Kiet's lips curled into a faint, satisfied smile. "Did he have a good reunion with his family?"

"Yes," Arhit confirmed. "He promised them he would keep visiting."

Kiet's eyes narrowed, a cold smile playing on his lips. "It looks like Milo thinks I'm an easy person to deal with. He needs to be shown his place."

Arhit remained silent, understanding the gravity of Kiet's words. There was a long pause as Kiet took another drag from his cigarette, his eyes narrowing as he considered his next move.

"What about the marriage preparations?" Kiet asked finally, breaking the silence.

Arhit stepped forward, handing over a folder. "Everything is being arranged as you instructed. The venue, the guests, the security—it's all being taken care of. The date is set for next week."

Kiet nodded, flipping through the documents in the folder. "Good. Make sure everything is perfect. I want no mistakes."

"Understood, Boss," Arhit affirmed.

Kiet took one last drag of his cigarette before stubbing it in the ashtray. He returned his attention to the documents, the intensity of his gaze unyielding. "And Arhit," he added, not looking up, "make sure Milo understands his new reality. I don't want any more surprises."

Arhit nodded, making a mental note of the instructions. Then Kiet's gaze shifted, becoming more intense. "What about Thanya?" he asked.

Arhit's eyes widened in shock at the mention of the name. He recovered quickly, managing a small, enthusiastic smile. "She is good, sir. She always misses you. Her summer holidays are starting soon, and she wants to visit the house."

Kiet's face remained impassive. "Send her to her grandfather's house. I cannot afford to let Thanya and Milo meet each other."

Arhit's enthusiasm waned, and he tried to convince Kiet otherwise. "Sir, you should let her visit. She always misses you."

Kiet's response was icy. "I have no time for this."

Frustration bubbled up in Arhit, and he couldn't hold back any longer. "She is your daughter. Can't you let her be treated like one for a single day?"

Kiet's eyes flashed with anger. "Get out. This discussion is over."

Arhit's shoulders sagged slightly, but he nodded, knowing there was no point in arguing further. As the door clicked shut behind Arhit, Kiet leaned back in his chair, the tension in his body evident. He stared at the now-closed door, Arhit's words echoing in his mind. "She's your daughter. Can't you let her be treated like one for a single day?"

Kiet's usually composed face betrayed a flicker of something deeper, something that he rarely allowed himself to feel. With a heavy sigh, he closed his eyes, the weight of his responsibilities and secrets pressing down on him. The room was silent, save for the soft hum of the air conditioning and the faint ticking of a clock on the wall.

                                                                                                  ***

Siam Institute of Technology, Cafeteria,

King spotted Jay across the bustling cafeteria and immediately felt a surge of happiness. He weaved through the tables, his excitement palpable.

"Jay!" King called out, waving. Jay looked up and smiled, waving back as King approached.

"Hey, King," Jay greeted as King sat down across from him.

"Hey, I was thinking, let's hit the game center after college today. It'll be fun!" King suggested eagerly.

Jay hesitated, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face. "Actually, I can't. I'm going on a date.  I've got a... um, a date."

King's expression shifted, irritation flashing in his eyes. "A date? With who?"

Jay could sense the frustration. "Do I need to tell you?"

"Well, yeah," King said with frustration in his eyes.

Jay sighed. "Look, King, I don't need to tell you everything about my life. You're not my boyfriend, okay? I don't owe you every detail."

King's jaw tightened, and he scoffed. "Right. Well, have fun on your date then," he muttered sarcastically.

Jay stood up, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "You know what, King? Sometimes you can be really overbearing. I have my own life. I don't need to explain myself to you." With that, he walked away, leaving King sitting alone at the table.

King watched Jay leave, his irritation turning into a simmering resentment. "Does he think I can't have fun without him?" he mumbled to himself. "I've still got Milo. He loves me no matter what I do. He is angry, but a simple sorry from me, and he's back in my arms, and he will come wagging his tail." King pulled out his phone and dialed Milo's number, determined to make plans and prove to himself that he didn't need Jay to have a good time.

