Meant to Collide

15. Unmasking Sky at Pratu Phi

As Sky heads toward the ominous Black Knight, Mia and Jules make their way to the car. Observing Sky trying to fold the car's head panel with intense concentration, Jules raises an eyebrow and asks Mia, "Uh, what exactly is he doing?" Mia chuckles. "That's just how he is...complicated, but you'll get used to it," she assures, casting a knowing smile his way.

The car roof remains open as Sky fumbles with the controls, prompting Mia to ask, "You're driving like this? It's hot." Sky awkwardly clears his throat. "Just...testing the roof function," he mumbles, clearly flustered. Sensing the tension, Mia smoothly redirects to Jules. "So, Jules, what do you feel like eating? How about some French cuisine? I know a lovely place!"

Jules laughs politely. "You're so kind, but a simple spot is fine with me," she insists humbly. Before Mia can reply, Sky's gruff voice interjects. "French is simple. You just put it in your mouth and chew." Mia's happy expression falters at his bluntness. Noticing, Jules replies "I mean...we don't need anything fancy," she adds, through her softened tone.

They go through a rapid list of options as Jules gamely suggests, "Maybe we could go to Cooked to Order?" Sky's unimpressed, "Boring," echoes back. "Um...KFC?" Jules ventures, only for Sky to mutter, "Fatty," under his breath. Mia lightly scolds him, reminding, "You did ask her to choose." Sky sighs, relenting. "Fine. Then choose," he challenges. Finally, Jules suggests, "How about my regular spot near The Campbell?" and Mia decides, "Then it's settled. The Campbell it is." With a final nod, Jules agrees.

Mia slips into the driver's seat, leading Jules into the car. An awkward silence fills the cabin, intensifying with every passing moment as Jules sits stiffly, glancing at Sky. Sky, however, catches her discomfort in the mirror. Sliding his shades down, he questions, "What's with the cramps? Why so stiff?"

Jules laughs nervously. "I'm just used to taxis and buses, not luxury cars." Sky raises an eyebrow. "It's all just wheels and seats," he deadpans. "Pretend it's a taxi." Mia chuckles, "So I'm the taxi driver now?" Sky counters, "Not funny, and I'm hungry." Mia pats Jules reassuringly, whispering, "Trust me, even I find being around him a little...stressful." Jules beams, relaxing at her words.

They arrive at the restaurant soon after, where dishes are quickly served. Just as Mia reaches for the sauce, Sky catches her hand, narrowing his eyes comically. Then, without warning, he douses his own meal in an extreme amount of spice. Watching in shock, Jules finally breaks the silence, "You can eat spicy food, Boss?"

Sky raises an eyebrow at her. "And why wouldn't I eat spicy food?" Jules laughs, "I didn't think you liked it that way." Mia, wide-eyed, agrees. "You've added so much chili, I can feel my stomach burning just looking at it!" Meanwhile, Sky takes a bite, savoring the intense heat with closed eyes, while Jules smiles to herself, watching his enjoyment. Suddenly, Sky opens his eyes, catching Jules staring, which prompts her to look away, flustered.

"Not gonna season yours?" he asks, eyeing her food. "I like it as it is," she replies, though she thanks him when he unexpectedly squeezes lemon onto her dish. Glancing back at Sky's more down-to-earth tastes, Jules asks, "I wouldn't have pegged you for a street food lover, Boss."

Sky gives a small smirk. "Being an 'honorable man' doesn't mean I dine on royal cuisine alone," he replies, making Jules nod thoughtfully. They chat a bit about The King's Affection, connecting their conversation back to the dishes they're enjoying. Curious, Mia inquires, "Jules, do you know why this place is called Pratu Phi?"

Jules nods, looking a little solemn. "My mother once told me... During a cholera outbreak, it was illegal to cremate bodies within city limits, so people would bring the deceased to temples here." Sky stops mid-bite, visibly unsettled, as eerie music seems to hum from nowhere. "The gate they passed through was called Pratu Phi," Jules adds.

Sky freezes, eyes darting around. Mia picks up on his discomfort, chuckling, "Why so tense? Do you have a thing for ghost stories, Sky?" But Sky's gaze is locked on Jules, who shares more urban legends, mentioning Peta, the restless ghosts of Wat Suthat, with their pinprick mouths and terrifying wails. A sudden dog's howl cuts through the air, making Sky jump.

"Enough with the horror tour!" he blurts, eyes wide as Mia stifles a laugh. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you, Boss," Jules teases gently. Mia leans in with a mischievous grin, "By the way, Sky can't handle horror movies at all. He wouldn't sleep for days!" Jules laughs as Sky mutters under his breath, clearly embarrassed. Mia's light-hearted teasing softens the mood as they share a laugh, and even Sky cracks a reluctant smile.

Later that evening, the Black Knight arrives at Jules' place. From a nearby window, her neighbor Noah watches curiously as the trio steps out. Jules thanks them both, though Sky remains his usual silent self. Mia, always practical, asks about her commute. Jules smiles, waving it off as "nothing I'm not used to." But Sky chimes in, "Constant commuting affects work quality," in his usual straightforward manner. After a pause, he sneaks in, "This place got any...ghosts?"

Mia interjects, "Hey, we took her out to relax, not to freak her out!" Unperturbed, Sky remains aloof as Jules heads inside, waving with a final thank you. As the two prepare to leave, Mia jokes, "Is that her boyfriend waiting up there? How sweet."

Sky gives a shrug, and they both climb back into the car, driving off under the moonlight, while the night holds more mysteries, just waiting to unravel.