Chapter Text
Meet-Cute.
(in a film or television show) an amusing or charming first encounter between two characters that leads to the development of a romantic relationship between them.
– • • •–• • –••–
“It has to happen at some point, right?”
June Wanwimol thought to herself, staring off into the neon haze. She was at a high-end club in Thong Lor with her friends, several bottles of imported fruit beer already downed, another one sweating in her hand. But unlike Pahn—who was currently owning the dance floor, hips swaying like there was no tomorrow—June was a well-behaved drunk.
If anything, she got nicer when she was tipsy. More reflective, too. Alcohol had a way of making her laser-focus on the complications of her life. She was deep in thought when the person beside her suddenly spoke.
“This bar should be paying Pahn,” Earn commented, watching their friend from the booth. Earn was currently on "Pahn-watch," ensuring their best friend didn't accidentally choreograph herself off the stage or off the planet. “Look at that, she’s practically polishing the floor with that move.”
“Let her be. At least she’s alive,” June offered, a completely useless contribution.
Earn scoffed. “As she should be. She has no right to die tonight, sis. What are we supposed to tell her mom? That witch told Auntie we’re at a Bible study group.”
Among their group, Pahn was the one with the most "parental charm." She looked sweet, harmless, and Diligent—the kind of girl who’d never skip a lecture. Well, honestly, that wasn’t far from the truth when she was sober.
June had her "Hi-So" bitchy tendencies and zero tolerance for nonsense. Earn was a free spirit with no real life plans yet. Emi, on the other hand, was a serial flirt—cycling through women like it was a competitive sport. Meanwhile, Pahn had a stable corporate job in Sathorn. It was boring, but it was stable, and it paid well enough for her to maintain her "Good Girl" facade while indulging in the occasional luxury.
Things only got... interesting when she drank. It wasn’t that she was a bad person; she just lost her inhibitions.
Pahn was the definition of Work Hard, Play Harder. The moment June heard Pahn had closed her big assignment, she knew a girls' night was coming. It didn't help that it was December—the month where all of Pahn’s pent-up stress from the year exploded into one final party season.
But seriously... Bible study?
June shuddered, while Earn nodded along. “I know, right? If we actually stepped into a Bible study, you will be on fire.”
“Speak for yourself,” June shot back flatly. “As if I’m the only homosexual in this booth.”
Earn laughed and threw her a teasing grin. “At least we’re just gay. You? You’re gay and a liar. That’s double the karma points, Khun Ariel.”
June rolled her eyes. “If I came out, I wouldn’t just get bad karma, dumbass. You know how traditional my clan is. My dad would literally erase me from the family tree.”
June wouldn't literally be set on fire, but being disowned felt like the same thing. She couldn't afford to lose her world. Being roasted like a rotisserie chicken actually sounded more merciful.
“Whatever you say, Khun Ariel,” Earn teased. She loved calling June a princess, and the "Ariel" nickname had stuck the moment June dyed her hair that vibrant, rebellious red.
June smirked. “Fine. Since I’m such a 'Princess,' pay for your own drinks tonight. And your entrance fee.”
Earn pouted, pulling the full puppy-eyes act. “I’m kidding! You’re no fun, my most beautiful, generous best friend.”
June stuck her tongue out. “No.”
Earn whined and apologized until June finally laughed. She wasn’t actually mad—this was their love language. Earn scooted closer, clearly feeling the buzz.
June shoved her lightly. “Leave me alone. I don’t befriend people who are sexually attracted to frying pans.”
“Fuck yo— I mean, joke! Love you!” Earn corrected herself, laughing.
Eventually, the alcohol caught up to Earn. She got dizzy and leaned her head on June’s shoulder, eyes drifting shut.
“Don’t you dare drool on me,” June warned. “This dress costs more than your monthly rent, Preeyaphat!”
Earn chuckled. “Alright, alright, Wanwimol.”
A relative quiet settled between them—well, as quiet as a club in Bangkok gets. June thought Earn had fallen asleep and was about to call Pahn over so they could head home, but the weight on her shoulder spoke up.
“Jokes aside... take your time, Wanwimol. You don’t owe it to anyone. The coming out thing, I mean.”
June opened her mouth, then closed it.
“Thanks,” she mumbled. Her voice was so soft she wasn't sure if Earn heard it. After a beat, she added, “I want to. Someday. But it’s hard. Because... I don’t think I can give up this lifestyle. Fuck. That sounds so shallow, doesn't it?”
Her family hadn't even crossed her mind yet. That was a separate "Oh Shit" moment for another day.
Earn straightened up and looked at her sincerely. “In your case, it’s not just ‘luxury,’ June. It’s your whole identity. You’re one of the lucky ones who won the birth lottery. Of course it’s terrifying to think you could lose the only life you've ever known.”
Earn scoffed. “That’s the one thing your parents actually gave you, and the thought that they’d take it back just for you being you? It’s messed up.”
June chuckled bitterly. “Are you getting mad on my behalf now? I’ve already accepted it.”
“Yeah, Pahn and I will be the bitter ones for you. You’re too nice.”
June giggled. She really did love her found family. “You benefit from my allowance too, you know,” she nudged Earn.
“Are you serious right now?” Earn shot her a look.
“Just kidding. Love you.”
Before June could say anything else, a voice cut in. “Hey—nope. Not allowed.”
They looked up. June grimaced; Earn burst out laughing.
“Holy shit, Emi! Your lipstick is everywhere!” Earn screeched.
Emi wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Well, I didn’t have any lipstick on when we got here. I wonder why I suddenly have these messy stains now~” she sang.
Emi flopped down between them, wedging herself in so that the closeted redhead was now sandwiched in the middle.
Emi grinned at June. “Making out with women feels amazing, June.” She clasped her hands like a philosopher. “And I say this with my whole lesbian heart. Respectfully, of course.”
June looked Emi up and down. “I see the lesbian part. But where’s the 'respect'?”
“I was gonna say ‘fuck you, June Wanwimol,’ but then I remembered you’re the one with the credit card tonight.”
“You basically said it anyway.”
Emi winked. “Exactly.” She ran a hand through her hair. “Anyway, why so grumpy? Jealous? Oh my god—are you falling for me? Don’t. That’s another sin for your list.”
“Huh?”
