A Vihokratana's tragedy

18. The bonfire

"The moment I saw your back, I knew it was you, Teechapaikhun. I a—I am so, so glad to see you," that kind-of-familiar guy to Tay said to New, stumbling over his words. He must have been quite surprised to see New there. But who exactly was he? New looked nervous. The guy didn’t seem harmful at all—he actually had a warm, cherry-like aura around him. Shit... Is he...?

"Who is it, New?"

"Hi, I'm Off Jumpol Adulkittiporn, and this is my husband, Gun Atthaphan Phunsawat. My parents used to work with the Teechapaikhuns," Off introduced himself to Tay, noticing that New didn’t seem ready to speak. Tay's guess was right. This was Off—New's best friend, his childhood sweetheart.

....

"Hey, it’s winter and we’re in the countryside. Perfect time for a bonfire. We have a great garden for it, too!" Nanon, who had been searching for salt, suddenly spoke up as he grabbed a plastic box filled with something white.

"That's sugar, for god's sake, Nanon," Pluem yelled.

"Shoot, oops! Didn’t know that. Sorry, Pluem, but don’t worry, I haven’t mixed it yet. Anyway, back to the point—how about my idea?" Nanon asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.

"What idea?" Pluem asked, not looking up from what he was doing.

"Are you even listening to your great brother, Pluem?" Nanon mocked.

"Nope. I’m not. Can’t you see?" Pluem pointed to his headphones.

"Oh, headphones! Sorry, didn’t realize."

"Yeah. Expected, Mr. Bean."

"I am not Mr. Bean," Non said, looking exasperated. "Forget that. I’m saying we can have a bonfire tonight. We can play games and enjoy ourselves after dinner. Dad said he has arranged some wood for us, right?"

Pluem thought for a moment before replying, "That can be done. Okay. Go ask the others if they’re fine with it."

"Of course everyone is okay with it. I’ve already asked Perth and Ohm—they’re good with it. Chimon’s on board too, I asked him on the bus. Frank won’t mind when it’s my request, and as for that thick-browed guy... we don’t need his opinion."

"That’s not how you talk, Nanon. He’s Frank’s friend."

"Yeah, and I couldn’t care less. Please, Pluem, it’s between us. Don’t get involved."

"Okay, I won’t. Just don’t do anything that’ll hurt someone’s feelings, Nanon. You’re not someone who loses their temper easily. Keep in mind, if you do something wrong, it’ll come back to you." It seemed like Nanon was finally taking Pluem’s advice seriously.

"Yes," Nanon said with a serious tone. "Priest Pluem." Then, in two seconds, the sincere moment was gone as he burst out laughing. He ran out of the kitchen, knowing exactly what would happen if he stayed.

....

"Try to understand, Bright. We can’t." Win felt frustrated, trying to make Bright see that what he was suggesting was total nonsense. His plan couldn't be part of their lives.

"Why can’t we?"

"Because I don’t want to ruin another life. Can’t you understand that? I don’t want to cheat again." Win's voice cracked as he screamed. How could Bright think like this when their life was already falling apart, when their marriage was on the verge of breaking?

And silence.

Bright took a deep breath, trying to keep every last ounce of calm he had left. He gently held Win's hand, which was resting beside the bed where Bright sat with his legs crossed. The touch felt awful in an indescribable way. It tightened a knot in his stomach, a physical manifestation of the sorrow he couldn't shake. His touch screamed sorry, just like it always did. His touch radiated misery, just like it always did. It felt as if all the pain Bright was carrying transferred to Win with a single touch.