Extra Chapter 2: Zee

​Zee stood in the middle of the Kasetsart University campus, his eyes tracing every detail that adorned the jubilant atmosphere. Balloons, fresh flowers, and countless colorful streamers. The ground echoed with the rhythmic footsteps of students in their formal graduation gowns. It was a scene of solemnity interlaced with joy; even someone who had graduated years ago like him couldn't help but let a small smile slip.

​Zee adjusted his mask and the baseball cap on his head. Clutching a vibrant bouquet of sunflowers, he stepped silently into the bustling crowd.

​Finally, the day of Nunew’s graduation had arrived.

​In the nearly a year since their last meeting, the number of times Zee had spoken to Nunew could be counted on one hand. Even so, he had heard plenty of news through Tutor and Yim, and occasionally from social media posts. Generally speaking, after leaving the turbulence of the entertainment industry, Nunew’s life hadn't changed much.

​Except it was much more peaceful.

​The sun was as hot as a fireball; Zee wondered if the degree conferral ceremony was over. He found a patch of shade to temporarily place the large bouquet before pulling out his phone to call Tutor. Currently, only this junior and Yim knew the exact details of Nunew's situation.

​When the call connected, Zee could hear the chaotic sounds of laughter and chatter on the other end.

​"Tutor, where are you?"

His voice was dry.

"I have a gift I need you to hand over to Nunew for me."

​It wasn't clear what the other said, but Zee concisely described his location, added a word of thanks, and quickly hung up. He lowered his head slightly, eyes half-closed to rest while waiting for Tutor to appear. He had been busy filming in another province for the past few days and had only made it home at 4:00 AM that morning. Though he was exhausted, Zee didn't feel it was a waste at all.

​He didn't want to miss the Little Sun’s graduation.

​Perhaps because Zee’s eyes were closed, he didn't notice the many pairs of eyes directed toward him. Despite choosing a relatively secluded corner and wearing a hat and mask, his tall stature and fair skin alone were enough to attract countless passersby. This was especially true for a few stylish girls seeking shade not far from him.

​"Excuse me, handsome..."

​Zee opened his eyes at the soft call, only to see a QR code on a phone screen held before him.

​"Do you have a girlfriend? Can I get your contact info?"

​Zee shook his head, not even bothering to look at the person's face.

​"I already have someone I like."

​Seeing that the handsome man hadn't even looked at her before refusing, the girl was naturally a bit disappointed. However, hearing that he already had someone, she felt it was for the best. She replied with a quick "it's okay" and hurried away.

​After all, she had no desire to "break the pot to steal the flower."

​Once she had left, Zee let out a slow sigh. He had to admit, the moment he heard the girl's proposition, his heart skipped a beat. But it wasn't out of attraction—it was out of a sudden, sharp startle.

​A glamorous face, now covered in the dust of memory, flashed through his mind. For a split second, Zee feared he was about to face a second Kannika.

​Probably just an aftereffect from before, he thought to himself

​"P'Zee!"

​Tutor’s voice instantly tore through Zee’s cluttered thoughts. Zee nodded and, without many words, handed the bouquet to his junior. This was the bouquet he had ordered before going on location so it would be ready for Nunew’s graduation day.

​Bright sunflowers intertwined with delicate white asters.

Just like the "Nu" in his eyes.

​"Since you're already here, why don't you give them to him yourself?"

​Tutor looked at the size of the bouquet and couldn't help but worry for his own spine.

​This wasn't the first time Tutor had played the middleman for Zee’s gifts to Nunew. Since the Kannika incident ended, Zee would prepare a gift for every important occasion. He would either have the shop deliver it directly to Nunew’s house or ask Tutor to hand it over.

​In previous instances, Tutor could understand Zee doing this because of his work schedule. But this time, the man had come all the way to Nunew's university—why on earth was he still making Tutor go in and play delivery boy?

​Zee just waved Tutor off, having no intention of answering. Tutor could only grumble a few words before briskly setting off on his mission. After all, he never really minded being an accidental courier every now and then.

