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The concept of soulmates has been widely associated with a romantic connotation in society. People, who are able to find their perfect match in the sea of billions of people are considered to be lucky beyond the stars.
Usually, from the age of 21, if you are luckily enough to find fate’s your’s true only, when you touch them for the first time, a rush of so many endorphins will go through your system and a little soulmate mark will appear.
Finding ones soulmate is a dream of many, however it is rare. Relationships without ever finding your destined one were the majority, yet the more romantic souls were waiting for their one true love.
Gulf Kanawut was not one who believe in soulmates, necessarily.
With the age of 22 he had a good life, he worked on a degree he wanted to do, had doting parents and a sister who he loved to drive into cursing.
He had his fair share of girlfriends in the past, whom romanticised them being soulmates quite regularly. He was quite sure it was all puppy love. His last girlfriend however, he loved her, he truly did, was convinced them to be soulmates. They dated for quite some time and when his birthday got closer and closer so where her fantasies of them being destined to be each other’s perfect match. Deep down Gulf knew they were not it. They made a striking visual pair and friends were always going on their good looks but he felt that their time together was limited.
Gulf was a very lucky boy indeed, his parents, when not soulmates by fate, were soulmates by choice.
They loved each other deeply and were each other’s support system and biggest pillar. His mom always told him when he was younger, that fate might thought there would be an even better match out there, however it also quite literally threw his Por her way. To her, the signs were enough.
“Luk, if you are one of the few who actually get to find their soulmates I am beyond happy for you, just do not chain your sole happiness to it. See how Por landed on my lap when he was running and tripped over my backpack. I knew he was it even without a mark.” Gulf’s mom run her fingers through her sons hair.
”But Mae, why are there even soulmates in the first place?” a 12 your old Gulf would ask.
”Mae is not sure however there are theories that the soul mark points you to someone, you might not have considered to developed a bond because of certain stipulations. Mae is sure whomever Gulf brings home they will be it. Just listen to your heart Luk, like I did.” Gulf’s Mae always had the answer for every question. Gulf thanked the universe constantly that he was born as her son.
When he turned 21 and to non of his surprise, no soul mark appeared for his girlfriend. She was trying to play it down but Gulf could see through her facade. They dated a while longer but the passion sizzled out. In the end they decided to reduce their relationship since his now ex girlfriend really wanted to find her soulmate and could never quite forgive that Gulf was not it. So Gulf, even sad since they were together for quite some time decided to concentrate to develop his side career in the entertainment industry. He landed some minor gigs and Modeling jobs before, his manager thought, acting might be the next step.
Mew Suppasit was one lucky man. Not only born with good looks, charm and intelligence, he considered himself beyond blessed to be born into his rather strict yet loving family.
You see, his parents were indeed one of the rare cases of soulmates.
Originally his Ahma had plans to marry of his dad to a friend’s daughter. Their birth charts matched well, both had Chinese decent and the business would also profit by this match. His dad, the obedient son he was, saw no reason to decline the match.
He was in town to look for potential bridal gifts with his mom when he heard a commotion. He turned around and saw a girl haggle with a merchant. He was complaining about her being stubborn and where was her guardian anyways. The girl, not afraid to raise her voice and letting the merchant know, that thank you very much but she was more than capable to distinguish subpar quality garments from his advertised best goods in the city. The merchant, who was getting more red by the minute was about to raise his fist when Mew’s dad stepped in and stoped him from hitting her. He gave the man an earful about being respectful towards all people and then turned around to hand the girl her fallen purse. When their hands touched he felt tingles up to his little toes and he saw a little Buddha appear on his left ring finger. He was shocked so to say. He then stared at the girl to see a little dragon appear on the girls hand. Just like that he found himself his one true fated.
To say his Ahma was happy would be quite a certain exaggeration. She found the perfect match in her eyes for her son and yet he found a girl. Not only their birth chart’s were not perfect, no, she had to be a quite outspoken one with non mentionable connections.
