3Kings : Jakkapad [English Translation]

8

Co-translator : Subhiii

The flower shop that Peempad hasn’t returned  to for a long time still looks as neat as it always has been. The interior area is spacious and the delicate floral aroma is scattered around the shop; that's why people who have visited the shop for the first time can't help looking around with much interest. Jakkapad had never been to a florist before and of course never thought of going now too. He's not a romantic guy; he's never bought flowers for anyone and I could never think of him liking them even. But I don't know why he became interested in them since he had gone to Rangsantan park. Even so, it was not that hard to guess the exact reason why; because the person was looking down and sniffing something not far away.

"I don’t see anyone here."

Since arriving there, Jakkapad hasn't seen any workers. Peempad who was sitting next to him seemed equally perplexed. After he made sure nobody was there, the owner pulled the keys out of the bag and rushed to open the shop door. He walked back to help get him out of the car not forgetting to tell him to stretch his muscles. He tried to work it out as instructed by the physiotherapist but as soon as he saw the patient's face blushing red from being too tense, he couldn't resist offering him help.

Tiring! Hm, it was tiring, but I laughed after looking at the person in front who seemed to anticipate each matter…more than ever.

"I just realized that today was a staff holiday," he said. The man looked up from the flowers and smiled. "We've to take care of the snacks part ourselves. Phi’ Jakk, You’ve to help me," he said.

"Huh," Jakkapad raised eyebrows. The sharp face looked relaxed as the corner of his mouth lifted up with a slight smile, "Buy it yourself. It’s your responsibility."

"Wait a minute! You were the one who told me to buy a lot, wasn’t it?"

"Well, cause I saw someone eating a lot."

"Peem doesn't eat a lot," he argued despite holding the opened pack in his hand. "I haven't eaten this ‘Bua Loy’ for a long time, the ‘Thong Yod’ and ‘Foi Thong’ here too."

"Are you hungry?"

"No," he refused, despite his hands starting to plunge Thong Yod in his mouth. "Delicious… Phi’, try it quick."

"Hmm," he said.

"Open your mouth."

Jakkapad looked at the gold egg-yolk drops that were lodged in front of him with a determined eye. Just seeing the color he knew it was going to be too sweet and when was he even a dessert person? When he was working abroad; even the coffee brewed by the secretary was sweet for him, let alone with the dessert in front of him.

"And what will you be able to eat after this?"

"I just took one bite of the dessert, why do you have to ask that?" Peempad looked at his sharp eyes, that flashed a glistening, strange look back and his hand dipped in the leftover Tong-Yot dropped unconsciously. But before he could instinctively refute and turned to leave the other man's hand grabbed his wrist tightly.[*Ahemm (╥﹏╥)* -subhii]

"It's not yet over, kid." Jakkapad stared at the person he had acknowledged as his own little kid. The Thong yot from before was so sweet that the greasy thing quickly moved into the mouth even if their eyes were not drifting away from each other.

"Pha..Peem is only two years younger." Peempad hides his eyes when he feels like the heat is spreading all over his face. He's never had that expression before. The evening was so cold that it was astoundingly chilly but when he was being teased like this, it made him want to go crazy.  If he was compelled to stare at him continuously, his face was gonna be on fire for sure.

"Little kid".

"Like where?"

"You are still asking?"

"Peem hasn't done anything yet."

The person who was unaware furrowed his brows. The hand poked the sweets and took in their mouths without stopping. In my heart I thought I was going to do something like a little kid, Peempad was confident that he had always maintained his image. Once upon a time he was a stiff-faced man and smiled seldomly. But while growing up he came to know that a smile was crucial in several situations and then a new identity of him was created. The new Peempad was regarded as the 'Dream man of the year' when he was in college overseas but when he found out about the most important person in his life... everything changed.

Anyway I'll have to say...

When and where did I even act like a little kid...

I'd like to give you a hug with solace, eat sweets, smile until my eyes are closed and laugh in a pleasant mood...

'Khun-Chai-Peempad' becomes a little boy when he is in front of his Phi'.

"Oh, my God."

"What's wrong?" Jakkapad laughed looking at the man who had collapsed to squatting position and put his hands on his face.

How can you tell me this isn't... a little boy?

