Faye leaned back in her seat, gazing out the window as the plane cruised high above the clouds, her thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Meeting Yoko the day before had been everything she had hoped for and more. From Yoko's gentle warmth and shy, endearing smiles to the way her family had so effortlessly embraced Faye, it had all made her feel like she truly belongedâsomething she hadn't expected, especially given how often she had felt alone on business trips. It was a stark contrast to the isolation she had grown so accustomed to.
"I don't want to leave," Faye thought, her heart aching with the desire to stay. Every fiber of her being longed to cancel her meeting in Cambodia and spend the day with Yoko instead. She wanted to be near her, to bask in the comfort and connection she had never realized she was missing. But the reality of her responsibilities weighed heavily on her. Her work had always been her anchor, an unyielding force that had shaped her life in ways she could never fully escape. Yet, for the first time, she found herself questioning whether all those years of sacrificeâof choosing work over everything elseâwere truly worth it. Was it worth giving up moments like this for the sake of deadlines and obligations?
Her fingers tightened around the armrest, torn between the life she had always known and the unexpected pull of something more meaningful.
---
The meeting in Cambodia wasn't just any meeting. It was the one Faye had been putting off for months, and yet she couldn't shake the feeling that it was more important than she'd initially realized. Becca Armstrongâ"Becca," as she preferredâwas a half-Thai, half-British fashion designer with a rising brand that specialized in sustainable winter wear. Becca had been persistent, reaching out to Faye multiple times about collaborating with Faye City. The way Becca's values aligned with Faye's own dedication to sustainability made the partnership incredibly tempting, especially with the opportunity to expand her brand on a global scale.
When Faye arrived at the sleek, modern meeting room, Becca was already waiting for her, standing up with a warm, genuine smile that immediately put Faye at ease. "Faye, it's such a pleasure to finally meet you," Becca greeted, her voice a charming mix of British refinement and Thai lilting tones. There was something undeniably magnetic about her. She had dark hair pulled into a sleek ponytail, and her tailored suitâfitted perfectly to her frameâgave off a polished yet approachable vibe.
Faye returned the smile, shaking Becca's hand firmly. "The pleasure is mine," she replied, her voice steady, though she couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. "I've heard a lot about your brand. I'm really impressed by your commitment to sustainability."
Becca's face lit up, her eyes twinkling with a spark of genuine appreciation. "That means so much coming from you," she said, gesturing toward the seat across from her. "I've been following Faye City for years. Your designs are stunning, and your philanthropic initiatives are truly inspiring."
Faye smiled back, touched by the compliment, though her mind was already focused on the work at hand. She was eager to dive deeper into the details. As they both settled in, the conversation flowed effortlessly, guided by their shared passion for fashion and social responsibility. Becca began outlining her vision for a winter collection that would blend traditional Thai textiles with modern, sleek silhouettes. Faye's curiosity was piqued. She could already envision how the pieces might look, the fusion of cultures creating something innovative and meaningful.
As the discussion went on, Becca's enthusiasm grew, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She leaned forward slightly, her voice gaining an edge of anticipation. "I think this could be groundbreaking, Faye. Two women, from different parts of the world, coming together to create something that speaks to unity and sustainability. It's more than just fashion. It's a statement. What do you think?"
Faye nodded slowly, her mind racing with possibilities. The collaboration felt like the perfect blend of everything she had worked forâcreativity, global impact, and a shared vision of making a difference. "I think we can make something incredible, Becca," she said, her tone filled with conviction. "Let's move forward with this."
There was a brief, meaningful silence before Becca broke into a wide grin. "OMG! I really hoping you'd say that" she laughed, and in that moment, Faye knew this partnership was going to be more than just business. It was going to be something extraordinary.
She stood up alongside Namtan and Becca's assistant, shaking their hands before they left. Just as they were about to head out, Becca spoke up. "I really want to dive into this project as soon as possible," she said, her enthusiasm evident. Faye couldn't agree more. In a playful moment, she joked, "Well, you could come with us to Thailand to set up everything you need when we head back tonight."
