Khao woke to the gentle chirping of birds outside his window, a stark contrast to the city's cacophony he was accustomed to. He stretched, feeling the softness of his plush bed. The mansion's luxury still felt surreal.
After a leisurely morning routine, Khao made his way to the dining room. First already sat at the table, sipping coffee.
"Good morning, Khao," First said, his eyes crinkling. "Sleep well?"
"Yeah, thanks," Khao replied, taking his seat. "Your bed is amazingly comfy."
First chuckled. "Glad you're settling in. Feel at home, Khao. You're part of the family now."
Khao smiled, trying to shake off the unease. "Thanks, First. You're making me feel really welcome."
Mr. Jensen, the butler, served them a plate of eggs and bacon. First engaged Khao in conversation, discussing everything from business to his favorite books. Khao found himself laughing and relaxing in First's presence.
"You know, Khao," First said, his voice low and sincere, "it feels good to have you here. I feel more human with you around."
Khao's guard dropped for a moment. Maybe First wasn't that bad. "Thanks, First. That means a lot coming from you."
As breakfast ended, Khao retreated to his room, feeling a mix of emotions. He wandered around, running his fingers over the expensive furniture. Guilt gnawed at him; he felt like a traitor to Podd.
To shake off the thoughts, Khao picked up his phone and texted his friends.
"Hey guys! I got the job! Want to celebrate tonight?"
Minutes passed before responses flooded in.
"Congrats, dude! Where and when?" - Mix
"We're so proud of you! 7 pm at The Roof?" - Book
Just as Khao was about to respond, his phone rang. Podd's name flashed on the screen. Khao's heart skipped a beat.
"Hey, babe!" Khao answered, trying to sound casual.
"Hey, congrats on the job! I just heard from Mix. Want me to join you guys tonight?" Podd asked, his voice warm.
Khao's guilt surged. "Yeah, sure. That'd be great."
"Awesome! See you at 8."
Khao's mind reeled. How could he face Podd, knowing what he'd agreed to with First?
◕◕◕
At 8 o'clock, Khao arrived at The Roof, a trendy rooftop bar. His friends swarmed him, congratulatory hugs and cheers filling the air. Podd arrived soon after, his smile radiant. The two hugged and kissed each other.
Over drinks and laughter, Khao pushed aside thoughts of First and the mansion's suffocating opulence. For tonight, he was just Khao, surrounded by friends.
But as Podd wrapped an arm around his waist, Khao's guilt resurfaced. He felt trapped between two worlds, unsure which path to take.
As the night wore on, drinks flowed, and laughter echoed through The Roof. Khao, Mix, Podd, Book, and Force danced and sang along to the music.
"You know, Khao, we're proud of you, man," Book slurred, his eyes glassy.
"For what?" Khao asked, grinning.
"For landing that job! You're moving up in the world!" Force cheered.
Book leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And we're happy you're out of that toxic neighborhood."
