𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐢

The morning at Hirunkit mansion was unusually lively. Papa Book was already in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, moving with sharp focus as pots simmered and the aroma of spices filled the air. He rarely cooked this much unless something special came up.

The reason wasn't long to guess-Papa Pete had called earlier. "Jimmy returned from the US this morning," he'd said with a chuckle, "and the first thing he asked for was your food."

Papa Book had only smiled at that. Jimmy, Sky's older brother, had always been fond of his cooking.

"Jimmy really gave a surprise, didn't he?"Force's voice drifted in as he entered the kitchen, leaning against the doorway and watching his husband moving around like a whirlwind.

"That he did," Papa Book replied, not looking up as he stirred a pot. "And oh-wake Nani. He needs to deliver this food to the Therapakyun estate."

Force raised a brow. "Will he even wake up this morning? That boy could sleep through a thunderstorm."

Papa Book smirked, finally glancing at him.

"Just say Jimmy came back, and that he has a chance to see Sky there. He'll be out of bed before you can blink."

Force laughed as he padded toward nani's room.

Force pushed open the door quietly, careful not to startle the boy he cherished most in the world. The curtains were still drawn, only a sliver of morning light sneaking in, casting a soft glow across Nani's room.

There he was-curled up under the blankets, his lashes resting against his cheeks, hair a little messy from sleep.

Force's sternness melted instantly. How can someone look this perfect even while drooling on a pillow? he thought, shaking his head with a smile. To him, Nani wasn't just his son-he was his joy, his pride, the one who filled the house with warmth simply by existing.

Sitting gently on the edge of the bed, Force brushed a hand through Nani's hair. "Wake up, little prince," he said, his voice carrying more affection than command."Two hours more". Nani muttered.

"Little one... wake up. Jimmy's back from the US. He's at the estate-and your papa Book's sending food. Want to take it there?"

Nani stirred, lashes fluttering, the familiar name Sky already forming in his sleepy mind.

Force chuckled quietly, pressing a kiss to his temple.

"Come on, darling," he coaxed warmly, "don't keep your brother-in-law waiting."

Nani blinked himself awake, the sleepiness fading the moment Force mentioned Jimmy and, more importantly, he thought about Sky. He sat up quickly, hair a mess, and Force couldn't help but laugh softly.

"You see? Mention Theerapakyun once and you're ready to jump out of bed," Force teased, ruffling his hair.

"Dad..." Nani whined softly, though a shy smile tugged at his lips.

"Go wash up and get dressed," Force said, patting his head with affection. "I'll have the food ready for you to take."

Nani nodded, slipping out of bed. Once he was in his room, pulling open his closet to look for something to wear, his eyes caught a familiar small black box tucked neatly on the shelf.

Nani's slender fingers brushed over the velvet lid of the small black box, a soft smile tugging at his lips. The moment he opened it, his heart clenched-not from pain, but from the overwhelming warmth of being accepted. Inside gleamed the heirloom of the Therapakyun family, passed down for generations.

Two years ago, before Sky's grandmother passed away, she had taken Nani's hand, her wrinkled fingers firm and certain, and told him: "This belongs to you now. You are already one of us."

Nani blinked back the memory, cheeks heating. He wasn't even officially engaged to Sky, yet here he was, holding the most precious symbol of their family. A treasure even Sky's papa hadn't touched, now resting in his possession.

Pride swelled in his chest, but so did shyness.

His brother-in-laws adored him, pampered him, spoiled him like a younger sibling-but at the same time, they saw him as Sky's husband.

The thought made Nani's ears burn. Husband.

His lips curved helplessly as he pressed the box to his chest.

"Son in law of the Therapakyun family..." he whispered to himselfth a tiny laugh, hiding his face in his hands.

Just as Nani was still lost in his thoughts, Papa Book's voice rang from downstairs, carrying its usual warmth mixed with impatience.

"Nani! Come down quickly, dear. No need to dress up so much-Sky already loves you as you are!"

Nani startled, laughter bubbling out of him at the teasing. He carefully placed the black box back into its corner, letting his fingers linger on it for just a second longer before shutting the closet. His heart was still fluttering when he headed downstairs.

Papa Book was waiting with two food containers stacked neatly. "Here, take this."Nani accepted the containers with a polite nod, but there was a shy smile tugging at his lips. "Yes, Papa."

He slipped on his shoes, adjusted the containers in his arms, and walked out to the car. As the driver opened the door for him, Nani slid inside, his heart light yet quietly racing at the thought of stepping foot again in Sky's family home.

The car rolled out of the mansion gates, carrying Nani-and the precious bond he was so proud to protect-toward the Theerapanyakun estate.

The moment Nani stepped into the Therapakyun estate, the familiar scent of fresh flowers and polished wood greeting him, his eyes instantly landed on the tall figure waiting in the living room.

"P'Jimmy!" Nani cried out, nearly forgetting he was carrying food. He rushed forward, carefully placing the containers onto the table before throwing himself into his brother-in-law's arms.

Jimmy laughed, scooping Nani up with ease and spinning him around like he was still the little boy who had first entered their home years ago. "My Nong Ni! Look at you-still the same, only prettier every time I see you!"

Their laughter filled the room, drawing Papa Pete in. He walked over, his face glowing with warmth as he gave Nani a fond side hug. "Ah, my little son-in-law is here. Good. I was waiting for you."

But Jimmy had already claimed Nani, tugging him down onto the couch beside him like no time had passed at all. "Nong Ni, don't hide any details. I want everything-all the gossips I've missed. You know I can't survive without my gossip partner."

Nani's eyes sparkled, lips curving into a playful yet determined smile. "Don't worry, P'Jimmy. I've collected plenty while you were gone. You'll hear it all."

