We got up, and I made us breakfast.
A few minutes later, Chak walked into the kitchen wearing a black long-sleeved shirt that fit perfectly against his body. I couldn't stop staring—every line of him seemed sculpted, effortless, dangerous in that quiet way of his.
He caught me looking, of course.
"Done staring yet?" he teased, walking closer with a smirk. "Wait until you see me in a short-sleeved shirt. That's when you'll really get jealous."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling.
"Everything you wear looks like it was made just for you," I said softly. "You're too beautiful, Chak… I don't think I could ever share you with anyone else."
He chuckled, brushing his fingers against my cheek. "Good. I don't plan on being shared."
"Come on," I said, glancing at the clock. "Let's eat before we're late."
We finished breakfast in a hurry, and I changed into Chak's clothes—they smelled faintly like him, warm and familiar. After packing our bags, we carried the suitcases out together.
"Do you think Anamarija's awake?" I asked as we reached the car.
"If I remember right, she said she's a morning person," Chak replied, opening the door for me. "So unlike someone I know, she probably had no trouble waking up."
"I don't have trouble waking up," I laughed. "I just like sleeping next to you too much."
He smiled, his voice soft. "Then I'll never complain about that."
---
As we drove through the quiet streets, the golden morning light slipped through the windshield. The world outside was still waking up — calm and peaceful. I glanced at Chak, watching how focused he looked behind the wheel, his profile illuminated by the sun.
Without thinking, I reached out and placed my hand over his. He didn't pull away — instead, he intertwined his fingers with mine, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin.
For a moment, we didn't need words. The silence between us felt warm, full of something that didn't need to be explained.
When we stopped in front of Vikran's apartment, Chak turned off the engine.
I leaned closer, checked quickly that the street was empty, and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.
"I love you," I whispered.
He turned to me slowly, his gaze soft but intense — the kind of look that made my heart stop for a second. Then, without a word, he brushed a strand of hair from my forehead and pressed a soft kiss there.
"I know," he murmured. "And I love you too."
For a heartbeat, everything was still — just us, breathing in the same quiet air. Then he smiled faintly.
"Come on," he said softly. "Let's go before I decide not to let you leave the car."
I laughed under my breath. "You wouldn't."
He smirked. "Try me."
"Take the suitcases outside."
"Why?" I asked, zipping my bag.
"We're going by van this time," he replied.
"Alright," I said, carrying them out into the hallway.
Once everything was ready, we took the elevator up to Vikran's apartment. The corridor was quiet, filled with the soft morning light. Chak knocked gently.
It opened after a few seconds—Suraphom stood there, calm as always.
"Everything okay?" Chak asked.
"Everything's fine," he said with a polite nod.
Inside, the familiar scent of coffee and plants filled the air. The living room looked like a soft garden—light beige tones, sunlight streaming through sheer curtains, leafy green everywhere.
Anamarija was already at the table, eating breakfast gracefully, her hair tied in a loose bun. Vikran sat beside her, half-asleep, his hair a mess and eyes still heavy with dreams.
"Morning," he mumbled with a lazy yawn.
"Good morning," I greeted, smiling.
"I'll be done in a minute," Anamarija said, finishing her toast.
"No rush," Chak replied with a faint smile. "Take your time."
She nodded, sipping her coffee as sunlight brushed her face.
When she finished, she stood and said to Vikran, "Thank you for everything."
Vikran smiled softly. "You'll tell me what name you choose for that flower, right?"
"I will," she said, smiling. "See you soon."
There was something between them—an unspoken kind of energy that lingered in the air.
---
When we reached the van, Chak said, "Your suitcase is already inside."
"My suitcase?" Anamarija blinked. "How? Who—?"
"The maid," Chak replied simply.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"You'll see soon enough," he said with that calm tone that revealed nothing.
She looked at me for answers.
"I don't know either," I said truthfully.
We drove for a while until I noticed the road signs—we were heading toward the airport.
When we arrived, all the *Love Food* and *LF Lab* employees were already waiting outside.
"Niran, the luggage," Chak said as he stepped out of the van.
"Of course, sir," I replied, thinking to myself, *I'd do anything for you.*
As I unloaded the suitcases, a few staff members hurried over.
"We'll take care of that," one said politely.
I nodded and walked over to Taeng.
"Morning," I greeted, yawning.
"Sleepy?" he asked.
"A little," I admitted.
"Where do you think we're going?"
"No idea," I said with a shrug.
He leaned closer. "Your CEO didn't tell you?"
"Nope."
"What about the co-CEO? Any hints?"
"If he had, I wouldn't be asking," Taeng replied with a grin.
There was a relaxed uncertainty in the air—the kind that comes when no one knows what's coming next.
---
We reached the jet. Chak stepped forward and said, "You can sit anywhere you like—but no one is allowed in first class."
