CH-24

One Week Later...

Meen took a deep breath before ringing the doorbell of Orm's house, feeling a bit nervous but firm in the decision he had made. After a few seconds, the door opened, revealing a middle-aged man with a warm expression—Orm’s father, Tanakorn.

"Meen?" Tanakorn greeted, looking surprised but pleased to see the young man.

"Sawadeekha, Khun Phoo," Meen bowed politely, offering a respectful and sincere smile to Orm’s father.

"Sawadee," Tanakorn replied, a warm smile on his face. "You’re here to pick up Orm for campus, right?" he asked in a friendly tone.

"Yes, Khun Phoo. However, there is something else I would like to discuss with you and Khun Mae," Meen replied, his tone polite yet firm.

Tanakorn raised an eyebrow, curious about the reason for Meen’s visit, but he maintained his smile. "In that case, come in. We can talk while waiting for Orm. After breakfast, he went back to his room to get ready."

"Thank you, Khun Phoo," Meen said calmly, following Tanakorn into the house. They walked to the living room, where Tanakorn gestured for Meen to take a seat on the sofa.

Not long after, Mae Koy, Orm’s mother, appeared from the kitchen. "Oh… Meen!" she greeted with a warm smile, looking pleased to see their guest.

"Sawadeekha, Khun Mae," Meen responded with a polite nod and a respectful smile.

Tanakorn briefly explained to his wife, "Meen wants to talk to both of us while waiting for Orm."

Mae Koy sat beside her husband, looking at Meen with curiosity. "Hm? What do you want to talk about, dear?"

Meen took a deep breath, preparing to reveal his intentions. Looking directly at Tanakorn and Mae Koy, he began to speak. "I came here to talk about my engagement to Orm… I want to cancel it."

Meen’s words echoed through the living room, leaving Tanakorn and Mae Koy stunned. Their expressions changed, as if struggling to process the reality revealed by the young man they had known and trusted.

"What?" Tanakorn and Mae Koy exclaimed at the same time. They exchanged glances, as if seeking understanding from one another.

Meanwhile, at the staircase, Orm, who had been on her way down, overheard the conversation. Her steps halted, her body stiffened, unable to believe that Meen had just said that in front of her parents. When her gaze met Meen’s, she felt a mix of nervousness and resignation.

Meen immediately called Orm over. "Sit with me, Orm. Let’s settle this together."

Orm nodded slowly and approached. She sat beside Meen without saying a word, her face slightly pale but remaining composed.

Meen repeated his words more clearly. "As I said, I want to cancel the engagement with Orm."

Feeling uneasy, Orm whispered softly to Meen, "P'Meen, is this really the right time to say this?"

Meen simply gave a small smile and responded calmly, "Don’t worry, I don’t want to delay this any longer. Today is the right time."

Still struggling to grasp the situation, Tanakorn asked with concern, "Why do you want to cancel it? Did you two have a fight or is there another problem?"

Meen shook his head gently, his eyes filled with honesty as he looked at Tanakorn. "No, Khun Phoo. This is not because of a fight or any issue. I want to be honest with you and Khun Mae… I don’t like women. I am gay. Orm has known this from the beginning, and I was the one who asked her to pretend to be in a relationship with me to cover it up."

Silence filled the room. Tanakorn and Mae Koy exchanged glances, their faces reflecting shock and confusion at the unexpected revelation. Meen could see various emotions swirling in their expressions.

"I apologize for lying… and for dragging Orm into this situation," Meen added, his tone full of regret. He lowered his head, feeling somewhat guilty for surprising Orm’s parents like this.

After a moment, Tanakorn took a deep breath, trying to process and accept what he had just heard. "Do your parents know about this?" he asked, his voice calmer now.

Meen nodded firmly. "I told them before coming here. At first, they were shocked, but they promised to slowly accept me for who I am, as long as I am happy."

Tanakorn let out a long sigh, his expression a mix of understanding and disbelief. "I never expected to hear this from you, Meen."

Meanwhile, Orm remained silent, lowering his head as he felt the tension in the air grow heavier.

