Chak's wife and son

We froze.

Again.

Chak groaned softly. "You've got to be kidding me."

I laughed, shaking my head. "The universe really doesn't want us to kiss tonight."

He stood up with a reluctant sigh. "Third time's the charm… maybe?"

"I'll be right back," he said, then walked briskly toward the front door, his tone unreadable.

As he walked to the door, I couldn't help but smile. The tension, the intimacy, the patience—it all felt so real.

Left alone in the silence, I was still catching my breath. My thoughts spun like a carousel.

What just happened between us? Why does he keep getting under my skin like this?

Suddenly, I heard a woman's voice from the hallway. Familiar. Soft. Warm. It stirred something unpleasant in my chest.

That must be his wife, I told myself. I hated how bitter that thought sounded in my mind.

Before I could gather myself, a small brown-haired boy ran into the living room, holding a red toy car. He looked about three years old, cheeks round and flushed from the chilly air outside.

He stopped in front of me and blinked curiously. "Who are you?"

"Niran," I replied, offering a tentative smile.

Just then, Chak entered the room again, a suitcase in one hand. Following closely behind him was a woman—graceful and effortlessly elegant.

She wore a long beige dress with delicate pink flowers, her long brown hair cascading down her back. Her eyes were a rich shade of brown, filled with a warmth I hadn't expected.

I stood quickly and offered my hand, feeling awkward. "Niran," I said.

"Malai," she responded kindly.

Before she could say anything else, I added, "I know who you are."

And without giving her a chance to respond, I muttered, "I'll leave you two alone," and slipped away toward my room.

My mind was a mess. Jealousy, confusion, regret. I hated how much it affected me.

Why did it matter so much to me who Chak was with? He could do whatever he wanted. Right?

Back in my room, I leaned against the closed door, inhaling deeply. My chest was tight.

I pulled out my suitcase and opened the closet, starting to take out my clothes mechanically. I wasn't even sure what I was doing — packing? Unpacking? Running?

A soft knock interrupted my scattered thoughts.

I sat on the edge of the bed as the door creaked open. Chak stepped inside, his gaze first landing on the suitcase, then on me.

He didn't say anything at first. Just came over and sat beside me. Gently, he lifted my chin so I had to look at him.

"What's wrong?" he asked, voice low and calm.

"Nothing," I lied, though my voice was tight and unconvincing.

"You should go back," I said. "To your wife and kid. They need you."

He smiled faintly and shook his head. "Malai's not my wife, and Ton isn't my son."

I stared at him, stunned. "Seriously? Then… what's the suitcase for?"

He chuckled softly. "Malai's my sister. Ton is her son. The suitcase's for him he's spending the next three days with me."

I blinked. "But the other day… Ton called you 'dad.'"

"You misheard," Chak said with a grin. "He was calls his father dad but is was sound like he call me. He and I have a special bond he's just used to me being around a lot."

Relief washed over me like a wave, and with it, a wave of embarrassment.

"I should apologize to your sister," I mumbled. "I probably came off as really rude."

Chak smirked and nudged me lightly.

"Is my artist jealous?"

"Maybe a little," I admitted, cheeks warming.

He stood up, kissed my forehead and offered me his hand. "Come on. Let's go downstairs."

-------

Back in the living room, Malai sat gracefully on the couch, watching Ton push his toy car along the floor.

I approached her and sat beside her. "Sorry about before," I said sincerely. "There was a misunderstanding. I thought you were Chak's wife."

She smiled. "It's okay."

"So… what are you doing here?" she asked with polite curiosity.

"I live here," I replied.

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise, and she glanced at Chak before returning her gaze to me. "You must be someone special, Niran."

I gave a shy laugh. "That's what Chai said too when he found out I was staying here."

Malai looked at Chak. "Can we talk?"

"Of course," Chak said. "But I want Niran to stay. He deserves to hear this too."

"Alright," she nodded. She turned to Ton. "Ton, go unpack your things and see what Uncle Chak bought you."

"Okay, Mommy!" Ton chirped and trotted upstairs.

As soon as he was out of sight, Malai's tone shifted. "So… what's going on between you two?"

Her words hung in the air, heavy and sharp.

I turned to Chak, unsure if I should speak or stay silent. My heart was racing.

Would he tell her the truth? Would I?

Chak exhaled and looked at me before answering.