Emi raised a finger. “First, you’re gay. Second, you’re a liar. Third, you have 'incestuous' tendencies. Because hello—we’re basically sisters at this point.”
June scoffed. “Have you lost your mind? I don't have feelings for you.”
“So you have feelings for Earn?”
June’s temple started to throb. Pahn was the drunkest, but Earn and Emi were the bigger headache.
Earn looked up, half-lidded. “Huh? What about me?”
“June has feelings for you.”
“I don’t!”
Emi and June said it at the same time. Earn looked lost. Emi clicked her tongue, annoyed that Earn wasn't picking up on the teasing.
Emi turned back to June, pouting. It made June want to slap a wet tissue over her face. She hated "Aegyo" or "Cutesy" behavior—it triggered her fight-or-fight response.
“Then why were you and Earn saying ‘I love you’ earlier?” Emi sulked.
June raised an eyebrow. “Seriously, Thasorn? You’re arguing that while you look like an OnlyFan thumbnail? Fix your shirt.” Several buttons on Emi’s shirt were undone.
Emi whined. “Don’t scold me. I even got slapped.” She pointed to her left cheek. It was noticeably red.
“What happened?” Earn asked, suddenly alert.
“I was making out with this girl. We were both trashed, but god—she was such a good kisser...” Emi trailed off, daydreaming. “Then suddenly, she shoved me. And slapped me.”
Apparently, the girl thought Emi was a man. And the girl was very, very straight.
“Why am I a magnet for girls who think I’m a guy?” Emi snorted. “If they don’t mistake me for one, they treat me like one just because I dress masculine.”
Earn didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so she just made a face like she was constipated.
“At least you, Junie, don’t make out with strangers and slap people around...” Emi sniffled, grabbing June’s wrist. “Even if you’re 'bitchless' and in the closet, at least you’re safe. I love you, June. You too, Earn.”
There was something soft in Emi's voice. And that was exactly when Pahn stumbled back to the booth.
“Fuck you three—so this is a poly relationship and I’m not invited?!”
They all froze. June was too tired to explain. Earn was worried about who was going to carry Pahn home.
What did we do? Drink the entire bottle of the Blood of Christ?
But Emi froze for a different reason. The person supporting Pahn was... stunning.
June side-eyed her. Honestly? It was a fair reaction. The woman helping Pahn looked like a Thai superstar—insane charisma, unreal aura.
Which made it even more embarrassing when Pahn started whining into the woman’s shoulder.
“I dkokdfwpwkf you don't love me anymore...” Pahn babbled incoherently.
“Okay, okay,” Earn said, stepping in to pry Pahn away.
But Pahn fought back. “I don’t like you guys! I’m staying here with Ms. Beautiful!” and then she–
“Oh my god, you gay disaster!”
“We’re so sorry!” the three of them blurted out together—because Pahn had just planted a kiss on the stranger’s cheek.
Emi and Earn finally pulled Pahn away while the woman just stood there, blinking in shock.
“Wow... your skin is so soft...” Pahn said dreamily as she was dragged back to the couch.
“Uh...” The woman looked at Pahn, then at the three of them, awkwardly scratching the spot on her cheek where she’d been kissed. “I should go. Take care of your friend.”
Before she could vanish into the crowd, Pahn called out one last time. “Wait! What’s your name?”
The woman paused, a small, mysterious smile playing on her lips. “Star.”
And then she was gone.
June and the others stared at their absolutely wasted, grinning friend. June was the first to snap.
“Girl, what the hell was that?”
Pahn blinked. “What?”
June snapped her fingers in front of Pahn’s face. “Hello? Earth to Pahn Pathitta? Literally—P’Earth? Your boyfriend? The guy you’re supposed to say 'yes' to on Christmas? Hello?!”
The realization finally hit Pahn like a freight train.
“Shit.”
And then Pahn fainted.
– • • •–• • –••–
“Technically, he’s not exactly Pahn’s boyfriend.”
It was almost lunchtime by the time the four of them woke up. They had ended up staying at Emi’s condo. Actually, it was a huge struggle at first because Emi’s building has strict security—you’re supposed to ask for permission in advance if you're having a sleepover. It was a good thing that the manager was an ‘acquaintance’ of June’s ‘family.’
Now, three of them were sitting at the dining table while waiting for Pahn to finish making brunch. In their defense, they did offer to help, but Pahn threatened to stab them with a toothpick the second she saw them stand up.
Anyway, all was well.
At least, as well as things could be given the turn of events last night: Emi’s string of bad luck with women, Earn’s failed attempt at babysitting Pahn, and that very PG-rated kissing scene involving the latter.
“You guys are being so dramatic,” Pahn complained. “You’re acting like I got someone pregnant last night. It was just a kiss. On the cheek, even.”
June saw Earn nudge Emi’s side, the two of them whispering like gossiping neighbors. “Oi, you’re the hoe, right?”
“Bitch,” Emi replied, her brow furrowed in a massive hangover grimace. Then she added, “But yeah, you’re right. Why?”
Earn smirked. “Did you hear the disappointment in Pahn’s voice? She’s salty that it was only a cheek kiss.”
Emi started giggling like an idiot.
Unfortunately for them, Pahn caught them talking behind her back. “Damned ingrates. Stop it right now, or I’m throwing this food in the trash.” And just like that, Pahn’s "Life Crisis" monologue was triggered again.
To be honest, Pahn had been nagging since she woke up. The moment she opened her eyes in Emi’s condo, she started pummeling Earn with a pillow—demanding to know why she wasn’t taken back to her own place and what she was supposed to tell her Mae. Earn’s screaming woke everyone else up because she sounded like a piglet being chased with a fork.
Then Pahn volunteered to cook. Aside from the fact that she’s the only one with actual culinary skills, the girl has a divine blessing: she’s immune to hangovers. However, the moment she opened Emi’s fridge, she looked ready to blow a fuse. It was filled with nothing but 7-Eleven water bottles—and most of them were half-empty.
Emi was the next target of the sermon. Pahn lectured her about how she wasn’t a kid anymore and was being irresponsible. All she knew how to do was flirt. Blah, blah, blah. Basically, the classic "Tiger Mom" script.
Pahn asked why the hell they even ended up at Emi’s condo. Emi retorted, “As if June would ever let us stay at her place.”
