The morning light filtered through the windows of Aira's apartment, casting soft shadows on the sleek furniture. Aira sat at her kitchen table, stirring her coffee absentmindedly. Her thoughts were still with Tawanâhow she had saved her, how she had hesitated in that hallway last night. She couldn't shake the feeling that her life was on the verge of something new, something dangerous, but also something she couldn't face alone.
Her father had left early for a meeting, but Somchai would be over soon to discuss the security situation again. After everything, Aira was no closer to securing a personal bodyguard, and yet, she couldn't get Tawan out of her mind.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. She stood up, expecting Somchai, but when she opened the door, she found Tawan standing there, her expression as unreadable as ever.
"I thought I'd make my decision sooner rather than later," Tawan said, stepping inside without being invited.
Aira closed the door behind her, a mixture of nerves and curiosity swirling inside her. "I didn't expect to see you so soon."
Tawan crossed her arms, her eyes scanning the apartment like she was mentally calculating every exit, every potential risk. "Your father's offer was generous, but that's not why I'm here."
Aira frowned slightly, moving closer. "Then why are you here?"
Tawan's gaze finally settled on her. "I've thought about what you said. About trust. And about needing someone who isn't just here for the job." She paused, as if considering how much to say. "I can't make any promises about how long I'll stay, but if you want me to be your bodyguard... I'll do it."
Aira felt a wave of relief, but alongside it was something moreâsomething she couldn't quite name. Her heart skipped slightly, and she found herself smiling, though she quickly masked it. "You don't have to do this just because of what happened last night."
"I'm not," Tawan said, her voice firm. "I'm doing it because right now, you need someone who can protect you from what's coming. Your father's enemies aren't going to stop, and this isn't just about keeping you safeâit's about making sure you're prepared for whatever else they throw your way."
Aira nodded, her heart racing faster. The words sounded so logical, so professional, but the way Tawan spokeâthe way she stood there, a protective force in her lifeâmade Aira feel something else entirely. Something she didn't fully understand. Her chest tightened, and she realized just how much she wanted Tawan by her side. She was happy, though she didn't want to admit it out loud.
"I'm glad it's you," Aira said softly, her voice almost a whisper.
Tawan raised an eyebrow, her cool expression slipping for a moment as she glanced at Aira. "What do you mean?"
Aira quickly shifted, feeling her pulse quicken. "I mean... after everything that's happened, I'm glad you're the one protecting me. I trust you. And I feel... safer when you're around."
There was a subtle tension in the air now, one that made Aira's words feel heavier than they should have. She swallowed hard, realizing how close she was standing to Tawan, and how much she didn't want her to leave.
Tawan's expression remained unreadable, though her eyes lingered on Aira for a moment longer than usual. "That's my job, Aira."
Aira let out a soft laugh, though her nerves betrayed her. "Yeah, I know. Just... I appreciate it, that's all."
Tawan nodded, her posture stiffening slightly. She looked like she was about to say something else, but before she could, Somchai called Aira, reminding her about the upcoming photo shoot she had scheduled for the day.
A few hours later, Aira stood in front of a large white backdrop, surrounded by lights, cameras, and bustling crew members. It was a high-profile photo shoot for one of the country's top fashion magazines, and everything needed to be perfect. Tawan stood nearby, her presence blending into the background, but her eyes never stopped scanning the room, watching for any potential threats.
As the photo session progressed, a few of the staff began to notice Tawan. With her tall, lean build, sharp features, and confident posture, it didn't take long for whispers to start circulating among the women in the room.
"Who's that?" one of the assistants asked, nudging her colleague.
"That's Aira's new bodyguard," the other woman replied, glancing at Tawan with clear admiration. "She's stunning. She could easily be a top model if she wanted to."
A group of makeup artists huddled nearby started giggling, their eyes flicking over to Tawan. One of them, bolder than the rest, walked over to Tawan with a flirtatious smile. "Hey, you know... with your looks, you could be in front of the camera, not behind it."
Tawan, ever the professional, barely acknowledged the comment. She offered a polite nod but didn't engage, her focus still on keeping Aira safe.
