Uncomfortable Feelings

As the sun began to rise, Rak was already outside, gearing up for another busy day ahead.

Meanwhile, in the studio of Rak's art gallery, Kaew was admiring the stunning pieces that adorned the walls.

"Good morning, Khun Kaew," Rak greeted her warmly as she stepped into the guest room, balancing two cups of coffee.

Kaew turned toward Rak with a radiant smile, and they both settled in for a friendly chat. "How have you been, Khun Rak?"

"I've been doing well, thank you. How about yourself?" Rak responded.

"Absolutely perfect, as perfect as can be," Kaew replied with an enthusiastic grin.

"That's fantastic to hear! I'm ready whenever you are to kick off the interview," Rak says as she takes a seat across .

Kaew glanced over at Ken, who was holding a camera, and signaled for him to begin recording.

Kaew initiated the interview, "Khun Mayura, what is the title of your new collection, and what inspired you to create this art? Is there a particular message you wish to convey?"

"This collection is titled 'Memories.' The title really captures the essence of the project. My aim is to evoke feelings of nostalgia and gratitude in people. Our past shapes who we are, reminding us of both the joyful and painful moments—those unforgettable parts of our lives. It's a collection that reflects snippets of our existence, and I've poured a lot of time and passion into this project," Rak explained thoughtfully.

As the interview continued, it eventually came to a close.

While Kaew gathered her belongings, Rak handed her an invitation. "Khun Kaew, I would be delighted if you could join me for the opening of my gallery. I genuinely look forward to seeing you there."

Kaew's face lit up with joy. "Absolutely! I wouldn't miss it! Um, Khun Rak, will Khun Time be there? I'm such a huge fan!"

Rak beamed back at her. "P'Time? The last time we spoke, he promised he would come, no matter what."

Kaew could barely contain her excitement. "Would you be interested in interviewing him?" Rak asked, noticing her enthusiasm.

Kaew's eyes widened in disbelief.

Rak continued with a smile, "My brother will be hosting a fan meeting for his upcoming film, and I heard he might be open to a few private interviews. I can try to arrange for you to be included."

Kaew eagerly took Rak's hand. "Really?! (clears throat) Thank you so much, Khun Rak! It would truly be an honor for me."

Rak smiled warmly. "I'll reach out to you soon."

"I'll be waiting for your call," Kaew replied.

Rak watched as Kaew and Ken left.

"Bannarasee, this is my way of giving back. While it may not erase my past mistakes, I hope it brings you some comfort," Rak reflected softly.

**Sarah's Cafe**

Sarah carefully set a plate of cake on the table.

"Your cafe has quite the loyal following," Rak remarked.

With a smile, Sarah replied, "Of course! As the owner, it's only natural. And with my skills, who can resist?"

"That's true; you truly are the best," Rak affirmed.

Sarah then asked, "By the way, why did you suddenly return from your trip? I thought Da mentioned you'd be gone for at least a week."

As Rak savored the cake, she explained, "It was just a minor technical issue, nothing to worry about."

At that moment, the news broadcast interrupted, "Another murder has occurred. The police are currently uncertain about the identity of the suspect. There were no witnesses and no information available. This marks the 18th victim, or so we believe…"

Rak tilted her head, trying to absorb the details of the news report.

With a sigh, Sarah turned to Rak and said, "I was actually going to discuss this with you."

"Why's that?" Rak asked, puzzled.

"Well," Sarah continued, "the crime scene was not far from your art studio, just a few streets away in a quieter area. You might have heard about the so-called Night Drainer. According to the police, this individual has claimed the lives of over 18 people, if not more. They've been investigating this case for quite some time but haven't found any leads. From the information released, all victims were found with their blood completely drained. Various conspiracy theories are swirling; some suggest a vampire might be involved, while others think the perpetrator could be a mentally unstable person who believes they are a vampire or suffers from some disorder. (shivers) In any case, these recent crimes have been happening close to this area. (sighs) My parents called me a few days ago to express their concerns about it, which is why I've been staying with my cousin, P'Netiwit, for now."

"Is that Netiwit?" Rak inquired, gesturing toward the entrance.

Just then, a bell chimed from the entrance.

It was indeed Netiwit.

Sarah immediately stood up, exclaiming, "P'Wit? What brings you here?"

"It's my lunch break. I thought I'd stop by to see how you're doing," he said, glancing behind Sarah. "Did I come at a bad time?"

"Not at all! This is Mayura; you remember her from our last meeting at the station," Sarah introduced.

Netiwit greeted her warmly, saying, "Hello, Khun Mayura."

"Just call me Rak, Khun Netiwit," she replied.

The three of them settled down for a pleasant conversation.

"How did your investigation from last time turn out?" Rak asked.

