Hi everyone,

How are you doing?  I hope you're all doing well.

Here is the new chapter of my humble story. I hope you'll like it.

This chapter was edited only by Grammarly, so please, forgive the mistakes and errors.

WARNING: Slightly OOC Kongphop (though I don't blame him!)

Your vote, comments, and reviews are always appreciated...

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Friday Morning,

Arthit sat silently on the edge of his hospital bed, looking out of the window as he waited for his father to finish his discharge procedures and come to pick him up.

After so long, his father was finally allowed to visit him for the first time yesterday. A soft smile graced his face as he remembered his emotional reunion with his father.

FLASHBACK

"Good day, my handsome and beautiful boys!" Siriporn practically burst into the room with a broad smile and too much excitement. "This is a beautiful day, isn't it?"

Both men blinked several times, surprised at her unexplained cheerful attitude.

Kongphop was working on his computer while Arthit was reading some comic books that Siriporn had brought him from his house when the enthusiastic psychiatrist barged in.

"Are you high, P'?" Arthit asked before he could think of what he was saying.

Siriporn pouted, narrowing her eyes in mocked annoyance. "Is that the thanks I get for bringing you a pleasant surprise today?" she said with a huff as she crossed her arms against her chest. "Such an ungrateful child! I shouldn't give you anything!"

"I don't see any surprise," Arthit said with a bored tone.

Siriporn let out a soft growl, glaring at him.

"P'Siri, P'Arthit," Kongphop intervened. "Please, there is no need to start an argument. I'm sure that P'Arthit is grateful for your surprise, P'Siri."

"Oh, N'Kong!" —Siriporn swooned with stars shining in her eyes— "You're such a gentleman! I wish I've known you before! I would've definitely fallen head over heels in love with you!"

Arthit rolled his eyes at her teenage attitude but said nothing. He was in a good mood today and didn't want to ruin it by starting a useless argument with Siriporn; add to that, he was already used to her moments of childish behavior.

"Fine," the psychiatrist said. "Because I'm in a good mood today, I'll be generous and give that ungrateful child his surprise!" Turning around to face the door, she called. "You may come in!"

Arthit's heart skipped several beats when the hepatologist entered along with his father.

"Dad!" he exclaimed as he quickly removed the blanket, but before he was able to stand up, his father sat on the edge of the bed and took him into his arms.

"I've missed you so much, my little Sun," Phet whispered emotionally.

Arthit's body tensed when his father hugged him, but soon his body relaxed when his father's warmness engulfed him. Tears of happiness trickled down his face, enjoying his dad's loving embrace.

"I've missed you so much too, Dad!" he whispered as his hands clutched tightly on his father's shirt, and his face buried deep into the older man's chest, inhaling his scent.

Pulling away from the hug, Phet looked at his son carefully before he smiled softly.

"Are you ready to go back home?" the older man asked.

"Home?" Arthit asked, puzzled. He was recovering, true, but was he fit enough to return home?

Plus, his physical therapy wasn't finished yet. Though he started to walk, he wasn't able to walk for too long without feeling tired or walking aid.

"Yes, Arthit," the hepatologist said. "Your medical reports showed a miraculous improvement in the past two weeks, and your physical therapist says you made remarkable progress. So, I think you are good to return home and continue your follow-ups in the out-patient clinic."

"In addition to your psychotherapy, of course," Siriporn finished.

Arthit toured his surprised gaze between Siriporn, the hepatologist, and his father before a small smile lit up his face as he nodded his head slightly.

END OF FLASHBACK

Soft noises behind his back snapped Arthit from his reverie. Looking behind, he spotted Kongphop conducting a final check inside the bathroom, cupboard, and drawers to ensure that they hadn't left anything behind.

Staring at the younger man, Arthit's train of thoughts shifted to him. Although Arthit allowed the younger man to stay by his side, he hadn't said that they would be together or even be friends. So during the past few days, their conversations and interactions were limited, much like that time during university when he was struggling with his newfound feelings towards Kongphop after the latter's sudden confession on the night Arthit had slept in the junior's room for the first time.

On his part, Kongphop did try many times to break the wall between them or talk about what happened in the cabin, but Arthit succeeded in evading the younger man's attempts.

Staring at Kongphop, the older man wondered if he was going to stay with him and his father after the discharge, or he was going to return to his family and life and get out of Arthit's life.

"P'Arthit!"

Arthit snapped from his reverie once more upon hearing his name.

"Is something wrong, P'?" The younger man asked. "You've been staring at me for quite some time now."

"Nothing," Arthit said hastily, averting his gaze away; a soft blush tainted his pale cheeks.

Kongphop smiled warmly but said nothing. It was refreshing to see his Arthit's shy expression once more. He opened his mouth to tease the latter but then changed his mind. It was better not to evoke the older man's bad temper.

Almost an hour later, Phet returned to the room with a wheelchair and an excited Siriporn tagging behind.

"Let's go home, Oon!" She exclaimed cheerfully as soon as she entered.

Arthit and Kongphop blinked several times at the woman in surprise, while Phet rolled his eyes.

"Are you coming with us, P'Siri?" Kongphop asked.

"Of course! I wouldn't miss this for the world!" the psychiatrist replied with a wide smile. "I feel as if I'm sending a soon-to-be bride daughter off to her husband's home!"

