Vailed Truths: The Chosen Omega

The Inner Circle

The dimly lit lounge of the exclusive club was a sanctuary for the powerful and the elite. It was a place where deals were struck, secrets were exchanged, and the weight of the world was momentarily lifted from the shoulders of those who bore it. Sailub Hemmawich sat at a corner table, his expression unreadable as he swirled the amber liquid in his glass. The night was still young, but his mind was already a maelstrom of thoughts.

Across from him sat Naret Promphaopun, known to his friends as Pavel. Tall and broad-shouldered, Pavel was the epitome of confidence, with a sharp wit and a penchant for getting under people's skin just for the fun of it. He took a sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving Sailub's face.

Next to Pavel was Supanut Lourhaphanich, or Nut as he was affectionately called. Nut was the quieter of the two, with an easygoing demeanor that often masked the razor-sharp intellect beneath. He leaned back in his chair, observing Sailub with a keen gaze, as if trying to decipher the thoughts swirling behind his friend's stoic exterior.

The three of them had been friends for years, bound together by shared experiences and the unspoken understanding that came from knowing each other's darkest secrets. But even within this close-knit circle, there were things that remained unsaid, truths that were carefully guarded.

"You're unusually quiet tonight, Sailub," Pavel remarked, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Trouble in paradise?"

Sailub shot him a cold look, the kind that would have sent lesser men scurrying. But Pavel was unfazed; he knew Sailub too well to be intimidated by his icy demeanor.

"There's no trouble," Sailub replied flatly, taking another sip of his drink. "Just business."

"Business?" Nut echoed, his tone skeptical. "Since when do you get this broody over business? We've seen you take down entire companies without batting an eye. This is different, isn't it?"

Sailub's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't respond. He wasn't in the mood to discuss his thoughts, especially not with Pavel and Nut, who had an uncanny ability to dig deeper than anyone else. But he knew they wouldn't let it go easily.

"Is this about Thanapon?" Pavel asked, leaning forward with a knowing grin. "The board meeting must have been a real spectacle. I heard some of the old geezers practically wet themselves when you shot down their objections."

"Pavel," Sailub warned, his tone laced with irritation.

"What?" Pavel feigned innocence, though the glint in his eyes betrayed his amusement. "I'm just curious. You've never gone out of your way to protect someone like this before. Not unless there's something more to it."

Nut, ever the observer, chimed in softly, "Pavel's right, Sailub. You're not the type to get involved in someone else's mess unless you have a reason. We're not prying, but... we are your friends. We can tell when something's off."

Sailub's grip tightened on his glass, the cold surface pressing into his skin. His friends were perceptive, annoyingly so, and he knew they weren't going to let this go without some sort of explanation. But what could he say? That he was protecting Pon because of feelings he had spent years burying? That the thought of Pon suffering at the hands of the media and the world at large made something dark and possessive rear its head within him? That the mere idea of anyone else getting close to Pon was enough to ignite a firestorm of jealousy and rage?

No, he couldn't say any of that. Not yet.

"I'm handling it," Sailub finally said, his voice steady but distant. "Thanapon is a valuable asset, and I won't let the board or anyone else jeopardize that."

Pavel raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Valuable asset, huh? Is that all he is to you? Because it seems like you're going out of your way to keep him safe. Almost like you're... I don't know... possessive?"

Sailub's eyes flashed with a warning, but Pavel only grinned wider, knowing he had hit a nerve. Nut, however, remained more serious, his expression thoughtful.

"Possessive?" Nut repeated, his voice low. "I think 'protective' might be a better word, don't you think, Pavel? Sailub's always been that way with the people he cares about, even if he doesn't show it."

Sailub stiffened at Nut's words. His friends were getting too close to the truth, but they didn't fully understand. How could they? They didn't know what it was like to feel this burning need to shield someone from the world, to keep them close and safe, no matter the cost.

"Enough," Sailub said, his voice firm, brokering no argument. "I don't owe either of you an explanation. Thanapon is under my protection, and that's all you need to know."

Pavel and Nut exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between them. They knew better than to push Sailub when he was like this, but it was clear that they weren't entirely convinced by his dismissive words.

"All right, all right," Pavel said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "We'll back off. But just know, Sailub, if you ever need to talk—or if you need us to 'handle' anything—we're here."

Nut nodded in agreement, his gaze lingering on Sailub with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "We've got your back, Sailub. Just don't forget that."

Sailub didn't respond immediately. He was grateful, in his own way, for their loyalty, but he wasn't ready to let them in on everything. Not yet. For now, his focus had to remain on protecting Pon and keeping his true feelings hidden from everyone, including himself.

"Let's change the subject," Sailub said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "There are more pressing matters to discuss."

Pavel chuckled, recognizing the deflection for what it was, but he didn't press further. Instead, he launched into a story about one of their mutual acquaintances, a tale that was equal parts scandalous and absurd. Nut joined in with a few well-timed quips, and soon, the conversation shifted to lighter, safer topics.

But even as the laughter and banter filled the lounge, Sailub's thoughts remained distant, focused on a certain Omega who was likely dealing with his own struggles at that very moment. Sailub knew he couldn't afford to be distracted, not with so much at stake. But no matter how hard he tried to push the thoughts away, they kept coming back, persistent and unrelenting.

Possessive? Protective? Perhaps both. But Sailub knew one thing for certain: Thanapon Aiemkumchai was his. Whether Pon realized it or not, he belonged to Sailub, and Sailub would do whatever it took to keep him safe, even if it meant tearing down anyone who dared to stand in his way.

And as his friends continued to laugh and chat, Sailub allowed himself a small, almost imperceptible smile. Because deep down, he knew that one day, when the time was right, the world would see just how far he was willing to go to protect his little bunny.