The Falling Rain

Chapter 23

Rain was exhausted when he finally got back to his apartment. Phayu had gotten stuck at work and was unable to meet him at the airport, P'Pai and Sky were on a short trip before the next term started, and P'Saifah was busy with his girlfriend so Rain hadn't wanted to bother him. He had gotten a taxi back home and lugged all his stuff up to his apartment on his own.

His family had showered him with gifts, which was so endearing and kind but he hadn't thought about getting them all home. His grandmother had sent him home with a large book she compiled with all her own recipes; he couldn't wait to make her kimchi so he could have it whenever he wanted.

He was finally done unpacking, although his laundry and suitcases were still scattered around the room, and flung himself onto his sofa; he figured he'd just relax for a short while before heading over to Phayu's house. He had missed his boyfriend a lot while he was abroad and wanted to spend some quality time together. Rain felt his eyes begin to close and thought that a short nap wouldn't hurt anything.

He woke suddenly to the sound of banging on his door. Rain felt his heart rate skyrocket and slowly approached to look through the peephole. He prayed it wouldn't be his father he saw outside his door. He had left his phone somewhere when he was unpacking and was slightly panicked thinking he would have to find it before he could call for help.

Looking through the hole he felt himself relax, it was a very frazzled looking Phayu outside his door.

“P'Phayu! I thought you were working today? Why didn't you come in?” He said, then remembered the added lock his aunt had made him get and promise to use for his home. “Oh, I'm sorry! I forgot my aunt had me put this new lock on the inside, she said it made her feel better. One second and I'll let you in!”

“Rain! I was so worried when you didn't show up for dinner! I called and sent messages but got no response!” Phayu immediately pulled him into a hug, obviously he had been very worried.

Rain could hear muffled voices coming from his boyfriend's hand. He nodded his head towards it and Phayu seemed to remember he had been on the phone.

“Sky, Pai? Sorry, I know I'm sorry! He's home, he had put another lock on his door from the inside, that's why I couldn't open it.” He was quiet for a moment, probably listening. “No, I don't know yet, Sky. Yes, I will tell him. No, I won't threaten my boyfriend for you. No, not even then. Pai, get your boyfriend before he blackmails me please!”

Rain chuckled, knowing how sneaky Sky could be, if the man really wanted to he could probably take over the world and convince them all to help him do it.

When Phayu finally hung up the phone he pulled Rain back into another tight hug. Rain rubbed his lover's back, trying to wake up fully since he had been forced awake in a panic.

“I'm sorry for freaking out, Rain. I was so worried when you didn't answer and then no one else could reach you either. I went immediately to the worst case scenario and rushed over to check on you.” Rain kissed his cheek gently.

“Thank you for worrying about me, P'Phayu. I was apparently more tired than I thought and fell asleep on the couch. I'm not actually sure where my phone is in all of this stuff, so if you see it please give it to me.” Rain shook his head at his own inability to find his things.

Phayu just laughed at his boy and inquired into how his trip went, getting sufficiently panicked when he learned Rain had actually considered staying there but his chest burned with pride hearing how his boy wouldn't let those awful people control his decisions anymore and how his aunt had apparently been just as proud of him for it. His Rain really did deserve the world.

“Sweet boy, do you want to stay here or go back to my house? I have a few things to finish up for work tonight so I have to head home.” Phayu said, feeling bad that he had to leave but also hoping Rain would come with him.

“I'm just tired, I think I'll just head to bed. We can meet up tomorrow for breakfast if you want.” Rain said. He felt nervous about telling Phayu he'd rather stay home but was fairly confident that his boyfriend would understand.

“Breakfast it is.” Phayu said, leaning over to kiss the top of Rain's head. “Come lock the door again behind me, can't have your aunt finding out you slacked on your new lock.” He figured he would tell Rain about his parents not being a threat anymore tomorrow, no reason to keep him awake when he was visibly exhausted.

“Thank you, Phi. I'll see you in the morning.” He pressed a soft kiss to Phayu's lips and re-secured the door once the older man was out.

He was curious when Phayu and Prapai would fess up to what they had done. Saifah had mentioned it to Sky who then, of course, told Rain. He wasn't mad at them, he really did appreciate their care and didn't begrudge them this overreach since they were just trying to keep him safe. He also had to admit he felt much better about everything knowing his father wouldn't be popping up to attack him again at random.

Rain flopped back onto his bed and reflected on the last few years of his life. He had never imagined that he would go from feeling invisible to the amount of care that overflowed from those around him. He was blessed to have such wonderful people in his life, even if they walked a morally gray line.

What happens in the dark always comes to light, he knew that but Rain also knew that the people in that darkness would never hurt him and were determined to keep him safe. It was selfish but he was willing to let the quiet viciousness pass if it was used to keep him and those he loved away from harm.

So yeah, Phayu may have used his mafia connections to threaten his parents but he did it to protect Rain and so Rain wouldn't bring it up. He'd keep things how they were, he'd avoid Pakin, skip over Chai's gaze, jabber on to Sky, banter with Pai and Saifah, enjoy his time with his newfound family, and get his happily ever after with his P'Phayu.