"Enough!" Before the owner of the body stood up hurriedly the loud voice forbade him and the face that used to be white was now red like tomatoes. The beautiful pair of eyes couldn’t even focus on the source. "I checked the back of the shop first. I've been eating snacks," he said.

"Wait a minute, you haven't given me anything yet," Jakkapad mocked while his hand was locking his wrist to keep him from escaping.

"Peem didn't say I would give you a favor," he said. Then he gently removed his hand as if he was afraid of hurting him.

Even though I was pouting, I wasn’t daring enough to shake my hand...this action was honestly adorable.

Jakkapad looked at the back of the shy person until he was out of his sight. But after Peempad was gone, the smile that always had been there had faded as well. It's true that he had forgotten about the people he saw at the hospital. But because he didn't want the person beside him to overthink, he tried to smile and yet Peempad had the special power to break down his worries. So it's not something to be taken lightly.

The skinny hands were raised, looking like usual. I remember his hands were once bigger. It's the hand that holds both money and power; his one finger only could order thousands of people but after the accident it was all over. His hands weren't as big as they used to be; they were thin and looked smaller now.

Smaller?

It resembled the image of someone's white pale palm overlaying on his own hand like a marshland. At that time a thin smile appeared on the rude face again.

His hands aren't smaller... It's never going to be smaller... One day it's going to return to be the same large ones.

But this time, what needs to be pursued is not money or power anymore.

"Peem..." Skinny fingers were now gathered together in a folding position to clench. The confidence that had faded once has been replenished again.

Jakkapad picked up the phone that he had never thought he'd use and searched among the few existing contacts. He looked until he made sure that the person behind the store wouldn't come out anytime soon and then he dialed the desired number. It didn't take long for the other end of the call to be answered quickly.

[Jakk...that child] That low-pitch voice of the other party’s apparent ecstasy made the corner of the listener's mouth appear with a smile. Jakkapad ignored his father's greetings. He quickly jumped on the topic to let someone know that he didn't want to talk nonsense.

"That woman sent someone here."

[You mean...]

"Your ex-wife, the person who gave birth to me." The cold voice seemed to not want to mention his birth mother. The sharp eyes that were always gentle when looking at Peempad were in that terrifying lyrical moment. The nails that hadn't been cut for a while were pecking onto a stiff, insensitive leg as the mood kept rising. Even so, he was still in control when he knew he was disccussing 'Benefits'.

[Dad is going to talk to you and mom.] The other person spoke hurriedly with agitation.

"Do you think she's going to listen to you?"

[Dad...]

"The people who've exploited me for years; I was still able to leave them. How does it matter to be left behind for ten or even twenty years?" 

No response was heard after Jakkapad finished talking but he knew that his father would never cut the call from his end. So the young man waited quietly without saying a single word. In the end, the father who was silent for a long time spoke out in a soft tone exhaustively.

[Jakk, can I help you with anything?]

"Yes," he replied candidly. "I need Gray's personal phone number."

[Gray? You mean Mr. Gray, the son of Ambassador Francis?]

"Uhm," Jakkapad thought to answer curtly. But when pondering over it, he explained more because he didn't want this person to get involved later. "Gray is the only best friend I can trust and you also know that the woman had taken everything from me. Even though no call came she even sent someone to watch over me. The only way I can get in touch with Gray is by making a call."

[Mr. Gray will never be convinced by anything, if he doesn't hear or see your face.]

"Yes... and your job is to get me his number without letting that woman know."

[Can I ask what you're going to do?]

"..." there was no answer to that question. Jakkapad listened to the sighs from the other end of the line without saying anything. All he wanted was the answer to the question he asked earlier.

[Father will  take care of it.]

"Hmm," he said.

[Jakk...]

"..."

[Next month I will be going to Chiang Mai. If we could meet up...]

"I'm busy," he said. The answer was devoid of any regard; it might have more or less hurt the listener. If it was not a matter worthy of attention, the young man would have pulled out his phone pretending to hang up without listening to the answer; but when he saw the smiling shop owner walking from behind the shop while opening his mouth, he decided to put it in his ear again.

[It's okay.]

"If..." the usually cold eyes softened as he looked at the man pressing his lips tightly to hold back his voice after noticing him on the phone. "If Pramuk and Hongtae accompany you, I'll come."

Only then the line was cut. Jakkapad would never have guessed how much his father was smiling with joy on the other end.

