Whispers of the Night

Under the veil of night, amidst the tranquil whispers of darkness, three dear friends gathered in hushed conversation. Marry, her voice soft and inquisitive turned her attention to Niloy, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Niloy," she asked, "when do you plan to embark on your audition?"

A contemplative sigh escaped Niloy's lips, his gaze cast upon a distant horizon. "It shall be nearly a week hence. But before I set forth on this journey, I must amass the necessary funds."

Techno, with a generous spirit and a willingness to assist, chimed in, "Should you require support, I am here to offer it."

Mary, true to her friendship, echoed Techno's sentiment, "And I, too, stand by your side."

With gratitude, Niloy acknowledged their unwavering support, though he retained a resolve to tread this path alone.

Mary's curiosity persisted, prompting her to inquire further. "May I pose another question, Niloy?"

With an assuring smile, Niloy nodded, "Of course..."

Mary ventured into deeper waters of conversation, her voice tender, "Do you believe that the renowned singer Kao holds a certain affection for you?"

Niloy, taken aback, broke into a chuckle. "What whimsical notions you entertain, Marry. Such a notion is beyond the realm of possibility."

The trio's conversation meandered through diverse topics until Techno, with a suggestion that carried a hint of mischief, urged Niloy to consider a change in his name.

"Why?" inquired Niloy, his curiosity piqued.

Techno framed his point with a reference, "Have you had the pleasure of viewing the masterpiece 'Rocket-men'?"

Niloy recalled the film and replied with a thoughtful, "Indeed, I have."

Mary, unable to restrain her amusement, interjected, "Ah, the film was quite the spectacle, wasn't it?"

Techno, however, turned to Niloy, disregarding Mary's contribution. "I did not inquire of you."

Niloy, keen to understand, pressed, "Please, Techno, enlighten me. What is it that you wish to convey?"

With a theatrical pause, Techno quoted a famous line, "If you aspire to become something in life, you must first let go of the self you were born as."

Niloy pondered the sentiment, but his resolve remained unyielding. "I cannot part with my name, the gift bestowed upon me by my mother."

Techno accepted Niloy's choice with grace, "Very well, let your name remain unchanged. But perhaps a trimming of it is in order. 'Nil' is not a bad choice."

Mary, appreciating the clever suggestion, chimed in, "Indeed, Nil is a fine choice."

Techno, with a stern tone, issued a warning to Marry, "Speak another word in between us, and you shall face my ire."

Marry's temper flared, igniting a brief feud between the two friends, yet Niloy was left with a multitude of questions lingering in his mind.

In the end, Niloy embraced the name 'Nil,' marking a significant shift in his identity, and the trio collectively decided to adopt this new moniker for their dear friend.

Meanwhile, Kao found himself engrossed in a crucial meeting, yet his thoughts continuously drifted toward Niloy. Inexplicably, he burst into laughter before his clients, caught in a moment of pure and unbridled amusement.

Suddenly, his awareness sharpened, and he became acutely aware of the gazes fixed upon him, laden with a peculiar mix of surprise and curiosity

Suddenly, his awareness sharpened, and he became acutely aware of the gazes fixed upon him, laden with a peculiar mix of surprise and curiosity. The clients, previously composed and attentive, now appeared frozen in their seats, exchanging hushed whispers amongst themselves, their words like the rustling leaves of a secret garden.

Because they had been working with him since the very inception of their venture, they held a collective memory of a man who had rarely, if ever, allowed his laughter to surface. It was as though a hidden treasure had unexpectedly been unveiled. Among the clients, a daring soul dared to jest.

"You, sir," a client chimed with a playful glint in their eye, "look positively dashing when you grace us with your smile. Perhaps we should consider you as our next leading actor in an upcoming series."

Kao, trying to downplay the moment, replied with a hint of modesty, "Ah, it's nothing like that. Sometimes, a fleeting thought flits through my mind...''

''And I can't help but let it escape, like a door I inadvertently left ajar. But now that we've concluded our business, if you all wouldn't mind, it's time to bid adieu."

As the last of the clients departed, Shian, a long-time friend and confidant, approached the stranger with a concerned look in his eyes.

"Kao," he ventured, "what has come over you? Are you feeling alright? Throughout our journey from college days to now, your laughter has been a rare and precious gem."

