A Vihokratana's tragedy

1. A happy birthday?

The phone rang, waking Nanon from his sleep. The screen lit up with a monkey emoji. Rubbing his eyes to clear his vision, he picked up the phone. "Why are you calling so late at night?" Nanon's voice was hoarse, but it still sounded like a melody to the person on the other end.

"Open your window. I'm here."

As soon as Nanon heard those words, he ran to the window and helped the other person up into his room.

"What the hell, Ohm? You might have been caught by Frank, he's just next door! Or worse, by Papa... or Dad." Getting caught by Nanon's dad, Tay, would be a nightmare for Ohm. But tonight, he didn't care. He just wanted to be the first to wish his boyfriend a happy birthday. It could have all blown up if Nanon's family had decided to wish their sons a happy birthday at midnight, but luckily, that didn’t happen. It was already past 12, so ignoring Nanon's scolding, Ohm went ahead with his wish.

"Happy birthday, Non." Ohm said as he pulled out a small box from his left pocket. Inside was a beautiful blue butterfly pendant that he had specially designed for Nanon, using the savings he’d worked hard for. Ohm worked part-time to support his lovely aunt, Eri, who had cared for him like her own son after his parents' death. Aunt Eri was the best in the world, and Ohm knew it. Despite her being against him working instead of focusing fully on his studies, she had eventually given in, though she never asked for his money. She always told him to save it for the future. So, Ohm secretly helped her by paying some bills without her knowing, which often led to her scolding him. But he didn’t mind. This pendant was a symbol of his hard work and sacrifice.

Nanon loved the pendant. No, he adored it. He understood the meaning of the blue butterfly—it symbolized love without any expectations, simple and pure. But he was conflicted. He didn’t want to accept it because he didn’t want to waste Ohm’s money. But after a moment, he realized not accepting it would mean rejecting Ohm’s love, and he could never do that. He would scold Ohm later, but for now, he didn't want to ruin this moment.

"Thanks. It's beautiful." A smile spread across Nanon’s face, revealing his dimples. Oh, those dimples—Ohm could die for them. Both of them beamed with happiness.

"May I?" Ohm asked, seeking permission to put the pendant on Nanon. As Nanon nodded, Ohm carefully placed it around his neck. "You know what the blue butterfly symbolizes, but I want you to know my personal intention behind giving it too. Freedom. I want you to have that kind of freedom in our relationship, just like the butterfly spreads its wings and flies freely. We love each other, no doubt, but I know your parents don’t like me much, and I’m still not confident enough to reveal our relationship to our families. I’m sorry for that, Non. If you ever feel pressured or uncomfortable, please talk to me. I’ll listen and improve. I just want to be with you, and when I’m confident enough, I’ll tell our families about us. Just please wait for me."

Tonight, Ohm wanted to express all the things he had kept inside for so long. He’d seen how losing someone you love could turn you miserable. He had watched his best friend, Perth, suffer for years. Perth was better now, even had someone new in his life, though he hadn’t told Ohm who it was, and Ohm respected that. Still, he had witnessed Perth’s breakdowns, his tears, and his heartache. He didn’t want that for him and Nanon. He didn’t want their past to repeat. The last time they fought, it was because of miscommunication, almost leading to a breakup. But now, Ohm was trying—trying to express his feelings, trying to understand Nanon’s perspective. And Nanon was doing the same. They were each other’s comfort, but over time, they realized that love alone wasn’t enough to sustain a relationship. Sometimes, despite how much you love someone, situations can tear you apart—not because love has faded, but because circumstances change.

Suddenly, Nanon remembered a book Frank had recommended to him months ago. The main characters were deeply in love, but they had to separate in the end because society condemned their love. Real life wasn’t a movie where love could conquer all; in real life, sacrifices had to be made for the sake of other loved ones. You couldn’t be so selfish as to leave your family behind for your own happiness.