"Tell him he can't go out in that crop top!" Lam's voice echoed through the grand Jamornhum mansion.

Park glanced at Dunk, who was already half out the door, crop top in place and full of confidence. Park gave Lam a helpless look that practically screamed, "Why me?"

"You can't go out in those clothes, honey. You look too yummy for hungry eyes," Park said gently.

Dunk grinned and leaned in to kiss Park's cheek. "You're the best dad in the world. I'll be back around two or three. Sleep well!"

He waved dramatically in front of Lam, who looked on in disbelief.

"Who's the father here, you or him?" Lam snapped.

"Come on, Lam. We were the same at his age," Park said as they walked inside.

"Yes, but back then we didn't have enemies. We were just college kids fighting for faculty pride before stepping into the underground business," Lam countered, turning serious. "You understand my worries, right? I'm not stopping his independence—I just want him safe."

"Then don't stop him," Forth's voice entered from the living room.

"Forth! At least take my side," Lam pleaded.

Forth smirked. "He's a Jamornhum. Everyone knows not to mess with us."

"Who are you asking for help? He sent his own son to Japan for a dangerous job without thinking." Beam added, following Forth.

"Keep quiet, Beam. Our blood won't spill. And if it does—the floor will burn." Forth took Park out with him.

Just then, Boom tried to sneak out the side door. Lam caught him by the ear."How old are you, sneaking out at 10 p.m.?"

"It's a freshers' party, Uncle! How would it look if the head hazer didn't attend? What would I say—'I'm grounded'?" Boom mimicked.

"Boy, remember who I am. Just go back to your room."

"But I asked for permission!" Boom insisted.

"From who?" Lam raised a brow.

"Uncle Park and Uncle Forth."

"What about your fathers?"

"Uncle Park said he'd talk to his brother." Boom was ready.

Lam flicked his forehead. "He is your father too."

"I never said he isn't. Thanks, Uncle Lam!" Boom pecked his cheek, waved to Beam, and ran out as he spotted Park and Forth returning.

"Boom's too cute to be head hazer," Beam said.

"So was P' Arthit. And Boom has our blood—he was born for it. But why are you even discussing this?" Park said proudly.

"He just left for a party. Your blood runs wild in them." Lam muttered.

"That's not fair! You let Boom go easily, but my baby Dunk had to beg," Park pouted.

"First, Dunk never begs. Second, Forth and you gave him permission, if you forget."

"I didn't!" Forth threw up his hands.

"Thanks for the permission, uncles!" Boom shouted as he sped off.

"They're fooling us now," Lam sighed.

"Let them enjoy. Don't raise your BP Lam." Forth said.

But Lam stared at the door long after the others left. A pit formed in his stomach. Karma always came back—he just prayed it wouldn't find their children.

The past wasn't kind. After the final fallout between Kongpob and Arthit, alliances shifted. Technology to create children through combined DNA changed everything.

Rome's emotional bond to their firstborn had secured Bright's place in his life. Forth eventually obtained the same method through Phana to keep his Beam.

Now, 25 years later, those once-playful children stood as heirs in a divided empire.

At Club VAST,

"Dunk, slow down," Reno said, watching him take another shot.

"Come on, live a little. We'll be working soon," Dunk laughed.

"I can't get drunk like you. What if P'Pond shows up?"

"You know him. Might be late. Might not come," Dunk pouted.

"He'll come. Just control yourself."

Across the club, Joong entered, sharp and cold. The club, VAST, was a Guntithtanon empire gem, handed down from his father. Joong ran it like a machine.

"Is my space ready?" he asked the manager.

"Yes, sir. All VIP space is reserved. Some customers are upset."

"Doesn't matter. Keep security tight. No drama tonight." Joong said and walk away.Dunk saw him.

He marched to the VIP section. Security tried to stop him. Joong raised a hand. "Let him in."

"Just because you're the owner doesn't mean you can act like God," Dunk snapped.

"I am god. If you want Try me, I will drive you to heaven." Joong said.

Dunk poured his beer on Joong's pants. "Not interested."

Joong's black eyes stares at Dunk's brown one. "Then why do you always try to get me naked?"

 He smirks. "You know where to find me." Before Dunk could slap him, Joong caught his wrist and pulled him in his lap.