Netiwit responded, "We still haven't found any leads."

Sarah then excused herself to head to the back kitchen.

As Netiwit sipped his coffee, Rak inquired, "Is the recent crime linked to the same perpetrator?"

Netiwit looked up but chose not to answer, merely nodding in acknowledgment.

"Do you think the perpetrator is a woman or a man?" Rak pressed on.

Setting his cup down, Netiwit replied, "At this stage, there are still no clues, but we are leaning towards suspecting a man."

Rak nodded thoughtfully and asked, "Is it true that blood was drained from all the victims? Was it solely blood draining?"

"Well, as of now, yes," Netiwit confirmed.

"I see. What about the possibility of wild animals?" Rak inquired further.

Netiwit smiled and said, "There may be some occurrences, but typically those cases are referred to another department." He chuckled lightly, adding, "You seem particularly interested in this matter."

Rak responded, "I haven't been keeping up with the news lately, so I find these developments particularly intriguing. I apologize if my questions seem excessive."

Shortly thereafter, Netiwit returned to the station, followed by Rak.

Rak couldn't shake the feeling that the crime might have been committed by someone she was familiar with, as it seemed too careless and haphazard to have been executed by Anupong.

At another location, Kaew entered her apartment and promptly sank into her couch as soon as she stepped inside.

Ken set down the camera equipment and asked, "Kaew, are you really planning to attend the art gallery opening?"

Kaew straightened up and replied, "Of course! Khun Rak invited me, after all. How could I possibly miss it?"

Ken scoffed, "You certainly have a thick skin. By now, she has likely realized that you are approaching her with ulterior motives."

Kaew playfully slapped Ken on the shoulder and retorted, "This is business! It's mutually beneficial; I get my interview, and she secures a client. Plus, I genuinely admire her work." She pulled out some photographs. "Khun Rak's skills are exceptional." She then turned to Ken and added, "Make sure to deliver the rest of the pictures home on your way back."

Ken let out a sigh.

"Why the sigh? Haven't you grown accustomed to this way of interacting with people? It's simply part of our profession," Kaew stated.

Ken responded, "I understand that, but it bothers me. Consider this: Khun Mayura has been striving to prove to her parents that she can be independent, and yet here we are, taking advantage of her during her most vulnerable moment."

Kaew leaned forward and inquired, "Do you have feelings for her?"

Ken quickly replied, "I do not! She's more like an idol to me."

"An idol?" Kaew asked, intrigued.

Ken nodded and explained, "When I first started my career as a videographer, her work inspired me tremendously. She was so young yet so wise. She has always been, and continues to be, my idol."

"So, you're uncomfortable with the idea of me taking advantage of her?" Kaew asked.

Ken pouted slightly before nodding in agreement.

"Don't worry, I won't. Once I secure that interview, I'll do my best to uncover his secret lover without needing to ask Khun Rak, so you can rest easy," Kaew assured him.

Ken gave Kaew a sidelong glance and then stated, "By the way, your father has been asking about when you will return home. He's worried, and uncle Peak has been pressing me about it as well. Kaew, it's time for you to go back."

Kaew stood up and headed toward her bedroom. "Tell Dad that I'll return once I'm no longer angry. And you better not mention that I'm looking into Khun Time, or else…" She peeked out of her bedroom and made a gesture across her neck, as if to threaten him. "I will kill you."

Ken shook his head in disbelief before making his way back.

Soon, night fell.

Rak made a quick stop at the mall before heading home.

As usual, the mall was bustling with people going about their day. Tomorrow was the day Da and the others would return from their trip.

As fate would have it, Sarah's birthday was just around the corner. Knowing that she wouldn't have much time to spare, Rak took the initiative to purchase a gift for Sarah ahead of time.

Fortunately, Sarah was quite easy going when it came to gifts. After exploring a few different shops, Rak successfully found the perfect present for her friend. With one task finally checked off her to-do list, Rak let out a sigh of relief, grateful to have accomplished this amidst a particularly hectic week.

As she stepped out of the shop, Rak felt the fleeting presence of a familiar figure brush past her. 

For a moment, she nearly froze in her tracks, but she quickly gathered her composure and continued walking towards the hall, seeking a corner where she could conceal herself.

"Wansa? What on earth is she doing here in the city?" Rak pondered anxiously. First, it was Anupong, then Nee, and now Wansa? Will she meet 'him' as well?

Determined to shake off these unsettling thoughts, Rak pushed forward towards her car.

Meanwhile, as Wansa walked by, she too experienced an odd sensation as she brushed past someone—a complete stranger.

"What an uncomfortable feeling," she mused to herself. "Perhaps I need to find a way to unwind tonight." With that thought in mind, she continued on her way.