White Tulips and Daisies

CHAPTER TWENTY

Lord Ram stayed at the hospital for a while. He sat on the chair where Wichapas used to sit. When a nurse came in to check in Build and Blue, Lord Ram seemed like putting on a show. He started peeling some apples and created a conversation.

"How are you feeling?" He asked while peeling the red apples he brought. "You should've called me and told me you're not feeling well."

The nurse can't help but smile with how soft and caring Lord Ram sounded. Of course she already heard about the rumor. And seeing Lord Ram at the hospital today, caring for Build, only added up to the speculations.

"You don't have to do this, Lord Ram. I'm fine." Build tried to emphasize the invisible boundary between them.

Lord Ram finished peeling the apple and offered it to Build. Build looked at the apple and scrunched his nose, a habit that Blue is starting to get from him whenever he dislikes something. "I don't eat peeled apples."

The man stopped, looking at the apple. "Oh. Sorry. I should've asked you."

"Excuse me, my Lord." The nurse bowed to him before facing Build. "I'll be injecting you medicine through the drip, Khun." Build nods at him and mutters a soft thank you after. "The doctor advised you to stay in bed as much as possible. Please take a full rest and the doctor will see you in the afternoon." But as the nurse provides the information, she keeps glancing between Build and Lord Ram. It's just like she was informing the patient and his relative at the same time.

After the nurse left, Wichapas' anger was burning inside. He wanted to snap and shout, imagining how his fist would land on Lord Ram's face.

"Would you like some grapes, rather?" Lord Ram started putting the grapes on the bowl next to the basket.

"Lord Ram," Build started. "I really appreciate you being here and worrying about me but.." he looked at Wichapas, who's sitting in Blue's as the kid sleeps on his lap. "I think your stay would only draw attention and would create more stories outside."

Lord Ram looked at him without any reaction. Suddenly, he sighed like a defeated man. "I apologize about the rumors, Khun. I don't want it like that."

Build frowned. If he doesn't want the situation to be like this, then why is not speaking up for the truth?

"Thank you for the fruits. The gesture is highly appreciated." Build moved from the bed and set his foot down.

Wichapas was about to jump out of the bed to help but Blue stirred on his arms, groaning in discomfort due to the sudden movement. Lord Ram immediately rounded the bed and held Build's arm.

"What are you doing? The nurse told you to stay in bed." His worried eyes looked real, like he was really worried.

Build removed his hand. "I need to use the toilet." He held the IV drip stand and started rolling it but Lord Ram insisted.

"Let me help you." He grabbed the rolling stand and was about to hold Build once again but Build spoke.

"I can do it alone." A hint of discomfort in his voice.

Suddenly, the door swung open and the newcomers saw how Build's brows furrowed and his voice with a hint of annoyance. Aunt Praya immediately went near Build.

"What's going on?"

"I need to use the toilet."

"Okay, come on." Aunt Praya guided Build until he was inside the toilet and waited outside.

Sari and Prin remained on the doorway, looking at Lord Ram like he was an uninvited guest.

"The room is already cramped for all of us. We need to decrease headcount." Sari folded her arms in her chest, eyebrows raised on Lord Ram.