#aphrospaint

[dramas-vs-novels]

Novel Summary: Love Director

*Love Director is the story of Aphros, uncle to Prapai (Love Sky) and Plerng (My Beast), and his lover Paint.

This is a very long summary. I've had so many asks about this novel that I wanted to be thorough for you all!

Paint can hardly remember when he started loving the boy next door.

Gus is handsome, funny, interesting-- and straight as an arrow.

So much of Paint's life has revolved around his crush. Anything Gus wants, Paint will do his best to give it to him. A video game his parents got him for his birthday? Gus wanted to borrow it, so Paint let him, nevermind that he didn't return it. A basketball? That's fine- oh, even if Gus returned it deflated.

Paint is tall and handsome, but Gus likes short and cute girls. Maybe if Paint were shorter and cuter, Gus would finally see him as more than just a nong.

Now 20 years old, Paint wants to use his life savings to buy a 91,000 baht guitar Gus mentioned wanting- a birthday gift and final play for Gus' heart. There's just one catch- he's barely got half of that amount.

Luckily, Paint's plight coincides with a bit of a thorny issue his best friend Plerng is trying to sort out: His uncle, Aphros, is single.

Plerng's family is a bit odd. His uncle was still a child when Plerng's parents married, and so Plerng, his older brother Prapai, and his younger sister Phan were all raised by Aphros. No one is closer to him than Plerng, and no one worries about him more.

Three years ago, Plerng laid eyes on Paint at student orientation and knew instantly he'd found his new best friend... and Aphros' next "wife".

Once upon a time, Aphros was an incredibly popular actor who graced television and movie screens across the country. Even Prapai's young boyfriend Sky was a huge fan.

But then rumors started to circulate that Aphros was in a relationship with a man- taboo at the time. Those rumors vanished under breaking news: Aphros was in a horrific car accident, and survival seemed unlikely.

Aphros pulled through, hospitalized for an entire year. Shortly after getting out, he married a money-chaser named June and started working as a director. For the last ten years, Aphros has stayed out of the spotlight, putting in intense hours on drama after drama, developing a reputation as an extreme work-a-holic.

But it isn't that Aphros was dedicated to his job. It was that... He really fucking hates June. Aphros' wife changed before the ink was dry on the marriage license, showing her true colors as a money-hungry and image-obsessed socialite. Aphros pulled back from his family, unwilling to let them see just how miserable he was. Instead, he buried himself heart and soul in his work, anything to keep him out of the house and away from her.

Finally, after years of marriage, Aphros worked up the courage (or June wore-down his patience) and he finally divorced the witch. THAT took three years to go through, three years of fighting over money until Aphros finally just gave her everything she wanted and was set free.

Plerng has always been the closest to his uncle, but after June was kicked to the curb, Aphros shut himself in the house. He cleared his schedule and has refused to leave or see people. He also won't allow any housekeepers in, not even those sent by his sister-in-law (who he treats more like a mother).

Plerng is worried about his uncle, and Paint needs money.

Paint's parents work incredibly hard, leaving Paint to raise his twin siblings. He is no stranger to housework or annoying children, and he is an excellent cook with an encyclopedic knowledge of nutrition.

So Prapai and Plerng make Paint an offer he genuinely cannot refuse: if he takes care of Aphros for one month, they will pay him the money he needs to buy Gus' guitar. An insane amount of money for a single month's work- and to sweeten the deal, they point out that Aphros will probably also pay Paint extras in tips.

Nervous, Paint agrees, for Gus' sake.

And then he gets to Aphros' house and finds...

A shirtless man covered in dirt madly digging in a bamboo grove, looking for bamboo shoots to eat for dinner. Completely out of season.

Aphros is attractive- the 38 year-old actor has not lost an ounce of his good looks, and maintained his perfect body... but he's also a complete toddler. The man Paint meets has no charisma, he's just an insane old man who could set a world record for stubbornness.

Aphros drives Paint crazy, demanding the boy cook him impossible dishes and considers Paint even bringing vegetables into his house as an insult. Aphros takes a metric ton of vitamins a day specifically so he DOESN'T have to eat vegetables, and he is not about to let Paint bully him into it.

After his first day at work, Paint returns home completely exhausted. He immediately perks up when he walks in through the front door and finds his little brother and sister with Gus.

Gus is back home visiting his parents, and he's been waiting for Paint. Gus has a craving for Paint's cooking, and Paint is all too happy to oblige. Pai, Paint's sister, will get along with Gus for Paint's sake, but Ruup, his brother, hates Gus viciously. He knows Paint is in love with Gus, and he knows that unrequited love is killing Paint a bit more each day.

But Paint doesn't care. Even if it's one-sided, he's happy in his love, and determined to enjoy it no matter what... and then Gus mentions that he wanted Paint's omelet recipe for his girlfriend, Nin.

Something in Paint's chest cracks, and he falls into a daze. He knows Gus is straight, but the reminder... hurts.

Ruup and Pai chase Gus off, and while Paint is still processing things, he notices Gus left his keys on the counter. Paint goes to bring them to him and hears Gus on the phone, flirting with Nin and telling her how much he loves her. How small and cute she is.

No one has ever called Paint "cute" before, and at nearly six feet tall, he'll never be "small". He would kill for Gus to see him that way... But Paint can only return home, numb, and brush off the concern of his little siblings.

---

The next day, Aphros wanders into the kitchen and finds Paint still lost in a daze with food burning on the stove. He is immediately flustered and tries to throw the food away, but Aphros insists on eating every single bite.

He forces Paint to sit down, and tries to work out what is upsetting the boy, but Paint won't answer.

And then Aphros asks Paint about his siblings. At first, Paint is relieved somewhat, thinking Aphros is helping distract him from what is on his mind. But then Aphros says something that Paint has never heard before:

"There's no need to act so strong, just because you're the oldest."

Paint has never been a kid, at least, not since his siblings were born. He raised the twins, he knows how hard his parents work and does everything he can to manage the house, have food on the table, and take care of the chores so they don't have to worry.

When Aphros was growing up, it was his brother working hard to raise him. He knows what it feels like to see the oldest sibling putting themselves aside for the good of the rest of the family.

Aphros' words unlock something in Paint, and he finds himself telling Aphros about his one-sided love of Gus. It scares Paint to tell this stranger that he's gay. It doesn't make it any easier, knowing Prapai is proudly 'out' with his boyfriend Sky, or that Plerng has his boyfriend Sin.

Still, Paint finds himself opening up completely to Aphros, telling him everything.

Aphros only compliments Paint on the food he made, and then pretends he didn't hear a single word that came out of Paint's mouth.

When Paint snaps at Aphros, he explains that Paint didn't need his advice on the situation with Gus. Paint knows the whole thing much more than some man he just met. What he needed was for someone to just be there, to listen, to hear him.

And then Aphros tells Paint that the only advice he can give is "Love yourself very much".

The words he raised his nephews and niece on.

Paint's siblings and friends are all constantly telling him to get over his feelings and move on. It made Paint bottle everything up. But Aphros won't interfere in Paint's life. He only offers an ear. Neither encouraging nor discouraging anything, but being someone Paint can talk to.

Someone who only wants Paint to remember, in all of this, to love himself as much as he loves others.

Aphros' words unlock pain that Paint never realized he was carrying, and he begins to cry. Aphros opens his arms and offers Paint a warm hug, letting the boy cry as much as he needs to without any judgment or teasing.

And... Paint finally gets it. Why Plerng loves his uncle so much, and why he grew up with so much confidence.

It must be nice... to have an uncle like Aphros.

---

At some point, Aphros brought Paint to the living room to sit together on the sofa while Paint cried. But when he had no tears left, the boy finally fell asleep.

He wakes hours later... on Aphros' chest.

But Aphros himself is also in a deep sleep. Paint scrambles off the sofa and cooks a quick dinner to leave out for Aphros when he wakes up, but the man never so much as stirs. Not even when Paint bids him goodbye for the evening, and swears again that he will learn to love himself more.

He also asks- only because Aphros is asleep- if he can apply to be adopted as Aphros' nephew.

---

Plerng calls Paint to chat about Aphros, not subtle at all in trying to find out if Paint has started to fall for Aphros yet. But Paint doesn't take the bait, asking instead... if Aphros had been abandoned in the past.

When looking up Aphros before the job, he saw scraps of rumors about a failed romance long before his disaster of a marriage. But it is shrouded in mystery, blasted out of public memory by Aphros' car accident mere days later.

Still, the way Aphros knew exactly how to comfort Paint... It made him wonder if the man had been through something himself.

That's where Plerng's usual joking demeanor vanishes.

Eleven years ago, Aphros was at the top of his career. A popular actor with a massive fan following and major endorsement deals, and he was carrying a career-ending secret:

He was in love with a man.

Aphros was all-in on the relationship. He bought land to build a house for his love- the very land he lives on now. He introduced this man to his entire family. He was happy and vibrant and planned on retiring from acting at only 28 to live a happy life with his love, even if they couldn't legally marry.

And then his lover showed up with a pregnant woman.

Not only had he cheated on Aphros and knocked a girl up, but he blamed APHROS for his mistake. He told Aphros the only reason he cheated was because he couldn't stand their secret relationship anymore, and that love between men wasn't actually love. It was just a fetish.

Aphros was completely devastated. Lost, broken, and in a daze, his car suddenly crossed into traffic and struck a truck head-on.

For three months, Aphros was nearly paralyzed in the hospital, waiting every single day for his lost love to at least come see him.

He never did. It took a year for Aphros to pull himself back together enough to leave.

Paint's interest in Aphros' past- and his disgust at Aphros' ex- immediately piques Plerng's interest.

Plerng makes no secret his hopes that Paint will be his new "aunt", and starts to hint that below Aphros' belt is something very large that will make him very happy.

---

Paint becomes incredibly indulgent of Aphros' childish tastes, and drives around the city to find those damn bamboo shoots Aphros has been demanding he cook.