Meen continued, "Once again, I sincerely apologize. I hope Khun Phoo and Khun Mae can accept my explanation. Orm is like a younger sibling to me… I want to see her happy with someone he truly loves. I also hope you both can accept Orm for who she is."

Tanakorn slowly nodded, beginning to understand Meen’s explanation. "Thank you for being honest with us… This may be surprising, but we will try to accept it, little by little."

Orm looked at his parents, his eyes glistening with tears, feeling a mix of relief and deep emotion at their gradual acceptance.

Meen gave a small, relieved smile upon hearing their response. "Thank you, Khun Phoo, Khun Mae. I truly appreciate your understanding."

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.

.

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After finishing the serious conversation with Orm’s parents, Meen and Orm walked toward the car parked in front of the house. Their steps felt heavy, weighed down by the tension and mixed emotions from their earlier discussion. As they reached the car, Orm suddenly stopped, taking a deep breath as if gathering the courage to speak.

"Thank you for explaining everything, P'Meen," Orm said softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She then wrapped her arms around Meen in a warm embrace, expressing her gratitude and relief in a way that words couldn't fully convey.

Meen returned the hug, gently rubbing Orm’s back with care. "You're welcome, Nong. It was my responsibility to resolve this and make everything clear," he replied with a reassuring smile.

Orm pulled back slightly but remained close to Meen. "But… Khun Phoo still seems unwilling to accept everything. I'm worried that he might try to arrange a marriage for me with someone else," She admitted, her voice fragile, unable to hide his fear.

Meen looked at Orm with unwavering confidence. "Don’t worry, Orm. I’m sure that, in time, Khun Phoo will come to understand. He loves you very much, and eventually, he will accept your decision," Meen said softly, hoping to ease Orm’s anxiety.

Orm nodded slowly, letting go of the embrace with a small sigh of relief. "I hope so… I really do," She murmured, her gaze lowered.

Meen took a deep breath before gently patting Orm’s shoulder. "One problem is solved, and now, let me take care of the next one. I’ll make sure everything is handled," he said, as if reassuring both Orm and himself.

Orm exhaled and shook her head slightly. "But, P'Meen, for that other issue… I don’t think we can rush things. We need to wait for the right time and be careful," She said, biting her lip in concern.

Meen met Orm’s worried gaze with steady determination, nodding firmly. "Trust me, Nong. I will take care of everything, and I will make sure that you and Ling are safe. You don’t have to worry about anything," he said with calm yet resolute reassurance.

Orm offered a small smile and looked down. "Thank you so much, P'Meen. I'm really grateful to have someone like you by my side," She said sincerely.

Meen returned the smile and nodded. "Well then, how about we head out now?" he asked, opening the car door for Orm.

Orm perked up and nodded enthusiastically. "Let’s go!" She exclaimed, stepping into the car with a smile that now carried a little more ease.

Meen closed the door after Orm got in and quickly walked to the driver’s side. Once seated, he started the engine and drove off, taking Orm to campus with a lighter heart, as if the weight on their shoulders was slowly beginning to lift.

•••••

In a luxurious hotel, the night was filled with grandeur. The crystal chandeliers shimmered, painting an elegant atmosphere for the Mahidol University alumni reunion. The guests mingled in joy and nostalgia, greeting each other and exchanging stories.

Ling, one of the alumni, attended the event despite not being particularly enthusiastic. Her friends’ invitations made it hard for her to refuse, especially since this reunion was attended by friends she hadn’t seen since graduation. Showing her invitation card at the main entrance, she stepped inside, scanning the room as if searching for a familiar face.

“Lingling…”

A voice called out from the crowd. Ling saw someone waving. Without much thought, she walked toward the voice and found Charlotte, one of her close friends.

“I thought you weren’t coming,” Charlotte said, relieved to see Ling.

Ling gave a small nod. “Events like this are rare, so I decided to come.”

Beside Charlotte, Engfa handed Ling a glass of drink. “Unbelievable. It was so hard to convince Lingling Kwong to show up.”

“Don’t exaggerate,” Ling replied to Engfa. She took the glass and sipped it slightly. “When does the event start?” she asked.

“Maybe in a little while,” Anda, another friend, answered.

