed look in the blink of an eye. Plus, we all are leaving for Chiang Mai pretty soon, I need to talk to him about that too," he said.

"Well good luck with that na!" Sky said. "Why? Why good luck? Allai kheun?" Sig asked, immediately calling them out. "Well.." Rain began. "Let me tell it to you guys. Just after Rain and my 16th birthday, that year, we had made our annual pilgrimage to Chiang Mai. Both Pa and Uncle Type loved this place, so we celebrated New Year here every year. But that particular year was a milestone year. Although our parents knew about our orientation, that was the first time we had said it out loud in front of them. We had also gotten our Early acceptance into Chula, so it was a double celebrations of sorts," Sky said.

"Rain wanted to go for a walk, but all of us were feeling too lazy, so he went alone. He came back with so many cuts and bruises on his back and hands that we were shocked. Thankfully Papa Type bandaged the wounds, and we all gave him a good scolding. He didn't say anything except that he tripped on something and fell backwards. We found it a bit hard to believe, as you guys well know, Rain is not exactly a clumsy person. After much cajoling from Uncle Tharn, he finally told us about the man he had met on the cliff, and what had happened. He hadn't been able to see his face, but, him wiping his eyes and throwing a lily down the abyss had left an indelible impression on him. Every year after that, he dragged us to Chiang Mai, looking for his 'Phi'. So that's his hidden agenda part three," Sky laughed. "Are you serious?" Yihwa asked, shocked. Rain nodded. "Why?" he asked. "Dude! Are you sure? P'Phayu will throw a fit!" she said, still dumbfounded.

"Yihwa, I am not going to propose marriage to that Phi. I just want to know why he was sad. I don't see any harm in that!" Rain said. "You have a death wish Nong!" Sig said shaking his head. "After what happened yesterday, the way you are dressed today and this madcap desire, P'Phayu is either going to vanish you off the face of the earth, or just burn the earth, leaving just the two off you behind! Either ways, all your plans indicate that you are about to turn his hair grey." Rain shrugged. Nobody knew his Phi like he did. And he knew what he was doing. He was testing the boundaries of his relationship with Phayu. Considering his age, Phayu had been extremely cautious in his dealings with him. But Rain had tasted the forbidden. The day he had returned after being in Ko Phangan for a week without telling anyone, he had seen Phayu break out of the chains he had tied himself in. He had seen the passion and fire that he had been able to ignite in the older man. Then Phayu had spilled his heart out to Rain. and Rain had seen him at his most susceptible. So now, he wanted more. He wanted to breathe in that fire, revel in Phayu's vulnerabilities. He wanted him for his own, and he wanted to let Phayu know in more than words that he was ready for the next step.

And for that, Rain had to goad him. He knew that Phayu had promised his fathers and Rain's fathers, that he would take the relationship very slowly. And he had kept his promise. Every kiss was just a peck and had Rain straining for more. But yesterday, Jom's impromptu proposal, timed perfectly with Phayu's sudden appearance had set off bells in Rain's head. He had seen the fire ignite again, and he was ready to fan the flames. Which is why, with the help of P'Mia, one of the members of the sewing and knitting club, Rain had changed his costume overnight. At first he was not sure she would help, but she had been surprisingly sweet, and had patiently listened to Rain. Luckily what he wanted would not take much effort on her part, so she readily agreed. This trip to Chiang Mai would be win-win for P'Phayu and him. Phi would get the closure he so desperately needed, and Rain would get his Phi, no strings attached!

Soon, a student volunteer came up and asked the students to take their places in order of performances. As usual, Rain and Sky's team would be the grand finale. By now, everyone in the University had clearly understood that this group was the best thing that happened to them. With some of the best performances the Uni had seen till today, and plus the added advantage of performing on live music, it was indeed a pleasure to watch them. The Theerpanayakuls were seated along with Rain and Sky's fathers in the first row. It came as a huge surprise to the management and the Uni, when they all arrived together. What were they doing together? The whole Uni was tittering again. Yesterday Phayu and Pai had come unannounced and the look on Phayu's face when Jom was proposing to Rain had not gone unnoticed. And today the families were together. What could all this mean?

The families sat together and watched each performance with interest. Only Phayu and Pai were getting a bit restless. They had been looking forward to this since a long time. They only knew that the group had two performances, a song that they had written and composed on their own, and a dance performance on a medley of some of their favourite songs. Finally the emcees announced the group and it's members. The group came on and Phayu and Pai were taken aback by the beauty of their boyfriends. Sky wore a pair of forest green pants and short jacket in black and green that set of his soft black hair and his fair complexion. Rain was dressed in red pants with a long red jacket. The colour of the jacket put pink in his cheeks. Phayu and Pai looked at each other. They knew exactly what the other was thinking. Their boyfriends looked delectable and mouth-watering. The after-party was going to be hell!