Earn seconded that immediately. “Right? I mean, who are we in the Great June’s life? Didn't she say only her future girlfriend is allowed to step foot in her sanctuary?”
“Apparently, they have to ‘perform a ceremony’ first.”
“Do some ‘merit-making’ under the sheets.”
June gave them the finger before rolling her eyes. “You guys talk too much. My driver brought us here, didn't he? And I paid for your groceries, Thasorn.”
The red-haired girl added, “Plus, it’s my Dad who’s ‘sick’ and had to be rushed to the ER, remember?”
That was the excuse they concocted for Pahn’s mom to explain why her daughter didn't come home from their "merit-making/bible study" session. To which her mom replied, “Oh, poor Mr. Jaenasavamethee. So sickly. Go ahead, dear, stay and help June out. It’s good karma.”
Sickly, my ass. Sure, her dad was old as hell, but he was too spiteful to die anytime soon. He has such a toxic personality that the universe is probably keeping him alive just to test everyone else’s patience—you know, for "character development."
June chuckled darkly, remembering how her dad became the group’s go-to "sickly" excuse. Out of all of them, June’s parents were the only ones Pahn’s mom hadn't met. Hell, even June barely spoke to her own father. So whenever they needed a get-out-of-jail-free card, her dad was the designated sacrificial lamb.
Emi and Earn exchanged a look and nodded. “Right, okay, back to judging Pahn. Where were we?”
June smirked to herself. She won again.
Pahn scoffed but stayed quiet. She was finishing up the food. June heard the stove click off. Earn stood up to help their "Mom-friend" set the table.
“So, anyway, back to the ‘boyfriend’,” Emi pivoted, looking at Pahn. “Sis, I love you, but we don't tolerate cheaters in this house.”
Pahn approached the table with plates in hand, Earn trailing behind like a lost puppy. “What cheating? Nothing life-changing happened last night. And… P’Earth and I aren't even official.”
June fished her phone out of her pocket and hit play. In the quiet of the condo, Pahn’s voice rang out loud and clear, confessing her undying love for the girl she kissed last night—on the cheek.
“Guys, I’m serious—is this really what it feels like when you fall in love? The world just... slows down. You feel like you're the only two people left. And then music starts playing—”
“You idiot, of course there was music. We were in a club.”
“What about P’Earth?”
“I don’t know, guys... I’ve just never felt this with Earth. Something always felt missing. I just ignored it because he’s a good guy, you know? I thought I’d eventually feel it too. Like I could learn to love him somehow.”
Earn giggled in the background. “Turns out you weren't meant for Earth, sis. You wanted a Star all along.”
June stopped the recording.
Pahn glared at her. “Invasion of privacy much, Wanwimol?”
The red-head smirked. “It was my car. You were the one invading my privacy with your unsolicited, annoying sapphic monologue. Can’t you just be grateful I didn’t dump you on the side of the road?” She shrugged. “Besides, I knew your brain would conveniently ‘forget’ the important parts. I had to save the evidence.”
Pahn stared her down, but because this was June Wanwimol, she just stared back with a cocky grin. The other two watched them, silently chewing on their sausages.
June’s smirk widened when she saw Pahn finally sigh in defeat. Another win for her.
“And your point is?” Pahn asked, sitting down across from June.
June replied, “You figure it out, Pahn. But that doesn’t sound ‘not life-changing’ to me.”
Pahn ignored her, slicing a piece of pancake on her plate in half. Then into quarters. Then smaller.
“Sis, you planning to turn that pancake into a microscopic sample?” Earn interrupted.
Immediately after, Emi followed up with, “What about P’Earth? Are you still planning to say yes to him?”
The 'Mom' of the group looked at Emi, then at Earn. She sighed. “The pancake is still edible even if I crush it, Earn. I honestly don’t see the issue here.”
After saying that, she just kept eating. They all waited for her to say more, but she just kept chewing methodically.
Emi pouted. “You’re so mean to me, Pahn. Just because I’m not June, you think it’s okay to ignore me.”
“It’s because your fridge only has water. You don’t deserve rights,” Earn teased.
“Or maybe she actually does see the issue with that one,” June added pointedly. “Just a thought.”
Silence fell over them again until the person in question finally broke it. “Again, even if there was... something about whatever possessed me last night, I don't see the issue because P’Earth and I aren't official.”
Earn nodded. “True enough.”
“But you guys were going to be soon, right? You were going to give him your answer on December 25th.”
Silence again. Pahn went back to her food (and to pulverizing her pancake). June cast a side-glance toward Emi. “Take a hint.”
“Ah, shit.” Emi groaned, running her fingers through her hair. “What am I going to do now...”
Pahn looked at her friend. “What? What’s going on?”
Emi looked like a cat caught stealing food from the table. She looked purely guilty, the usual cocky grin completely wiped from her face.
“I... I kind of gave Earth a hint that you would...?”
“What the heck, Emi?” Pahn asked, incredulous.
Emi immediately raised both palms in surrender, looking like she wanted to crawl under the table.
“Are you insane, Thasorn? You want me to lock you in your own fridge?” Pahn threatened, brandishing her fork.
“I was pressured! He literally works with me, Pahn. I didn't say when you’d say yes,” Emi explained frantically. “He approached me last week looking totally dejected. He was so unsure if you’d ever be official, so I kind of... hinted that he should hold on?”
Pahn squeezed her eyes shut and sighed, trying to keep her temper in check. “You shouldn’t have done that. It’s not your story to tell. Ever.”
Emi slumped, looking down at her lap.
Earn turned to Pahn. “You’re right about that, Pahn, and I’m not defending Emi. But just a few days ago, you were telling us you were going to say yes to Earth on the 25th. Did something change your mind?”
June and the three girls had been schoolmates since high school. Their bond stayed strong even after they went to different universities and graduated. Earth was also their schoolmate back then, and people had been shipping Pahn and Earth since they were kids. Even the three friends thought they were cute together.
Earth was a "good guy." A total gentleman who did his homework and was never dead weight in group projects. Pahn had plenty of suitors, but Earth seemed to click with her the most. They went on movie dates, coffee runs, and dinners. They drifted a bit after high school, but reconnected in university when Earth transferred to the same school where Emi was studying Dentistry. They became blockmates, and from then on, Earth started joining the four of them on their outings.
