Ding-ding-ding

Hope woke up with his cell phone in his hand and the first thing he did was look at the screen looking for new messages from Lion.

"Nothing," he whispered sadly.

"Maybe text him? Why not? "Love, good morning!" or "How'd you sleep, Coach? Your kitties are awake and missing you already." No... That would be too intrusive, you can't write something luscious," After pondering, the guy typed the following:

<Hope: "Good morning, I'll be at the school at 2pm today. See you later, Lion!">

Pressing the phone to his forehead, he waited for the notification of a reply, but there was none: "Probably still asleep". Taking his cell phone to the bathroom, Hope began to clean himself up, constantly glancing at the screen. Changing into a tracksuit, he walked to the door and turned around, looking at the little toy lounging in the flowers, "Have a good day, Coconut! Wish me luck!"

Grandpa and Panit were already downstairs making breakfast together. The romantic song Very late (Night ride) - Win Metawin played softly from Panit's phone, and Grandpa swayed his hips to the beat as he sliced something on the board. Hope sat quietly on the step and watched this lovely scene. It reminded him of his childhood. His parents were also busy cooking, twirling around the kitchen to the music and smiling at each other.

When the boy came very close to Troy to grab the mugs that were in the cabinet across from him, the man turned around, put his arm around the slender body by the waist, and swayed to the music and sang along with the singer:

"It's very late. Has anyone come for you yet? If there is no one else, could it be me?"

Panit wrapped his thin arms around the neck of the singer and they swayed to the rhythm of the tune, slowly twirling and moving around the kitchen. They looked happy. The boy giggled often when the man tilted him back or lifted him up with his arms and carried him a couple steps. The couple kept staring into each other's eyes, and when the song ended, Troy bent down and kissed his baby boy on the lips.

Hope was embarrassed and looked away, but not for long as he heard Panit's voice:

"Snowy, don't, Nong will be down soon. Let's not embarrass him."

Just then, the cell phone in the pants pocket of the man who had just been remembered jingled, notifying him of a new text message.

"Shit!" - snapped from the guy's lips as he started, fidgeting, to pull out his cell phone. 

"Son, hey, how long have you been sitting there in ambush?" - Shouted Troy, still hugging his partner.

"No, no, no, Grandpa. Not long at all! Just...didn't want to interrupt you," Hope had been caught red-handed and was walking guiltily down the stairs in a confused state.

"There, and I told you... Early in the morning your son is stressing over little things. Keep your temper in check, honey, or I'll punish you!" - Panit scolded his husband in a soft velvet voice and pinched his cheek.

"Ouch! Baby, have you turned on mommy mode again? Daddy didn't mean for this to happen. I apologize," Grandpa chortled, and then added in his usual commanding way: "Everybody to the table now! Hope, don't eat too much, today we'll run for an hour and practice defense and offense for two hours, only this time we'll make it harder, I'll get my favorite set of stabbing and cutting weapons"

"Grandpa, do you think I could use this in my life? I thought you told me that in the event of a knife attack, you should just run," Hope was saying as he piled on his rice and omelet.

"That's what I told you a year ago, and now, soldier, you're ready to move on to the next stage. What if we can't get away?! We'll learn how to minimize the number of blows and minimize the damage the enemy inflicts so that vital organs remain intact. and..." - Troy didn't finish, interrupted by Panit:

"Snowy, is this training safe?"

"Why, is mommy worried?" - The man teased again in his favorite gentle voice, which didn't save him from a quick payback, and he got a flick on the nose.

"Ouch! Don't worry, I have training knives, they're plastic and wood. It's a good thing you're going for a walk together. I trust my wife one hundred percent to take care of the baby!" - Troy smiled.

Hope loved the atmosphere in the house, it made him feel comfortable and peaceful. He smiled and ate with those close to him.

As they moved on to tea, he remembered the ill-timed message and looked into his cell phone:

<UN: "How naive you are, Red! You're not being taught well by Hia. Save my number and text me when you hear anything about Club business. Say hi to Lion!">

Running his eyes over the letters, Hope spat out the fountain of tea he was drinking at that moment in shock:

"Fucking Indigo!"

"What happened? Tell me now!" - Troy's eyebrows came together on the bridge of his nose and he snatched the phone from Hope's hands, while Panit jumped up to fetch napkins.

The guy was silent as Grandpa scrolled through the mail and then Hope drew his stern gaze, Grandpa spoke and shook the cell phone:

"Have you completely lost your head with that coach? Don't you dare answer any unfamiliar numbers! We've talked about this. And what's the deal with you and Soni? Why am I not in the loop?"

"It was my mistake. I'm sorry. I'll be more careful, I promise.... Indigo came to the school and asked a favor. Wants me to report to him if I see anything suspicious at the Club. That's all. I agreed to help," Hope didn't tell the whole truth, not wanting to further hurt the man with the broken soul.

"Who does he think you are?!, That bastard! I'll talk to him. Don't get involved in this case, it should be handled by adults! What if Makoto finds out? What fucking body of water will I look for you in then? What a bastard, showing up at school, a fucking tracker!" - Troy was furious, and Hope knew that if he knew the whole truth, Indigo would be hurt.

Panit wiped the puddle off the table, and coming up behind Troy, he hugged him tightly and began to run his fingers over his chest:

"Snowy, don't get so seething. It's okay."

Grandpa relaxed for a few seconds and then his face darkened again and he looked at his son sneakily:

"Are you sure you told me everything? I mean, he came to school, which means he knows who you are and what school you go to. Tell me honestly, was he blackmailing you, son?"

It was a complete failure. Hope didn't know what to do next: defend Indigo or turn him in. The silence was already threateningly long, and with each passing second the man's eyebrows drew together more and more. Finally the boy decided which line to take and replied:

"No, he didn't threaten me, Grandpa. He talked calmly. Said he came to see me during school hours, as the Club has a lot of ears. You know him and you said yourself he's not a bad man."

