Chapter Text
Moodboard:
Pintrest: https://pin.it/2WffnwoJf
Kinn Theerapanyakul sat across the board room as he watched the sun dip below the horizon casting a warm hue on the large mahogany table. His tailored suit and sleek style was the epitome of power and money. He had recently celebrated his 35th birthday and had gifted himself a one-of-a-kind Patek Philippe watch with an Imperial Jade dial and bespoke leather strap that complemented the watch perfectly. He'd stopped listening to the board members chatter over outdated business philosophies several minutes ago, his patience running thin having to babysit these old geezers.
Kinn had inherited his fathers business’s after his passing, one of which wasn't the smoothest transition of power. While his father has mostly loosened his ties with the mafia world, Kinn still had a few loose ends to clean up. It had taken two years for Kinn to finally have things on track cleaning up most of the money and legitimizing KT Enterprises. During this time Kinn focused on increasing their money revenue and branching out into other areas. His incredible business mind and ruthless upbringing showcased to everyone why his father had left the company solely to him, and not a shared division with his two brothers, Khun and Kim.
Kinn spoke with controlled grace, like a lion charming its next prey. It wasn't a secret that Kinn liked to bend the world around him to his will, making sure to always sow the benefits of any business negotiation, he was ruthless and was known to swallow up any enemies who tried to cross him.
“Gentlemen, while I do appreciate your mediocre ideas, I recall already denying the increase in merchandise development, seeing as how the profit margin has not reached its intended bracket. I will not be strong-armed into putting more money in a business that's not yielding any return. Either reach this quarter's profit margin or find yourselves out of a business partner.” Kinn spoke.
Kinn excused himself, making his way out of the circus of a meeting. Kinn, tailed by his PA made his way back down to the parking garage; every step seemed powerful as he moved across the building floor. Kinn scanned the area every movement calculated, analyzing the people around him. It had become a necessary habit, while he maintained a cleaner facade than his father, danger was alway present.
“Big, what's next on my schedule?” Kinn asked his personal assistant.
“You no longer have any meetings for the day, but you planned to meet Tay and Time for dinner at 6, at Mariposas.” Big replied, iPad in hand, “You also have a message from Mr.Kittisawat, Prapai’s teacher, he wanted to thank you for buying everything on his classroom wishlist.” Big concluded. They briskly walked to the sleek black vehicle, as Big opened the backseat door.
“Hmmm.” was all Kinn responded, getting into the backseat.
“Khun Kinn.” Big said, closing the door.
Kinn released a breath. Bringing his hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. It had been a long day today, his head ached, undoubtedly racing with the multitude of responsibilities that came with his status. Each day harder and longer than the last, meetings upon meetings, negotiations, millions of dollars at stake everyday with countless people waiting and wishing for his downfall. But despite all that he kept going everyday, he had responsibility to the thousands of employees under him, of his family, Prapai, Khun and Kim. Beneath all his power and cunning business practices, lingered a hint of loneliness. His own happiness on the backburner, sacrificed for wielding the power of being Kinn Theerapanyakul.
_________________________________________
Smoke and music filled the air of the high end Hum Lounge and Bar as Porsche Kittisawat emerged from behind the bar with a charming smile. The low neon lights buzzed quietly hidden by the room's chatter between the wealthy patrons. Porsche poured a few drinks for the familiar faces that regularly frequented the bar, a group of women, probably rich business women who needed to relax after work. Porsche was turning 30 in a few weeks but he still possessed the radiating energy of someone in their early twenties, making him a favorite of many of the customers at Hum Bar.
Porsche rolled up his sleeves, leaving his toned forearms visible and with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he moved fluidly with experience and charm. His laughter easily mingled with the clinking of the crystal glasses and the easy chatter of the room. His presence and handsome face drawing people to him like moths to a flame.
Despite finally finding an establishment that catered to the rich and privileged, Porsche didn't always have such a fulfilling life. He had shouldered the responsibility of raising his younger brother, Chay, from a young age and life hasn't always been so kind to him. Porsche worked hard to get Chay through college and help him achieve his dream of becoming a teacher, however that hasn't been easy, trying to put food on the table and paying school fees. Porsche has not always had the privilege of working in establishments with reputable reputations and many times, when money was tight he had used his skills as a National Taekwondo Champion to make some extra cash in underground fighting rings.