To Faye's surprise, Becca laughed and immediately agreed. "Why not? To hell with the seminar! I'm so excited for this. I can always attend more seminars in the future," she said, her excitement contagious. With that, she enthusiastically agreed to join Faye in Thailand.
Meanwhile, Back in the Hotel Room
Sonya pressed a damp cloth to her forehead, the dull ache from her sleepless night refusing to fade. Faye had insisted she take a rest, noticing how unwell she seemed.
Sonya hesitated for a moment, but Faye reassured her that she and Namtan could handle things, so she reluctantly agreed. She went back to her room to rest, hoping to finally get some sleep. But just as she was about to close her eyes, her phone buzzed with a notification. It was a TikTok live shared by her sister.
The caption caught her attention immediately: "Your Favorite Stars with Freen and Yoko Fundraising Live."Â She tapped on the link, curious despite her exhaustion. The screen filled with a lively scene:
Yoko and Freen sitting with a group of artists, their energy infectious as they bantered and encouraged viewers to donate. The goal was nobleâraising funds for typhoon victimsâand Sonya admired their dedication.
Her admiration quickly soured when she noticed one of the male artists, taking liberties with his comments. His humor veered into uncomfortable territory as he read aloud a viewer's suggestion.
"I'll donate 1,000 baht if P'Eron kisses Yoko on the cheek," he said with a sly grin.
Yoko's wince was subtle but telling. Sonya's brows furrowed, her instincts kicking in. She watched as Freen's expression shiftedâher usually composed demeanor replaced by a sharp arch of her brow. The teasing escalated, and though Yoko tried to remain polite, it was clear to anyone paying attention that she was uncomfortable.
Sonya immediately called P'Lookmhee, who had coincidentally given her number during Yoko's graduation celebration. It wasn't something Sonya had asked for; Lookmhee had been flirting with her all night, playfully grabbing her phone and entering her number with a cheeky grin.
When Lookmhee answered, Sonya wasted no time identifying herself. Lookmhee sounded momentarily surprised but didn't dwell on it, sensing the urgency in Sonya's voice.
"Hey, what's up? Is everything okay?" Lookmhee asked.
"Lookmhee, I'm watching the live," Sonya said urgently. "Yoko looks uncomfortable. Can't she leave early?"
Lookmhee hesitated. "She still has an hour left. We've talked to her, but Yoko insists on finishing the event for the fundraiser."
Sonya frowned, frustration evident in her voice. "If it's about the money, I'll donate 1 million baht. End the live."
Lookmhee, who obviously sounded surprised, replied, "That's generous, but the organizers require all donations to be declared publicly for transparency. You'll need to comment during the live."
Sonya opened her mouth to reply, but her words froze as the situation on the screen took a sudden, ugly turn. Eron leaned in for what should have been a simple cheek kiss from Yoko, he turned his head, forcing Yoko into an unwanted kiss on the lips. The tension in the room erupted, with Freen rushing to pull Yoko back, and the comment section exploding in outrage.
@fanofYoko: WHAT WAS THAT??? ð¡ð¡
@ForYoko: Did he justâ? That's NOT okay!
@Freenstan12: FREEEEN protect Yoko!! ð
@TeamYokoFreen: Someone stop this live NOW. This is crossing a line!
@angryviewer: Who is this guy, and why is he still there?? Unacceptable!
@soulmatevibes: This is harassment. Yoko didn't consent!
@KpopQueen86: I'm disgusted. Poor Yoko ð¢
@supportFayeCity: organizers, DO SOMETHING! This isn't what we came to support.
Sonya's jaw tightened as her fury crystallized into action. Grabbing her laptop, she typed out a comment in bold, clear terms:
@SonyaOfficial:Â "Faye City pledges 5 million baht to the typhoon victims. But this live ends now.
