Chasing Our Lost Stars [Completed]

Son Or Son-in-law

Vel steps into Lek's study, feeling the weight of the tension in the air. Lek watches him carefully, his eyes narrowing as they scan Vel from head to toe. For a moment, the room is silent, the atmosphere thick with unspoken emotions. Lek is fighting an internal battle—anger, betrayal, a sense of loss.

"Vel..." Lek finally begins, his voice tight, laced with restrained fury. "What should I... I don't even know what to say to you." He pauses, his hands resting on the edge of his desk, knuckles white from the pressure. His mind swirls with the thought that the person he had entrusted to protect his son now wants to become more than just a guardian. Vel notices the storm brewing behind Lek's eyes and stays quiet, knowing that whatever he says now could shape what happens next.

Lek takes a deep breath, wrestling with his emotions. To him, Vel had always been the shield between Krit and the dangers of the world. But now, this very shield has come to ask for something that he didn't expect—to date his son. It feels like a betrayal, like Vel is crossing a line he thought was immovable. Yet, beneath his anger, Lek feels something else—a flicker of hope. Maybe this relationship could be actually meaning full.

With visible effort, Lek forces himself to calm down. He motions towards the chairs across from his desk. "Come," he says, his tone firm but not unkind. "Let's sit. I want to talk to you."

Vel nods silently and walks to the chair, taking a seat across from Lek. Lek sits down at his desk, facing Vel directly. Between them, the table feels like a battlefield—a space where words could either heal or hurt. The room is tense, the air thick with the anticipation of what’s about to be discussed.

"I don't have any questions right now," Lek says, leaning back in his chair, trying to maintain his composure. "Just tell me everything, from the start. From where all this began. What am I supposed to think about it? Because, look, I can't just tell you to leave my son. This isn’t some K-drama, right? I need to know your side of the story." He sighs, rubbing his temples. "I can't ask Krit. If I talk to him, we’ll just end up arguing, and nothing will get resolved. So, I want to hear from you. What happened? How did it start? Just give me a clear viewpoint."

Vel shifts in his seat, his nerves taut. He knew this moment would come, but facing it now feels more daunting than he'd imagined. He's not just asking for Lek's approval; he's laying his feelings bare. He begins cautiously. "Sir... I can't tell you everything in precise detail, but I'll try to explain how it all happened."

Lek nods, waiting, his expression a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

"There was a time when Krit and I went to his college. He was finishing his last class, and afterward, he and his friend went into the canteen. I stayed outside, just watching. That’s when I noticed this girl flirting with him." Vel pauses, feeling the sting of jealousy he felt back then. "I felt... jealous, like someone was taking something that was mine. But the confusing part was, Krit wasn’t mine at that time. I never even thought about being in a relationship before. It was just... this strange feeling."

Lek's gaze sharpens, his curiosity piqued, but he remains silent, letting Vel continue.

"When Krit came out, he did something unexpected. He kissed my nose. It might not sound like much, but it was… provocative. I mean, it gave me all sorts of ideas." Vel chuckles nervously, glancing at Lek to gauge his reaction. "But I didn't take it seriously. I thought it was just him being playful, not something meant for me to take to heart."

Vel shifts in his seat again, his eyes flickering with memory. "Then, during lunch, something happened. I don’t know if you know this, sir, but Krit struggles with anxiety. He has anxiety attacks, and he takes medication daily to help manage it." Lek’s face tightens at this revelation, a flash of guilt crossing his eyes.