The Sinner

A Dream

"Where's Rain?" Sky asks, glancing around their table. On his side is Prapai and sitting across them, Phayu. But the sunny boy in question is nowhere in sight.

"I think he went to buy something." Prapai replies while Phayu only flashes the ghost of a smirk. Sky pouts, feeling left out of whatever it is.

"He'll be here soon." Pai says to comfort his sulking boyfriend to which Phayu chuckles a little; he finds them cute.

Thank goodness, Rain arrives just then and holding a pretty cake box. He takes a seat directly across Sky who watches him curiously as he sets the box down and pulls out a cake that's even prettier.

"What's that for?" Sky asks; as far as he knows, it's neither his or Prapai's birthday. Is it Rain's or Phayu's then?

But to this, Rain giddily replies, "For you."

"Ha?" Sky exclaims. "But...it's not my birthday."

The three boys laugh warmly, then Rain gives Prapai the signal and the latter finally tells Sky, "If you think about it, this is a new beginning for you, Sky.

"You've come out to your family and it seems people around us are slowly moving forward." Prapai continues, placing a hand over Sky's. "Rain suggested it's worth a small celebration...and I actually agree. You've been so brave, Sky. I'm proud of you."

"P-P'Pai..." Sky utters with tears on the corners of his eyes. He then turns to Phayu then, of course, Rain with a beyond grateful expression that he could only sum up with a simple, "Thank you." He turns his hand palm-side up and squeezes Prapai's as there really are no words to describe how moved he is.

"Eyy, let's not start crying now." Rain sniffles and as if practiced, Phayu takes out a lighter at this moment and lights the candle Rain placed in the center of the cake. "Care to make a wish?" Rain beams.

Sky leans forward but then, notices something and asks without much thought, "Why a butterfly?" He's referring to the design on the cake.

"Oh, I thought it's a nice little symbol." Rain giggles. "You know, because you're free now. You can spread your colorful wings and fly."

And at that, Sky's breath hitches.

"Excuse him." Phayu chimes in. "He's a bit cheesy." And yet he gives Rain that look as though he's falling head over heels for his cheesiness.

Sky laughs; it's forced.

"Well...make your wish." Rain holds the cake out to Sky and the latter watches the small flame dance, all fragile and fleeting.

He steels himself and makes a wish, one he won't tell anyone. Then he takes a deep breath and blows it out. And just like that, the once burning flame has gone up in smoke.

Those around his little circle cheer and Sky gives them the happy smile he knows they wish to see because these people wish him nothing other than happiness. And he loves them, especially Prapai.

But it hurts to know their wish won't come true.

~~~

When Prapai wakes up the next day, he's startled when he sees the time. It's past eight; although he doesn't have class that early, Sky does. And the latter would typically be up and rushing to school by now.

But much to Prapai's wonderment, the boy is awake but isn't making a move to get up. His eyes are fixed on the window where a soft stream of sunlight is pouring in and he seems so deep in thought; Prapai isn't sure Sky even noticed him sit up.

"Sky..." Pai leans over to peek at the boy's face. "Are you okay? Are you feeling unwell?"

Sky stirs, turning to face Prapai with an unusually soft, vulnerable expression. "Good morning." He greets just barely above a whisper.