Chasing Our Lost Stars [Completed]

The New Life

Vel sits on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on his hands as they rest on his lap. He can feel the weight of what he's about to say pressing down on him. Krit is beside him, close enough that their shoulders touch. Krit's hand gently clasps Vel's, his thumb brushing soothing circles against his skin. The gesture is comforting, but it doesn't ease the tightness in Vel's chest.

Sai and Pon are sitting across from them, occupying the plush chairs that are nestled near the bed. The room is quiet, the only sound coming from the distant hum of the air conditioner. Both Sai and Pon watch intently, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. They know this conversation is important, that what Vel is about to reveal will shape the path ahead.

Vel takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "So, Lek... Krit's dad..." he begins, his voice steady despite the anxiety gnawing at him. "He accepts our relationship. He's okay with us being together."

Krit squeezes his hand a bit tighter, offering silent encouragement. Vel can feel Krit's pulse beneath his grip, quick and anxious. Krit is nervous, probably more than Vel has ever seen him.

"But," Vel continues, glancing briefly at Krit before looking back at Sai and Pon, "he has conditions. And they're not exactly easy ones."

Sai and Pon exchange a quick glance, their brows furrowing with concern. Pon leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, while Sai crosses his arms, bracing himself for what's coming.

"What kind of conditions?" Sai asks, his voice calm but edged with worry.

Vel hesitates for a moment, feeling the heaviness of the words he's about to speak. "First, Lek doesn't want me to work as your bodyguard anymore," he says, glancing at Krit. The room seems to grow even quieter as the words settle in. "He... he wants me to be your boyfriend and nothing else."

Krit's eyes widen, a mixture of shock and surprise crossing his face. "He... what?" Krit stammers, almost unable to process what he's hearing. "He said that?"

Vel nods, his gaze dropping to their intertwined hands. "He did. And there's more."

Sai shifts in his chair, his jaw tightening. Pon bites his lip, fidgeting with the edge of his shirt. They can sense that this isn't the end of Lek's demands.

Vel continues, his voice a bit shakier now. "He said I have to find work outside of being your bodyguard. That I need to be... independent, not rely on your money."

Krit opens his mouth to protest, but Vel squeezes his hand, a silent plea to let him finish. "He said it's important that I can stand on my own two feet," Vel adds. "That he doesn't want me to live off you, Krit."

Krit's expression shifts, his eyes narrowing slightly, a flash of frustration and protectiveness crossing his features. "That's ridiculous," he mutters, but he stays quiet, waiting for Vel to continue.

Vel takes a deep breath before sharing the last condition. "And then... he said that when you eventually take over the company, I'll need to be the public face alongside you. Like... like your step-mom does for him."

Sai and Pon both let out a breath they didn't realize they were holding. Vel can see the surprise in their eyes, mixed with an unspoken understanding of how heavy these expectations are.

"That's... a lot," Pon finally says, his voice low, almost a whisper. "Are you okay with that?"

Vel looks at Krit, who is staring at him with a mix of worry, love, and fear. "I don't know," Vel admits. "But I told him I'm willing to try. I want to be with you, Krit. No matter what."

Krit's eyes soften, his grip on Vel's hand tightening as he leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to Vel's temple. "We'll figure it out together," he murmurs, his voice steady. "I'm not letting you go through this alone."