A Slap Heard Round

As the clock approached 6:00, Nil was wrapping up in the studio, while Stranger found himself in his cabin. Stranger dialed Nil's number, a sense of anticipation in his voice as Nil answered."Where are you, Nil? Tell me, I'll come to receive you," Stranger inquired.Remaining composed, Nil replied, "I'm still in the studio, but don't worry. I can manage. And it's only 6:00; I'll get there at the right time."Accepting the assurance, Stranger responded, "Okay, fine. Please come fast because someone here is eagerly waiting for you."Curiosity tinged Nil's voice as he asked, "Who's that? P.Kao or Stranger?"With a playful smile, Stranger replied, "Your pre-ghost lover."The call ended with a smile from Nil, and together with Than, they headed home. Than, a fervent fan of Stranger, readily accepted Nil's invitation to dinner at "Neptune Villa."Around 7:00, as they drove towards their destination, Nil realized he forgot to ask Stranger for his address. Concerned, he dialed him."No need," Than assured him. "In Bangkok, it's hard to find a single person who doesn't know 'The Neptune Villa.'"Smiling, Nil accepted the information. Curious about Stranger, he turned to Than."Can you tell me more about Stranger? You being a native Thai, maybe you know more about him."With a contemplative look, Than shared, "Nothing much, as far as I know, he's a great singer and composer. A better person than a good singer. It's sad that he lost his parents at a young age."Silent reflection lingered between them until Than asked if they should take presents. They bought snacks and flowers, arriving at "Neptune Villa" where Achara, Shian, and Lava awaited them. Unaware of Stranger's call, Nil attempted to call him again, but the car's horn interrupted the dial tone.Seeing Nil's arrival, Stranger headed outside, and with Than in tow, he met them. As they exchanged greetings, Stranger's expression shifted dramatically.Achara, noticing the chemistry between Than and Nil, smiled. However, Lava's reaction was less warm. In the kitchen, Stranger confronted Nil with a stern tone."You know I don't like Than. Why did you bring him here?"Unperturbed, Nil explained, "Maybe you don't like him, but he's a great fan of yours. He always listens to your songs, so I asked him to come. At first, he refused, but I insisted."Stranger, still tense, expressed, "Whatever. I don't like him. You always bring him between us."In a softer tone, Nil questioned, "What do you mean? You told me you trust me, right? And now you're saying I'm making him come between us?"Turning away, Stranger attempted to backtrack. Nil, hugging him from behind, continued, "Stranger, I know you didn't mean it. You're just being possessive. Why ruin our dinner night? Let's enjoy it, and won't you introduce me to your family?"Achara interrupted, and the awkwardness faded. However, Nil sensed Stranger's discomfort and reached a compromise, saying, "Achara, there was nothing like that; we're just... Stranger can tell her."Smiling, Achara teased, "Brother," and Stranger reassured Nil that Achara was aware of their relationship.Outside, Stranger formally introduced Nil to Shian, Lava, Mrs. Nin, and finally, Achara. When Nil was about to introduce himself, Lava interjected."We don't need your introduction. We all know very well that you're good at stealing..."Achara intervened, cutting her words, "She means you stole everyone's heart. I must say, Than and you just rock it. I'm looking forward to watching your series as soon as possible."As they conversed, Than, looking at Lava, shared a smile. Suddenly, Mrs. Nin hinted to Lava to propose. In the center, Lava asked Stranger to stand with her, casually, as he obliged. In a surprising turn, Lava proposed to Stranger."We know each other for years, and we are friends, right? Let's make this relationship more than friendship. Mr. Neptune, will you marry me?"Shocked expressions filled the room, except for Mrs. Nin, who smiled knowingly. As Lava hugged Stranger tightly, Nil felt a surge of emotions. Stranger, realizing Lava's intentions, pushed her away."Lava, I don't love you..."Lava, angered, turned to Nil, accusing him, "You snatched him from me. I won't let you go so easily."In a sudden twist, Lava grabbed a knife, intending to attack Nil. Quick to intervene, Stranger restrained her and delivered a resounding slap."Don't you dare even think of hurting Nil...''''Not even in your dreams. Thank your lucky stars that I am not who I was before. Otherwise, I swear on my mom, I would have killed you."He promptly fired her from the internship and asked her to leave "Neptune Villa." Mrs. Nin, however, had a different perspective."Kao, you didn't do right by her. In the end, she loves you."With a steady gaze, Stranger replied, "Last time in the office, you said you just want my happiness," he gestured towards Nil, "Now I'm saying, Nil is my happiness."Observing the tension, Mrs. Nin retreated to her room. Meanwhile, Lava left the villa, vowing to wreak havoc on Nil and Stranger's lives, her room bearing witness to her emotional turmoil.