Just Add Water [End]

009 (End)

In the days after Pon walked out of Hemmawich’s office, a heavy silence settled between them. Hemmawich kept his distance, respecting Pon's need for space. But that didn’t mean he disappeared entirely. Every morning, Pon would find a small, thoughtful gesture waiting for him—a cup of his favorite coffee on his desk, a sticky note with a simple “Have a good day,” or even his usual snack left in his drawer with a note saying, “I know you get hungry around 3 PM.” It was Hemmawich’s quiet way of showing he still cared, even if Pon wasn’t ready to talk to him yet.

Pon noticed these little acts of kindness, and despite the lingering hurt, he couldn’t deny the warmth they brought. It reminded him of Sailub, the sweet, gentle companion who always knew how to make him feel special. As much as he wanted to stay angry, he realized he missed that presence, missed the man he had shared so many laughs and secrets with.

One evening, after everyone had left the office, Pon sat at his desk, staring at the latest note from Hemmawich. It simply read, “Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here.” With a deep breath, Pon made a decision. He needed to talk to Hemmawich.

Not as his boss, but as the man he had once trusted with his heart.

The next day, Pon sent Hemmawich a message, asking to meet after work. Hemmawich’s reply was almost instant: “Of course. I’ll be there.” As the day went by, Pon felt a mix of anxiety and hope. He wanted answers, but he also wanted to see if they could rebuild something genuine.

That evening, they met at a quiet café. Hemmawich arrived first, sitting at a corner table, looking both hopeful and nervous. When he saw Pon enter, he stood up, his face lighting up with a small, hesitant smile.

“Hi, Pon,” he greeted softly.

Pon nodded, trying to keep his emotions in check. “Hi, Mr. Kwanamphaiphan”

They sat down, an awkward silence hanging between them for a moment before Pon finally spoke. “I... I miss Sailub,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Hemmawich’s face softened, and he smiled sadly. “He was always me, Pon. The man who cares for you, who wants to see you happy...that’s still me. Sailub was just a name. But the feelings... my feelings were always real.”

Pon looked down, fidgeting with his hands. “It’s hard to believe that. I trusted Sailub. I felt safe with him. With you, it feels... complicated.”

Hemmawich nodded, understanding the pain in Pon’s voice. “I know, and I’m sorry. I should have been honest with you from the start. I was selfish. I wanted to experience what it was like to just be a man who could love freely, without my position getting in the way.”

Pon sighed, looking up at Hemmawich. “You hurt me. I felt like... like a fool, falling for someone who wasn’t even real.”

Hemmawich’s expression turned remorseful. “I never wanted you to feel that way. If I could take it back, I would. But all I can do now is promise you that from this moment on, I’ll be honest. No more secrets, no more pretending.”

Pon studied him, searching his face for any hint of insincerity. But all he saw was a man who looked just as vulnerable and unsure as he did. Slowly, Pon felt his defenses start to crumble, his heart softening just a little.

“Then let’s start over, okay?” Pon said, his voice soft but determined.

Hemmawich’s eyes lit up with hope. “I’d like that. More than anything.”

They began spending time together again, this time with no masks or hidden identities. Hemmawich was true to his word, showing up as himself, no pretenses. He let Pon see the real man behind the title, someone who was caring, thoughtful, and well surprisingly nervous when it came to romance. Pon found himself falling all over again, but this time, it felt real, untainted by secrets.

After a few months, as their relationship grew stronger, Hemmawich became a more visible presence in the office. He’d often stop by Pon’s desk with a warm smile, sharing a quick lunch or coffee break. His colleagues were surprised at how down-to-earth their once-distant boss was. Pon enjoyed seeing this side of Hemmawich, the side he had come to know and love.

One evening, as they strolled together through a park, Pon leaned into Hemmawich’s side, feeling content. The past few months had been a journey of rebuilding trust, but it felt worth it. Hemmawich looked down at him, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

“So,” Pon teased, glancing up at him, “are you my boyfriend now?”

Hemmawich laughed, the sound warm and genuine. “If you’ll have me, yes.”

Pon smiled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. “I think I will.”

Hemmawich chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Actually, I have a favor to ask.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Could you... could you call me Sailub again? Only if you’re comfortable with it, of course.”

Pon looked at him, surprised. “Why? You’re Hemmawich.”

Hemmawich shrugged, looking a bit shy. “Why not? I miss the way you said it. It sounded so... soft, like it was just between us. Besides, I’ve been thinking… I could change my name. Make it official. Sailub Hemmawich Kwanamphaiphan.”

Pon raised an eyebrow, unable to hold back a laugh. “Are you serious?”

Hemmawich grinned. “I’m considering it. I’ll go register it tomorrow if you want. That way, Sailub can be a real part of me.”

Pon laughed, shaking his head. “You’re crazy.”

“Maybe,” Hemmawich admitted, his eyes twinkling. “Crazy for you.”

Pon felt his cheeks warm, and he looked away, trying to hide his smile. “Fine. I’ll call you Sailub... sometimes.”

Hemmawich’s grin widened. “That’s all I need.”

As they continued their walk, Pon felt a deep sense of peace. He had Sailub back, but in a way that was better, stronger, and real. And as they walked side by side, he realized that his wish for true love had indeed come true...just in a way he had never expected.

fin.