"Go to sleep soon."

"You sleep first."

"Atjima sleeps first."

Atjima burst out laughing along with the person beside her, who also laughed happily at their stubbornness. Even though they had already confessed their feelings to each other—the happiest thing in the world—nothing between them had really changed, there was no sudden sweetness, no awkward shift into being overly affectionate, because that simply wasn't who they were.

"If you keep staring at me like that, how am I supposed to sleep?"

"I'm afraid that if I fall asleep, you'll disappear when I wake up."

"Disappear to where? I don't even know how to drive down the mountain."

"True."

"Jam, you're so silly!"

Atitaya was teasing more than she was being serious, yet somehow, being called silly at that moment made Atjima smile as if she had just been given the sweetest words, because now, no matter what Atitaya said—even the most trivial thing—it was enough to make her smile so much that Atitaya began to worry her jaw might lock from smiling too much, or that she was simply too overwhelmed by happiness.

"I'm not used to seeing you smile this much."

"Does it look strange?"

"You usually keep a strong face, but right now you look like a completely different person."

Being called out like that only made Atjima smile even wider, completely unable to stop, and it seemed impossible for her to fall asleep tonight anyway, as if her happiness might spill out at any moment. This was what it felt like to be the happiest person in the world.

Because in Atitaya's heart, Atjima had always been Atjima.

"It's a pity we have to go back tomorrow. I wish we could stay here for a few more days."

"I wouldn't. Just one night is already cold, and at night it gets even colder."

"Are you okay?"

"Still cold."

"Don't the sweater and blanket help?"

"They do, just not as much as I need."

Atjima fell silent, thinking seriously about how to take care of Atitaya in the best possible way, but even after the sweater and the only blanket they had were almost entirely covering her, it still wasn't enough to keep her warm.

"What should I do? Put another sweater on you?"

"No need, just come a little closer to me."

"Just that?"

"A little more."

"I'm afraid I'll squeeze you."

"It's okay, this is good."

"..."

Atjima watched as the other moved closer before Atitaya wrapped her arms around her again, and this time she didn't have to pretend to be asleep like she used to when they were children, because now, when that mischievous girl wanted to hug her, she simply came closer and held her gently without hiding it.

How could anyone possibly escape from something like this?

"Is it okay like this?"

"Yeah... it's good."

"The blanket is warm too, you don't have to hug me."

"Are you uncomfortable with it? If you are, you can tell me."

"I was, when we were kids, but now... not at all."

Afraid that Atitaya might misunderstand, Atjima quickly corrected herself and tightened her arms slightly, not letting the person she loved slip away from her warmth again.

"So when we were kids... you knew I was secretly hugging you?"

"I always knew."

"..."

So all that time in childhood, when Atitaya thought she had been perfectly discreet, Atjima had actually known from the very beginning, yet still allowed her to stay, to keep hugging her night after night, even though she could have easily pushed her away at any moment.

"Now you don't have to hide anymore, you can hug me whenever you want."

Atitaya paused for a moment.

"Then why are you blushing so much?"

"I feel shy."

"What? That doesn't suit you at all, Atjima."

"When someone lovely is hugging you... who wouldn't feel shy?"

Back then, they might not have understood these feelings, but now Atjima did, she understood her own heart and why she had always given in to Atitaya, and from now on, she wanted to give in even more.

"Lovely? Are you complimenting me?"

"Of course I am."

"Jam, you're such a silly girl!"

"Fine, I won't say anything else."

"Then why are you shouting? My ears hurt."

"Go to sleep soon, or I'll throw you out of the tent."

"If you dare, I'll throw you out first!"

"You think I wouldn't?"

Between them, it had always been like that—an eye for an eye, a word for a word, a heart for a heart—because no matter how much they liked each other, they would still argue over the smallest things.

Because in this world, for her, there was only Atjima.

"Want to try?"

"No, I don't."

"Ha! You lost, Atjima."

"I always lose to you."

"..."

"I'm just telling you now."