They playfully start arguing, and Aphros teases Paint about crying the day before. He isn't being mean, but he begins chasing Paint around the house with open arms, offering more hugs, if he's still sad.

Aphros finally manages to catch Paint, and something changes in the air between them. Paint doesn't fight the hold, and Aphros doesn't let go. He starts to lean in close as Paint trembles-

And then the doorbell rings.

Paint quickly untangles himself from Aphros and runs to answer the door. But a flustered Paint doesn't realize... Aphros is just as shocked by his own behavior.

He swore off relationships a long time ago, but for some reason, all the sudden the only thing he could think about was how good Paint's body felt in his arms.

Paint was adorably innocent, sweet, cute, and fun to annoy with his big, expressive eyes full of wonder, anger, or amusement... His skin is soft and smooth, Aphros wouldn't mind feeling more of it.

It surprises Aphros to feel what he is feeling, but he doesn't fight the realization that... Paint could easily lure Aphros in.

And then Paint comes back.

With Satan.

When Plerng and Prapai hired Paint to cook for Aphros, it was because they were worried about their uncle spiraling into depression after his divorce, no matter how cruel and vicious they find June.

June belittles Aphros constantly, blindly accusing him of abusing his wife by not giving her limitless access to his money, even though he gave her tens of thousands of baht a month as his wife.

She took joy in spending Aphros' money on random friends or family, throwing it around wildly just to show off that she could. And if Aphros refused to give her more, she would just show up at his brother's house and make a scene, claiming they were poor and needed funds.

No one ever believed her, and the entire family hated this piece of plastic garbage Aphros brought home. Aphros himself only married June in the first place to prove he could move on after his first relationship imploded. He never loved her, never could, but he'd hoped for at least a cordial relationship. He never expected her to turn into a complete harpy.

Yes, Aphros gave June every single thing she asked for to just get the divorce over with, but she's blowing through the money, and has decided she's entitled to so much more.

When Aphros calmly refuses, reminding her she signed the papers and he owes her nothing, June explodes.

At Paint.

She accuses Aphros suddenly of sleeping around with random boys and calls Paint a prostitute. June says she will make sure the press blows the entire thing up into a huge scandal unless Aphros gives her what she wants.

But Aphros has evidence of June sleeping around during their marriage, and he will happily drag her down with him if she tries anything.

To piss off June, Aphros grabs a stunned Paint and pulls him in for a kiss on the lips.

Infuriated that Aphros won't give her what she wants, June storms out of the house.

And then Paint begins to sob.

At first, Aphros thinks Paint is upset because of June's threats against him- creating a scandal would destroy his privacy and harm his future.

But it's the kiss that upset Paint.

That was his first kiss, one he'd always stupidly saved for Gus, even if he knew it was pointless.

Aphros begs Paint to stop crying, holding him tight. He soothes Paint, calling him "sweetheart" and "little boy", telling him how pretty he is and how crying will damage that.

It only makes Paint- who desperately wanted to hear those words from Gus- sob harder.

Gradually, Paint comes to realize that he isn't crying so much for Aphros stealing his first kiss, but because of Aphros' soothing words. It felt like the world fell apart when his kiss was stolen so unexpectedly, but Aphros holding him and comforting him unlocked the pain he'd carried in his heart for so long.

Aphros doesn't judge Paint. He won't let Paint call himself stupid for being upset over the kiss. The first kiss was something important to Paint, so it is important to Aphros too.

When Aphros releases Paint to wash his face, Paint becomes embarrassed and hurries off to the kitchen to hide. He showed too much emotion to Aphros, and even though the older man comforted him, he's now cried TWICE on the shoulder of his friend's uncle whom he barely knows.

But Aphros just hangs out nearby, giving Paint his space but staying close... and occasionally teasing him. Aphros needles Paint until they start to bicker and Paint's mood improves. He makes a few dirty jokes, and laughs at how flustered Paint becomes.

And then Aphros tells Paint the truth Plerng and Prapai don't know.

The truth of his isolation at home after the divorce.

It isn't because he misses June. It isn't mourning a failed romance. He has hated June since the first month of their marriage. She was loud, whiny, cruel, and always played the victim, treating Aphros like shit.

Around family, she was unbearable, and he couldn't stand hearing her snide remarks about his brother, sister-in-law, his nephews, or his niece.

He also couldn't stand any of his family seeing how miserable he was with her. To avoid her, he worked himself ragged on sets, developing a reputation for his tireless perfectionism. All so he wouldn't be forced to go home to her at night.

Amongst this, he developed extreme insomnia problems- insomnia that has vanished ever since Paint appeared.

All Aphros wanted was to spend a few months completely and utterly alone in a silent house. To enjoy June's absence from his life. Maybe even travel and go on some adventures- but then Paint arrived.

And the boy is infinitely more fun than any vacation could be.

The reason Aphros refused to allow housekeepers into his place was that he was afraid June would find a way to buy one off and invade his privacy. He truly gave her everything in the divorce- Aphros even had to sell his shares of the family company to his big brother just to get enough money to meet her demands (his brother insists it was a loan and he will give the shares back when Aphros repays him).

He's free now, so no matter how hard she tries, he won't let June get a single claw into his life.

Before eating, Paint thanks Aphros for the chatter, distracting him from his own thoughts, and helping him feel better about crying in front of the man.

Out of nowhere, Aphros suddenly asks Paint if he'd like Aphros to teach him... about sex.

If Paint is so innocent that he's never kissed, he's no better than a child. Children need sex-ed, and Aphros kindly offers to teach Paint. He taught his nephews the importance of condoms and how to put them on correctly- it's entirely thanks to Aphros that Prapai doesn't have 10,000 bastard children running about.

Paint tells Aphros that his teasing has gone too far. He's flustered, and while he's thankful for Aphros changing the subject... It makes him uncomfortable.

Aphros backs down, but not before giving Paint a soft kiss on the forehead and telling the boy to get used to his kisses, they'll be happening often. It's the perk of being adopted as his nephew.

Paint is even more confused... both about the words, and the feelings in his chest.

---

The next day, Paint wakes to a message saying he doesn't need to go to Aphros' place until late. He doesn't have to cook, because Aphros won't be home.

Aphros is in pre-production for a new show (likely with Tongrak, they've worked together often), and he has script reviews scheduled all day. Paint only needs to do his basic rounds of tidying things up.

Aphros is giving him space to process things after the kiss.

But then Paint gets a call, and it's an emergency:

Aphros left his laptop at home, and it has files he desperately needs for the afternoon. He begs Paint to bring them to the studio. Normally, Plerng would get them for him- the boy intends to do an internship with Aphros for school- but Plerng is already on his way with Sin, and it'd take longer to go back to Aphros' place to get the computer and return to the studio.

Paint immediately accepts the task, and rushes to bring Aphros what he needs. When he arrives, he has no way of reaching Aphros, and ends up standing near the mass of fans waiting outside. Paint is immediately welcomed by a group of Aphros' fans, who talk about how amazing their idol is.

Paint is taken in by the reminder that Aphros the Toddler is a celebrity, and privately entertained by the massive gap they have between the image of Aphros as a chic idol and the image Paint has of a dirty man in his boxers refusing to eat veggies.

Aphros suddenly appears at the security gate and calls Paint over openly, shocking the fans. When Paint gets close enough, Aphros takes his hand and pulls him through, happily leading him inside. Paint hands over the laptop, and follows Plerng back to Aphros' house.

Paint is somewhat in a daze. It's his first time seeing this side of Aphros- the famous director. He is dressed like a celebrity, more handsome than Paint has ever seen him, and has a dashing charm that just doesn't fit with the man who bickers with Paint constantly at home.

Plerng shares some interesting gossip about June that Aphros omitted before. Aphros had wholly resigned himself to their hellish marriage, but one event made him determined to divorce June and be done with her once and for all:

She told everyone she was pregnant.

It was most likely an act to get money or attention from the family, to make it harder for a clearly distant Aphros to divorce her without scandal, but instead it ripped open old wounds, reminding him of his first love who cheated on him and threw him away because of a pregnancy.

Setting aside the fact that Aphros hadn't so much as touched June since they married... Aphros is completely sterile. Something only Orn, Plerng's mother, knew. Aphros was only a teenager when a doctor informed him, and Orn was the one who drove him to his appointment.

In all, it took three years from that moment for the divorce to finally go through. She fought it even step of the way, even holding the license itself hostage so he couldn't rip it up.

Shortly after their chat, Aphros returns home with king crabs for Paint to cook, an extreme luxury.

Plerng and Aphros both taunt Paint throughout the meal, making endless sexual innuendos and with Plerng flat-out telling Aphros that Paint would make a lovely new aunt.

And when Paint goes to leave... Aphros suddenly kisses him on the cheek. Paint asks Aphros if he thinks of him as a nephew- that must be the reason for the cheek kiss, right?

A smiling Aphros only agrees, and sends Paint on his way.

Then he texts Plerng, telling the boy to call him the moment he's dropped Paint off at home.

Aphros wants to know everything his nephew knows about the boy.

---

After that, Aphros is infinitely more hands-on with Paint. He'll give him little hugs, tussle his hair, and openly flirt with him. But Paint refuses to believe any of it is more than just Aphros' particular brand of doting uncle. That's all it could possibly be.

Aphros has Paint sit on the sofa, and lays his head on Paint's lap to rest. He's testing a theory- that Paint himself is the one easing Aphros' insomnia.

Later in the day, Paint untangles himself from the man who is in a deep sleep, and heads home.

He crosses paths with Gus along the way, and is overjoyed to see his crush. Gus tells Paint to come to the house, he has something special he wants to show Paint.

---

Paint heads over to Gus' house, and is shocked to see him playing a guitar. It scares Paint for a minute- he wanted to give Gus the Gibson he'd been talking about as a birthday gift. But then Paint learns this guitar is just one on loan from a friend.

