SailubPon oneshot

City boy

Preview

Sailub Hemmawich and Pon Thanapon, both proud Chiang Mai natives, grew up side by side. Whether as best friends or rivals, they were inseparable, always seen together, and sharing countless memories. But when Pon left to pursue his studies in Bangkok, their paths diverged. Now, after five years away, Pon returns to his hometown. How will their bond hold up after all this time apart?

*all of the images are not mine. All credits would be given to the rightful owner.

Author's pov

The sun hung low over the hills of Chiang Mai, casting a golden hue over the small town Pon once called home. As he stepped off the bus, the familiar earthy scent of the northern air filled his lungs, and a wave of nostalgia hit him. Everything looked the same yet felt so different.

He barely had time to take in the scenery when a voice cut through the crowd.

"City boy's finally home, huh?" Sailub stood leaning casually against his motorbike, arms crossed, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. His sharp features hadn't changed, but there was something in his eyes—an edge Pon couldn't quite place.

"Still nosy, I see," Pon shot back, his own smirk forming. He slung his bag over his shoulder and approached Sailub.

"Nosy? I call it being concerned. Didn't know if Bangkok swallowed you whole," Sailub teased, throwing his leg over the bike and gesturing for Pon to hop on.

Pon hesitated for a moment before climbing on. "Five years and you still haven't upgraded to something fancier?"

"And lose the charm of this beauty?" Sailub patted the motorbike's seat. "You've been in Bangkok too long. Come on, I'll show you what you've been missing."

As they sped through the narrow streets, Pon was struck by how easily they fell back into their rhythm. The teasing, the banter—it was like he'd never left. But when they reached the viewpoint overlooking the town, the laughter faded, replaced by a quiet tension.

"So," Sailub began, his tone more serious now, "are you just passing through, or are you back for good?"

Pon didn't answer right away. His gaze was fixed on the horizon, where the town stretched out in soft hues of green and brown. "I haven't decided yet."

Sailub leaned back on his elbows, eyes narrowing slightly. "Don't take too long, Pon. Some of us have been waiting."

Pon turned to him, brows furrowing. "Waiting for what?"

Sailub's smirk returned, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You tell me."

Pon opened his mouth to reply, but Sailub stood abruptly, brushing dust off his jeans.

"Come on," Sailub said, his tone lighter now as if brushing off the moment. "You probably need to check in with your family first before they start a search party."

As they rode into town, Pon couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The streets were just as he remembered—lined with small shops and houses, their facades worn but familiar.

As they reached Pon house, Sailub stopped and cut the engine of his bike before he stepped out of it to help Pon with his stuff.

Pon's mother greeted them warmly at the door, pulling Pon into a tight embrace. "Look at you!" she exclaimed, holding him at arm's length to inspect him. "You've grown thinner. Have you been eating properly in Bangkok?"

Pon chuckled, trying to downplay her concern. "I've been fine, Mom."

Her attention shifted to Sailub, who stood a little awkwardly at the doorstep. "Sailub! You didn't even tell me you were bringing my son back," she scolded lightly, though her tone was affectionate. "Come in, come in. You're staying for dinner, right?"