I noticed his gaze pause briefly on me… and on Taeng.
"A private flight just for us?" someone murmured.
"Where should we sit?" Non asked, appearing beside us.
"Doesn't matter," I said. "But let's hurry before all the seats are taken."
We boarded and found three empty seats in the back.
"Who wants the window?" I asked.
"Not me," said Taeng.
"I'll take it," said Non.
I sat next to him, and Taeng took the aisle.
"I can't wait," Non said excitedly. "This team-building trip already feels promising."
"I agree," Taeng added.
As I settled in, my phone buzzed softly. I slipped it from my pocket, making sure no one was watching.
It was from Chak.
When we've been in the air for a while, you and Taeng come quietly to first class. I'll be waiting for you. My 🎨
My heartbeat quickened. His love for me… it was something special.
I nudged Taeng and showed him the message.
We exchanged a look—no words needed.
After some time, I noticed Non had fallen asleep.
"Let's go," I whispered.
---
When Taeng and I slipped through the curtain into first class, I saw that Anamarija sitting elegantly by the window with a cup of coffee in her hand. Kit sat across from her, perfectly calm, while Chak was near the front, posture relaxed but presence magnetic.
The soft hum of the jet made everything feel intimate—almost secret.
Chak looked up, his eyes finding mine instantly.
Without a word, he tilted his head toward the seat beside him. I crossed the aisle and sat down.
"Didn't think you'd actually come," he murmured.
"You told me to," I replied quietly.
He smiled faintly. "You always listen so well."
"Only when it's you," I whispered back.
Something softened in his expression before he looked away toward the clouds.
Across the aisle, Taeng took the seat beside Kit.
"So this is the mysterious first class," Taeng said. "Not bad—snacks, champagne, mood lighting… I could get used to this."
Kit didn't look up. "You're not supposed to be here."
"Neither is your sense of humor," Taeng murmured with a smirk.
Anamarija chuckled. "Oh, let them stay. It's nice to have some company. Chak hasn't said a full sentence in ten minutes."
"Because he's plotting," Kit replied dryly.
"Plotting what?" Taeng teased. "Where we're going? Or how to torture us with suspense?"
"You talk too much," Kit said flatly.
"And yet, you still listen," Taeng countered.
Their eyes met for just a second—long enough to shift the air between them.
---
I felt Chak's hand brush against mine under the table.
"Let them play," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.
"Play?" I asked softly.
"Taeng and Kit," he murmured. "They pretend to argue, but you see it, don't you?"
I smiled. "The tension?"
"Exactly."
Anamarija looked up from her tablet. "Okay, someone has to tell me—where are we going? You're all acting like this is a secret mission."
"Patience," Chak said, leaning back, unbothered.
She groaned. "You've been saying that for hours."
Taeng laughed. "Told you—he enjoys watching us suffer."
Kit sighed. "Just relax and enjoy the flight."
"If I guess the destination right, you owe me a kiss," Taeng said suddenly, turning to Kit.
Kit froze, his composure cracking.
Anamarija raised a brow. "Oh, I like this game."
Chak smirked faintly; I bit back a laugh.
"You're impossible," Kit muttered.
"And you're blushing," Taeng said, grinning.
"Honestly," Anamarija said, shaking her head, "this flight is better than any drama series."
Chak's voice cut through the laughter, calm and deep. "Buckle up. We'll be landing soon."
"Landing?" Anamarija echoed.
Taeng looked at him. "Wait—where are we?"
Chak only smiled.
I leaned closer. "You really won't tell me?"
"Would it matter if I did?" he asked quietly.
"Yes," I whispered. "Because I like knowing what's coming."
"Some things," he said, his eyes locking on mine, "are better when you don't."
And before I could think twice, I kissed him.
A soft, quick kiss—but enough to feel his breath hitch and his hand rise to my jaw, holding me there for one fleeting heartbeat.
"Thank you," I whispered when I pulled away.
He didn't answer—only smiled, that quiet, knowing smile that said everything words couldn't.
"Okay, lovebirds," Taeng said from across the aisle. "Time to go before someone notices we're gone."
I chuckled. "Right. Let's go."
As we slipped back through the curtain, Taeng shot me a grin.
"Good talk?" he asked.
"Very productive," I said with a straight face.
"Sure," he teased. "You look way too happy for just a 'talk.'"
We reached our seats just as Non stirred, half-asleep.
"Wake up," I said, nudging him. "We're almost there."
"Already?" he mumbled.
"Yeah," Taeng said, stretching. "The mystery's about to end."
A moment later, a flight attendant appeared with a warm smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she announced, her Thai accent clear and elegant, "we'll be landing shortly. Welcome to Surat Thani."
Non blinked. "Surat Thani?!"