The music throbbed through the club, a steady pulse of neon and bass as Pond and Dunk moved together on the dance floor. Pond's hand rested firmly on Dunk's waist, his voice low but firm.

"Don't push his buttons, especially when I'm not around," Pond warned, his sharp gaze flicking toward Joong, who stood across the room like a shadow waiting to ignite.

Dunk scoffed, his lips curling into a sneer. "I hate him. That smug face, that arrogant air. We're just as powerful as him, but we're humble. He's nothing but a spoiled bastard."

"Why do you care so much?" Pond tilted Dunk's chin until their eyes met. "You're not in love with him, right?"

"Love?" Dunk barked out a laugh. "No. I just hate his face... but I'm sure the rest of him works just fine."

Pond's expression hardened. "Dunk, I'm telling you-stay away from him. He's trouble. Don't think about him. Not even for one night."

Dunk chuckled, shaking his head. "You came here to enjoy, not to lecture me, remember?"

The pair left the dance floor. Dunk slumped into a chair at their table, sipping his beer, while Pond stayed alert, a girl lazily draped over his lap.

"Why aren't you drinking?" Dunk asked, eyeing Pond's untouched glass.

"I can't. Surgery at eight in the morning," Pond replied curtly. His phone buzzed, and his jaw tightened. "Why is he calling..." He silenced it without looking.

"Still not going to tell me why you're so upset with Uncle Beam?" Dunk pressed.

"There's nothing to say," Pond muttered. The phone rang again-this time, Forth's name flashing on the screen. Pond answered. "Hey, Dad..."

"Where are you? Your Paa's been calling for thirty minutes!" Forth's voice was sharp, cutting through the noise.

"I was driving. Just arrived at the club," Pond answered.

"Your phone is connected to the car. Don't feed me excuses. Beam is upset-call him back."

"There's nothing to be upset about. People get busy. I'm not calling him, Dad. If something is important, you tell me and if there is nothing then bye ."

"Watch your tongue, boy. I'm your father. Don't forget I decide for you."

"Yes, you're my father. But your husband seems to have forgotten I'm his son. I'm not coming home. I'll drop Dunk off. Good night." Pond ended the call, his expression unreadable.

Dunk stared at him. "Now why are you so angry with Uncle Forth?"

Pond's voice was cold. "Because he doesn't care about me. It's only about Paa." He grabbed Dunk's beer and took a long swig.

"Hey!" Dunk snatched it back. "Forget them. Now tell me... what are you getting me for graduation my dear P'?"

At the Jaturapoom mansion, Beam's voice was ice as he stood before Forth. "He's not coming, is he? That's it, Forth. He's testing my patience."

"Calm down, Beam. Pond is stubborn. Give him time," Forth murmured, rubbing Beam's tense shoulders.

"Time? It's been five years!" Beam snapped. "It was his fault, yet he acts as if I wronged him!"

"Pond is hurt because you blame him," Forth replied gently.

"Blame? He was reckless! His carelessness could have killed people, Forth!" Beam's voice rose. "We can't keep giving our kids everything. Lam sees it too. If we don't stop them, they'll destroy themselves-just like we almost did." Beam stormed off, leaving the room heavy with unspoken truths.

It was 2:30 a.m. when Mix stumbled into the mansion, half-drunk, Boom trailing behind him.

"Why are you two still awake?" Mix muttered as he spotted Beam and Lam waiting in the living room.

"Why weren't you at dinner? Where did you go without telling us? And don't tell me you drove like this?" Beam snapped, his sharp gaze sweeping over them.

"No, we didn't, Uncle. P'Nik dropped us off." Boom answered quickly.

Lam stepped forward, pinning Boom with a stare. "Open your mouth."

"Uncle-" Boom began.

"Now." Lam commanded.

Boom obeyed. Lam nodded. "Good. No alcohol, or you'd be grounded again."

"I told you, I'm head hazer. I went for my juniors, not for fun." Boom muttered.

"Go to your room," Lam ordered, dismissing him.

Mix offered Lam and Beam a quick hug before retreating. As the door closed, Beam's voice dropped.

"He did pot."

"I know," Lam admitted grimly. "He's using drugs now. I need to tell Tul. Boom's too young for this."

"It's okay. The dose was low. Nothing dangerous.............. yet...." Beam murmured, though his eyes were dark with worry. Their conversation ended as Pond walked in, Dunk slumped against him, reeking of alcohol.