"Are you done talking?" The airy body sat on the side chair before handing a glass of water. Jakkapad then stared at the water in his hand for a moment. He opened his mouth first without waiting for the other party to ask him to .

"You have been listening since the beginning, right?"

The listener frowned and his mouth became vowel shaped . It's like he didn't worry about hiding his little boyish appearance anymore once he was aware of it.

"I’m fed up with smart people."

"You were gone for a long time; came back only with a glass of water and a curious face that couldn't be covered up." He reached out to pull his white cheeks impatiently. When it was visibly red he let go of it but cupped the owner's cheek with his hands.

"It hurts," Peempad screams. This time, he was actually hurt and not joking at all. Because a hard-working person will squeeze with full force and won't let go of his cheeks until they were red; but no matter how curious he is, too much of it can cause trouble.

It might be hurtful, if you ask Phi Jakk to tell more about himself ...

"Phi Jakk..."

Suddenly, the red-cheeked person started talking in a serious tone. Peempad's less-than-undesirable face made Jakkapad take it seriously too. He put the glass of water on the table next to him. Both his hands tied together on his laps, it looked like they're negotiating a business deal but the other person looked like he was getting bullied.

"At the hospital..." Peempad swallowed saliva a less important suspicion and then said it more importantly. "Why does Phi’ look scary like that? Something happened, isn't that  right?"

"You’re so observant," he said.

“Well I told you how I am too concerned?”  It's like people are talking a little bit upset because the eyebrows are so frowned upon to a knot. It's hard for the person to put his hands there and help them loosen up. I don't know if the person is afraid of him changing the topic or how he doesn't believe what he told me himself. But as far as I noticed, Jakkapad might think it's both.

"Go lock the shop before you go."

"Huh..." Peempad made a skeptical expression, but on the way back he just simply followed the instructions. He managed to lock the door, close all the curtains and then walked back to take Jakkapad into a private office behind a fairly spacious area.

This office is connected to the bedroom, which he decorated himself because it was meant to make the place an area for relaxation. Although it wasn't that big, it was enough to be divided into two sub-rooms. When he didn't go home and had to work at the shop, he was always living in the inner room. Therefore, it was not unusual to have a bed or sofa set in that room as well.

"Phi’ Jakk was sitting on a chair, you must be tired already. You can go sit on the bed inside and we'll talk."

Peempad still cared about the health and comfort of Jakkapad more than anything. He took the sick man into his own bedroom. He helped the other person lean against the head of bed and then pulled the blanket over it.

“Phi saw people sent by Mintra there.” Although he succeeded in giving the hint, it came out the same way as a clarinet without flute . Peempad understood it very well, so he only sat still and listened. "Mintra... is my mother."

"Your mom..."

Even the word 'mom', he doesn't want to utter... They must hate each other so much.

"That woman sent someone to follow me; not because she was worried but because she was afraid I was going to play tricks."

"But Phi Jakk has been out of there for a long time, isn’t that right?"That’s what Hongtae said. Jakkapad had stopped recovering for a year after his return from abroad. That means he hasn't been involved in those matters for years either. Then why...

"I used to be there as a puppet, But even though I was a puppet, I was still a president. And all the connections and friends I had were dangerous. Even though Phi wasn’t well-known, did not possess any assets or had anything in my name; if you thought I could pull all the power in my hands I wouldn't have done it."

Simply put... if he's thinking of breaking his own mother's core and pulling everything into his hands, it's easier than anything. And it's not just 'if'...because Jakkapad didn't plan to be under his mother's shadow in the first place.

"When my parents broke up, They split up in different ways. Father was struggling to provide support for Phi’ and my brothers. As for mother, she got a new husband and became a billionaire overseas. Actually, we hardly had to be associated with her. The woman didn't want anyone to be a burden on her. We should have separated and never met again...but it happened only because she was so greedy and discontent."

All this time while Jakkapad was speaking, his tone was really indifferent and emotionless. Even though Peempad could feel the awkwardness in the surrounding atmosphere, he could only listen. He couldn't comment on anything as he really didn't know what to say.

"My stepfather was a womanizer. Mintra thought that one day someone might appear to say she was pregnant with him and take all his possessions. So she came back to place me there as her son. And unfortunately...my stepfather really liked my intelligence and gave everything to me. The woman taught me to understand the essence of money and power. But in the end...after that accident, Phi couldn't walk and then was discarded.

