Red Thread Uncovered

Snip!

Sin got a haircut. It was the first thing he thought of that might help clear his mind. Without his thick unruly locks, Sin's beautiful face—a marriage of strong bone structure and soft features—was finally exposed. Sin reckoned cutting his hair would also cut off the virulent energy that took residence in his head. Ever since he agreed to help Dean investigate Intouch and Korn's tragic demises, Sin went deeper down a mystic rabbit hole. He was an essential instrument in untangling a web of mysteries and heartache that surrounded Dean and Pharm's romance. In the end, their love story became a beacon of triumph and hope to those who knew them.

Months have passed since an epic love story came to a happy ending. For vacation, Dean took his family and Pharm to the United States—they promised to visit Pharm's mother and brother. All was well, but Sin's inquisitive mind (a character he definitely inherited from his father, a former policeman) kept nudging him to delve further and uncover cosmic knowledge about the red thread their families placed on Intouch and Korn during their joined funeral. He believed that the thread was more than just a tradition—more than just a legend. Sin had a strong feeling that magic was real and that it helped the boys reunite in another life. If he was able to control such magic, then perhaps he could use it to give his love story with Sorn a happy ending as well.

Sin walked out of the barbershop and the scorching afternoon heat rushed to him. The setting sun painted the sky sepia—it was the perfect shade to weirdly romanticize the bustling city of Bangkok. Sin helped himself to a stick of cigarette. Crystal drops of sweat formed on his forehead and above his lips. He didn't mind the humidity for as long as he got to accommodate his rather comforting vice.

His mobile phone vibrated in his pocket. Sin got a reminder to attend a talk that was going to be held that evening at a nearby international college. He quickly threw the cigarette butt in the trash and hailed the first cab he saw. 

Sin arrived at the M University just before dark. He made his way up the stairs and into the Humanities and Language building. A student was stationed at the reception desk.

"Sawasdee khap," greeted Sin while gesturing the wai.

"Sawasdee kha," replied the girl with the wai.

Sin noticed that the student's skin was fair and freckled, and her hair was golden.

"Farang..." thought Sin.

"Excuse me. Do you speak Thai?" inquired the architect.

"Sorry, I know very little Thai. I'm still learning," answered the foreign student.

"Mai pen rai—I mean, it's okay."

"Are you here for the Chinese mythology talk?"

"Yes, I am. Has it started yet?" Sin wasn't worried missing a bit of the talk—he was after the q&a portion at the end anyway. He just didn't want to attract attention coming in late.

"Don't worry. The guest speaker from China is running a bit late," said the girl while she flipped through the attendance sheet. "What is your student number?"

"Oh, I'm not a student here," answered a blushing Sin—it was definitely the haircut, he thought. "I graduated years ago. My name is Sin Ariyasakul."

The foreign student checked a different attendance sheet for non-students. She skimmed the names listed.

"Okay. I found your name, Mister Sin."

"Just Sin—or Pee Sin. No need to address me as mister," insisted Sin.

"Ah, sorry about that. Which university did you attend, Pee Sin?"

"Pinyo. I took up architecture."