We are...คือเรารักกัน (We are... we are in love)

Chapter 67: It's Okay

*This chapter hasn't been proofread.

Since coming back from dinner, I've been like a person without a mind, as if my soul isn't with me. I walked into the bedroom even though I intended to go to the kitchen for water. Sometimes, Phum had to call me several times before I would respond. He frowned and started to show signs of sulking. I tried hard not to overthink, but the image of the luxurious car slowly passing by, the furrowed brows of Phum's father, his kind gaze reflecting surprise and doubt—it all kept coming back to me. I don't know if he saw Phum kiss me, but he definitely saw Phum's arm around my waist. Should I tell Phum about this? Should I explain it to him, or would he think I'm overreacting and being paranoid?

"Hey, what's wrong? You don't look too good. Are you mad at me?"

Phum moved closer, sitting beside me and taking my hand. We were sitting on the balcony, waiting for the countdown to the new year in just a few hours. I turned to meet Phum's gaze. All I saw in his dark eyes was me. I squeezed his hand back and smiled lightly, trying to reassure him that I was okay.

"Heh, what did you do to make me mad?" I teased him, making a joke because his sad face was just too funny.

"I didn't do anything. It's just that you were zoning out so much. Every time I called, you were startled. When you don't speak, I worry even more, you know?"

Phum's voice, full of concern, was always there for me. I kept looking into those familiar eyes before moving closer and hugging him first. Someone once told me that if you hug someone with your arms around their neck, it feels like you're being hugged all over by them. And right now, I just wanted Phum to hold me like that.

"Phum."

"Hm?"

"When we walked out of the restaurant, when we were teasing, when you were about to kiss my cheek... I... I saw your dad."

Just saying it made me feel short of breath. The person hugging me probably felt the same way, as I sensed him go still. But not long after, Phum tightened his embrace even more.

"It's just that. Why are you overthinking? You're short and dumb too, huh?" Phum whispered close to my ear.

"Phum, I'm scared."

I know well that I'm not a particularly strong person. It may seem like neither of us cared about this before, like we didn't worry about what would happen if our families found out about us someday. But in reality, it isn't like that at all. Deep down, it's like sediment in our hearts. No matter how happy we are, if something stirs it up, it becomes cloudy again. Whenever I remember that we still have families, parents who don't yet know the truth, the fear we've tried to suppress starts to build up, just like what I'm feeling right now.

"Just because you saw Por doesn't mean he saw you. Even if he saw us, don't worry, Peem. No matter what happens, I'll protect you. It's okay."

I couldn't help but laugh at Phum's comforting words. Sometimes, childlike thoughts are simple, but if they make us feel better, they're good too.

"Heh, yeah. No matter what, you'll protect me." I rewarded the handsome guy with a kiss on his cheek, but why did he make that face, like he saw a ghost? I turned to follow Phum's gaze and saw...

"Peem, th-th-there's a cockroach! Get it out, get it out, Shorty!!"

Phum jumped behind me quickly, like a ninja. Hahaha! Who just said he will protect me? If the cockroach stayed still, Phum wouldn't be scared, but if it flies, well, that's when Phum dies, haha.

"Peem, chase it away, shoo shoo! Aah, it's flying, Peem!!!"

I burst into laughter, watching the handsome guy run around the balcony, avoiding the cockroach. As long as we still have each other, as long as Phum, my smile, is right next to me, I have the strength to keep going.
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