@SonyaOfficial: I'm currently on a call with Lookmhee, the CEO of Yoko's agency. She is just as furious as I am and wants everyone to know that the agency will be suing Eron and holding the organizers accountable for allowing this to happen."
The comment appeared on the screen for all to see, sparking a cascade of reactions as Lookmhee and Freen immediately ushered Yoko out of the studio and guided her directly into Lookmhee's car.
"Wait, what's happening? Did Faye City just donate 5 million baht to stop the live because Yoko was being harassed?"
"Omg! Faye City donated 5 million baht to save Yoko from Eron!"
"Faye City = Faye Malisorn brand ð"
"Omg Sonya, thank you for doing this! Where is Faye?"
"Yes Sonya, get him girl! That Eron should be put in jail!"
"So proud of Faye City for standing up for Yoko!"
"This is crazy! Faye City's donation was such a powerful move!"
"Thank you, Sonya, for making this happen! We're all behind Yoko."
"Faye City rocks! 5 million baht donation to protect Yoko â so important!"
"Eron's actions were disgusting! Thank you for letting us know the agency is taking action! #CancelEron #EndTheLiveNow
"Yoko's agency stepping in is so important!"
@SonyaOfficial Thank you for speaking out! Eron's behavior was unacceptable. We're with Yoko!
Eron needs to be stopped! The organizers too! This should never have happened!
Before Sonya closed her laptop, she couldn't help but notice how pale the man had become, his earlier confidence now completely gone. The organizers had just made an announcement of apology and ended the live stream. Moments ago, he had been overconfident, even smug, as if nothing could touch him. But now, his arrogance had vanished, replaced by an unmistakable air of unease.
---
When Faye returned to the hotel later that evening, Sonya was already waiting for her, ready to fill her in on everything that had transpired during the live stream. Faye listened intently as Sonya recounted the events, but with every word, her expression darkened. The usual calm and collected demeanor Faye was known for shifted, replaced by a rare and unmistakable flash of anger.
"He turned his head deliberately?" Faye asked, her voice cold, barely concealing the fury that simmered beneath the surface.
Sonya nodded solemnly. "Yes. Yoko was in shock, and Freen was furious. But the fans rallied behind her, and Lookmhee handled the situation well after we stepped in."
Faye's fists clenched at her sides, her breath quickening with the rush of emotions surging through her. "I'm going to make sure this doesn't happen again. Not to Yoko, not to anyone."
Sonya placed a steadying hand on her shoulder, grounding her. "You already did, Faye. Your name means something. And tonight, you protected her in a way that no one else could."
Faye met Sonya's gaze, her jaw tight with determination. She knew Sonya was right, but the protective fire in her burned brighter than ever. "I'll make sure Yoko knows that too," she murmured softly, almost to herself. "She deserves to feel safe, to shine without fear of being undermined."
Sonya smiled gently, pride evident in her expression. "And you'll make sure she does. You've already done so much for her, Faye."
Faye's resolve only grew stronger. She would never let anyone dim Yoko's lightânot now, not ever. She would always stand by her, a constant shield, offering unwavering protection and support. With that thought, she nodded appreciatively at Sonya. "Thank you for stepping up today. It meant a lot to meâand to Yoko."
Sonya gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I'm just glad I could help. But you, Fayeâyou're the one who's always there when it counts."
A wave of gratitude washed over Faye. She knew they made a strong team, but her connection with Yoko made everything feel even more significant. Together, they would ensure Yoko would never face anything like this again.
"Let's go back to her," Faye said firmly, her eyes determined. She had a lot on her mind, but there was something about Yoko that always pulled her focus back.
"I've already informed the pilot," Sonya replied. "The driver will pick us up in an hour."
Faye's gaze softened slightly, and without a word, she pulled Sonya into a tight hug. "What would I do without you?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.
Sonya chuckled, returning the embrace with a playful tap on Faye's back. "Let's not find out, okay?" she replied with a smile, her tone light but sincere.