Pond guided a stumbling Dunk through the front gates of the Jamornhum mansion. Dunk's voice rang loud and cheerful despite his glazed eyes. "Hey, Uncle Lam..." Pond said.

"Hello, Uncle Lam..." Dunk greeted his father after Pond.

Lam's brow furrowed as he folded his arms. "How drunk is he? Can't even tell I'm not his uncle but his father?" he muttered. But his eyes shifted toward Pond, who wad avoiding Beam's piercing stare.

"Uncle, it's his graduation year." Pond explained evenly. "He partied hard, had some drinks, a little marijuana. Don't worry-he'll just have a headache. Give him these tablets when he wakes up." He handed the pills to Lam.

Dunk blinked at Lam's stern face. "Uncle, where are we going?" A light smack to his arm increases his whining. "Pond, save me!"

Pond turned to leave, but Beam's voice cut through the air. "Stay here. It's already late."

"I'm going home." Pond replied without turning.

"Home is where family lives together." Beam said.

"Family is built on trust." Pond countered sharply, his voice low. His eyes burned as they met Beam's. In his thoughts, the words cut deeper: (That's all you ever do Paa-force people into things they don't want.)

From the hallway, Forth watched silently. He knew the two men's tempers all too well: Beam's unyielding pride, Pond's stubbornness. Neither would bow, not when old wounds still festered.

Forth finally stepped forward, a warm smile breaking the tension. "Hey, kiddo..."

Pond's face lit up. He forgot the previous argument he had with him and embraced his father. "Hey, Dad. I missed you." He said.

"Me too. Stay a few days, huh? Let me at least share breakfast, lunch, and dinner with my favorite son." Forth teased. He knew Pond would not get angry with him. He always likes to have his parents only for him.

Pond chuckled. "Pretty sure P'First won't like hearing that, Dad."

"Then we just won't tell him. Pinky promise?" Forth held up his little finger. Pond laughed openly at the sight.

"I'm not a kid anymore. And honestly? I can't wait to see P'First's face when I tell him you called me your favorite son." He settled into the couch with a faint grin.

"Munchies?" Forth offered.

Pond shook his head. "I've got surgery early in the morning. But... since I'm already here, I'll stay for a few days. So you get to eat your meals with your favorite son, and Uncle Lam won't kill Dunk. Win-win." He stood "Goodnight, Dad." and disappeared down the hall without sparing Beam a glance.

Forth turned to Beam, resting a hand on his shoulder. "He'll come home for sure one day, Beam. Don't worry." But Beam's unease lingered. In his gut, he felt it: a storm was on the horizon, and it was headed straight for their family.

Far from the mansion, at top a secluded hillside under a vast expanse of stars, Techno let out a soft sigh. "Wow... I've never seen a sky like this. Why doesn't anyone know about this place?"

Kengkla smiled, his fingers intertwining with Techno's. "Because my dad owns it. My private hill... my escape when the world feels too heavy."

"Thank you, Nong. This is exactly what I needed." Techno leaned back as Kla lowered the seat.

They lay side by side, staring at the night sky.

"I like being with you, P'No," Kengkla said quietly.

Techno turned, gently placing a finger to his lips. "I know what you're about to say. But don't. I can't think about something that can never happen."

Kengkla removed the finger and pulled Techno close by the waist. "Don't you trust me? I'll make it happen. Just don't give up on us."

Techno sat up, his voice firmer now. "Do you know why my father hates Technik, you and  Mix? Why he's beaten Technik since we were kids? Technik never wanted his money, his rules. Your friendship gave him courage to rebel. My father blames you for that." He met Kla's solemn gaze. "You're not at fault. Neither any of you. But us being together? That's a declaration of war between our families." Resting his head on Kla's shoulder, Techno closed his eyes. "It's peaceful like this. Perfect, even."

"And how long can it stay like this?" Kla's patience cracked. His love for Techno was no secret, but his resolve was wearing thin. "What happens when your father tries to marry you off tomorrow? Will you tell him you can't because you love me? Or will you marry the person of their choice and ruin three lives in one time?"

Techno's lips tightened. "Please, Nong. Let's not fight tonight."