Troy continued to drill him with his all-seeing dragon eyes, and Hope tried his best to withstand the onslaught, the man suddenly lowered his head and said calmly:

"That's clear. Good. Get ready to go for a run. I'll be back for a couple minutes."

As Troy went up to the second floor, Panit walked over to a distraught Hope, "I think he figured it out. Even I guessed that what you said wasn't true. Relax, Nong. He's not going to kill him. He's not like that."

The drooping boy looked up and sighed:

"How do you know, P? You've only been together a week. He's a fluffy and melting snowball with you, but when he's threatened against his loved ones, he turns into a fierce yeti. I've seen it more than once."

"Come on, let's not get worried ahead of time. I have faith in his self-control. He's a guy with a lot of experience under his belt, he won't just chop off his shoulder," Panit's words and soft voice were reassuring.

Five minutes later, Troy came downstairs in black sweatpants and a T-shirt and called Hope out for a jog. For an hour they both jogged in silence through the still awake streets of their neighborhood. The boy noticed that Grandpa didn't say hello to his neighbor as usual, which meant he was thinking deeply about something.

Then it was time for training with edged weapons. Troy didn't mention Indigo, didn't lecture, and was fully focused on the process. During the class, the guy realized that in case he was attacked by someone skilled with a knife, he was unlikely to be able to defend himself 100 percent. It is one thing at home, when you can take a chair or any other object and increase the distance from the attacker with it, and quite another - on the street or in an elevator.

Grandpa told and showed examples of what to do and how to do it, Hope listened very carefully and repeated the movements, and Panit sat on the couch with his feet up and pretended to read a book, but his eyes kept turning to the couple scurrying from side to side.

"That's it for today. Pack quietly and I'll call you a cab for 10:00. Put your suitcases with your travel stuff by the exit. I'll take them with me," the man announced the end of the training session.

"Where are you going? You said you'd be around just in case," Hope hurriedly asked, as he knew Grandpa didn't put things off and dealt with things quickly, so Soni was now under great threat.

"I need to run down to the Farm, I need to give orders before traveling and... release the Anuman who is serving his sentence. I'll be at Siam Square by twelve and wait for you," Troy said calmly and went out into the courtyard for a smoke.

"Oh. He's definitely going to Indigo, that's for sure," Hope sighed, plopping down on the couch next to Panit.

"Don't think about it. Come on, let's have some proper fun! Snowy said you don't get out much. Why don't we go early and take a walk? There's a lot of things to do on that street, I used to frequent that popular place... back when my parents were alive: food, drink, shopping, entertainment, and there's often an up-and-coming band playing, some of which are pretty good"

"I've never been there, but I've often heard from my classmates," the boy felt a joyful shiver inside, as forays anywhere were mostly only in dreams, he hadn't even dreamed of walking around the city center with his friend.

"Great! I'll be glad to be your tour guide, Nong. Put something on top, it's going to rain soon," Panit smiled and dragged Hope upstairs.

The boys quickly packed up and after saying goodbye to Troy, they got into the cab, and just as it started, it started to rain, just as the older man had predicted.

The thoughts in Hope's mind were like balls in the hands of a skilled juggler, rapidly changing one after another as he looked at the streets, houses and trees being refreshed by the rain:

"What a pity it wasn't Lion who wrote to me... Should I ask him for his number? Wouldn't that be too intrusive?", "I hope Indigo will be okay. Why am I even worrying about him? What if he gets angry after talking to Grandpa and takes it out on me?", "I wonder how rainbow collegians are in normal life", "What is Lion worried about? Could it be that his heart is already occupied?", "Will we be able to get closer to him in the next week? "How will it be? Will he be gentle with me?", "As embarrassing as it is, I have to talk to Green and find out. Or don't we? There's all kinds of information on the internet. Or maybe talk to P'Panit about it?"

At the last words echoing in his head, Hope turned and looked at the guy in the black t-shirt sitting next to him. Panit was looking in his direction just then and, seeing the younger man's questioning look, said:

"Huh? You want to ask me something? You can talk to me about anything. I'm happy to help if it's within my power."

An active struggle was unfolding inside Hope, the FORs and the ABSTAINs were making their arguments, and he felt himself blushing.

"Nong, do you want to ask a relationship question?" - Mommy was very perceptive, or Troy had already shared the information.

"Uh-huh... Where should I start? Ha. I'm not used to talking about such things, even with Grandpa I'm shy..." - Hope answered honestly.

"It's normal at your age to feel embarrassed when talking about your personal life with loved ones. I understand if you can't confide in me. But, know that I will always listen without judgment and help with advice if you ask," Panit's words acted hypnotically soothing and Hope decided to try, but he found the words hard to say:

"P, there's one person I really like... And it's a man... Well, and... phew, we might have intercourse soon... I'm a little worried about it, since I don't know how it goes..."

"Can I ask you a clarifying question? This is the first time you're doing this? Am I right?" - There was no irony or hint of humiliation in the older man's words, he sounded like a doctor who wanted to gather a complete medical history.

"Uh-huh. Don't you think it's a little late?" - Hope chuckled sadly and turned away out the window, blushing, "Why am I embarrassed? I mean, I do everything according to my principles and desires. Do you have to lose your virginity before the age of 18? My classmates, including Pruit, did it much earlier. Why am I looking back at them? I understand everything with my brain, even Jean gave me advice on the subject, but when it comes to myself..."

Panit, as if reading his mind, said: "Nong, are you ashamed? It doesn't matter at what age you do it, the important thing is that it happens of your own free will and with a person you like."

"I understand, P. I've never depended on public 'correct' opinion. It's just that at this moment, it matters to me what YOU think of me."