Other hand, Nil traversed various studios, each audition in an attempt to realize his dream. Rejection became his companion, with some studios citing his non-residential visa and others his limited command of the Thai language. But Nil remained undeterred, persistently chasing his aspirations.

Amidst the upheaval of being forcibly ousted due to his Bangladeshi origins, Nil found himself grappling with his most challenging days yet. The realization dawned upon him that he needed a passport, a lifeline to legality. However, the mere thought of being caught by the authorities and swiftly deported back to his homeland sent shivers down his spine.

Summoning a reservoir of courage, Nil ventured into the imposing edifice of the Police Headquarters. Every set of eyes that met his seemed to bore into his very soul, yet he pressed forward undeterred. His gaze settled on Inspector Pai, a figure of authority amidst the bustling precinct. With a voice quivering with trepidation, Nil uttered the words that could potentially alter the course of his life forever, "I want to apply for Thai citizenship..."

Inspector Pai regarded Nil with a blend of surprise and suspicion, his expression an enigma to decipher. The request, unconventional and fraught with implications, hung heavy in the air. "May I inquire as to your motive behind seeking Thai citizenship?" Pai's tone was measured, betraying a cautious curiosity.

Drawing a breath, Nil mustered his resolve to articulate the turmoil within him. "I've called Thailand home for many years," he began, his words tinged with a poignant sincerity. "Recent events have rendered my existence here precarious, merely due to my nationality. All I seek is a sense of belonging, a place to call my own."

As Inspector Pai processed Nil's plea, the weight of legality loomed ominously. "But what of the necessary documents?" he queried, his gaze probing.

A pang of desperation gripped Nil as he confessed, "I possess none at present..."

Inspector Pai's response was swift, laden with the weight of authority. "Without documentation, you tread the path of illegal immigration," he stated firmly. "Such a path leads but to incarceration."

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon Nil, his distress palpable. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, a glimmer of hope emerged as Inspector Pai continued. "However, there exists a possibility," he explained, his tone softening slightly. "Secure a reference from a reputable individual within the community, and we may extend your grace period. This, in turn, could pave the way for a work permit, a semblance of legitimacy amidst the tumult."

As Nil absorbed the inspector's words, a surge of determination welled within him. With the promise of an opportunity, albeit fleeting, he embarked on a quest to secure the reference that could redefine his fate.

He engaged in discussion with Uncle Tham, Mery, and Techno. Upon hearing Nil's hesitation, Mary interjected, "Then Uncle Tham's reference won't suffice..."

Mery's lips curved into a knowing smile as she fixed her gaze on Nil. "Nil, why not approach 'Kao Neptune'?"

Nil grimaced, lifting his eyebrows in disbelief. "Not! He's never been of any help to me..."

Mary persisted gently, "But you should at least give it a try..."

Techno added, "I agree. It seems you've exhausted all other options."

"You may have to relinquish your dreams..."

With a heavy heart, Nil acquiesced, "Okay, I'll give it a shot..."

"Could you provide me with his office address?" he asked Mary.

She nodded in affirmation, "Neptune Musics, 123 Soi Sukhumvit 39, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana..."

Without further delay, Nil made his way to the location. The surroundings exuded cleanliness and affluence, with bars, a metro transport system, and verdant gardens interspersed throughout. 'Neptune Musics' stood tall, a 38-floor edifice sheathed in glass, shimmering under the lights amidst the bustle of Phrom Phong.

Stepping into the office, Nil was greeted by opulence at its peak. Plush velvet furniture adorned the space, complemented by accents of marble and abstract artwork gracing the walls. Ambient lighting bathed inside a soft glow, accentuating its elegance. Through expansive windows, panoramic views of the cityscape unfolded.

Every detail, from ornate chandeliers to bespoke furnishings, spoke of sophistication. This lavish setting provided an atmosphere of inspiration for both employees and clients alike, fostering creativity and comfort in every nook and cranny.

As Nil traversed the office lobby, a subtle but undeniable tension seemed to grip the air. His steps faltered, betraying the nerves that coursed through him. Clutching his bag with a white-knuckled grip, he dared not meet the gaze of those around him, sensing their curious stares like a weight upon his shoulders. Heart pounding, he made his way to the reception desk, the hubbub of whispered conversations trailing in his wake.

