Under the Same Umbrella ☔ : A Tale of Love

Chapter 20: Silent Acts of Love

As Noeul sat with his friends, his heart heavy with the weight of his emotions, he struggled to find the words to express the turmoil brewing within him. Forth and Donut exchanged concerned glances, noticing the sadness etched in Noeul's eyes as he pushed around his food, his appetite gone.

Forth leaned in closer, his voice gentle yet filled with concern. "Noeul, what's wrong? You sounded so sad on the phone earlier," he said, his eyes searching Noeul's face for any sign of explanation.

Noeul hesitated, glancing at Peat, who was also present.

He took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly as he attempted to compose himself. "I... I saw him again today," he began, his voice wavering with emotion. "Phi.Boss... after three years. I was shocked, but... happy to see him again."

Forth and Donut listened intently as Noeul recounted the unexpected encounter with Chaikamon, his words tinged with a mixture of sadness and longing.

"He... he bought our company," Noeul continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "And when he said he did it because of me, because he knew I was working here... I felt terrible."

Tears welled up in Noeul's eyes as he confessed his inner turmoil to his friends, the guilt weighing heavily on his heart. "I hurt him, Forth," he admitted, his voice choked with emotion.

"Even though it's not his fault. I wanted to tell him... that I still love him, that I haven't moved on. But I couldn't. I thought he hated me for breaking his heart... but he still loves me. His eyes, his gestures, his words... they all show it."

Noeul's tears flowed freely now, his emotions overwhelming him as he struggled to contain the flood of feelings threatening to consume him.

Forth and Donut exchanged a glance, their hearts aching for their friend as they moved closer to comfort him.

"Calm down, Noeul," Forth said softly, wrapping his arms around Noeul in a comforting embrace.

"It's not your fault, nor his. The circumstances were beyond your control. You both loved each other so much... and you still do. It's been so long, but we can work through this. Don't cry, naa. We're here for you."

Donut nodded in understanding, his expression full of empathy. "It's okay, Noeul. We're here for you."

Noeul buried his face in his hands, his sobs echoing in the room. Forth and Donut did their best to comfort him, offering him water and gentle pats on the back as they tried to soothe his anguish.

Donut joined in the embrace, offering his own silent support as they held Noeul close, a silent promise of friendship and understanding in the face of heartache.

Forth's confession hung heavy in the air, his words laden with remorse.

"Well, I'm sorry, Noeul," Forth admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "I hid it from you, but I knew he was still waiting for you."

Noeul's eyes widened in surprise. "What? How do you know?"

Forth took a deep breath before revealing the truth. "He was in contact with me... for three years. But he made me promise not to tell you until he came in front of you. He already knew those silly reasons you gave weren't the real reasons for your decision. He tried to convince you hard, but you didn't listen. He thought it was good to give you some time, so he left... but he always took care of you from afar. Always asked about your well-being. He asked us to take care of you... he was concerned about you. He never left you, Noeul... I sent him all your pictures, videos, and information over these years. I'm sorry, na... but I couldn't bear his sadness, nor yours."

Noeul's heart ached as the truth unfolded before him. Tears welled up in his eyes as he realized the depth of Chaikamon's love and devotion,

"I... I had no idea," Noeul whispered, his voice choked with emotion.