                                                                                        ***

Classroom,

Som and Waan sat in the classroom, their eyes darting to the door every few minutes, hoping to see Milo walk in. The chaotic incident from the previous day still hung heavily in their minds, and they were desperate to talk to him to make sure he was okay.

"I hope he's alright," Som whispered, his fingers nervously tapping on his notebook.

Waan nodded, his worry evident. "We couldn't even reach him after everything happened. I'm really scared, Som."

The professor entered the classroom and started collecting the students' projects. One by one, the students walked up to the front, handing over their work. When the professor called Milo's name, there was no response. He glanced around the room, frowning.

"Does anyone know where Milo is?" the professor asked, looking directly at Som and Waan.

They exchanged a quick, panicked glance. Waan was about to stammer out an excuse when the door swung open, and Milo walked in, slightly out of breath. "Sorry for being late, professor," he said, smiling.

Som and Waan's jaws dropped. They couldn't believe their eyes. Milo gave them a quick wink and a reassuring smile. The professor sighed, clearly annoyed but also relieved to see him. "Milo, you need to be on time. I'll accept your project this time, but if you're late again, I won't be so lenient." He took Milo's project and dismissed the class.

The classroom emptied out as the professor excused everyone. "Milo!" Som exclaimed, rushing forward to wrap him in a tight hug, followed closely by Waan. "Are you okay? Did that, Kiet, that bastard hurt you in any way?"

Milo returned their hug gratefully, feeling their concern wash over him like a comforting wave. "I'm fine, guys, really," he reassured them. "Nothing happened, I promise."

As they pulled back, Som's eyes caught sight of the faint marks on Milo's neck, and his expression darkened with frustration. He gently touched the marks, his voice tinged with concern. "Were you forced?"

Milo hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering between Som and Waan. "At first, yes," he admitted quietly. "But... the second time, I didn't resist. I have to accept the situation I'm in now."

Before Som could respond, Milo suddenly felt arms wrap tightly around him from behind, causing him to gasp in surprise. A familiar voice whispered in his ear, "Hey, baby."

Milo turned his head slightly, seeing King standing there. "King," Milo whispered, feeling a wave of emotions crash over him.

King tightened his hold, his voice full of remorse. "I'm so sorry for ignoring you and focusing more on that bastard Jay. I was an idiot. Please forgive me."

Som and Waan watched silently, their frustration with King evident but choosing not to intervene.

With a faint smile and pain in his eyes, Milo said, "I was coming to meet you."

King looked puzzled. "Really? Why?"

Milo opened his mouth to explain, but King interrupted, "Whatever the reason, you can tell me later. Let's go on a date after college, to the game center."

Milo hesitated, then firmly said, "I can't, King."

King frowned. "Why not?"

Milo took a deep breath, then said, "Let's break up."

King's eyes widened in shock. "What? Milo, you shouldn't say something like that so casually. I know you're angry with me, but breaking up is too far."

Milo shook his head, his voice steady but filled with sadness. "I'm serious, King. I want to break up."

King was stunned. "Why? What's going on?"

"I can't tell you the reason, but I know this is what I want," Milo replied, his voice breaking slightly.

Frustration and anger flashed across King's face. He yelled, pushing Milo away. "What do you think you are, huh? How can a useless person like you break up with me? You think you’re too good for me now? You’re just a joke, Milo! Always have been, always will be."

Milo flinched at the harsh words, tears welling up in his eyes.  Som and Waan stepped forward protectively, placing themselves between King and Milo, their faces set in determined scowls.

"Back off, King!" Som shouted, anger blazing in his eyes. "You've done enough harm."

Waan nodded, his voice cold. "Milo deserves better than you. You never loved him, did you? You just saw him as a toy for your entertainment."

King's frustration mounted, and he clenched his fists. "You don’t know anything about our relationship!"

"Oh, we know enough," Waan snapped. "We saw how you treated him, ignoring him for Jay. You don't get to hurt him anymore."

King glared at them, his face red with anger. "This is between me and Milo. Stay out of it!"

"No, it's not," Som retorted. "We're his friends, and we won't let you hurt him anymore."