"I see. Get those worries out of your bright little head. I want to be a friend to you, an older man who always has your back. I may not be able to protect you physically, but you can always share your heartaches with me," Panit put his hand on the younger's shoulder and smiled sincerely, his eyes the color of June buds, wanting to trust them.

"Thank you, P. Will you tell me briefly about... about this? I don't have any experience at all," Hope looked at his senior gratefully.

"Sure. Come on, in order. First, no matter how much you trust and know your partner, stock up on lube and condoms just in case. Before you do it, especially the first time, you need to prepare the channel with your fingers, inserting one, two, three alternately until your sphincter is dilated enough to accept a bigger toy. You can try this in the shower and feel the prostate tubercle, which is a powerful erogenous zone for us.

It is better to prepare together with your lover, as he will help you to relax with his caresses, and if he does it with his fingers, it will be very good. The main thing is to breathe correctly and relax your buttocks, so as not to tear the delicate skin and to be less painful. Try anal balls. They're usually small at the tip and get bigger towards the base, so you can gradually add volume by stretching your anus more and more and testing how much volume and what dimensions you're comfortable with," Panit paused, then added:

"I could go on for a long time, can you keep up with me or maybe you already know it all and are interested in something specific?"

Hope had tried to look up information on the internet once, back then after the water park and the failed intimacy with Oliver, but he'd stumbled upon the wrong article and decided to himself that he wouldn't think about it for now. He listened intently and absorbed Panit's words, the older man laying it all out so quickly and succinctly that he wanted to listen to him forever. He nodded at first, then shook his head and finally the words did escape his lips:

"Th-thank you, P. There's a lot I didn't know."

"I've got a couple good articles, I'll send them to you," Panit added.

"Okay. Huh?.. No, nothing," Hope wanted to know so much more, but didn't want to stress the older man too much.

"One of the articles about the positions that maximize pleasure for both partners," Panit winked and added with an encouraging smile: "The first time might not be perfect, but if it happens with someone who is dear to your heart and the feeling is mutual, then it will be magical either way. Don't worry too much."

"Thanks, P," Hope blushed again and bit his lip.

"Oh, we're here now. Come on, let's have some fun!" - Panit exclaimed, thanked the driver, and grabbed the younger man by the wrist and pulled him toward the exit of his door.

The rain had ended, but the sky was still rolled with gray clouds. Siam Square greeted them with many sounds and many smiling people. Shopping malls, boutiques, restaurants, bars, music venues, and even street vendors' tents all glittered with lights, bright signs, and beckoned them to come closer.

"Ah, look, what pretty hats!" - exclaimed Panit, running up to one of the street stalls, "Try this one on! Oh, it suits you so well! You look like a white cute cat. Let's take a picture. Say Meow!"

Panit radiated delight and excitement, and Hope, being in a similar mood from what he saw, didn't resist, trying to relax and enjoy this walk as much as possible.

"Great! Look at you, you cute little kitty! I'll send you a line. And that we'll take!" - Panit bought a hat and ran to the next handmade goods merchant, admiring the homemade slippers in the shape of big polar bears: "Oh, I'll take them for Snowy!"

Half an hour later Hope already had many shopping bags in his hands, but Panit kept finding things only for Grandpa or for Junior, and never bought anything for himself.

"Why don't you look at something for yourself too, P!" - The boy asked.

"Huh? No, I don't need anything. Oh, why don't we look in that perfume boutique?" - he asked.

"P, I'll stand around for a while and listen to that music band, you go ahead," Hope had been eyeing them for a while now, he liked the music, the songs they sang and the lead singer's voice, but there were people crowded around the band and he wanted to get closer.

"I'm sorry, Nong. Shopping is my weakness, I haven't indulged it like this in a long time. And Hia has given me so much money for entertainment... I promise, the perfume for Snowy will be my last purchase. And we'll have to go to the guys already," Panit said and disappeared behind the glass door.

Hope smiled at the fleeing older man and headed toward the crowd, with music blaring in the center. The band was playing How You Remind Me (Nickelback). The lead singer sang on a split, it was incredibly powerful. You could feel the passion and tension in the notes this guy was taking with ease, the emotional coloring was frantic. Huge goosebumps raced across Hope and everything clenched inside as he made his way through the people to see the one who was causing him such feelings.

The guy miscalculated a little bit, and at the end he was pushed a little bit, and here he is standing in front of the artists, and the vocalist is clearing his throat a meter away from him:

"And I've been wrong, I've been down,

♪ I've been wrong, I've been down ♪

Been to the bottom of every bottle

Been to the bottom of every bottle

These five words in my head

And these five words are ringing in my head

Scream "Are we having fun yet?"

"Are we having fun yet?"

They met eyes and the guy with the blue curls on top of his head grinned and winked at Hope in the little playback between the lines.

"Is that Brian? Damn, it's definitely him!" - Crackled the captain's mind. He backed up, but the wall of people didn't give him a chance to retreat, and wading through them would be too uncomfortable for the band and the lead singer, who was singing and drilling him with a mischievous look.

The song ended on a high note, and people applauded and shouted "Bravo!" and some of them came up and put money in the guitar case. Hope joined them, for Brian was really very good.

Suddenly, the guy with the microphone flicked his blue strands and said languidly, huskily: "This next song is dedicated to the star of XW High. Thanks for the crazy game, Captain!"

"What? Why is he looking at me like that?" - naive Hope made a surprised face and clapped his eyelashes together, her eyes asking the question, "What's this all about?"

Brian whispered something in the drummer's ear and the drummer started counting off, three sticks hit and all the band members started playing at once and Brian joined in with the music:

"I never thought that I was so blind,

I can finally see the truth

It's me for you..."