"Hey!" Arthit protested. "To whom are you referring to as a soon-to-be bride daughter??!"

If possible, Siriporn's mischievous smile got wider. "Why! It's you, of course, dear Oon!"

Arthit glared at the older woman and opened his mouth to retort when his father decided to cut that silly interaction, reminding them that they needed to leave.

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"SURPRISE!"

Arthit blinked several times in evident shock at the people standing in front of him. He and his father had just reached their house while Siriporn and Kongphop followed them each in their own cars a few seconds later. The four had stepped into the house together, where they found his friends already waiting inside.

"Welcome back, Buddy!" Knott said, smiling as he took his best friend into a warm tight embrace, mindless of the way Arthit's body stiffened.

The rest of his friends cheered and welcomed him back, smiling broadly at him. Everyone he loved was present; P'Tum, P'Dear, Prem, Bright, Tutah, Fan, Namtarn, Jay, Earth, and Todd. They all expressed their extreme delight for seeing him fine and well. None of them asked any questions about his accident or the circumstances surrounding it, seemingly satisfied that he was well and out of danger. But that didn't prevent them all from showering Arthit with much attention and pampering. Never in his life, Arthit felt so drown in his friends' attention and spoiling like today. He was also surprised to learn that Jay and Todd were chosen as suitable donors for him, though they weren't as compatible as Kongphop was. Arthit truly felt touched at all his friends' concern and love.

After lunch, which Phet and Siriporn had prepared according to the specifications provided by the hospital's nutritionist for Arthit, all of Arthit's friends, except for Knott and Kongphop, excused themselves and left.

"Arthit," Phet called his son as he approached him with a strange man. "This is Detective Gun Aksornpan. He likes to talk to you in private."

"Sure," Arthit said with a soft smile, waiing to the man standing next to his father. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir."

"The pleasure is all mine, Nong," Gun said. "Please, call me P'Gun."

Phet took the two to his small office so they could talk privately without interruption. However, if the old detective wished that they could slip unnoticed, he would be greatly disappointed. The three people who had their eyes on Arthit during the entire time noticed his departure with Phet and the other man.

Siriporn frowned, wondering who that man was, while Knott and Kongphop wondered what Gun was doing here and did he want with Arthit.

"Who is that man?" Siriporn asked as the three of them left the living room in search of the missing trio. "Do you know him?"

"He's a detective named Gun Aksornpan," Knott replied. "He's in charge of Arthit's case."

"I hadn't noticed when he came," Kongphop wondered. "What do you think he wants with P'Arthit?"

"I saw him coming in when I was saying goodbye to the gang," Knott provided.

Siriporn frowned slightly for a couple of moments before her expression turned into a deep frown. "Oh, no! P'Phet wouldn't dare!" she hissed upon realizing what Phet was up to. "Listen, boys. I need to be with Oon and P'Phet. You stay in the living room." Without waiting for a reply, she rushed to the office.

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Arthit, Phet, and Gun had just taken their seats inside Phet's office when someone tried to open the locked door. Phet narrowed his eyes as he opened the door and saw Siriporn standing behind it.

"Yes?" he asked.

"What are you doing here?" she asked back.

Phet raised an eyebrow at her. "Excuse me? Why do you want to know?"

"I know what you're up to, P'," Siriporn hissed in a low voice as not to make Arthit hear. "You can't do this to Oon. He's still not in a state to face what happened."

Stepping out of the office and closing the door behind him, Phet glared at the woman.

"Without Arthit saying who lured him into that cabin, we can't arrest those bastards." Phet hissed. "It's essential that I know who's the person who did this to my son!"

"Oon is NOT ready!"

"Listen, I don't have any time to waste!" Phet said between gritted teeth. "Besides, weren't you supposed to help him face his trauma already?"

"It doesn't get cured in a few days; you know!" She snapped back.

The two glared at each other; neither was ready to back down for several moments before Siriporn broke the eye contact.

"Fine! Do as you wish, but I'll be present as well!" she said before she pushed Phet aside and entered the office.

"Hello, I'll be joining your small meeting," She stated casually to the two men inside the office as she took a seat next to Arthit.

Rolling his eyes, Phet locked the door again and joined the three people. He had anticipated that something like this would happen, that's why he wasn't pleased when Siriporn insisted on coming along with them back home. Nevertheless, it was too late and useless to protest.

"This is Dr. Siriporn Yurapan," Phet introduced tonelessly. "She's Arthit's psychiatrist. It's okay to talk in front of her. And this is Detective Gun Aksornpan, Siri. He's investigating Arthit's case."

"What case?" Arthit asked, staring questionably at his father.

"Over a month ago, your father had filed a rape complaint on account of what happened to you in the Suthiluck's cabin," Gun replied. "I've been trying to reach and arrest the culprits since then."

Arthit's eyes widened in evident shock before he turned and looked at his father.

"Dad? Is that true?" he asked with a shivering voice.

"Yes. What did you expect me to do upon learning of what happened to you?" Phet inquired tonelessly, folding his arms in front of his chest. "Gun is here because he wants to ask you a few questions about the incident."

Arthit stared silently at his father with a horrified expression on his beautiful face and tears flooding his doe eyes for a few moments before he spoke with a shaky voice.

"Please, stop the investigation, Dad," he pleaded. "Please, stop it! There is no use from chasing after those men."