King's eyes darted between them, his frustration boiling over. With a final, angry scoff, he turned and stormed out of the classroom, slamming the door behind him. As the echoes of the door slamming faded, Som and Waan turned back to Milo, their expressions softening with concern.

"We knew that bastard never loved you," Som said, placing a comforting hand on Milo's shoulder. "He just saw you as a toy for his entertainment."

Waan nodded, his eyes filled with empathy. "We're happy you broke up with him, Milo. But with everything going on, it’s just another burden on you."

Milo sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I know. I just... I didn't expect it to be so hard."

Waan placed a comforting hand on Milo's shoulder.  "You’re too weak emotionally, Milo. You need to get stronger. If you don’t, there will be more problems and suffering in the future."

Som nodded in agreement. "Waan is right. You need to find your own strength too. This situation with Kiet... it’s not going to get easier."

"I know... but what can I do?" Milo said, with tears streaming down his eyes. 

Som and Waan exchanged a glance, their expressions softening as they turned their attention back to Milo. They could see the weight of everything he was going through, and their hearts ached for their friend.

Som was the first to speak, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Hey, Milo. You're not alone in this. We're here for you, no matter what."

Waan nodded in agreement. Milo felt a wave of emotion wash over him. Despite everything that had happened, he realized how lucky he was to have friends like Som and Waan. He hugged them both tightly, feeling their support and love surrounding him like a protective shield.

"Thank you," he whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.

Waan hugged him back just as tightly, his voice soft but firm. "Anytime, Milo. We’ve got your back."

Som joined in the hug; his presence was warm and comforting. "Always, Milo. Always."

They stayed like that for a few moments, just holding on to each other and drawing strength from their friendship.

                                                                                        ***

Chiang Mai, Lonely streets, Night,

The moon hung low in the sky, casting eerie shadows on the lonely street. A little girl, no older than eight, sprinted as fast as her tiny legs could carry her. Her breath came in sharp, ragged gasps, and her wide eyes darted around in panic. She glanced back, and her heart pounded even harder. Behind her, several men with guns and knives were closing in, their sinister faces illuminated by the dim streetlights.

"Get her!" one of the men shouted, his voice echoing through the deserted alley.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pushed herself to run faster, her small feet stumbling over the uneven pavement. She clutched a worn-out one-ear teddy bear to her chest, the only source of comfort in this terrifying nightmare.

Her legs were burning, but she didn't dare slow down. She could hear the goons' heavy footsteps gaining on her, their threatening voices getting louder. She turned a corner and saw the end of the alleyway, the street beyond it offering a glimmer of hope.

She burst out of the alley and onto the road, her vision blurred by tears. She didn't see the headlights of the car speeding towards her until it was too late. The driver slammed on the brakes, but the vehicle skidded on the pavement, screeching to a halt with a sickening thud.

The little girl was thrown to the ground, her teddy bear flying out of her grasp. She lay there motionless, the world around her fading into a haze of pain and confusion. The driver, a young woman with panic etched on her face, jumped out of the car and rushed to her side.

"Oh my God, are you okay?!" The woman cried, her hands shaking as she reached out to the girl.  Without wasting any time, she gently lifted the girl into her car, her hands trembling as she secured her seatbelt. towards the nearest hospital.

"Hang in there, sweetheart," she whispered, her eyes darting between the road and the small figure beside her. The girl’s face was pale, and her breathing was shallow. The woman’s heart raced, fear and determination intertwining as she pressed harder on the accelerator.

The hospital's emergency entrance came into view, and the woman barely parked before rushing out, carrying the girl in her arms. "Please, help! She needs a doctor!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the sterile halls.

A team of medical staff quickly surrounded them, taking the girl from her arms and placing her on a gurney. "What happened?" a nurse asked, wheeling the girl towards the ER.  She got hit by my car," the woman explained, her voice shaking. "Please, save her."

As the doctors and nurses disappeared behind the swinging doors, the woman found herself standing alone in the waiting room. She realized she still had the girl's bag, and, with a nervous glance around, she sat down and began to rummage through it, hoping to find some clue about the girl's identity.

Her fingers brushed against something smooth and plastic. She pulled out a small school ID card and held it up to the light. The name on the card read: "Thanya Rattanakorn."