As Tan entered the lecture hall with Phum, Mick, and Beer, the hum of chatter around them grew louder. Familiar faces turned toward him, and soon the room was filled with greetings and waves.
“Tan! Long time no see!” someone called out from across the room.
“Welcome back, Super Dad!” another joked, earning laughs from the group.
Tan smiled and waved, feeling a little overwhelmed by the warm reception. It felt good to be back, but part of him couldn’t shake the thought of Fang and Marc waiting for him at home.
As they took their seats, a girl from the row ahead turned around, her face lighting up. It was Praew, a classmate who had always been overly friendly with Tan, much to Fang’s annoyance in the past.
“Tan! Oh my gosh, it’s so good to see you again!” Praew gushed, leaning closer. “You’ve been gone for so long. How have you been? And… I heard you have a baby now? That’s so crazy!”
Tan chuckled nervously, trying to keep things polite. “Yeah, I’ve been busy. Life’s a bit different now.”
Praew’s eyes sparkled with interest. “I bet! But you know, if you ever need a break or someone to talk to about all the stress, I’m here. Parenting must be tough, huh?”
Phum, who was sitting next to Tan, raised an eyebrow but said nothing, clearly holding back a laugh. Mick and Beer exchanged amused glances, sensing Tan’s discomfort.
“Thanks, Praew, but I’m managing just fine,” Tan replied, keeping his tone friendly but distant. “Fang and I have a great system going at home.”
Praew’s expression faltered slightly at the mention of Fang, but she quickly recovered. “Oh, that’s nice. Still, don’t work yourself too hard, okay?”
Tan nodded politely and turned back to face the front, clearly signaling the end of the conversation. Praew hesitated for a moment before retreating to her seat, looking a bit deflated.
“Still got fans, huh?” Phum whispered, smirking.
“Don’t start,” Tan muttered under his breath.
“Fang would have a field day with that one,” Beer added, snickering.
“I’m already treading carefully,” Tan replied, shaking his head. “Fang’s got enough to deal with at home. The last thing I need is to give him another reason to get mad.”
The lecture began, and the group settled down, though Mick couldn’t resist throwing Tan a knowing grin every now and then.
Throughout the class, Tan stayed focused, determined to keep things professional with Praew and anyone else. His heart—and his priorities—were firmly at home with Fang and Marc.
As the lecture ended, Tan quickly packed his things, hoping to avoid any awkward encounters. But before he could leave his seat, Praew was already by his side, smiling brightly.
“Hey, Tan! Since class is over, why don’t we grab lunch together? It’s been ages since we’ve had a proper chat,” she suggested, her tone a little too eager.
Tan forced a polite smile. “Ah, thanks for the offer, Praew, but I already have plans. I’m having lunch with Phum, Mick, and Beer.”
Praew’s smile faltered briefly, but she quickly masked her disappointment. “Oh, that’s okay! Maybe another time, then?”
Tan nodded noncommittally, stepping away as Phum, Mick, and Beer approached.
“Ready to go?” Mick asked, shooting Praew a subtle glance before smirking at Tan.