Kengkla rose, frustration and devotion warring in his chest. "I love you, P'No. My whole life revolves around you. You know that. You study, work, and live independently so you don't owe your father anything. So why? Why can't you choose us over him?"

Techno whispered, "It's not that easy. My father is powerful man, Kla."

Kengkla's voice was resolute. "So does my. I'll protect you, our family-everyone. Just trust me once, P'No." His gaze held nothing but hope.

Techno knew Kengkla's feelings weren't a passing phase. First, he'd assumed it was a teenage crush. Then, just fleeting attraction. But years later, Kengkla's devotion hadn't faded.

Technik's words echoed in Techno's mind: If you love him, show him. If you don't, end it. Don't leave him hanging. If that rope of hope snaps suddenly, it'll kill him. You are my brother P'No and Kengkla is my best friend. It will hurt me more if any of you get hurt.

Kengkla's heart pounded as Techno finally met his eyes, sighed, and leaned forward-pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

Kla blinked in surprise. "What...?"

"We kissed. So... does that mean we did it?" Techno asked earnestly.

Kengkla nearly laughed. How can he be Technik's brother? "No, P'No. It's just a peck. But... we'll get there. Soon." He gently guided Techno down onto the seat, smiling as he imagined a future beyond the stars. Not tonight, not here-but one day, he'd announce Techno his, without fear or secrecy.

Morning light broke with a buzz of Pond's phone. First's face appeared on the screen.

"So, you're finally home?" First smirked.

"Dad wanted his favorite son. How could I refuse?" Pond teased.

"His favorite son is working his ass off here. Don't get cocky."

"The youngest one is always the favorite, no matter what." Pond quipped.

"I'm the firstborn, kid. You'll never take my place." First replied with a smirk. But Pond's faintly sad expression sobered him. "Hey, I was joking."

"Yeah... sure. Firstborn's always first." Pond muttered, voice heavy.

"Hey. Stay there a while, okay? I'll be back soon-the work here is almost wrapped. I want you, Boom and Dunk to meet someone."

Pond narrowed his eyes. "Don't tell me you got married over there."

First grinned. "I Got a kitten."

Pond smirked. "You didn't answer me but anyway. Those bite marks on your neck definitely screams 'kitten.'"

"Stay out of trouble-both, you and Dunk. Give Boom my love. Bye." The call ended, leaving Pond staring at the blank screen, his thoughts heavy with unspoken doubts and tangled loyalties.

Dunk woke to a throbbing headache, the kind that felt like hammers pounding against his skull. His eyes snapped open as a shock of icy water drenched him, dragging him fully from his slumber.

With a gasp, Dunk sat bolt upright, teeth chattering. "This is a cruel joke, Paa! Don't you have a heart?" he groaned, glaring at the stern figure looming by his bedside.

Lam crossed his arms. "Oh, so now you remember I'm your father? Last night, I was just your 'uncle'-the one you were desperate to escape from."

Before Dunk could retort, another splash of water hit his face. He clutched his ears dramatically and bellowed, "DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!"

The door burst open. Park, Forth, and Beam rushed inside. Park immediately hurried to Dunk's side. "Sweetheart, what happened?"

Before Lam could speak, Dunk shot up, pointing an accusatory finger at his father. "Do you know what he did? He poured cold water on me. Twice! On me, Dad! I was sleeping like an innocent baby, and he-he's so heartless!" Dunk wrapped his arms around Park's waist, his voice dropping into a sob. "I'm your little boy, Dad. He traumatized me!"

Park's gaze hardened as he turned to Lam. "Now, that's too far. I've never stopped you from scolding him or nagging him about his clothes, but this? This is unacceptable. Stop torturing him."

Lam's jaw tightened. "Torturing? Do you know in what state Pond dragged him home last night? He was high on drugs and booze, Park. He couldn't even recognize his own father!"

Park's brows knitted. He turned back to Dunk. "You did drugs?"

Dunk blinked innocently. "Dad, I didn't know it was a drug. It was just lying on the table, so... I mistakenly ate it assuming food crumbs. I was drunk. Ask P'Pond!"

Park exhaled sharply. "Which club?"

"VAST." Dunk muttered, lowering his head.

Park pinched the bridge of his nose. "Figures. That place is a mess-drugs everywhere. Don't go there again, understood?"

Dunk nodded, relief washing over his face.

Lam, however, wasn't appeased. "That's it? You're just going to take his word for it? Don't you want to cross-check?"