Then came a punch. Pond stormed in as Joong's security guard laid on floor with blood on his mouth.

"Stay in your limits, Guntithtanon. Next time, it'll be your face instant of your security."

He pulled Dunk away. Joong smirked. "Bring it on."

At another table, Kla, Technik, and Mix watched.

"Family drama as always, entertaining." Kla said.

"Why don't you help him in such situations?" Technik corrected.

" Because he is weird." Mix added. " And we only go when he was actually in trouble. "

"Why aren't you two closes to Dunk? You guys are cousins," Technik asked.

"Because he acts like an arrogant, attention seeking baby," Kla said.

"Too pampered," Mix agreed. "We're on okay terms with him—but we grew up fast and he is still a baby."

They shared a look—memories of a bloody fight at age 8 resurfaced. From that day, distance became their defense.

"When's my P'No coming?" Kla asked.

"Romeo mode is on." Mix teased.

"Sniffing dog is his brother. Bloodsucking vampire is his dad what do you think? when they are going to leave him alone?" Technik muttered.

Then Techno arrived, settling next to Kengkla.

"What's wrong P'No? Why do you look upset?" Kengkla asked. Worries can be seen in his eyes.

"Dad wants me to quit teaching and join the family business." Techno sighed.

"He has no rights to decide that." Technik said.

"He's our father Technik." Techno replied.

"You did it all on your own P'No. I will say this again he has no right to take decisions on your behalf." Technik said.

"Don't pressure him, Ai'Nik." Kengkla warned Technik.

"Do what you want, P'No." Kla said in a soft voice. " Eat first, then I'll take you a peaceful place later."

"Let's stay here for a while," Techno smiled faintly. " After that we can go?" Techno said looking at the three of them.

Mix and Technik exchanged glances. "We have a late-night meeting with a client." Technik said and Mix nodded.

Technik pulled Kla aside. "Touch him and I'll kill you."Kla only smiled.

The music throbbed through the club, a steady pulse of neon and bass as Pond and Dunk moved together on the dance floor. Pond's hand rested firmly on Dunk's waist, his voice low but firm.

"Don't push his buttons, especially when I'm not around," Pond warned, his sharp gaze flicking toward Joong, who stood across the room like a shadow waiting to ignite.

Dunk scoffed, his lips curling into a sneer. "I hate him. That smug face, that arrogant air. We're just as powerful as him, but we're humble. He's nothing but a spoiled bastard."

"Why do you care so much?" Pond tilted Dunk's chin until their eyes met. "You're not in love with him, right?"

"Love?" Dunk barked out a laugh. "No. I just hate his face... but I'm sure the rest of him works just fine."

Pond's expression hardened. "Dunk, I'm telling you—stay away from him. He's trouble. Not even for one night."

Dunk chuckled, shaking his head. "You came here to enjoy, not to lecture me, remember?"

The pair left the dance floor. Dunk slumped into a chair at their table, sipping his beer, while Pond stayed alert, a girl lazily draped over his lap.

"Why aren't you drinking?" Dunk asked, eyeing Pond's untouched glass.

"I can't. Surgery at eight in the morning," Pond replied curtly. His phone buzzed, and his jaw tightened. "Why is he calling..." He silenced it without looking.

"Still not going to tell me why you're so upset with Uncle Beam?" Dunk pressed.

"There's nothing to say," Pond muttered. The phone rang again—this time, Forth's name flashing on the screen. Pond answered. "Hey, Dad..."

"Where are you? Your Paa's been calling for thirty minutes!" Forth's voice was sharp, cutting through the noise.

"I was driving. Just arrived at the club," Pond answered.

"Your phone is connected to the car. Don't feed me excuses. Beam is upset—call him back."

"There's nothing to be upset about. People get busy. I'm not calling him, Dad. If it's that important, you tell him."

"Watch your tongue, boy. I'm your father. Don't forget I decide for you."

"Yes, you're my father. But your husband seems to have forgotten I'm his son. I'm not coming home. I'll drop Dunk off. Good night." Pond ended the call, his expression unreadable.

Dunk stared at him. "Why are you so angry with Uncle Forth?"

Pond's voice was cold. "Because he doesn't care about me. It's only about Paa." He grabbed Dunk's beer and took a long swig.