"Excuse me," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "Is... is Kao Neptune available?"

The receptionist, her demeanor cool and professional, glanced up from her desk. "Yes, he's currently in a meeting," she replied with practiced politeness. "Do you have an appointment?"

Nil shook his head, his anxiety palpable. "No, I don't."

"Then I'm afraid I can't allow you to see him," she responded, her tone unwavering.

Desperation flickered in Nil's eyes as he pleaded, "Please, you have to understand, it's incredibly important."

As he stood there, he couldn't help but overhear the murmurs of gossip swirling around him.

"Isn't he the one who caused that scene last time?"

"What's he doing back here?"

Meanwhile, from the confines of his office, Shian emerged, his curiosity piqued by the sight of Nil standing near the reception desk. With a furrowed brow, he approached the young man.

"What are you doing here?" he inquired, his tone a mix of concern and suspicion.

Nil, attempting to maintain his composure, greeted Shian respectfully, though his nerves betrayed him as he misspoke.

"Sir, I need to speak with Stranger—"

Shian's eyebrows shot up in surprise, interrupting him. "Who?"

Flushed with embarrassment, Nil quickly corrected himself. "I mean, Kao...Kao Neptune..."

Shian stood bewildered, opting not to press further questions, and gestured for him to wait in Kao's cabin. An employee escorted Nil to the designated room, and as he stepped inside, his senses were captivated by the opulence that surrounded him. The cabin boasted a grand mahogany table, complemented by sumptuous leather chairs that whispered of luxury. The walls, adorned with textured gray wallpaper, exuded an air of sophistication, while a plush leather sofa beckoned for relaxation.

Every detail seemed meticulously chosen to create an ambiance of refined elegance, culminating in an extravagant setting that left Nil in awe. His gaze drifted to the south wall, entirely adorned with a portrait of Kao. Amidst the lavish decor, a picture caught Nil's attention - Kao with his sister Achara, placed delicately on the table. A faint smile graced Nil's lips as he muttered, "She must be his sister...Achara!''

''Stranger, you must have to help me."

Meanwhile, Kao strode into his cabin engaged in conversation with Lava. His eyes fell upon Nil, and a sharp retort escaped his lips, "What brings you here?"

Startled, Nil turned to face Kao, his hand instinctively placing the picture on the table. His expression paled as he met Kao's expressionless cold gaze, tinged with disapproval.

Lava interjected with her characteristic rough tone, "Who allowed you entry?"

"Kao, Should I call security to escort him out?" she added, her tone laced with annoyance.

After a moment's contemplation, Kao dismissed Lava with a wave of his hand, much to her displeasure. Reluctantly, she acquiesced and left the room, leaving Kao and Nil in a tense silence.

Kao removed his blazer and hung it on a nearby rack, settling into his leather chair with a sense of authority. Nil remained transfixed, his gaze fixed upon Kao as he delved into his work on the sleek Apple laptop.

His gaze remained fixed on the glowing screen of his laptop as he addressed Nil without so much as a glance, "Are you enough looking at me?"

Nil snapped back to attention, taking a seat with an uneasy shuffle. "Um, I need your help," he began, his voice betraying a mixture of embarrassment and trepidation.

Still engrossed in his work, Kao merely responded with a noncommittal grunt.

Nil's voice wavered as he continued, "You see, I'm an undocumented immigrant. Today, I visited Thai headquarters and was informed that I need to provide numerous documents, which I currently don't possess."

"And I expect you to intervene by calling them and offering a reference, allowing me to secure an extension and continue working here," Nil added hastily.

Kao's cold gaze finally shifted to Nil as he folded his hands on the table. "And why do you think I would help you?" he inquired icily.

With a flicker of hope in his eyes, Nil replied, "I thought... perhaps you might."

Kao's response was blunt, "What if I refuse?"

A heavy silence hung in the air as Nil's voice faltered, "They'll send me back to my country..."

Kao keenly observed the sorrow evident in Nil's bright, dark eyes, sensing the possibility that Nil might have to abandon his cherished dreams. Despite the hint of moisture in Nil's eyes, there lingered a profound sense of self-respect. Nevertheless, Kao remained resolute, his tone unyielding, "I can't help,"

A sense of defeat weighed heavily on Nil as he murmured, "But... please."