"No use?!" Phet exclaimed angrily. "After all that they had done, you're asking me not to chase those who had hurt you and drove you to this state?!"

"N'Arthit, the culprits must be punished for what they had done," Gun tried to persuade the younger man gently.

"Punishing them will not undo what had happened to me," Arthit remarked bitterly.

"N'Arthit—"

"I don't want to talk about this matter!" the young man snapped, closing his eyes tightly as his body trembled. "Drop this case and forget everything about it!"

"No!" Phet said coldly. "I'm a policeman, Arthit. In all my years in the force, I hadn't rested until I threw those who hurt other people behind bars. And I will not fail in chasing those who committed a crime against my son!"

"Please, Dad! I beg you!" Kneeling in front of his father, Arthit pleaded as tears flooded down his cheeks. "Just forget about the whole matter, please!"

"N'Arthit," Gun spoke, kneeling in front of the younger man. "Are you trying to protect N'Kongphop?" he asked. "If you're worried about him, then I promise you that nothing would happen to him. He's not a suspect."

Arthit shook his head as painful sobs tore themselves from his mouth. "None of you understand!" he whispered. "I just want to forget about all of this! Why can't you just drop the whole matter and forget it!"

Phet felt his heart clenching painfully at the pitiful sight of his son, but as an officer and more importantly, as a father, he knew that leaving this matter was out of the question.

"Arthit," he finally spoke. "We don't want you to remember anything. All we went is to know the name of that employee who lured you into the cabin. Who is he?"

Arthit shook his head, refusing to reply.

"Arthit!" Phet said warningly, but Arthit kept shaking his head in refusal.

The old detective sighed. "Fine, he said. "I can't force you to tell us, but I can't let this matter be and drop the case. I'm sorry."

With that, the old detective left followed by Gun, leaving Siriporn and Arthit by themselves.

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Once they were alone, Siriporn rose from her seat and sat on the ground next to Arthit. The woman wrapped an arm around the sobbing man's shoulder, pulling him into her embrace and allowing him to cry out his grief.

Arthit snuggled closer to the older woman as the warmth of her body slowly spread into his. He closed his eyes as he buried his face into her bosom, imagining himself in his mother's arms. After her death, Arthit had forced himself not to dwell on how much he missed his mother's presence in his life as a way to not sink into sorrow. He taught himself to be contented with his father's love only; however, now he desperately needed his mother's warm embrace, and surprisingly enough, Siriporn's arms felt just as warm.
"Oon, why don't you want your father to chase and arrest those who hurt you?" Siriporn asked softly once Arthit's sobs ceased.

"Because..." Arthit's voice trailed off as he began to bite his lower lip nervously. Since his attack, he had kept that secret buried inside his heart. He hadn't told a soul about it, even to Knott, hoping that it would remain buried forever, but now since his father was investigating the assault, Arthit feared that the truth would eventually surface and if that happened, not only it would deeply hurt the man he loved, but would completely ruin him.

Arthit took a deep breath. He felt a strong desire to disclose his secret to Siriporn, knowing that she would understand and give him a bit of wise advice. However, he feared that whatever he said, Siriporn would disclose it to his father since it was related to an official investigation.

Sensing Arthit's hesitation, Siriporn let out a deep sigh. "You don't have to tell me," she said in a defeated tone. "But please, Arthit, try to understand your father and trust his judgment. He only has your interest in his heart."

"I know," Arthit whispered sadly, burying himself more into Siriporn's warm embrace.

The two sat in silence for a few moments before someone started knocking on the door then opening it, thus disturbing the tranquility that had briefly shrouded them.

Knott and Kongphop entered the office with worry expression on their faces. Their worry rose ten-folds upon seeing Arthit's red eyes and the traces of tears on his cheeks.

"What happened?" Knott asked, squatting in front of Arthit, who dislodged himself from Siriporn's embrace. "Uncle Phet seemed very upset when he and Detective Gun marched through the living room."

"Did that detective leave?" Siriporn asked.

"Yes," Kongphop replied, not taking his eyes off his distraught lover. "Along with Mr. Rojnapat."

"Dad left too?" Arthit asked, looking at Knott.

Knott nodded in confirmation.

"Where did they go?" Siriporn wondered.

"We don't know," Knott replied. "The only thing that uncle Phet said to me was to look after Arthit until he's back."

"P'Arthit, what happened?" Kongphop asked. "Why do you look so upset?"

The older man looked at Kongphop for the first time before he averted away his gaze.

"I'm tired," he declared as he stood up. "I'm going to my room."

"I'm going with you," Knott said, standing up as well and following his best friend.

Kongphop was about to follow too, but Siriporn, who was by now on her feet, held his arm and shook her head.

"What's wrong, P'Siri?" he asked.

"Oon knew about the on-going investigation," Siriporn said with a sigh, sitting on the nearby couch. "He was distraught. He wanted his father to terminate it."

"Why?" Kongphop asked as he sat beside her.

Siriporn shook her head. "He refused to say why."

Kongphop sighed, looking very depressed. "I just hope he would say something," he said, looking with eyes full of tears at Siriporn. "I can't understand! Whom he's protecting?"

Siriporn smiled sadly at the younger man, wishing she could answer that question. She had a feeling that Kongphop was the one but why she couldn't tell for sure.