Atitaya thought she had won, but those last words, spoken just before falling asleep, made her realize that in the end, she was the one who lost, and yet it didn't matter at all, because tonight would be warm, filled with gentle embraces and sweet dreams.

It felt as if the fifteen years of distance had finally come to an end, the moment their hearts found each other again.

And somehow... she had always been the one who lost to Atjima...

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"There you go, Atitaya, I was just thinking about you and Fai, and you came back."

Kasama looked in the same direction his wife mentioned and saw the farm's pickup truck turning in and parking in front of the house. Atjima had only returned from her trip to Doi Kad Phi mountain yesterday morning, yet she had already driven out again and come back late this morning.

Atjima quickly stepped out from the driver's side, then hurried around to open the passenger door so Kaprao could get out, showing an unusual level of care that didn't go unnoticed. This made Kasama glance at his wife, who returned the look with a satisfied smile, clearly pleased to see how much their relationship had improved. Compared to when they first arrived in Chiang Rai, it was as if they were completely different people now.

"You're back. How was it? Is Doi Kad Phi as beautiful as I said?"

"Very beautiful, Rose. I was impressed the first time I went there."

"And you, Atjima? Did you see the sea of fog?"

"The sea of fog is beautiful, Rose."

"Just beautiful? I forgot that Atjima has higher standards than anyone else."

"Then for Atjima, Kaprao must be something even more than that."

"..."

At that moment, it wasn't only the person being directly mentioned who froze at those words—both Din and Rose also exchanged looks, sensing that things might turn awkward if the meaning behind them wasn't made clear.

"Because to me, the sea of fog is just that... nothing compared to your beauty."

For a brief moment, Kaprao didn't know whether to feel annoyed or shy first, while Rose laughed in satisfaction and Din smiled to the side, looking just as used to Atjima's behavior as Atitaya was.

"Ah, now that's the Atjima we know, isn't it?"

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"When Lom sees me, she'll definitely make fun of me."

"Does Lom already know?"

"I think Rose must have told Blue, so Lom probably knows that I'm dating."

"Don't you want people to know?"

"It's not that... I'm just a little flustered, but I'll get used to it."

Atjima let out a small chuckle of relief after Din and Rose dropped them off at Chiang Rai Airport for their flight to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. She had already agreed with Atitaya that they would spend the night at Uncle Watit's house before continuing on to Surat Thani the next day, returning to their normal lives and responsibilities.

Once she got back, Atjima was ready to face Phanee and take responsibility for everything that had been left unresolved, making sure it would no longer affect the person she cared about most. Now that they had opened their hearts to each other and started dating, even if Phanee tried to stop them, it would already be too late.

For nearly twenty-four years, she had been the good child Phanee wanted—obedient in every way, never causing disappointment, always making her aunt proud. Some things from her childhood had only come to be understood as wrong when she grew older, things that once hurt Atitaya and made her resent her, but now that they had finally reached an understanding, Atjima had promised herself that she would never hurt Atitaya like that again.

She was no longer a child who needed to wait for Phanee's approval or be told which direction to go, no longer someone who would let others decide who should stay or be pushed away. If she hadn't been able to protect Atitaya enough back then, then from now on, she would protect the person she loved with everything she had.

"Atjima?"

"This time, when we go back, I won't let anyone mistreat you."

"But the one who provokes me the most is you, Atjima."

Atitaya looked at her, even as Atjima held her hand gently, that small gesture showing she was ready to stand beside her and face everything together. The softness of it contrasted so much with the composed, distant image Atjima usually carried that it made Atitaya feel shy, forcing her to speak just to cover it up.

"I'm talking about Phanee."

"..."

"I know our relationship will become an even bigger problem than before. Phanee will do everything she can to separate us, but I won't let go of your hand again. I promise I'll protect you as best as I can."

Atitaya placed her hand over Atjima's, gently but firmly, as if sealing that promise—that no matter what obstacles or trials came their way, what they felt for each other would endure, and they would never let go again or be separated for another fifteen years.

