Ploy's Yearbook: Secretly Love (English version)

2 The First Period

How would he feel seeing me again after more than a decade apart? Pa-ploy asked herself as she stepped into the dining room of the grand hotel in Hua Hin, which served as a retreat and celebration venue for the team after successfully wrapping up the commercial shoot for the new condominium project under her company's brand.

She spotted him first, as she'd always done. Sitting at a table, he engaged in a lively conversation with someone beside him. His face was animated in his usual manner, and a broad smile made his handsome features even more captivating.

Just as handsome as before, or perhaps even more so, Pa-ploy told herself. From a high-school idol adored by girls, Kram had entered the entertainment industry, lured by a talent scout. His first acting role had catapulted him to stardom, followed by modeling for various clothing brands, gracing the covers of nearly every major magazine, and becoming the presenter for numerous products. He even released a solo album with several hit songs. She vividly remembered him playing guitar and singing on stage at a school event. Kram mightn't have had the best voice or excellent guitar skills, but he was the most charismatic. He could capture the audience's attention like no other.

Even though his later TV dramas hadn't been very successful, leading to much criticism about his future in the industry and dwindling income, Pa-ploy still had confidence in him... and she still believed, as she always had, that he was born to be a true superstar.

Penny, her personal assistant whom she'd sent to ensure everything went smoothly today, looked surprised when she saw her and quickly got up from her table to approach her boss.

"Did you come all the way from Bangkok, ma'am?"

"Uh-huh, I wanted to stop by and go over. Not that I don't trust you, just..." Pa-ploy trailed off, realizing her words sounded evasive and awkwardly defensive. Luckily, Penny didn't seem to mind, as she was preoccupied with other concerns.

"Will you be staying here as well? Let me arrange a room for you. Have you had dinner yet? I'll check the VIP table first; it seems like there's one spot available."

"If there's still a room available, it'd be great to stay. Don't worry about dinner or seating. Go ahead and take care of the room. I'm really adding to your workload, aren't I? Sorry about that. It was a last-minute decision."

The young assistant seemed ready to leave but then smiled slyly, lowering her voice to a whisper.

"Mr. Kram is really handsome in person, ma'am. You made a great choice, picking him as the presenter for the project. Earlier, I asked him to take a photo with me. I'll show you later!"

The excitement on the other's face made Pa-ploy unable to help but return the smile. She understood Penny's feelings well because she'd been in a similar position for much longer.

When had she started watching that young man, the most talked-about and outstanding schoolboy? Every Valentine's Day, she'd see Kram carrying a huge bouquet of flowers and a bag of chocolates onto the bus home. Even Ploypang, her best friend who rarely took an interest in any guy, would secretly talk to her about him regularly.

"Kram is so handsome, it's unbearable. A guy like him should exist in dozens, but to compete for his attention? I'm afraid I'd be lost in the queue. I mightn't even find the end of the line. I'll pass for now; I can't deal with heartbreak. Besides, I'm not ready to fall for anyone now."

As Ploypang said, Kram always had a queue of girls to choose from. However, despite that, there was never any evident news about him dating anyone seriously. At the very least, he never openly admitted to it. Moreover, once he reached his senior year of high school, he began to disappear, not participating in school activities and not socializing with anyone. Many speculated until the truth came out later—it was during the second semester, his path veered toward the entertainment industry, and he became a full-fledged celebrity.