They didn’t mind; Earth was always an okay guy. Eventually, his "solo" dates with Pahn (as "friends") resumed, and they eventually entered the workforce—Earth as a dentist at the same clinic as Emi, and Pahn as an Accounting Officer at a bank. That was when Earth officially told them he was going to court Pahn.
They’ve been in the "courtship stage" for almost three years now. And as planned, Pahn told them last month that she intended to finally say "yes" to Earth this December 25th because it felt romantic. Earn had even bought congratulatory balloons. Everything seemed certain.
The biggest factor was that this was Pahn. Among them, Pahn was the most stable and predictable; she rarely changed her mind, which was exactly why June was pressing the issue.
“It’s none of our business, really—you’re a grown woman,” June began. “And I trust you’d tell us when you’re ready. But if you feel like reconsidering, then do it.”
“I honestly don’t know, girls,” Pahn replied, the stress evident in her voice. “Three years? Just for one night of... I don’t even know what that was. The alcohol? A pretty woman who happened to be there? I don’t even know if ‘Star’ is actually her name.”
“Then let’s find out,” Earn said without a second thought. “I’m a pro at stalking, remember? I always find the socials of Emi’s random crushes.”
“Yeah, I remember you finding their accounts faster than you finished your own assignments.”
“Heh, shut up, Emi.”
Emi’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Girl, I have someone I want you to find. Look for the woman who slapped me—”
“Give it a rest, Emi,” Earn scolded, making Emi pout. “She already slapped you. Isn't that a clear sign from the universe that you shouldn't meet again?”
Pahn scoffed despite her own drama. “Let her get slapped again. Maybe the flirtiness will finally leave her body. The nerve of this girl to be flirting when she can’t even stock her own fridge.”
Emi pouted. “I’ll accept your teasing, Pahn, as long as you love me again.”
Pahn stuck her tongue out at her.
“But seriously, Pahn, let’s just try,” Earn insisted.
Pahn just shrugged. “Whatever, come what may. Let’s stop talking about me for a second. What else happened last night?”
Earn was more than happy to recap—she was full from brunch and ready to gossip. She covered everything: the heart-to-heart with June, Emi’s return after her latest "straight-girl" bad luck, and Pahn arriving and acting sulky because she felt left out of their "poly relationship."
“And then, sis, you kissed the pretty woman who helped you and immediately passed out. The rest is history... and, well, saved on June’s phone.”
June began to zone out, focusing on her food, until she realized the table had gone quiet. She looked up to see the three of them staring at her.
“What?”
The three exchanged a look and nodded, their eyes filled with pity.
“Seriously, what?!”
Pahn grabbed June’s wrist without a word. Emi grabbed Pahn’s, and Earn grabbed both Emi’s and June’s other hand. They looked like they were forming a prayer circle.
“For June’s closeted gay soul,” Pahn started.
“Amen,” Emi added.
“Hallelujah,” Earn finished.
“Thank you, Sister Pahn, for this Bible Study session. A few bottles of the Blood of Christ made me dizzy, but the free breakfast made it worth it,” Emi joked.
June scoffed, forcefully pulling her hands away. “Screw all of you!”
They all burst into laughter. Whatever residue of tension remained from the earlier talk completely vanished—at June’s expense, unfortunately. But as she looked at her giggling friends, she couldn't stay mad.
“Another Christmas is passing with Khun Ariel still being single.”
“It’s okay, Junie. We’ll just kiss you instead.”
The three of them puckered their lips like idiots. They made a move to stand up, but June raised an eyebrow and brandished her fork. “Just try coming near me and I will literally stab you.”
She rolled her eyes sarcastically. “This is why the ‘poly allegations’ never die—because you guys act like this.”
Earn laughed. “What’s wrong with that? It’s an automatic link to women. You don’t even have to come out as queer. Just monogamous.”
“Exactly,” Emi grinned. “And I’m a great kisser.”
June shot back, “I hope you find that woman from last night and she slaps you again.”
“That aside,” the voice of reason spoke up, “Just take it slow, Junie. You’re not any less queer just because you’re not out yet.”
The other two nodded in agreement.
“Baby steps.”
June sighed. “I’ve been taking baby steps for over two decades, Pahn. When am I ever going to find the courage? After I die, so they can play Lady Gaga’s Born This Way or Clairo’s Bags at my funeral?”
She scoffed. “God, do the conservative motherf***ers in my clan even know what those songs imply?”
June began a hysterical rant. “And then what? I don’t even have pictures to prove I’m into women. My search bar is clear. Hell, I even went to a public library just to take an ‘Am I a Lesbian’ quiz!”
“What happens if you three die before me?!” she pointed at them.
"Hey, I don't want to die yet!”
“Knock on wood, Wanwimol!”
“Please, I haven't even finished paying for my life insurance, sis!” the three shouted in unison.
June ignored them. “Who’s going to know that I was never into men? It’s gross!”
June was breathless after her rant. Earn scratched her head. “Uhm, then try coming out to just one new person? Like, once a year? No pressure, just whoever makes you feel safe or whenever an opportunity comes up.”
“Oh, speaking of opportunity...” Emi began. “I saw something on Twitter recently. Wait, where is my phone anyway?”
Emi fumbled through her pockets but found nothing. She jumped up from her seat. “Hold on guys, let me check the room.”
“You better find it, Emi! What about your 'scandals'!” Earn teased. The "scandals" were just photos of Emi looking soft in a pink frilly dress—nothing scandalous at all, but Emi claimed they ruined her "cool/handsome" image.
Emi searched for about five minutes while Pahn grew impatient. “What is it? I’ll just look it up.”
“Wait! I have to be the one to show you,” Emi’s muffled voice called out.
“So disorganized,” Pahn muttered.
Finally, Emi found her phone. She returned to the table and opened Twitter, shielding the screen like she was hiding a secret.
“Get on with it, Thasorn. I don’t want to see your porn collection,” June mocked.
“Hey! I don't use Twitter for that!” Emi replied. Her smile widened when she finally found the post. She turned the screen to show the three of them.
The Tweet read:
BANGKOK MASS TRANSIT: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS! FREE RIDES ON ALL BTS SKYTRAIN LINES FOR BANGKOK COMMUTERS!