Just like old times, the two leaned close, whispering and laughing, hands occasionally smacking the other's knee in excitement. They were a perfect duo-Nani with his sharp memory and keen eye, Jimmy with his exaggerated reactions and endless laughter.

When Jimmy had left for the US, Nani had been heartbroken, missing his closest confidant. Now, with him back-even just for vacation-Nani silently vowed to make up for every missed moment.

Papa Pete shook his head fondly at the sight. "These two... once they start, they'll never stop."

The room was filled with laughter and chatter as Jimmy and Nani huddled close, whispering secrets like no time had passed at all. Their animated gasps and hand gestures made Papa Pete shake his head with an indulgent smile.

Just then, footsteps echoed on the stairs. Sky and William appeared, both dressed sharply in suits, ready to leave for work.

"P'Jimmy!" Sky greeted warmly, moving forward to hug his elder brother. William followed, offering a quick but affectionate squeeze.

Sky's gaze then fell on Nani, and without hesitation, he leaned down to press a kiss to his forehead. Nani blushed instantly, his shy smile hidden by the way he lowered his gaze, though Jimmy caught it and smirked knowingly.

As everyone sat down together, William suddenly clapped his hands in excitement. "Oh, Nani-I've got the best gossip for you!"

Nani perked up immediately, eyes gleaming. "What is it, P'Will?"

Leaning in with a mischievous grin, William announced, "Last night, Mr. Cornal sent a proposal. He wants Pooh to marry his daughter-Kiwi. Can you believe it?"

"What?!" Nani and Jimmy gasped dramatically in unison, clutching at their chests as though scandalized beyond repair.

Jimmy widened his eyes. "Are you for real, my little Nong? Pooh and that snake? No way, absolutely not!"

Nani's face turned fierce, his gossip partner instincts flaring. "If this snake dares to linger near P'Pooh, I'm ready for action-just like I did with her elder sister."

Sky chuckled, reaching out to squeeze Nani's hand in gentle reassurance. "Calm down, both of you. Pooh already rejected the proposal."

"That's exactly what he should do," Nani huffed, crossing his arms in determination."Or else-l would have emotionally blackmailed him until he did."

As if being summoned, Pooh strolled in, freshly showered and still adjusting the cuffs of his shirt.

"There's our Nong Pooh," Jimmy sang out, eyes twinkling.

Before anyone else could speak, Nani shot up dramatically and pointed at him. "Listen here, P-if that snake Kiwi ever slithers too close, you call me. Day or night. I'll be there."

Pooh stopped mid-step, blinking at Nani's fiery declaration, then broke into a slow grin. "I get it, Nong. You can calm down now."

Jimmy laughed so hard he nearly tipped his glass over. "Calm down? Our Nani? Impossible. He's already planning Kiwi's downfall in his head."

"I am not!" Nani huffed, though his little pout gave him away. "I'm simply... prepared."

"Prepared for what?" Pooh teased, dropping into the seat beside him. "A duel at sunrise?"

"Don't tempt me," Nani shot back with narrowed eyes. "I could emotionally blackmail you until you surrendered."

The table erupted again, William clutching his stomach as Sky shook his head fondly. But while everyone laughed, Sky's gaze lingered on Nani. The way his cheeks flushed when teased, the way his eyes sparked during gossip-Sky stored it all away with quiet intensity, as though each little moment belonged only to him.

"Careful, Nani," Sky finally said, his voice softer but carrying that familiar possessive edge. "You don't need to fight anyone for Pooh. I'll make sure no one dares to cross you."Nani lower his gaze a shy smile playing in his lips.

The room was still filled with laughter when Sky's eyes, sharper than anyone else's, fixed on Nani. He had been patient-watching him glow in front of Jimmy, bicker with William, and fuss over Pooh-but Sky's patience had its limits.

Without a word, he reached for Nani's wrist under the table, his grip firm but deceptively gentle.

"Sky?" Nani blinked up at him, startled when Sky tugged him away from the group.

"Just for a moment," Sky murmured low, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Jimmy raised a brow knowingly, William smirked, and Pooh pretended to whistle-but Sky didn't care. He pulled Nani down the hall until they slipped into one of the quiet side rooms, shutting the door with a soft click.

"Sky... I-" Nani started, only for the rest of his words to dissolve into a sharp gasp when Sky pressed him against the wall, caging him in with both arms.

"Do you know," Sky whispered, his forehead resting against Nani's, "how hard it is to watch you smile at everyone else and not just me?"

Nani's breath hitched. "Sky... they're family-"

"I don't care." Sky's tone was rough, threaded with possessiveness. His thumb tilted Nani's chin up, forcing his gaze. "You're mine, Nani. Only mine."

Before Nani could reply, Sky's lips claimed his in a deep, urgent kiss. It wasn't sweet or hesitant-it was demanding, consuming, as if Sky wanted to erase every laugh Nani had shared with someone else and replace it with himself.

Nani melted into him, hands clutching Sky's shirt, knees weakening under the intensity.

Sky's mouth trailed lower, along his jaw and down to the curve of his neck, biting just enough to leave a faint mark.

"Sky-ah-someone will notice-" Nani whispered breathlessly.

"Let them," Sky muttered against his skin, placing another heated kiss. "Let them see who you belong to."

Nani's blush burned hotter than ever, his heart racing as Sky kissed him again, slower this time but no less consuming-like a promise, like a warning.

When they finally pulled apart, Nani's lips were swollen, his eyes dazed. Sky smirked, brushing his thumb across those lips as though proud of his handiwork.

"That's better," he said softly, his possessiveness tempered with tenderness now. "Now I can go to work in peace."

Nani could only bury his face in Sky's chest, too flustered to reply.

And just like that, the world outside the room could wait-because in Sky's arms, Nani knew exactly where he belonged.