Alter

Take 13!

Back in Bangkok, the two reverted to their usual relationship—or whatever that weird, tension-filled thing was.

Thankfully, their busy schedules acted like a buffer, making it almost impossible for them to bump into each other "that" often.

Especially War, who had prior engagements popping up like whack-a-mole, keeping him conveniently far from the set of Vee's series. He threw himself into new projects, even ventured into the family business—something he swore he'd never touch.

Anything, really. He was doing this and that, everything short of knitting a scarf, just to think less about that director snob with the unfairly handsome face and annoyingly good hair.

The series had finally reached the post-production stage, a huge relief for Vee. Now, with his main role reduced to editing supervision, he could breathe a little easier. It was also the perfect time for him to head back to his hometown for the upcoming Christmas break, which was just a week away.

He had initially planned to turn his parents down with the excuse of work, but his father had jokingly threatened to disown him if he didn't show his sorry ass to the family dinner party to celebrate the opening of their new building establishment in Khon Kaen. So, with no choice but to avoid being "disowned," Vee packed his bags.

War dragged his feet toward the entrance of the shiny new building in Khon Kaen, already regretting his decision to come. His dad had him on speaker, voice booming with excitement from thousands of miles away. "Son, remember, this family is one of my favorites! You'll love them. You need to meet their son—get to know him. It's all about future business relationships, you know!"

War rolled his eyes so hard he thought they'd get stuck. "Yeah, yeah, I get it, Dad. Future business relationships. Too bad it's not a beautiful daughter I'm supposed to meet, though."

His dad chuckled, oblivious to the sarcasm. "Ha! Well, the son's not bad either. Keep an open mind, okay?"

War sighed, hanging up as he stood outside the glass doors. "Great. Here I am, matchmaking for business, in Khon Kaen, with no escape route."

He straightened his suit jacket, mumbled a sarcastic "here goes nothing," and stepped inside, dreading the forced socialization ahead.

War stepped inside the building, immediately struck by the sleek architecture and tasteful decor. "Alright," he muttered to himself, "I'll give them this, they've got style."

After showing his invitation, he was quickly escorted to the hosts, Mr. Carl Wang and his wife, Mrs. Anna Wang. Mr. Wang was a towering man with a kind face, while Mrs. Wang had that refined, almost regal beauty that made War feel like he was meeting royalty.

"War! So delighted to finally meet you," Mr. Carl Wang greeted with a warm handshake. "Your father speaks so highly of you."

War flashed his best polite smile. "I hope he didn't exaggerate too much."

Mrs. Anna Wang stepped in, her eyes twinkling as she looked him up and down. "Oh, your father didn't do you justice. Such a handsome young man—and talented, too! I like your face."

War felt heat rise to his cheeks. He, of all people, was not used to this. Compliments were normal, sure, but the way Mrs. Wang said it had him feeling bashful. He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly at a loss for words. "Uh, thanks... I like yours too?" He mentally kicked himself for the lame response.

The Wangs laughed at his awkwardness, and Mr. Wang added, "We've been hoping to introduce you to our son. Though, we're not sure if he'll make it—he's got quite the schedule back in Bangkok."