"N'Kong," she said finally. "do you want to get back with Oon?"

Kongphop looked at her for a few moments before he nodded his head. "However," he said sadly. "I've promised Mr. Rojnapat that I would never try to win P'Arthit's heart once more."

"That's a pointless promise, and you are not obliged to keep it," Siriporn said casually. "Oon needs you by his side as a lover."

"P'Arthit said that we couldn't be together anymore," The young COO said bitterly. "He said that our love story had ended a long time ago."

"You can always start a new one if you want."

"But—"

"Without buts!" She cut off annoyedly. "I'm asking you one final time; do you want to be Oon's lover once more or not?"

"I do," came the quiet reply. "With all my heart."

"Then we better start working," she said. "Tell me, will you be staying here from now on?"

Kongphop shook his head. "I agreed with Mr. Rojnapat to stay with P'Arthit during the daytime until Mr. Rojnapat's return from his work, and then I'll go back home."

"Umm..." Siriporn rubbed her chin, thoughtfully. "well," she said at last. "I think this arrangement will have to do for now. Today; however, you can't stay. You must return home."

"What?" Kongphop asked in surprise. "Why can't I stay?"

"Oon is upset right now," Siriporn explained. "Any attempt from you to get closer to him will certainly backfire on us. So, it would be best if you returned home today and come back first thing tomorrow morning. Only then we can start our plan."

Kongphop blinked several times, unsure if he understood the woman sitting beside him. However, he was willing to do whatever she said if that was going to get his P'Arthit back to him. Standing up, he excused himself and left.

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Kongphop didn't return home immediately. Instead, he took a walk along the Rama VIII bridge and in the park near it, complementing Siriporn's words. Though he seemed skeptical earlier, he was truly ecstatic to gain an ally who would help him win Arthit's heart again. In the short time he had known her, Kongphop realized how powerful and influential Siriporn was over Phet and Arthit. She could easily make his mission to win Arthit's heart much easier.

Smiling to himself, Kongphop started to whistle happily as he walked back to his car.

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When Kongphop entered his house, he found his mother and his eldest brother-in-law sitting in the living room, apparently engaged in a serious discussion. His body tensed, noticing how serious their expressions turned upon seeing him. Taking a deep breath, he approached the pair.

"Good evening, Mom, P'," he waied after putting down his duffle bag.

"Has your friend finally recovered?" His mother's cold tone sent shivers down his spine, but he didn't show it.

"Yes," he replied quietly as he sat down.

"Then, I trust that now you will return to your life and fiancée," Mrs. Suthiluck said, emphasizing the word fiancée.

"Mom," Kongphop said sharply. "I'm not returning to Mayuree!"

Mrs. Suthiluck glared at her son in response. "So, you are willing to destroy all of us for the sake of that man?" she snapped.

"What are you talking about?" Kongphop asked, puzzled.

His mother tsked annoyedly. "Of course, how could you know what's happening in this house when you've been wasting your time by that man's side for two weeks?"

Kongphop gave his mother a sharp look. "What happened?" he asked solemnly.

"What happened is that your father will is about to lose the company he worked so hard during his life to building because of you!"

"Because of me? What do you mean?"

"Mr. Chansungnoen had pulled out all of his investments from the company," His brother-in-law spoke. "And he canceled all the orders for the plastic parts he made for his construction project."

Kongphop blinked several times, staring with utter shock at the older man sitting in front of him. "Why would he do that?" he finally wondered.

"Why?" Mrs. Suthiluck sneered. "Do you have the guts to wonder why after you rejected his daughter in that humiliating manner for the sake of a man?!" —she huffed irritably— "Your father has been trying to prevent a disaster for the past two days while you don't even have the slightest idea of the mess you've caused!"

"Mother!" Kongphop snapped, jumping to his feet. "I told you many times that I can't marry Mayuree. I DON'T LOVE HER!"

Scowling, Mrs. Suthiluck stood up as well and marched to her son before she slapped him hard on the face.

"Don't you raise your voice at me, young man!" She bellowed. "I'm still your mother!"

Kongphop held his cheek with one hand but said nothing. He knew that he shouldn't have raised his voice, but his mother was pushing him to his limits. Why couldn't she understand that he wouldn't be happy with Mayuree?

"Listen, Kong," his mother's stern voice brought him back to reality. "When you first told me about your relationship with that man, I didn't mind much because you said he's the one who makes you happy. However, you were proven wrong, and he broke your heart instead. This time you will obey me. I don't want you to see that man ever again, understood? And tomorrow morning, you will go with me to the Chansungnoens', apologize to Mayuree and her parents and ask her to marry you!"

"I'm sorry, Mother, but I can't do this," he said emotionlessly. "I only love P'Arthit. and if I'm going to marry anyone, then it would be him and him only."

"Kongphop! Don't try my patience!" his mother warned.

"No, Mother," Kongphop insisted. "P'Arthit is the only one I want in my life!"

"Is he worth all this persistence, Kong?" His sister's husband asked with an evident sneer. "Why do you insist on staying with him when he's nothing more than a worthless damaged good!"

"DON'T YOU DARE INSULT P'ARTHIT!" Kongphop roared as he launched himself on the other man in a blink of an eye and took him by the collar.

The other man tried to push Kongphop off him, but Kongphop tightened his grip around the man's collar before he delivered several powerful punches to his face.