Below the headline were pictures of the specific groups eligible for the "gift" each day:
Day 1: Senior Citizens
Day 2: Students
...until the 12th day, where everyone rides for free: December 25th.
“Oh that, yeah, I saw that on my feed too,” Pahn said.
June raised an eyebrow, looking confused. “What is that?”
Emi frowned. “What do you mean? It’s the Skytrain. What else would it be?”
Earn laughed. “I guess the algorithm for the Hi-So is different, sis. Emi, explain it to her.”
June glared at her. “I know what the BTS is. I’m not that out of touch, dumbass. What I mean is, what am I supposed to do with this?”
Earn tilted her head. “Uhm, you ride the train? Unless you’re planning to jump off the platform into the Sukhumvit traffic?”
It might come to that since you guys are draining my brain cells! June almost screeched. She looked to Pahn for assistance.
The latter sighed. “Look at December 22nd.”
December 22nd. Day 9. Fare waived for solo parents and... the LGBTQIA+ community.
June looked at her phone. It was today.
A literal question mark practically popped up over June’s head. “Again—what am I supposed to do here? Walk up to the ticket booth and come out to the BTS staff just for a free ride?”
Earn and Emi exchanged a look. “Lord, finally! She gets it!”
June took a deep breath before setting her fork down before she actually threw it at them. It hit the plate with a sharp clack that echoed in the condo. The other three flinched.
“Pahn, can you please knock some sense into these two?”
Pahn stared at June, then shrugged. “Why don’t we hear them out?”
“Really? Are you serious?” June asked in disbelief.
“You know, June,” Pahn began in her ‘Mom’ tone. “If whatever you were doing was actually working, we wouldn’t be suggesting this. But you said it yourself—you want to be more open. And it’s not like you’re telling anyone in your family soon. Not with your Dad’s reputation.”
June didn’t answer. Emi and Earn took it as a cue.
Earn started, “Technically, you’d be coming out to a stranger. They don’t know who you are. No one is going to report back to your clan. It’s safe—those BTS tellers see thousands of people a day. They won't care, or they’ll be supportive because they have to be professional.”
Pahn nodded. “And you won’t be the only one claiming the LGBTQIA+ pass today.”
“And another thing,” Emi added with a smirk. “You definitely won’t run into your social circle there. None of your ‘Old Money’ friends would be caught dead taking the Skytrain during rush hour.”
“I’m actually with them on this,” Pahn said. “Try it, Khun Ariel. Just to get the vibe of saying it out loud.”
June rolled her eyes for the nth time. “I can’t believe I’m going to walk up to a station officer and be like: ‘Hey, I’m a woman-who-loves-women. Free ride, yeah?’”
“Let’s take it a step further, Wanwimol.” Pahn cut her off. “Use the word ‘Lesbian’.”
Earn and Emi glanced at Pahn, looking like they were sharing a secret that June wasn't privy to. June frowned.
“Psst. What happened to baby steps?” Earn asked, her voice laced with hesitation.
To that, Pahn replied, “This will be the biggest move June has made in years. Let’s hit as many birds as we can with one stone.”
“And by 'other birds,' you mean...?”
“Khun Ariel’s residual internalized homophobia.”
“I don’t have any,” June insisted. “I... I’m just a little awkward with the word lesbian.”
Pahn just raised an eyebrow at her. “So aside from internalized homophobia, we’ve got residual internalized misogyny, too.”
June ran her fingers through her red hair in frustration. “How did we even reach that conclusion? You spend way too much time on Twitter.”
“So do you. The only interaction you have with other queer people is either with us or on Thai Twitter.”
June’s voice rose. “Understandably so, Pahn! You guys are the only ones I’m out to, and Twitter is the only place I can actually show any queer interests. Use your common sense!”
Pahn’s tone sharpened as well. “I know, Wanwimol, but you have to admit—you’re out of touch in some aspects—”
“Wait, everyone calm down—” Emi tried to cut in.
“Given your background, it’s understandable, Junie,” Earn added, trying to pacify the tension between the two. Earn understood, and she actually agreed with Pahn’s point.
But because June was fueled by pride, she tried to defend herself.
Pahn stood her ground and simply said, “You can always prove me wrong, Wanwimol. You can say it now. Go ahead. Tell me.”
June didn’t answer. She couldn’t answer.
Which was weird, because June was comfortable being "gay." She was comfortable being "sapphic." But why wasn't she comfortable being a lesbian?
Was it because she was her father’s daughter?
She clenched her teeth. June had always hated the "nature vs. nurture" argument because, in her case, both were a curse. She had her father’s ego and her mother’s cowardice; June was raised by the pressure of the two and their absence at the same time.
She grew up in a family where the word lesbian was never celebrated. It wasn't even joked about. It was simply unspeakable. In their social circle, it sounded... dirty. Unfathomable.
Calling herself "gay" was easier because, in her mind, it was broad and social. Even "sapphic" or "WLW" felt laundered by mainstream acceptance—at the very least, they were words her family could tolerate from a distance.
But June’s desire had always excluded men. Her femininity belonged solely to her, and to another woman.
She’s a lesbian.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled. I got carried away.”
June’s chaotic thoughts were interrupted by Pahn’s soft voice. It made her realize how long she’d been silent—long enough for her friends to look at her with deep concern etched on their faces.
June opened her mouth. Her first instinct was to shrug off Pahn’s apology. After all, Pahn didn't need to say that. June wasn't hurt. She was fine. These things shouldn't bother her.
But they did.
“I’m scared...” Her voice didn't even sound like her own. It cracked. “It feels so... final.”
June could feel the corners of her eyes stinging. “Like there’s no turning back. Like there really won't be anything for me to go back to.”
June had grown up in a palace and eaten with a golden spoon. And now she felt like she had to burn the bridges and everything she knew to the ground, just because she was a princess who longed for another princess. It felt like she would have to start over, building a home out of sticks and stones without knowing the first thing about survival.
The sight of her breakfast blurred as she stared down at it. She heard the screech of chairs on the condo floor, and then she felt the warmth of her friends' arms surrounding her.
Pahn gently tapped her back, trying to soothe her.
“We’re here for you, June. You’ll always have us to come back to.”
– • • •–• • –••–
“Do you want a sandwich with you?”