Porsche smiled effortlessly at his customers, his bright smile capable of melting the hardest of hearts, but beneath his playful and charming personality lurked the life experiences that had made him into the fiercely protective man he was today. He was genuine and held so much compassion to everyone around him.
_________________________________________
“Ok, Friends! 1,2,3 eyes on me!” Mr. Kittisawat called to his classroom.
“1,2 eyes on you!” The children responded enthusiastically.
“Please start cleaning up your desks, put away your work and make sure to grab all your belongings and line up in order.” He said to his rambunctious group of seven year olds.
Chay was twenty-five, and this was his first year as a 2nd grade teacher. He had worked so hard and was excited to finally have a class of his own. He had even found a job at one of the most prestigious and well funded private schools in Bangkok, thanks to one of the patrons at Porsche's job who knew someone at the school.
While Porsche’s acquaintance could only get his resume on the headmaster's desk, that had been enough. They had been thoroughly impressed with Chay's resume, giving him an interview, and ultimately the opportunity to work at their school, an opportunity he would be forever grateful for. Chay loved teaching and was happy he was making enough money now that he was able to help Porsche start paying bills and contribute to their household. Chay was determined to work hard and alleviate some of his brother's burdens.
Chay heard his cellphone ding and reached into his pant’s pocket. It was Porsche letting him know he was at his school dropping off the laptop that Chay had forgotten in the morning.
—————-
Porsche: I'm picking up my visitors pass and will be at your classroom soon
Chay: Thanks Hia, Classroom 102
Porsche: Got it Kiddo, don't worry Rose is helping me out ;P
.Chay: Hia please stop flirting with the office ladies. They keep asking me to tell them when you're stopping by.
text message:
—————
There was only a few minutes left until the end of the school day and Chay had a meeting with the headmaster later, he mistakenly left his laptop on the kitchen table this morning.
“Mr. Kittisawat, who's that?” asked Prapai, one of Chay's more curious and bright students. Prapai was son to one of Thailand's richest businessmen, he was always asking questions and was very advanced for his age.
“That's my brother, Prapai, you can call him Mr. Porsche.” Chay said cheerfully. Porsche greeted all the children happily making them giggle with excitement. “Thank you Hia, you really saved me today! I'll walk you back out to the exit.” Chay said, grabbing his laptop case.
“OK everyone, let's quietly go to the pickup area, make sure to walk with your buddy and follow me.” After Chay had dropped off the children he proceeded to venture back to his classroom after saying goodbye to Porsche.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, you could hear the bubbling laughter and chatter of school aged children. Most children in this school were picked up by nannies, assistants, or the vocational housewives of the rich and powerful. Because of this, strict protocols were in place to ensure the safety of Thailand's next generation of leaders and visionaries. Students were to wait inside the pick up area and only be released to parents or authorized personnel . Porsche was chatting with one of the street vendors outside of the gate when he noticed one of the children being roughly dragged by a man in a suit.
Porsche frowned.
No matter how misbehaved a child was, Porsche never liked the use of force as a parenting tactic. He had preferred a more modern approach when raising Chay.
Prapai walked out of the private school gates with his usual energy, after his name was called by the security guard. His backpack bounced on his small frame as he looked for his driver or Big.
“Come on kid, your dad’s waiting for you,” the unknown man said. He looked like he worked for his Papa, wearing a suite and tie, but the man roughly pinched his arm dragging him to a nearby car. A sleek black car was parked with tinted windows.
This was not his dad’s car.
Prapai reacted on instinct, pulling his arm away from the man's grasp, yelling for his Papa. The door swung open, and a figure lunged out, grabbing him by the arm with a vice-like grip. Fear gripped Prapai's heart as he struggled against the stranger's hold, screaming for help.
"Let him go!" Porsche yelled as he closed the distance between them, his eyes flashing with determination. Prapai felt tears and fear blinding him from getting a good look at his savior. Prapai felt himself ripped from the scary man's grasp and placed on the sidewalk before he saw the brown skinned man take down the two who had tried to take him.
Prapai cried when one of the school's security guards picked him up and brought him inside the gate, signaling a lockdown. Prapai's eyes widened in amazement as he turned to see the tall man who had saved him still outside the gate.