Gus has Paint sit down and listen to him playing a love song, singing the words to Paint. It makes Paint feel loved and special, and warms his heart more than he ever imagined it could.

And then Gus says he wanted to practice singing...

Because he wants to sing the song for his girlfriend, Nin.

---

Aphros can't figure out why Paint keeps leaving the house in such a good mood, only to come back the next day pale, exhausted, and silent.

Seeing Paint's state, Aphros tells him to just stay home the next day and rest. He clearly has something on his mind, and needs time to process it.

Even Paint has started wondering about his mood swings. His one-sided love of Gus made him happy, didn't it? So why was he so happy with Aphros, and so miserable with Gus?

Aphros has a special power to turn Paint's mood around and make him forget whatever upsets him, but no matter how happy he is, at the end of the day, Gus is there to bring him back to reality and shatter his heart over and over.

---

On his day off, Aphros calls Paint and invites him out to dinner, not wanting to eat alone. He tells Paint he is at a barbecue joint, and texts Paint the address.

Paint heads out in flip-flops, shorts, and an old t-shirt. It's Aphros after all, he's probably at some neighborhood dive bar.

... and then Paint is standing outside of the most expensive and exclusive restaurant in the city. The kind of place that doesn't let you in without a suit and tie.

The staff try to treat him professionally, but Paint is mortified. He prays he has the wrong place, but when they hear Aphros' name, he is immediately brought upstairs to their most exclusive dining rooms. The kind reserved for top celebrities wanting to avoid crowds.

Paint is somewhat relieved when he sees Aphros and quickly sits down. He feels humiliated, but Aphros waves off his concern. As long as the food is paid for, they shouldn't care what a person is wearing.

He also tells Paint not to sit across from him. His nephew Prapai will be joining them.

Paint excuses himself before Prapai arrives to go to the bathroom. On the way, he overhears 2 waitresses in a break area. One is gossipping about him, while the other keeps telling her to not speak poorly of the guests.

The first waitress keeps insisting that paint is a prostitute or whore, and Aphros his sugar daddy. She claims he must be wearing such shabby clothes as a way to look more pathetic and wring more money out of Aphros.

After all the kindness Aphros has shown him- and everything he has endured in his marriage- people are looking down on the man for being seen with him. All because Paint didn't dress nicely.

Paint returns to the dining area to find Prapai inside. But when Prapai tries to greet him, he and Aphros can instantly tell something is wrong. Paint refuses to say. He doesn't want to make a scene, he just feels embarrassed and guilty. Embarrassed that he looks so shabby, and guilty to Aphros for making him look like a lecher.

Prapai and Aphros push Paint and refuse to accept his deflections. Eventually, Paint admits just a tiny bit of what he heard. That the waitress said he had no dignity, and that people like him think working in bed is easier than holding a real job.

And that's the kinder aspects of what she'd said.

Aphros can tell Paint still won't own up to everything he heard, but he leaves Prapai to look after Paint and steps into the hall to make a phone call.

Prapai helps lighten the mood after Aphros returns, telling Paint about his beloved Sky, and pouting about how Sky is a huge fanboy of Aphros', so much so that Prapai doesn't like Aphros being around him. In case Aphros realizes how perfect Sky is and tries to steal him.

Paint laughs along and the mood lifts as they eat. Before they finish, there is a knock at the door. Aphros greets the restaurant owner, a man named Inn, who drove over immediately after Aphros called him.

Along with Inn is the waitress who was gossipping about Paint.

Aphros, Prapai, and Paint watch as Inn fires the girl immediately. Paint tries to speak up and say it isn't necessary, but Aphros and Inn both gently brush off his words. They explain that it is only luck that a friendly customer overheard her insulting guests. If word got out, the reputation of the restaurant would be ruined beyond repair with its ultra-exclusive clientele.

The waitress is forced out, begging for a second chance, but Aphros tells Paint that Inn will never give it back to her. Prapai again calms Paint down, telling him he did nothing wrong. She has to face the consequences of her own actions.

Aphros and Prapai both order several dishes to go, Prapai to bring home to Sky, and Aphros just seems hungry.

Paint is still troubled by what happened to the waitress, and feels guilty. All he would have asked for was a reprimand and an apology, not for someone to lose their job. On top of it, Aphros was fairly vicious towards her.

Aphros' temper itself doesn't bother Paint, but that it's the first time he can remember someone prioritizing him. Aphros fought for him, when he didn't have to. Paint keeps telling himself that's just how Aphros treats his nephews, and he's adopted Paint as an honorary one. So it's... just how he treats nephews... right?

Aphros teases Paint to lighten the mood, and tousles his hair. When Paint says Aphros is petting him like a dog, Aphros only replies that there are some things you can't do with a dog, and suddenly leans in to kiss Paint on the lips.

It isn't like the kiss in front of June- a quick mash of lips. This kiss is passionate and fierce, but gentle all the same. Aphros releases and stunned Paint, and Paint says.... Aphros must be drunk. That's the reason he kissed Paint.

Aphros only laughs and sends the boy inside with all of the extra food he ordered- bribes for Paint's family (his siblings are watching from a window).

Paint's siblings are immediately up in his business the moment he walks in the door, delighted to see Paint so happy and flustered. They couldn't tell what was happening in the car, but whenever Paint is around Plerng's uncle, he comes home happy and light.

And then Paint is almost immediately pulled into a video chat with Plerng and their other best friend, Andrea (who is hell bent on making Plerng's sister Phan her wife). Andrea is the dangerous one of the group- she pushed Plerng until he wound up with Sin, and now she wants Paint with Aphros.

Plerng already knows about what happened at the restaurant- Prapai called him and told him every juicy detail, and he fills Andrea in, emphasizing how Aphros referred to Paint as "my boy" at one point in the confrontation.

Hell, Paint looked so sad and cute as Aphros defended him, Prapai admitted to his brother that if he were still single, he'd have tried to pull Paint into bed that very night.

---

The next day, Aphros is out gardening while Paint cleans the house. He comes in to shower, handing Paint his underwear to throw in with the dirty laundry.

Paint has no underwear fetish, he's just collecting the laundry.

The problem is- Aphros is only wearing a towel when he brings them out, and Paint gets the full eye-full of his body. Aphros is absolutely built, his muscles so perfectly toned that it stuns Paint for a moment.

Until he notices a wicked surgical scar across Aphros' torso.

Aphros admits that in the car accident years before, his ribs were shattered, and punctured several internal organs. He also tells Paint that everything has healed, he just feels a bit of pain if he overdoes it, like he just did in the garden.

Aphros immediately laughs at Paint's pale face and says he's joking, grabbing the boy's hand and pulling him over to touch the scar and trace it with his fingers, proving that it doesn't bother him anymore.

But then Aphros has to stop Paint- those gentle touches along his body are making it hard for him. He pulls Paint closer and leans in slowly, feeling Paint tremble in his hand as he pulls the boy's body closer and closer-

And then flicks him on the forehead and tells him not to provoke anything he can't candle.

And then Aphros very clearly tells Paint that if he kept touching, something would get hard.

He can show it to Paint, if Paint wants to see.

---

After that, Paint keeps his distance from Aphros, not coming close enough to touch him again. But Aphros still hangs close by him. After a few days, he asks what boys Paint's age like as gifts, wanting to buy a new years gift for Plerng.

New Years is coming... which means Paint's time with Aphros is nearly over.

Aphros tells Paint that he should spend New Years with the person he loves, to which Paint responds that he can't... He has no opportunity to see Gus.

And then Aphros asks if Paint would mind spending time with someone who has him in their heart instead, but Paint doesn't understand. He just brushes it off, saying no one has ever had a crush on him.

Not realizing that Aphros was telling him he has a place in his heart.

---

Aphros attends a New Years party at his brother's house, happily watching as Sky zips about trying to help Orn (and Prapai follows his boyfriend like a lovesick puppy, constantly annoying Sky with hugs and kisses).

Aphros loves the chaos of watching his family enjoy one another's company- even Orn's siblings and their kids. Aphros loves his family so incredibly much, this is the perfect way to spend a holiday...

Well, almost perfect. It would be absolutely perfect if he had a certain cute, naive boy with him.

Aphros' brother comes to tease him, asking when his "oldest son" will settle down. Phan appears to suggest that might happen soon, immediately catching her father's interest. And suddenly everyone is sharing gossip about Aphros and his housekeeper.

Aphros untangles himself from the conversation as Phan and Plerng taunt him, catching his brother's interest fully as he realizes they aren't just teasing their uncle- Aphros might actually have a new love already.

---

Paint, meanwhile, is having a quiet New Years with his family. It's so rare that his parents are home and awake, they want to make the most of lost time with their kids.

Paint spends the morning helping Gus' mother cook (he always helps the neighborhood Aunties with anything they need), but then runs home to spend time with his own family and go out bowling.

That night, when he gets home, Ruup immediately grabs him and tries to drag Paint inside. Confused, Paint looks around to see what it is that has Ruup so angry-

and sees Gus with Nin, coming over to say hello.

Paint makes it through the conversation, but he can barely hide his depression. Nin is so cute and small- things he will never be. And the way Gus looks at her- he'd never look at Paint that way.

Paint makes it into the house and holds himself together all the way up to his bedroom, but when the clock strikes midnight and the fireworks go off, he makes the mistake of looking outside-

And sees Gus and Nin passionately kissing.

---

Plerng kisses his boyfriend at midnight, then calls Andrea to wish her a happy new year. She asks him to pass on her love to Paint as well, and so he calls Paint next.

But he can hear immediately that Paint sounds weak and hoarse.

He asks if he can stay at Plerng's place for the night. Normally that'd be fine, but it is crowded with the New Year's party and all of their family. Plerng still offers his room to Paint, and offers to pick him up.

Say what you want about Plerng, but the second he hears that his friend is suffering, he stops thinking about dragging Sin to bed.

But Paint only says that he forgot they were having a party. He apologizes to Plerng for bothering him, tells him to forget it, and hangs up.

