Roundabout Way to You

39. Coffee talk

As Mali stepped out of Anwit's room, the warm glow of the night lighting the hallway, she found Ayut waiting outside, leaning casually against the wall. 

The moment Ayut saw her, his expression softened, and with a playful pout, he made his way toward her, wrapping her in a tight hug like a toddler seeking attention.

Mali chuckled, gently ruffling her son's hair. No matter how much of a protective elder brother Ayut acted in front of Anwit, around her, he was still the child who liked being babied. "What's with the pout, Ayut? You jealous I only made hot chocolate for your brother?"

Ayut crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow and trying to maintain his mock indignation. "Maybe I am mad, Mom. But... I might consider forgiving you if you make me your special coffee," he teased.

Mali laughed and pinched his cheek. "You are sounding more and more like your father, you know that? Drinking all that bitter coffee, even at night? It is a terrible habit, especially if you are planning to sleep tonight."

Ayut shrugged nonchalantly. "I wasn't planning to sleep. I have got work to finish. So, coffee would help."

Mali's playful expression softened. She felt bad for her son. Ayut had been taking on more work recently, especially after everything that had happened with Anwit. She gave his arm a reassuring pat as they headed toward the kitchen.

Once inside, Ayut perched himself on the kitchen counter, watching Mali as she moved around, preparing his coffee. The familiar rhythm of her actions, the quiet clink of the spoon against the mug, was soothing in a way that reminded Ayut of simpler times. As he watched her, a thought crossed his mind, and his expression turned more serious.

"How is Wit doing?" Ayut asked, his tone quiet and a little hesitant.

Mali glanced at him as she poured water into the kettle. "I think he will be fine, over time. He has been through a lot, but he is strong."

Ayut's lips pressed into a thin line, and his brows furrowed. He still looked worried. Mali noticed and placed a hand on her hip, leaning slightly toward him. "What's bothering you, Yut?"

He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "It's just... I don't know if I am overthinking it, but I noticed something about Wit around Sa's parents. He has been acting... different. Like he is cautious or something."

Mali frowned, curious. "Cautious? What do you mean?"

Ayut scratched the back of his head, thinking. "I don't know exactly. It's just... It feels like he has being extra careful around them. Like he is worried about how they will see him now, especially after finding out about his father." He paused, searching for the right words. "It's almost like he is afraid they will judge him because his biological father was a murderer."

Mali considered this for a moment, stirring the coffee she was preparing. "I don't think you need to worry about that," she said gently. "I have met Sarth's parents, and they don't seem like the type to hold someone's past against them. In fact, they seemed understanding—compassionate, even. They know Anwit had a difficult childhood."

But Ayut shook his head. "I am not worried about Sa's parents judging him. I am worried about Wit. He has been pulling away from them, like he has already decided what they think of him. And I am afraid he is going to start doing the same with Sa."

Mali's heart tightened at her son's words. She could see where Ayut's concern came from. After everything that had happened, it wouldn't be surprising if Anwit began to withdraw, especially now that he knew the truth about his father. 

Mali sighed softly as she poured the coffee into a mug and handed it to Ayut.

"Anwit is going to have to accept the reality of things," she said after a pause. "We can't change the fact that Pachara was his father or what Pachara did. The only thing Anwit can do now is decide how he wants to live his life. He can't let Pachara's past control him."

Ayut stared into his coffee, his thoughts heavy. "But what if he is not strong enough to do that?" he asked quietly. "What if he keeps running away from this? From Sa?"

Mali placed a comforting hand on his arm. "If Anwit can't face the truth, then he won't be strong enough to build a relationship with Sarth either," she said gently. "He has to come to terms with this before he can move forward."

Ayut nodded, though the worry lingered in his expression.

Sensing that he needed a distraction, Mali quickly changed the subject, her eyes glinting with playful curiosity. "And what about you, huh? How are things going with Mihit?" she asked, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "I have noticed how Mihit's been following you around like a little puppy."

Ayut blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. He shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I am... not sure, honestly."

Mali tilted her head, pouring a little milk into her own mug of tea. "Not sure?" she echoed. "What do you mean by that?"

Ayut sighed, resting his elbows on the counter. "I guess I am just confused," he admitted. "It feels nice that Mihit's trying to get my attention, but... I don't know. I am still uneasy about falling in love again, about being in a relationship."

Mali looked at her son with understanding. She had seen him get hurt before, watched him go through breakups that left him feeling shattered. She knew he was hesitant to open his heart again.

She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him in a comforting hug. "When it comes to love, sometimes you think too much," she said softly. "But love isn't about using your head. It is about following your heart. You can't let past heartbreaks stop you from finding happiness again."

Ayut sighed, leaning into her hug. "But what if it's just another mistake? What if I get hurt again?"

Mali gently squeezed his arm. "You won't know unless you take the chance. You are strong enough to face whatever comes. Just listen to your heart, not your head. Love isn't about weighing pros and cons, it is about feeling."

Ayut nodded slowly, her words settling in, but just as he was about to respond, his phone buzzed on the counter. He glanced at the screen and saw a video call coming in from Mihit. The corners of his mouth twitched up into a smile.

Mali noticed the call and grinned teasingly. "Well, look who it is! Go on, pick it up. Don't keep him waiting."

Ayut shook his head, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Goodnight, Mom," he said, grabbing his coffee as he stood up.

"Goodnight, Darling. Don't stay up too late na," Mali called after him with a wink.

With his coffee in hand, Ayut headed to his room, his heart lighter but still full of uncertainty. He answered the call just as he closed the door, greeted by Mihit's eager face on the screen. As the familiar warmth of their conversation enveloped him, Ayut felt the weight of his worries slowly begin to lift.