"What gift should I give him, Ms. Jan?" Saint sighed, frustration evident in his voice.
"Calm down, sir. You won't be able to think clearly if you're this vexed," Ms. Janis advised gently.
"I know, but his birthday is tomorrow already! Tomorrow!" Saint exclaimed, feeling the pressure mounting.
"Relax! Think of his favorites."
"I literally have no idea. He once told me his only favorite is me," Saint grinned at the memory of his boyfriend saying that.
"Sir, stop that grin. You're creeping me out," Ms. Janis responded, trying to stifle a laugh.
"What time is he coming back?"
"An hour from now, sir," she replied, exiting the office as Saint pondered what to do next.
Saint was consumed with worry, his mind racing with thoughts of what gift to give his boyfriend for his upcoming birthday. He sought help from Zee's secretary but found little assistance there. As time passed, he found solace in casual conversations with Ms. Janis, who proved to be easy to befriend.
The following day, which also marked Zee's birthday and his mother's official step down as CEO, Saint decided to wait for Zee in his office. Zee had returned to his original workplace, ensuring their safety following Wayar's imprisonment.
Lost in his thoughts and deep in contemplation over the perfect gift, Saint didn't notice Zee observing him from the doorway. His furrowed brows and bitten lips betrayed his inner turmoil of worry and overthinking.
"Why are you so occupied, Saint?" Fighter's soothing touch on Saint's back startled him, but he soon relaxed as Fighter wrapped his arms around him. Fighter's kiss on his neck made Saint close his eyes, savoring the affectionate gesture.
"What were you thinking so seriously about?" Fighter asked, sniffing Saint's cheek curiously.
"Nothing, baby. How was your day?" Saint quickly changed the subject, running his fingers through Fighter's hair.
"Exhausting as usual, but I'm fine," Fighter replied with a bright smile.
"Shall we head home?" Saint suggested.
"Yeah, I really wanted to cook you dinner, but my body says no," Fighter said sadly.
"That's alright. We can just order delivery, baby," Saint reassured him warmly.
"In the end, I have nothing to give to my baby. Damn it!"
Saint sat alone on the couch, frustrated and anxious over his inability to find a birthday gift. His boyfriend had left early for the party venue to greet guests, and the celebration was set to begin in just 30 minutes. Meanwhile, Saint was trapped in his own thoughts, unable to sleep due to his relentless pondering over a gift.
He had tried repeatedly to ask his boyfriend what he wanted for his birthday, but all he received were responses like 'You', 'Saint', and 'My boyfriend'. As a result, Saint hadn't bought or prepared anything special for his baby's special day.
A phone call snapped him out of his trance. Checking the caller ID, he saw his baby's name displayed on the screen and answered right away.
"Saaaaaint~"
"Hi baby."
"Where are you? The party will start soon. I'm sulking now, Saint. Why are you not here yet?"
"I'm sorry, baby. I'm on my way now," Saint sighed in relief.
"Is something wrong? Are you tired? No need to come here if you're tired, just rest. It's alright."
Fighter's words came without pause, and Saint sensed disappointment in his tone.
"No, baby. I'm on my way, really." Panic crept into Saint's voice as he grabbed his keys.
There was a brief silence on the other end, filled only with distant chatter and music.
"I'm hanging up. Dad is calling."
"Wait! Fight, wait..."
The line went dead as Fighter hung up. Saint hurriedly left the apartment, anxious not to upset his boyfriend further. He drove to the venue a bit faster than usual, eager to reach Fighter as quickly as possible.
"Fuck! So reckless, Saint Suppapong!"
He gripped the steering wheel tightly with both hands, berating himself for once again disappointing his boyfriend.
An open flower shop caught his eye along the way, prompting him to hastily park his car. He knew he needed something, anything, to make up to his sulking baby. Stepping inside, he requested a bouquet of red tulips with a single blue tulip at the center, insisting on perfection in the arrangement.
Carefully loading the bouquet onto the passenger seat, he resumed his journey, relieved that the venue was nearby. He arrived just a little late, parking and entering the building with the bouquet in hand. Riding the elevator to the 5th floor, he scanned the birthday hall, hoping to catch Fighter still at the entrance entertaining guests. However, the entrance was closed with two guards posted outside. Fortunately, the guards recognized him and let him in immediately.