"I'm in desperate need..." his voice trailed off, his gaze pleading.

Kao's attention returned to his laptop, dismissing Nil's plea with silence. As a solitary tear escaped Nil's eye and splashed onto the table, Kao glanced up briefly, only to return to his work.

With a weary exhale, Nil accepted the futility of any further appeals. "Your time has been invaluable. You've already gone above and beyond," he admitted with a nod, reaching into his pocket and placing a wad of cash on the table. "And I believe this covers the roughly 15,000 BHAT you've spent on me." With a final nod, he made his departure from the cabin.

Alone once more, Kao's gaze lingered on the closed door, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. His frustration mounting, he summoned Shian into his cabin.

Disheartened, Nil ambled along the dimly lit streets, his gaze darting nervously from one passing figure to the next. As night descended, he found solace in confiding everything to Uncle Tham and their circle of friends. Their expressions mirrored his own despair, yet Uncle Tham's comforting hand on Nil's head offered a glimmer of hope.

"Don't fret, my boy. There's always a solution," Uncle Tham reassured, his voice steady with determination. "I'll accompany you. Let's explore options together."

With swollen eyes betraying a sleepless night of worry, Nil embraced his uncle tightly, grateful for his unwavering support. The following day dawned with renewed resolve as Uncle Tham and Nil made their way to the headquarters.

However, the scene that greeted them was beyond their expectations. Inspector Pai wasted no time, swiftly handing Nil two envelopes. Utterly bewildered, Nil stammered, "What is this?"

His gaze shifted to Uncle Tham, who met his bewildered stare with an unknowing smile.

Inspector Pai's voice cut through the confusion, "You neglected to mention your acquaintance with 'The Kao Neptune'."

"He personally called me last night at 6:00 PM, requesting your reference," Inspector Pai continued. "By law, an individual is entitled to a one-year extension, but he has purchased a six-year extension for you with a payment of 75,000 BHAT. You now possess a work permit."

Overwhelmed with gratitude, tears welled in Nil's eyes as he embraced Uncle Tham tightly. "Finally," he whispered, a sense of relief washing over him.

The next day, armed with a handful of daisy flowers, Nil made his way to Neptune Musics, eager to express his gratitude to Kao. However, upon arrival, he was informed by Lava that Kao was absent. Disheartened yet hopeful, Nil departed, the scent of daisies lingering in the air as a reminder of his unspoken appreciation.

In a serendipitous turn of events, Lava carried with her a steaming cup of coffee, a warm and inviting presence in the room.

In a serendipitous turn of events, Lava carried with her a steaming cup of coffee, a warm and inviting presence in the room

Her presence seemed to stir an unexpected unease within Shian. He quietly excused himself and left, preferring not to intrude on the unfolding scene. Lava, with a delicate grace, approached Kao and, with an almost pleading tone, requested a cup of coffee.

"Kao," she implored, "a cup of coffee, please?"

Kao, perhaps overtaken by the lingering emotions of the evening, hesitated momentarily before offering his response, "Lavaaa, it's getting late, and I think it's best if I depart."

Lava's eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment, but she acquiesced, "Alright."

As Kao made his exit, Shian returned to the room and offered a few words of solace to Lava.

"Don't let this dampen your spirits," Shian reassured her, his voice filled with warmth. "One day, he'll surely come to understand the depth of your love for him."

Lava's response was tinged with hope, "I hope so too."

A new presence, Uncle Tham, made his entrance into the worker's room, bearing a plate laden with food. In a show of respect, Nil, Techno, and Marry rose from their seats, but Uncle Tham kindly insisted they remain seated. He approached Nil, offering him the plate of food, his paternal concern evident.

"You should not let your stomach go empty," Uncle Tham advised his words carrying a weight of care.

Overwhelmed by the compassion and concern of this fatherly figure, Nil's emotions burst forth. In an unguarded moment, he tightly embraced Uncle Tham, his voice choked with tears, and he uttered words that revealed the depth of his feelings.

Nil, overwhelmed with gratitude, clung to Uncle Tham, a profound sincerity etched into his eyes.

"Thank you, Uncle," he murmured, his words carrying the weight of a heartfelt promise. "I swear on my mother's memory, I shall not falter again."