Mrs. Suthiluck tried to dislodge the two men but without avail. Her son was behaving like a wounded wild animal, fighting for its life while her son-in-law was desperately trying to avoid Kongphop's shower of punches.

"WHAT ON EARTH IS HAPPENING HERE?"

Looking behind them, the three saw Mr. Kerkkrai standing at the entrance of the house and glaring at them.

Quickly, Kongphop let go of his brother-in-law and stood up with his gaze on the floor while the other man straightened himself and stood up.

Kerkkrai frowned deeply as he made his way to the two young men. "What is happening here?" he asked sharply.

The two men cast a brief side-glance at each other before averting their gazes; both unwilling to begin explaining.

"Kong, go to your room,' Kerkkrai ordered after few moments of heavy silence. "and you,"—he pointed at his son-in-law— "to my office. I have something important to discuss with you!"

Without uttering a single word, both men hurried away in compliance with Kerkkrai's orders.

"Honey—" Mrs. Suthiluck tried to explain, but she was silenced quickly by her husband.

"Not now," he said sharply before he followed his son-in-law to the office.

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About an hour later, Kerkkrai was done talking with his son-in-law in his office and was on his way to his son's bedroom.

Entering the room, he found Kongphop sitting on his bed, looking through a small photo album. His son seemed to have calmed himself down, though he had a sad smile on his face as his eyes scanned through the pictures. Kerkkrai silently approached his son and sat beside him. Peering into the album, the older man smiled slightly as he saw a picture of Kongphop trying to feed Arthit at what looked like a beach.

"When did you take this picture?" He asked softly.

"During the summer break after my first year," Kongphop replied. "P'Arthit's friends arranged a two-week trip after the exams, and I joined them with my friends. It was our first trip after we started dating officially."

"Umm..." Kerkkrai responded. He remembered how Kongphop had insisted on joining that trip even though they were planning to travel during the summer break with the whole family, which caused them to postpone their vacation until Kongphop's return from his trip. A soft smile graced Kerkkrai's face as he realized how vital Arthit was to his son from the very beginning.

"Has Mr. Arthit's health improved?" he asked.

"He's better than before," Kongphop replied with a sigh as he closed the album and looked at his father. "He was discharged today."

"That's wonderful news," Kerkkrai commented.

"Of course, he still needs to be taken care of," Kongphop continued. "He needs to take a lot of medications, settle into a strict routine of diet and exercise, watch out for his heath; and not to mention that he needs to attend his psychotherapy sessions."

"Don't worry too much about this matter, Son," Kerkkrai said, placing an encouraging hand on his son's shoulder. "I'm sure he'll get over all of this. After all, he's surrounded by many people who loved him; his father, his friends...and you!"

Kongphop smiled upon hearing his father's indirect blessing. "Thank you, Dad."

Kerkkrai nodded before he took a deep breath. "Kong," he spoke. "Why were you assaulting your eldest brother when I entered the house?"

"Didn't you ask him?" Kongphop asked.

"I did, but he only gave me a vague answer."

Kongphop snorted lightly. "Of course, he did. He wouldn't dare repeat what he had said to you."

"What had he said?"

The young man sighed. "He insulted P'Arthit," he replied, not wishing to elaborate. "And I couldn't hold myself back."

The older man merely nodded in response. Uneasy silence reigned over the two as each one was lost in his own thoughts.

Kerkkrai stared at his son, wondering whether it was wise to tell him about what he had come to know this afternoon or not.

While he was still in his office, his secretary informed him that Detective Gun and another man wished to see him. It had been a week or so since he heard about the detective who had suddenly seemed to disappear. Granting them entry, Kerkkrai was surprised to see that it was Phet Rojnapat, who was with Detective Gun. The old detective had come to ask his permission to carry out their investigation in his company. The request sounded very odd, but then the two detectives explained the whole situation. Kerkkrai was shocked to know of what his eldest son-in-law had caused. Agreeing to Phet's request, Kerkkrai also promised to resolve this situation with his son-in-law as soon as possible.

Kerkkrai sighed deeply. He knew that he couldn't say a word about this to Kongphop, especially after the incident in the living room, fearing that his son would lose his head if he knew of what his brother-in-law had done.

On his part, the older man had spoken to his son-in-law about clearing this mess, but the young man was very reluctant and displeased, arguing that Detective Gun's insult to his person shouldn't go unpunished. And despite Kerkkrai's attempts to explain that the young detective was simply doing his job, his son-in-law refused to understand. In the end, Kerkkrai had to force the young man to promise that he would talk to the Police Commissioner and have him lift the suspension on the investigation.

"Dad," Kerkkrai's train of thoughts was interrupted upon hearing his son's call.

"Yes, Kong?"

"Is it true that Mr. Chansungnoen had pulled out all of his investments from the company and canceled all his orders?" Kongphop asked.

The older sighed deeply as he nodded his head in affirmation.

"I'm sorry, Dad," Kongphop said, lowering his gaze. "It's my fault!"

"It's not your fault, Kong," Kerkkrai said, shaking his head. "On the contrary, I'm very proud that you were brave enough to end this arrangement that would've brought you nothing but sadness."

