Autumn is a second spring

171. Lego that fits

Prem groaned softly as he opened his eyes.

His head felt like it had been split open and stuffed with cotton. The dull throbbing behind his temples pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat, reminding him exactly how much he had drunk the previous night.

Partying until dawn had never really been his thing. But he had done it anyway. He had desperately needed to unwind.

Everything in his life had felt too overwhelming lately. The tension with Boun, the anxiety that had been building for days, and the emotional exhaustion from constantly overthinking their relationship had made his mind feel suffocatingly crowded.

So last night, he had decided not to think.

The loud music, flashing lights, alcohol, and endless crowd had done their job well. They had drowned out his thoughts, pushing his worries to the back of his mind while he simply followed the flow of the party.

But now, lying in bed with a terrible hangover, he regretted every single drink he had taken.

Prem groaned again and rolled onto his side, squinting toward the window. The sky outside was dark.

For a moment he frowned in confusion.

Had he really slept that long? Slowly reaching for his phone from the nightstand, he blinked at the screen through half-closed eyes.

6:12 PM.

Prem stared at the numbers.

"You have got to be kidding me..." he muttered hoarsely.

He had slept through the entire morning. And afternoon.

He pushed himself upright, rubbing his face with both hands. His hair was messy, his shirt wrinkled, and his mouth felt dry.

As his gaze drifted toward the other side of the bed, his stomach twisted slightly. The space beside him was completely untouched. The sheets were smooth, the pillow perfectly in place. It looked exactly the same as it had when they first checked into the room.

Boun hadn't come back.

Prem let out a long, frustrated groan. "Seriously?"

He dragged himself out of bed and staggered toward the bathroom.

Cold water splashed against his face as he leaned over the sink. The refreshing sensation helped a little, easing the heaviness in his head.

He quickly took a shower, letting the warm water wash away the lingering smell of alcohol and exhaustion.

By the time he stepped out, he felt a little more human.

Not much. But enough.

He glanced at the clock again and sighed.

By now most of the wedding guests must have already arrived at the island resort. His parents were probably here too.

And tonight there would definitely be a rehearsal dinner for Kao and Earth.

Even if he felt awful, he couldn't skip it. The dinner meant too much to them.

Prem dressed quickly. He chose a mint green linen shirt that felt light and comfortable, pairing it with sand-colored chinos. After slipping on suede loafers, he stood in front of the mirror for a moment.

He looked... terrible.

His eyes were slightly puffy from sleep and alcohol, and his expression still carried traces of last night's emotions.

Prem sighed.

"Good enough," he murmured.

After throwing on a blazer that matched his chinos, he grabbed his phone and stepped out of the cottage.