Ling nodded in understanding, her eyes still scanning the room. Then her gaze stopped on two figures who had just entered—one of them was Orm. Dressed in an elegant red gown, her long hair flowing beautifully, Orm’s presence radiated a charm that captivated Ling. It had been a long time since she had seen Orm this close.

On the other hand, Orm didn’t seem to notice Ling’s presence. She arrived with Ying, following her steps casually. They soon joined Ling’s group.

“Hey, everyone!” Ying greeted with a friendly smile.

“Ying, long time no see!” Lookmhee welcomed Ying warmly, trying to ease the slightly awkward atmosphere.

Anda also joined the conversation, greeting Ying and showing mild surprise upon seeing Orm. “How have you been, Ying? And do you know Orm well enough to come together?” Anda asked, continuing the chat.

“I’m doing well.” Ying smiled, wrapping an arm around Orm’s waist. “We’re very close.”

Ling’s expression immediately hardened at the interaction. Although she tried to maintain a neutral face, the burning sensation in her chest was impossible to hide. Still, she remained silent and listened to their conversation.

“It really is a small world,” Anda said with a light laugh. “So, how have you been, Orm? It’s been a long time since we last met,” Anda asked.

Orm gave a hesitant smile. “I’m doing fine, Phi. I’ve been busy with my studies.”

“Ah, I see…”

Their short conversation was interrupted when the event’s MC gave the opening speech. Applause filled the room, and the alumni’s faces were lit with happiness and enthusiasm. However, that expression was absent from Ling’s face. Her eyes remained fixed on Orm, who was now chatting comfortably with Ying.

As the event progressed, Ling, who had been observing Orm, noticed her heading toward the restroom. She placed her drink on the table and stood up. Walking slowly, she followed Orm. Outside the restroom, she waited, and when Orm stepped out of a stall, she was startled to see Ling standing there.

“P’Ling…” Orm said in surprise.

“Do I look scary to you now?” Ling gazed at her, trying to read her expression.

Orm flinched slightly but answered calmly, “No, P’Ling.” She stepped toward the door, but her movement was halted as Ling blocked her way.

Ling stepped closer, her voice low yet sharp. “I know Meen is gay and can’t possibly be engaged to you.”

“…” Orm, who was washing her hands at the sink, remained silent, saying nothing in response to Ling.

“Tell me, are you really going to get engaged to him? And why did you come with Ying?” Ling bombarded her with questions, staring intently at Orm.

“That’s none of your business,” Orm replied firmly. “I already told you, there’s nothing left for us to talk about.”

Ling exhaled deeply, trying to suppress her emotions. “I just want to talk to you! Why do you keep avoiding me?”

“Haven’t I already told you there’s nothing left to discuss between us?” Orm replied with a determined voice, trying to push past Ling.

But Ling grabbed Orm’s wrist tightly. “Give me a chance, Orm. How much do I have to pay for you to talk to me?” Ling pressed, unknowingly uttering hurtful words.

Hearing that, Orm froze. Her eyes welled up, staring at Ling with a sharp gaze that pierced straight into her heart. “I’m not something you can buy with money,” Orm said, struggling to free herself from Ling’s grasp.

Realizing her mistake, Ling softened. “I’m sorry, Orm. I didn’t mean it that way,” she said quietly. But Orm was already hurt.

Orm walked away, but Ling wasn’t willing to let her go so easily. She followed Orm out of the restroom, attempting to grab her wrist again.

“Let me go, Phi!” Orm said firmly, trying to break free from Ling’s grip.

“I won’t let go until you listen to me,” Ling responded, tightening her hold.

But then, Ying’s voice cut through the tension. “Didn’t Orm already ask you to let her go?” Ying approached, her gaze sharp as she looked at Ling.

Ling glared at Ying with clear dislike. “This is between me and Orm. You don’t need to interfere.”

Ying smirked. “If it involves Orm, then it’s my business too.”

“And who are you to meddle in Orm’s affairs?” Ling asked, staring at Ying.

Ying crossed her arms over her chest and smirked. “I’m Orm’s girlfriend,” she said nonchalantly.

“I don’t believe you,” Ling scoffed, laughing slightly, finding it ridiculous.