So Plerng immediately grabs Sin to go to Paint directly.

Plerng is in such a hurry to leave that he nearly crashes into Aphros, who is startled. Aphros demands to know what is going on, and Plerng tells him something is very wrong with Paint. He was distant and in pain, and Plerng is scared.

Aphros goes instead, telling Plerng to stay home, he'll find Paint.

It takes Aphros three tries to get Paint to pick up a call, and he can hear in a second that Paint has been crying.

Aphros rushes to Paint's house. Paint is waiting outside for him. Aphros brings Paint home, and once again sobs in Aphros' arms. He tells Aphros he can't take this pain anymore, he doesn't want to hurt. Paint has finally accepted that the love he felt for Gus- while it used to make him happy- now only makes him miserable and alone.

Aphros knows that pain too well himself. He soothes Paint, only telling him that, until Paint finds a way to move on, that pain can never go away.

Paint cries until he has no tears left in him. Aphros gives him some pajama pants to wear, and lets Paint sleep in bed with him. Paint is so exhausted from the stress and grief that he immediately falls asleep on Aphros' chest.

---

In the morning, Paint wants to keep clinging to Aphros, pretending to be asleep. But Aphros notices he's awake- Aphros has been awake enjoying Paint laying on him for a while already.

Paint gets up, but Aphros notices the boy looks "ill". Humiliated, Paint looks down and realizes... well...

He has morning wood.

Aphros speaks to Paint like he's talking to a child, asking if Paint is ill somewhere. He says he must inspect the symptoms, gradually convincing Paint to move his hands. Paint thinks Aphros will just look at the tent in his pajama pants (he slept without underwear), crack a joke to lighten the mood, and be done.

But Aphros instead reaches out and touches him. He tells Paint he will teach him how to cure his little illness. How to make the thing between his legs cry, and then he'll feel better.

Paint is unsure, but Aphros is darkly seductive. He gradually convinces Paint to lay down on the bed, and Aphros kisses him hard while stroking Paint off.

Paint cums, then Aphros sends him to shower.

Even Aphros is a bit surprised by how much he loved doing that, and even more sure he has started falling for Paint.

Later, Aphros brings Paint home, and tells the boy he should prepare himself, because Aphros intends to pursue him. But first, Paint needs to remove every last weed of Gus from his heart. Because Aphros will not accept competition.

---

Paint's siblings have figured out that this Aphros man makes their brother happy. They begin to pressure him more and more to go to Aphros rather than Gus.

Over the days, Aphros and Paint become closer and closer. Even though the job is nearly over and they will have to part, Paint can only think about how good Aphros makes him feel about himself.

Paint goes home one day and Gus immediately catches him going into the house. He excitedly drags Paint up to his room and shows him something he's wildly excited about- Paint will be the first person other than his parents to see:

An engagement ring for Nin.

Gus pretends to propose to Paint, to practice what he'll say. But it only makes Paint's chest hurt even more.

---

Paint suddenly appears at Aphros' house and gives him all of his savings. The job isn't done yet, he hasn't been paid yet, but he needs to buy the guitar NOW. To make his first and only declaration to Gus NOW, before Gus is engaged to Nin.

Silent and stone-faced, Aphros takes Paint to the mall and buys the guitar. He barely looks at Paint, and doesn't say much. Aphros isn't a jealous child, he knows he's up against Paint's first love, and he knows Paint needs to do this for himself. To be rejected outright and have closure.

But it still hurts like hell.

Gus sees Paint bringing the guitar inside. Paint mentions he got the guitar, and Gus assumes Paint was planning to learn to play, since Gus was learning and mentioned he loved that guitar.

Gus then says that there is a video Nin absolutely loved of a Korean idol singing a love song while playing that exact style of guitar, and he was desperate to find one to borrow so he could propose to Nin with that exact song and that exact guitar.

He has the venue arranged, he has the trip with Nin arranged, the guitar is the final thing he needed to make his proposal completely perfect.

... in the end, it was all for Nin. Paint realizes he never had a prayer. Lost and despondent, he lends the guitar to Gus without telling him his feelings. Without admitting anything.

---

Paint is again lost, but he doesn't go to Aphros for consolation. He stays home, closed up in his room the entire night.

The next day, Aphros comes downstairs to a smell of something burning. He sees Paint standing over a pan frying some pork in oil, but he's completely lost in thought. His arm is red from where oil has been snapping and burning him, and the food is completely black.

Aphros forces Paint to sit down and asks him how things went with Gus, already knowing the answer.

But when Paint admits he never told Gus he loved him, Aphros is enraged. His warm demeanor vanishes, and he is only full of ice cold disappointment. He is blunt with Paint in a way he's never been blunt before, telling Paint his failure with Gus is his own fault. He never does anything, and that's why Gus will never love him.

Paint snaps back, saying Aphros doesn't know anything.

Aphros shuts down. He says Paint is right, he doesn't know anything. Paint should ignore everything he has ever said. The last piece of advice Aphros will give him is that if he doesn't learn to take action and let things with Gus end, he's never going to move on.

That is the last day Paint was going to be at Aphros' house, and Aphros is done with him.

He won't teach Paint anymore. He won't let Paint into his house to cook or clean. He's just done.

Aphros takes the key Paint was given at the start of the job and says Paint shouldn't come anymore. Aphros will be too busy with his new show anyways. He won't be home.

The last words Aphros says to Paint are a distant and polite thanks for the work he has done and wishing him luck in his final school term.

---

During this phase, you get a bit of a POV on Gus himself.

Gus loves Paint, just... not in the way Paint wants (not that Gus is aware of that). Paint has always been his best friend in the neighborhood, and gives Gus anything he asks for, no matter what. Gus knew this as a kid, and he used it to get stuff- a video game he never returned, a ball he broke- he took advantage of Paint's kindness.

And then, as he grew up... He started feeling guilty. He tried to be kinder to Paint, to indulge him more and at least quietly return all of the warmth and joy that Paint brought to him. Again, Gus has no idea Paint loves him in a romantic sense, but he loves Paint as the best brother anyone could ever hope to have.

Paint is the one who cheers him up, who pulls him together. It genuinely means the world to Gus to think that Paint supports his love. He needed Paint to meet Nin, to approve of Nin, because introducing her to Paint was like introducing her to his family.

Having Paint's guitar during the proposal- it feels like having his family blessing with him.

---

Gus runs out of the house one day as Paint returns, running late to make it to the resort Nin's friends are luring her to, where he will propose. Paint thinks about doing what Aphros said and telling Gus how he feels, but again Gus misunderstands it as Paint giving him his blessing.

But... Paint realizes... it doesn't matter.

He doesn't need Gus to know anymore. He doesn't need to tell him. He doesn't want to put that on Gus when Gus is starting a new life. He loved Gus, and now he can let that go.

He doesn't need to make his final stand, because he has known his entire life that there is nothing to stand for. There is no chance Gus feels for him what he feels for Gus.

---

Gus' mother comes to Paint later that day. She is cleaning out some stuff from Gus' room, and came across some stuff that she thinks might belong to Paint.

Paint goes to look, and sure enough, there is a box Gus has kept of every single thing Paint ever gave him. The broken video game, the deflated ball.

Paint realizes he has always been precious to Gus. Even if it wasn't in the way he wanted. Even if it was just as Gus' perfect little brother. It is painful, but it helps.

And then Paint moves something and sees Nin's engagement ring.

Gus ran out with the box- but he'd been looking at the ring before he left, and he forgot to put it back in.

Gus' mother is in a panic, and Gus won't pick up his phone. In a complete panic, Paint grabs the ring and calls Aphros- the person he's always called when things go wrong. His stressed and frantic brain completely forgot about their fight.

Aphros shows up, and is disgusted to hear this is another Gus thing. But Paint begs him to drive to the resort- a few hours away. So Aphros indulges him. He says nothing to Paint, and Paint spends the drive trying to call Gus before suddenly realizing...

What he's doing to Aphros.

That he called Aphros. That he is making Aphros drive him, after Aphros bought the guitar and after they fought and everything.

But Paint doesn't have time for guilt. He finally manages to get Gus on the line and has him meet Paint at the resort. Gus is just about to propose to Nin, she's being lured in by her friends to where Gus should be waiting.

Paint cusses Gus out and just about throws the ring at him, telling him to get his head out of his ass and FOCUS, or he'll fuck things up with Nin. Gus is a bit taken aback by Paint's wrath, but he's also guilty of forgetting the ring, and insanely grateful that Paint saved him.

Paint stays to watch the engagement from afar, until Aphros covers his eyes as tears start to fall, and he leads Paint back to the car.

It isn't that Paint is sad to see Gus finally engaged to Nin... It's that Paint has finally given up his one-sided love. And he's mourning the empty space that has left in his heart.

They are too far to drive back to Bangkok, so Aphros drives instead to a luxury resort and gets a room just for them. Aphros tells Paint to stop whining already. Paint needs to cry, just for a day, just to mourn a lifelong one-sided love one more time. But Aphros tells him again to stop whining... and start liking Aphros back.

He kisses Paint hard and deep. Aphros will be pursuing him openly and forcefully.

There is no way out now, because Aphros intends to rip out every last root Gus has in Paint's heart and fill the space himself.

---

In the morning, Paint wakes again on Aphros' chest. Aphros taunts and teases him, threatening to follow him into the shower, but Paint is scared to let Aphros even touch him.

When they get back to Bangkok, Aphros asks if he scared Paint by moving too fast, but Paint only says he doesn't know.

Aphros reminds Paint that he's 18 years older. He's impatient in his old age.

So when he pursues Paint, it will be intense, forceful, and he will do everything in his power to make Paint happy. Because Paint is his happiness, and loving himself means making Paint his.

All of Plerng and Prapai's bad habits and selfish behavior towards their lovers, their relentless pursuits, was all taught by Aphros himself.

Paint has rolled his eyes for years at Plerng's nonsense, but now he has to face the master himself.

