Dark clouds often covered the sky before the last school bell rang.

On those afternoons, Narin and I usually waited together until the rain became lighter.

Sometimes we studied.

Sometimes we talked.

Sometimes we simply watched the rain fall outside the classroom windows.

Those ordinary moments became some of my favorite memories.

One Saturday, Narin invited me to his uncle's house again.

"There'll be a family barbecue," he said.

"You have to come."

"I'll just get in the way."

"You never do."

So, as always...

I went with him.

The backyard was full of laughter.

Narin's uncles were preparing the grill.

The younger children chased each other across the garden.

Music played softly from inside the house.

It felt warm.

Comfortable.

Almost like home.

Korn was helping arrange the tables.

When he noticed us, he smiled.

"You're here."

Narin grinned.

"Of course."

"I told you Phawin wouldn't say no."

"I wasn't sure," Korn admitted.

Then he looked at me.

"I'm glad you came."

"Thank you."

As the afternoon passed, everyone became busy.

Narin was called inside to help his uncle.

I stayed outside, arranging plates on the table.

A few moments later, Korn walked over carrying a box of cups.

"I'll help."

We worked quietly together.

After a while, Korn broke the silence.

"You know..."

"I used to think Narin exaggerated when he talked about you."

I looked at him.

"What do you mean?"

"He always said you were kind."

"You notice small things."

"You help people without expecting anything back."

He smiled softly.

"I thought he was just proud of his best friend."

"And now?"

"Now I think he wasn't exaggerating at all."

I didn't know how to respond.

So I simply smiled.

Just then, Narin returned.

"There you are!"

He placed an arm around my shoulder without thinking.

"I've been looking everywhere for you."

"I was helping Korn."

"I can see that."

He smiled at both of us.

"Come on."

"The food's ready."

As we walked toward the house, Korn remained standing where he was.

He watched Narin laughing beside me.

He watched how naturally we stayed close to one another.

He smiled.

But the smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

For the first time...

A strange feeling settled in his heart.

Not anger.

Not sadness.

Just a quiet question.

Why did it hurt... to watch them together?

He couldn't answer it.

Not yet.

But deep inside...

Something had begun to change.