But Aira, still mid-shoot, couldn't help but notice the exchange. She saw the way the women were looking at Tawan, how they admired her, and how easily Tawan dismissed them. A strange feeling settled in her chestâone she couldn't quite place. Was it jealousy?
As the shoot continued, Aira's mind wandered, her thoughts drifting back to the idea of Tawan being admired by others. The attention bothered her, though she didn't want to admit why. She bit her lip, focusing on the photographer's instructions, but her eyes kept flicking toward Tawan, wondering what she was thinking.
After the shoot ended and the crew began packing up, Aira walked over to Tawan, her voice teasing but laced with an edge of something more. "Looks like you've got some fans here."
Tawan raised an eyebrow. "Fans?"
Aira crossed her arms, tilting her head playfully. "Don't tell me you didn't notice. The women practically swooned over you. They even said you could be a model."
Tawan shrugged, her expression impassive. "I wasn't paying attention."
Aira pouted slightly, though there was a lightness to her tone. "Of course not. You're all work, no play."
Tawan's eyes flicked to Aira's face, noticing the subtle tension behind her playful words. "Does it bother you?"
Aira's smile faltered for a moment, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide her discomfort. "Bother me? No... I just thought it was funny, that's all."
Tawan didn't respond, but the silence between them lingered, heavier than it should have been. Aira could feel the heat rising in her chest, unsure of why the whole thing had gotten under her skin. She had never been the jealous type beforeâso why now?
As they walked outside and made their way to the car, Aira glanced at Tawan again, her voice quieter now. "I guess I'm just not used to people admiring you like that. You've always been... this untouchable figure."
Tawan glanced sideways at her, her expression softening just a little. "Is that how you see me?"
Aira hesitated, biting her lip. "I don't know. Maybe."
As they drove back toward the apartment, Tawan kept her eyes on the road, but Aira couldn't shake the feeling that their conversation had left something unsaid. She turned to Tawan, her voice softer now.
"What made you change your mind?" she asked, glancing at Tawan, who kept her gaze forward.
Tawan didn't answer right away. When she finally spoke, her tone was measured. "Let's just say I don't like unfinished business."
Aira furrowed her brow, unsure what to make of that. "You mean... me?"
Tawan finally looked at her, her expression softening just a little. "There's more to this than you know, Aira. The people who are after your father... they're not just coming for you because of who he is. They're coming for you because they think you're a weakness. And I can't let them exploit that."
Aira's heart fluttered at the intensity of Tawan's words. Her hand brushed against Tawan's arm as they sat in the car, a subtle, almost unconscious gesture that surprised her. Tawan didn't react, but Aira felt the warmth of her skin linger longer than it should have.
"I've never thought of myself as a weakness," Aira whispered, her voice more vulnerable than she intended.
"You're not," Tawan said firmly, her voice lowering. "But they think you are, and that's what makes you a target."
Aira's heart tightened, the meaning behind Tawan's words cutting through her insecurities. "So, what are you going to do about it?"
Tawan glanced over at her, her gaze steady. "I'm going to keep you safe, no matter what. That's my priority."
The conviction in Tawan's voice sent a wave of warmth through Aira. She leaned back slightly, smiling at Tawan with a mixture of teasing and curiosity. "For someone who acts so distant, you're unexpectedly caring when it comes to me."
Tawan raised an eyebrow. "It's my job to be."
Aira's smile grew, her voice playful. "Careful, Tawan. I might start thinking you mean something else."
Tawan shot her a sharp look, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips before she quickly masked it. "You shouldn't."
Aira chuckled softly, leaning her head against the car seat. "You know... I'm glad it's you who's looking out for me. It feels... different. I trust you, Tawan."
Tawan glanced over at her again, her eyes softening. "Get some rest, Aira. We'll be at your apartment soon."
Aira let out a small sigh, closing her eyes as the warmth of the moment wrapped around her. She felt safe. More than she had in a long time.
And as she drifted into a light doze, she could still feel the weight of Tawan's gaze, steady and protective, ensuring that no harm would come to her as long as she was around.