I Found You

chapter 10

S, to Tine's biggest fear, does not respond for a week. And Tine, edgy and confused, avoids Sarawat for a week too. well, it is half true because Tine has the habit of drowning himself in work when things go south. and with the promotion arriving immediately after the Velence anniversary, he needs to wrap things up in his current department. Sarawat doesn't call or text him too, something which Tine cannot decide to be grateful for or to sulk about. Anyhow, one week becomes two and then two and a half.

one day, Tine finds his father standing in front of his apartment with the same toothy grin that Tine hates but loves so much.

"what are you doing here?" is the first thing that comes out of his agape mouth.

Mr. Teepakorn rolls his eyes and barges inside. "not what a father would expect his son to say the first thing after a surprise visit."

"sorry i mean what are you doing here without any notice?"

"don't forget you're just of my sperms at the end of day. don't act smart."

"dad you're gross" Tine grimaces, walking into the kitchen, "would you like some coffee?"

"sure. and with it, some explanation too."

Tine turns back, "what you you mean?"

Kim takes a deep breathe while stretching his legs on the couch and begins, "it's been a while since you came home."

"I- I've been busy" Tine answers, beating the cream and avoiding his father's gaze.

"....."

"dad I'm not lying. i was actually busy."

"I get it" Mr. Kim throws his hands up in air, "well, as busy as you are, try to take some time out and call your mom. she misses you Tine."

"i will." Tine simply agrees, mostly to avoid any argument. "now will you tell me why are you here?"

Tine's father opens his mouth when Tine covers it with his own hand and mimicks Mr. kim, "do i need a reason to meet my son? no you don't. now tell me, what's the reason?"

Mr. Kim pretends to be offended but Tine is not giving it to him. "fine. I came with Sarawat. Lily is admitted in the Astro hospital."

"what? what happened?" Tine asks worriedly.

"food poisoning. vomitted and all. she rarely gets ill so Wat got pretty anxious."

"is he alright?" Tine exclaims, sinking next to his father on the couch, "is Lily fine?"

"yeah she's better. they both were sleeping so i thought to come meet you. didn't think you'd be at your apartment."

"i think i should go visit Lily. let's go."

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Tine tiptoes inside the hospital room and finds himself looking at a sleeping Lily and a quiet Sarawat sitting next to her, gently stroking her hair. Tine slows down, whispers an almost inaudible hey which goes unregistered by Sarawat and so he quietly puts his hand on the other's shoulder. startled, Sarawat dashed around.

"hey it's me" Tine whispers again. and then, afraid that he'd stumble upon his own words, he only utters one word. "hi."

"hey" Sarawat responds weakly before unfurling a newspaper and obscuring himself behind it. Tine frowns. this is weird. he thought Sarawat will be happy to see him. is it because he did not text or call him all this time? but then, he decides not to make it about himself. Sarawat is worried about Lily. and just like Lily, sometimes it's hard for him to show what he feels. as if to confirm his speculation, Tine hears a faint sniffling.