You Taught Me Love

Chapter Three

The welcome party was in full swing, music and laughter filling the campus as freshmen mingled and participated in various activities. Sky, however, was only allowed to move when it was time for the white yarn ceremony—a traditional Thai way of welcoming new students.

Prapai had stayed by Sky’s side the entire night, keeping an eye on him to ensure he didn’t overexert himself. Every time Sky tried to help, either Prapai or his friends would gently steer him back to his seat, insisting he rest.

When the time for the white yarn band came, Prapai stood close, watching as Sky joined the others in the ceremony. Sky couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty for not being able to help his friends as much, but the way Rain, Sig, and Ple made sure he didn’t do anything only made him smile. They were as protective as ever, and it warmed his heart.

Once the ceremony was over and the party began to wind down, Prapai offered to walk Sky back to his dorm. Sky was feeling better but still a bit tired, so he didn’t protest. They made their way back to the small dorm room, where Sky gratefully collapsed onto his bed.

“You should sleep for a bit,” Prapai said, gently tugging a blanket over him. “You’ve had a long night.”

Sky yawned and nodded, closing his eyes. Prapai sat down beside him, making sure he was comfortable before settling in with his phone, quietly keeping watch.

When Sky woke up a couple of hours later, the exhaustion had eased, and he felt more alert. Prapai was still there, casually scrolling through his phone, but he looked up immediately when Sky stirred.

“Feeling better?” Prapai asked, his tone gentle.

Sky stretched and nodded. “Yeah, much better.”

“Good. We still have some work to catch up on, though,” Prapai reminded him, a teasing smile on his face. “We didn’t get anything done over the weekend since you were sick.”

Sky groaned playfully but sat up, ready to get started. Together, they pulled out their assignments—Prapai still struggling with his drawing skills while Sky focused on his architectural tasks. They worked in comfortable silence, occasionally chatting, sharing tips, and laughing when Prapai made a mistake with his sketches. Prapai was working on his coffee table, while Sky did his work on his study desk.

It was late by the time they finished all their pending tasks, but Sky felt a sense of accomplishment—and something more. The time spent with Prapai had become something he looked forward to, a quiet companionship that was quickly becoming a constant in his life.

As they packed up their things for the night, Prapai glanced at Sky with a soft smile. “You know, you don’t have to do everything alone.”

Sky looked at him, understanding the deeper meaning behind Prapai’s words. He smiled back, grateful for the quiet support Prapai always offered. “I know. I have you now, right?” he said softly. “Thanks, P’Pai.”

And with that, they finished their night—together, as partners in more than just their academic work.

As the night drew to a close, Sky felt a sense of lightness, something he hadn’t experienced in a while. Prapai had packed up his things, ready to head home, but there was no rush between them. They stood by the door of Sky’s dorm, exchanging a few final words after their productive evening.

“Take care of yourself, okay?” Prapai said, a gentle smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Don’t forget to eat properly.”

Sky nodded, a small smile playing on his own lips. “I will, don’t worry.”

There was a brief moment of silence between them, not awkward but full of something unspoken. Sky could feel the warmth that Prapai had brought into his life, how he always looked out for him, never expecting anything in return.