Blue

Prologue

Cute. Sweet. Adorable.

The compliments I lavished upon ever since I was a child. Could it be because of my small stature? The dimpled smile they claim that I harbor? Or my blue eyes that garnered the attention of many?

I'm aware of the special treatment given by all my family members every time they see me. What I'm not aware of is that I've learned to adapt to my surroundings.

It began when I was first born. I mistakenly acquired the name Badin Chaicharoen.

I say it was a mistake because thanks to my family's loving but overprotective care, I grew up to love all things cute.

If you do not understand, then let me clarify that the name Badin Chaicharoen is a name that originated in Thai (that's my origin).

[T/N: "Badin" means King in Thai, while "Chaicharoen" means Triumphant.]

I'm guessing that they hoped I'd become somewhat king-like.

I turned one and received my nickname, Blue, instead.

Blue came about because of my eye color, and the name stuck throughout my childhood.

I remember my mom clarifying to me. "Blue, even if you don't act like a King, you're still my adorable baby boy."

Therefore, I became who I am today.

End of Prologue

I'm seventeen years old and will turn eighteen next week. My family always did something grand for my birthday each year.

One thing I enjoyed doing was spending time with my big sister. Today she will be returning home after being gone for almost a year.

I'm excited to see her face after some time. "What's this? Are you waiting for Nin?" A gentle pat on my head and the voice of my father.

Father was a man that looked stern, but on the inside, he was gentle and kind. He wore thick glasses, had a plump figure, and a much darker tone than my own.

I looked nothing like my parents because I had a lighter skin tone than them.

I beamed at him while squeezing my favorite teddy to my chest and nodded. Even though it was old and had a missing ear, I loved the teddy bear since it reminded me of my grandmother, who passed a year ago.

"Aww! Isn't my baby boy sweet?!" It's my mother's voice. I looked back at her from the white sofa in front of the stairs that led to the second floor.

My mother was someone with many facial expressions, but I especially loved her smile. There was never a day she didn't smile.

Mom is a beautiful person inside and out. She's tall and slim with long dark hair that changes styles once every two days.

When she reached the bottom stair, she held out her arms in my direction. I stood from the couch and ran around into her embrace.

She squeezed me close to her chest, "it always gives me a calm feeling when hugging my Blue."

I agree that when mom hugs me, it's like she's healing me. I like the smell she gives off the most, like a warm citrus fruit that engulfs my senses.

"You're always babying him." Dad frowns. Mom gives him the stink eye, "are you jealous?"

A sound coming from the entrance alerted us to a new presence. Dad wasn't able to refute what mom asked.

"Mom, Dad. I'm home!" It's my eldest sister's voice.

She's finally here!

Nin Laddawan. She's six years older than me and likes to tease me the most out of all my siblings.

[T/N: "Nin" means Sapphire, and "Laddawan" means Glorious in Thai.]

Nin stood at the entrance holding two medium-sized suitcases, but beside her was a man I'd never seen before.

"Nin! How on Earth could you not tell me that you've arrived back in Bangkok? I could've come to pick you up from the airport!" Mom looked happy to see her.

Dad focused on the man who placed his two palms together close to his nose and slightly bowed to dad and then mom. It was a respectful greeting in Thailand known as "The Wai" used by the younger generation.

Though it was half-heartedly and strained, Dad returned the man's respectful bow with a similar one but close to his chest area, and this bow is known as "Rap Wai." It is used by those older.

Mom gave the man a respectful bow of her own, less strained than Dad. I think she's more curious about the man than anything.

"Sawasdee Khap, Ma. Sawasdee Khap, Pa." He greets them with a small smile.

Before anyone could question the unknown man, my sister spots me and grins, "My Blue!" She gathers me into a tight hug.

For now, the man became a topic for another time. Nin's arrival after almost a year was more important.