“Then let me prove it,” Ying replied. With a challenging tone, she moved closer to Orm and suddenly pressed a kiss against Orm’s lips, right in front of Ling. Orm was shocked, her eyes widening, but she was too stunned to react. When Ying pulled away from the brief kiss, she turned to Ling. “Now do you believe me?” she said smugly.

Ling stood frozen, speechless. Her heart shattered upon seeing Orm standing motionless, not rejecting the kiss. The pain gnawed at her chest, but she couldn’t bring herself to say anything.

“From now on, stop bothering Orm,” Ying warned before grabbing Orm’s hand. “Let’s go.”

Orm lowered her head and silently followed Ying’s lead, walking away. Ling remained in place, staring at their retreating figures, tears beginning to roll down her cheeks.

At times, Ling wanted to give up. Orm wouldn’t even allow her a moment to talk, and Ling began to think that Orm no longer loved her. But deep down, in the deepest part of her heart, Ling believed that Orm still loved her. And that belief was what kept her from giving up, no matter how many obstacles stood in their way.

•••••

Throughout the ride home, Orm remained silent, staring out the car window. Not a single word escaped her lips as she refused to speak to Ying. Her mind was adrift, trapped in a whirlwind of emotions after what had happened earlier. Ying, who had simply followed Orm’s wishes and driven her home without question, chose to stay quiet. Occasionally, she glanced at Orm, as if searching for the right moment to start a conversation, but hesitation held her back.

The car finally came to a stop in front of Orm’s apartment. Just as Ying was about to step out to open the door for her, she froze—Orm had already exited the car before she even had the chance to move. Quickly, Ying followed suit, walking toward Orm, who was standing near the entrance of her apartment building.

“Nong, I’m sorry about what happened earlier,” Ying finally mustered the courage to speak first. Her voice carried a deep sense of regret.

Orm offered a faint smile before looking at Ying. “It’s okay, P’Ying. I know you only meant to help me, even though… your way of helping was a little excessive.” Her smile flickered briefly before disappearing, leaving behind an unreadable expression.

Ying took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Once again, I’m really sorry…” she said, still feeling guilty for crossing the line by suddenly kissing Orm.

Seeing the remorse on Ying’s face, Orm gave her a gentle smile and lightly patted her back. “It’s okay, Phi. Let’s not dwell on it,” she said softly, trying to reassure her.

After a brief moment of silence, Ying finally asked, “By the way, why didn’t you want to talk to her earlier? I know you still love her.”

Orm lowered her gaze, sighing before answering. “I just don’t want to be pulled back into P’Ling’s life. If I talk to her, even for a moment, it’ll be hard for me to walk away again,” she admitted honestly, her eyes reflecting a hidden pain.

“Love is complicated, isn’t it?” Ying murmured, offering a small smile in an attempt to lighten the mood.

“Yes, it is,” Orm replied with a faint smile of her own. “If P’Ying isn’t ready to open her heart, don’t give Prikhing false hope,” she added gently but firmly. “Prikhing is a good friend of mine, Phi. If you hurt her, I will…” Orm clenched her fist in front of Ying, then chuckled. “Give you this as a gift…”

Ying feigned fear for a moment before bursting into laughter. “Oh-ho… You’re truly terrifying!” she said, laughing even harder. “Don’t worry, you don’t have to stress about it. I can handle things without hurting Prikhing,” she assured Orm.

Orm let out a soft laugh at Ying’s reaction. “I trust you, P’Ying,” she finally said with a sincere smile.

After chatting for a while, Ying decided to take her leave. “Alright then, I should get going…”

Orm gave a small nod. “Okay, Phi. Sorry for making you leave early when the event wasn’t even over,” she said quietly, feeling a bit guilty.

Ying gently patted Orm’s back and shook her head. “It’s not your fault… I don’t like crowds either. I’d rather go home and sleep,” she replied with a small smile, hoping to ease Orm’s guilt.

“In that case… Take care on your way home, P’Ying,” Orm said, waving her hand.

Ying waved back. “See you again,” she said before getting into her car.

Orm remained in place, waving until Ying’s car slowly disappeared from sight. Once it was completely out of view, she turned around and made her way into the apartment building.