Mew’s Ahma was going to the temple everyday, asking the gods why they gave his son that soulmate. However over the weeks she saw how happy her once shy son was with that unlikely girl. In the end, she allowed them to get married and after gifting her two beautiful grandchildren and a good life she thanked the gods for the gift of a soulmate to her som and wished the same for her grandchildren. With hoping her her last wish will be granted, she could peacefully fall asleep for the last time and wait to be born into her new life
Mew, even as a little boy, loved to her the story told by the soothing voice of his mother.
”Mama, when I grow up, I want to have a soulmate, just like you and Papa” little Mew would proudly tell his mama whilst he hugged his Doraemon plushy close.
”My sun of my eyes, Mama wishes you nothing less but be open for all kind los of happiness.” his mama would tell little Mew while going to the temple. “Don’t tie your happiness to it and if you find your one, do not give Mama grey hairs like Mama did to your Ahma.” Mew’s mom would chuckle and remember the times when she had to convince her larger than life mother in law that fate did not make a mistake to let them meet.
Needless to say, Mew, the ever romantic soul he is, was not willing to settle for less than his soulmate in the end. With his handsomeness and great personality he was not shy of admirers. He looked into future with hope. When he turned 21 no mark appeared magically with his girlfriend at that time. Nor with the next one, or next after.
When he was approached my an agent while shopping at Siam to do some modelling he said yes in an instant. More people to meet, more potential soulmates to cross path with. Over the years he met a plethora of people, admired his fair share and got admired even more. No soulmate however to let his heart sing with joy.
He got casted finally for a series and met someone who he thought that being soulmates might not be the most important thing. However with a series of heartbreaking events, it became clearer that even not being his soulmate that person did not deserve a place in his life whatsoever.
It left quite some scars on his heart and he told himself, that maybe fate wanted to deliver a message, that his heart will be better alone forever.
Gulf has mixed feelings that the series he got casted as a lead fell through. The story was okay, not very deep so as a first main role very fitting. His casted partner was nice to look at and in general a friendly guy, however Gulf knew that beyond a high 5, he might have difficulties to play a love story with him. So even mourning his first main role he decided to sleep on it and not let it bother him too much.
He was at his managers office when his fellow artist and his friend Bow entered the space. Bow was like the nice sister he had to his actual older sister P’Grace. They have known each other for years and even close in age, Bow was way more successful and with her witty charms very well versed with people.
”Hey stinky Nong, what makes you frown like that. Do not let P’Best catch you, he will lament about wrinkles and so on” Bow said when she plopped into the chair next to his.
”Phi, P’Bermb wants me to go to the casting for that new hot series, but I am not sure I am a good match. Sure the role is a football player in university but he has a traumatic past, anger issues and fell in love with a guy who represents all he supposed to be hating” Gulf was sulking by his fried pork.
”Well Nong, as in actor you literally get paid to play roles that are far from your own self. Nobody expects you to actually know how to murder someone if you should play a more dark role” Bow took a sip of her coffee and side eyed her handsome yet very naughty Nong.
Bow has known Gulf Kanawut for years and while he sometimes drivers her crazy she was very fond and protective of her little brother by not blood. Plus, no one could bring her to roll her eyes that often in a span of 5 minutes. Bermb told her that her Nong was discouraged that his casted series did not happen, that they did not see enough potential in Gulf. She knew how these unexpected turns could weigh on ones confidence so she would take matters in her own hand and help her beloved Nong Chai to overcome his first major back-step.
”Nong, you will put on your big boy pants, go there with more than 4 hours for sleep and show them just who Gulf Kanawut is” Bow said with conviction.
Gulf sighed dejectedly.
”Nong, it will fun, just think about it as an adventure. Just tell your mom we will go on a casting. She was worried after your project got cancelled. We do not want her worried again”. With that Bow took her bag and coffee. “Nong, Monday at 10am sharp. I will be the one red wig.” Bow sashayed away, her pretty brown hair bouncing in the wind.