(From the author: "I Wanna" by All American Rejects)

Hope hadn't heard this song before, and his English was perfect, so he stood and listened intently to the words. On the chorus, the vocalist leaned with the microphone toward him, dark brown eyes sparkling and fixed on the guy with the bags:

"I Wanna, I Wanna, I Wanna touch you.

You wanna touch me too

Every way and when they set me free

Just put your hands on me

"Is he flirting with me?" - ran through Hope's mind, and suddenly he was grabbed by the arm and shouted in his ear: "He's flirting with you, pretty boy! A friend of yours?" It was Panit who answered his inner question.

Hope looked at Brian and became more and more convinced of the obvious.

"Why don't we put this donjuan in his place? Snuggle up to me, P!" - he said loudly in Panit's ear, who immediately smiled conspiratorially, wrapped both arms around the younger man and rested his head on his shoulder.

After that, Brian finished the song, not as cheerfully, but it was still beautiful. The crowd roared at the last chord, Hope only smiled, then pointed the camera at the large barcode on the amp and went to the band's website, as he was interested in learning more about the band and their repertoire.

"We should get going," Panit pulled him to the side.

"Uh-huh," Hope waved at the lead singer and followed the older man. As they made their way out of the crowd, the captain was called out by Brian:

"Beast, hey, is that your boyfriend? So you're an active then?"

Panit turned around and before Hope could think of an answer, blurted out: "And you, Nong, determine who's an active and who's a passive by body proportions?"

"Just telling you what I see," the blue-haired kid was slightly taken aback, then apparently gathered himself and added: "Captain, what's your wife being so cocky about?"

"Who's whose wife? I don't get it!" - Troy appeared out of nowhere and immediately put his arm around his baby boy's waist.

"Hia, why are you here so early? Your timing is all wrong," Panit sighed.

"Good afternoon!" - Brian folded his hands in respect, smiling and happy to see such a successful outcome for him, "Ha, played a trick on me then! Clever! So, are you free today? I'd like to talk to you. Why don't we have lunch together? My treat!".

"I can't. I'm going to the seaside with my class for a week," Hope wanted to get away as soon as possible.

"Why don't I walk you out? My sports car isn't far from here. Let's go for a ride?" - The musician continued to insist.

"Thanks. My guardian will give me a ride."

"Don't you want to get to know your opponent better? We'll have to meet more than once on the court," Brian moved closer, but was stopped by a strong, wiry hand:

"I remember you, kid. Captain HW, right? You were very good yesterday, way to go! But that doesn't give you the right to harass people on the street. My son has already let you know he's busy right now. Be good, my dear, go where you're going."

"All right, Khun. I'm going out. I'll find you at school after the trip, Hope!" - Brian winked at his rival and walked away.

"Snowy, why are you here so early?" - Panit kissed Troy's stubbly cheek.

"Felt it was wrong to leave my boys alone. I'll see you out and wait until you're done. What's this? You bought up all of Siam Square? Son, I didn't know you were a shopaholic!" - Troy's eyebrows crept upward when he saw the number of bags in Hope's hands.

"It's not him, it's me..." - Panit said shamefully quietly, lowering his head.

"You? Ahem. It's all right, kid! Gotta relax once in a while! Did you pick up any fun stuff? Maybe some costumes for some interesting time together?" - The man asked flirtatiously cheerfully, peering into the packages he had already taken from Hope's hands, and Panit blushed.

Hope couldn't pass up the opportunity to tease Troy:

"How quickly your mood has changed, Grandpa. Tsk-tsk-tsk, not treating the younger members of the family equally breeds quarrels and strife."

"Okay, let me explain at once - you are a soldier in our family and Panit is my general. He is allowed everything and even more, while you have to be controlled and brought up properly! I'm sure my approach will bear good fruit on both sides, ha-ha-ha," Grandpa cheered, hugging the neat figure of his partner tighter. 

"Snowy, you can't do that! Let's discuss educational points in private first, I'll advise you on some things," Panit said seriously.

"All right, dear. Alone with you I am ready to enlighten myself day and night!" - Troy playfully licked his lips, leaning over to his baby boy.

"Oh, all thoughts of one thing! Come on, Nong. We're already late," the older man pulled the boy behind him, and Grandpa started humming after them:

"All my thoughts are only of you, loveyyyyyy!" which made Panit laugh and he turned around and sent an air kiss to the siren.

"P, I didn't ask about Indigo..." - Hope fretted.

"You'll ask later. I didn't see any blood on his shirt or abrasions on his knuckles, so be cool. And the guys are probably waiting for us by now."

After about a hundred paces, Panit stopped and waved to someone. Hope followed his gaze and saw Blue standing nearby, leaning against the wall of a five-story building.

Snap

Panit snapped a picture on his phone.

"I thought you were lost. Came out to meet you," Blue reported, shifting his bear-shaped wallet from one hand to the other. Hope wanted to ask about this miracle, but didn't, "Maybe that's his style in regular life!"

Blue was very glad to see the former Yellow, and they exchanged greetings like good old friends.

Then they walked to the entryway and up the low stairs to the only door on the floor.

"Welcome to my chambers!" - he announced, opening the door.

Hope was amazed at what he saw. The apartment occupied the entire floor, the ceilings were over three meters high, and everything here screamed of the owner's high wealth.

"The guys are already in the rehearsal room. Let's go there! I've set the table for your arrival," Blue and his guests walked along the incredible size of the living room, and entered one of the three doors at the end of the hallway.

The music room was flooded with sunlight as the windows almost reached the floor, the walls were lined with white brick, the floor and unpainted wood furniture blended chicly into this minimalist eco-design.

A poster with a picture of the three friends hung as a bright accent on the wall and immediately caught Hope's eye.

"How long have you been friends?" - Hope asked, looking at the photo.

"It's been a little over a year now. Met at the Club. Hi. I'm Jiraiyu," Hope turned around and saw Orange walking up to him. He was wearing a white t-shirt, dark jeans, and some gold-plated chains.

