Chapter Text
It is not a typical Friday evening. Rain is sitting with Sky and P'Pai in their living room. All three look worried and Rain is deep in thought.
"Rain", Sky asks gently, "What are you going to do?"
Rain sips on the strawberry milk P'Pai had handed to him and tries to organize his thoughts.
Today, after lectures, he was called to the University office and informed that he had to pay the remaining semester fees immediately or else they would be forced to cancel his admission. Rain knew this day was coming. He had already asked for two extensions, the second of which was reluctantly granted. The reality, though, was that Rain did not have enough money to cover the tuition for the semester. He worked part time at a local supermarket, but that salary just about covered his living expenses. Rain acknowledges that he is stuck. He has no anchor, no safety net... Nothing but himself to rely on.
Rain grew up in an orphanage. He had been found abandoned outside a hospital as a newborn and no family ever came forward to claim him. He was loved at the orphanage, as much as an orphan there could be loved, and he was happy. He was surrounded by children his age - brothers and sisters of the heart - who loved him and who he loved. And as he grew up, he felt the love of the younger children who looked up to him as the gentle, older brother who would guide them through what was a scary time in their lives.
His needs were taken care of and he received an education, but for whatever reason, he was never adopted. He grew up watching his friends get adopted into loving families and he would sometimes wonder why he was never chosen. Over time, however, he learnt to be grateful for what he had and glad for those who got to lead happier lives.
A few days after his 16th birthday, he was informed by the orphanage that he had aged-out and would have to leave them and make his own way in the world. Within a short conversation, Rain lost the only home he ever knew but, if nothing else, Rain was understanding. He was confident in his ability to care for himself and gladly moved out to give his space to some young child who truly needed it more.
The orphanage did help him in this transition. They found space for him in a group home, ensured that he continued in school, and helped him get a part time job that would allow him to start saving up for the future.
Rain could say that his ambitions were the source of his current problems. Given his start and circumstances, it would have been wise for Rain to get some vocational training and build that into a career, but Rain wanted to become an architect. He remembers a field trip taken when he was 11 years old. The children from the orphanage were taken to see different temples and historical structures. While those were indeed beautiful, Rain remembers the homes they had passed. The bungalows and row houses and apartment complexes - all so different, all equally beautiful. In the fading sunlight, he could see the families gathered together through the windows - children sitting at the table, a parent cooking in the kitchen, a couple dancing in the living room. Those images were ingrained in his head long before he had to give a thought to what he wanted to be in life. So when the time came, he knew exactly what he wanted to do. His longing for a home of his own, made him want to build them for others. So instead of going into training as an electrician's apprentice, as advised by his counsellors at the group home, Rain appeared for and passed the entrance exam for architecture and enrolled in the University. He had enough money saved up to pay for the first year's tuition and dorms. So he continued working part time while attending University and felt confident that his plans would work out. And they did work out - for two years - but his savings had almost run out by the end of his second year and with the third year classes having started, the University was getting impatient. This had led to the ultimatum today. Now, sitting on the sofa in Sky and P'Pai's living room, Rain takes stock of his situation. He does not have enough savings left for the new semester fees and he does not have the time for a second job. Rain concedes that the bottom has fallen out from his plans.
He looks at Sky with a sad smile, "I'm going to drop out from the course, Sky."
"No, Rain...", Sky looks devastated, "We can still do something... Let's think of our options."
"Nong Rain, I already told you, I can give you the money you need to stay in school", P'Pai gives him an encouraging smile.
"No P'Pai, I cannot accept that."
"You call me Phi, but you cannot accept my help? Rain, don’t be stupid - think of your future!"
"Yes Rain, P'Pai can help with your tuition fees and you can stay here with us."
"Ai Sky... you and P'Pai are truly amazing! You are the best people in my life and I love you both so much! But I could never take advantage of your friendship! Please... Please don't ask this of me."
Rain and Sky met on the first day of University and instantly became friends. They were opposites, but matched each other perfectly! Where Rain was friendly and outgoing, Sky was reserved and shy. Where Rain was the optimist and the dreamer, Sky was pragmatic and the voice of reason. They were with each other - helping, supporting, cheering, or consoling - for every moment! Whether it was the gruelling coursework, the harsh criticisms, the unending assignments, and the well-earned praises - they had each other's back.
When P'Pai started courting Sky (those grand gestures could not be mistaken for anything but courting!), Rain was there to encourage and reassure Sky of P'Pai's sincerity. And Sky was the first person ever that Rain told his life story to - late one night, when their minds were loopy with exhaustion and sleep deprivation. They had wept together, and hugged each other, and Sky had assured Rain that they were family.
Through Sky, Rain had also become friends with P'Pai. P'Pai was Prapai, the heir of a large, family-run corporation - he wasn't just rich, he was wealthy! He was older and more worldly, a ruthless businessman, and cunning strategist. But he was also gentle, nurturing, and loved taking care of those he considered family. He was the only other person who knew Rain's tale and he had "adopted" him almost instantly.
