So, I just followed my parents. They said, “Study engineering,” so I did. Then they said, “Teaching is a stable job,” so here I am, teaching. I never questioned it. Life was simple—no stress, no surprises. 

But there’s one thing I could never do, no matter how much my parents wanted it: marriage.

Why? I bet you’ve already guessed. Yeah, I’m gay. But in this family, being gay? That’s the kind of thing you keep locked up tighter than your first crush’s love letters. 

Not a word, not a whisper.

But now, here’s the thing—I can’t delay anymore, can I? 

So, I decided to tell them. That’s right, finally, I’m going to come out of my closet.

I wonder how they’ll react. Will they be shocked? Angry? Or maybe they’ll just faint on the spot? Who knows?

Sigh… 

Honestly, I’m scared. Too scared.

But I have to do it. I’ll find a good chance, the perfect moment. Yeah, I just need the right timing. No rushing, no panicking—just wait for the moment when everything feels... right.

But… for now, I’ve got to leave for work. "Damn it. I’m late."

“Pim!” I called out, walking out of my room in a panic. And there she was, sitting at the dining table, eating her khao tom like it was the most peaceful morning ever.

“We’re late, Pim,” I said, trying not to sound too frantic.

She didn’t even look up. “You’re late, brother. Not my problem,” she said, casually shrugging me off like I wasn’t standing there about to lose my mind.

I stared at her for a second before sighing. “Pim, let’s go.”

She rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. “I don’t understand why I have to go with you to school every day, brother.”

Without wasting a second, I dashed over to her and knelt down to help her put on her shoes. “Because you have no choice,” I said, smirking as I tied the laces.

Then I glanced around and asked, “Where’s Mom?”

Pim looked up, glancing around lazily. “I don’t know. But today, she seems really happy.”

I frowned. “Happy?”

She nodded. “Yeah, she’s been humming since morning.”

And just as she said it, I heard it—a happy humming, soft and light. It wasn’t any Thai song, just the kind of random tune you hum when you’re ridiculously happy. I furrowed my brows. What’s she so happy about?

I couldn’t figure it out, and honestly, I didn’t have time to. I glanced at my watch again. Damn, I’m late. “Mom, we’re leaving!” I yelled, grabbing Pim’s bag, my own bag, and my car keys.

“Alright! Take care of your sister, sweetie!” she called out, her voice unusually cheerful.

Sweetie? 

Pim and I froze mid-step. Our eyes widened as we turned to look at each other in shock. Mom never—never—calls us sweetie or darling—not unless she’s in a very good mood. 

Usually, it’s just a sharp Hey! or Oye! That’s how you knew everything was normal. But this? This was definitely not normal.

“What’s wrong with her?” Pim whispered dramatically.

“I don’t know,” I muttered. “Let’s go before it gets weirder.”

Pim held her glittery solar system project carefully, as if it were some delicate treasure, and we walked out together, still exchanging confused glances.

As soon as we reached my small car—nothing fancy, but hey, I’m proud of it—I placed Pim’s project carefully on the back seat. I was just about to slide into the driver’s seat when I heard it.

A voice. That voice.

“Win…”

I froze. Pim, already seated in the car, burst into muffled chuckles. She knew exactly how much that voice grated on my nerves.

I turned slowly, and there she was—Dao. Aunt Warunee’s daughter in her overly bright pink sportswear, holding her pink strawberry juice in a matching pink bottle. Pink. Everywhere. It was like the color itself was trying to blind me.

I sighed inwardly. I still didn’t understand how Mom could think Dao was beautiful. Sure, beauty’s subjective, but… this much pink? Come on.

Whatever. I wasn’t sticking around for this.

“Sorry, Dao! I’m late!” I said quickly, slipping into the car and slamming the door shut before she could take another step.

As I drove off, I caught a glimpse of her in the rearview mirror. There she stood, frozen in the middle of the road—shocked, confused, her mouth forming another long “Wiiinnnn...”

I sighed, gripping the steering wheel, but the sound of Pim’s chuckles from the passenger seat brought a smirk to my face.

“What’s so funny?” I asked, glancing sideways at Pim.

“You,” she said, barely containing her laughter. “And her. You both are perfect for each other.”

I shot her a glare. “Shut up.”

And with that, we were off—me heading to work, and Pim off to school, both of us leaving behind the overly-pink disaster that was Dao.

                                                                                                 ***

Later at Siamwit High School—

I parked my car, barely cutting the engine before I jumped out and grabbed Pim’s glittery solar system project. I handed it to her, leaning down a little to look her in the eye. “Alright, now. Do. Not. Bully. Anyone. Got it?”

“Do you think I look like someone who bullies others?” 

