The alarm had been ringing for what felt like a century, yet the figure on the bed didn't budge. Cocooned from head to toe, he remained buried under a mountain of blankets, his face hidden from the world. Suddenly, firm footsteps approached. A hand reached out and sharply yanked the duvet away.
"Toffee, dear ... wake up. Wake up, dear."
Even at the sound of his mother's voice, Toffee only groaned and rolled over, his eyes squeezed shut in a final, desperate attempt to stay asleep.
"You'll be late for your first day at Phassakorn University, luk..."
"Mae... five more minutes," Toffee mumbled into his pillow. "I only slept for a few hours, krub."
"And whose fault is that? Who told you to stay up drinking with your father all night?" his mother teased, leaning over to pat his messy hair. "My son is all grown up now, yet he still can't get out of bed on his own."
"I'm awake, I'm awake!" Toffee finally snapped his eyes open. He sat up with a playful roll of his eyes, dragging the blanket around his shoulders like a cape.
"Mae, you can go now... I'll get ready, I promise."
"You need to hurry. Mok has been waiting downstairs for a long time."
"What?! Mok is already here?" Toffee's eyes widened in shock. He scrambled out of bed so fast he nearly tripped over his own feet. "Mae! Tell Mok I'll be down in a second!"
His mother laughed, heading toward the door. "Take your time, luk. Come down when you're done; I've already prepared breakfast for both of you."
"Okay, Mae! I'm moving!" Toffee shouted back, already diving toward his closet to grab his crisp, white university shirt.
The room was a testament to his passion, filled with sketches and canvases, with a separate area dedicated entirely to his paintings. On one wall, a framed photo hung prominently, showing a smiling Toffee alongside his parents and his older brother.
Toffee dashed into the bathroom, nearly skidding on the floor. As he grabbed his toothbrush, it slipped from his damp hand and clattered into the sink. He let out a long sigh, his shoulders sagging.
"What kind of day is this going to be?" he muttered. "Oh! I'm really going to be late!"
He lunged for the brush and started freshening up at lightning speed. After a record-breaking shower, he threw on his crisp university shirt.
Stepping in front of the mirror, he flashed a bright, infectious smile—the kind of look that could instantly lighten anyone's mood. His soft hair fell slightly over his beautiful, expressive eyes. He wasn't particularly tall, but he wasn't short either; he had a healthy, average build that radiated energy. Between his sweet smile and the genuine kindness in his eyes, he had a natural charm that drew everyone toward him—a boy who would help anyone without a second thought.
After a final check in the mirror, Toffee grabbed his phone and dashed downstairs, where his best friend was already waiting.
"Mok! Good morning!" Toffee beamed.
Mok sat on the couch, his long fingers adjusting a pair of expensive, designer glasses that framed his sharp features to perfection. He was the ultimate handsome introvert—a brilliant "study bug" who consistently sat at the top of his class. While he remained quiet and reserved with the rest of the world, he kept a special, mischievous side hidden away, reserved exclusively for his childhood friend.
Even though Toffee often grew annoyed with his constant badgering, Mok was the one who looked out for him most. After Toffee's own family, Mok was his primary protector, always one step ahead. The only catch? For such a clever and stoic introvert, he found a strange, endless joy in pushing Toffee's buttons, just to see his friend's predictable, sweet reaction.
"Oh, look who finally showed up," Mok sighed, crossing his arms.
"You're late. It's our first day, Toffee! You really need to abandon this habit of clinging to your bed. I can't even imagine what your future boyfriend will do—he'll have a hard time dealing with your sleeping habits."
Mok let out a mock-sulky huff.
"Oh! Mok! Did you really come here this early just to tease me?" Toffee laughed. "You really are something..." Without warning, Toffee lunged forward and pulled Mok into a bone-crushing hug, squeezing him until Mok could barely breathe.
"Toffee! Mok! Stop fighting and come eat," Toffee's mother called out from the dining area. "You guys are going to be late. Come quickly!"
"Mae..." Toffee started, sticking his tongue out at Mok. "Mae called me, otherwise I was going to—"
"What? What will you do, Luk Toffee?" Mok challenged with a smirk.
"Mok! Don't call me that! Mae! Mok is teasing me again!" Toffee turned toward his mother, his voice soft and whiny as he playfully complained about his friend.
"Eat slowly, Mok... there's plenty," Mae said with a warm smile, placing another dish on the table.
"Krub, Mae," Mok replied politely, his sharp edges softening for a moment.
Toffee narrowed his eyes at his friend. "Oh? Are you trying to be the perfect son now, Mok? Do you want to be my mother's favorite? Not even in your dreams!"
Mok didn't even look up from his rice. "Toffee, you're really not living up to your name today. Where's the sweetness?"
"Mae! See? Mok is being mean again!" Toffee whined, pointing a finger at his friend.
Mae laughed, clearly used to their bickering. "Actually, Mok, if you want to live here, you're more than welcome. I can talk to your mother for you."
"Really, Mae? That would be great," Mok teased, glancing at Toffee with a triumphant smirk.
Toffee's jaw dropped. He put on his best heartbroken face. "Mae! Now Toffee is really sad. Does Mae not want me anymore?"
"Oh, my baby," Mae cooed, reaching over to pinch his cheek. "Why are you sulking?"
Mok rolled his eyes so hard it almost hurt. "Toffee, can you stop with the clingy sweetness? Everyone knows you're her favorite. Honestly, I can't take this anymore."
"Fine! If you can't take it, then take this!" Toffee suddenly grabbed a glass of milk and shoved it toward Mok's lips, trying to force him to drink. "Eat your breakfast and shut up, Mok!"
"Wait—stop! Toffee!" Mok sputtered, dodging the splashing milk as they both devolved into laughter.
"Luk Toffee, Mok... listen to me," Mae said, her tone turning serious as they finished breakfast. "After your university ceremony , your luggage will already be waiting in the dorms. Everything has been arranged by us, so you can just head straight there. Make sure to call us once you've sorted everything out."
She turned to her son with a worried look. "Toffee, you must be careful. If someone asks for your help, make sure they are being genuine. Don't fall into any traps just because you're too kind."
"Mok, can you please take care of him for me?"
"Don't worry, Aunty. Leave him to me," Mok replied with a confident nod.
"And make sure you both eat on time, sleep on time, and—"
"Mae! I get it, I get it!" Toffee laughed, cutting her off before she could list a hundred more rules. "Is Pa still at the hospital? I know he had an emergency patient, otherwise, he would have been here to nag me too."
"Yes, your father is busy. But you both must come back this weekend! We're throwing a small party to celebrate your university acceptance. We've already discussed it with Mok's family."
"Mae, don't you need to get to the hospital too?" Toffee asked.
"Mmm, I do. I'll head out right after you two depart."
"Mae... I'm going to miss you so much!" Toffee pouted, lunging in for one last dramatic hug.
"Oh, Toffee! That's enough!" Mok groaned. He grabbed Toffee by the back of his shirt and started dragging him toward the car before the hugging could last another hour.
"Take care, my dears! Call me if you need anything!" Mae called out, waving from the porch.
"Bye, Mae! Bye, Aunty!" the boys shouted back.
"Drive safely, Mok!"
"Bye!"