"I promise too... no matter what happens, I will never let go of your hand, Atjima."

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Why do you look so experienced?"

"What?"

"You seem to know exactly what to do on a date."

Atjima looked at the younger girl teasingly, pretending to find fault, after the two of them arrived at Uncle Watit's house in the afternoon. They had planned to go out for dinner as one last moment together before heading back to Surat the next day, knowing they would probably arrive home early in the evening and wouldn't have much time left like this again.

In the end, when they arrived at the mall, they didn't just stick to the plan of having dinner, because Atitaya suggested watching a movie while thinking of something to do to pass the time, and naturally, Atjima agreed.

"I used to come here a lot when I was studying."

"With whom?"

"Stop it, Atjima. I won't tell."

"With who...?"

Atitaya shot her a look of exasperation at that deliberately softened tone, which still carried obvious curiosity and a hint of stubbornness, but seeing that Atjima was at least trying to hold back, she finally decided to tell the truth.

"With Not."

"What a relief."

"Why? Were you afraid I'd say who I came to watch movies with?"

"With... a girlfriend, a crush, or someone you were talking to."

"None of those. Back then, I only had Not. She's been my friend since high school."

"Wait, my father said you went to an all-girls school. If you say you only had Not, does that mean there was something else?"

"Do you want to get punched, Atjima? Stop talking nonsense... Not is my best friend."

"I already knew it. Not isn't your type."

Atjima let out a relieved smile after confirming that Not, Atitaya's best friend, wasn't some old love rival, but the one who started to get irritated instead was Atitaya, who turned to look at her with a serious expression even though Atjima hadn't really done anything wrong.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"Yes, and you don't even realize it."

"What did I say wrong?"

"You're so silly, Atjima!"

"Fine, I'll be silly for a day, but if you don't tell me, how am I supposed to know what I did wrong?"

"Not! You don't have to call her a flirt, just call me that."

"Oh... are you jealous?"

"Yes."

If she wasn't jealous, she wouldn't have shown it so clearly, and if Atjima weren't so clueless, she would have realized that Atitaya didn't want her to call anyone else that way.

She wanted to be the only one.

"That direct, huh."

"Why beat around the bush? I'm not like you, Atjima."

"Oh, so now it's my fault? But I don't mess around anymore, I just carry the weight somewhere else."

"In your head?"

"Almost right, but you need to add the heart too."

It was a line she had once picked up from Lom. Back then, when she heard it, she thought it was cheesy, but now that she was the one using it, maybe it would actually work.

"Why? I don't understand."

"My heart feels heavy because it's full of you, Atitaya."

"There you go again, Atjima... are you calling me fat?"

"..."

Would there ever be a day when they wouldn't argue?

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"What are you looking at?"

"I'm looking at the dolls. What do you think, Atjima? Are they cute?"

"They're cute, but to me... not as cute as you."

"Enough! Please stop praising me."

Another second and she might have actually raised her hands to stop Atjima from continuing, because compliments like that only made everything feel awkward and unnatural. People would easily notice when something sounded forced, and more importantly, that kind of sweet talk simply didn't suit Atjima at all.

If she had to like her, it would be because Atjima was being herself—just the way she had always been.

"Why? Are you so embarrassed you can't accept it?"

"You're already giving me goosebumps. Atjima, please just be yourself."

"Then why is it that when Lom says things like this, girls like it?"

"Because that's Lom, not you, Atjima."

"Fine, I'll ask you something directly. Atitaya, answer honestly, even if we're dating."

"Okay, go ahead."

Atitaya finally looked away from the shelf of cute dolls and turned to Atjima, nodding slightly to show she was ready to listen.

"Between Din, Na, Lom, and me... who is the prettiest in the house?"

"No bias?"

"No bias. Be honest."

"Then... it has to be Lom."

"..."

