Chasing Our Lost Stars [Completed]

A trip to France 🇫🇷

Vel stood at the base of the sleek, white private jet, its engines humming quietly. The glossy surface of the plane reflected the midday sun, and Vel felt a wave of discomfort wash over him. The jet was a world away from anything he'd ever known-a far cry from the rough neighborhoods he'd grown up in. As an orphan who had never experienced such luxury, even driving a brand-new car was an alien experience to him. Now, standing before a private jet, knowing it was just for him and Krit, made him feel even more out of place.

As they approached the stairs leading up to the jet, Vel hesitated. Krit noticed his hesitation and stopped beside him, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "You okay?" Krit asked, his tone light but filled with concern.

Vel nodded but didn't move. "It's just... this is a lot," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've never even been close to something like this before. It feels like I don't belong here."

Krit reached out, taking Vel's hand in his own, squeezing it reassuringly. "You belong here with me, Vel," he said softly. "Don't think about it as something overwhelming. Think of it as something new-something you deserve to experience."

Vel looked up at Krit, the sincerity in his eyes easing some of the tension in his chest. He nodded, still feeling a little out of place but comforted by Krit's words. Together, they ascended the stairs and entered the jet.

Inside, the jet was just as luxurious as Vel had imagined, if not more. Plush leather seats, polished wood paneling, and soft ambient lighting created an atmosphere of opulence that Vel had only seen in movies. He swallowed hard, trying to shake off the feeling of being an intruder in a world that wasn't his.

Krit led him to one of the spacious seats and gestured for him to sit. Vel did so, his movements stiff and awkward. Krit sat across from him, still holding his hand. "I know this is a lot," Krit said, his voice gentle, "but I want you to have fun, Vel. This is our time. I want you to enjoy it."

Vel managed a small smile. "It's just... crazy, you know? I never thought I'd be sitting in a private jet, going to France, of all places. It feels surreal."

Krit chuckled, the sound warm and reassuring. "Surreal can be good," he said. "It's okay to try something new, to experience something different. You deserve it."

Vel took a deep breath, allowing himself to relax a little more. Krit was right-this was something new, something he could enjoy if he let himself. "Thanks, Krit," he said, his voice steadier now. "I'll try."

As the jet took off, the world outside the windows grew smaller, and Vel found himself relaxing further. The initial shock of being on a private jet began to fade, replaced by a sense of excitement for the journey ahead. They were heading to France, a place Vel had never dreamed of visiting. The thought made him smile.

After a while, Krit leaned back in his seat, his expression growing more serious. "There's something I want to talk to you about, Vel," he said, his tone softening.

Vel looked at him, curiosity and concern mingling in his gaze. "What is it?" he asked.

Krit took a deep breath, his eyes briefly flicking to the window before returning to Vel's. "I want to explain something about my relationship with my father," he began. "You've seen how he is with me, how we interact... and it's not great. But I need you to know that it wasn't always like this."

Vel listened intently, sensing the weight of what Krit was about to share.

"When I was a kid, I was... difficult," Krit admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "I was angry, all the time. I lashed out at everyone, bullied people at home, and made it hard for anyone to get close to me. My father-he tried to manage me, but it wasn't easy. He did what he thought was best, sending me to boarding school because I was uncontrollable. And when I came back, I hadn't really changed. I was still angry, still pushing everyone away."