Tawan had barely slept after the argument with Aira the night before. She lay awake, replaying the conversation in her mind, trying to understand why Aira's frustration had affected her so deeply. It shouldn't bother herâshe was just Aira's bodyguard, hired to protect her at all costs. But seeing Aira upset made something inside her ache in a way that felt far too personal.
Now, in the early morning light, Tawan stood in the kitchen, quietly preparing breakfast. She wasn't sure how to fix things, but she hoped starting the day with something familiar might help ease the tension. Aira's manager, Somchai, had mentioned once that Aira loved Thai omelette with cheese, and Tawan had made a mental note of it. She carefully plated the dish, adding a glass of chocolate milk to the tray, knowing Aira preferred to drink milk in the mornings.
Tawan set the table, her movements deliberate, trying to calm the anxious thoughts running through her mind. She knew her roleâprotect Aira, follow orders, don't get emotionally involved. But the lines felt blurred now. Wasn't it her job to care, at least in some way? Or had she crossed a boundary without realizing it?
As she finished setting the table, Tawan glanced at the clock. Aira would be waking up soon. She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the tension that still lingered between them. She just wanted to make things right, even if she wasn't sure how.
Aira stirred in bed, her body still heavy with the emotions from the night before. The argument with Tawan had left her feeling unsettled, and she wasn't sure how to process it. She had spent most of the night tossing and turning, her thoughts spiraling between frustration and something deeperâsomething she wasn't ready to confront yet.
She rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling, her mind replaying the conversation. Why does this keep happening? she wondered. I just want things to be normal, but every time I get close to her... I can't stop these feelings. I don't even know what to do about it.
Aira sighed, rubbing her eyes. "She's just doing her job," she whispered to herself, though her heart wasn't convinced. "But why does it feel like more?"
She let out another breath and pushed the covers off, knowing that staying in bed wasn't going to help. You're being ridiculous, she told herself. Just get through the day. One step at a time.
The smell of food drifted through the air, familiar and comforting. Aira blinked her eyes open fully, recognizing the aroma immediatelyâThai omelette with cheese. Her favorite. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips, but it quickly faded as the weight of her feelings settled back on her chest. As much as the gesture touched her, the tension between her and Tawan still lingered, unresolved.
Pushing the blankets aside, Aira got out of bed and padded into the kitchen. There, she found Tawan standing by the table, already having set the foodâcomplete with a glass of milk, just the way Aira liked it. The sight made her heart flutter momentarily, but the memory of their argument quickly pulled her back to reality.
Tawan glanced up as Aira entered, her face carefully neutral. "Good morning," she said, her voice softer than usual. "I made breakfast. I thought you might like it."
Aira hesitated, feeling a surge of conflicting emotions. On one hand, she was genuinely happy that Tawan had made her favorite breakfastâit was a thoughtful gesture that showed how much attention she paid to Aira's preferences. On the other hand, the unresolved feelings from last night kept her from fully appreciating it. Her heart wanted to soften, but her mind kept reminding her of the distance between them.
"Thank you," Aira replied quietly, her tone polite but lacking the warmth she wished she could convey. She sat down at the table, looking at the perfectly made omelette and the glass of milk. For a moment, she felt a flicker of happiness, but it was quickly overshadowed by the reminder that things between her and Tawan were still strained.
As Aira began to eat, the silence between them grew. Tawan, standing nearby, seemed hesitant to speak, as if she wasn't sure how to start a conversation. Aira could feel the weight of her unspoken feelings pressing down on herâthe love she had been harboring for Tawan since they first met, the confusion of trying to navigate these emotions, and the frustration of not knowing where Tawan stood.
Tawan broke the silence, her voice gentle but cautious. "I, uh... Somchai told me it's your favorite. Thai omelette with cheese."
Aira glanced up, momentarily surprised. "He did?"
Tawan nodded, looking almost awkward, a rare sight for her. "Yeah. I thought... maybe it would make the morning better."
Aira hesitated, wanting to smile, but the tension from last night still weighed on her. "It's... really thoughtful of you. I do love this," she admitted, her voice soft, though it carried the sadness of the unresolved argument.
Tawan, still standing by the table, cleared her throat. "Is it... good? Does it fit your taste?"
Aira looked at her, surprised by the question. She could see Tawan's rare vulnerability, the genuine concern in her voice. "Yeah," Aira responded after a moment. "It's really good. You did a great job."
Tawan's lips curved into a small smile, visibly relieved. "I'm glad."
For a brief moment, it seemed like things could lighten up, but the tension between them lingered, heavy and unspoken.
As Aira ate her breakfast, the silence between her and Tawan remained thick with unspoken words. The gesture of making her favorite meal had softened Aira slightly, and it didn't go unnoticed that this might be Tawan's way of helping her feel a sense of normalcy. Aira appreciated the effort, but the emotional conflict within herâher deeper feelingsâremained unresolved.
