The phone rang, waking Nanon from his sleep. The screen lit up with a monkey emoji. Rubbing his eyes to clear his vision, he picked up the phone. "Why are you calling so late at night?" Nanon's voice was hoarse, but it still sounded like a melody to the person on the other end.

"Open your window. I'm here."

As soon as Nanon heard those words, he ran to the window and helped the other person up into his room.

"What the hell, Ohm? You might have been caught by Frank, he's just next door! Or worse, by Papa... or Dad." Getting caught by Nanon's dad, Tay, would be a nightmare for Ohm. But tonight, he didn't care. He just wanted to be the first to wish his boyfriend a happy birthday. It could have all blown up if Nanon's family had decided to wish their sons a happy birthday at midnight, but luckily, that didn’t happen. It was already past 12, so ignoring Nanon's scolding, Ohm went ahead with his wish.

"Happy birthday, Non." Ohm said as he pulled out a small box from his left pocket. Inside was a beautiful blue butterfly pendant that he had specially designed for Nanon, using the savings he’d worked hard for. Ohm worked part-time to support his lovely aunt, Eri, who had cared for him like her own son after his parents' death. Aunt Eri was the best in the world, and Ohm knew it. Despite her being against him working instead of focusing fully on his studies, she had eventually given in, though she never asked for his money. She always told him to save it for the future. So, Ohm secretly helped her by paying some bills without her knowing, which often led to her scolding him. But he didn’t mind. This pendant was a symbol of his hard work and sacrifice.

Nanon loved the pendant. No, he adored it. He understood the meaning of the blue butterfly—it symbolized love without any expectations, simple and pure. But he was conflicted. He didn’t want to accept it because he didn’t want to waste Ohm’s money. But after a moment, he realized not accepting it would mean rejecting Ohm’s love, and he could never do that. He would scold Ohm later, but for now, he didn't want to ruin this moment.

"Thanks. It's beautiful." A smile spread across Nanon’s face, revealing his dimples. Oh, those dimples—Ohm could die for them. Both of them beamed with happiness.

"May I?" Ohm asked, seeking permission to put the pendant on Nanon. As Nanon nodded, Ohm carefully placed it around his neck. "You know what the blue butterfly symbolizes, but I want you to know my personal intention behind giving it too. Freedom. I want you to have that kind of freedom in our relationship, just like the butterfly spreads its wings and flies freely. We love each other, no doubt, but I know your parents don’t like me much, and I’m still not confident enough to reveal our relationship to our families. I’m sorry for that, Non. If you ever feel pressured or uncomfortable, please talk to me. I’ll listen and improve. I just want to be with you, and when I’m confident enough, I’ll tell our families about us. Just please wait for me."

Tonight, Ohm wanted to express all the things he had kept inside for so long. He’d seen how losing someone you love could turn you miserable. He had watched his best friend, Perth, suffer for years. Perth was better now, even had someone new in his life, though he hadn’t told Ohm who it was, and Ohm respected that. Still, he had witnessed Perth’s breakdowns, his tears, and his heartache. He didn’t want that for him and Nanon. He didn’t want their past to repeat. The last time they fought, it was because of miscommunication, almost leading to a breakup. But now, Ohm was trying—trying to express his feelings, trying to understand Nanon’s perspective. And Nanon was doing the same. They were each other’s comfort, but over time, they realized that love alone wasn’t enough to sustain a relationship. Sometimes, despite how much you love someone, situations can tear you apart—not because love has faded, but because circumstances change.

Suddenly, Nanon remembered a book Frank had recommended to him months ago. The main characters were deeply in love, but they had to separate in the end because society condemned their love. Real life wasn’t a movie where love could conquer all; in real life, sacrifices had to be made for the sake of other loved ones. You couldn’t be so selfish as to leave your family behind for your own happiness.

Ohm heard Nanon sniffle, realizing how his words had shifted the mood. "Oii, Non! Please don’t cry! You know I’m a total loser when it comes to comforting!" Ohm panicked, rubbing circles on Nanon's back to calm him.

"I’m not crying. Just felt a bit heavy. It's okay now. And I’ll wait until you're ready. Until then, let’s cherish our secret meetings, my secret love." Nanon smiled softly. He was happy with his first birthday wish of the year. He was content with what he had, instead of crying over things beyond his control. And he knew one day, Ohm would be ready to tell the world about them, just like he had confessed to his best friend, Perth.

"Okay, my secret love. Good night. It’s already one in the morning. You should sleep." Ohm kissed Nanon’s forehead before heading to the window. But Nanon stopped him.

"Stay with me tonight. It’s my birthday night."

Ohm hesitated but couldn't refuse the sassy Nanon Kirdpan, son of the even sassier Tithipoom. The night passed with them cuddling, both content in each other’s arms.

The next morning, Ohm woke to the sound of his alarm, reminding him to leave before anyone else woke up. He quickly dressed, looking at Nanon, who was already awake.

"Sleep. It's still early. I’ll meet you at uni." Ohm kissed Nanon’s forehead and tucked him back in bed before leaving.

....

Nanon woke up early, as was his birthday tradition, and headed to the kitchen after brushing his teeth, not bothering to take a shower. New wasn’t at all surprised by Nanon’s behavior—it was typical on his birthday. He always came to see New first and got his birthday wishes before his lazy twin, Frank.

"A very good morning, and a happy, happier, happiest birthday to my most adorable and youngest Vihokratana." New smiled warmly, hugging his son.