​Zee waited until Tutor had covered a fair distance, originally intending to head in the opposite direction to leave the campus. Yet, for some reason, he chose to turn around instead.

​How could Tutor have guessed that the senior who was supposed to be heading to the parking lot was now silently trailing behind him?

​Zee’s eyes stayed fixed on the figure struggling with the large bouquet, his own pace steady. However, despite his logic screaming that this path was leading him toward Nunew, his heart dizzily veered down another road.

​A path Zee had tried to deny for a long time.

​Electric barbed-wire fences. Solid fortress walls. Rows of faces haggard from imprisonment.

​A distinct, sweet yet venomous voice that made one’s skin crawl echoed in Zee’s mind.

​"You finally agreed to come see me."

​Vividly, Zee felt himself back in the visitation room of that living hell called Klong Prem Prison a few weeks ago. Opposite him, behind a layer of glass, was a beauty ravaged by prison life. Even so, she seemed full of life upon seeing him.

​Zee watched her with a cold face; the elegant charm of the past had been ruthlessly stripped away by karma. He could faintly see a few faded bruises and fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes. If it weren't for the arrogant, bitter aura ingrained in her bones and her familiar, fake-submissive way of speaking, even Zee might not have recognized her.

​Clearly, Kannika hadn't enjoyed many "good days" in prison.

​"You haven't changed much," Zee said evenly, his tone devoid of any warmth.

"Still as arrogant and deceitful as ever."

​The woman immediately sensed Zee’s attitude, and her bright eyes were quickly clouded. However, aside from an initial flicker of surprise, she wasn't particularly shocked by his reaction. She was even able to respond composedly.

​"People often say that mountains and rivers are easy to change, but a person’s nature is hard to alter, P'Zee."

​Kannika chuckled softly, habitually stroking her parched hair. Her initial enthusiasm gradually turned flat and emotionless.

​"Besides... wasn't it you who chose to believe this deceitful appearance?"

​Zee’s throat felt as if it were being squeezed; for a moment, he was speechless. The woman behind the glass only spared him a glance before casually continuing.

​"You should really be thanking me, shouldn't you, P'Zee?"

​Kannika curled her lip, unhesitatingly locking eyes with the man she had obsessed over for so long.

​"If I hadn't acted early and 'gently,' perhaps the person sitting in this spot right now would be your precious little Nunew."

​Zee’s pupils constricted, his jaw tightening. This was the sign of a towering rage.

​"Only someone like you could harm others and then calmly praise yourself for being 'humane'."

​Implicitly, regardless of what Kannika did, Nunew was still the one who suffered. Where was the logic in thanking her for hurting the person he loved?

​Kannika only sneered, not denying it.

​"You aren't wrong, P'Zee. I am exactly that kind of person."

​She looked Zee up and down.

​"But... the fact that I was able to harm him..."

​Then, she let each word roll slowly off her tongue.

​"Wasn't it also thanks to the help of people like you?"

​Like a fatal stab to the heart, Zee’s chest throbbed with pain. In an instant, a thousand thoughts raced through his mind—remorse, agony, and nostalgia. Yet, in the end, under Kannika’s mocking gaze, he couldn't utter a single word.

​Because he knew she was right.

​"Nunew!"

​Zee snapped back to reality, casting his gaze forward. The mist of memory dissipated; Tutor was calling out loudly while rushing toward Nunew with the bouquet. Zee slowed his pace, blending into the crowd, silently watching the small figure glowing in a graduation gown under the scorching sun.

​Zee saw Nunew’s surprise as he took the bouquet from Tutor. However, after hearing his friend's explanation, he smiled and held the flowers close.

​Click.

​With a practiced motion, Zee captured a priceless photo.

​A young man in a graduation gown, innocently smiling as he hugged a bouquet of sunflowers and white asters. Yet, perhaps he didn't understand the meaning behind those flowers.

​White asters symbolize the purity of a first meeting.

Sunflowers symbolize a future filled with hope.

​Zee prayed that the recipient of these flowers would always be safe, innocent, and happy. And he hoped, even more, that the recipient would never forget that he would always be watching the path he walked.

​Just as a sunflower always turns toward its Little Sun.