Chapter 2: Unsaid, Unseen
—Thame.
Po meets Thame's eyes. Immediately the expression went from surprise to horror. Before Po could burst into madness, the other boys peek from the back of the door. The four greeted Po with a smile and helped him with his luggage inside. Po sat on the sofa, crossed arms while Nano and Dylan sat on the floor, then Pepper and Jun sat across.
“Phi” Thame softly called, the four boys knotted their brows looking at Thame.
“What?”
“Phi, they have nothing to do with this” Thame said
“Oh? They don’t know?” Po scoffs looking at Thame
“Did you know Thame didn’t ask or even informed you are going here?” Po faced Dylan, Nano, Pepper and Jun.
The four looked at Thame, bowing his head.
“Thame, I almost lost my job when Khun Pemika found you were nowhere in the group house, your apartment and your family, she was furious.” Thame didn’t answer and remained his head low.
"Thame, didn't I tell you just tell me your plans and I will help make it happen.” Po added firmly as he stood up.
Thame freezes, lips trembling. The sincerity in Po’s voice cuts through his walls. His eyes well up.
Po watched him in silence. He could see the way Thame’s shoulders trembled, even if his face stayed hidden.
After a long pause, Po exhaled softly.
“Come on. Let’s step outside for a bit.”
Jun looked at Thame following Po looking worried, he looked at Pepper who's also looking at the two going out.
“Let them be,” Pepper said when he felt Jun stood up.
-
The air was heavy between them, filled with words neither wanted to say. Po leaned against the railing, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Thame stood a few steps away, hands shoved in his pockets, head still lowered.
“So it wasn’t just me. The others didn’t even know about this trip, did they?” voice low and sharp
Thame clenched his fists but stayed silent.
“Why, Thame? Why hide it from everyone? From me?” Po asked again, sighing.
“Because you never see me, Phi! You only see what I do wrong!” Thame finally snapped
The words shot out raw, louder than he meant, leaving him breathless. His chest rose and fell as if the weight of his frustration had finally slipped.
Po froze. The anger in him faltered, replaced by something heavier. He searched Thame’s face, red ears, trembling hands, eyes refusing to meet his. For the first time, it dawned on him that beneath the sharp words was something more fragile… something that had been there all along.
“…Thame.”
But Thame only turned his head away, jaw tight, refusing to let Po see more.
The silence stretched, charged, until Po let out a tired breath.
“…Next time, just tell me. I’ll still be here.”
Thame’s shoulders stiffened. He gave the faintest nod, head bowed so low Po couldn’t see his eyes.
They stood there side by side, calmer than before but not fixed, something unspoken, lingering, heavy and undeniable.
-
YOU ARE READING
Strings and Shadow
FanfictionThame has always kept his feelings for Po hidden, his quiet admiration masked behind music. When their band escapes to Isla Liyag, Po is determined to track them down. But between rehearsals, late-night talks, and unspoken glances, the line between...