"Hi there, it's good to see you outside the walls of Cloaca," Violet walked over and hugged his former coworker: "We've missed you, Panit. Hope you're doing well?"

"Hi, Foom. I'm doing wonderfully. I've resolved my issues and hurriedly put the rainbow walls behind me," Panit was happy to see these people and clearly trusted them.

"Nahun, let's make our way to the table already and have a little snack! Come on, please! I'm really hungry!" - Violet wailed, looking at Blue and pleading with shaking closed palms, then turned to the arrivals and added: "That wicked man has set up a gorgeous clearing and forbidden to touch the food until everyone arrives. Please tell him you're hungry too!"

"Yeah, I could use a snack," Hope decided to cheer Foom on, smiling even though he didn't particularly want to eat.

"You're a goody-goody," Blue patted the red family member on the back and with his other hand invited everyone to the far side of this spacious room.

(From the author: for convenience:

Orange - Jirayu, electric guitar

Blue - Nahun, keyboards.

Violet - Foom, drummer)

As everyone sat down at the table bursting with a variety of food, Blue stood up and picked up a can of Coke and said: "We're finally getting together, and this is something to celebrate!"

"Pickle's not here, and I'd like to see him outside the Club," Orange said, touching his bottle of lemonade to his friend's can.

"He's the same in ordinary life," Hope smiled.

"Are you two friends? No, wait, first why don't you tell us what your name is? We don't call ourselves by colors here," Violet questioned.

"Let him settle in and socialize with us first, maybe he doesn't trust us!" - Blue squinted his eyes.

"It's alright. My birth name is Tavin, and my middle name is..." - Hope started to say, but was interrupted by Blue:

"That's good enough. We'll call you Tavin, if you don't mind, so we don't get confused. Since several people in this room don't like their nicknames, we've decided to call each other officially."

Hope was very curious to know the reason for this joint decision, but decided to hold that question for later.

Violet was munching away on some shrimp spring rolls, and Orange, after eating a piece of mango, looked closely at the newcomer:

"What do you do in your spare time, Tavin?"

"Jirayu, why are you asking all these questions? We had an agreement. If he wants to, he can tell us himself. Tavin, we're open to dialog. We've wanted to get to know you better for a long time," Blue said.

"Guys, thanks for inviting me. You've always been kind to me, but to be honest, I decided from the beginning that I wouldn't get too close to you, since I'm forced to work in this Club... I'd like to do my father's duty and leave, forgetting about this place and everything that's connected with it like a bad dream," Hope openly, without embarrassment, voiced his position in front of his colleagues.

"I understand you, Jiraiyu and I are in the same situation, paying back the debts of the people who gave birth to us... wish they were all dead, bastards!" - Violet's face expressed hatred and contempt.

"Foom, let's not do this today. I bought your favorite shrimp in batter. Eat it and calm down," Blue was clearly in charge of this company.

"Nahun is right, let's not talk about the sad stuff. Tavin, while we have time, let us tell you our heartbreaking stories and present the best sides, you already know the worst, they're all in that basement. And you listen and decide if we can be trusted," Orange said, smiling.

Hope nodded and he continued:

"I'll start with any of you! I come from up north, my...boys, what's a substitute for the word family? That word doesn't fit. Okay, let it be a unit of society. So, it was very simple, my parents did not care about life at all, gave birth to me, and decided that that was the end of their mission, so I was taken care of by a kind-hearted neighbor. I pray to the gods for her health all the time! And then those things just sold me to the local bordello, because I had no means of livelihood. Bitches, they should have gone to work like normal people!"

"Hush, Jiraiyu. It's all in the past, dear," Violet soothed him, hugging him and rubbing his shoulders.

"Oh, I'm fucking calm. Calm as can be. Thank you. So... that's where Makoto's men found me and bought me out, promising to pay me more at an elite club in Bangkok. I agreed, just to get away from the place where I'd experienced so much pain, and those subhumans who didn't even consider me human. That's it, in a nutshell," Orange didn't raise his tone, but there was so much sadness in his eyes from painful memories that the people sitting at the table, people with similar life situations, couldn't help but feel the pain he felt when he talked about his past.

There was a momentary pause, and then Violet spoke:

"Things aren't so sad for me. Mine...racked up a bunch of debt, and decided that the only option was to run far away. Left me with my little brother without even paying the next month's rent. Makoto's men came to me and told me I had to work off the family debt. That's how I ended up in Red Dragon. In addition to working off the debt, I have to work three other jobs to support myself and the little guy. He's only fourteen now."

"You're like a bee, always on the job. Cool makeup artist, guitar tutor, and funeral director. Ha, I couldn't believe it at first, it's like mixing tom yum, strawberry jam, beer and fish scales in one bowl and then trying to eat it all without throwing up. Buddy, I don't understand how you do it, but I'm immensely proud!" - Orange spoke cheerfully, trying to encourage his comrade, but Hope kept catching the sad look in his brown eyes.

"Thank you for helping me," Violet ruffled Orange's dark-blond hair, and then, eating a large grape, he spoke again:

"Orange lives with me and my little brother, and often helps me deal with the brat. Oh, when are we going to get past his retarded puberty? I don't remember being like that. He locks himself in his room all the time. He's rude if I bother him. Doesn't go out at all. When I asked him why he has no friends, he said, "The people around me are not up to my level, they are pathetic and immoral, I don't want to waste my time on them." So far he comes without bruises, but I feel that it will not end well. "I'm thinking of taking him to a psychologist."

"I know a Yeti who can make a man out of any confused teenager," Panit chuckled and winked at his youngest.

"Who's that?" - Violet asked.

