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.

Kengkla couldn't stop smiling. The sunlight filtering through the the restaurant's tall windows felt warmer, the clinking of cutlery at lunch sharper, brighter. He had barely slept after last night - not because he was restless, but because for the first time, Techno had truly accepted him.

He celebrated the only way he knew how: by ordering an extravagant lunch spread. Plates of roasted duck, steaming bowls of soup, desserts stacked in towers, and bottles of champagne gleamed on the table like a victory feast.

Mix blinked at the spread in disbelief, while Technik leaned back in his chair with his usual dry glare. "What's this? Did you secretly trick P'No into signing marriage papers while he was asleep?"

Kengkla smirked, leaning on his palm. "Not yet. Though, honestly... not a bad idea."

Mix snorted, nearly choking on his drink, while Technik groaned, "God, just say it and spare us this display before I lose my appetite."

With a grin so wide his cheeks ached, Kengkla finally announced, "I confessed to P'No last night. And he said yes."

Two jaws dropped in unison.

"WHAT?!" Mix and Technik shouted, their voices echoing off the chandeliers.

Kengkla chuckled, his smirk deepening. "Turns out, he's known about my feelings for years. He just... didn't want to defy your father Ai'Nik. But he's not running anymore."

Nik's fist clenched under the table. "That bastard. Controlling even where his sons can breathe around-"

"Save the rage for later," Mix interrupted, still reeling. "Wait... you two kissed?"

Kengkla's grin widened. "We did."

Before he could elaborate, Technik held up a hand, glaring. "Stop right there. I don't need to know how or where you kissed my brother. Or anything else you might be doing. Just... for the love of sanity, keep the details out of my ears." He tipped back his glass, muttering into the rim, "My best friend sleeping with my brother. Unbelievable."

Kengkla only laughed. "Relax. I'm not rushing anything. I'd never touch him beyond what he wants. Marriage first, then everything else. I already have a honeymoon plan, though."

Mix perked up, smirking at Technik. "Oh? The one you've been dreaming about since you first met Techno? That private island?"

Kengkla's satisfied nod made Mix burst into laughter as Technik muttered something about "stocking up on earplugs."

But beneath the banter, Kengkla's chest tightened with quiet triumph. Last night had changed everything. Techno wasn't just someone he was chasing anymore - he was someone he could finally hold on to.

On the rooftop of Thailand's best , the wind whipped around them, cool against the heat simmering between their bodies. Nani's cigarette was crushed beneath Sky's fingers before he even realized Sky had snatched it.

"How dare you-" Nani growled, grabbing Sky by the collar, yanking him close enough to feel the other's breath ghosting over his lips.

Sky's smirk was infuriatingly calm. "What's wrong, babe? Tell me. Or... do you want me to guess?"

Nani's jaw tightened, his breath heavy. He didn't answer, but his grip didn't loosen either.

Sky's hand slid up, fingers wrapping around the back of Nani's neck, pulling him closer until their noses brushed. His voice dropped, husky and low, "Is this about Suzi? Or is it that you can't stand the thought of anyone else even looking at me?"

Before Nani could snap back, Sky closed the gap, crushing their mouths together. The kiss was nothing gentle - it was rough, almost punishing. Teeth clashed, breaths mingled, and Sky's tongue pressed past Nani's lips with practiced ease, claiming and coaxing all at once.

Nani's knees weakened, but he refused to surrender. His hands fisted Sky's shirt, dragging him closer until their bodies were flush, chest to chest, heartbeats hammering in unison. Sky pushed forward, backing Nani against the cold wall, his thigh slotting between Nani's legs in a subtle, deliberate press that made Nani gasp into the kiss.

The gasp only spurred Sky on. His fingers traced the sharp line of Nani's jaw before slipping lower, over the side of his throat, feeling the rapid pulse there. His lips left Nani's just long enough to graze along his jaw, teasing, before trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down the sensitive curve of his neck.

"Sky-" Nani's voice cracked, a mix of warning and want. " I hate you."

Sky's teeth grazed his skin, not enough to leave a mark but enough to make Nani shiver. "You hate me, huh?" Sky murmured against his neck. "Then why are you shaking like this?"

