The morning sunlight spilled across my desk as I flipped through my notes, but my mind wasn't in college at all. My thoughts kept drifting to him — Anurak. Two weeks had passed since he had settled in, and every day with him had been like rediscovering life.
Sorren had already claimed Anurak as his own, and in return, Anurak had a softness in his presence that made the apartment feel alive.
As i came back to my apartment i tossed my bag onto the couch and sank onto the edge, staring at the ceiling. College had been the same blur it always was.
I picked up my phone and saw him sitting quietly on the sofa, Sorren curled around his feet. He looked up at me, eyebrows knit, waiting for what I was about to say.
"Hey…" I started slowly, "I… I wanted to ask you something."
Anurak tilted his head, sensing my tension. "What is it?"
I rubbed my neck, trying to find the words. "I… I want to bring you to my home this weekend. Meet my parents… my siblings."
For a second, he froze. Then he bit his lower lip, eyes wide. "Your… parents? Are… you sure? I mean… what if…"
"Nothing bad is going to happen," I interrupted, my own nerves surfacing in my voice. "I'm just… tense, okay? I never imagined… me having someone to bring home. And yet… I want you there."
He exhaled slowly, and I saw the tension in his shoulders ease a little. "I… I'll come. I'll try."
I smiled faintly. "You don't need to try. Just… be yourself."
Sorren barked happily, as if cheering us on, and I laughed softly, running a hand through Anurak's hair. "See? Sorren thinks it's a good idea."
His tail wagging frantically, clearly sensing my restlessness.
"Relax, boy," I murmured, smiling down at him. "We're going home."
Anurak sat quietly beside me, a book open but forgotten on his lap. His fingers absentmindedly traced the edge of the sofa. He seemed… nervous. I reached over, squeezing his hand.
"You don't need to worry," I said softly. "It's just my family. They're… warm. And they'll like you."
His gaze flicked up, eyes wide. "Warm… or… accepting?"
I chuckled, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead.
" Both" I said atlast
The drive to my parents' house was quiet, filled with the low hum of the city waking up for the weekend. I gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary, stealing glances at Anurak beside me. He kept his hands folded on his lap, staring at the passing streets, trying not to show the flutter of nervous energy in his chest.
"Hey," I said softly, reaching over to squeeze his hand. "We'll be okay. I promise. My Mama like I told you before, she's warm. My Pa… well… he's stern, but he's fair. And Kian and Kaew? They're going to adore you."
Anurak nodded, but his eyes betrayed the worry he couldn't hide. "What if I say something wrong?"
I chuckled softly, brushing my thumb along the back of his hand. "You won't. Just… be here. That's all I ask."
---
When we arrived, the familiar house loomed before us, warm and inviting, yet intimidating. I felt my chest tighten as I parked, stealing a quick glance at Anurak. He looked back at me, wide-eyed, hands fidgeting slightly. I gave him a reassuring nod.
The house looked just like always: warm, alive, smelling faintly of jasmine and fresh food. Mom appeared almost instantly, her face lighting up when she saw me.
"Kael! Welcome home honey!" she exclaimed, wrapping me in a tight hug. I laughed, hugging her back, feeling her warmth seep into me.
Then her gaze fell on Anurak. "And… who is this?"...
"Mama this is Anurak" I said looking at him.
" Hello dear.. welcome home" she said hugging him suddenly making him stunned
After getting inside ,
I swallowed, feeling the tension in my chest. I took a deep breath. "Mom…where is everyone I have something to tell you all."
The room fell quiet, the family pausing mid-laugh, mid-step. My heart pounded. " Guys there is something I wanna share with you all...this is Anurak…..and...he. is my… boyfriend."
A loud gasp from everyone then,
Silence.
I froze, eyes flicking nervously to each of them.
Then my mother's face softened,then her face becomes mixed with emotions , suddenly breaking the silence she said" Kael you should have told me before! I would have prepared something more… something special!..omg...atlast my son got a boyfriend" Her voice wavered with joy, warmth radiating from every word...she looked more excited than me.
Kian's jaw dropped, then a wide grin spread across his face. "You… really, Kael? He's… your boyfriend?"
I nodded, my own nerves melting into a shy smile.
Kian leapt forward, grabbing Anurak's hand in excitement. "Finally! Someone is actually here for my brother!"
Kaew squealed in delight, hugging me first and then Anurak. "At last! Someone to care for Kael! Someone to love him properly!"
I felt a weight lift from my chest as Anurak's nervousness eased. He nodded, a soft, shy smile tugging at his lips, meeting the warmth of my family's embrace.
But Pa, stern as ever, remained silent for a moment, observing quietly. I got tensed because he is not saying anything..
" Do u like coffe? , Anurak" he asked surprising all of us
"Yes," anurak answered, in a slow voice . "Maybe I could make you my special coffee.." Pa said making me chock on my water... Coffe... his special coffe...is this really my Pa..
I blinked, stunned. Anurak's eyes widened, a faint blush on his cheeks. I squeezed his hand under the table.
Mom rushed towards Anurak.. hugging him again..." Finally,welcome to our family Son
And now onwards call me Mama" she said excited
Anurak laughed , a mixture of nervousness and relief, as he allowed himself to be pulled into the fold of our family warmth.
---
Dinner passed in a blur of laughter, teasing, and stories. Kian refused to let Anurak off the hook without recounting every childhood anecdote about me, while Kaew teased me relentlessly, and Mom fussed over Anurak, asking if he'd eaten enough, if he liked the food, if he was comfortable.
Pa sat quietly at the head of the table, occasionally chiming in with a dry remark that made Anurak laugh. Slowly, the tension melted completely.
---
Later, as we cleared the table, I pulled Anurak aside. "See? Nothing to worry about."
He nodded, still catching his breath from all the attention. "They're… amazing. Your family…" His voice trembled slightly. "They really… welcomed me."
I smiled, brushing my thumb along his knuckles. "Of course they did. You're mine, Anurak. And now… you're part of the family too."
He looked at me, eyes glistening. "Part of your family… and part of your heart," he whispered.
I leaned closer, letting my forehead rest against his. "Forever," I murmured. "Every bit of it."
Sorren barked happily, circling us like a guardian, and I laughed softly. The warmth, the chaos, the love around us… it felt like a lifetime finally settled in one perfect moment.
---
By the time the night deepened, the laughter had faded into quiet conversation. I watched Anurak carefully, noticing the way he relaxed, the way he finally let go of the tension in his shoulders. I felt a swell of love, pride, and relief.
He looked at me, voice soft, almost afraid to speak too loudly. "Kael… thank you. For this… for them… for everything."
I held him close, pressing a gentle kiss to his temple. "No need to thank me. You're home now. And I… I'll never let you go."
And in the quiet of the night, surrounded by my family's warmth and laughter echoing softly in memory, I realized — introducing him wasn't terrifying, it was freeing.
Because finally, he belonged. And so did I.