Rain loved the thought of having an older brother care for him - but in his mind this meant that P'Pai teased him and ruffled his hair or sometimes bought him his favourite meals or surprised him with snacks or the latest manga - it did not include paying for his education and giving him a place to stay! Rain was grateful for their offer - grateful and emotionally overwhelmed - but he was also determined not to take advantage of their kindness. He had made the decision to study architecture and it was up to him to make it happen.
"Ai Rain! You can't give up on your dream... " Sky is still trying to convince him.
In his secret heart-of-hearts, Rain is worried about the same thing, but he will never admit it aloud for fear of it coming true. So instead, he flashes his trademark sunny grin and replies, "I'm not giving up my dreams, Sky - not at all! I'm just.....putting them on hold. Actually, I also spoke with the Dean today about any other options. He had an idea, but he needs to take it up with the University Board for their approval. If I get their permission, I can put my studies on hold for a year and be able to rejoin later - like a sabbatical. So in that time, if I can find a better paying job, I'll be able to save up the tuition money. He was very optimistic about it!"
"I know the people on your University's Board", P'Pai said with a sharp grin. "I'll get you that approval - don’t worry!"
Rain is ecstatic, "Oh my god, P'Pai! That would be perfect! Thank you..." His shoulders sag with relief, the tension draining from them - His fast fading dream is still within reach.
"As for the job, you can just work for me! Actually, no - it would be better for you to work for an architect, right? That way you could also gain some practical industry knowledge. My friend Phayu owns an architecture firm - I'll talk to him about hiring you."
"Are you sure, P'Pai? I don't mind working anywhere, but yes, a job with an architect would be amazing! Will your friend hire me, just like that?"
"Don't worry about it Rain. Phayu owes me a favour anyway." P'Pai flashes his typical cheerful grin.
"Then thank you, P'Pai. You have solved my biggest worry! But please can I ask you not to tell you friend about my background - and why I need this job?"
"Why Rain? You have nothing to be ashamed about."
"I know, Phi. But if I'm going to get this job because of you, then I want to retain it because of me. I want to prove myself to be a good employee, so that your friend will want me to continue working for him, not because he pities me, but because of my capability."
P'Pai laughs gently. He is calm now that the immediate crisis is resolved, "Don't worry Rain. I won't tell him anything and knowing you - he will never regret hiring you!"
Rain visibly relaxes. Sky, though, is still worried, "Rain, if you put your studies on hold, you won't be allowed to live in the University dorms - you will have to leave. So, until you rejoin, why don't you come stay with us? You won't accept monetary help... At least let us do this for you."
"Sky, you do realize that if I live with you guys, I will be here ALL the time. You will have no privacy, at all! P'Pai, can you imagine going a whole year without your naked date nights? Yeah, I know all about those! And I don't live with you right now, but I still have walked in on you two getting frisky so many times; Imagine if I actually started living with you!" Rain feels a little bad as he watches Sky's face and neck turn bright red, but if embarrassing Sky is the way to get him to back down, then Rain will use it!
"Seriously though, you guys have already done so much for me! More than I could have imagined! More than anyone ever has! Don’t worry about my living arrangements - I'll find a suitable apartment to rent with a roommate in no time!"
Sky finally accepts what Rain is saying, but he bullies Rain into staying for dinner. As Rain leaves later that night, with a full tummy and a happy heart, Sky makes a final request, "Rain, I... we.. are always there with you. If anything falls through, please... please come to us!"
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Phayu is.....irked. He is irked, but also intrigued. Prapai had messaged him the previous evening, asking to meet. He had not given any details when Phayu had asked, just that he had work with Phayu and that it was urgent. Phayu hates it when Prapai does that; it usually means shenanigans and today Phayu is too busy for Prapai's shenanigans. He has a stack of contracts to review, a bunch of plans to assess and sign off on, he has three site visits and lunch with a potential client. But Prapai is Phayu's childhood friend; their shared histories and experiences have forged a bond of brotherhood. So Phayu will be patient with Prapai and hear him out. Who is he kidding, Phayu smiles ruefully, nine times out of ten he goes along with Prapai's shenanigans.
He has a cozy sitting area in his office with comfortable couches and cheery potted plants for all his informal meetings and, an hour later, the two sit across from each other, coffee cups in hand. Prapai flashes his most charming smile and Phayu is immediately suspicious.
"What?"
"What do you mean, 'what'? Can't I come visit my friend?"
"We literally met for drinks two days ago. And we never meet casually in our offices. So that means you have some work with me. So what is it?"
"Fine... You're right, I do have some work with you. A favour, you can call it. My Sky has a friend - Rain. I don't know if I have ever mentioned him. He's looking for work and I want you to hire him."
"You have a large organization. Why don't you hire him?"
"Phayu, he is...was studying architecture. Wouldn't it be better for him to work in an architect's firm?"
"What do you mean 'was studying architecture'?"
"He has deferred his studies for a year and needs a job in the interim."
"Pai, is this boy a delinquent?"
"No, he is simply a young boy, and my friend, who needs a job. And since I have you, I offered to help him out."