Why store a crumbling puppet ; it will be so messy…

He still remembers those words well.

"It's probably because she was afraid I’m gonna turn and bite back, so she had someone to come after me."

"What about your stepfather?"

“Dead,” Jakkapad answered in a smooth voice. “He was with Phi when that accident happened.”

"It means..." Peempad widened his eyes. His heart trembled with shock and fear.

"No," as if he knew what the other person was thinking. Jakkapad shook his face before stretching his hand to stroke his little boy's head gently to ease his worries. "Despite how greedy she is, that woman is not brave enough to plan to kill someone. It was raining heavily that day. Stepfather was driving himself. He drove so fast that the car hit an electric pole on the road. As for Mintra, she just got lucky."

"It's all shocking," Peempda sighed while wondering if it was all in his head because he had watched too many movies. “What about the will? A person of this class should have one, isn’t that right?”

"It seems that before his death, my stepfather had told his lawyer that he had not opened the will. and I didn't know what the terms were but the power in the whole company would be owned by Phi as I was assigned as the head by my stepfather previously. Unfortunately, I became disabled like this and had to return to Thailand. So it was like a waiver for Mintra to step in and take over...It was good that before the opening of will, she didn't have any right to interfere with my stepfather's property other than the administration. Otherwise, she would have spent it all.

"And the person named Gray..." While setting his mind straight, Peempad quickly asked about his doubts. While he was eavesdropping... errm meaning when he heard something accidentally, he heard the word 'Gray' very clearly; however that person must be involved with Phi’ Jakk in one way or another.

"Gray is the only best friend I trust," Jakkapad explained but the sparkle in his twinkling eyes were so evident that the other party had to turn his face away to escape that gaze. "We only contact each other by phone or directly face-to-face. Unfortunately when I came back here, Mintra took everything from Phi’. And I don't think I was ever going to get anything from there. I wanted to get in touch with him. So I had to ask my father, who works overseas to help me get his number."

"I’ve not seen him at all. What work does he do?" Peempad recalled how he had met the father of the three siblings in his childhood. But when Jakkapad returned he hadn't seen uncle accompanying him. Only Jakkapad and Hongtae came together.

"It's a normal office job, but because it’s in an overseas branch, he rarely had time to go home."

"Oh."

"What face am I making now?” I had a suspicious look as if I wanted to ask him extreme things and I didn't know whether it would be nice if I laugh now.

"I just don't understand why good people like Phi’ Jakk have to go through this," he said.

"..." it's like he was being shaken until he was conscious. Jakkapad has been still for a long time. A glimmer of fear sparkled through his sharp eyes. If it had faded away in a moment no one could’ve noticed it.

"Phi’ just wants to contact Khun Gray because he's really a friend?"

"No," he answered honestly. his lips raised a smile when he saw the expectant face of the little kid, "but Peem doesn't need to know yet."

“Oh, no. You have told this much already.” Peempad replied. It was more in a peevish tone; well not exactly but he was stern faced. The person could notice it but only chuckled relaxedly. He was stabilizing his head but also had a serious look in his eyes.

"Wait until I am ready; I will tell you by myself."

"Promise me."

"Uhm," he said.

Give me just a little more time...

‘Phi’ Jakk is the kindest in the world!'


He still doesn't want to... break this kid's trust.


After eating the rice that Peempad had ordered to be delivered to the shop from the restaurant both the young men agreed to sleep there. Peempad called his father to tell this first and then came to sit down with Jakkapad for a long time to talk about his work; because it seemed like Phi’ Jakk might want Peem to return to his job. Peempad wanted his Phi’ to live with nature, live with a lot of flowers and to have a lot of encouragement to heal but after getting knocked out with just one sentence he couldn't argue anymore.

'Phi’s encouragement is Peem; It’s not flowers or a nice atmosphere. If you're worried we can stay here together. Also, it's closer to the hospital and then on weekends we can go back to the park.'

Just from the first sentence he was close to passing away already. What more can he argue even?

Peempad looked at the person who had taken the medicines and fallen asleep first with a gentle expression . He felt like his relationship with his Phi was getting better each day. If Phi’ didn't get too close to him, he was going to have to do it. It looked like Phi’ Jakk himself was thinking in the same direction but something had caused Peempad too much worry...