"But the company's—"

"Kongphop, the company isn't as important to me as you are," Kerkkrai said. "I can handle any problem that arises in the company, but what I can't handle is seeing you sad in your life. What I really want to know is, what do you want to do with your life, and whom do you want to spend it with?"

"P'Arthit," Kongphop replied without hesitation as he looked straight into his father's eyes. "I want to be with P'Arthit. He's the only one I love and want to spend my life with."

Kerkkrai stared deeply into his son's eyes, searching for any doubt or uncertainty; finding none, he smiled warmly.

"Then good luck, my son. I wish you all the happiness in the entire world."

"Then, could you, please, convince Mom of that too?" Kongphop asked. "She's refusing to listen to me, and I'm so tired of arguing with her."

Kerkkrai sighed before he nodded his head. "I will see what I can do."

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When Phet returned to his house around 8 pm, he found Siriporn waiting for him in the living room. The old detective sighed, knowing that he was in for a long and most likely tough inquisition.

"Why haven't you gone home yet?" he asked casually as he threw himself on the couch, hoping that she would get the hint and leave him in peace.

"Where did you go?" she asked in return.

...Or not!

"I had an errand to do," he replied. "and I won't tell you what it is!" he continued, giving her a pointed look.

"I wasn't going to ask anyway," she remarked innocently, gaining a 'Yeah, right!' look from Phet.

"Where is Arthit?" Phet asked after a couple of moments of silence.

"He went to rest in his room shortly after your departure," Siriporn replied. "He said he was tired."

"Is he alone? How could you leave him by himself?" the man asked in panic, jumping to his feet, ready to rush to his son's room.

"N'Knott is with him," Siriporn said, rolling her eyes. "He's spending the night here."

Letting out a relieved sigh, Phet threw himself back on the couch, next to Siriporn. Closing his eyes, he leaned back and made himself comfortable.

Siriporn stared at the man intensely, noting how tired he suddenly seemed to look. It was a strange sight to her; one she wasn't used to. Phet always managed to appear strong, sturdy, and full of energy; no one could guess that the man was in his fifties. However, the past year seemed to have taken its toll on the man, and he looked worn off and much older than his actual age.

Siriporn clutched her hands into tight fists as the urge to run her fingers through Phet's hair and along his face threatened to overwhelm her. She bit her lower lip, trying hard to calm her heart that was beating like a drum inside her chest.

"I'm going home," She declared suddenly, standing up. "Make sure you rest well, P'!" without waiting for a reply, she left.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

Kerkkrai found his wife waiting for him in the living room with a tight disturbed expression on her face. She looked up at him as he approached her and spoke. "Did you talk to Kong?" she asked.

"About what?" he asked.

"About his matter with Mayuree and that man."

"He doesn't want to marry Mayuree, dear. Stop pestering him about this matter," he said with a deep sigh. "Arguing with him will not result in anything."

The woman frowned before she stood up. "I will not welcome that man into my family again," she declared. "Not only he had broken my only son's heart, but his connection to our family will cause a scandal!"

"Scandal?"

"Yes!" She said sharply. "Don't pretend that you don't know! Our son-in-law had told me everything about that man's scandalous actions in our family cabin! That man will ruin our family's reputation."

"Dear—"

"Why are you defending that scandalous strumpet?" She cut off. "Isn't enough what he had done on our property behind our backs?"

"It wasn't his fault!" Kerkkrai snapped. "He was kidnapped!"

"Ha! A likely story!" Mrs. Suthiluck snorted. "I bet that all this kidnapping business is some sort of scam to blackmail us!"

Kerkkrai squeezed his fists tightly as a wave of tremendous anger exploded inside of him, making him fully understand his son's anger earlier at his brother-in-law. Taking several breaths to calm himself down, the man glared at his wife.

"Stay out of Kong's personal life," he warned. "I will not you allow to meddle again with his happiness." And he walked away, leaving his wife gaping behind him.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

As soon as Siriporn left, Phet let out a relieved sigh. He honestly had prepared himself for a long and painful interrogation followed by a harsh even longer lecture from Siriporn; however, by some miracle, he was spared. Leaning deeper into the couch, the man threw his head back and closed his eyes, trying to calm down the frustration that had been building up inside of him.

After Arthit's discharge, he had hoped that his son would give them the name of the employee who lured him to that cabin so they could be done with this investigation, but since Arthit refused to talk, Phet and Gun had only one path to take.

FLASHBACK

Phet sat silently in front of Mr. Suthiluck in the latter's office, for some time, trying to gather his thoughts. He hadn't wanted to come to the man to ask for his permission to continue their investigation; however, desperate situations call for drastic measures. Without his son's cooperation and official police coverage, Phet and Gun were forced to use some alternative under-the-table methods.

"Mr. Suthiluck," Phet finally spoke, looking directly into the other man's eyes. "I've come here to ask for your help in our investigation."

"I've already expressed my will to help to Detective Gun, Detective Rojnapat," Kerkkrai said with a warm smile. "You didn't have to trouble yourself by coming all the way here to ask."

"I'm afraid the help that we currently require is more than you have in mind, Mr. Suthiluck," Phet said. "You see, due to certain circumstances, the investigation had been put on hold for an indeterminate period. However, stopping now would only mean that our chance in arresting the culprits would greatly decline." —Phet let a deep sigh— "We no longer can interview people or search sites freely, that's why we require your written consent to carry out our work in your company."