December 22nd, afternoon. The fateful day June would use the free transit pass for the queer community. Earn looked at Pahn in amusement from the passenger seat of June’s car. Emi was the one driving, currently parked near the Skytrain station. Honestly, the way Pahn was fussing, you’d think it was her child’s first day of kindergarten.
Either that, or June was an astronaut being sent into outer space for a week. Pahn had been asking for the last ten minutes if June was okay. Was she thirsty? Hungry? Did she want a candy? Good grief, she was just taking the BTS for a one-way trip.
“June, are you sure you want to leave your bag with us?” Earn asked.
June had literally left all her belongings behind. Phone. Wallet. She was carrying nothing but herself.
“There’s no food in there for you to steal, if that’s what you’re asking, Preeyaphat,” June replied with a frown. “Aren’t you full yet?”
“Gosh, not that. What if you get kidnapped on the BTS and the kidnapper can't contact us because you don't have a phone? You don't even know our numbers by heart.”
June rolled her eyes.
“I’m leaving my phone and wallet just to make sure I actually go through with this.” If she had them, she might lose her nerve, back out, and just pay for a regular fare.
It was better this way—no cash, no card, no mobile banking. And definitely no phone, so she couldn't just call her driver to come pick her up.
Her condo was far from this station, definitely not walking distance. Her friends were also tasked with waiting for her at the final stop.
In short, she’d stripped herself of all other options. She had literally set herself up. She was going to woman up, walk into that station, and tell the officer at the ticket booth that she was there for the promo because... she’s a lesbian.
She would say the word: Lesbian.
If she was going to confess, she might as well go all the way.
“I’m proud of you already, sis,” Earn said sincerely.
June laughed. “Cut the flattery. You just want me to buy you dinner later, don’t you?”
Earn gasped, dramatically clutching her chest. “How rude! Can't I just be genuinely proud of you!?” Then she grinned. “But if you’re offering to treat us, then why not?”
“Are you sure you don’t want us to come with you?” Pahn asked one last time. “How about an umbrella?”
Emi chuckled. “Just take the umbrella, June, so your ‘mom’ here will finally shut up.”
June laughed and took Pahn’s umbrella.
“You guys are terrible. Something might happen to June; she’s not exactly a regular on the BTS.”
That was true. Aside from the fact that she didn’t need public transport, she didn't particularly like it. She had only ridden the Skytrain three times in her life, and even then, Emi was with her during off-peak hours when it wasn't crowded.
“I can manage, Pahn,” she assured her worry-wart friend and bid them farewell.
“See you on the other side, Khun Ariel!” Emi shouted after her.
Tsk. They make it sound like I’m going off to die.
June waved goodbye and turned toward the escalator. She immediately winced, swearing under her breath. What the hell? Why are there so many people? It’s not even rush hour.
Ah, shit. The holidays.
June stepped onto the escalator and instantly regretted it.
The crowd swallowed her whole. The air felt thick, humid, and loud. Too loud. Her senses went into overdrive: the screech of the train on the tracks, the rhythmic beep-beep of the gates, the muffled announcements echoing overhead, and footsteps blurring into a continuous hum that made her head buzz.
She could feel sweat beginning to trickle down the back of her neck. It was icky and made her skin crawl. She tightened her grip on the umbrella.
You’re fine, she told herself. Just get the ticket and this will all be over.
She followed the stream of people toward the ticket office and immediately spotted the line. It was long, snaking, and unforgiving. She cursed quietly. I can’t even see the end of the queue!
It took her forever just to find the back of the line. She got glared at and shoved by hurried commuters at least three times. She was seconds away from losing it and pulling someone’s hair. The elitist voice in her head was screaming, “Just you wait. I’m going to buy this entire damn BTS line!”
She joined the end of the queue, standing stiffly, hyper-aware of everything. The fluorescent lights were blinding. Someone behind her was playing LINE voice messages on speaker. Someone in front of her kept shuffling backward, invading her personal space.
She rolled her eyes and concentrated. Single trip. Last station, she rehearsed. Her eyes flicked to the small laminated sign taped near the glass counter. Rainbow colors. Cheerful fonts. Free rides for LGBTQIA+.
She couldn't help but wonder—was everyone in this line gay? Did the people next to her look gay? Did standing here make her look... like a lesbian?
But so what? There was nothing wrong with that. But what if someone saw her? What if someone she knew approached her, called her name, and asked, “What are you doing here, June? This lane is only for... wait, are you? Does your family know?”
Her throat went dry. Her hand instinctively reached into her empty pocket. She could still turn around. Walk back out. Call her driver—
No. No phone.
She could just pay cash—
No. Wallet. Gone.
June let out a quiet, shaky breath. You really trapped yourself, Wanwimol. She had trapped herself in the closet, and now she had trapped herself in this station. Was it always going to be like this?
The line crept forward. The closer she got, the louder her thoughts became. Her palms were damp. She discreetly wiped them on her dress, then froze, annoyed at her own nerves.
Just say it, she told herself. One sentence. Polite. Quick.
The line moved again.
No one knows you here. No one would even imagine her being in a place like this. She was June Wanwimol, the granddaughter of one of the biggest real estate moguls in Thailand. What would someone like her be doing here?
June took another slow breath and added that thought to the pile.
This wasn't her neighborhood. These weren't her people. No family friends. No socialites. She was just another woman in a dress with red hair, standing in line at a BTS station.
This won't matter in three days, she told herself. Hell, it won't even matter tomorrow.
The teller wouldn't remember her face. The people behind her were too busy with their phones, their lives, and their own destinations. By the time Christmas rolled around, this moment would be archived somewhere in her brain as something vaguely embarrassing, but ultimately harmless.
She clung to that logic as the line moved forward again. You say it, you get the ticket, you leave. One last step. June exhaled and squared her shoulders. Two people ahead. June straightened her back. One person left. Her heart slammed so loudly against her ribs she was convinced the teller could already hear it.
She looked down at the floor tiles. She felt the person in front of her move away. June stepped forward and closed her eyes tight. “F-Free ride. I’m a lesbian.”
She felt like she was about to faint from the suffocating mix of emotions. It felt like time had slowed down. Wait. Hold on—it really was slow. Why hadn't she been given a ticket yet?
