Chapter Thirteen: Photoshoot

Today was the day—Phu and Ariya's photoshoot session.

I arrived at the studio around 9 a.m. with Nok. Phi Tan came in an hour later, right on time at 10. The shoot was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. The plan was to get through as much as possible, especially since our team was small.

While setting things up, Phi Tan approached me.

"Try snapping a few pictures today," he said casually. "Let me review them later."

I blinked in surprise, then nodded, excited and a little nervous. It felt like a small yet important step forward.

As soon as I had a moment, I texted Phu.

"Guess what? I'm snapping a few of your pictures today."

A moment later, he replied: "Okay 😏 Then I'll make sure to look even better… just for you."

I smiled and sent him a smirk emoji in return.

Something about today felt different—not just professionally, but personally too. I was ready.

While the lighting was being adjusted and the setup finalized, I managed to snap a few pictures during Phu and Ariya's photoshoot session. Not too many—I was also helping with various other tasks.

By the time the clock hit 1 p.m., everyone was starting to feel hungry. As if on cue, Phu ordered pizza for the whole team. Well… he knew I loved pizza.

We took a 45-minute break for lunch, and everyone gathered around the pantry area, enjoying their slices. Nok and I sat off to the side, happily munching away.

Suddenly, the door opened.

A tall man in a tailored suit walked in, followed by a woman and two men who definitely looked like bodyguards. The woman seemed like an assistant, carrying a tablet and a clipboard.

As soon as they entered, I noticed Phi Tan, Phu, and Ariya immediately stood up and shook the man's hand.

Curious, I turned to Nok, who had suddenly gone quiet. Her face looked tense.

"Who's that?" I asked, leaning in.

Nok lowered his voice. "That's Phu's half-brother. Phaisan Inthanon. People call him San. He's a real pain in the ass."

And just like that, I was introduced to another branch of Phu's complicated family tree.

After a brief conversation with the main trio, San made his way to the VIP room and sat down, flipping through some documents. I couldn't tell what they were, but judging by the atmosphere… they seemed important.

I knew I'd be busy today, so I didn't bother to pay attention to anyone outside the set. I focused on helping, snapping a few shots, and making sure everything ran smoothly.

But halfway through the shoot, one of Mr. San's bodyguards came over and tapped my shoulder.

"Mr. San would like a coffee from Starbucks."

I blinked, caught off guard. Before I could even react, Nok—who had overheard—looked at me and said, "Go ahead and get it. I'll cover for a while."

I nodded. "Thanks."

Thank God the Starbucks was within walking distance of the studio. I jogged over, picked up the coffee as requested, and headed back, assuming this would be a quick errand.

But as I approached, I noticed something strange—the two bodyguards were already outside the studio. I figured maybe they were leaving and I could just hand off the drink.

I was wrong.

As I got closer, one of them stepped in front of the door, blocking my way.

"Mr. San would like to talk to you. Please get in the car."

I blinked, confused. "I'm working right now. Can we do this some other time?"

He didn't move.

"Let me at least inform my supervisor," I added.

"Already updated," he said flatly. "You can get in the car."

I reached for my pocket, then cursed under my breath—I'd left my phone inside. "Can I get my phone first?"

"We'll get it for you."

And just like that, I was stuck. Everyone was working, and I didn't want to make a scene. Feeling helpless, I climbed into the backseat.

The door shut behind me.

The interior of the car was luxurious—sleek leather seats, tinted windows, and one of those fancy partition setups. San was sitting there, legs crossed, facing me. The seats were adjusted like in some executive lounge.

Rich people really do live in another world.

I sat opposite him, tense.

"You look nervous," San said, swirling the cup between his fingers like it was a glass of wine instead of a coffee. "Don't worry. I just wanted a little chat."

I sat upright, alert. "A little chat usually doesn't require bodyguards and dragging someone out of work without warning."

He smirked again, unfazed. "Direct. I like that."

I didn't answer. I just stared, waiting.

