Sirisuk Family,Next Day,
The next day, I woke up feeling refreshed. Nothing had changed since I came out to my parents. I was still in my parents' house, still the same old teacher. But somehow, everything felt... new. Like the air was lighter, and my steps had a bounce.
And most importantly—guess what? I wasn't late for work. Funny, huh?
Anyway, I stepped out of my room, feeling all good about myself, and there she was—my darling, sweet little sister, Pim. She was having breakfast—pa thong ko, dipping it in her warm soy milk, swinging her legs happily.
I don't know what came over me, but I said something so shocking that even I couldn't believe it.
"You look cute today, Pim."
Pim froze. Mid-bite. Like someone hit pause on her. She stared at me, her spoon still in her hand, completely motionless. Then—dramatic as ever—the spoon slipped from her hand and clattered to the floor, loud enough to make the moment even more ridiculous.
She blinked at me like she'd just seen a ghost and then, with her mouth still full, she screamed at the top of her lungs, "MOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!"
And just like that, my eardrums? Gone.
Mom came rushing out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron, clearly alarmed. "What... what happened?" she asked, her eyes scanning the room.
Pim pointed her little finger at me, her eyes wide with disbelief, her mouth still full as she mumbled, "Brother... he is... he's weird!"
I scoffed, already regretting my moment of affection. Calling her cute? What was I thinking? Sure, I was happy, but I clearly crossed some kind of unspoken sibling boundary.
Mom turned to me, frowning, "What's wrong with you?"
I shrugged and took my seat at the dining table across from Pim. "Nothing, Mom," I said casually, grabbing a piece of paa thong ko. Mom gave us both a suspicious glance but then left, muttering something about kids these days.
The moment she was out of sight, Pim turned her head toward me with the dramatic flair of a soap opera actress. Her eyes narrowed like a curious cat as she hissed, "You... you're not my brother, right?"
I didn't bother answering her ridiculous question. Instead, I glanced at my watch and said coldly, "Eat fast. I don't want to be late today."
And then she went back to nibbling her breakfast, still shooting me those cat eyes, like I was some kind of alien that had landed in our house.
It was official. Showing her kindness? Big mistake. Never again.
***
Siamwit High School,
I parked my car in the school parking lot and glanced at Pim as I unbuckled my seatbelt. "Be good, okay? And if you need anything, come to the office," I said, giving her a quick look. Pim nodded, buckling her own seatbelt like a responsible little adult.
As we stepped out of the car, I grabbed her bag and helped her sling it over her small shoulders. "Alright then, see you later," I said, turning to leave.
But before I could take a step, I felt a small tug on my hand. "Brother…" Pim's voice stopped me in my tracks.
I turned around to see her standing there, her expression a bit off. Something about her seemed unusual, like she wasn't her usual bossy self since we left the house for school.
I kneeled down to her level, concerned. "What happened, Pim? Is something bothering you?"
For a second, I thought something serious might have happened. Maybe she got into trouble? I mean, it wouldn't be the first time I'd heard complaints about her—teachers saying Pim was too spoiled, too bossy, or just plain difficult.
But I know my little sister. Beneath all her bravado, she's still a kid who can get scared or feel overwhelmed like anyone else.
She hesitated, looking at me with those wide eyes. "Brother…"
"Yes, Pim?" I asked, ready for anything.
She folded her arms, puffing up her chest, and said with all the seriousness in the world, "…I don't like that new kid. Can you kick him out?"
Huh? I blinked, processing her words.
This girl. Of course. For once, I thought she might actually be in trouble. But no, how could I forget? She is the trouble.
I flicked her head, and she groaned, rubbing it. "Oww... it hurts."
"I know," I said, then stood up.
"What do you think I am? A minister? A Owner? I'm a school teacher, Pim. Do you think I hold the power here, huh? Now, go to your class and don't make any trouble," I said, keeping my tone firm but light.
She pouted dramatically, her little lips curving downward. "I hate you," she muttered before stomping off toward her class, her backpack bouncing with each step.
"I hate you too," I shot back, smirking as I watched her stomp off.
She turned back briefly to glare at me, but I just waved her off, chuckling to myself as I made my way to the office.
As I walked down the corridor, something caught my eye—a large banner hanging in the main hall. I stopped in my tracks, my brows furrowing as I recognized the face on it.
Thanathorn Wachirayan.
His picture was prominently displayed on the banner, his polished smile staring back at me. My confusion deepened as I stepped closer to read what it was about.
"What's this guy's face doing here in our school?" I muttered under my breath, scanning the text beneath his image.
The banner read: "Thanathorn Wachirayan – Special Guest for the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Siamwit High School."
"What!" I exclaimed quietly, leaning closer just to make sure I hadn't read it wrong. "He's coming to our school for the Twenty-Fifth anniversary?"
I couldn't help but let out a small laugh of disbelief. "Whoa. Our school is really pulling out all the stops for this, huh? Calling in a big superstar and everything."
That's right—Siamwit High School is officially Twenty-Five years old. A whole quarter of a century. And our school dean, in his infinite wisdom, decided that this was the perfect occasion to go all out with a grand celebration.
Silver Jubilee. Fancy words. Fancy guest.
I straightened up and started walking toward my office, muttering to myself, "Looks like we're going to be super busy."
Just the thought of it already made me feel tired. Events like these are always chaotic, no matter how much planning goes into them. And this guy—damn—he's going to make us suffer.
Why? Of course, because he's a superstar.
Just from looking at his poster, the whole school was buzzing yesterday. The students can't stop squealing, teachers are gossiping in the staff room, and even the cafeteria lady—I swear—went crazy over it.
I could almost see the chaos coming like a tidal wave. If just his picture could stir up this much excitement, imagine the madness when he actually shows up.
I sighed. I don't even know why, but just hearing his name stirs something inside me.
Is it hate?
No, he hasn't done anything to deserve that.
But annoyed? Oh, absolutely.
Maybe it's because of the fuss everyone will make about him, or maybe it's because I know what's coming—chaos, noise, and my schedule turned upside down.
"Thanathorn Wachirayan…" I muttered under my breath, almost tasting the irritation in my voice. "You're already exhausting, and you haven't even arrived yet."