"I see," Kerkkrai said quietly before he seemed to be lost in deep thoughts. It took him several heavy minutes before he looked at Phet and Gun and nodded his head.

"I agree, Detectives," he declared. "I will give you the written consent that you want, and please feel free to ask me about anything. I'll be glad to be of any help."

"Thank you, Mr. Suthiluck," Phet said, nodding his head in gratitude.

"There is no need to thank me, Detective," Kerkkrai said. "Your son has a special place in my heart and my son's. I love him just as much as I love Kong." —he smiled— "But, can you tell me, please, why the investigation was put on hold?"

"Because your son-in-law complained to the Police Commissioner," Gun replied before Phet could stop him. "He accused me of harassing him and trying to tarnish his reputation, so the Commissioner and the Station Chief punished me by stopping my investigation."

Kerkkrai stared at the two with utter shock. "I'm sorry on behalf of my son-in-law, Detectives," he said after several minutes of silence. "I don't know why he did such a thing, but I promise to make him withdraw his complaint."

END OF FLASHBACK

Engulfed by his thoughts, Phet soon drifted to sleep on the couch in the living room.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

The next morning, Knott was surprised to see Phet, still in the clothes he was wearing yesterday, sleeping in the living room instead of his bedroom.

"Uncle Phet," Knott called softly, placing one hand on the elder's shoulder. "Uncle Phet, wake up."

Groaning softly, Phet opened one eye to see who dared to disturb his sleep. His eyes widened upon seeing Knott standing in front of him before he jumped to his feet.

"What happened?" he yelled frightenedly. "Did something happen to Arthit? Is he in pain?"

"Uncle Phet, calm down!" Knott exclaimed as he held the older man's arm, preventing him from dashing to Arthit's bedroom. "Arthit is alright. He's sleeping upstairs. I've woke you up because I saw you sleeping in the living room!"

Phet halted and looked around him, blinking in surprise as he realized that he was indeed in the living room instead of his room.

Letting out a relieved breath, the older man shook his head. "I must've slept without realizing it," he said. "What time is it, anyway?"

"7:30," Knott replied. "I have come down to see what I should make for Arthit's breakfast."

"It's too early for Arthit's breakfast," Phet commented. "I don't think he'll wake up soon."

"Still, I wanted to make sure that all the ingredients are available in the fridge."

Phet smiled. "Don't worry! Siriporn had stuffed the fridge and the cupboards with plenty of healthy bland food. She even got rid of all the stuff that Arthit isn't supposed to eat or drink."

At that moment, the door's bell rang.

"Speak of the devil," Phet sneered. "That's must be her!"

Smiling, Knott went to open the door while Phet collected his wallet that had fallen during his sleep off the floor.

"Good Morning, Mr. Rojnapat."

Phet tensed upon hearing the warm greeting. He looked up, and indeed, it wasn't Siriporn who stood beside Knott, it was none other than Kongphop.

"Good Morning," the older man replied tonelessly before he looked at Knott. "I'm going to my room, Knott. You boys make yourselves comfortable." With that, he turned around and left.

Kongphop sighed deeply in disappointment. It was clear to him that Phet didn't want him near Arthit, but the elder was forced to tolerate his presence for his son's sake. The young man wondered how on earth would Siriporn succeed in her plan to bring them together when Arthit's father was barely enduring his mere presence.

A warm hand was placed on his shoulder, snapping Kongphop from his thoughts. Looking at his senior, Kongphop saw Knott smiling at him.

"Would you like a cup of coffee?" the senior suggested softly.

"Yes," Kongphop replied with a smile of his own.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

"Why do you look so glum, Kongphop?" Knott asked as the two sat around the small kitchen table, drinking their coffee. "If it is about Uncle Phet, you don't need to worry too much. He'll come around sooner or later."

"Thank you, P'," Kongphop said with a small smile. "But the truth is I have a serious problem at work, and I don't seem to find a solution for it."

"Oh, care to elaborate?"

Kongphop narrated and explained the mess he had gotten his father into because of his irresponsible behavior towards Mayuree. He knew that he shouldn't have accepted his mother's advice to get engaged to the young woman in the first place and ultimately break her heart at the end.

"Wasn't there a penalty clause in the contract?" Knott, who seemed very interested in Kongphop's story, asked.

"There was, but since my dad considered Mr. Chansungnoen as family, he didn't stipulate an amount directly proportional to the size of the order," Kongphop replied. "He only asked for a symbolic sum. Add to that, since Mr. Chansungnoen had pulled out all his shares in the company, our actual loss had doubled."

"Umm..." Knott said as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a few moments before he spoke. "Was his order big?"

"Yes. Two thousand large pieces of plastic used in constructions."

"How many parts did your company finished making?"

"I'm not sure, but half of the order should be done by now," Kongphop replied.

Knott narrowed his eyes thoughtfully before he smirked to himself.

"Don't worry, Kongphop," he said. "Things will work out somehow."

Kongphop smiled at his senior, though he still couldn't figure out how.

"So," the younger man began after a short period of silence. "How is P'Arthit?"

"He's fine," Knott replied with a knowing smile.

"Did—did he sleep well last night?"

Knott shook his head. "He had nightmares all night long and kept waking up," the older man admitted. "at the end, he asked me to sleep next to him."