"So… Ian, is it?" he said, finally taking a sip. "You're the one Phuwadon is quite… fond of."

I kept my face neutral. "I don't know what you mean."

"Oh, come on. You're not that naïve." He leaned forward slightly, his eyes sharper now. "You think no one knows? My dear half-brother isn't exactly discreet these days. It's sweet, in a tragic kind of way."

"With all due respect, I don't think it's any of your business."

He gave a short laugh, soft but cold. "Everything Phu does is my business. Especially when it could impact the family."

I tilted my head. "Family? That word means something very different to me than it does to you, I think."

That hit a nerve. His smile flickered for a second.

"You've got guts. I see why he likes you. But guts won't protect you forever. Neither will love."

I didn't respond.

"I don't dislike you, Ian," he added, suddenly more cordial. "But you should know something. Phuwadon has obligations. Ties. Promises made on his behalf—long before you showed up."

"Is this about Ariya?"

"Among other things," he said smoothly. "She's the key to something bigger. You—"

He glanced at me, then out the window, bored. "—You're just a variable. And variables can be removed if needed."

My heart beat faster, but I didn't let it show. "So this is a warning?"

"No, Ian," he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "This is a courtesy. You're being given time to leave with your dignity intact."

"And what if I don't?"

He looked at me calmly. "Then you'll see how serious the Inthanon family can be."

He knocked lightly on the window. The car came to a slow stop.

"You're free to go now. Just… think about what I said."

I got out of the car, fists clenched.

They dropped me off near enough to the studio that no one would suspect anything. As I walked back in, I noticed everyone still busy—adjusting lights, changing backdrops, fixing makeup. The mood was focused, almost too focused. I decided to stay quiet. There was no point adding to Phu's stress. Not today.

I made a beeline to Nok, holding my stomach.

"Sorry, Nok... my tummy acted up suddenly," I whispered.

Nok raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Aiyo, I knew it. I thought the pizza betrayed you."

I laughed weakly. She leaned in a little, lowering her voice. "Did San say anything when you gave him the coffee?"

"Nope. Just passed the coffee and went to the washroom," I lied, forcing a small smile.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Phu glance at me briefly. A moment later, my phone vibrated with a message.

Phu: Did my brother speak to you?

I stared at the message for a beat, thumb hovering over the keyboard.

Me: No, baby. Focus on work now.

I tucked the phone back into my pocket and looked away, hoping he wouldn't notice how tight my jaw had gotten.

I couldn't tell him now—not when I saw how tense he already was. He didn't need more reasons to worry. Whatever San's game was, I'd find a way to handle it. Quietly.

For now… I just needed to stay close and keep my eyes open.

The shoot finally wrapped up around 6 p.m.—a little behind schedule, but still a win. We'd managed to complete about 80% of the planned shots. The rest would continue tomorrow.

Phu headed to the changing room to grab a quick shower. Our studio came with a small attached bathroom, one of Phi Tan's "practical investments," he liked to say.

Everyone was busy—packing up equipment, clearing makeup kits, reviewing photos—so I quietly slipped away and snuck into the changing room.

Phu was still in the shower.

Perfect.

Grinning to myself, I tiptoed behind the hanging clothes rack, ready to jump out and startle him. I crouched down, barely holding in my laughter, waiting for the sound of the water to stop.

The shower turned off.

I held my breath.

A beat later, Phu's voice rang out smoothly.

"Don't try anything funny, baby. Or you'll be the one who ends up getting scared."

I froze. My jaw dropped.

I stepped out from behind the clothes with a pout. "How did you know?"

Phu stood there in just a towel, smirking as he ran another one through his wet hair. "Your feet were showing, babe. You think I wouldn't notice you sneaking in? You always forget the details."

I looked back at the clothes rack.

Sure enough, my sneakers were peeking out underneath like two very obvious white flags.

"Damn it," I muttered, laughing at myself.

He chuckled and pulled me closer, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead. "Cute try, though."