Not entirely distracted by Aphros' frank words, when Paint gets out of the car, he genuinely thanks Aphros for helping the day before, and everything he did for Paint with Gus leading up to that.

Aphros shrugs it off, saying he did it happily... Because he expects something in return.

Paint's siblings run out to greet him as Aphros leaves. Pai and Ruup are confused- Gus is engaged now... but Paint... doesn't seem sad at all. He seems happy?

And Ruup's eyes fall on that car speeding away.

---

The first day of classes, Paint is hanging out with Andrea and Plerng during a break and Plerng mentions Aphros is interviewing new housekeepers that day.

Paint immediately runs to Aphros' house where he does indeed see Aphros with a housekeeper. In a panic, Paint yells for Aphros to not hire her, to hire him. He'll work for free.

But Aphros only laughs.

Plerng set him up.

The housekeeper is one he is borrowing from Orn to handle light cleaning. Her most trusted, one who can't be bought by June. Aphros wasn't actually hiring anyone full time. She'll just come once a week.

But now he has PAINT.

He doesn't want Paint handling the cleaning. He wants Paint in other positions. Many other positions.

The housekeeper whispers conspiratorially with Aphros, asking if she's allowed to tell Orn about Paint's little display. Aphros asks if she's really Orn's eyes and ears, or PLERNG's. The maid only chuckles, and Aphros tells her to tell the entire family if she'd like, but to make it clear that Aphros is serious about this boy.

Paint gives Aphros a bottle of expensive vodka Andrea had given to Plerng (for him to give to Aphros). The excuse Plerng gave Paint to go over and interrupt the meeting with the "new housekeeper".

Aphros only tells Paint that he's serious, the position is his.

But if Aphros just hired this once-a-week housekeeper, what is the position Paint should take?

Considering the "duties" Paint performs, and the many other positions Aphros wants him in, he hires Paint for the position of "wife".

---

While Aphros and Paint heat up, Plerng runs into problems with Sin.

While looking for Sin on campus, Plerng overhears that Sin has taken work abroad, interning at his father's company in Europe for a semester.

No one has told Plerng anything about this, and it sends him into an extreme spiral.

Plerng loves Sin with his entire being, but during the events of Plerng's novel, My Beast, there was a situation where Plerng nearly lost Sin after a cheating issue. Plerng has never been exclusive with someone before.

Paint sees Plerng as being a wild child, but it isn't as clear cut as Paint always thought. It isn't that Plerng is selfish or greedy, his need for sex... it isn't entirely normal.

The thought of losing Sin for months on end- maybe a year- Plerng is genuinely terrified of what he'll do. That he won't be able to stop himself, and will give in to his addiction to sex. That he will hurt Sin by betraying his trust, and Plerng can't live with that.

Plerng won't look at Sin, won't be near him. He's crying almost every day. Sin is frantic- he doesn't understand what is going on. Paint is trying his best to help his friend, but Aphros won't allow anyone to tell him anything. He won't spy on his nephew or swoop in. Plerng is an adult, he has always told Aphros everything, so if he wants Aphros to know, he'll tell him himself.

But Plerng is spiraling terribly, and Aphros kind of gleans enough to understand that what Plerng needs is to talk to Sin, whatever the situation is. Sin even goes to Aphros for help.

So Aphros invites the two of them over for dinner, and lets what happens happen.

It turns out the whole situation was a misunderstanding- which Sin has been trying desperately to explain to Plerng. Yes, he needs to go abroad for a long time. That was supposed to happen within the next few months, but Sin was talking to his professor to arrange for it to be delayed. To continue his studies.

Sin is a year older, and he arranged to put off everything for one year, to give Plerng time to graduate. Plerng's father owns companies in Europe as well. Sin wanted to study abroad with Plerng beside him.

If Plerng follows to work at his father's company or if he just stays home as Sin's house-husband, it doesn't matter. Sin was always intending to do this with him.

They make up and go upstairs and.. well... It's been like a week. That's the longest Plerng has gone without sex in... his life.

Sin and Plerng are by no means gentle or quiet when they have sex. They go at it loud and hard for hours on end. Since those two have the guest room, Paint sleeps in Aphros' room, but all he can hear are the moans and screams of his friend, and the frantic pounding on the walls.

Paint is mostly focused on Aphros holding him, chuckling at Paint's annoyance. Aphros holds Paint tight- the first time he's done this where Paint isn't crying or coming down from crying.

He begins to tease Paint, and then Paint feels Aphros getting hard.

Bewildered, he asks Aphros if he's like that because of the noises coming from Plerng's room, but Aphros only calls Paint foolish- the hardness is because of Paint. Because he needs Paint.

Paint and Aphros drown out Plerng's sounds, kissing hard and heavy. Aphros strips Paint and strokes him, then begs Paint to touch him too.

Paint is shy, but his shy touch drives Aphros insane.

Aphros plays with a finger in Paint's mouth, letting Paint lick and bite at him while Aphros slides down and gives Paint a blowjob. He then comes back up and has paint hold their dicks together and stroke them.

Meanwhile, the finger Paint wetted for him, Aphros slides around to the back.

Aphros doesn't entirely have sex with Paint that night, but he fingers Paint, getting him used to the feeling, teaching him to play with his nipples while Aphros' fingers make him cum.

But Aphros' endurance is higher. He flips Paint onto his stomach and holds Paint's thighs together, choosing to have sex with Paint without further penetration than a finger or tongue.

---

As Paint and Aphros are getting closer and closer, Aphros drives Paint home and is ambushed by Ruup and Pai... and Gus.

Gus has appeared to thank Paint profusely for bringing the ring, and to return the guitar in perfect condition. Aphros is darkly critical of Gus, insulting him in such roundabout ways that Gus isn't entirely sure he's being insulted.

But Paint absolutely hears it.

As do an increasingly gleeful Ruup and Pai.

Gus leaves under Aphros' increasingly withering glare, wishing a happy farewell to Paint.

And then... Aphros has a very odd accident.

And- just absolutely bewilderingly... The incredibly expensive guitar ends up in absolute splinters. Smashed into pieces.

Aphros halfheartedly apologizes to Paint for his little "accident", but while Paint is taken aback, he... can understand what is in Aphros' mind. The anger and hatred he feels towards that guitar and what it meant. But it brought him and Aphros together all the same.

So while it is hard to see such an expensive guitar destroyed... Paint forgives Aphros.

Later, while Paint is at University, June appears. She attacks Paint, trying to humiliate him. Calling him a prostitute, a home-wrecker, anything she can think of. Claiming he stole a married man. Humiliation is her entire goal.

But Paint will have none of it.

He goes off at June, snapping back with just as much bite as Plerng or Aphros would use. She said he stole her husband- he asks what husband of hers he stole? Because they've been divorced for a while now. She has no husband.

Paint then calls her a cheater and a liar, humiliating her with her fake pregnancy. June slaps him, and Paint whips out his phone to call the police and press charges for defamation and assault. June immediately screams at Paint and gets in her car to run away- though Paint never actually dialed the police.

Before Paint even makes it back to Andrea and Plerng, the whole university is talking about the crazy plastic lady who attacked the quiet and handsome Paint. Making him the hero who faced down the psycho.

Aphros feels horrible when he hears from Plerng what happened. How June targeted Paint. But Paint is proud of it, and Aphros kind of is too. He was territorial over Aphros, possessive of him, and faced down her crazy without bowing one bit.

Aphros feels loved.

---

Valentines Day rolls around, and Aphros asks Paint out on a date. Their first actual date.

Paint is determined to look as good as possible for Aphros. He asks Andrea to help him re-dye his hair (Paint dyes his hair a kind of off-white) and style it, and he spends the entire day picking out the exact right clothes to wear to look as good as possible for Aphros.

And then Gus happens.

As Paint is heading out the door, he walks into a warzone. Gus and Nin have had a fight, Gus came to his parent's house, and now his mother cannot find him. He's gone out to drown himself in alcohol, and Nin is sobbing.

Paint is forced to help look for Gus, and is increasingly frantic as the clock ticks by and he is getting closer and closer to being late to meet Aphros.

When he finds Gus, the man is a complete wreck. Paint has to carry him back towards the house, getting sweaty and disheveled hauling the nearly unconscious drunk man.

And then Nin comes flying out of the house, fighting with Gus, and Paint gets caught in the middle. He is slapped, his hair is pulled, and then Gus throws up all over him, ruining his clothes.

And any hope for the night.

Paint finally goes off. He screams at Gus, Nin, and everyone involved in ruining his evening. Demanding to know if they even give a shit that he obviously has plans before bringing their drama to him. Paint unloads like he has never unloaded before, and then runs into his house to TRY to salvage his evening.

But when he calls Aphros, the man is enraged the moment he hears Gus' name. Knowing that once again, Paint chose that man over him. He refuses to speak to Paint, refuses to hear a word of it.

Plerng calls later to ask Paint how it went, but Paint has been sobbing alone in his room. He ruined things with Aphros. Plerng reveals that Aphros planned to formally ask him to be his boyfriend, Plerng and Andrea even signed a card. Aphros was going to wait with dozens of roses at a fancy restaurant and make a big show out of it.

He stole Paint's first kiss, he confessed to him while consoling Paint from a fight- he was going to make a huge romantic display to make up for what he sees as flawed pursuits previously.

This only makes Paint even more upset, even more desperate.

He runs out of the house and hurries to Aphros, praying he isn't too late.

---

Aphros has been spiraling hard and fast.

Paint will never love him. He's unlovable, just like his old boyfriend said. Aphros is nothing more than a good lay to Paint. He will never be first in Paint's heart. He will never be first in anyone's heart.

Just as he was finally pulling himself back together, Paint reminded him what his place is.

He's a fetish some people have. He isn't worth love.

