Autumn is a second spring

125. Surprise

Kao found Earth standing by the window, staring blankly outside at the fading afternoon light. The golden glow touched the sharp lines of Earth's face, but there was no warmth in his expression. 

Kao's lips quirked with mischief as he crept closer on silent feet. Usually, Earth would notice him right away, scolding him for being childish—or laugh when he hugged him out of nowhere. But today, Earth didn't even twitch when Kao wrapped his arms tightly around his waist from behind.

Instead of laughter, there was silence.

Kao frowned. Something wasn't right. He pressed a kiss against the side of Earth's neck, breathing him in. "What's going on in your head?" he murmured, his voice soft.

Earth tilted his head slightly but didn't answer at first. His gaze stayed on something far away, beyond the glass. Finally, he spoke, his voice low. "Is Fluke back home?"

The question caught Kao off guard. It had been four days since that night—the sleepover where laughter had quickly turned into something heavier. The next morning, Prem had packed his things and left for Chiang Mai to stay with his parents. 

Fluke had buried himself in work, so much so that Kao rarely saw him at home. It felt as though the house had grown emptier in his absence.

Kao pressed his chin lightly against Earth's shoulder. "No. Ohm is out with his friends, Art is at the family mansion. It's just you and me here." He added a little teasing lilt, hoping Earth might brighten. "The whole place to ourselves, after a long time."

Normally, that would spark a grin, maybe even a sly comment from Earth. But he remained still, his silence heavy. Kao ruffled his hair gently, trying to coax a smile out of him. "What's on your mind, little head?"

Earth turned, slowly, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. And then, as though the words pained him even to say aloud, he whispered, "Maybe... we should cancel the wedding."

Kao's heart dropped. He stared at him, shocked, the smile wiped off his face. "What? Why would you say something like that?" His hands went to Earth's shoulders, steadying him. "Tell me what happened."

Tears spilled down Earth's cheeks. "I just found out... Dad had a stroke." His voice cracked. "He is partially paralyzed, bedridden." His body shook as he forced the words out. "Fluke didn't tell me. He kept it from me because... of the wedding."

Kao's chest tightened. "Oh, Earth..."

"I know why he did it." Earth pressed a trembling hand to his face. "He didn't want me to worry. But how can I not? This is my dad. I know we are not biologically related, but..." His tears streamed faster now, hot against his skin. "And here I have been—laughing, planning, dreaming about the wedding. Like some fool. When my family has been suffering all this time."

Kao cupped his face, thumbs brushing the tears away, though they kept coming.

"My dad has been trying so hard at physiotherapy," Earth sobbed. "He doesn't want me to feel embarrassed in front of the guests. He has pushing himself, terrified he won't be able to walk me down the aisle. Do you know how that feels? To think your dad is fighting against his body, just so you won't be disappointed?"

Kao pulled him closer, his forehead pressing gently against Earth's. "That just shows how much he loves you. More than anything, he wants you happy. You know that, don't you?"

Earth shook his head helplessly, but Kao didn't let him go.

"And Fluke," Kao went on, his voice steady, "he has carrying the whole company on his shoulders while your dad is bedridden. On top of that, he is still been helping you plan this wedding. Doing everything you needed, being the best bridesmaid you could ask for."