June opened her eyes. Her gaze fell on the counter, but there was no ticket sitting there. Did the teller not hear her? Did she really have to repeat that she’s a lesbian?
The woman in line behind her seemed to be losing her patience. “Miss, what’s going on?”
Irritation dripped from the woman's tone, but it didn't quite register in June’s ears. It didn't seem to reach the teller, either. The girl behind the glass was staring at June, her mouth slightly agape. “You’re a... lesbian?”
June didn’t know how long she stood there, but the complaints behind her were growing louder. She heard the rumble of a train arriving at the platform, but she remained frozen in place.
If she had known this would happen, it would have been better to just roll along the tracks until she reached the last station. Or just get hit by the train. Whichever came first.
How was she supposed to know that Mewnich Nannaphas was the one behind the counter?
Son of a bitch.
Then June’s brow furrowed. What was Mewnich even doing at the ticket booth? Isn’t she supposed to be an engineer?
– • • •–• • –••–
“Engineer Mewnich Nannaphas!”
Mewnich snapped back to reality at the sound of her name. She must have fallen asleep with her eyes open again. Yes, she’d learned how to do that—perfecting the skill between various part-time jobs while reviewing for her boards, and even now, as she juggled a full-time position with extra gigs.
The other woman chuckled. “Seriously, I’ve been calling you for forever and you just ignored me. I guess I really have to include the 'Engineer' title to get your attention.”
Mewnich pressed her lips into a thin line but didn't bother to snap back. She truly had zero energy. No sleep. She glanced at the wall clock of their shared apartment. It was only 4:00 AM. She let out another yawn.
“Anyway, girl, you still holding up?”
Mewnich looked at Mim, who was standing with her hands on her hips and an eyebrow raised. Mim was wearing a white apron, holding a spatula in one hand. Mewnich couldn't help but smile; her friend was adorable. Tiny, but giving off major P’ vibes.
“Gosh, she’s finally lost her mind,” Mim said, shaking her head. “You need to chill with the overtime, girl. You’re becoming so thin you’re practically translucent. You work like you have ten kids to feed.”
“Hey, that’s a bit much,” Mewnich joked, then winked. “Maybe just three, you know?”
Mim just rolled her eyes and went back to frying the eggs for Mewnich’s packed lunch. Mewnich lowkey hoped there would be some Khao Pad Kra-Tiam. Mim’s fried rice was legendary—so garlicky and good that you didn't even need a side dish.
“I didn’t get to buy garlic last night, so no fried rice for you,” Mim said, turning back to her.
“Did I say that out loud?”
“No, I just felt it.” Mim grinned. “Anyway, I’m donating Bonnie’s share of the food to you. It looks like she won’t be waking up until noon anyway. Besides, you deserve it. Consider it a 'talent fee' for letting that girl keep you up all night.”
Mewnich chuckled and looked at the subject of their conversation. She found Bonnie sprawled on their couch, limbs everywhere. She looked like a roasted chicken—mouth agape and drooling. Fortunately, Bonnie had such "youngest sibling" energy that she still managed to look cute even like that.
Speaking of roasted chicken... Mewnich’s stomach grumbled at the thought. Her mouth actually watered. It had been so long since she’d treated herself to actual roast chicken. I deserve it, right? Payday is coming and I’ve put in so much OT.
Then she looked at Mim and pouted. “You’re so unfair. You totally abandoned me last night.”
It was already late when Bonnie had stumbled back to their shared apartment. She looked pretty drunk, but that didn't stop her from ranting about her ex-boyfriend... and about the girl she had ended up kissing at the bar. Again.
It was funny to think that 90% of the gossip was about the girl, while the part about her cheating ex felt like an unskippable pop-up ad she just wanted to click past.
Mim scoffed. “If I had stayed out there with you, we’d all be asleep right now.”
Mewnich laughed. The moment Mim had heard the first three sentences of Bonnie’s drama, the smaller woman had rolled her eyes and marched out of the living room. Bonnie had called after her, but it had zero effect.
“I’m fed up with your problems, Bonnie,” Mim had called out. Well, it wasn't the first time Bonnie had run into this specific issue. Last night was the third time. Come to think of it, three times isn't that many, but it was certainly a weird pattern.
“Bonnie is gay,” Mim would always say with a straight face. “We just don’t know what flavor yet, but that girl is queer.”
The two of them had raised the possibility to Bonnie before, but she remained stubborn in her conviction that she was 100% straight. Eventually, Mim got tired of explaining her observations, and they were both exhausted from hearing Chappell Roan’s Good Luck, Babe! blasting on repeat in their apartment.
“And anyway, how was I supposed to know you were going in today? Wasn't your vacation leave supposed to start already?” Mim continued her sermon, breaking Mewnich’s train of thought.
“P’Godji texted last night. She has a really bad case of food poisoning—LBM. She can't make it in,” Mewnich explained.
Mim stared at her. Hard.
“...and well, it’s extra OT pay,” Mewnich added softly. “It’s a waste to pass it up.”
Mim rolled her eyes, and the bunny-faced girl let out a whine. “Mim, you know why I need to chase every baht I can get. My current salary is worlds away from what an engineer makes.”
“Exactly,” Mim answered sternly. “That’s the problem, Mewnich. You’re not an engineer… yet.”
Mewnich gave a bitter smile. “Will I ever actually be one?”
Mim’s eyes softened instantly. “Of course you will.”
Three years had passed since Mewnich passed the Civil Engineering licensure exam. Three years since she left her family in the province to seek opportunities in Bangkok as an engineer. She would have taken anything—even an entry-level position—but the market was unforgiving.
An engineering firm had reached out to her once, but she was only shortlisted. Someone with more experience got the spot. The HR personnel offered her a temporary position as an administrative assistant while she waited for an opening, but it turned out to be a dead end. Worse, she was treated like a babysitter for the man-children there—specifically, her boss.
Even when she was off-duty, he would call her. He’d ask for the most random things and act like every minor task was a national emergency.
It was devastating for her mental health. She developed severe anxiety; she would literally start to panic every time she heard the LINE notification sound. Her shitty boss, combined with her existential dread, was driving her toward a breakdown.
But she felt helpless. Everything felt like it was high-stakes.
She couldn't bear to go home without being a "real" engineer. Her parents had scraped together everything to put her through school. The fishing boat her father had pawned was still being paid off even now.