_________________________________________
After the police had detained and driven the two attempted kidnappers away, Porsche was escorted back onto the school premises. He, along with two officers sat with the headmaster in his large office.
"Are you okay?" Asked one of the officers, “Should we get the medic to check you out sir?” he asked, his voice gentle yet filled with concern.
“Oh no, I'm fine, really.” Porsche replied.
“Hia!”
All four men turned their heads towards the large double doors opening. Chay was frantic and panicked.
“Hia!” he yelled out once more, running into Porsches embrace.
A slender and beautiful woman entered the room next, escorting a small crying child into the room. She looked out of her wits unknowing what to do.
“I'm sorry, Mr. Ayutthaya but Prapai wont stop crying, we’re waiting for his dad and he wanted to talk to the man who saved him.” said the headmaster's secretary.
Porsche hadn't really paid attention to the child, his parental instincts kicked in when he heard the young boy yell and Porsche had always been one to act first and ask questions later. The headmaster signed, looking towards Porsche. “Would you mind?”
“It's Ok.” Porsche said smiling.
“Hi there buddy, how are you doing?” Porsche asked, crouching down to the kid’s eye level. Kids usually liked Porsche but Prapai just screamed louder and ran into Porche’s arms.
“Than…Thankk…Thank you.” The small child whimpered. Porsche's heart ached.
“Hey, there, no more crying, you were so brave today,” Porsche said, trying to cheer the boy up as he rubbed his back in soothing circles. "It's okay now," Porsche assured Prapai, his voice calm and soothing despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. "You're safe."
Prapai's lips quivered, tears swelling up in his eyes as he clung to Porsche with a mixture of anxiety and gratitude.
"I was so scared," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. Porsche nodded in understanding, his heart breaking for the small boy in front of him.
"It's okay to be scared," he reassured Prapai, his voice a soothing balm. "But you're not alone. You're safe and we won't let anything happen to you. You did such a good job yelling for help today and you put up a good fight. " Porsche stated firmly.
“Sorry, Sir, but we need to take your statement and it's best if we do it while your memory is fresh.” Said one of the police men, hesitant as he looked at the boy .
“Sure.” Porsche replied. “What's your name kiddo?” Porsche asked the child.
“My name's Prapai Theerapanyakul.” He replied tearfully.
“Ok Prapai, I am very happy you are safe now, but I have to go with these policemen now, and your family is probably on their way already. I'm going to leave you here with these nice people while I go help the police. Is that Ok?” Porsche explained to Prapai. Porsche always found it best to treat children with dignity.
“Yes.” Prapai sniffled.
“Very good, you are a very brave boy.” Porsche said ruffling his hair.
“Can I stay with Mr. Kittisawat?” Prapai asked, looking at Chay.
“Of course!” Responded Chay. “Prapai is in my class.” Chay informed the headmaster.
“Very well. Mr.Kittisawat please stay if you can.”
“See you, Prapai.” Porsche said before exiting the office following the two police officers to the lounge.
“Mr.?”
“You can call me Porsche.” He responded to the inquiry.
“Can you walk us through what happened earlier today?” The older officer said, as they settled into the adjacent room. Porsche repeated the incident with as much detail as possible, answering all of their questions and inquiries. It had taken longer than expected answering all their questions, as Porsche looked at his phone checking the time, he had a shift in 2 hours and still needed to get home to get ready. The policemen finished their questions asking for Porsches contact information for any future updates.
“You did a really good job in there with that kid,” The younger and dark haired policeman told him.
“Thanks, I'm glad the kid’s ok, but hey, I have to go get ready for work, would you mind telling my brother, he's the teacher who was in the office earlier, that I had to leave and get ready for work?” Porsche asked.
“Sure no problem, we'll contact you in case we need anything else.” The younger policeman replied. Though tempted to linger and keep Prapai and Chay company while they waited for the kids' family to arrive, Porsche knew he had a shift at Hum Bar to attend to and also knew Chay could handle caring for the boy while they waited.
With a silent prayer for Prapai's safety, Porsche disappeared into the busy city streets, his thoughts consumed by the events of the day and the adorable young boy named Prapai.
***
Family Tree:
***