The first thing Mix thought that morning is how happy he feels—an all-encompassing, light-as-air kind of joy. He stretches lazily in the middle of his small bed, wrapped in a cocoon of soft blankets and pillows, as the sun streams cheerfully through his narrow windows. The golden light seems to echo his feelings, warm and comforting.
A smile tugs at his lips, and he lets out a quiet giggle, burying his face in the pillow. His mind replays the events of last night—the way Earth had looked at him, the shared laughter, the gentle kiss that lingers even now. The happiness he feels seems to fill every inch of him, leaving no room for anything else.
After a few blissful minutes of daydreaming, Mix finally gets up, readying himself for the day. He hums a soft tune as he showers and dresses, the memory of Earth’s smile never far from his thoughts. Today feels like it would be good, and Mix hopes the positivity would follow him to school.
The classroom is a familiar comfort. Mix arrives early, setting up for the day’s activities. He arranges the chairs, lays out the art supplies, and scribbles a few encouraging words on the whiteboard. The sound of tiny footsteps and soft chatter soon fills the room, and Mix greets each child with enthusiasm, their bright smiles adding to his already buoyant mood.
“Teacher Mix!” Edin’s voice rings, cutting through the morning bustle.
Mix turns just in time to see the little boy running toward him, arms outstretched. “Hi, Edin!” Mix kneels to ruffle his hair, the affection between them effortless and genuine. But then Mix’s eyes wander, and they meet Earth’s. Earth stands at the doorway, watching them with a soft expression and beside him, Namtan standing poised, a distant smile.
For a moment, Earth and Mix’s gaze locks. Earth smiles—a warm, reassuring smile—and Mix returns it, though his heart feels a twinge of uncertainty.
From the corner of his ear, Mix hears snippets of conversation between the parents. “I’ve never seen Mr. Pirapat’s wife before. She looks good.”
“They look good together,” another adds.
They aren't married, fyi. A voice inside him says, dripped with sassiness.
Mix forces himself to shrug it off, pushing down the unease that bubbles beneath the surface. He turns his attention back to the kids, clapping his hands to get their attention. “Alright, everyone! Let’s settle down. We’re about to start.”
As Earth and Namtan leave together, Mix steals one last glance at them and he feels his chest tightening. Just then, his phone vibrates in his pocket, and he pulls it out to see a message from Earth.
I’m going to talk with Namtan about Edin. Just wanna let you know. Have a great day today 🤎
Mix chuckles softly at the brown heart and he stares at it a little longer. “Silly,” he mutters, a small smile playing on his lips. He slips the phone back into his pocket, pushing away the lingering doubts, and begins the class.
Earth and Namtan stop at a café near Earth’s workplace. The chatter of patrons creates a soft hum in the background as they sit at a small table near the window. It is an unusually sunny day, and the light streaming in makes the atmosphere almost cheerful—though the weight between them suggests otherwise.
A waiter arrives promptly, balancing their orders on a tray. Earth had chosen a simple black coffee, hoping its bitterness will ground him amidst the emotional whirlwind he feels coming. Namtan, on the other hand, had opted for a cappuccino.
“Thank you,” they both murmured to the waiter, their voices polite but subdued.
No one initiates the conversation, both of them seem so immersed with their drinks. Namtan glances over Earth's and sees the other staring at his coffee. Seeing this, Namtan decides to break the silence. She wraps her hands around her cup, her fingers tapping lightly against the ceramic as if seeking courage.
