Part 10

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Suddenly Bright received a call saying something happened with the company. Bright hated leaving Gulf alone, especially after everything that had happened. However, Kao assured him he would take care of Gulf while Bright was away. Now, Gulf was staying in Kao's apartment and was only allowed to walk when necessary.

The next day, Gulf felt he was getting better and able to move more freely. After a shower, he went to the living room and saw Kao brewing coffee while taking a business call. Gulf observed Kao, who didn't look that old despite having a 27-year-old son. At 30, Gulf thought that himself looked older than Kao because of his fashion. As a teacher, there wasn't much he could do about his style, and maybe that was why Ja had grown tired of him. Gulf shook his head, trying not to think about Ja anymore.

"What are you doing?" Kao chuckled when he saw Gulf deep in thought and shaking his head, looking like a puppy.

"Nothing, sir," Gulf said with a small smile, trying to hide that he was thinking about Ja.

"Sir? I didn't mention this yesterday, but calling me 'sir' makes me feel old. I just turned 39 this year, not 40 yet," Kao said, placing his coffee on the table.

"39?!" Gulf exclaimed, surprised by Kao's age. Kao laughed at Gulf's reaction, finding it amusing how he looked like a curious puppy.

"Yes, 39. Do I need to show you my ID?" Kao asked, looking for his wallet, but Gulf stopped him.

"But Ja is..." Gulf tilted his head, trying to do the math, but it didn't add up. Kao realized Ja had never mentioned his real background.

Kao explained that Ja was his adopted son. He had adopted Ja when Kao was 25, feeling lonely after his parents passed away. Although the orphanage had claimed Ja was 10 years old, Kao later realized they had lied to facilitate a quicker adoption. Despite this, Kao had bonded with Ja and decided not to return him to the orphanage.

"But... he took me to his mother's grave before," Gulf said, trying to process the information. How could Ja have kept this from him after six years together?

"That was his biological mother. I never dated anyone after adopting Ja because I hadn't considered finding a partner," Kao explained, sipping his coffee. He could see every thought crossing Gulf's mind through his expression and found it amusing how transparent Gulf was.

"I... I didn't know any of this," Gulf said, sitting down on the sofa, trying to process everything. Ja left Gulf to think and went to work. After a few minutes, Gulf cleared his throat, and Kao turned his attention back to him.

"Then... what should I call you?" Gulf asked, biting his lower lip. Kao told him to call him whatever made him comfortable.

"Then... Khun?" Gulf offered a small smile. Kao sighed but nodded with a smile.

The next day, Gulf decided he wanted to return to his apartment. After his shower, he emerged to find Kao cooking breakfast. Kao was dressed in a black half-zip neck jumper and black slacks, with the sleeves rolled up, adding to his charismatic aura. He looked both youthful and mature at the same time.

"Good morning, Gulf," Kao greeted warmly, turning around with a smile. Gulf was taken aback by how fresh Kao looked so early in the morning.

"Good morning, Khun," Gulf nodded and sat at the dining table as Kao had instructed.

Kao scooped an omelet onto a plate, then placed two slices of toast on each plate. He set a plate in front of Gulf and poured him a glass of milk, placing it beside the plate. When Gulf asked if he could have coffee, Kao refused.

"Milk is good for your health, Gulf. Caffeine only disturbs your sleep," Kao explained firmly yet kindly. Kao was the type to offer advice warmly.

"But you drink coffee too," Gulf blurted out, then panicked, fearing Kao would think he was being rebellious. However, Kao only smiled.

"That's because it helps me manage work stress," Kao replied, sitting across from Gulf before suddenly getting up and walking back to the kitchen.

"Almost forgot this," Kao said, sprinkling some shredded basil on both his and Gulf's scrambled eggs. Gulf was surprised by the breakfast menu: scrambled eggs with basil, toast, and a cup of warm milk.

"Hope you like it. I wanted a Western breakfast but with a Thai touch," Kao smiled and finally sat down.

"Actually, I love it. I prefer mixed breakfasts, but it's been a while since I had this kind," Gulf said, taking a bite of the scrambled eggs. They were delicious.

"Why haven't you had it before? It's an easy and quick breakfast," Kao asked, taking a bite himself.

Sensing Gulf's hesitation, Kao changed the subject, understanding the underlying reason. He remembered that Ja preferred traditional Thai breakfasts, which took more time to prepare. Kao watched Gulf enjoy his meal and smiled.

"Khun, I've been thinking... Since I'm feeling better, I want to go back to my apartment," Gulf said after they finished breakfast.

"Of course, you can. But I'm going to need some payment for taking care of you these past three days," Kao said, crossing his arms and seeing Gulf's confused expression.

"Payment? How much? I'm not sure I have enough money right now," Gulf replied, scratching his head nervously. Kao chuckled at Gulf's reaction and ruffled his hair.

"All you need to do is accompany me for a walk this morning. Staying indoors for days has made me restless," Kao smiled, making Gulf blush. Gulf nodded and went to change his clothes.

Kao and Gulf walked through the park, discussing various topics. Kao's maturity was evident in their conversation, and he often smiled. Gulf felt thirsty but tried to ignore it. Suddenly, Kao excused himself and returned with a bottle of water for Gulf, who was surprised but grateful.

"What are your plans after this?" Kao asked, still watching the kids.

"I'm not sure... I..." Gulf looked down, feeling a bit sad. Kao gently touched his back.

"You are free now, Gulf. You can do anything you want," Kao said with a comforting smile. Gulf looked up and met Kao's eyes, feeling reassured.

They walked for another ten minutes along the small shops near the park before deciding to head back. Gulf was packing his bag when Kao knocked on his door.

"I bought this at one of the shops. It's for you," Kao said, handing Gulf a small box. Gulf opened it to find a black and white leather bracelet.

"It's supposed to bring you luck. I figured if you're starting a new chapter, you could use some luck," Kao explained. Gulf was speechless. He loved bracelets, especially in his favorite colors. He had never received such a thoughtful gift from Ja, yet Kao had known him for only three days and already understood him so well. Gulf's eyes filled with tears, but he tried to hold them back. Suddenly, Kao embraced him.

"It's okay to cry. I won't think any less of you,"

TBC

A/N: Originally, I wanted to make Bright and Kao stay together with Gulf but it is not my style as I prefer to make the pair clear from the start and it will only confused me. So, here we can see who is it.

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