"Oh, Pa, I’m only a few minutes later than that idiot. Why do you always call him older than me?" Nanon complained, as usual.

"Oii, stop calling him an idiot, at least on his birthday. And I didn’t call him older—I called you my youngest."

"Isn’t that basically the same, Pa?"

"No, it isn’t. Now, my boy, you’ve already gotten my wishes before your brother. Go wash up, I’ve prepared your and Frank’s favorite breakfast. Go, go, go."

....

When Frank finally came downstairs, all ready for university, everyone was already seated for breakfast.

"Hey, lazy bee, see? I got Papa’s and everyone’s wishes before you, as always," Nanon smirked at Frank, his nose held high in pride.

"Happy birthday to you too, Non." Frank said, ignoring his brother's childish behavior. The rest of the family joined in wishing the twins a happy birthday.

"I can’t believe you two are 19 already. I remember when you were so tiny, and Pluem would cry every time you two cried. Wow, I can't believe I’ve survived all this." Tawan chuckled, only to receive a smack on the head from New for the last part, while Tay dramatically sighed.

"Alright, boys. Something serious. Last night, around 2 or 3 am, I heard a noise—something broke." Tay began, but both twins immediately choked on their food.

"Eat in peace, boys. No need to rush," Tay said, patting Nanon’s back as Pluem did the same for Frank. "We already know you're twins. No need to prove it." Tay laughed at his own joke, but the others just stared blankly.

"Okay, I guess it wasn’t that funny."

"Boys, one of you was up late last night. We know that. So don’t lie. What did you break?" Tay asked, eyeing both twins.

"Ah, I remember! Dad, Papa, I—actually, last night I... wanted some water, but the bottle in my room was empty. So when I got out of bed, I accidentally broke the glass slab in my room." Nanon stuttered, giving a lame excuse.

"That’s strange. I remember filling the water bottles for all three of you," New pointed out, but Nanon quickly brushed it off.

Pluem, ever the calm one, ignored the ruckus—this was just another day in the Vihokratana household. With an important lecture ahead, he bid everyone goodbye. Frank and Nanon, too, left for their classes, eager to avoid further interrogation from Sherlock New.

....

As Nanon sat in the car, his thoughts drifted. Had he or Ohm broken something last night that his father had heard? But nothing came to mind. Could it have been Frank’s room? Nanon didn’t know, but he was sure it wasn’t Ohm or Pluem.

"So, broke the glass slab, huh?" Frank suddenly interrupted his thoughts.

"Nope. I lied." Nanon admitted, revealing the truth. He didn’t break anything this time. He had lied to keep his secret safe, and to protect Frank’s as well.

"Why?"

"Don’t know. Maybe to protect my secret. Maybe to protect yours. Who knows?" Nanon smirked, teasing his twin.

Frank seemed nervous, rubbing his thumb with his index finger—a habit Nanon hadn’t seen in over a year. He smirked. "Are you trying to change the topic, or trying to be a big brother now?"

"Maybe both. Maybe neither." Frank stopped the car in the parking lot, where both dental and architecture buildings connected. No one would have guessed that Frank wanted to be a dentist and that his energetic twin wanted to be an architect.

"Better be neither. Let's just keep our little secrets safe, okay?" Nanon said, giving Frank a quick wink before heading off for his classes.

....

"Hey, it's Frank's birthday today. Happy birthday, dude!" someone shouted from across the room. The voice echoed in Frank's ears, but he barely registered it. Who was that? What was his name? Frank looked at the face of the person who had spoken, but it felt strangely foreign. He didn’t even recognize him. Was he really a classmate Frank's?  But then again, he didn’t even know the name of the person sitting at a distance beside him.

It was true — Frank barely remembered anyone from his later years in university. He had only paid attention to those from his first year. After that, it was all a blur. Who came, who left, who mattered — none of it had stuck. Frank had been so wrapped up in his own struggles, in his own world, that the idea of making friends seemed almost like a distant memory. It was easier to focus on his own problems, to keep to himself. After all, he had only one “friend,” and even that was questionable.

Suddenly, Frank felt a hand fall heavily on his shoulder. His body jerked involuntarily, and he quickly shifted away, his movements sharp and tense. The touch, though casual for the other person, had sent a jolt of discomfort through him. He could sense the shift in the air, the awkwardness now hanging between them. The other person must have felt it too, but Frank didn’t know how to explain himself or apologize.

Without thinking, he stood up abruptly, muttering something about needing to go to the washroom. He didn’t even wait for a response. As he left the classroom, the bustling chatter behind him faded into silence. He needed an escape, a moment alone.

....

Are you okay? Tell me where you are?

A message popped up on Frank’s phone. With trembling hands, he replied.

Come to the parking lot, please.

Standing in front of a car that wasn’t his, Frank’s eyes welled with tears. His breathing was heavy as he rubbed his shoulders nervously. Suddenly, someone hugged him from behind.

"It’s okay. Everything’s okay. I’m here. No one’s going to hurt you. I’m always here." It was him. The person Frank needed most right now. The only one who knew everything about him — his nightmares, his past, things even his family didn't know. The only one who was always there for Frank, offering support when he needed it most. The only one who helped him become himself again. It was Drake.

"Shh... take a deep breath. Did you take your pills?" Drake’s voice was soothing, his presence grounding. Frank knew he was safe.

....