That night,
everything should have been quiet like usual.
But Phat's heart
refused to calm down.
She stood by the balcony,
like every night before,
even though she knew—
he might not come anymore.
The wind blew softly,
the curtain shifting slightly.
Then the sound came.
Click…
Her heart jumped instantly.
Before she could even think,
a familiar figure climbed up.
Kan.
He came.
As if he had never disappeared.
Phat stood still,
her gaze trembling slightly.
"You…"
Her voice was soft.
Kan didn't answer right away.
He just looked at her—
quiet,
deeper than before.
"I thought…"
She couldn't finish.
"What?"
His voice was low.
"I thought you wouldn't come anymore."
Silence fell.
Kan stepped closer,
slowly.
"I thought I wouldn't either."
That answer made her heart falter.
"Then why…"
"Because I can't stop."
The same words.
But clearer this time.
The distance disappeared again.
Phat didn't step back.
She didn't want to anymore.
Kan's hand rested on her waist,
gentle,
but steady.
Their breaths grew close.
Their eyes met.
No one spoke.
As if everything
had been replaced by feeling.
Kan leaned down—
slow,
intentional.
Their lips met.
This time,
it wasn't just familiarity.
It was longing
that had built up.
Phat leaned into him
without realizing.
Her hands gripped his shirt tighter,
as if afraid
he would disappear again.
Kan moved closer.
The warmth,
the pounding of their hearts—
it was all too clear.
"Phat…"
His voice was soft.
But in that moment—
another voice broke in.
"Phat."
They both froze instantly.
Footsteps sounded from outside.
Closer.
Faster.
"Open the door."
Panop.
Phat's heart stopped for a split second.
Kan let go of her immediately.
Their eyes met.
No words needed.
They both knew what to do.
"Go."
She whispered.
Kan moved toward the balcony,
quick but silent.
The knocking grew louder.
"Phat!"
She took a deep breath
before walking to the door.
She opened it.
Panop stood there.
Sharp-eyed.
Missing nothing.
He looked at her,
silent.
"Why did you take so long?"
"I… was in the shower."
The lie came out too smoothly.
Panop frowned slightly.
His gaze moved past her,
into the room.
Silence.
Phat knew—
he was looking for something.
"I heard something."
Those words made her breath catch.
"Probably the wind."
she replied.
Panop said nothing.
But he stepped inside.
One step.
Two steps.
Closer to the window.
Phat's heart pounded painfully.
If he pulled the curtain—
"P'…"
Her voice stopped him.
Panop turned back.
"What?"
Phat met his eyes.
"I'm okay."
The words were soft—
but real.
Panop paused for a moment.
His gaze softened,
just for a second.
"I didn't ask if you were okay."
His tone was still firm,
but no longer as cold.
"I just don't want you to be alone like this."
Those words made her freeze.
"I know you're strong."
"But you're still my sister."
Silence fell again.
Phat pressed her lips together.
"I know."
Panop looked at her,
then let out a quiet breath.
"Lock the door properly."
he said,
before turning away.
The door closed.
Silence returned.
Phat stood still.
Then turned toward the balcony.
Kan was still there.
His eyes were different.
Tense—
and something more
she could read.
"That was close,"
he said softly.
Phat nodded.
Her heart still racing.
"Your brother…"
"He cares about me."
she replied.
"Even if he's a bit harsh."
Kan stayed quiet,
then nodded.
"I can tell."
He looked at her
longer than usual.
"And you?"
"What?"
"Are you going to keep living like this?"
That question
tightened everything again.
Phat couldn't answer.
Because now,
it wasn't just about feelings anymore.
There was risk.
And people who loved her
were involved.
Something that could truly
break everything
one day.