Uncle Tham, his voice gentle and reassuring, responded, "No need for such solemn oaths, my child. This is but your first day, and I mustn't be too harsh on you."

Nil continued to embrace his benefactor, finding solace in the paternal gesture.

Uncle Tham, his hand softly ruffling Nil's hair, offered an open-hearted invitation, "If you ever find yourself in need, do not hesitate to ask. I am here to support you."

Mary and Techno, observing the heartwarming scene, playfully teased Uncle Tham, saying, "Does Uncle not love us anymore?"

Uncle Tham beckoned them to join, and the four of them embraced, a circle of affection and belonging.

Kao sat in the back of his sleek car, an inexplicable urge pulling at him to seek out Nil, if only for a fleeting moment. With a quiet command, he instructed his driver to navigate towards the quaint ambiance of 'Moon Smiles' cafe. An involuntary pang of melancholy pierced his heart, an enigmatic emotion that lingered, uninvited, in the corners of his soul, "I don't like him," he reasoned with himself, "And I have no desire to see him before me. So why, then, do I wish to lay eyes on him? Why I can not endure his tears. No, I shall resist this urge."

He willed himself to turn away, to put aside this strange longing, but the heart, as it often does, remained obstinate in its pursuit of its own desires.

Defying his own reluctance, he entered the cafe, his footsteps carrying him toward the object of his curiosity. He ordered a cup of coffee, and as the late hour cast its enchanting spell, the cafe's patrons began to drift off to slumber. Even so, Uncle Tham, a guardian of the night, summoned Nil to prepare a cup of coffee for him.

With a degree of hesitancy, Nil sought Uncle Tham's permission, "Uncle, may I prepare one for myself as well?"

Uncle Tham, his eyes reflecting the warmth of familial affection, nodded with a soft smile. "Of course."

As Nil busied himself, crafting the brew with a sense of quiet dedication, Kao couldn't help but gaze upon him, his gaze laden with an unspoken curiosity that defied explanation. The cafe held its breath in the hush of the late night and within that stillness.

Nil, ever perceptive, sensed Kao's gaze upon him, but when he turned to meet that gaze, he found Kao seated with impeccable manners, absorbed in his mobile device.

An inner conflict raged within Kao, and he chastised himself silently for his inexplicable fixation, "Strann," he murmured to himself in self-reproach, "you are Kao Neptune, a figure of renown. Why are you so ensnared by his presence?"

In response to Kao's internal turmoil, Nil ventured a question, his voice filled with curiosity.

"Stranger," he inquired, "did you say something just now?"

Kao, shaken from his reverie, offered a vague response, "No...''

Nil met with this cryptic answer, furrowed his brow, his expression tinged with uncertainty. Nevertheless, he continued his task, diligently preparing two cups of coffee, and with a gracious gesture, presented them to the stranger. This silent exchange held a quiet tension.

Kao extended a sincere invitation to Nil, his voice carrying a note of warmth.

"If you'd like," he offered, "you can join me."

A soft murmur of discontent escaped Nil's lips as he thought to himself, "Inviting me as though he's doing me a favor, this arrogant Stranger."

However, Kao, perhaps catching a hint of Nil's inner monologue, inquired with genuine curiosity, "Did you say something just now?"

Nil, unwilling to impose on Kao any further, replied with a polite dismissal, "No, I didn't. It's quite alright. I don't wish to inconvenience you any longer. I'm headed to my room."

As Nil made a move to leave, Kao's hand shot out and firmly grasped Nil's hand. With conviction in his voice, he reiterated politely.

"I don't believe you heard me properly," Kao insisted. "I asked you to sit with me."

Frustration welled within Nil as he muttered under his breath, "Now he's trying to force my hand."

Kao, however, persisted in his request. "Come on, sit with me."

Reluctantly, Nil found himself pondering the situation, considering his promise to Uncle Tham. He mused internally, "I believe Stranger has lost his mind. If I refuse, who knows what he might do next? Besides, I gave my word to Uncle Tham—I won't cause any trouble."

With a heavy heart, Nil gave in to Kao's persistence and took his seat. Now, the two of them shared a table, each man with his own thoughts and reservations, their worlds colliding in this unexpected encounter.