Our Secret (A MingPha Story)

12. Just A Little Help

"Khun Kao Krap, dinner is ready." One of Kao's assistants informs the gang with a bow. Then the entire gang gathers in the dining room, taking a seat in front of a delightful feast in front of them.

"My men wanted us to taste the best flavour in Chonburi. Let's eat!" Kao smiles as they indulge in a long-awaited dinner. Ming scoops several portions of rice onto Phana's plate. He makes sure Phana is able to reach all the dishes on the table. He places a piece of tom yum fish on Phana's plate, remembering his favourite.

The little exchanges greatly reassure Kit and Beam. They are sure Phana has been well taken care of during the times he was away. Forth places his hand on Beam's thigh and nods with a smile. A big burden is lifted.

Lam feels happy watching his friends all together. Park is happy when Lam is happy. He starts a joyful conversation, earning frowns and laughter from the rest. Tul retorts with snarky comments with their jokester as Max looks on with amusement. Wayo ends with a loud warm laugh, clouding his happiness in the room.

Phana smiles again.

Ming smiles tenderly, Phana is happy. Earth sees his brothers reunited in harmony. He is happy. Kaownah starts his teases with Tommy, giggling happily. Fiat shakes his head while smiling. Observing the atmosphere, Kao lets out a small smile. He loves his family.

The dinner ends in bliss.

*****

"So! Let's welcome Phana back!" Park hollers. The usual gang assembles in the same room. Forth, Beam, Wayo, Kit, Park, Lam, Max, Tul and Phana. Ming joins his gang for an old-time reunion.

Phana smiles awkwardly. Beam punches Park in annoyance, earning a growl from Lam. The norm of the group gives Phana a lot of flashbacks and memories. The times when everything is simple.

Kit unconsciously reaches out to pat Phana's shoulder. He realizes his action when Phana makes a violent flinch and scoots away from Beam. Beam lays a familiar jacket on Phana's shoulders without touching him. Taking a whiff of the scent on the jacket, Phana hugs it closer.

The scent of Mingkwan.

"Ai Pha... I'm sorry." Kit whispers painfully. He clutches the hand and looks down fearfully. He made Phana scared. Wayo cups his hand over Kit's, comforting his fears with his touch.

"It's not your fault, Ai Kit," Phana says gently. "I need to stop being so paranoid. Especially around you guys."

"It's also not your fault Pha~ Everyone would be the same if they experienced the same thing." Beam comforts softly. "But, you're okay with Ming touching you right?"

Phana nods. "For some reason, his touch makes me safe."

"Umm... P'Pha?" Wayo speaks out. "Does P'Pha like Ming? I saw you guys kissing during our party in the middle of the night."

Phana blushes at the mention of the memory. That was the night after he was rescued by Mingkwan. When he started staying over in Mingkwan's room because of the terrors he had. The effect Mingkwan had on him when they kissed for the first time.

"That was the night after I got rescued by Mingkwan. I was staying with Mingkwan at his place. A-and one night, I-I got really bad n-n-nightmares. M-Mingkwan kisses my forehead. I-It calmed me down... And for some reason, we kissed." Phana blushes again, remembering Ming's lips on his. "So it became a habit when I get nightmares..."

"But Pha, you didn't answer the question." Kit smirks in his usual teasing mood. "Do you like Ming?"

"I'm pretty sure it's more than just like." Beam joins the teasing. Park whistles like a wolf, adding to the embarrassment. The rest stays silent with a knowing smile directed at Phana.

"I-I... like him," Phana confesses with a red face. Wayo smiles, satisfied with the confession.

The mood erupts with whistles, vocal ahhhs and woooos; and loud cheers.

.

.

.

.

.

"Looks like they're having fun." Fiat points out, listening to the loud noises coming from the next room. "Now, can you ease your mind and focus on our reunion?"

Ming has been constantly fidgeting and pacing around, throwing worried glances at the door. He worries that Phana would be anxious without him.

"I guess so." Ming finally sits down beside Tommy. They have been sharing their life updates during their time apart.

"After this mission, I've decided to lay off for a while. Let someone else run the group." Kao announces. "Earth and I have agreed to stop our inside work and focus more on family and self-exploration."

"Yeah... I'm kinda tired of running these businesses." Earth confesses. "I'll most probably sell my assets and companies, but keep my stocks and investments. So it's easier to manage."

"Well, I have let go of my position in New York." Tommy elaborates next. "So, after a few documents and handovers, I should be able to start afresh in Thailand. Though I'm still unsure whether to pursue law or focus more on NGOs." (NGO - Non-Profit Organisation)

Ming nods understandably at their decisions for the future. He will continue his path in engineering. Kaownah remains a nurse while Fiat is an IT informant. Hopefully, after a period, they are able to meet casually without worrying about the enemies and underworld chaos.

Unknown POV
"Krap. Don't worry. No one suspects me at all. I'll make sure all is according to plan."

"Good. Do not fail me. Remember, I want that boy alive in my arms. I don't care if you kill the others. But Phana Kongthanin must be mine!"

"Yes sir! He'll be in your arms within 48 hours. I'll make sure of it."

An evil chuckle escapes the caller, "I'll wait for the good news."

"Goodbye, Sir." Clicks. "Now, let's report to Khun Kao. He'll be pleased with my plans."

Kao's POV
"Khun. Everything is according to plan. Phana will be kidnapped in exactly 48 hours. Saranwut is notified of our plans too."

"Perfect. There's nothing better than playing a double-edged sword." Kao responds calculatingly. "Keep me informed. You know the code."

"Krap! What should we do with the traitor once the plan is executed?"

"I'll deal with it. You focus on the fight." Kao ends the call, staring at a pair of serpent's eyes on the wall.

"Serpents VS. Hyenas.

I wonder who will take the victory."

Final Unknown POV
"A double agent and a traitor. Interesting turn of events. I wonder how the story will continue. Kao looks sure of himself."

"One thing's for sure. They don't see us coming. I almost feel bad for them. Almost."

"Ohh... This will be fun! Haven't had this much fun in years!"

"Nice to be working with you. We make a nice combo."

"We definitely do, don't we? Though I was shocked when we both caught the same scheme."

"Just promise me one thing, don't hurt Ming or Phana."

"Of course! Wouldn't even dream of doing it."

"Then here's to us! Cheers!"

________________________

20-05-2021

So... A bit of help? Or a bit of betrayal? A bit of fun? Or a bit of twist?

Just a thought, is there a need for Ming's gang to get a partner? Or partner them up with each other? Or just leave it?

Please comment & Vote!