I won't be blinded by the light

Chapter 4

Handsome senior: How is your first week of school?

Rain: Exhausting, I can't believe how much harder second year is. Or are teachers in Thailand just naturally sadistic?

Handsome senior: You can do it, you're smart. Do you want me to tutor you this weekend?

P'Phayu has offered to tutor him some on weekends to help him make the transition from the Korean program to the Thai program.

Rain: Could you, Phi? My mom said to invite you for lunch if you are available Sunday.

Handsome senior: Sunday is perfect, I will see you then. Study hard.

Rain sends a picture of a teddy bear in a university uniform with the words "fighting" underneath.

"Rain," Rain jumps when Sky calls his name right behind him, "we have to hurry, or we'll be late for class." Rain doesn't hide his phone quick enough and Sky sees the names on the screen. "Handsome senior." Sky reads. He stares at Rain, he doesn't even bother asking who that is, he knows. "When did you rename P'Phayu in your phone?"

"Who says it's P'Phayu," Rain says in a high-pitched voice that he always uses when he's lying.

"Rain." Sky gives him a look that compels Rain to answer honestly.

"Fine, I changed it last night. I mean he is handsome, and so nice. Don't think I don't know what you call P'Pai on your phone." Rain says.

Sky blushes at this, "I don't know what you are talking about."

Rain grins, Sky doesn't lie any better than he does. He wants to ask Sky what part of P'Pai is giant, but they really are going to be late for class if they don't hurry.

Rain helps his mother fix lunch Sunday, while he waits for P'Phayu to come for their tutoring session.

"I asked P'Phayu what foods he likes," Rain says as he dishes out the rice, "but he said he could eat almost anything. He's so nice." Rain doesn't notice the look his mother gives him, he has been talking nonstop about P'Phayu all morning and it's not the first time his parents have heard the name. Rain has talked about little else since the student council meeting with Sky.

Rain's dad comes in to get the dishes to set the table and Rain doesn't see when his parents exchange a knowing look behind his back.

Just then the doorbell rings and Rain jumps. He goes to let P'Phayu in and brings him to introduce him to his parents.

P'Phayu greets Rain's parents politely, "Thank you for having me today."

"We've been hearing so much about you." Rain's mama says with a hint of irony in her voice. "It's nice to finally meet you."

P'Phayu looks at the food Rain is putting in serving bowls. "Can I do something to help?"

"Everything is almost ready," Rain's dad says, "if you don't mind could you carry the food to the table? Shorty might drop it."

"Dad," Rain whines, he's used to his dad talking like that but it's embarrassing in front of the senior, "I'm not a child, and don't call me Shorty, I'm almost as tall as you are now."

Rain's dad gives him a fond smile.

Once they are seated at the table, Rain's dad asks about P'Phayu's work. "Rain says you are an architect full time, and you help in your family's garage?"

"That's right," P'Phayu answers, "I've been with my current firm for two years now. I love it, but I also like to work with my hands. Although my brother handles most of the business end of the garage daily, I work there a lot of weekends."