Fates and Art (MeenPing)

Exhibition

"Moon..." Vee called out, breaking Moon's deep daydream. Startled, Moon turned to face Vee, who seemed surprised by his reaction. "I've called your name three times already. What's going on? Is something bothering you?" Vee asked, concern lacing his voice.

Moon shook his head gently. "I'm fine. We should head down now. May is probably waiting," he replied, trying to ease the tension in his mind.

Both of them unfastened their seat belts. "Ah, the gift..." Moon suddenly remembered, realizing the present was still in the backseat. It was May's birthday, and they had planned to have dinner at her house— the large, empty house that often made May feel so lonely.

The food and chairs were neatly arranged, and Moon's eyes landed on the dining table, completely captivated. "Whoa, is this a grand party or something?" he whispered to Vee, marveling at the sight.

Vee chuckled softly, "Go ahead if you want to join in. I know you can't resist," he said, clearly understanding Moon's unspoken thoughts.

"Sawatdeekhaa, Khun Vee, you've arrived?" greeted Ann, one of the caretakers at May's house, warmly.

"Yes, but Aunt Ann, I've told you many times, just call me Vee. You're practically family," Vee responded with a warm smile.

Ann smiled back kindly. "Ah, I apologize. Are you here alone? What about Khun Nut?"

"Nut? He should be here soon," Vee replied, glancing toward the dining table. "By the way, Aunt, there's someone I'd like you to meet," he said, guiding her by the arm toward Moon, who was still entranced by the food.

"Moon," Vee called out, "This, Aunt Ann."

Moon quickly turned and offered a respectful wai, greeting Ann. She glanced at Vee with a questioning smile before Vee casually announced, "This is Moon, my boyfriend."

Ann looked surprised. "Ah, he...," she started, but Vee cut her off swiftly, "Yes, that's right."

Ann stepped closer to Moon, taking his hand gently. "You're very cute. I hope you can handle Vee. Even though he's mean, he's a good person deep down," she said with a knowing smile.

Moon chuckled softly, whispering, "He's very mean, even with me." They both shared a look and laughed, as if they had known each other for years.

"Oh, by the way, Aunt Ann, did you cook all of this?" Moon asked, gesturing to the lavish spread on the table.

"Yes, what do you think?"

"You're amazing! There's so much, and it all looks delicious!"

Ann patted Moon on the shoulder. "Eat as much as you like, Luk," she said before leaning in and whispering, "Don't worry, I'll pack some for you too." She laughed softly, and Moon nodded eagerly, clearly pleased.

"Phi Moon!" May shouted excitedly, her voice echoing across the room. She ran quickly toward Moon, followed closely by two people behind her. She hugged him tightly, brimming with joy. "Phi, you came to my birthday!" she exclaimed, her face lit up with happiness.

Moon felt a bit awkward with the sudden hug, something he wasn't used to. He glanced at Vee, who seemed equally surprised by the unexpected embrace. Slowly, Moon eased out of the hug and smiled softly. "Happy birthday, May. I hope all good things always stay by your side," he said, handing her the gift he had prepared.

May's eyes sparkled. "Wow, you even brought me a present. Thank you, Phi!" she said happily. After that, May turned to Vee, waiting for her brother to say something. However, Vee remained silent, not uttering a single word. Their gazes met for a moment, then May lowered her head. She had gotten used to Vee's cold attitude, to the point where she could no longer remember the last time Vee said warm things to her. To May, Vee felt like a stranger who happened to be bound by the same blood.