The day the doctor told PiSaeng that Botkawi was finally recovering from his illness was the happiest day in PiSaeng's life. His boyfriend was out of danger's way, and PiSang would no longer have to worry about Botkawi not waking up.

However, one week later, the doctor informed PiSaeng that Botkawi would never speak again.

"It's rare for tractotomy patients to be able to talk after their surgery because of the tube's location," the doctor explained. "Your boyfriend is lucky that he's alive, but his ability to talk may never return."

PiSaeng couldn't believe what he'd heard. His beloved Botkawi—his cute babbling, sweet voice and charming laughter—wasn't going to talk again?

PiSaeng knew he had to break the news to Botkawi gently. But he also knew how sensitive Botkawi was. PiSaeng needed to make sure Botkawi didn't panic.

PiSaeng slowly walked into Botkawi's hospital room with a bouquet of flowers. Botkawi smiled brightly upon seeing the flowers and gave PiSaeng a thumbs up. PiSaeng sat on Botkawi's bed and ran his fingers through Botkawi's silky brown hair.

"You'll be getting discharged soon," PiSaeng said, smiling. "We can finally go back home to our cozy house."

"Alr-" Botkawi tried to talk but could not finish his sentence. He pointed at his throat and sighed in frustration.

PiSaeng looked at his boyfriend sympathetically and rubbed Botkawi's back. "It's okay, babe," PiSaeng said. "I'm here for you. You know I'll always be here for you no matter what."

Botkawi frowned. He could tell that his boyfriend was hiding something from him, but he wasn't sure what. He wanted to ask PiSaeng, but he couldn't speak. He snatched his phone and typed "what's wrong?". He showed the message to PiSaeng.

PiSaeng stared at the message. He did not know how to reply. Botkawi looked at his boyfriend suspiciously.

"Do you have something to tell me?" Botkawi typed. He shoved his phone in front of PiSaeng.

PiSaeng gulped. His palms were sweating and he was shaking slightly. He couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't keep it a secret anymore. He had to tell Botkawi everything.

"I don't know how to tell you this, but..." PiSaeng began.

Botkawi stared at PiSaeng, anticipating the news.

"You won't be able to speak ever again," PiSaeng blurted out.

Botkawi's eyes widened. He shook his head in disbelief. He grabbed his phone and typed "are you kidding me?".

"I'm sorry, but I'm serious," PiSaeng said. "The doctor told me you won't be able to speak because of your tractotomy. It's so close to the vocal cords that the procedure can permanently damage the vocal cords. I'm sorry, I really am."

Botkawi started to panic. He knew PiSaeng wouldn't lie to him—PiSaeng loved him too much to lie to him—but he couldn't accept the fact that he would never speak again.

"No, it can't be," Botkawi tried to say. He shook his head violently. "No, no, no!" he shouted. "NO!" Instead, a hiss similar to a snake's hiss came out of Botkawi's mouth. He began to throw a fit, but PiSaeng hugged him tightly and tried to calm him down.

"I'm here, babe," PiSaeng said, crying. "I'm here for you. We can get through this together, okay? I'm not going to leave you! I'll be here for you no matter what."

Botkawi struggled to break free from PiSaeng's hug but failed. He began to cry and sniffle. PiSaeng wiped Botkawi's tears away and kissed his boyfriend on the cheek.

"I promise I won't leave you," PiSaeng said.