SOTUS: SevenTeen Again

SP_Rainbow After The Rain(End/Pt 1)

Four Months Later/ One Week away from Christmas

Christmas shoppers flooded the stores at the mall.  Feeling the Christmas spirit, Arthit entered an underwear shop and bought Liam's new pajamas and underwear for replacing his old ones. 

"These for your son....or nephew...?" asked a female clerk, putting them in a bag.

"......For my...son." 

A shy smile flashed across his face.

'Can we live with Liam next year...?'

About four months had passed since they told Liam that they wanted to adopt him. Liam had become so shy since then. He even avoided eye contact with them at times. However, everyone knew that the boy always waited for them to come. When they turned up, he jumped around with delight and ran to them, his eyes twinkling like a star. So, they had tried to visit Liam as often as they could. Nevertheless, Arthit had to hold back his tears every time he left Liam behind. He heard from P'Sky that Liam always waved until their car was out of sight. When they couldn't visit him due to their busy work, he crouched and blankly looked beyond the gate all day. Just thinking of Liam waiting for them made Arthit's heart so ache. 

Talking of Kongpob, he was developing a good rapport with Liam. He also got along well with the children there. The former Campus Moon was still so popular, really different from Arthit. At times, Liam seemed jealous as his friends liked Kongpob a lot. The other day Liam suddenly shouted at the others in the end. "He is my Uncle Kongpob!" Not only Kongpob but also Arthit was surprised at his reaction. 

"He looked just his age." 

Back then, Liam stretched his arms up to Kongpob for the first time as if to say "Uncle Kongpob, hug me first."  Kongpob responded to the boy by lifting him in his arms and smooching his cheek. Arthit saw Kongpob gaze at Liam with a gentle fatherly smile. His smile was beautiful enough for Arthit to fall for him again. Right afterward, Kongpob had to hug the other children one by one in exchange for hugging his boy. 

Recollecting how sweet Kongpob was that day, Arthit giggled to himself for a while. 

[Good evening Christmas shoppers. We have a special sale.....]

He came back to earth thanks to an announcement over the speaker. He collected himself again and strode towards the spiral staircase connecting to the lobby, checking his watch.  He was supposed to meet Kongpob near the huge Christmas tree standing at the lobby to buy Liam's Christmas present, a cell phone. "It's already 5 p.m..." Looking down from the top step, he looked for Kongpob but there seemed yet no sign of his arrival.  

".....Do I have to call him...? No...Let's wait for him to text..."

He walked down the stairs and browsed shops in the lobby. He bought mufflers and neckties for both his parents and parents in law. It was quite enjoyable to shop for Christmas gifts for his loved ones.

"...Ah! almost forget to buy a gift for Khun Cooper..." 

He bought a tie pin for the snobbish but competent lawyer. 

When he first met Cooper four months ago, the lawyer said with confidence,

"It's perfect. First, you guys have a particular child you want to adopt. Second, he is 5 years old, which means he is old enough to express his feelings."  

He was terribly straightforward.

"Fortunately, the child you want to adopt is a boy, not a girl! You know, in the adoption market, boys are less popular than girls. Adopting a boy is relatively easier."