When Paint gets to Aphros, the man is already wasted. Paint begs Aphros to listen to him, tries to talk to Aphros, but Aphros won't hear it. At the end of the day, the cold, hard truth is that Paint chose Gus over him. Went to help Gus and left Aphros sitting alone like an idiot.

Finally, Aphros throws Paint onto the sofa and roughly rips off his shirt. He kisses the boy hard and violently, and bites Paint's shoulder painfully hard.

But Paint won't shove him away. He only keeps saying he'll do anything to make it up to Aphros.

Aphros only makes himself angrier, and storms out of the room to go stand under cold water. He didn't want things to be like this. He wanted a romantic evening and then to gently take Paint to his bed and make it the perfect night.

Not to throw a sobbing Paint on the sofa and hurt him. Not to have Paint desperate to apologize to Aphros with his body.

When Aphros comes out of the shower to send Paint home, Paint has drunk all the rest of his liquor and is unconscious on the sofa. Aphros only grabs a blanket and lays it over him, to which Paint grabs his wrist and, half-conscious, begs Aphros to not throw him away.

Aphros tells the boy to sleep, and then goes upstairs himself.

---

In the morning, Paint wakes with a splitting headache. He panics, remembering what happened last night, and runs into the kitchen. Aphros is friendly, but completely distant from Paint. No more than his friend's uncle. He makes Paint breakfast (Aphros can only cook eggs), and says he'll drop Paint off at home.

But Paint won't let things go. He explains everything to Aphros, and apologizes endlessly. He tells Aphros he feels nothing for Gus anymore. In a show of trust, he takes off his clothes and begs Aphros (who is telling him to put them back on) to just ask the question he was going to ask at dinner before Paint screwed everything up.

Aphros is only sad. He keeps saying he doesn't want it like this, it was supposed to be at a nice dinner and with a bouquet of roses, not like, with them in the kitchen, barely dressed, with only burnt eggs to eat.

After a while (and a lot of pleading from Paint), Aphros finally asks if Paint will be his boyfriend. And Paint immediately agrees.

Aphros pulls Paint close, and they manage to get as far as the sofa before Paint pulls Aphros down on top of him. Neither of them can make it upstairs, they're too feral for each other. Aphros tries to ask if Paint wants to move, but he won't let Aphros go.

They fully and completely have sex.

---

Paint wakes up hours later, clean and tucked into Aphros' big bed. But he is alone. He gets up and nearly collapses- not from pain in his rear, it actually isn't too bad, but from how exhausted the muscles in his legs are.

Eventually he makes it downstairs and finds Aphros in his study on the phone. Someone is speaking very seriously to Aphros, and he is listening very seriously, but Paint quickly realizes- the call is about him.

It's Ruup, Paint's little brother, calling to try to explain everything to Aphros. To make sure Aphros isn't mad at Paint. Ruup became Aphros' good little spy the day Aphros smashed the guitar, and Ruup and Pai are both scared that Aphros will leave Paint because of what happened.

---

Gus appears in front of Paint again, but only to apologize to him for Valentine's Day. For throwing up on him, and for ruining his date. He offers to call Aphros and explain everything, but Paint waves him off.

He truly feels nothing more than a slight sorrow when he looks at Gus now. He's found someone who makes him truly happy, makes him feel truly loved. He tells Gus that he needs to face problems with Nin, not throw a fit and get drunk. Paint won't always be there to drag him out of the bar.

---

Orn throws a party for Paint, wanting to finally meet the boy who has tamed Aphros.

But then June shows up.

She throws photos of Paint with Gus at Aphros, taken by a man she had stalking the boy on Valentine's day. The photos were carefully chosen to make it look like Paint is hanging on the man, though of course Aphros knows Paint was dragging a drunk man home.

Orn and Prapai's father don't even bother looking at the pictures. If it came from June, whatever she says is a lie.

Phan gets tired of hearing June shrieking and spewing lie after lie, demanding more and more money from Aphros, so she fills a bucket with water from a pond and throws it over June and June's mother (who is with her).

June attacks Phan, and Paint puts himself in the middle, getting hit in the head with June's bag enough to leave a mark.

June is forced out with her mother, and Aphros goes with Prapai's father to the police to file a report for trespassing and harassment against his ex-wife, in case she tries to file a report against Phan (who punched her so hard her nose broke).

But since June attacked Paint before the punch landed, Phan gets to say it was self defence :)

After the disaster of a lunch, Paint is scared that Orn and Prapai's father will hate him, but they don't care one bit. He explains the photos and they listen, but they never doubted him. Aphros loves him, that's all they care about.

Even though... Prapai's dad is a little squeamish about the age thing, considering Paint is literally Plerng's age. But it's fine- they're consenting adults.

Aphros, however, is a bit odd. He won't let the photos go, even though Paint begs him.

What Aphros is upset about is... Paint dyed his hair, Andrea helped style it for hours, he put on clothes he spent all day choosing... And it was Gus who got to see Paint in the outfit. Not Aphros. That was the version of Paint he'd wanted to see at the restaurant.

Aphros still feels like they keep missing their timing on everything.

Paint apologizes again and again, even though Aphros isn't really mad, just sad. He asks if there is anything he can do to make it up to Aphros.

Well, earlier, when Gus came to apologize, Paint had asked Aphros if he wanted to watch a movie, but he was startled by Gus' appearance and hit send when he'd only typed "Do you want to watch".

So Aphros makes Paint strip and lay across the bed, touching himself while Aphros watches him. While he watches the embarrassed and aroused Paint and Paint swears that only Aphros is allowed to see this side of him. This is something Gus will never have.

Aphros climbs on top of Paint and kisses him, playing with his nipples while Paint keeps touching himself.

They have sex again, with Aphros pouring all of his love and affections on Paint.

---

At work, Aphros has happily landed the perfect setting to shoot part of his drama in. They'll need the location for a while, a couple weeks or so, and it's a hard location to get.

But, his scout says, when they name-dropped Aphros, the owner was immediately eager to have them there.

And then the owner comes over.

Kim.

The man who shattered Aphros' heart years ago.

He wants to know how Aphros is doing, but not in any casual way. Over the days, Aphros becomes more and more uncomfortable as Kim gets closer and closer, saying he wants to reconcile. He doesn't like the woman he left Aphros for.

Aphros refuses to even entertain the vague notion of getting back together with Kim.

That night, as they talk about their day, Aphros tells Paint about Kim. He'd intended originally to wait until Paint's exams are over rather than worry him with the information, but he doesn't want there to be any chance of an issue.

Aphros tells Paint every single thing about his ex. How it ended, how the accident happened, his thoughts while he lay in the hospital day after day without a single visit.

Paint is silent for a long time, and Aphros asks what he's thinking, worried about how Paint will take this man coming back into his life. Not entirely sure what his own feelings now are either (not happiness, that's for damn sure, but anger? sadness? depression?).

Paint only says "I hate him."

And it's everything Aphros could have wanted. It makes him feel loved, having Paint protect him.

And then Paint asks if Aphros could please avoid him, if possible. He swears not to see him, not to be alone with him, and to tell Paint every single thing each day he's filming in that location.

Paint is relieved, and Aphros feels genuinely and truly happy to have Paint in his arms.

---

Kim comes to Aphros again, always trying to strike up conversations and worm his way back into Aphros' life, hinting that he now realizes he was wrong back then.

But Aphros won't take a single shred of bait from him.

Then Kim gets a call that his daughter fell from a balcony and is in critical condition. He's beside himself, and Aphros immediately agrees to drive him to the hospital, alerting Paint to where he is going in the process.

---

Kim's daughter is totally fine, he panicked over what ended up being a fractured arm (but, you know, it's the man's kid, he can be forgiven for becoming hysterical). The balcony was only the 2nd floor of the house, not the heights Aphros had feared.

But this is the same hospital he was in after the accident, and it brings back some memories.

Kim is separated from his wife, and he makes it clear to Aphros that he's willing to go for a second try, but Aphros shuts it down.

Paint arrives at the hospital to come get Aphros, who'd driven Kim's car to the hospital. He is polite and focuses his attention on Aphros, who is asking him about his day and trying to keep calm.

When they go to leave, Paint pretends he forgot something, and while Aphros waits, he goes back inside and over to Kim.

Paint introduces himself as Aphros' boyfriend, and essentially tells Kim to back off. Aphros has a taste for younger meat now. Kim pretends not to understand, but Paint says that's fine, he's said what he wanted to say.

Back at home, Paint is acting weird, and Aphros can't figure out why. He pushes Aphros down onto the sofa, and starts undoing the zip on Aphros' pants.

Paint won't listen to Aphros as he starts giving the man a blowjob, other than to ask... if he's doing better than Kim would have.

Paint has felt insecure about their sex from the start- how Aphros always makes Paint come first, no matter how hard he tries to hold on. He knows he isn't great in bed, and he feels threatened in a strange way he isn't familiar with.

Aphros pulls Paint up and reassures him. No, he's not as good in bed, but he's learning. He's only had sex a handful of times. Aphros still has so much to teach him- but that's okay, because he loves teaching him.

He and Kim had years of experience before everything ended, but it doesn't matter at all now. The one he loves is PAINT. The sex he and Paint have, no it's not the extreme heat you see in the movies, but it's absolutely perfect, because it's Paint.

Aphros doesn't watch to scratch an itch and have sex just to have sex. He wants to make love to the person who has his entire heart. He already feels so overwhelmingly in love with Paint, it'll be torture when Paint is perfect in bed. It'll be overwhelmingly good.

Aphros calms Paint, but also helps the boy to climb onto his lap and ride him, more than happy to watch Paint try to be sultry and seductive. His embarrassment and arousal are just too painfully cute, exactly what Aphros loves the most.

---

June is back at the plastic surgery clinic, desperate to have her nose- which Phan broke- fixed again. She complains to the doctor that he didn't do it right, but the doctor isn't listening to her anymore. He invites her to try elsewhere, if she isn't happy with the results.

June explodes, blaming Paint for absolutely everything going wrong. Her money running out, her nose looking wrong- every single thing is Paint's fault.

