I reached Chak's office. I knocked and entered. He was standing by the window, looking out, his arms crossed over his chest.
"I see you and Taeng are real friends," he said, without turning around. "I'm giving you permission to tell him alone what you hear and what's going on. But warn him – everything you tell him must stay between the two of you."
"Understood, sir," I replied softly.
He turned to face me. His voice was softer this time, almost... personal.
"From now on, I want to know everything. Everything you're going through. I want to be someone you can rely on. Don't be afraid."
I swallowed and gathered my courage. "And when it's hard for you, I want you to come to me too. Even if it's in the middle of the night."
For a brief moment, the corners of his lips twitched, but he quickly became serious again. "Go back to work and stay reachable. When I text you, wait me by the car."
"Understood," I nodded and turned toward the exit.
Two hours later, I received a message: Be at the car in 10 minutes.nI was about to reply okay when, at that moment, his office door opened. He glanced at me briefly, and I gave him a small nod.
A few minutes later, I was already in front of the car. Chak was sitting in the driver's seat, opened the door, and silently gestured for me to get in. I sat down, and we drove off in silence. We didn't say anything, but the tension was pleasant. It felt… familiar.
When we arrived at his house, I automatically headed for the kitchen. Chak quietly followed me.
"We'll cook pad kra pao ," he said. "You'll be in charge of the vegetables and salad, I'll handle the meat and rice."
"Understood," I nodded and washed my hands.
We started chopping and preparing the ingredients. Sometimes our eyes met, and we quickly looked away. In the background, some Thai instrumental music played.
I watched him – how confidently he moved around the kitchen, how calmly he sliced the beef, as if he did this every day. He was completely in his element. And I... I was mesmerized.
One second of inattention – and I cut myself. "Ow!" I yelped as the knife sliced into my finger. Blood immediately started to flow.
Chak turned around instantly. He quickly took my hand and put it under cold water.
"Wait here," he said in a low, yet firm voice. He hurried out of the kitchen.
He returned with the first aid kit, gently wiped my finger, disinfected it, and carefully applied a bandage. For a moment, we just stared at each other. I looked into his eyes and whispered, "Thank you."
I was about to turn away, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him. Our bodies met. His embrace was warm, safe.
"I want one hug every day," he said quietly.
I smiled. "As you wish."
After a few moments, he slowly let me go and said in a serious tone, "Sit down. Watch me while I cook."
I obeyed. I sat down at the kitchen counter and watched him. His glances would occasionally drift toward me, and sometimes he gave a small smile. And for the first time in a long while, I felt something... I couldn't put into words.
Something that was only ours.