Aira found herself stealing glances at Tawan, who stood nearby with her usual composed demeanor. Despite the tension, there was something about the simple act of having breakfast together that made Aira feel almost... normal. It wasn't just about safety or protection. It was a moment of care, even if it was wrapped in professional boundaries.
Why does it feel like this? she thought, her mind racing with questions. She's just doing her job, right? So why do I want it to mean more?
Unable to sit with her thoughts any longer, Aira decided to break the silence. "You know," she started, her voice soft but trying to lighten the mood, "you're a pretty great bodyguard... but maybe you'd make an even better chef."
Tawan blinked, momentarily surprised by the comment. She looked at Aira, clearly not expecting the attempt at humor. Her lips twitched into a faint smile. "Is that so?"
Aira nodded, trying to smile back, though her heart was still heavy. "Yeah. I mean, you've already got the cooking part down. I'm just saying, it might be a good backup plan if you ever get tired of protecting me."
Tawan's smile lingered a little longer this time, and her gaze softened. "It's good to know I have options," she said lightly, her voice carrying a hint of warmth that wasn't usually there. She glanced at Aira, her eyes briefly flickering with something more than just professionalismâsomething that felt closer to care.
Aira felt a small surge of hope. Maybe there was more behind Tawan's gestures than just duty. Maybe she did care, even if she didn't fully realize it.
Aira hesitated for a moment before pushing a little further, her voice quieter. "About last night... Kai seemed nice, don't you think?"
Tawan's expression didn't change much, but there was a subtle shiftâa flicker of something Aira couldn't quite place. "They were polite," Tawan replied, her tone measured, but her eyes seemed to linger on Aira a little longer than usual.
Aira tilted her head, watching Tawan closely. "I was thinking... maybe I'll accept the drink offer." She glanced at Tawan, hoping for some kind of reaction, but Tawan's neutral expression remained. Aira's heart sank slightly, but she continued, trying to keep the mood light. "Don't worry, you can still hover close by, keeping your professional distance but still in view. Sound good?"
Tawan hesitated for just a moment longer than usual, and there was a softness in her voice when she finally responded. "Your personal decisions are your own, Aira... but I'll be nearby. You know, just to make sure everything's alright."
Aira's lips pressed into a thin line, sensing the hint of care behind Tawan's words. It wasn't just about dutyâTawan's gaze, the way her voice softenedâthere was something more, even if Tawan herself didn't realize it.
"I know," Aira said softly, her voice almost reflective. "But it was nice... just having breakfast like this. It almost felt normal."
Tawan's gaze softened further, and for a moment, the distance between them felt a little smaller. "That's good," Tawan said quietly, her tone holding an undeniable sincerity. "That's what matters."
Later that day, Aira's schedule resumed its usual chaotic pace. Tawan, as always, was never far from her side, her focus sharper than ever. But as the day unfolded, Tawan received unsettling newsâa potential new threat had surfaced. This wasn't just the usual media frenzy or fan overreach. This was something more sinister.
Tawan's face grew more serious as she reviewed the details. She had been expecting something like this for a while, but that didn't make it any easier. The threat was real, and it was getting closer.
When the moment came to inform Aira, Tawan was more guarded than usual, her protective instincts kicking in hard. "There's been a development," Tawan said, her tone calm but firm. "It's nothing immediate, but there's been talk about someone making a move... someone who's been keeping an eye on you."
Aira looked up, surprised. "Another threat?"
Tawan nodded, keeping her expression neutral despite the rising tension in her chest. "I don't want to alarm you, but we need to be more cautious moving forward. No unnecessary meetings, no casual outings. At least until I have more information."
Aira felt a wave of frustration rise. "But I just agreed to have drinks with Kai."
Tawan's jaw tightened ever so slightly, but she kept her voice even. "Your safety is the priority, Aira. Right now, things are more dangerous than they were before."
Aira sighed, the weight of her reality sinking in. She had wanted to feel normal, to have a break from the constant security, but once again, she was being reminded that her life was anything but normal.
Later that evening, Aira sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her phone. The message from Kai lingered on the screen, tempting her. She had wanted to feel normal, to have a casual drink with someone who wasn't part of her chaotic life. The idea was appealingâjust being Aira, not the idol surrounded by constant security.
But Tawan's words from earlier had hit her harder than expected. No unnecessary meetings, no casual outings... Tawan had been clear. The threat was real, and the risk was growing. Aira knew Tawan wasn't one to exaggerate, but it didn't change the way she felt.
She ran her fingers through her hair, frustrated. Am I just trying to escape? The question lingered. Meeting Kai sounded nice, but the more she thought about it, the more something felt off. It wasn't Kai she was thinking aboutâit was Tawan.
But why?