Atjima puffed out her cheeks, crossed her arms, and tilted her head slightly in clear dissatisfaction, like someone who simply refused to accept the truth, even though she already knew Atitaya wasn't lying. Among the four cousins of the Watinwanich family, Lom was undeniably the one favored the most when it came to looks.

"What's wrong, Atjima? You told me to answer honestly, and now you're sulking."

"Who's sulking? I'm not."

"You just asked the wrong question. If you had asked who I like the most, I wouldn't have answered like that."

"Then I'll ask again... Atitaya, who do you like the most?"

"I like that teddy bear. It's very cute."

Atitaya reached out and poked the teddy bear's ear, clearly doing it on purpose.

Compared to her cousins, she lost.

And now, compared to a teddy bear... she still lost.

It seemed like karma had finally come back around, letting Atitaya tease her as much as she pleased.

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Is the teddy bear you wanted to give me when I was little still there?"

"It must be, but it's quite old."

"When we get home, bring it to me."

"I already bought a new one. Atitaya still wants another teddy bear?"

"That one has sentimental value."

Atjima looked at the person next to her, who was hugging the new teddy bear she had bought as a gift for their first date after they agreed to start dating. If they didn't count the camping trip to Doi Kad Phi, where their relationship was still uncertain, today was their first date with a new, clearer status. She wanted to keep this good memory.

"When we get home, I'll bring it to you."

"Thanks."

"The little bear will have a partner, just like us."

"Was that pun Lom's?"

"No, I thought of it myself."

Atitaya laughed when she saw the older woman protest, not wanting her to think that the pun had come from Lom. Then, she nodded, accepting and praising Atjima's effort. Even if the pun didn't work, she liked Atjima anyway.

"Well, when we get home, rest. We have to leave early tomorrow."

"You didn't have to do all this, Atjima."

"I want to do it. I really want to."

She was glad she could be nicer to Atitaya, like now, as she leaned over to carefully unbuckle her seatbelt, then hurried to open the passenger door for Atitaya to get out. If it wasn't too much of a stretch, she might even offer to carry Atitaya into the house, taking care of her like a true knight.

"You're behaving very well, Atjima."

"That way, Atitaya won't run away."

"If I really wanted to, I could, but I won't."

"This time, I won't let you. I'll block your path."

The owner of the sweet face looked at the older woman, who had her arms open, pretending to block her path. She looked into the eyes that were looking back at her. Even though they were almost ten centimeters apart in height, it was never a problem, as they were always at eye level with each other.

"Thank you for today."

"I hope Atitaya enjoyed the first meeting. If there was something you didn't like, I can improve it next time."

"It was great, Atjima."

"From zero to ten, how much do you give?"

"I think nine. If I give ten on the first date, it will be too perfect."

The eldest smiled broadly at the score that exceeded her expectations. In fact, if she had only received a five, she would have been very happy, but getting a nine left her smiling nonstop.

"If I get ten, do I win a prize?"

"I don't have a prize to give, but it could be a gift."

"Okay, where's the present?"

"First, close your eyes."

Atitaya laughed lightly, surprised to see the eldest behaving like an eight-year-old child. Atjima looked so obedient, closing her eyes and waiting for the gift. She would seem cruel if she didn't have a gift, since she was the one who suggested it.

"When did you buy the gift? At the mall, I didn't see you buy anything."

"I had already prepared it."

"Can I open my eyes?"

"Atjima, take your time!"

"..."

At that moment, she had to apologize for being stubborn and not obeying Atitaya. After feeling the soft lips touch her cheek quickly and move away, Atjima opened her eyes in surprise, looking at the back of the mischievous girl who ran into the house.

After leaving a kiss on her cheek...

Atjima sat on the ground, touching her cheek like a dreamy person, twitching as if she had been burned. Heat seemed to rise throughout her body, making her lose balance, like someone who had lost her composure. Even if Lom or anyone else came out and teased her, she wouldn't care.

Let it be known that from now on, someone like Atjima, when challenged, will respond.

Atitaya will raise her voice and answer yes...