"My guardian. He's like a father, friend, and mentor to me. Since my parents died, he's the main support in my life. If you ever need his help, reach out," Hope said, then took a sip of his soda and turned to Blue, who was sitting next to him, "What about you? Why are you working at Dragon? From what I understand you don't have any financial problems."

After these words everyone stopped eating, Violet lowered his head and ruffled his purple bangs, Orange leaned back on the soft back of the couch and looked up at the ceiling, and Nahoon looked sadly at Hope and said, smiling sadly: "Come on, let's talk later in private, before the guys start sighing and wailing again, and we're gathered here to relax a little."

"Oh, by the way, let's get the tools out already. I have to run to a tearful event soon, I need to properly prepare Khun Suksai's body for the send-off," Violet perked up.

"Alright, everyone to the stage! Tavin, Panit, you're soloing tonight! Let's do a song from that two-faced kid lacorn, My cutie pie," Blue stood up and walked over to the musical instruments.

"Ahem. Can I just listen to it?" - Hope knew the song, but as soon as he imagined having to sing into a microphone to live music in public, his insides clenched and his palms sweated.

"Don't be shy! Panit will back you up. Even if you don't hit a single note, doesn't matter. This is the place to relax. Get up! Here's your instrument," Orange ran up to the makeshift stage and was already setting the microphone on the stand.

While Hope's mind was going, "No, no, no, no! I can't do it," Panit clapped the younger man on the shoulder and pulled him toward the guys tuning their instruments:

"Try it. What if you like it?"

Just for the sake of his P, the guy decided to do it. The intro played. Blue was playing synthesizer, Violet on drum kit, Orange on electric guitar. The sound was gorgeous.  Hope felt his body tingle and his throat become sharply dry, but he entered his part on time, though quite tentatively:

"It's up to you,

you can try to be like everyone else,

You can try to be the way

like other people like..."

He met Panit's gaze, who was smiling and giving a thumbs up, and decided to set aside his shyness and immerse himself in the song, closing his eyes and imagining himself in the shower.

By the chorus, his initially vibrating voice had strengthened with fear and he sang confidently, tapping out the rhythm with his foot:

"Hey, you, sweetheart,

you're driving me crazy with love.

Where did you learn how to do that?

I can't handle your attraction. Oh, baby

I wanna tell you, I wanna hold you."

The last chords were played and there was a shriek from Orange that made Hope jump:

"Woooah! You're awesome, man! You and me can perform outside already!"

The others supported him with less loud but equally enthusiastic cheers. Panit concluded the action:

"I didn't even doubt it! My youngest is cool about everything. Tell them, Tavin, about the successes you've had in life, the boys will be interested to hear."

"P, I..." - Hope hesitated.

"He doesn't like to brag about his accomplishments, and I'm insanely proud of him. Well, may I tell you then?" - Panit arched his eyebrows and, when Hope nodded uncertainly, continued: "He's in his senior year with straight A's, and on top of that he's class president, president of the School Board, and captain of the basketball team, and last year their team took first place in the city."

"Pheeew," Violet whistled.

"Ah, it's so bright! That star dazzled me!" - Orange exclaimed, covering his eyes with the back of his hand, while Hope got embarrassed and went to the table to wet his throat.

"Guys, unfortunately I have to go. I'm going to go change. Tavin, it was good to see you! Hope to see you again at our gatherings" - Violet put aside his drumsticks and waved to the guys and left the room.

The guys moved to the table and started discussing the repertoire of songs for the future, Hope started to relax a little after his first ever vocal performance, munching on an avocado sandwich. He was damn glad to have had such an unquestionably interesting experience, but due to his shyness, he didn't see himself on stage. He remembered Bryn's radiating confidence as he did his vocal somersaults, and involuntarily compared himself to him: "Nah, that's definitely not my thing."

The guy asked Blue where he could find the restroom to wash his hands and he pointed to the exit of the music room and said: "The door on the right."

Hope got out and walked to the right but there was no bathroom behind the door, it was an empty dark room with a window, on a stool in the center sat Violet in a black suit and black shirt smoking a cigarette. He calmly raised his head and looked at the person who entered, "The restroom is across the hall" His voice was put out and sad, so Hope asked:

"Are you all right, Foom?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, Tavin. Just adjusting," the man replied slowly.

"Okay. I'll see you later then! Thanks for having me," Hope left the room, wondering if that bitterness in his eyes over the funeral was true.

After washing his hands, Hope stepped out of the tub and ran into Blue:

"I came to check in case you got lost."

"Yeah, I went the wrong way at first, I met Foom. He was... like he was really upset about something."

"Mmm, I think we all get a bit withdrawn when we're alone. The heartache can be hidden, but not for long."

"Tell me about yourself, Nahoon. Forgive my curiosity, but I don't get your far from poor life, this job and the charity gigs for sick kids at the hospital," Hope really couldn't get his head around how a man of great wealth could trade in his body, Blue wasn't like Green who went on tour for pleasure.

"Come on, let's sit down," the dark-haired boy indicated the living room couch with his hand.

Hope nodded and they walked over and sat down on the soft, velvety beige velour.

Blue folded one leg under him and leaned one arm on the back of the couch, turning to face his interlocutor:

"I'm twenty-five now. Whoever told me three years ago that my life would do an abrupt somersault and things would be the way they are now, I would have laughed in their face. My life was perfect.

I was in my fourth year of business school, my free time was devoted to music, and my sister, who was 6 years younger than me, was already in high school and only had street dancing on her mind.

My parents were in the logistics and investment business, their business flourishing more and more each year. They weren't the kind of people who worked around the clock, who saw their kids once a week and tried to buy them off with money. My little sister and I had everything and more. We traveled together often, went to the tennis court, went to the theater, and had board game battles on the weekends.