The party is starting already, with the host excitedly talking about everything. Few guests are already present, mostly business partners and colleagues from the company. Saint scanned the room anxiously, searching for his boyfriend. His attention was drawn by his mother waving to him from their table, where Zee's parents were also seated. He approached them, warmly hugging his mom before greeting Zee's parents.
"May I ask, where is Zee?" Saint inquired, glancing around the room.
"He's backstage. Is that bouquet for him?" Mrs. Panich nodded towards the flowers in his hands.
"Yeah," Saint replied shyly.
"So sweet, Saint," Mrs. Panich said affectionately.
After a few moments, the host announced the arrival of the celebrant, and Zee emerged from backstage to join the host on stage. The room erupted in cheers as everyone welcomed the handsome birthday celebrant.
Saint watched with an adoring smile as Zee took the stage. To him, this man was the most precious angel in his life. He silently swore to himself to love Zee forever, for the rest of his life. Remembering his gratitude, he turned to Zee's parents.
"Thank you for giving birth to Zee," Saint whispered gratefully to the Panichs.
"Thank you for taking care of our son," Mr. Panich replied warmly, while Mrs. Panich gently rubbed his arm in appreciation.
Saint couldn't tear his eyes away from Zee, who appeared to be enjoying himself on stage while the people around him prepared something special. Zee sat in a chair, watching video clips of greetings playing on a large white screen.
Earlier, staff members had requested video clips from others to greet Zee, but Saint had declined. He preferred to express his greetings to Zee personally rather than through a video.
As the video ended, Saint noticed a fleeting half-smile on Zee's face that didn't quite reach his eyes. Saint furrowed his brow, concerned about Zee's reaction. Was he not happy with the video? However, the host managed to lift the mood, and Zee seemed cheerful again as he engaged with the host's banter.
Soon, guests began presenting their gifts to Zee. Zee scanned the crowd, searching for someone, and Saint realized he was looking for him. Just then, the host mentioned Saint's name, and the crowd erupted in cheers upon hearing the word 'boyfriend'. Saint's mother waved to indicate where he was seated, causing Saint to shyly smile at the attention.
Encouraged by the host, Saint was invited to join Zee on stage.
Saint was on the verge of exploding with nerves and pressure, as this wasn't his usual comfort zone. But when he saw Zee's genuine smile and sparkling eyes as he walked towards the stage with the bouquet of tulips, all his anxiety vanished instantly.
"Hi..." Saint began, his voice filled with warmth.
Zee's smile widened even more brightly than before as he accepted the bouquet of tulips from Saint's hands.
"This is for you. Happy Birthday, Fight," Saint said softly.
Fighter gratefully received the flowers and immediately pulled Saint into a warm hug. Saint was initially taken aback but soon returned the embrace, smiling as Fighter whispered a heartfelt "Thank you" into his ear.
"I love you, Fight," Saint whispered back, his voice full of affection.
Fighter grinned, deeply touched by the romantic gesture and words from his boyfriend.
Fighter leaned back from the hug, holding the bouquet in his right hand while cupping Saint's face gently with his left. Saint felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment from the public display of affection, unable to hear anything but the pounding of his own heart in his chest.
Suddenly, Fighter pecked him on the lips, causing Saint to gasp at the unexpected kiss. But he couldn't help but smile when he saw Fighter's beaming face, radiating with happiness. Fighter held Saint's hands as he began to speak, thanking everyone for celebrating his birthday.
Together, hand in hand, they walked off the stage towards their parents' table. Zee embraced his parents warmly, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support, and did the same to Saint's mom.
Saint couldn't bring himself to let go of Fighter's hand, grateful that the bouquet of flowers seemed to have lifted Fighter's earlier sulk. He sat beside his boyfriend, relieved to see Fighter grinning happily at the bouquet.
"Do you like it?" Saint asked, hoping for Fighter's approval.
Fighter nodded enthusiastically. "It's my favorite now. Thank you."
Saint teased him gently, "Oh? How about me? Am I not your favorite anymore?"
"No, this is my second favorite..." Fighter said, lifting the bouquet. "...And this is my number one favorite." He pointed at Saint's lips.
"My lips? Not me?" Saint feigned offense.
"No, you!" Fighter clarified with a laugh, reaching over to kiss Saint on the cheek.