Aira found herself reflecting on the last few weeks. The way Tawan was always thereâquiet, steady, and protective. She was more than just a bodyguard. It was in the little things, like how she'd make sure Aira was comfortable, always scanning for threats but never intrusive. There was a certain care in Tawan's actions that made Aira feel... safe. It's not just the job, is it? Aira thought, her heart skipping slightly at the realization.
But what did that mean?
Aira typed a short message to Kai: "I'll think about it. Let's see how things go." It wasn't a clear yes or no. She didn't want to commit, but she didn't want to shut the door completely either. Maybe she was testing the waters, seeing how Tawan might react. But even that thought felt heavy, because it wasn't fair to Kaiâor to herself.
Her heart was in a tug-of-war, but deep down, she knew the truth. The decision wasn't really about Kai at all.
The next morning, Aira and Tawan prepared for another busy day. The tension between them had eased somewhat since their breakfast conversation, but there was still a subtle distance that neither had addressed.
Tawan moved through the apartment with her usual efficiency, but Aira noticed the small thingsâhow Tawan's eyes lingered on her just a bit longer than usual, how she seemed to check the locks twice before they left, and the way her gaze swept the surroundings before they even reached the car. It was subtle, almost unconscious, but it was there. Tawan was more protective today, more cautious, and Aira couldn't help but wonder if it was because of last nightâor something else.
As they stepped into the car, Tawan was as focused as ever, her eyes scanning the surroundings. Aira, however, was distractedâher mind still on the message she had sent Kai. She glanced at Tawan, wondering if her bodyguard had picked up on her internal conflict.
Tawan finally broke the silence. "Are you still thinking about that meeting with Kai?"
Aira's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected Tawan to bring it up so directly. "I... yeah, I guess," she admitted, unsure of how to navigate the conversation.
Tawan's expression remained neutral, but Aira could sense the underlying concern. "You know the risks. Things are different now. The threat is real."
Aira sighed, frustration bubbling up again. "I know. I get it. But... I can't just stay locked up all the time. I need to live, too."
Tawan's gaze flicked toward her, and for a moment, something flickered in her eyesâsomething that looked almost like hesitation. "Your safety is my priority," she said, her voice firm but not without a hint of softness.
Aira leaned back in her seat, biting her lip as a thought crossed her mind. She glanced at Tawan, her voice more casual at first. "You know... this wouldn't be some kind of elaborate ploy to keep me from meeting Kai, would it?"
Tawan blinked, her neutral expression shifting ever so slightly. "What do you mean?"
Aira smirked slightly, testing the waters. "I mean... are you sure this threat is real? Or are you just making it up because you're jealous of Kai?" Her voice was playful, teasing, as she tried to break the tension between them.
Tawan's eyes widened, caught off guard by the suggestion. "Jealous?" she repeated, her tone flat. "Of Kai?"
Aira chuckled softly, leaning a little closer. "Come on, Tawan. You don't have to be so stiff. I'm just saying... it's kind of convenient, isn't it? A sudden threat right when I'm about to meet someone?"
Tawan's expression remained serious, but there was a flicker of somethingâsomething like uncertainty. "This isn't a joke, Aira. The threat is real."
Aira leaned back, still smiling, though she could sense Tawan's discomfort. "I know, I know," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "I'm just teasing you. But... you wouldn't be jealous, would you?"
Tawan's jaw tightened slightly, but she kept her voice steady. "My only concern is your safety."
Aira's smile softened as she studied Tawan's face. "You're always so serious," she murmured. "But it's cute when you get a little flustered."
Tawan didn't respond immediately, her eyes flickering away briefly as if she didn't quite know how to react. "I'm not flustered," she said finally, her voice a touch quieter than usual.
Aira chuckled again, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction in seeing Tawanâusually so composedâget just a little thrown off balance. But beneath the teasing, she couldn't ignore the genuine concern that Tawan always showed her.
Just as the tension began to ease, Tawan's phone buzzed with a new message. Her posture stiffened immediately, the lightness from the conversation disappearing in an instant. She glanced at the screen, her brow furrowing deeply.
Aira immediately noticed the shift. "What is it?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Tawan's expression darkened as she read the message. "We've got an update on the threat."
Aira's heart quickened. "What kind of update?"
Tawan looked out the window, her gaze narrowing. "Someone's been trying to track your location more closely than before. It's coming from one of your father's enemies... the ones who've been watching you."
Aira felt her stomach drop. "Are they close?"
"Not yet, but closer than I'd like," Tawan replied, her voice tight. "We need to be extra careful today."
Aira swallowed, the familiar weight of her reality settling back onto her shoulders. She had tried to laugh it off earlier, but now the danger felt too real to ignore. "I guess no drinks with Kai, then," she muttered, half-joking but mostly trying to hide the fear creeping into her voice.
Tawan's eyes met hers, a fierce protectiveness in her gaze. "Your safety comes first. We'll deal with everything else later."