𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐢

The firepit had burned low, leaving only the faint crackle of embers glowing against the cool Chiang Mai night. Laughter from earlier still clung faintly to the air, but now everything was quieter a softness settling in after celebration.

Nani narrowed his eyes, head tilting ever so slightly. Just a few feet away, William sat with Est, their voices low, indistinct. But the light from the lanterns was enough to catch the faint pink blooming on Est's cheeks, the way he smiled shyly before looking away.

"Ohhh..." Nani muttered under his breath, lips quirking mischievously.

"What's that tone?" Sky's deep voice came behind him, lazy but knowing. Before Nani could move, strong arms pulled him back against a broad chest, a blanket wrapped over them both. Sky's hand slipped under the blanket, resting possessively across Nani's stomach. "Tell me, little one. What's going on in that head of yours?"

Nani hummed, still watching his brother with hawk-like precision. "Phi Est... he's blushing. Look at him. I think-" he turned, eyes sparkling mischievously "-he might like William."

Sky followed his gaze with mild disinterest, then raised a brow. "And that makes you... what? Their matchmaker?"

"Mm-hm," Nani said proudly, leaning his chin against Sky's chest. "I've decided. I'll play cupid. Can't you see? The way Est is fidgeting? And William's not glaring at him like he does with everyone else. That means something."

Sky chuckled, low and rough, pressing a kiss into Nani's hair. "You really think William needs help? He's... William. When he wants something, he doesn't ask permission."

"That's true," Nani admitted, pursing his lips. Then his grin returned, sly. "But Est is shy. If I don't push a little, he'll run away and hide behind a book or worse jump into swimming pool."

Sky looked down at him, shaking his head with amusement. "You're dangerous, Ni. First you stole my peace, and now you want to meddle with your brother's love life?"

Nani smirked, tilting his face up. "Dangerous but cute. You wouldn't have me any other way."

Sky's hand squeezed his waist beneath the blanket, his eyes dark but amused. "Cute, yes. Dangerous..." he leaned close, lips brushing against Nani's ear, "...only to me."

Nani flushed, pushing lightly at his chest though his lips curved. "Phi Sky, don't tease me. I'm serious."

"I know you are," Sky murmured, dropping another kiss to his temple. His gaze flicked once more toward William and Est, then back to Nani. "Fine. Play your cupid game. But don't be surprised if William catches you meddling - and makes you regret it."

Nani only giggled softly, snuggling closer into Sky's chest, already plotting ways to "accidentally" throw William and Est together.

𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙚

Est fiddled with the rim of his glass, his eyes darting anywhere but William's face. "Um... thanks, Phi William. For letting me stay here. If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be stuck looking for a hotel."

William leaned back in his chair, one hand lazily swirling the amber liquid in his glass.

His lips curved not the sharp smirk people feared, but something gentler, almost teasing. "Hotels are overrated. And besides..." he tilted his head, eyes catching Est's with quiet weight, "you don't look like you'd survive one night on your own."

Est blinked, heat rushing to his face. "I-I would! I've lived alone before, you know."

"Mm." William's tone was dry, but his gaze softened. "Maybe. But it's safer here. And..." He hesitated for a fraction, eyes flickering toward the framed photo of his mother still sitting on the table. "It's good to have company sometimes."

Est's lips parted slightly at that glimpse beneath William's usual armor. He wanted to say something, but all that came out was a small, awkward, "I... I'm glad I'm here, then."

For a heartbeat, silence stretched between them, thick but not uncomfortable.

From where he sat against Sky's chest, Nani nearly squealed, covering his mouth with his hand. "See! They're perfect," he whispered, eyes sparkling.

Sky only chuckled, tucking him closer. "Dangerous little cupid," he murmured.

And under the lantern light of the Chiang Mai night, with laughter faint in the background and the smell of charred barbecue still lingering in the air, the quiet threads of something new began to weave themselves between William and Est.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙮

The streets of Chiang Mai glowed under the soft lantern lights strung across the narrow lanes. Small shops spilled out onto the sidewalks, selling hand-woven scarves, wooden carvings, and bright trinkets that sparkled under the lamps.