Nani's fingers dug into Sky's shoulders, grounding himself, but he didn't push him away. Instead, his head tilted ever so slightly, baring more of his throat in silent surrender.

Sky's mouth curved into a knowing smirk against his skin. He pulled back just enough to meet Nani's eyes, his thumb brushing over Nani's lower lip, still swollen from their kiss. "Love me. Hate me. Doesn't matter... because I love you enough to hold us together forever."

Nani's breath hitched. Without another word, he grabbed Sky by the back of his neck and dragged him back into a kiss - deeper, hungrier, as though trying to devour the smugness out of him.

Sky's hands slid around his waist, pulling him closer still, their bodies pressed so tight the space between them practically burned. The rooftop spun, the world narrowed to just heat, lips, and the sharp taste of want between their tongues.

When they finally tore apart for air, Nani's lips were kiss-swollen, his voice rough as he muttered against Sky's mouth, "I hate you... so much."

Sky chuckled, brushing their noses together. "And I love you... would continue to do."

Nani didn't reply - just kissed him again, slower this time but with the same intensity, their breaths heavy, their hands roaming in the quiet shelter of the rooftop, where only the wind dared to watch.

"How was your Freshers' party, kiddo?" Kongpob asked, swirling the ice in his glass as he looked over at his only son lounging on the sofa.

Aau hesitated, fingers absently grazing the faint swelling on his lip. "It was...," he searched for the word, "...eventful."

"Eventful?" Arthit's sharp voice came from the doorway. He strode in, his gaze locking on Aau's bruised face. "Eventful enough to come home looking like you got mugged?"

Kongpob straightened. "You fought? Tell me their names. I'll take care of it."

Aau quickly shook his head. "No, Dad. I didn't fight."

But he refused me... and punched me anyway. The thought stung, unspoken.

Arthit glared at Kongpob, his tone firm. " Kongpob - don't you dare to drag him into your world. No lessons. No payback. He's not getting tainted by your business. Understood?"

Kongpob smirked faintly, raising his hands in mock surrender. Arthit's word was final.

"Paa, I'm starving. Can we just... eat?" Aau cut in, forcing a grin. Arthit gave him one last searching glance before heading to the kitchen.

As soon as the older man left, Aau's cheerful mask slipped. His voice lowered. "The supplies hit the port at midnight."

Kongpob's eyes sharpened immediately, the warmth gone. "Good. Stay alert. And keep this away from your Paa."

Aau nodded. Kongpob rested a hand briefly on his son's shoulder. "And kiddo... next time you come home with bruises, I'll make sure whoever's behind it doesn't live to try again."

Aau nodded once more, though his thoughts whispered a darker promise as his father left. You won't have to. I won't let anyone touch him. He'll live with me. Die with me. No one will lay a hand on him as long as I'm breathing. Then he himself got confused with his feelings.

He remembers what happened with him

University life was supposed to be simple - at least on the first day.

"Wow... I've dreamed about this," Aau grinned as he stepped onto campus.

"Same here," a boy beside him said. "I'm Mork."

"And I'm Pun!" another voice joined in as Pun jogged over. "We're friends. Want to stick together?"

"Absolutely," Aau said, his smile bright as always. Unlike his fathers - Kongpob, whose charm was quiet and calculating, and Arthit, who preferred his solitude - Aau was pure sunlight. Outgoing, reckless, a magnet for trouble. It soothed Arthit... most of the time.

But destiny had its own twisted humor.

Late to SOTUS orientation because of a call, Aau sprinted down the hall - and collided, hard, with a broad chest cloaked in a red jacket.

The world tilted. Aau blinked up - and froze. Sharp cheekbones, cool dark eyes, a beauty so severe it stole his breath.

"Wow... you're... beautiful," he blurted, oblivious to the four figures standing nearby, watching.

The hazers went rigid. Their leader, Boom, stiffened, anger flashing.

"What did you just say?" Boom's voice could frost glass.

Aau's grin only widened. "I said you're beautiful. Just stating facts."