"I trust my son," Park snapped, his tone firm. "And you'd better stop speaking ill of him."

The tension snapped further when Pond, fresh from a grueling three-hour surgery, entered the room. He had run up after hearing Dunk's scream.

"Lam is right, Park," Beam interjected coldly. "You can't keep turning a blind eye. It will only get worse."

Pond's sharp voice cut through the air. "Take advice from Paa, Uncle Park. He's very experienced in not trusting his own blood."

"Pond!" Forth's warning tone made him pause.

Pond's gaze, however, stayed locked on Beam. "As for Dunk, I was there with him. It wasn't his fault. But if you still doubt him, feel free to investigate." Without another word, Pond left for his room.

The silence hung heavy. Lam stormed out in anger, Beam followed, his expression tight with hurt.

Left alone, Forth sat on the bed beside Dunk, Park lowering himself onto a chair. "I'm sorry I caused trouble between you guys." Dunk mumbled.

Forth ruffled his hair gently. "It's not your fault. Go get ready for university."

Dunk glanced at Park, who nodded, before planting a quick kiss on his father's cheek and disappearing into the bathroom.

Park leaned forward, rubbing his temples. "I don't know what to do with Lam anymore."

Forth sighed. "Let him be. He's always been strict, but he's gone overboard with Dunk. The kid needs space to live his life."

"That's what I've been trying to tell him," Park muttered. "But he's relentless. The pressure he's putting on Dunk is too much."

The two men exchanged a knowing look. Both understood-there was no option for changing Beam or Lam's rigid ways.

Lunch passed in strained silence; Beam and Lam skipped the table entirely. Later, Pond offered to drive Dunk to university.

"You're not upset?" Dunk asked, sliding into the passenger seat.

Pond smirked faintly. "I'm not your father. I don't get upset over every little thing."

"That's what I've been trying to tell him!" Dunk huffed. "But no, he just has to control me."

"Let him try. They're all the same," Pond said, eyes on the road. "Dad told me stories about how wild they were in their youth. Now, suddenly, they're saints."

Dunk grinned. "Does Uncle Beam know uncle Forth told you that?"

"What do you think?" Pond's lips curled into a sly smile.

"Slyyyy," Dunk teased, laughter filling the car as they neared the gates.

Dunk hopped out quickly once they arrived, waving as he headed toward campus. Pond was about to drive off when, out of nowhere, a boy sprinted in front of his car and yanked open the passenger door.

Before Pond could react, the stranger grabbed his tie, yanking him forward until their faces were just inches apart. Pond froze, heart hammering-was this guy about to kiss him?

He tried to pull back, but the boy's grip tightened as he turned his face away, shielding himself just as a group of men approached, scanning the area.

"Freaking morons making out at the gate. These couples are everywhere now." one of them muttered as they passed. "Let's find that guy first, then we will deal with the outsider."

Pond, still tense, caught the pleading look in the stranger's eyes and hesitated. He could feel the boy's breath against his lips, their proximity electric. 

When the pursuers finally left, the boy-Phuwin-sighed in relief. He turned, only to meet Pond's intense gaze. Those warm brown eyes, that closeness-it pulled something out of Pond he couldn't name. He leaned closer, almost instinctively, until Phuwin abruptly shoved him back.

"What do you think you're doing?" Phuwin demanded, his glare sharp.

Pond blinked, snapped from his trance. "Me? I should be asking you! Who barges into someone's car and nearly kisses them? Are you insane? Look at you-you're... beautiful. What if it wasn't me, but some creep? What would you have done then?"

Phuwin arched a brow. "First, it was an emergency. They've been following me for blocks. Second, I'm not 'beautiful'-I'm handsome and manly. Third, if I ever ended up in a creep's car like you said..." He whipped out a small pepper spray, aiming it briefly toward Pond's face before spraying a warning mist in the air. "I'd do this."

With that, he bolted from the car.

Pond sat frozen, bewildered, his heart still racing. Why was it pounding like this? Was it because of that boy's looks? His closeness?

No. Absolutely not. He was straight. Or at least, he thought he was.

Maybe it wasn't Phuwin at all. Maybe it was Beam-thinking about his father always raised his blood pressure. Yes, that had to be it.

Scowling, Pond shoved the thought away, shifted the car into gear, and drove off, his mood soured once more.