She gave me that wide-eyed, innocent look, the one that screamed 'I’m the most disciplined saint in this universe'. Yeah, right. That might work on strangers, but I’m her brother—I know better.

I squinted at her, really looking. “Yeah,” I said flatly.

She gasped, dramatically, clearly offended. “What?!?”

I just sighed and waved it off. “Alright, alright. I’m leaving now. If you need anything, come find me in the office, okay?”

“Okay,” Pim mumbled, still sulking.

Without wasting another second, I rushed toward the office. As a teacher, I had to report in before the students arrived—not that I was the gold standard for punctuality today. But let’s be real—it wasn’t just about being on time. If I were late, the principal might as well chop my head off in front of the entire staff.

So yeah, being late? Not an option. That Monster had no mercy—and no shame.

                                                                                                       ***

Meanwhile, at home...

Win's mother was rummaging through her closet, her hands frantically tossing dresses and jewelry around like she was on a treasure hunt. It was a mess. The once neatly organized wardrobe now looked like a hurricane had passed through it. But then, just as she was about to give up, her eyes lit up.

She smiled widely, a gleam in her eye as she pulled out a bangle. A loud, shiny bangle that screamed, "Hey, I’m from the 90’s!"—the kind that jingled like it had a story to tell.

She held it up, inspecting it like a priceless artifact, and muttered to herself, “I can't wait to meet you, Ratana.” The excitement in her voice was almost childlike, as if meeting Ratana was the most important event of her day.

Then, without skipping a beat, she grabbed a beautiful dress—something that looked way too fancy for a regular day. But then again, when you were expecting someone special, who cared about regular days?

She smiled to herself, already imagining the moment, as she quickly got ready. It was obvious. Ratana was coming over. And Win’s mother couldn’t wait.

                                                                                      ***

Back at Siamwit High School, lunchtime...

The school bell rang, and I let out a heavy sigh. I had to sit through ten minutes of a lecture from that monstrous principal. I swear, those ten minutes felt like they dragged on for two hours. I don’t know how he does it—turns every minute into an eternity.

Just hearing his voice made me feel like I was being sentenced for a lifetime.

Just as I was mentally preparing myself to escape, I heard a voice. “So, you're already having a bad day, huh?”

I turned around and saw him—Tan, my best friend since forever. He was leaning against the doorframe, grinning like he was enjoying my misery. Typical.

I sighed and muttered, “Yeah, just another day in paradise.”

Tan chuckled and pushed off the doorframe, falling into step beside me as we made our way down the hallway toward the cafeteria. The usual chatter of students filled the air, but as soon as we stepped inside—

“AAAAHHHHHHHH!”

The ear-splitting screams were loud enough to rattle my brain. I nearly dropped my bag. “What the—” I started, but Tan gave me a quick slap on the back.

“No bad words in school, Win,” he scolded.

I groaned, “Alright, alright. But seriously, what’s with all the screaming?”

Tan shrugged, his eyes narrowing as he studied the commotion. “Good question,” he said, his tone tinged with curiosity.

We joined the lunch line, and as we approached the counter, I leaned over to ask the cafeteria lady, “Aunty, what’s going on with them?” I motioned toward the still-screaming group.

Aunty, always chipper and full of gossip, broke into a wide smile. “Oh, that? Than’s new movie poster just came out! Have you seen it? He looks super hot!” She fanned herself with her hand for emphasis.

I blinked. “Than?”

Tan shot me a look, his eyebrows raised. “Seriously, Win? She’s talking about Thanathorn Wachirayan, the famous actor.”

“Ahhh…” I nodded in understanding as I finally pieced it together. 

Thanathorn Wachirayan—Than—the most famous actor and model in the Thai industry. Let me tell you, if you visit Thailand, you’ll see his face everywhere: from small street stalls to towering billboards at luxury malls. His flawless smile is practically a national icon.

Tan nudged me as we grabbed our trays. “What’s with the face? Don’t tell me you’ve got something against the guy.”

“No,” I said quickly.

Really. I don’t have any problem with that guy. And I’m definitely not an anti-fan, and I’m not a fan either.

I’m just... neutral.

Indifferent.

My life is too simple, too peaceful, to waste time obsessing over celebrities. I mean, what’s the point? There are more important things to focus on—like surviving school, keeping up with my friends, and not embarrassing myself in front of anyone.

But who would’ve thought?

Who would’ve thought that my simple, peaceful, no-issues life would sting the eyes of the gods so much that they’d finally decide to toss some chaos my way?

I had no idea, but as it turned out, Thanathorn Wachirayan—the man whose face was plastered all over Thailand—was about to barge straight into my life.

And this time, he wouldn’t just be a face on a poster.