"But If he's Sky's age that means he's just entered the third year. He's not ready to take on any architectural tasks yet."
"I know.. But he could be your assistant, he could help anywhere in the office - whatever needs to be done. He will learn as he goes along. Plus, I'm sure having an extra hand around here would only help, right?"
Phayu looks at Prapai through narrowed eyes. He's trying to figure out if there is any mischief at play here. But ultimately he knows that Prapai would never knowingly jeopardize his work.
"Ok Pai, I'll hire the boy. He can start from tomorrow."
"Thanks, Phayu, I'll let him know. I just have one condition. Offer him double of whatever the salary is for his position - I will fill in the rest."
"What's this now? Why would you do that?"
"Phayu, he needs money, but is too proud to ask for it. I consider him my nong, but he doesn't allow me to help him. So let me do this... Please!"
Phayu agrees but is not particularly impressed - this Rain seems to be some spoiled rich kid (probably cut-off by his family), who now needs his friends to bail him out. Well, at least he seems to be willing to work - that's a point in his favour. Phayu decides to hold off forming an opinion until he actually meets the boy tomorrow, where he will get a measure of his character.
A little later he calls Som, who manages hiring, to his office.
"Som, we have a new employee joining us from tomorrow." He passes over a sheet of paper, "These are his personal details, responsibilities, and salary. Please make the entries in our system and have his access cards ready by tomorrow."
"Yes, khun Phayu." Som takes the sheet of paper and his eyebrows rise high; this young boy, with no prior experience, is joining as an office boy and assistant but is earning double the salary. He looks at Phayu but knows better than to question his boss.
He scurries back to his desk and shares the news with his friend Mina. They speculate that this Rain must actually be khun Phayu's boy, and that khun hired him so that he would have a legitimate way to give him money while also spending time with him. There could be no other reason for what's happening! Their words spread through the office grapevine until the entire office is gossiping about Rain.
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The next morning, Rain enters the office right on time. He has two sets of "good clothes" and he is wearing one of them. As he runs his hands over his neatly set hair, he hopes he looks professional enough. He has been given this amazing opportunity and he is not going to waste it! He hides his nerves under a bright smile as he approaches the man sitting at the reception desk.
"Excuse me, khun."
"Welcome. How may we help you?"
"My name is Rain. I am a new employee and today is my first day. I am unsure where to go."
He sees the man's expression morph into one of surprise before he schools it again and replies, "Oh yes, Rain, we heard you were joining today. Please follow me. Khun Phayu asked that you meet him first."
As he leads Rain through the office, Rain can't help but look around in wonder. This firm is exactly what he dreamt of being a part of - the open plan office, people grouped around 3D models or working on blueprints - he soaked in the atmosphere and it helped calm his nerves. He began to feel excited about working here - in whatever capacity!
The man, Sig, led him to the corner office and stopped just outside the open door before knocking on it.
"Khun Phayu, Rain is here."
"Thank you Sig. Come in Rain."
Rain enters the office and immediately the butterflies in his stomach double in size. Sitting behind the desk is one of the most handsome men he has ever seen. He almost blurts that out before stopping himself with a mental slap. He gives a polite wai, "Good morning, khun Phayu. I am Rain and I want to thank you for this opportunity."
"Good morning, Rain. Prapai had good things to say about you, so I hope you won’t let him down."
"I will do my best, Khun Phayu, so that I won’t let either of you down."
"I'm glad to hear that. Now, has Prapai informed you of your responsibilities and the salary?"
"Yes khun, he has."
"Very well, then, let's get to work."
And boy does Rain work! He starts off by following Sig, who gives him a basic walkthrough and orientation of the firm and its activities. He is then introduced to the other employees. The blatant staring makes him a little uneasy, but he shrugs it off as general curiosity. After that Sig guides him to Som who gives him a bunch of paperwork to fill out before handing over his ID and access card. Som is taciturn, bordering on rude, and Rain is puzzled. He again pushes his feelings aside; it's nothing personal, he reassures himself; Afterall, these people don’t know him.
He spends the rest of the day carting files, paperwork, blueprints and models all over the office, sorting and delivering the mail, and handing out coffees in the conference room during different meetings. For a short while he also follows Khun Phayu, taking down notes, sending messages, and confirming appointments, before khun has to leave for a meeting.
At the end of the day he is tired - bone tired - but he is satisfied. He is helping tidy the common space when khun Phayu walks in. He observes Rain with an inscrutable expression, before his lips curve in a small smile. He nods at Rain and tells him that he can leave when he is done.
An hour later, Rain is home. Home is the tiny, two-room apartment he shares with a 23 year old software developer. His roommate is reticent - he barely speaks to or acknowledges Rain - but he is tidy, he keeps to his space, and doesn't steal Rain's supplies. Rain knows it could have been much, much worse and thanks his lucky stars.
As he drops into bed for a short nap before he has to leave for his night shift at the supermarket, he whispers a short prayer expressing his gratitude to whoever is listening.
Life is looking up and Rain is hopeful...