Sonya meant every word when she said she had Yoko's back. To her, everyone who was important to Faye was just as important to her. Faye had always stood by her, through every challenge and triumph, and Sonya felt an unshakeable loyalty to her in return. Over the years, their bond had become more than just friendshipâit was family. She had always wanted the best for Faye, and now, she saw that in Yoko.
Sonya could see how Yoko made Faye happy in ways no one else had. She brought out a light in Faye that no one else could, and for Sonya, that was enough. She would do whatever it took to protect that happiness, to ensure that Yoko remained a constant in Faye's life. And if Yoko was the key to that happiness, then Sonya would stand by her just as fiercely, always.
As they pulled apart, Faye's heart swelled with appreciation for Sonya's unwavering loyalty and support. It wasn't just about protecting Yokoâit was about standing together, through anything and everything, for the people they cared about most.
Faye paused for a moment, her fingers absently tapping the edge of the table as she gathered her thoughts before filling Sonya in on the meeting she had just had with Becca.
Sonya's eyes widened with surprise. "Wait, Becca's coming with us?"
Faye nodded, her expression growing more animated. "Yep. She'll be staying in Thailand for at least two months. She'll be working remotely, but her involvement is crucial. We really need her expertise and vision to make this project work. Becca sees this as a huge opportunity, so she's putting everything else on hold to give it her full focus. While we're heading back, she'll be coordinating with the team from there."
Sonya blinked, clearly impressed. "Wow. That's a big commitment. Must be an exciting project if Becca's willing to put everything else aside for it."
Faye's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Definitely. I love her energyâshe's so sharp and driven. She really aligns with what we're doing here. I think her vision is exactly what we need to take this project to the next level."
Just as Faye was about to say more, the door opened, and Namtan walked in, followed by Becca and two other peopleâone of them was her assistant, and the other was a designer. They were all carrying luggage, looking like they are ready to leave.
Faye stood up to greet them, smiling warmly as she introduced them to Sonya. "This is Sonya," she said, "my COO." Sonya returned the greeting with a friendly smile, clearly already intrigued by the team that was starting to come together.
The girls exchanged small talk, catching up as they waited for their driver to arrive and take them to Faye's private jet. The anticipation in the air was palpable. Thailand, the project, and the growing excitement about what was to comeâall of it felt like it was building to something big.
But despite the whirlwind of work ahead, Faye couldn't help but think of one thing: Yoko. The thought of being back by her side gave her a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
---
Yoko had barely registered P'Lookmhee ushering her out of the studio. The incident with Eron still lingered in her mind, a blur of unwanted touches and powerlessness. Seated in the back of the car, P'Freen beside her, Yoko remained silent, her lips trembling as she tried to hold herself together. Lookmhee, seated in the passenger seat, glanced back frequently through the rearview mirror, her brows knit in concern.
The silence stretched, heavy and oppressive, until Lookmhee finally broke it.
"Yoko," Lookmhee's voice wavered. "I'm so sorry about what happened today. I... I feel like I failed you." Her tone carried the weight of guilt, her eyes glistening as she turned to meet Yoko's gaze.
Yoko closed her eyes and exhaled a shaky sigh. "It's not your fault, P'Lookmhee," she murmured. "I chose to stay. I thought raising funds was worth it. Maybe if I had stopped him the first time, this wouldn't have happened. I..." Her voice faltered, and the dam broke. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched her chest. "I just wanted to help."
P'Freen pulled her into a comforting embrace. "Stop blaming yourself, Yoko," she said firmly, her voice tinged with both anger and compassion. "It's not your fault that man was a predator. It's not your fault he harassed you or kissed you without your consent."
Lookmhee turned in her seat, her eyes fierce. "Yoko, Freen's right. None of this is your fault. And I swear, everyone responsible will be held accountableâespecially Eron. I'll make sure of it, even if it's the last thing I do."