When the boys started to sing, Phayu was taken aback. While they had both heard Sky sing before, Rain's voice came as a surprise to him. It was soft, melodious and sent chills up his spine. It felt like Rain was singing just to him, the words of the song healing a part of his heart he didn't even know needed healing. They ended the song on a huge round of applause. The lights dimmed again and the curtain was drawn. In about 5 minutes, the curtains were pulled back and the performance started. This time Phayu was shocked to the core. But it was anger and irritation leading the way. What the fuck was Rain wearing? His eyes almost bugged out of his head at the chains that hung down his boyfriend's body, leaving nothing to the imagination. His body moved elegantly and beautifully, and to Phayu, each movement was sexier that the other. He was spell-bound but at the same time, he was super aware of his arousal. And even though he was trying to lead with the anger and jealousy he was feeling, he knew that it was simply a waste of time.

"Calm down bro," Pai whispered in his ear, and handed him his jacket. "Use this and just say you are feeling cold," he added, showing clearly that he was aware of what was going on. Pete, who was sitting on Phayu's right elbowed him in the ribs. "Control!" he hissed, also aware of what was going on. Phayu slid down further in his seat, unable to reign in his desires, but also embarrassed beyond words. As the performance came to an end, there was standing ovation from the crowd. It made Phayu extremely proud and honoured that this beautiful boy was the love of his life. However, he was also pissed. He had to talk to Rain as soon as possible. Before he blasted through the damn roof!

After the programme was over, they all made their way out to mingle with the others, before the gang changed and came out. Soon all the performers started coming out and the guests started clapping for them. Finally Rain, Sky and their group came out. This time it was not just clapping. There was a rush by everyone to get to them. They were soon surrounded. They were given flowers, both single and bouquets. One guest actually kissed Rain's hand, sending Phayu into a frenzy. He was about to move ahead, when he felt a hand holding his arm. He turned around, thinking it was Pai, and ready to ream him out. But it was Tharn. "Don't do it Phayu. Rain may seem mild, but he has his Pa's temper. Try something, and he will not hesitate to chew you out," he said, restraining the young man he had grown very fond of. "But Dad Tharn.." Phayu began, then subsided. He understood where he was coming from, and he knew that this was a conversation that needed to be held in private.

Soon they all left the university toward the Theerpanayakul mansion, where there was a small party being held, just for the family members. Rain chose to ride in his fathers' car, making Phayu's plan to give Rain the dressing down of his life bite the dust. Even at the party, Rain continued to avoid him. He would be with one or the other of his friends, ignoring Phayu. Phayu smiled and continued to mingle, seething inside. He tuned in back to the conversation when he heard Tharn say, "so we will be leaving the day after." "Day after? Leaving? Going where?" he asked. "You seem to be lost my boy," Type started laughing. "Sorry Pa Type," he said, blushing self-consciously. "It's okay lu, our lukchay has that effect on people," he said, continuing to laugh. "Sorry Pa, it's just..," he began. "That he is not giving you any attention?" Tharn asked. "There is that," he said. "But that aside, where are you going?" he asked. "Chiang Mai, of course," Fiat said, joining in the conversation. "But I thought you all were going there on the 2nd?" Pete asked. All of them had come to where Phayu was standing and talking to Tharn and Type. "That's for Rain and Sky's friends," Leo said. "We celebrate New Year at Chiang Mai every year. It's a family tradition," Fiat said.

Phayu looked downcast. He had hoped that he and Rain could drive down together so that they could talk and spend some time together. But it looked like that was not going to happen. "Then Phayu and I come with you," Pai spoke up, as soon as he heard the discussion. "Maai, you can't," Kinn said. "Did you forget the meetings you have related to the resort at Korat?" Vegas asked. "We will go as planned," he added. "That means we will see you in Chiang Mai on the 31st. We will try to join you for the New Year, it will be great. And don't worry about the stay there. We decided to block the resort at Chiang Mai from 30th onwards. But we will ensure that 3 rooms are kept ready for you all when you arrive," Porche said, smiling happily.

Unhappy at this turn of events, Phayu turned around and went and stood outside, wanting some fresh air. He had just taken a deep breath when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked over his shoulder to see Rain standing there. "So you finally decided that you know me?" he said, anger and jealousy rearing their ugly heads inside him. "What do you mean Phi?" Rain asked. "Well, you should ask yourself that! Aren't you the one who has been ignoring me since the better part of yesterday? First a public proposal, then that performance in that dress! And then you are flooded with flowers, and some random guy even kisses you!" Phayu said rudely. "Phi, you are making a mountain of a molehill," he said, ingenuously. Although he didn't show it, his insides were somersaulting with happiness. This is exactly what he wanted!

"Mountain? Are you serious right now Rain?" Phayu finally whirled around to glare at Rain. "On top of all this, you plan to leave even earlier than planned, and I get to know that, not from you, but your family! Do you even consider me important?" he ranted. "Phi? Are you jealous?" Rain asked, softly stroking his hand down Phayu's cheek. "I am furiously jealous," Phayu said, his eyes spitting fire. "Then, maybe I deserve a punishment," Rain's voice fell an octave further, as his slowly rubbed his thumb back and forth on Phayu's lower lip. Phayu stared at Rain, his eyes falling on his lips, as Rain consciously licked them. Now Phayu's eyes lit with a different type of fire!