We were happy until... our parents died. A helicopter crashed into the Gulf of Thailand as they were flying to my place in Pattani for the next round of the uni shooting championship. They had promised to cheer for me, but they suddenly got into some kind of trouble at work with a cargo delay... I regret getting so testy while talking to my dad on the phone at the time. Every time I replay in my head those words I said in my heart over a seemingly trivial matter, and I can't..." - Blue's chin shook, but he gathered air into his lungs, exhaled into the sleeve of his t-shirt, and continued:

"We were left alone with my sister in this huge apartment where literally everything reminded us of our irreparable loss. There was a lot of space, but I felt like I was in a coffin, often my body would start shaking, I would get a wave of fear and anxiety, I couldn't breathe. Even after a couple months my sister still came to my bed at night crying, and my panic attacks wouldn't let up.....

I tried at first to focus on Lamai, my little sister's name, my studies and the family business. But at one point... it was like I broke down.   Life, how can I put it, became like a rotten apple. I tried to regain the former juiciness and colors by going into all kinds of trouble, got mixed up with a company that in my previous life I wouldn't have even looked at, dropped out of university, and almost never came to this house.

Eight months later, when I was at a party, I got a call from Lamai saying she was sick. I slept at home that day, and the next morning we went to the hospital. She complained to the doctor about headaches, nausea that sometimes led to vomiting, and balance problems. And I, the idiot, knew nothing about it... Turns out she had brain cancer... inoperable. It was another massive stroke of fate. I gave up my partying life and started a war on the disease, good thing I had the money. It was an incredibly difficult almost 2 years. I lived in hope, but it was bad...very bad. My sister was becoming emotionally unstable, crying or bursting into laughter. Painkillers didn't always help. I was getting very tired, sitting day and night by her hospital bedside.....

That day... I snapped and went to a bar, got drunk and went to a hotel with the first man I met... After a few rounds I was lying almost unconscious when I got a call from the doctor... that night my Lamai was gone....

Oh, I don't even know how to describe it. I was out of my mind, I was cursing myself every second. What happened to our family was entirely my fault. If I had..." - Blue's voice was shaky and hoarse, then hushed, tears running down his cheeks as he stared out the window, unblinking. Hope's heart clenched in pain, and he guessed how the story ended.

"In an agony of self-abuse, I came to the Red Dragon for one last drink and a hearty dance. I was often approached by men, but I turned them all down. Eventually, someone put a small invitation to work in the private part of the club on the bar in front of me. I didn't think long - it was the right thing to do. End of story..." - Blue brushed away tears and smiled sadly.

"You chose this job... as punishment?" - Hope dared to ask.

"And you're perceptive... It made it easier for me to get through it all. I took back the reins of the parenting business, laboring by day and self-defeating at night. I donate all the money I make at the club to children with cancer.  Well, and you've seen me in my clown costume, that's how I entertain the little ones once a week... I remember how sad Lamai was at the time..." - Blue finished and silence hung. There was a huge lump in Hope's throat, he didn't know what to say, his thoughts were trying to find some way out of the situation for his comrade, but every phrase in his head seemed out of place, he wanted to hug this man, but he didn't dare, his body felt numb.

Blue noticed the lost state of his interlocutor, quickly stood up and, smiling, said, "Come on, let's not be sad. We all have a difficult fate. It's a terrible thing that we find ourselves tied up in this job. I wouldn't wish anyone to be in our shoes. But I've made good friends in this basement for whom I'd do anything, but... they won't take my money, no matter how much I beg them."

"They must have their reasons," Hope said thoughtfully. He involuntarily compared the boys' situations with his own, and thought he would gratefully accept the help of a loved one if it would take the hated red silk robe out of his life forever.

The boys turned back to Panit and Jirayu, who were chirping cheerfully about something.

"We should go, P," Hope said, and the freckle-faced guy got up from the couch:

"Nahun, thank you so much for your hospitality! Too bad we didn't get much music today. If Nong comes to see you again, I'd love to keep him company."

"Great," Blue nodded his head and gave the guys a genuine smile, then turned to Hope, "Call me if you need anything. I'll add you to our chat room if that's okay with you. I'll speak for everyone - we'd be very happy to have a new person in our merry family. We've had our eye on you for a while, but we didn't know how to approach you. You used to look like a frightened, cold Fugu fish, but in recent days you have warmed up and become calmer, even sometimes shining with happiness at work. I'd like to know what this change is about."

"This kind of change in mood can only be related to the appearance of special hormones in the blood..." - Panit said enigmatically and smiled playfully at the younger man. And followed by Orange clucked merrily.

"Peeee!" - Hope looked meaningfully at his eldest, and then turned to Blue, "Nahun, I don't mind being in your general chat, and I'd love to see you more often. We should get going, though. I'm afraid I'm going to miss the bus. I'll be gone for a week. I'll show up for work on Saturday."

"Okay. We'll walk you out," he heard back, and the boys walked out of the building.

"Jiraiyu, show some heart! A souvenir photo!" - Panit shouted, and Orange immediately assumed the proper pose.

"P, we really have to run now. See you guys later!" - Hope was starting to get nervous as the uncontrollable urge to see someone started to come over him, and he still had to get to school to do it.

As the boys were walking through Siam Square, Troy came at them from behind, putting his arm around both of their shoulders. This sudden attack made the guys jump up in fright, but then immediately calmed down when they saw the smiling satisfied face of the man between them.

"Scared? It's me! Well, we're in for some sea air, sailors!" - Grandpa exclaimed, then turned his head to Hope's ear: "Why don't you come with us in the car? I don't see why we should jolt around in a bus when there's such a wonderful car with a miracle driver!"

"I want to ride with my friends, Grandpa," Hope averted his gaze, replying.

"Well, well, well," Troy must have realized right away what was going on, he was in an elevated mood, but he didn't argue and continued to banter with his son.

Once everyone was in the car and Troy had stopped at the nearest stoplight, Hope asked the question that had been bothering him since morning:

"Grandpa, is Indigo okay?"

