Led by the Wind through the Sky

Finding the Truth

The night of the next race, Rena went alone.

She dressed up just enough to fit in, but not so much that she would stand out. She wasn't there to make a statement this time. She had to know, what kind of man was Prapai?

Her plan was not to be seen, but just to observe. Although she used to watch Prapai all the time, when he raced, to see who he chose to take home that night or just to see his handsome face, this time it was with a different purpose. She wanted to see how he treated the people around him.

However, it wasn't that easy. Apparently, Prapai wasn't feeling sociable tonight. She found him in the mechanic's tent talking to Phayu and what she overheard didn't help his cause. Once she had heard enough, she went to leave, however, luck wasn't on her side.

"P'Rena! Did you bring Sky with you again? He didn't say he was coming tonight."

"No, Rain. It's just me and I was just leaving."

She turned around only to bump into a firm chest.

"I need to talk to you."

Before she could respond, Prapai had a hold of her arm and was dragging her behind the trucks that brought the motorbikes. She glared up at him as he stood in front of her with his hands on his hips.

"What's with that expression?

"Sky told me what you did that night."

"And? Don't be jealous, Rena. We've had plenty of fun nights ourselves. Don't tell me you've forgotten already?"

Prapai reached out and ran the tip of his finger under her chin. Rena hated the smug way he looked at her. She turned her head to the side, and he dropped his hand back down to his side.

"You got him to sleep with you in return for saving him from the guards. How could you?"

"Whoa! Hold on. What exactly are you accusing me of?"

"Forcing Sky -"

Rena's back hit the truck container behind her. She had stepped back when Prapai came towards her. His hand landed on the container beside her, making her jump. He looked down at her with narrowed brows.

"Be very careful of what you say next."

"So, you know now, what you need to do to get out of here?"

"What? What does that mean?"

"That's what you said. That's what you said to Sky that night. That he needed to offer you something in order to leave safely. I was relieved when he ran into you! I thought he would be safe with you! How could you do that to him?"

Prapai's face had changed with every word she spoke. He no longer looked angry but confused and even a little scared.

"I - You've misunderstood, Rena. Sky was willing. He - he initiated it. He... It was just a joke! He didn't have to do anything!"

"That's not how he saw it."

Rena's anger softened as she watched Prapai look as though he wanted to throw up.

"No..."

She rubbed her hand up and down his arm.

"You really had no idea, did you?"

"He's a very good actor. Why would he think that I-"

"He thinks all guys are arseholes. Those are his words. Obviously, he had a bad experience in the past and assumed that you were just like them. Only after one thing -  Oh, forget I said that."

"He must hate me. No wonder he looked at me that way."

Prapai looked so upset that it hurt Rena's heart to see him that way. If he was the man she thought he was, the man she loved, then she would do anything to see him happy.

"P'Prapai, earlier you told P'Phayu that you were avoiding your nightly companions because you didn't want to deal with them, that you found them fake, annoying and clingy. Is that true?"

"Now is not the time, Rena."

"Just answer the question."

"Fine. Yes, it's true."

"You feel that way... about all of them? Us?"

"All of them... apart from you."

"Huh?"

"You're different. You've always been different, Rena. I actually enjoy your company - outside of the sheets as well as in them."

Rena stared at Prapai for a while trying to get a read on how honest he was being. Yet, he had no reason to lie to her. He didn't know why she was asking, what she was about to offer him.

"I'll help you."

"Help me?"

"With Sky. I'll help you earn Sky's forgiveness."

"What makes you think I want -"

"Because you like him. Don't try to deny it! I haven't spent the night with you since you met him, and neither has anybody else."

Prapai looked surprised, but the corner of his lips twitched up into a small smile.

"Keeping tabs on me, are you?"

"You got his number from Rain, didn't you? You're the one who's been calling him and sending him messages."

"How do you know about that?"

"You're coming on too strong. Tone it down a little, okay? I know you can do better. No need to be creepy. It's freaking him out."

"Any other tips?"

"Yes, but I won't share them with you."

Prapai raised his eyebrows.

"I thought you said you were going to help me."

"I said I'll help you earn his forgiveness, not win his heart."