After a few minutes of casual conversation, it was time for Mrs. Panich to take the stage and officially announce her retirement. The attendees weren't surprised, having anticipated this moment. She also declared that her son, Zee, would continue the legacy, scheduling a press conference for the next day to discuss further details. The crowd expressed their gratitude to her for her leadership and maternal care for the company.
"Saint, I'm going to the restroom," Fighter excused himself, breaking their conversation.
"Don't be gone long, Fight," Saint replied fondly.
"Yeah," Fighter nodded before heading off.
___
Fighter washed his hands after using the restroom, and as he glanced at the mirror, he froze upon seeing someone standing behind him. Recognizing the person, he gasped and turned around to face him, feeling a rush of nervousness and fear.
"A-Asmith? H-How... What are you doing here?" Fighter stuttered, stepping back until he felt the sink against his back.
"Nice to see you here, Fighter," Asmith smirked, stepping closer towards him.
Fighter felt panic rising, his heart pounding uncontrollably at the unexpected appearance of Asmith in such a place.
"Don't be scared, Fighter. I'm just here to wish you a happy birthday," Asmith said softly, reaching out to wipe the sweat from Fighter's forehead.
Fighter flinched at the touch, gripping the edges of the sink to steady himself, his mind racing with apprehension.
"You look sexy tonight, Fighter." The man seductively traced Fighter's collar with his fingers, then sniffed his neck. "And you smell delicious too."
"D-don't touch me," Fighter stammered, shutting his eyes tightly, hoping someone would intervene.
"I can do whatever I want. Come on, Fighter, touch me..." The man's hand caressed Fighter's trembling arms.
"Stop," Fighter pleaded, his voice trembling with fear.
"I want to taste those lips of yours..." The man's fingers traced Fighter's lips.
Just as the man leaned in closer, about to kiss him, someone kicked him hard from the side, causing him to stumble back onto the cold tiles.
"Who the hell-" The man began to curse, glaring at his attacker.
Without hesitation, the newcomer delivered a swift uppercut punch to the man's jaw.
"Auucckk!" the man growled in pain.
"S-Saint..." Fighter whispered in relief.
Saint grabbed Fighter's hand tightly and hurriedly dragged him out of the restroom. Fighter could sense the rage emanating from Saint as they hurried down the empty backstage corridor. When Saint finally stopped and turned to face him, Fighter could see the fury in his eyes.
"Who the hell was that?!" Saint demanded through gritted teeth.
"Please, Saint, calm down first," Fighter pleaded, feeling on the verge of tears himself from fright.
"I can't calm down when that bastard was touching you!" Saint's fists clenched tightly at the memory of the man's advances towards Fighter.
"I'm sorry. It was Asmith. A fallen angel, Fighter explained, bowing his head to avoid Saint's intense gaze.
"Why didn't you push him away, Fight?" Saint's voice was laced with anger and concern.
"I... I couldn't touch a fallen angel like him. He's dangerous. I can explain when you've calmed down. You're scaring me," Fighter whispered, wiping away the tears that had started to fall.
Saint cursed inwardly, struggling with his uncontrollable temper once again. He pulled Fighter close into a protective hug, feeling Fighter's body still trembling from the ordeal.
"I'm sorry, baby," Saint whispered into Fighter's ear, trying to comfort him.
Fighter cried silently in Saint's arms, overwhelmed with fear from the encounter. It was the first time a dangerous fallen angel had touched him in such a way. Saint fought to calm his own jealousy and anger, focusing on soothing Fighter.
Leading Fighter to a nearby chair, Saint sat him down gently, holding both of Fighter's hands in his own to help him relax.
Fighter explained through tears, "Asmith was expelled from heaven for his lust, targeting both male and female angels. He approached me once before, but Lexus intervened just in time. If an angel like me touches a fallen angel like him, I could be influenced to follow him and become like him. That's why I couldn't push him away. I'm sorry."
Saint listened attentively, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "Thank you for telling me. If I ever see him again, I'll make sure he regrets it," Saint vowed fiercely. "And I apologize, Fight, for raising my voice at you. I was just so worried."
"I understand, Saint. Thank you for saving me," Fighter said gratefully.
"Shall we head back? We've been gone too long. They might be worried," Saint suggested, standing up and gently holding Fighter's hand.
"Yeah, let's go," Fighter agreed, relieved to have Saint by his side again. They walked back together, united in their resolve to protect each other from any further harm.