He didn't care about waiting... no matter how long it was. He must have to be stable again but it's a bad feeling when he heard that his mother had sent someone to watch over him; she hadn’t faded away.

The woman may have been as cunning as Jakkapad had described. She had taken his Phi’ once; if she’s going to take him again this time what can he do?[Awww!( ⚈̥̥̥̥̥́⌢⚈̥̥̥̥̥̀)-subhii]

"No..." She's a bad person. She might be involved with Phi’ Jakk harmfully. However he can’t let her interfere; absolutely not.

As an heir to the rich family, money matters are not a problem for him. But the most important thing is that Peempad has no power. So what can he do to protect Jakkapad? How can he live by his side forever?[Ackk! My heart 💔༎ຶ‿༎ຶ]

The beautiful pair of eyes sparkled fiercely and were earnest as if he was returning to being the same discreet young master Peempad.(Khun-Chai-Peempad). But unlike before now there was only a white slender hand holding the hand of the person who was sleeping tightly and never letting it go.

"Peem, don’t let me go.                              

I’m not going anywhere...

Kreut...Kreut! (*Sound of snoring*)

Peempad quickly picked up the phone that was vibrating on the table fearing it would wake the person sleeping in bed. Luckily, the owner of the hand he was grasping was not conscious. The name that appeared on the screen made the corners of his mouth raise a meaningful smile.

[Peem?]

"Tae."(NIckname of HONGTAE)

[I was really surprised when I saw you calling. Sorry for not receiving it yesterday. I just saw my phone.]

The Person at the end of the line chuckled before a loud noise followed as if the speaker was walking somewhere.

"It's okay."

[Is there something wrong? Usually it's either me or ‘Muk’ who calls to ask about the matters of Phi’ Jakk. Still I have never seen your call pass through.]

Hongtae was smart and noticed the lack of response from him. Peempad knew it well because he had heard  Jakkapad speak about him once. The other party doesn't even know how proud he was while talking about his brothers. And Peem agreed with it too, because since childhood Hongtae had always been the one who understood almost everything; completely different from his little brother.

"I actually called yesterday to inform you that Phi’ Jakk has agreed to get the treatment," he said.

[Really, Peem?]

The adrenaline rush of Hongtae made Peempad smile. He looked at the face of the sleeping man again to confirm to himself that it was true. And then he repeated his words with a lot of intensity.

"Yes,it’s true." he said.

[It was not a bad decision to take Phi’ Jakk to meet you. Thank you very much.]

"I'm willing to," he said.

[You didn't want to talk about only this stuff, right?"]

"Smart again." He laughed softly, agreeing with the other end of the line and not denying one word. "Tae..."

[Listening...]

"Your mother sent someone to follow and keep a watch over Phi’ Jakk."

[...]

Only then the laughter from the other side had faded; almost immediately. The tension was scattered all over the place even if the face wasn't visible and it took a long time for Hongate to speak again.

[How much do you know, Peem?]

"Not as much as you guys know... Phi' Jakk  doesn't want to talk about it and I don't want to put pressure on him."

[Next week, me together with Pramuk and dad will visit there...we must have a talk with each other.]

"Yes, I'll take care of the accommodation."

[Peem]

"Hmm."

[Can you promise me one thing?]

"..."Peempad did not immediately respond to the request after hearing it. He just heard it silently. As for this matter; if it was a matter of promise, he would not hesitate but if he can't, he'll never have a chance to say anything firmly.

[Please... don't leave Phi' Jakk.]

"..."

[He's left with no one...... No, I have to say that he's never had anyone by his side.]

The listener sighed and his eyes didn't let go of the patient's face even for a second. Jakkapad's painful tone cut deep into his heart and it was very well-known to him how many bad things the person in bed has gone through.

"I promise," he said.

I'll never leave anywhere...

Even if I have to do something bad; no matter how selfish I have to be, I'm not going to let go of this hand again...

'Peem is the nicest boy.'

If Peem isn't a good boy... will Phi' Jakk leave Peem?
————————
[*This chapter was filled with emotional moments ಠ﹏ಠ and they are so sweet with each other. I can't!! Please be together ASAP!!!! - Subhii*]