"Next to him?" Kongphop was surprised to hear that.

"Yes, but not too close, mind you. I didn't want to give a reason to panic," Knott explained. "And he held my hand all night for some reason. Only then he managed to sleep without waking up."

"Oh," Kongphop said before averting his gaze down to his half-empty cup.

Knott watched the younger man with amusement, contemplating whether he should tell him that during his sleep, Arthit mumbled his name a couple of times or not. Chuckling to himself, Knott decided to keep that little info to himself for the time being. The two sat in silence for some time before they heard Arthit's sleepy voice.

"Knott, where are you?" the former head-hazer asked sleepily as he entered the kitchen, rubbing his eyes. "I'm hungry."

"I'll make you breakfast right away, P'Arthit!" Kongphop said enthusiastically as he stood from his seat.

Upon hearing Kongphop's voice, Arthit froze at the entrance of the kitchen and blinked his eyes, seemingly surprised to see Kongphop here.

"Arthit, what are you standing there for?" Knott asked with a smug smirk on his face. "Come and sit."

Rolling his eyes, Arthit walked in and joined Knott at the table while Kongphop started cooking breakfast.

Knott side-glanced at the man sitting beside and smirked amusedly. His friend's head was bent, allowing his bangs to cover his eyes, but Knott could see that Arthit's eyes were glued on Kongphop as he moved about the kitchen.

'Over him, my foot!' the bulky man thought amusedly to himself, recalling his conversation with Arthit last night when the former head-hazer had profoundly claimed that he was over his ex-lover.

When he was done, Kongphop served them the breakfast he had cooked; steamed eggs and rice salad.

"Isn't there pink milk?" Arthit broke the silence as Kongphop placed the dishes in front of them along with some Almond milk. It's been a long time since he had drunk his favorite drink, and he was dying to taste the sugary beverage.

"I'm sorry, Arthit," Knott said. "P'Siri had cleared the fridge from your sugary treat and everything that you're not supposed to be eating or drinking."

"You can't drink pink milk anymore, P'Arthit," Kongphop said. "If you want, I'll buy you some non-fat, sugar-free strawberry milk."

Arthit frowned. "I want pink milk!" he said stubbornly as he stood up and headed to the fridge. Opening it, he was shocked to see that what Knott had said was true, and all his favorite drink, which his father made sure to keep a supply of, was gone.

"I told you that you wouldn't find any pink milk in the fridge, Arthit," Knott stated triumphally.

Arthit glared at the pair sitting at the table. "Fine," he said. "I'm going to buy some!"

Before he took one step forward, however, he found himself surrounded by his friend and his ex-lover.

"Arthit!" Knott said in a warning tone. "You're not going anywhere or buying anything. It's for your health!"

"But—"

"No buts, Arthit!" Knott said sharply. "Because of your medications, you're diabetes-prone. You can't eat anything too fatty or too sugary. Didn't your doctor tell you that?"

"He did," Kongphop replied, gaining a glare from Arthit.

"Now," Knott said in a tone that tolerated no argument. "You'll sit and eat your breakfast so you can take your meds. Later on, we're going for a jog!"

Arthit opened his mouth to protest but changed his mind after Knott shot him a stern look.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

They had just finished their breakfast when the doorbell rang. Kongphop went to answer it while Arthit and Knott cleared the table and washed the dishes.

Knott side-glanced at his friend and smiled. It was obvious that Arthit had been sulking since their little argument earlier. His stubborn friend had been silent since then, refusing to utter a single word to either of them, but Knott was confident that he would be able to break his friend's vow of silence soon. He would allow his friend a few moments of sulking before he tried to coax him out of his shell. Besides, he was sure that Arthit knew that he was scolded because Knott and Kongphop were concerned about his health.

"Good morning," Siriporn greeted cheerfully as she and Kongphop entered the kitchen. "Wow! I never dreamed of seeing i-Aoon up this early in the morning on a weekend day!"

Said man shot her a glare as he placed the last plate into the dish drying rack and dried his hand with a clean towel before he walked past the psychiatrist and left the kitchen.

Siriporn blinked before she looked questioningly at the two young men.

"He's sulking because we didn't allow him to have pink milk," Knott replied to Siriporn unasked question.

"Stubborn as his father," The psychiatrist commented with a sigh.

"I better follow him," Knott said before he followed his friend.

"Would like some breakfast, P'?" Kongphop asked. "I cooked it myself."

Siriporn smiled and nodded her head before she sat at the table.

"Wow!" she exclaimed as she ate the food that Kongphop had prepared. "That's delicious! I didn't know that you're a great cook, N'Kong! You're so talented!"

Kongphop blushed slightly at her praise. "Actually," he said softly. "Before I met P'Arthit, I couldn't fry an egg, but I learned how to cook for him."—He smiled fondly to himself— "I even told him that I would make him addicted to me and to my cooking. But I guess I failed in both accounts," he added softly.

Siriporn smiled, knowing a little too well how he must be feeling right now.

"You know what, I think, N'Kong?" she said. "I think that you and Oon are meant to be with each other. I'm sure of it!"

Kongphop smiled slightly at her.

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To Be Continued...

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I hope you like this chapter. To be honest, I'm not satisfied with it 100%, but since it's a filler chapter, I can let it pass.

Hopefully, in the next chapter, the action will resume!

See you all ^^