"Hey!" Dunk snatched it back. "Forget them. Now tell me... what are you getting me for graduation my dear P'?"

At the Jaturapoom mansion, Beam's voice was ice as he stood before Forth. "He's not coming, is he? That's it, Forth. He's testing my patience."

"Calm down, Beam. Pond is stubborn. Give him time," Forth murmured, rubbing Beam's tense shoulders.

"Time? It's been five years!" Beam snapped. "It was his fault, yet he acts as if I wronged him!"

"Pond is hurt because you blame him," Forth replied gently.

"Blame? He was reckless! His carelessness could have killed people, Forth!" Beam's voice rose. "We can't keep giving our kids everything. Lam sees it too. If we don't stop them, they'll destroy themselves—just like we almost did." Beam stormed off, leaving the room heavy with unspoken truths.

It was 2:30 a.m. when Mix stumbled into the mansion, half-drunk, Boom trailing behind him.

"Why are you two still awake?" Mix muttered as he spotted Beam and Lam waiting in the living room.

"Why weren't you at dinner? Where did you go without telling us? And don't tell me you drove like this," Beam snapped, his sharp gaze sweeping over them.

"No, we didn't, Uncle. P'Nik dropped us off," Boom answered quickly.

Lam stepped forward, pinning Boom with a stare. "Open your mouth."

"Uncle—" Boom began.

"Now," Lam commanded.

Boom obeyed. Lam nodded. "Good. No alcohol, or you'd be grounded."

"I told you, I'm head hazer. I went for my juniors, not for fun," Boom muttered.

"Go to your room," Lam ordered, dismissing him.

Mix offered Lam and Beam a quick hug before retreating. As the door closed, Beam's voice dropped.

"He did pot."

"I know," Lam admitted grimly. "He's using drugs now. I need to tell Tul. Boom's too young for this."

"It's okay. The dose was low. Nothing dangerous.............. yet," Beam murmured, though his eyes were dark with worry. Their conversation ended as Pond walked in, Dunk slumped against him, reeking of alcohol.

Pond guided a stumbling Dunk through the front gates of the Jaturapoom mansion. Dunk's voice rang loud and cheerful despite his glazed eyes. "Hey, Uncle Lam..."

"Hello, Uncle Lam..." Dunk greeted his father after Pond.

Lam's brow furrowed as he folded his arms. "How drunk is he? Can't even tell I'm not his uncle but his father?" he muttered. But his eyes shifted toward Pond, who avoided Beam's piercing stare.

"Uncle, it's his graduation year," Pond explained evenly. "He partied hard, had some drinks, a little marijuana. Don't worry—he'll just have a headache. Give him these tablets when he wakes up." He handed the pills to Lam.

Dunk blinked at Lam's stern face. "Uncle, where are we going?" A light smack to his arm silenced his whining. "Pond, save me!"

Pond turned to leave, but Beam's voice cut through the air. "Stay here. It's already late."

"I'm going home," Pond replied without turning.

"Home is where family lives together," Beam said.

"Family is built on trust," Pond countered sharply, his voice low. His eyes burned as they met Beam's. In his thoughts, the words cut deeper: That's all you ever do Paa—force people into things they don't want.

From the hallway, Forth watched silently. He knew the two men's tempers all too well: Beam's unyielding pride, Pond's stubbornness. Neither would bow, not when old wounds still festered.

Forth finally stepped forward, a warm smile breaking the tension. "Hey, kiddo..."

Pond's face lit up as he crossed the hall and embraced his father. "Hey, Dad. I missed you." He said.

"Me too. Stay a few days, huh? Let me at least share breakfast, lunch, and dinner with my favorite son." Forth teased. He knew Pond would not get angry with him. He always likes to have his parents only for him.

Pond chuckled. "Pretty sure P'First won't like hearing that, Dad."

"Then we just won't tell him. Pinky promise?" Forth held up his little finger. Pond laughed openly at the sight.

"I'm not a kid anymore. And honestly? I can't wait to see P'First's face when I tell him you called me your favorite son." He settled into the couch with a faint grin.

"Munchies?" Forth offered.

Pond shook his head. "I've got surgery early in the morning. But... since I'm already here, I'll stay for a few days. So you get to eag your meals with your favorite son, and Uncle Lam won't kill Dunk. Win-win." He stood "Goodnight, Dad," and disappeared down the hall without sparing Beam a glance.

