OPEN YOUR HEART WITH FLOWERS

OPEN YOUR HEART WITH FLOWERS 3: The 4-Phis' Plan That Lead To The Beginning

About one plus year after the encounter at the flower shop...

"Kiiit, you're here?" I poke my head into the bedroom. Krist is only in his pants, reaching for a shirt from the closet. After many times seeing him like that, still makes me gulp in amazement. His smooth skin, his taut stomach, his...

"Just a minute, Phi Sing, sorry I'm late. There was a late order from a woman wanting to bring a bouquet for her friend's birthday dinner, I can't say no..." he tries to explain while putting on the shirt, "I hope we're not late."

"Nooo, no, don't worry we won't be," I help button his shirt while he tucks it under his pants. "I was just checking if you were home already. Phi Off and I were having a final review on a client's project so I was afraid that I have kept you waiting." I lean over and kiss his neck. "But seems like you've just finished your bath, right? You smell of baby powder. Let me take a quick bath, too. Help me pick a set of clothes, okay." I walk to the bathroom and turn on the shower.

"By the way, I need to arrive early at Phi New's house and help with the preparations. He said he is inviting your boss Phi Off and Phi Gun." I can only vaguely hear Krist's words under the loud shower. And I finish my bath in less than five minutes. When I step out of the bathroom, a set of pants and a shirt is already laid on the bed.

"You said they're inviting Phi Off?" I ask while putting on my pants. I never question Krist's choice of clothing. His neat way of dressing up is as good as his impeccable taste in flower arranging. "He did say he and Phi Gun have a dinner plan with a friend."

"Yes, phi. Phi New said he and Phi Tay want to get to know them more. Well, Phi Off is like a family to you, right?" And now it's Krist's turn to help me with my buttons. 

"Yes. Phi Off and Phi Gun are like my brothers. Okay, Kit, we're all set," we leave the bedroom. Krist heads to the kitchen to turn on the night light, I grab the car key from the table and we leave our apartment for Phi Tay and Phi New's house. We are having dinner to celebrate Phi Tay's birthday.

*****

The flower garden welcomes us with its rainbow of colors and soothing aroma. Every time I visit this place, it always sparks joy and happiness within me. No wonder Krist has such a beautiful heart, he grew up in this wonderful place.

We enter the house, and Phi Tay, a talkative tall lean man just like Phi Off, welcomes us. We hug and wish him a happy birthday, then he quickly grabs my arm and drags me to the living room. Krist just laughs and heads to the kitchen to help his brother.

"Sing, come on, we have some extra time to play a little foosball, need to work up an appetite before dinner," Phi Tay then takes one side of the table and we enjoy ourselves. Phi Tay has found a match in me because both Krist nor Phi New have any interest in playing this game. That's why he is always excited whenever I come to visit.

"Tay, Singto, dinner's ready," Phi New calls us from the dinner table. We head to the dining room and at the same time, the doorbell rings. "Kit, get the door, please. That must be our guests," Phi New yells from the kitchen. 

Krist heads to the door and opens it. Phi Off and Phi Gun are at the door. Phi Gun is holding a box that I'm sure contains a birthday cake, yelling, "Sawadee khaa!" with an ear-to-ear grin. They walk in and I was going to introduce them when Phi New greets them first, accepting the cake box from Phi Gun. They both hug Phi Tay and wish him a happy birthday. Then Phi Gun follows Phi New to the kitchen, Phi Off starts to make jokes with Phi Tay.

Wait, why are they that close as if they have already known each other? I've mentioned Phi Off and Phi Gun many times to Phi Tay and Phi New, and of course, Phi Off heard about Krist's brothers. But they have never met before because we still can't find a good time for a get-together. Are they that easy to connect? I walk to them and ask, "Phi Off, Phi Tay, it seems like you've already known each other. Is there something you're not telling me?"