---

Plerng is working with Aphros now, and watching Kim like a hawk. Plerng viciously guards his uncle, and keeps telling Aphros not to throw his life away on the trashy man (Aphros has no plans to, but Plerng was the one who was most traumatized by his accident, terrified he was going to lose his uncle).

Plerng snaps at Kim one day, being very rude while basically telling the man to fuck off. Aphros apologizes to Kim on Plerng's behalf- the boy was rude after all.

But Kim makes his strongest push for Aphros, mocking Paint's age and the idea that someone so young could actually love Aphros. He reminds Aphros how good the sex was with him, how well they knew each other's bodies.

Aphros becomes enraged, telling Kim to never speak like that about his boyfriend.

Plerng, Aphros, and Kim are fighting in the parking lot when there is a screech of tires and Aphros hurries to shove Kim away just as June rams into him with a speeding car.

---

Paint is called by Plerng and rushes to the hospital pale and terrified. All he can think about are Aphros' injuries from his old wreck, and runs into the hospital sobbing.

Paint sees Kim first, and grabs him, screaming at him and demanding to know what right Kim has to be there when he abandoned Aphros before. He cusses Kim out for his cowardice and his abandonment of Aphros, tells Kim that Aphros has him now, he doesn't need Kim's presence cursing him like this. He hates Kim with a violent passion.

Kim only asks how Paint can be sure he won't walk away from Aphros one day too.

And Paint confidently says "Because I'm not you."

Plerng comes to get Paint and says with a grin "I love you so much."

He brings Paint into the hospital room, where Paint finds Aphros...

Completely fine.

Well, not completely, but nothing is broken. June couldn't get up to high speeds in the parking lot, and there were other cars around to stop her. Aphros remembered his old stunt training and knew how to roll when he hit the hood of the car and the windshield, and how to protect himself as best he could.

He's banged up, bruised, but no serious injuries.

He holds Paint while Paint cries and clings to him, loving every second of his boyfriend's tears for him.

Kim walks in with them and finally understands that he has no place in Aphros' heart or Aphros' life, and never will again. Aphros only tells him to consider any debt he thinks he owes repaid for bringing him to the hospital, and invites him to get out of his life once and for all.

Plerng is only too happy to throw him out of the room.

---

June is arrested for attempted murder.

The story is a massive scandal in the entertainment world- the ex-wife who stole money from her celebrity husband and then tried to kill him when she decided the settlement- which was overly generous- wasn't enough.

And what's more, Aphros confirms in an exclusive interview that he is in a same-sex relationship with a man from outside the entertainment world. And it's serious.

When the exclusive interview was done, an intern had to participate in it, getting the soundbites from Aphros and asking more questions at a red carpet press conference.

Thankfully, no one has figured out that Aphros' mysterious love is none other than the intern himself.

Paint attends Gus' wedding with his family.

Paint's mother asks him if it's legal yet for two men to get married, because she wants to start calling Aphros her son-in-law, which makes Paint choke.

Well, Paint's parents accept Aphros, and had already guessed Paint was gay, but it turns out his mother was a huge fangirl of Aphros' in the past, and is beyond thrilled at the idea of her idol marrying her son.

She also fainted when meeting him and asked for his autograph. Paint genuinely isn't sure how his mother would have reacted if it weren't for the fact that it was Aphros he was with. She doesn't give two shits about the age gap- that's her idol! He's a god!

As for Paint's dad, he's amused by the whole thing, but trusts Paint. Paint has raised his siblings and takes care of the house, he's beyond mature for his age, and so Paint's dad has faith in his choices.

Aphros did not come to the wedding with Paint, mainly because there are a lot of people, and they still aren't public as a couple. Paint stayed to see the ceremony, say hi to Gus and Nin, and then bolts to go back to Aphros.

His mother is absolutely thrilled to know he won't be coming home tonight.

After one year together, Aphros proposes to Paint in the bamboo grove, where they first saw each other. He'd been digging for bamboo shoots, and so he buried the ring box and pointed it out, making Paint dig it up.

The wedding will be delayed a year, Prapai's dad asked for the time so Paint has a chance to grow a bit before they get married. Twenty-one is a bit young to be getting married. But it doesn't matter. They live together and wear their rings, they can wait (and plan a huge wedding).

At Christmas, Aphros hosts everyone at their place. Prapai, Sky, Plerng, Sin, Phan, Orn, and his brother, his entire family together, and Paint by his side.

The most perfect happily ever after he can imagine.

[it-begins-with-rain]

Aphros needs an adult to protect him from Paint

[dramas-vs-novels]

... ... ... SKY, GET OVER HERE, I FOUND THE PROBLEM.

[dramas-vs-novels]

Gonna go ahead and put "Moderate Age Play" on their kink list...

Also, interesting example of the narration bending to the mood- it starts referring to him as Uncle Aphros more, whereas before, if Aphros was called "Uncle", it was more directly Paint's thoughts and words.

[dramas-vs-novels]

Paint's love for Aphros is turning into more than just platonic, but this is something Paint has brought up in the love Prapai, Plerng, and Phan have for Aphros as well.

He has a way of making the people he loves feel heard, supported, and safe. It's why the 3 siblings are so confident and self-assured. Their uncle loves them and believes in them, so of course they can love and believe in themselves.

[dramas-vs-novels]

Building off your other ask. If all the Mame tops and bottoms went head to head who would get their ass kicked the worst?

(One of my first thoughts was Rain but I think he is a surprisingly vicious kitten behind that walnut brain)

Oh god... that's so hard.

Hin can take a hell of a lot of physical violence before he breaks.

Khom really only loses the fight to Jun because Jun outed him to the island and the fear froze him, he was winning before that.

Phukan has his running bitchslap.

Plerng... You could take him out by throwing a dildo into the ring and he'd get distracted BUT he's also a hell of a fighter.

Rain has the Heel of Death he uses to crush dicks.

Sky we never actually see choose violence, but he totally looks like he can throw hands.

Tongrak just pulls out a shiv and stabs someone.

I'm going to say Paint, for 2 reasons:

In Love Director, you never see him fight with anything but his words.

At some point it'd occur to him that he gets REALLY good hurt/comfort sex every time someone bullies him, so he'd walk into a fist just to get a bruise for Aphros to kiss and make better.

[dramas-vs-novels]

Could you tell me a bit about Love Director?

I'm working on a full and complete summary of Love Director, like I did for Boy Next World previously. So this isn't the whole story, but more of a summary.

Just a timeline note, this takes place IMMEDIATELY after Love Sky. Like, within days.

Love Director is the story of a young man named Paint.

Paint has been in love his whole life with exactly one man: his very straight neighbor, Gus. No matter how much he suffers or how painfully aware he is of the one-sided-ness of his love, Paint can't help it.

He wants to buy Gus a birthday present, something special: a brutally expensive guitar. One Paint absolutely cannot afford.

And Plerng sees his opening.

Plerng is Paint's best friend, and he's been biding his time for YEARS. Plerng has an uncle, Aphros, who was once a world-famous actor and is now a director. Aphros was married to an evil harpy of a woman, and after ten years of suffering, he's finally won his freedom.

But Aphros is isolating himself from his entire family, refusing to accept visitors or allow even maids to clean his house (and report back to Plerng's mom, who is worried about her brother-in-law (also because of a massive age gap between Aphros and his brother, he's kind of more like her oldest child)).

Plerng and his older brother Prapai are incredibly close to their uncle, who practically raised them. Aphros' isolation genuinely worries them, and they need to know he's okay.

Paint is very well known for his amazing cooking and homemaking skills (thanks to everything he does to help his struggling parents raise his twin siblings), so Prapai and Plerng make him an offer: He'll act as Aphros' private chef for a month, and Prapai will pay him the amount he needs to buy Gus his guitar.

Aphros agrees to allow Plerng's friend into his house, more out of curiosity than anything, and Paint agrees to the arrangement for Gus' sake.

At first, 38 year-old Aphros is as bratty as a toddler and as stubborn as a crazy old man. He would rather die than eat vegetables, and makes impossible demands of Paint.

But the boy shows up, day after day. He finds himself nagging Aphros over his bad habits, and guilty about the massive amount of money Prapai is paying him, starts performing housekeeping chores while he cooks.

Aphros hid from his family how bad his marriage had become, and what they feared was a depressive spiral was nothing more than him just wanting some peace and quiet. A chance to rest after years in absolute hell.

But Paint is delightfully strange, and incredibly fun to taunt. Aphros hasn't been this happy teasing a kid in years.

Bit by bit, Paint is forced back from his love of Gus as Gus makes it clearer and clearer that he loves his girlfriend and truly can only see Paint as the boy next door.

And as Gus is pushed out of Paint's life, Aphros finds himself stepping forward to take his place. During a confrontation with his ex where she forced her way into the house and slapped Paint, Aphros kisses the boy as a taunt to June, not realizing he was stealing Paint's first kiss.

Then he offers to teach Paint how to kiss. Something the boy... shyly accepts (hey, man is 18 years older than him, but he's a retired actor with a perfect body and unbeatable charisma). Aphros treats Paint like a kid, like someone adorable and small and lovely, everything Paint always wanted.

His heart becomes confused, and Aphros becomes interested.

Paint doesn't understand Aphros' interest as their kissing lessons grow increasingly sexual. Aphros is only helping him, treating him like a nephew, right? The kisses... The touching... the handjobs... he's just being kind... right? (Paint, if you have an uncle, he had better be in prison if you think this is uncle-nephew stuff)

Ten years ago, before his marriage to June, Aphros was madly in love. He was betrayed by that love, by a man he wanted to spend his life with, who told him love between men is only sexual, just physical and nothing more. Who cheated on him with a woman and blamed Aphros himself for it.

Aphros lost his mind in his pain, ended up in a brutal car accident, and nearly died.