”Phi, Phi, Phi Bow wait…” Gulf could only stare at he swinging door. Damn it all, he had a casting to ace.
Mew was was not having a god day. After the whole drama he had lost his drive. Rejection after rejection and all the whispering made him listless.
After working on his thesis a bit more, he heard a ping from an incoming Mail. Another casting for another series. Should he do it? He knew the outcome anyways. While contemplating what to do he heard his Ahma’s voice in his head. “Xiao Mew, since when do you ignore fate like this? Everything happens for a reason, do not let fate’s gift go to waste”.
Mew looked at the mail, one could try at least. Rejection was not a new feeling to him, what would be one more?
The next Monday Mew slowly came awake, trying to search through blurred eyes for his glasses. When he found the after banging his hand three times on his bedside table he swore. It was after 10am already. He overslept, he never oversleeps. Damn the casting. Was it fate’s way to hit him with a big red NO?
He decided to calm down and phone the responsible people. After checking in with them Mew felt a surge of happiness and endorphins that they allowed him graciously to come in, even late. He sprang out of bed with vigour, making sure to touch the floor with his right foot first, to rush in the shower. “Today might not be a bad day at all” Mew murmured to himself.
Gulf was no happy camper at the moment. He was sitting in a hall with, numerous fresh faced and eager to raise to stardom young men. His hair looked horrible. Why did P’Best think that fake Elvis look made him especially appealing for a university student role was beyond him. However when P’Best got “creative” no one could stop him, not even burns by a hot glue gun.
Gulf sat on a high chair plotting as in how to escape the hall with his 4 supporters when someone plopped onto the stool next to his.
“Phi Bow” Gulf gritted out between clenched teeth, “why do you look like that? What got into you? Are these fake freckles?” Gulf could just stare at his Phi in astonishing silence. His pretty Phi had the promised red wig on, completed with fake glasses and freckles.
“Nong, today I am here to support you, I can’t be recognised but Phi will be here to cheer on you.” P’Bow was grinning at Gulf with a cheerful smile.
Gulf could just chuckle and thank heaven for all the good people in his life.
“But seriously Nong, what is it with the hair? Even a tornado could not move it.” Bow studied her Nong with a critical eye.
”P’Best”, they said in union.
Suddenly a commotion could be heard by the entrance. A tall figure with an oversized shirt walked in, accompanied with a few chatty and laughing fans with big cameras.
The guy was quite handsome with his unusual coloured hair Gulf mused. He must be kind with so many happy fans too.
”Son of a bitch, that fucker knows how to make an entrance” Gulf heard Bow’s voice from besides him. His eyes grow large.
“Phi Bow, language! And do you know him? “ Gulf asked in an appalled year curious tone.
”Yes Nong”, his phi answers. “This is Mew Suppasit, I had acting classes with him in the past. He nailed every assignment” she murmured to himself.
“Aou, so he has talent?” Gulf eyes the man through his lashes. He had to admit, he was really handsome and he had a cute giggle to. “Stop Gulf”, he spoke to himself. “You are here to try out new things and not be distracted my pearly white teeth and crescent half moon eyes”. Gulf nodded to himself, he can do it and not ogle the handsome stranger that started to walk his way. Do not panic, act normal” Gulf pretended to be concentrated on the script yet not being successful.
“Uhm, did he just do a twirl?” Gulf asked P’Bow with raised eyebrows.
“He did, preening peacock… “ Bow tsked. “I wonder what kind of soulmate he has.”
“P’Bow, let’s not gossip and concentrate of the hard task here. I have to act a flaming chemistry bond with strangers here, why did I think it was a good idea? I am not even fond of normal people, why did I think playing a romantic role was a good idea? It will be a disaster and P’Bermb will be disappointed and my friends these ungrateful things will say -I told you so- and I might have omitted that I went to a Y series cast to my mom…” Gulf continued to try to ruffle his concrete like styled hair.