"What's going to happen to him? There's some interesting history brewing. Ha, one man is seriously sticking up for him, said he'd handle the situation himself, so I've decided to stay out of it for now," Hope couldn't see Grandpa's face from the backseat, but he knew he was smiling now.

"And who is this man? Can you tell me?" - The boy inquired.

"I won't tell," Troy turned around and showed his tongue, to which Hope only rolled his eyes, "At such a respectable age and such childish maneuvers."

"Okay. How's Anuman doing? Did they let him out? Is he okay?" - Hope thought deep down that the punishment given to the seducer was too harsh.

"And why the fuck would he be okay? That's what the punishment was for, to make him feel his guilt to the marrow of his bones. He's alive, almost well, and fine. The boys will keep an eye on him for a while to make sure he doesn't do anything. You better tell me how the meeting with your coworkers went."

Hope went on to talk briefly about the rainbows and the reason each of them had gotten into the Club, Troy listened and furrowed his brow, and when the guy stopped talking, he said:

"Not bad guys. I had Calleo look into them yesterday. I could have helped two of them. But from what I heard, Carrot and Eggplant don't want to leave Blue alone on this job. How else can you explain them not taking his money? I don't know how to help him. He's a broken man. According to the information I got, Blue often donates blood, already more than forty donations on his account, as well as listed in the registry of organ donors. It's a shame about the guy, putting a lot of guilt on his shoulders. His company's downsized since his parents died, but it's still afloat and stable thanks to his efforts. Maybe... should I adopt him and set his mind right?"

"I don't think Nahun would agree, but it's worth suggesting. Snowy, do you want to gather all the broken and hurting under your wing?" - Panit stroked his husband's knee.

"Why? I can do that! I've got enough for everyone!" - Grandpa smiled, and then added quietly, leaning over to his baby, "Put the hand away, or it'll be uncomfortable to drive."

Hope decided to leave the two lovebirds to coo, put on his headphones, jabbed at the side window, and thought about rainbows again:

"Sometimes life has terrible surprises. How many young people like us, with our lives ruined? May we all be strong in spirit in hard times and may there be a savior for everyone, on whose shoulder we can lean and into whose bosom we can cry".

XW School. 15:10 (3:10 pm)

Hope jumped out of the car and ran toward the crowd of graduating students who were already loading onto three buses.

"Okay, there are 113 of us and four chaperones: math teacher Kiantisak Wongrat on the first bus, English teacher Radi Hongsawan on the second, nurse Somying Rakponmyang on the third, and Lion... I wonder which one he'll be on?" - the boy in thought almost stumbled upon the person he was thinking of.

The coach was standing in front of him in loose beige pants, a white t-shirt, and a blue open-front shirt. He had a travel bag in his hands and a look of joy on his face:

"There you are, Captain! Hi!"

"Good afternoon, P'Jake!" - Hope couldn't hide his joy at seeing him. He really wanted to press his whole body against his lover, to tell him how much he missed him and how happy he was to be going on this trip with him, and to warn him about Troy and his desire for a heart-to-heart talk, but there were so many people around, so he just kept his gaze fixed on him, drowning in the dark pools of his eyes until...

"Come on! Weeeeeee!!! Hopie, is it really you? I don't believe it! Pruuuuit!" - Jean suddenly popped out of nowhere and, hugging her boyfriend's arm and pressing her face against his shoulder, jumped in place, causing him to shake with her.

"Jeanie, let him go! You're going to make him sick. Hey, buddy!" - Hope didn't immediately recognize the approaching stylish guy as his friend. Screaming neon orange and dark glasses, he was like the headman had never seen him before.

"You've been bossing me around too much lately, and I've been swallowing it all. Pruit, my jar of patience is almost full! You think because you're so handsome, you can get away with it?" - the girl said to Pruit, squinting her eyes, and then turned around and made eye contact with her best friend, "Hopie, honey, you're okay, aren't you? It's just that I'm so happy! So happy! Think of this shaking as a workout before a two-hour bus ride!"

"Hope, our bus is the last one on the other side. It's already time to load up," Pruit nudged Jean's shoulder lightly and she immediately moved her arms over his arm.

The Headman entered the bus, which was already almost filled with students, and said hello loudly to everyone. Just then, Phichit got up from one of the back seats and spoke in surprise, with her usual note of displeasure in her voice: "Hope? Why are you here? You said..."

"The anteater's back, the ant mate better keep quiet," Jean issued, taking a seat by the window, with Pruit settling down next to her.

"Captain, get over here!" - C sprang from the seat in the middle of the cabin and waved frantically at Hope.

When everyone was seated, Jake entered the bus, glanced around the cabin, looked at Hope for a split second, bared his teeth, and sat down in the front seat next to the nurse. 

His heart fluttered, he couldn't contain the happiness that filled his heart, and his lips spread into a smile. As soon as the bus moved, he put on his headphones and closed his eyes. Outwardly, he was calm, but inside it was as if fireworks were exploding: "I'm going on vacation! I'm going with him!"

Suddenly his phone vibrated. A text message came in:

<UN: "Kitten, your smile really suits you. I'm happy too!">

Hope was afraid it was Indigo's shenanigans again and looked out into the aisle to see Jake. Lion turned to him and winked, waving the phone in his hand slightly.

The guy leaned back in his chair and started breathing to keep the screams of glee from bursting out of him, then looked around, everyone was busy talking except C, who seemed to be asleep already.

Hope opened the chat and for a long time he couldn't think of what to reply, so he just sent a smiling smiley face with three hearts:

"Before I met you, I never thought I could feel so good. May this trip be filled with your hugs, for they are the warmest place on the planet for me. I want to remember this week forever as something incredibly bright, and keep that light in my heart to illuminate my path when darkness envelops me".