FORBIDDEN LOVE [PhayuRain]

9- Not worth it

The mission that was supposed to last only a week had now stretched into six months. Phayu was nowhere to be found and rain couldn't contact him at all. He gave up on his hope and almost gave up thinking about a possible reunion with his first love.

Eventually, after that long rain managed to graduate high school alone, the ceremony was a bittersweet reminder of what was supposed to be a shared with phayu. His absence was a glaring void in his life, but Rain pushed through, channeling his pain into determination. He applied to study abroad to many top universities and was accepted to one of the most prestigious university in the United States with scholarship and decided to take it and go.

He started packing his life ready to move on with no news of phayu, hoping a fresh start would help heal his broken heart or perhaps not. Since that day phayu left, he has never been the same or happy not even once. He is like an empty soul doing his best not to fall on the ground just for his mom.

Despite his efforts to move on, he can't bring himself to forget Phayu. The promise of their future together haunted him, and now sitting in his room looking at his suitcases the memory of his last attempt to find Phayu replayed in his mind like a very bad dream.

Two months after Phayu left, Rain couldn't stand the uncertainty any longer. He went to Phayu's house, nervous but resolute. He introduced himself to the imposing figure of Pakin, Phayu's father for the first time.

"I want to know where is Phayu please" Rain said, trying to keep his voice steady and polite.

Pakin's eyes narrowed. "Who are you again?"

"I'm Rain, Phayu's boyfriend" he replied, trying to sound more confident.

Pakin's expression hardened. "Oh the lowlife boy, what do you want from my son" he said raising an eyebrow "You're not part of our world. You have no idea what you're getting into. Forget about Phayu he won't be coming back." He added.

Rain felt a surge of anger and despair. "What do you mean? Why is he not coming back? We were supposed to graduate together, we plan to go to university together live our life and we love eachother. Where is he now please tell me how can I contact him"

Pakin's lips curled into a sneer. "Phayu has responsibilities you can't even begin to understand boy. He doesn't have time for childish romance, go look for another goldfish."

Rain's heart shattered at those words. "I love him. I'm not with him for money or status. I just want to know if he's safe and fine."

Pakin's expression didn't soften. "Love won't protect you in this world. Move on, forget you ever knew him, understand. Now get out"

Rain left the house with tears streaming down his face, feeling as a part of his soul had been ripped away.

He won't forget that day, he promised himself to find phayu one day and prove them that a lowlife boy can be someone big and worthy.

Today was the day he would travel to the United States, leaving behind everything familiar. As he packed his bags, he held onto the precious memories of Phayu, the hoodie, the only piece of phayu he has. His love for Phayu would remain forever wherever he would be.

Rain's mother noticed the pain in his eyes. "Are you ready, sweetheart?"

Rain nodded, trying to muster a smile. "Yes, Mom. I think I have to move forward now."

They drove to the airport, Rain reflected on the past months. He had worked hard, focusing on his studies to distract from the pain. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't forget Phayu. He vowed to himself that he would succeed, not just for his own sake but to prove to Pakin to never underestimate people.