“Nong, calm down, you just spoke more words I have ever heard you talk before 12pm. It will be fine. Now saw the lingering looks Mew casted to her Nong, interesting, very interesting...
Mew felt good, really good. He missed the adrenaline on casting days as well as interacting with all his cute fans. He got his number ready and was about to go into the casting room when he noticed a red head sitting next to a bored looking young man. “Strange” he thought to himself, “the girl looks familiar”. His main focus however stole the stoic boy next to her. “Focus Mew, you are not again blended by a cute face. You are here to bring your career on track, not to ogle way to young cute boys.” And cute he was. Mew decided to take a last glance at the boy and did a twirl, mainly for his fans he told himself. Yeah, whom was he kidding…
Gulf felt really good, he was invited for further casting the next day. They in general liked portrayal of Type and now the hard part came, the chemistry test. Gulf could really just recall one other man, the twirling guy and deep down he hopes that he would be there today too.
Mew felt elated, originally he came in to cast as a side character but they liked his performance so much that he should come back and try his luck as a main lead. “17 years my arse…” he chuckled to himself. Now he has ammunition against his sister whenever she teased him about all his skincare products.
The elation did not last long however, non of the other actors sparked some kind of reaction. Mew knew he was a charming man that could get reactions out of almost everybody but it was just not it. One last participant between him and yet another unused chance…
Gulf felt like throwing up, he could portray bratty Type quite well, but non of the actors spoke to him. Maybe he should accept his fate and play the comic relief…
“Nong Gulf, please come in again, we have one more participant.” Mame, the author of the novel said.
Ready to accept his fate Gulf walked into the room and his eyes widened, twirl guy made it to the next round… and so he started moving.
Mew was shocked at the last. The cute boy with way better hair today was here. He observed as he moved towards him, giving all people in the room several wai’s. He acted so different than his tough boy persona yesterday that Mew had to take a second glance and a third one maybe. When the boy was close he tripped over his own feet and landed in Mew’s arms.
His eyes widened, 10000 butterflies erupted in his whole body while he looked at the flush face with big doe eyes.
Mew dated to look at his left ring finger where he clutched the boy to his chest. And there it was, all his hopes and dreams coming true in a small sunflower.
“Hello, I am Mew Suppasit”, he breathed out full in wonder.
Gulf Kanawut cursed all his ancestors and their cows, the super handsome guy had his laser focus on him while he tried to walk towards him without breaking his neck. He felt his ears going red. He was freaking blushing, he never blushed. While he tried to distract himself but greeting all the staff again he of course tripped er his own feet like a baby giraffe and promptly landed against a sculptured chest.
”Woah”, Gulf exclaimed with a lost breath when he felt like fireworks in his chest. He lowered his glance the his hands which were clasped to said strong chest and lost his breath again. A little sun was now adoring his left ring finger. He looked into the strangers eyes.
”Hello, I am Mew Suppasit” a melodious voice said. Shia, he has a soulmate he thought as his astonished face morphed into a beaming, heart shaped smile.
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Mew Suppasit knew he was one lucky bastard as he observed his one true and only while he tried get Hazard to not wiggle out of his embrace. It was one heck of a ride. After the discovery that his poor beaten heart was indeed not meant to be left alone his life changed to the best.
The first time he brought Gulf to meet his parents, with nerves all the way to Antarctica his Mama took one look and Gulf and said “I see, no grey hair needed. Thank you my son and welcome to my new son.” Mew could just love his mama a bit more. It was not all cotton Candy since every relationship need communication, work, trust and understanding however both knew how precious this gift was. Mew everyday thanked the gods that decided Gulf Kanawut was the right one.
Gulf Kanawut still does not know what makes him special that he deserves a soulmate. When he told his parents they just laughed and said “even if we are no soulmates by mark, you took the same route to meet yours. Tripping over your own feet, just like you Por..” His Mae chuckled. They were very happy that their son found a soulmate, even with just 22 to build a life together.
We can hope that they will live happily ever after but it is on them, fate just pointed them in the right direction.
The end.