Wittawin parked his motorcycle beside the large black Lexus and stared at it suspiciously. He couldn't help thinking it must belong to Teeradon—that man owned so many cars he wondered why one person needed to drive so many different vehicles.
But why was Teeradon here? What was he meddling with Pirayu about now?
Pirayu had said he'd gotten over Teeradon, and Teeradon himself had been pursuing him more aggressively than ever lately, declaring that he didn't love and would never choose his friend.
So why was he still bothering Pirayu?
Wittawin took long strides, hurrying toward Pirayu's office, sensing something was wrong. Teeradon's expression the last time he'd come pestering him had looked strange.
It took Wittawin less than half a minute to reach his friend's office. As expected, that car belonged to Teeradon. The tall, imposing figure of the man who'd entered their lives and turned everything upside down stood with his back to him, almost completely blocking Pirayu from view.
"Khun Don, what are you doing here?" Wittawin called out loudly as he approached.
Teeradon startled and turned around, looking flustered. Pirayu quickly turned away, but not fast enough to hide his tear-streaked face from Wittawin—the face that was usually bright with smiles was now crying.
"What did you do to Pirayu? Why are you bothering him again?" Wittawin's voice was sharp as he stepped closer, reaching out to pull Pirayu's arm from behind Teeradon, who quickly raised his hands to block him.
"I didn't do anything. I just came to discuss business with Khun Pirayu."
"Then why is he crying?" Wittawin's voice was harsh as he leaned to look at his friend, who stood with his head down, sobbing. "Pirayu, tell me what Khun Don did."
"Wittawin, what would I do to Khun Pirayu? You're looking for reasons to blame me the moment you arrive."
"Why wouldn't you? You waltz into people's lives and toy with their love and hearts. You have no idea how much pain you cause them." Wittawin spoke while jabbing his finger hard against Teeradon's chest.
"Win, that's enough." Pirayu quickly intervened, raising his hand to wipe away tears. He took a deep breath, forcing a smile.
"Step back." Wittawin ordered Teeradon, who easily moved aside.
"Let's go." Wittawin grabbed his friend's wrist and pulled him along, then turned to speak to Teeradon with a stern voice. "Stay out of my friend's life. Don't hurt Pirayu anymore."
"Win," Pirayu protested. "Khun Don didn't..."
"Didn't hurt you? Then why were you crying?"
"Because the landowner wants the school property back," Teeradon answered on behalf of the school owner.
"Khun Don, please don't," Pirayu quickly stopped him.
Wittawin spun around to stare at Pirayu in disbelief. He heard Teeradon's voice saying, "Khun Pirayu, why hide it from your friend when Wittawin is..."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Wittawin interrupted, ignoring whatever else Teeradon was going to say. "Why did you tell him but not me? Why does he know but I don't?"
"I didn't want to..." Pirayu frowned, looking uncomfortable, not knowing what to say.
"So you're crying because of this? I don't believe it." Wittawin's voice was cold, then he turned back to confront Teeradon. "I know my friend well. Pirayu is strong. Even if the school gets taken away, he would never cry. Don't try to mislead me into thinking Pirayu is crying over losing the school and not because you made him cry."
"Yes, I made Khun Pirayu cry. Are you satisfied now?" Teeradon's voice grew more intense. "But the truth is the truth. Your friend seems to have accepted reality."
"That's enough, Win. Just let it go." Pirayu pleaded, looking like he might cry again.
"Wait for me at the bike." Wittawin told Pirayu, his eyes unwavering.
"Win." Pirayu's lips parted, looking at Wittawin pleadingly because he didn't want any trouble.
"I'll settle this with him so he understands." Wittawin spoke softly, gently squeezing his friend's wrist, his eyes ice-cold.
Pirayu sighed, then walked away slowly with his head down, doing as Wittawin asked. Wittawin's gaze was resolute. Their long, close friendship and the way he'd always protected and cared for him made the young man obey without question.
Once Pirayu was gone, Wittawin turned to face Teeradon.
"You know I never intended to hurt Pirayu. I know he's a good person, and..."
"And he's like all the others you've had and discarded. A playboy like you just wants to try something new and different. Once you're satisfied, once you know the taste, you move on to someone else." Wittawin shot back, not waiting for Teeradon to explain.
"You see me in the worst light."
"I don't want you to hurt my friend."
"Is that so? You seem very concerned about Pirayu." Teeradon's voice carried an edge as he slowly narrowed his eyes, then spoke quietly, "Or are you concerned about yourself?"
"We're friends. I've always looked after and protected Pirayu." Wittawin continued speaking harshly, ignoring Teeradon's last comment.
"Will you protect him again this time? You can't do it, Wittawin. Pirayu loves me, but I don't love him. So naturally, he'll be hurt. You can't protect him from heartbreak. All you can do is comfort him."
"Anyone could love Pirayu. Someone so good, pure-hearted, sincere, gentle, and kind—anyone who gets close to him feels at peace. If you'd just give him a chance, open your heart a little, abandon your playboy ways—or at least cut them in half—and be willing to learn about each other more deeply, you could easily fall in love with Pirayu." Wittawin tried to persuade Teeradon.
"If you weren't in the picture, that might be true." Teeradon spoke slowly and clearly.
"Khun Teeradon..." Wittawin murmured softly.
"I'm not an object. Don't try to donate me to anyone." Teeradon's voice grew more intense as he stepped close to Wittawin. Taking advantage of the other man's stunned moment, he raised his hands to grip both of Wittawin's arms and pulled him closer.
"I love you. I don't love Pirayu. Even if you push me toward your friend or throw me away, can you be sure I'll go back to him?" Teeradon's voice softened, his tone completely different from moments before.
"Can you even love anyone?" Wittawin murmured as if speaking to himself.
"I do have a heart, Wittawin." Teeradon looked into the young man's eyes pleadingly. "You're the one who needs to give me a chance. Open your own heart and see me in a new light. If I weren't crazy about you, why would I keep chasing you? Why would I do all these foolish, senseless things that normal people wouldn't do? I don't invest this much effort or try this long just to get someone and then throw them away."
***