The corners of her eyes still stung whenever she thought about it. She refused to return home as anything less than a practicing engineer. Because of that, she endured that god-forsaken company for six months until she came home one night, completely hollow.
Bonnie and Mim were sitting seriously on the couch and handed her something. Her friends had drafted a resignation letter for her.
“Submit it, sis. Now.”
It was only then that she realized how truly miserable she had become. Or rather, that was the moment she finally admitted she couldn't take it anymore. She broke down, her knees hitting the floor as her strength gave out. She felt her friends' arms wrap around her.
“You look like you wouldn’t even mind if a car hit you. We’ve been worried sick,” Mim had confessed, her usually sassy voice trembling until Mewnich noticed that she was crying, too.
Mewnich submitted the letter. Bonnie and Mim covered their shared expenses while Mewnich used her remaining savings to send money back to the province and search for a new job. She looked for part-time gigs while waiting for an engineering firm to call her back. But after numerous attempts, no one called. Even when they did, they’d reject her immediately for her lack of experience.
Damn these companies that claim to be "Open for Fresh Graduates" but demand years of experience.
It reached the point where her savings were nearly gone, and her pride wouldn't allow her to be a burden on Bonnie and Mim any longer. So, she accepted the most stable job that called her back.
And that was how she ended up as a cashier for the BTS. She’d been there for almost two years now. Time seemed to just slip away during her shifts. There were occasional problems—difficult passengers or system glitches—but overall, it was fine. Her co-workers were kind.
The pay was low, though, which is why she took every part-time gig or overtime opportunity she could get. Because after everything that had happened, her parents still believed she was working as an engineer in the big city.
“By the way, I might be home late tonight... or maybe not at all,” Mim mumbled. Mewnich noticed her friend’s ears turning bright red.
The bunny-faced girl grinned. “Why? Are you going to go around kissing girls in bars, too?”
Mim’s grin widened. “Not at a bar. I’ve got 'bookings' at a five-star hotel later.”
Mewnich guffawed. “Look at you, flexing!”
Mim flipped her hair. “I’m not flexing. This is just the normal lifestyle of someone with a girlfriend. I wish you’d experience it too, but you’re always buried in work.”
Mewnich just shook her head. “That’s uncalled for.”
“Why? It’s the truth. Honestly, I think that co-worker of yours had a crush on you back then, but you didn't notice because you were doing OT after OT.”
“Who? Aungpao?”
“Yeah.” Mim laughed. “The poor guy ended up resigning before you even noticed.”
Mewnich shrugged. “I don't know, I think he was just being nice. Sorry, okay? Not everyone gets a 'meet-cute' moment. Some of us are just slaves to capitalism.”
Mim stuck her tongue out at her.
“Don’t do that, Mim. Save that tongue for View, please.”
“Excuse me!”
Mim worked as a barista at a famous coffee chain. That’s where she met View, who became a regular because she thought Mim was cute. But since Mim was too proud to make the first move and View was too shy, nothing almost happened—until View literally fainted from heart palpitations because she drank too much coffee just to see Mim, and Mim had to rush her to the hospital.
Finally, they confessed and decided to "take things slow" because they were still getting to know each other. Mewnich just laughed because she couldn't see where the "slow" part was—they seemed to have a "honeymoon" almost every week. It’s not like they were just playing rock-paper-scissors in those hotel rooms.
Speaking of scissors...
“Oh, free rides for the queer community today,” Mewnich mentioned. “In case you guys were thinking of taking the BTS.”
Mim was about to answer, but someone else cut in.
“It’s too early for all this gay talk,” Bonnie complained, eyes half-closed. She was still stumbling from her hangover. Apparently, she only woke up because she had to pee. “Wait, what’s free?”
Mewnich chuckled. Out of the three of them, Bonnie had the highest salary as an accountant and supervisor, but she was by far the cheapest. Her ears always perked up at the word "free."
“Oh, you’re alive,” Mim commented. “I donated your eggs to Mewnich.”
Bonnie’s brain was still loading. She just looked at them in confusion, then clutched her stomach. “My eggs? Does she want to start her own family? Why my eggs, though?”
Mim’s jaw hit the floor, and she let out a defeated sigh. “Whatever. Just go pee, you idiot.”
Bonnie furrowed her brow and pouted. “What’s the topic, anyway? I just woke up, have some mercy.”
“Meet-cutes,” Mewnich chipped in.
“What about them?”
Mim rolled her eyes. “Meet-cutes. As in, you and whichever of those three girls you kissed.”
Bonnie pouted. “You’re being mean. That’s like saying Mewnich and whichever passenger she meets at the BTS.”
Mewnich winced. “Wow, look at your ratio. 1-to-3 versus 1-to... at least a thousand? I’m more likely to catch a contagious disease than find a girlfriend at work.”
“You’ve got a point. Don’t go kissing a thousand people, sis. It’s dangerous,” Bonnie added with zero helpfulness.
“Just go pee, Bonnie. You’re giving me a headache,” Mim snapped, looking like she was seconds away from hitting Bonnie with her spatula.
“Ehhh, but the topic is interesting. Let me join.” She took the chair next to Mewnich. “So, what’s your type, sis?”
“I don't know.”
Mim laughed. “Like I said—she only cares about work.”
“Is that legit, Mewnich? Like... out of all the people you see every day, you’ve never had a 'wow, they’re attractive' moment?”
“You said it yourself, didn’t you? With the sheer number of people I see every day, nothing appeals to me anymore. They’re all just faces. Just people passing through my life.”
Well, occasionally she did see someone beautiful or handsome. Sometimes even celebrities took the BTS. But just like Mewnich said, everyone she saw at the station was just passing through. No one would matter in three days.
Heck, even in three minutes. No one was ever worthwhile enough to remember.
Mewnich shifted the discussion back to the other two. Thankfully, they didn't push the subject. She teased Bonnie about Mim’s "honeymoon" later and asked if Bonnie was going to work. Bonnie said no—she was filing for a Sick Leave because she felt like her head would explode if she had to look at another Excel sheet.
Their conversation flowed casually, just like any other morning. Nothing out of the ordinary. Mewnich truly believed this day would pass by like any other.
A meet-cute, huh? Mewnich scoffed to herself, As if.