He added with a soft smile, "Wanna grab dinner together?"

I nodded, wrapping my arms around him for a quick hug. "Okay. But I gotta go now—if Nok finds out I disappeared again, she's gonna kill me."

He chuckled, tightening the towel around his waist. "Alright, see you at 7 p.m. The car's parked downstairs. I'll wait at our usual spot."

I gave him a playful salute. "Copy that. See you soon."

Then, with a wink, I blew him a couple of kissies in the air and ran off, already hearing Nok's voice in my head: "Where the hell did you go again?"

7:15 p.m. — we finally wrapped up.I quickly texted Phu:"Sorry, I'm on the way. Got dragged helping prep for tomorrow's shoot."He replied almost instantly:"Okay, baby. I'm waiting."

On the way back to my place, we grabbed a quick dinner—Thai fried rice from a famous roadside stall known for its spicy kick.I ordered mine extra spicy, of course.Phu, on the other hand, stuck to non-spicy. "I just want something mild tonight," he said with a soft smile.

Once we got home, I headed straight for the shower.Meanwhile, Phu was in the kitchen, getting plates and spoons ready and choosing a movie for us—We Live in Time.

When I stepped out in shorts and an oversized T-shirt that practically covered them, he glanced up from the couch, eyes scanning me from head to toe.

"You look sexy, baby," he said, a little too casually.

I smirked. "Well… I know I am."

He laughed, already patting the space beside him on the sofa.

We started our meal, sitting close on the couch with the movie playing softly in the background.After just a few spoonfuls, I could feel the spice hitting me hard. My mouth was on fire—but I kept eating, stubbornly, with a glass of water clutched in one hand like a lifeline.

Phu looked over and raised an eyebrow."You okay?"

I turned to him, eyes watery, nose probably red, and managed a shaky smile."Yes. I'm fine."

He chuckled softly, clearly not buying it, and walked to the fridge. A moment later, he came back holding a cup of milk.

Before he could even say a word, I reached out, grabbed it, and drank it like it was holy water.Phu just stood there, watching me in amusement as I gulped the whole thing down like I was in a desert.

I was sniffling, slightly tearing up, and trying to act like I still had it under control.

"I look dumb now, don't I?" I mumbled, half-laughing, half-crying.

He grinned, "Just a little."...I was closing my eyes, Phu, who was applying the ice on my lips, kissed me. The coolness of the ice cube on my swollen lips mingled with the warmth of his mouth in a surprising and welcome sensation. It wasn't a passionate, all-consuming kiss, but a gentle, tender one. It was a balm, a reassurance, a silent apology for the fiery dish that had brought me to this state.

The ice cube, now significantly smaller, slid between our lips, a tiny, melting reminder of the chili onslaught. Phu chuckled softly against my mouth, a low rumble that vibrated through me.

"Better?" he murmured, pulling back just a fraction, his dark eyes searching mine.

I opened my eyes, the lingering heat still throbbing, but eased by his ministrations. A shaky smile touched my lips. "A little," I admitted. 

He squeezed my cheeks gently. "Don't be. It's cute when you're fiery, even if it's from the wrong kind of fire." He took the remaining sliver of ice from my hand and held it against my lip again. "Next time, we order mild. Promise?"

I nodded, feeling the color rise in my cheeks again, this time not entirely from the spice. "Promise. But... it was good, you know? Before... the inferno."

He laughed, a warm, genuine sound. "It was. And next time, we'll savor the good part without the near-death experience. Now," he said, standing up and pulling me with him, "let's get you some more water. And maybe some ice cream. Extra sweetness to combat the heat."

He led me towards the kitchen, his hand firmly holding mine. The lingering burn on my lips was still there, a ghost of the chili's fiery kiss. But it was overshadowed by the warmth of Phu's hand, the tenderness of his kiss, and the promise of ice cream. Maybe, just maybe, the inferno had been worth it.

At least, I had a very devoted and caring boyfriend. As we walked, I just had a smile on my face.