Friday morning, Toey requested permission from his boss to come in late, citing the need to handle vehicle registration paperwork. The reality? His errand lay at a kindergarten—one belonging to someone who might soon stand in the way of his romantic aspirations.
Pirayu looked surprised when Toey appeared at his workplace. After brief pleasantries, the straightforward young secretary cut to the chase.
"Khun Pirayu," Toey began, his voice steady, "I want to ask you something directly. Between Khun Teeradon and Khun Sarayoot, who would you choose?" He paused, then continued, "Don't think I'm being rude—I just want everything to be clear. If you choose Khun Yoot, I'll step back because whoever comes first should get first chance. But if you still have something with Khun Teeradon, then I think I deserve a fair shot with Khun Yoot too."
"There's nothing between me and uncle Yoot," Pirayu replied softly.
"That's what I thought." Toey nodded knowingly. "But seeing you go out with Khun Yoot left me confused, wondering what exactly was going on."
"I had things to discuss with him," Pirayu explained.
"I love Khun Yoot," Toey admitted bluntly. "Whether he loves me back, I'm not entirely sure. But if Khun Yoot doesn't have any distractions, I believe it won't be long before he might..."
"I understand," Pirayu interrupted. "Uncle Yoot is a good person. You'd be incredibly lucky to have him as your boyfriend."
"I know coming to talk to you might seem selfish, but I couldn't wait. I can't bear sitting around worrying that the person I love will become someone else's—someone who's better than me in every way."
"You can put your mind at ease," Pirayu replied with a gentle smile.
"But Khun Win seems to be rooting hard for you and Khun Yoot," Toey said, his expression troubled.
"Win just thinks we're compatible—first because we've known each other before, second because we have similar personalities, and because he wishes his friend well. He wants to see his friend happy." Pirayu spoke warmly, his face brightening at the mention of his dear friend.
"There's nothing wrong with Khun Win loving his friends, but Khun Pirayu," Toey's tone turned serious, "compatibility and love don't always go hand in hand. Sometimes we have to choose between them."
"Can we really choose?" Pirayu asked quietly, as if speaking to himself.
"Of course we can. You're a good person—gentle, refreshing, cheerful. Do you know what Khun Don told me? That being with you makes him feel at peace, relaxed, and happy. That's a good sign for any relationship." Toey's voice carried encouragement. "But you have to understand that Khun Don used to be quite the player. It might take some time for my boss to adjust into being a good man. But I can tell you, having worked closely with him—this past month or so, Khun Don seems different. He's matured, been through various experiences. I know he's grown tired of the superficial thrills that come with being, well, a player, and now he wants something more serious. Not just tasting desserts, but having a real meal."
"Khun Don probably doesn't want bland soup—he'd prefer spicy tom yum," Pirayu laughed softly, unable to help thinking of Wittawin. Compared to him, his friend had much more color and vibrancy. Even someone like Toey seemed more interesting. How could someone like him possibly satisfy Teeradon's appetite for something more flavorful?
"Khun Pirayu, have you ever heard that gentleness and softness can calm a person's madness? Khun Don is like someone who's lost his senses. Your tenderness could bring a crazy person back to their right mind. Your goodness could make Khun Don become truly human." Toey's voice carried firm conviction, though he himself wasn't entirely certain.
Who would want to take on Teeradon anyway? A man like a blazing bonfire. Could someone cool like ice, like Pirayu, really extinguish Teeradon's flames?
But Wittawin is like gasoline. He wanted to compare Wittawin to gasoline. If those two fell in love, they might truly burst into flames, but soon enough they'd burn out. Before long, Teeradon might quarrel with Wittawin and end up breaking up. Pirayu would be the cool water that could soothe the heat and bring lasting relief...
"I don't dare think I'm capable of such a feat. Khun Don has his own principles," Pirayu replied with his characteristic gentle smile.
"Khun Pirayu, fight for it a little," Toey urged. "Goodness can win over my boss's heart. Virtue always triumphs over vice." Toey positioned his boss as the side of vice.
Teeradon with Pirayu, Wittawin paired with Baramee, and Sarayoot coming to him. Remember this, Toey—see? Everyone gets paired up. No losers, only winners. This is perfect, because if Teeradon goes with Wittawin, who would Pirayu be paired with? Not with him, that's impossible. If not with Sarayoot, then Baramee. But if Pirayu goes with Sarayoot, then what about him? Take Baramee? Never. But if Pirayu goes with Baramee, then he could be with Sarayoot...
But Baramee likes Wittawin. Those two are close in age and intimate friends. Going from friends to lovers—nothing could be more perfect than that. If Wittawin would just open his heart a little more, loving Baramee would be easier than getting Baramee to change his mind and look at Pirayu, who loves Teeradon...
Pirayu is loveable. Anyone who's with him would probably fall in love easily. Even Teeradon seems happy when talking about Pirayu. When he mentions the sweet-smiling young man who makes the world seem bright and cheerful, Teeradon appears gentle—unlike when he acts all huffy with Wittawin. That's just wanting to win...
This is the most perfect arrangement. Trust me—Toey never fails at anything. I'll be everyone's cupid...
***
Baramee walked into the pub and headed straight for Toey. Tonight, he was surprised that Toey had asked to meet about important business, but when he heard what his former lover had to say, he let out a heavy sigh of worry.
"Why? Think it won't work? This is the most perfect arrangement." Toey spoke to Baramee after explaining everything. "Think about it, Baramee. You and Wittawin are perfect for each other. Khun Teeradon needs someone cool like Pirayu to help ease his madness. Khun Yoot needs me to add color to his life."
"But will Teeradon agree? I think he likes Win quite a lot," Baramee said quietly, frowning, admitting his considerable worry.
"Are you telling me you've giving up. Give up before even fighting?" Toey pouted. "Really disappointing. Want to know something? Khun Don was just trying to defeat Wittawin, then toss him aside—that's all."
"I never said I was giving up," Pamorn's voice turned sharp, his eyes flashing up to meet the other's gaze.
"Then go get Wittawin as your boyfriend," Toey's voice was equally sharp. "Do you remember your promise? You said you'd do anything to make amends to me. Now I'm calling in that debt."
Baramee nodded, telling himself that wanting to claim Wittawin as his own wasn't because he owed Toey a debt, but because he truly wanted it to be so.
Him and Wittawin. From friends to lovers...
***