Forth turned to Beam, resting a hand on his shoulder. "He'll come home for sure one day, Beam. Don't worry." But Beam's unease lingered. In his gut, he felt it: a storm was on the horizon, and it was headed straight for their family.

Far from the mansion, at top a secluded hillside under a vast expanse of stars, Techno let out a soft sigh. "Wow... I've never seen a sky like this. Why doesn't anyone know about this place?"

Kengkla smiled, his fingers intertwining with Techno's. "Because my dad owns it. My private hill... my escape when the world feels too heavy."

"Thank you, Nong. This is exactly what I needed." Techno leaned back as Kla lowered the seat. They lay side by side, staring at the night sky.

"I like being with you, P'No," Kengkla said quietly.

Techno turned, gently placing a finger to his lips. "I know what you're about to say. But don't. I can't think about something that can never happen."

Kengkla removed the finger and pulled Techno close by the waist. "Don't you trust me? I'll make it happen. Just don't give up on us."

Techno sat up, his voice firmer now. "Do you know why my father hates Technik, you and  Mix? Why he's beaten Technik since we were kids? Technik never wanted his money, his rules. Your friendship gave him courage to rebel. My father blames you for that." He met Kla's solemn gaze. "You're not at fault. Neither any of you. But us being together? That's a declaration of war between our families."

Resting his head on Kla's shoulder, Techno closed his eyes. "It's peaceful like this. Perfect, even."

"And how long can it stay like this?" Kla's patience cracked. His love for Techno was no secret, but his resolve was wearing thin. "What happens when your father tries to marry you off tomorrow? Will you tell him you can't because you love me? Or will you marry the person of their choice and ruin three lives in one time?"

Techno's lips tightened. "Please, Nong. Let's not fight tonight."

Kengkla rose, frustration and devotion warring in his chest. "I love you, P'No. My whole life revolves around you. You know that. You study, work, and live independently so you don't owe your father anything. So why? Why can't you choose us over him?"

Techno whispered, "It's not that easy. My father is powerful man, Kla."

Kengkla's voice was resolute. "So does my. I'll protect you, our family—everyone. Just trust me once, P'No." His gaze held nothing but hope.

Techno knew Kengkla's feelings weren't a passing phase. First, he'd assumed it was a teenage crush. Then, just fleeting attraction. But years later, Kengkla's devotion hadn't faded.

Technik's words echoed in Techno's mind: If you love him, show him. If you don't, end it. Don't leave him hanging. If that rope of hope snaps suddenly, it'll kill him. You are my brother P'No and Kengkla is my best friend. It will hurt me more if any of you get hurt.

Kengkla's heart pounded as Techno finally met his eyes, sighed, and leaned forward—pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

Kla blinked in surprise. "What...?"

"We kissed. So... does that mean we did it?" Techno asked earnestly.

Kengkla nearly laughed. How can he be Technik's brother? "No, P'No. It's just a kiss. But... we'll get there. Soon." He gently guided Techno down onto the seat, smiling as he imagined a future beyond the stars. Not tonight, not here—but one day, he'd announce Techno his, without fear or secrecy.

Morning light broke with a buzz of Pond's phone. First's face appeared on the screen.

"So, you're finally home?" First smirked.

"Dad wanted his favorite son. How could I refuse?" Pond teased.

"His favorite son is working his ass off here. Don't get cocky."

"The youngest is always the favorite, no matter what," Pond quipped.

"I'm the firstborn, kid. You'll never take my place," First replied with a smirk. But Pond's faintly sad expression sobered him. "Hey, I was joking."

"Yeah... sure. Firstborn's always first," Pond muttered, voice heavy.

"Hey. Stay there a while, okay? I'll be back soon—the work here is almost wrapped. I want you, Boom and Dunk to meet someone."

Pond narrowed his eyes. "Don't tell me you got married over there."

First grinned. "I Got a kitten."

Pond smirked. "You didn't answer me but anyway. Those bite marks on your neck definitely screams 'kitten.'"

"Stay out of trouble—both you and Dunk. Give Boom my love. Bye." The call ended, leaving Pond staring at the blank screen, his thoughts heavy with unspoken doubts and tangled loyalties.