Boom lunged, but two hazers restrained him. "You're lucky we're here, kid. Get to the ground before he decides to kill you," one muttered coldly.

On the SOTUS field, Aau plopped down next to Mork and Pun, grin firmly in place.

"Where were you?" Pun asked.

"Met a deity," Aau replied dreamily.

"Aw, I want to meet one too..." Pun whined, looking at Mork.

"Later," Mork muttered, patting Pun's head.

"Aau, will you share your deity with me until I get mine?" Pun teased.

"Anything but the deity," Aau deadpanned.

Before Pun could argue, a sharp shot cracked through the air. Silence fell as four red-jacketed figures took the stage.

Sin, the first to speak, introduced himself as one of the hazers. Then he stepped aside.

"I'm Boom Tharatorn . Your Head Hazer this year."

The murmurs stilled instantly. Boom's presence was commanding, his explanation of SOTUS cold and precise, enough to tighten every freshman's spine.

Every freshman - except one.

Aau sat there, grinning, his gaze never wavering from Boom. Deliberately teasing. Daring.

Sin noticed the silent exchange and, before Boom could react, gripped his arm. "Later. Focus."

Boom's gaze lingered a second longer before he dismissed the students. "Collect your goody bags. Diary for seniors's signatures is inside. Let's see if you can earn them."

Aau's grin only faltered when Boom disappeared backstage.

The freshers' party throbbed with neon lights and heavy bass.

Aau sat back, scanning for one person. His pulse kicked when Boom finally walked in - simple white T-shirt, green jacket, casual but magnetic.

When Boom approached the bar, Aau followed, leaning casually beside him.

"Hey, Mr. Beauty," Aau said lightly. "Shouldn't do drugs this young."

Boom's eyes flicked to him, icy and amused. "You again." He chuckled once. "What are you now, my father? Advising me on my vices?" His tone dropped, cutting. "You're a freshman. I'm your Head Hazer. Don't cross your limits."

Aau's smirk sharpened. "What if I want to know more about my Head Hazer?"

Boom leaned closer, his stare like a blade grazing skin. "You'll know me - starting tomorrow."

Aau sighed, unbothered. "I'm not patient. When I want something, I don't wait. And you? I don't want to work for it. So why not just surrender and let me take care of you, Mr. Head Hazer?"

Boom's lips curved into a dangerous smile - before his fist connected with Aau's jaw.

"Don't you dare to think you can dominate me," Boom said, his voice low and lethal. "I can take care of myself. I don't need you."

From across the room, Boom's gang watched tensely as Henry moved in, hand brushing Boom's waist.

Boom's glare was instantaneous. "Henry. Don't. Touch. Me."

"I was just-"

"Don't." Boom's tone could cut steel. His eyes flicked, for a fraction of a second, back to Aau before he walked to his brother, his jaw tight.

Across the sea, in a different skyline, Earth stood before his father, Bright, in the family office, tension thick between them.

"Dad, he is highschooler and you let him study in Thailand. But when it comes to business, you never let me go."

Bright's jaw tightened, eyes fixed on the cityscape beyond the window. "We already have operations there. That's enough. And if you're talking about your brother-"

The office door burst open.

"Pappi!" Rome, Bright's husband, bounded in, eyes sparkling. "P'Forth wants to see me! Let's go to Thailand. I miss my baby Sky too!"

He spotted Earth and grinned. "Hi, baby. Talking business with your dad?"

"Who's P'Forth, Paa?" Earth asked.

Rome's smile softened. "Your uncle. It's been ages since I saw him."

Bright handed Rome a whiskey, his voice turning cold. "Your Uncle Forth - the man who nearly got me killed. Twice. The one who kept me away from your Paa for five years. Who tried to steal our business. And there's a dozen more like him in Thailand. That's why I don't want you there."

Rome rolled his eyes, sipping his drink.

Earth's lips curled into a slow grin. "These relatives of Paa sounds... interesting. Dad, wouldn't it be fun if we visited?"

Bright gave him a long, warning look.

Earth only smirked wider. Thailand, huh? Finally I am coming there my love... Just wait...after years.... now just few days....