Nani, of course, couldn't resist. By the time they'd walked half the market, his arms were full of paper bags, each stuffed with handmade things. Sky carried a few as well, though his expression was more amused than annoyed, letting Nani fuss over every little stall.

"Sky, look! Matching bracelets." Nani's eyes lit up as he tugged on his sleeve, pointing at a vendor's tray. A set of braided bands, simple but colorful, caught his attention. Without hesitation, he bought five of them, slipping one onto Sky's wrist first before turning to the others.

"Pooh, Phi William, Phi Est everyone gets one. No excuses."

William raised a brow but didn't argue, letting Nani tie it around his wrist. Est wore his shyly, his cheeks pink, while Pooh only gave a small laugh, shaking his head but allowing Nani to slide the bracelet onto him.

"There," Nani declared proudly, holding up his own wrist where the thread gleamed. "Now we match. Always."

Sky couldn't help the soft smile tugging at his lips, fingers brushing the bracelet as though it were something far more precious than it looked. He reached for Nani's hand immediately after, intertwining their fingers as they strolled forward, Nani giggling at some small joke only Sky could hear.

Behind them, Pooh walked at his own pace, gaze lifted to the lanterns swaying in the evening breeze. The quiet beauty of Chiang Mai suited him; the golden glow reflected in his eyes, making him look even more unreachable.

Nani glanced back briefly, his heart softening at the familiar sight of Pooh trailing behind alone, as always. A fond smile tugged at his lips, a thought whisper gently in his mind.

𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺, 𝘗'𝘗𝘰𝘰𝘩... 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦.

Nani turned back to Sky, hiding his little smile as the market noise carried around them. For now, it was just another night together - but a new thread had already been set in motion.

The night market buzzed with life, laughter carrying through the air along with the smell of grilled skewers and sweet mango sticky rice. Sky and Nani walked hand in hand, stopping every few stalls because Nani's eyes sparkled at something new.

"Sky, look at this little carved elephant! Isn't it cute?" Nani chirped, holding it up.

Sky deadpanned, "You said the same thing about the last five elephants."

Nani pouted dramatically. "But this one's cuter."

Sky leaned in, his lips brushing Nani's ear just enough to make him shiver. "Not cuter than you."

Nani swatted his chest, cheeks heating. "Cheesy." Still, he bought the elephant.

A few streets over, William and Est had slipped away from the group, wandering a quieter stretch of shops. Est kept glancing at the displays, touching the fabrics with delicate fingers but always hesitating to buy.

"You want it?" William asked casually, noticing how Est lingered over a blue scarf.

Est shook his head quickly. "No, it's fine. Just looking."

William rolled his eyes, tossed some bills to the vendor, and handed the scarf to Est. "Here. Don't argue. It suits you."

Est's ears turned red as he accepted it, mumbling a soft thank-you. William pretended not to notice, though the faint smirk on his lips gave him away.

Meanwhile, Sky and Nani had found their way to a food stall. Nani insisted on trying the spiciest noodles, claiming, "I can handle it!" only to end up gulping down water seconds later, eyes watering.

Sky chuckled, holding his face still to wipe the corner of his lips. "Told you."

"You didn't warn me, you watched me suffer!" Nani accused, smacking his chest.

"And enjoyed it," Sky admitted with zero shame.

Not far behind, Pooh finally caught up with them, holding a bag of candied fruit. He raised a brow at Nani's teary eyes. "What happened?"

"Sky tried to kill me with noodles!" Nani whined, clutching Pooh's arm for dramatic effect.

Pooh rolled his eyes, offering him a piece of fruit. "Here. Sweet fixes everything."

As the night wore on, the five of them ended up gathered at a small riverside spot where lanterns floated gently across the water. Est shyly leaned closer to William, murmuring something that made William laugh low in his chest. Sky sat with Nani sprawled lazily across his lap, the bracelet glinting on his wrist as he traced idle patterns on Nani's arm.

Pooh leaned back against the railing, quiet but content, watching his brothers with the softest hint of a smile.

The air was warm, the stars clear above them.

It was their last night in Chiang Mai - and though tomorrow carried uncertainty, tonight was stitched with laughter, warmth, and the unspoken promise that they'd carry this memory with them.