Freen chimed in, her tone more curious now. "Wait, is it true? Are you suing him? And... did Sonya really call you?"
Yoko looked up, her teary eyes reflecting surprise. "Sonya called you?"
Lookmhee nodded, offering a small, bittersweet smile. "Yes, she called me. She said she was watching the live stream and noticed Yoko looked uncomfortable. She even offered me a million Baht to stop the broadcast. But before we could act, the incident happened."
"She offered what?" Freen gasped, wide-eyed.
"And then," Lookmhee continued, "Sonya commented during the chaos, pledging five million baht to end the stream immediately."
Yoko's jaw dropped, her teary eyes widening in disbelief. "Five million?"
"That's not all," Lookmhee added. "She asked me if we were suing Eron. When I said we were considering it, she threatened to file charges herself if we didn't. Honestly, I've never heard her so furious."
Freen smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "Wow, Sonya is all in, huh? But... what about Faye? Did she know?"
Lookmhee shook her head. "Sonya mentioned Faye was still in a meeting during all this. But I'm sure she knows now."
Hearing this, Yoko immediately started searching for her phone. "Where's my bag?" she asked urgently.
"It's probably still in the makeup room," Lookmhee said. "I was in such a rush earlier, I didn't think to grab it. I'll call Maye to check."
Thankfully, our makeup artist managed to secure both mine and P'Freen's bags, and she offered to bring them to us. Lookmhee gave her the address of our hotel, where my parents are staying. They're still there, at the hotel we stayed at last night, because apparently, P'Faye asked them to stay until they return. This confused Yoko, though, since her parents were supposed to stay at her apartment until her birthday before heading back to the province.
Arriving at the hotel, Yoko was met with tearful embraces from her mother, father, and siblings. Her mother clung to her tightly, whispering reassurances, while her younger brother, Bambam, fumed, only calming down when their father intervened.
"Let the adults handle this," her father said firmly, his protective tone laced with quiet anger.
Nana, her younger sister, updated them on the media frenzy. The incident had become a nationwide headline, with breaking news banners detailing Eron's despicable behavior and Faye City's extraordinary donation.
Yoko, still in shock, stayed mostly silent. Though her family's love and concern comforted her, her thoughts kept drifting to Faye. How had she managed to rally support so quickly? How had she come to value her so much?
Overwhelmed, Yoko excused herself, asking her mother to wake her when her phone arrived.
Her mom nodded in understanding. "Nana told me earlier that Faye called her when she couldn't reach you."
Yoko sighed in frustration, regretting leaving her phone behind. She now desperately wanted to hear Faye's voice. "Ma, Can you ask Nana to come to my room please?" she asked.
Nana came to her room but as they tried to call Faye, unfortunately, couldn't get in touch with her now. "She's probably on her way back," she said, trying to reassure Yoko.
That thought gave Yoko a glimmer of hope. After everything that had happened, she realized just how much she longed to hear from Fayeâto feel close to her. Her presence was the only one she craved. Maybe hearing her voice would bring her some comfort. With that thought, Yoko finally drifted off to sleep.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Hey beautiful people! As always, thank you so much for all the love and support. This chapter is dedicated to @bbookishbelle, @GrumpyOmega, and @OhCrap6 â thank you for your kind comments!
And to everyone who voted, read, added this story to your reading list, and followed my account, I'm so grateful! A special shoutout to @AlonaDelosSantos070, @OhCrap6, @thirlwallslvr, @zhaimagalang, @itsmeSimang, @kTDOTC, @magda1102 and @ LiJenKM.
I've got a question for everyone: Who is your favorite Thai GL couple, or what's your favorite Thai GL series? Maybe you'll inspire me for my next novel! If you guys didn't know, this will be an interconnected series. I'm trying to write a novel for every Thai GL couple I adore.
And speaking of Thai GL, is anyone watching MATE The Series? I'm absolutely loving it. I think I might be in love with Grace/Gen, haha!