He won't let Paint suffer through any of that. He can tell nothing good will come of Paint's obsession with Gus, and needs to do what he can to help the boy snap out of it. And... Aphros has to admit that he's more than interested in Paint himself.

So Aphros asks Paint's permission to stop joking around and actively fight for Paint's heart. To rip out every scrap of Gus that still remains there, until Paint only sees Aphros.

---

Prapai wanders into the story every few chapters, and Sky makes an appearance or two at family meals (which are just about monthly).

[dramas-vs-novels]

I really love this line

[dramas-vs-novels]

Love Director Novel Excerpt: Aphros and Paint's First Time (Ch 40: This Time It's Real)

*Note: While Aphros and Paint have had a couple of intimate sessions up to now, this is the first time they have penetrative sex (more than just a finger).

Chapter 40: This Time It's Real

"Mmm, Uncle… kiss… kiss me."

"Do you like my kisses, little boy?"

"Yes, I do, I do."

The morning sunlight shone through the glass doors into the sparsely furnished living room, revealing a slender young man lying on a large sofa. His face was flushed, eyes red and swollen, lips puffed from the constant kisses given since the kitchen and now stopping here.

Unable to continue to the bedroom due to their heated bodies, the nong clung to his phi, rubbing against him, unwilling to part from the warmth. Above, his phi, dressed in only underwear, used his knee to support himself beside the slim hips, leaning down to press a kiss on the sweet lips that adorably called out for him.

Large hands roamed over the smooth chest, unable to restrain themselves. Aphros had to admit, he could hardly hold back. Paint didn't realize that asking for a kiss made his mind wander further.

The warm lips became more insistent on the soft mouth, a tongue slipping in to taste the innocent response. The clumsy kiss from the less experienced made the seasoned one nearly lose his mind. The more Paint tried to suck his tongue, the more his hands squeezed and kneaded the blushing flesh.

Aphros asked himself when was the last time he desidered someone that much. The answer was always the same: a long time ago. But how many times had that kid made him nearly lose control?

His thoughts strayed as he brushed the beautiful hair off the forehead and moved his hand to the nape to tilt the nong's head back, making the kiss more comfortable. Paint was irresistibly adorable, always responding willingly to whichever direction he was led.

"Mmm, phi…"

The sharp face nestled into the white neck, the warm tongue licking the bite mark left from last night, making the one below shiver. The watery eyes looked both vulnerable and tempting, making the older man's hands grip the slender shoulders.

"Sorry."

"It's okay, it doesn't hurt." Paint replied in a whisper, making the listener unable to resist kissing up from the neck, over the Adam's apple, to the chin. The innocent reactions were too enticing.

"Are you feeling unwell again, Paint?" Aphros teased him, even though he was also close to losing control.

But the most important thing was not to scare his nong. The question made Paint blush deeply. "You too."

Sometimes Aphros was shocked by that nong's ignorance. The one who fumbled around his stomach found the same need, and when he did, he stammered, his voice and hands trembling, not knowing what to do next. That unskilled touch was more torturous than anything an experienced person could do.

"I'm old now. Don't drive me crazy."

Paint's eyes looked up, uncomprehending as usual. Aphros sometimes wanted to ask why he was so quick to understand everything else but knew nothing about sexual matters. But it was good; he wanted to teach him, to show Paint how intimate and close love could be. Only he would do that.

"Me?"

But the one who said that continued to touch over the soft pants.

"Enough." Aphros said, pulling the hand back to his shoulder.

"But.."

"Focus here. Tell me what you like or don't like." The phi wasn't giving in easily, wanting the nong to be the happiest.

So, his face moved down to the smooth white chest again, nose nuzzling the fragrant skin, grazing the pink nipple, making the little one grip his shoulders tightly.

"Phi, don't suck… don't…"

As soon as his lips touched the erect nipple, the one below writhed, sending hands to grip and knead the other nipple. Paint shivered, his moans shaky, until Aphros pulled back to look at his face.

"Don't like it?" He asked, rubbing the wet nipple, making Paint shake his head, tears welling up, making him even more endearing.

"I don't know… I don't know…"

The nong's face was so full of desire, Paint probably couldn't see how sexy he looked, tempting enough to make the experienced man almost lose control.

"Then trust me. I won't hurt you." Aphros said.

The eyes looked back, drowsy and filled with trust, before Paint nodded shyly.

"Good boy."

The reward for his bravery was the older man's mouth closing around the erect nipple, listening to the soft moans of the one who gripped his shoulders and ran his hands through his hair, releasing his pleasure.

Aphros' hand moved down over the flat stomach, past the navel and the lower abdomen, teasing the fine hairs before reaching the adorable, delicious-looking part.

"Mmmph!" As soon as Paint was touched, he clung to his phi's shoulder, biting his lip to stifle his cries.

Aphros didn't hesitate to push his thumb into Paint's mouth, playing with the soft tongue that responded just as he had been taught. His index finger slipped deeper, aiding the other, causing muffled cries to escape from the lips. Aphros continued to play with his fingers in Paint's mouth, while his other hand moved downwards.

"Ssss!"

"Mmm! Phi, no… no, I can't. Don't suck, please, don't take it in. Hngh, Phi, please."

The moment his warm lips enveloped the tender part, the nong moaned almost to the point of breaking, pushing his shoulders but soon grabbing and squeezing the small hips, thrusting into the mouth instinctively. Breaths came in shaky pants. Just a glance up from the sharp eyes made Aphros move his mouth faster.

"Slurp… slurp."

Aphros sucked and licked the tender part, knowing exactly how to make the other feel good. His other hand remained busy in the mouth, sensing the nong's body tensing and jerking, small hands gripping his head tightly.

"Phi, I can't… I can't… ah, feels so good. What should I do? What should I do?"

The desperate moans came from the slender body, the small waist jerking so much that Aphros had to grab the round butt tightly, forcing Paint to release everything into his loving mouth. After swallowing everything, Aphros looked up. He wiped the residue with the back of his hand, looking at the exhausted little one with gleaming eyes.

"Hicc… Uncle, you shouldn't have swallowed that." The flushed and tearful face looked fearful, as if worried that he had consumed something inappropriate.

Aphros hesitated. Yes, he wanted the other desperately, but this was just a sofa in the living room, nothing special for a first time. He remembered the first kiss, which was taken roughly, and didn't want to impose his desires. He wanted Paint to be more ready, but…

"Sorry, phi… I came first again… You didn't even enter. Only I came first… every time."

"Do you want me to go all the way?"

Though the opportunity was there, Aphros controlled himself to ask, looking at the teary eyes blinking up at him.

"Phi, won't you?"

"Do you want me to do it here, on the sofa, not in bed?" He asked to be sure, and though the little one turned red all over, he…

Nodded!

"I… I'm your boyfriend now, right?" The eyes were filled with fear and shyness, but also determination, making Aphros laugh.

"I give up on you." Aphros kissed the blushing cheek heavily, then whispered in his ear. "I like to tease."

"I know." Paint shyly replied.

"Your phi will make you cry."

"I've already cried everywhere."

The cute reply made Aphros laugh, then he commanded: "Spread your legs."

"!!!"

The one underneath widened his eyes immediately, but Aphros only smiled and gently spread his thighs, revealing the best view to his eyes. Previously, there were things blocking the view, but then everything was clear. Paint was pale, and when aroused, his body flushed easily.

Lying with legs spread in front of Aphros made the shy nong blush even more, hands moving to cover his private parts but failing, as the tight entrance was still in clear view. The nong didn't realize that covering some parts and revealing others made it even more maddening for the viewer.

Aphros wanted to fetch some aid but wasn't patient enough to run up and down. So, he drew the attention by kissing the calf draped over his shoulder, moving down to the knee, making the other twist slightly, hands shaking over the private parts. Aphros kissed and licked the thigh, his hand smeared with sticky fluid, caressing the tight entrance gently.

"Mmm," Paint moaned in his throat. "Phi…"

"What?" Aphros looked at the tear-streaked face, asking the most enticing question.

"I… won't die, right?"

Swish!

"Ahhh!"

At that moment, Aphros pushed a finger into the tight entrance, which was much easier than before, listening to the sweet moans and jerking body.

Aphros answered: "This won't kill you, but I'm not sure about myself."

With that, he curled his finger inside, rubbing the spot that made the other shake his head. Observing the changing expression, he found…

"Phi, don't rub, don't… ah! Ah, please don't."

The newly declared lover twisted and gasped, looking pitiable, but the viewer intensified the rubbing, pulling out and pushing in, the sound of palm against round butt echoing. Sweat soaked the body, hair sticking to the face.

"It's okay, good boy. Trust me." Aphros reassured.

As he moved to straddle over Paint's body, the nong clung tightly around his neck, burying his face in the crook of his uncle's neck, nearing his limit of endurance.

If Aphros said he wouldn't hurt him, he meant it. He was beyond the age of mindlessly taking what he wanted. Enduring that much wasn't a big deal for Aphros, especially for that boy. His large hand continued to pleasure with his fingers, from one to two, from two to three, feeling the heat inside that enticed him. His warm mouth pressed kisses repeatedly, wiping away tears from his lover, but…

"I don't… mmph, it's okay. Phi, I can do it, go ahead." Paint said, whether out of curiosity or something else, breaking Aphros' resolve.

"Come here."

"Mmmph."

The tall figure pulled the nong to sit astride his lap, while his hand continued to thrust into the tight channel, making Paint moan loudly, his entire body jerking. Paint's hands pushed against Aphros' shoulders for support, his face flush with arousal.

"Mm, the sound… Phi, the sound, it's embarrassing."

"Paint, I have a favor to ask. Can you help?" Aphros asked gently, despite the sweat dripping and his brows furrowed, trying to appear relaxed.

"Mm, mm…" the listener nodded obediently, prompting Aphros to pull the pants down off the hips.

"Hold me…" he said, guiding Paint's hand to grasp the part of him that was near breaking point. Paint held it with both hands.

"Stroke it like I taught you."

"But… but…"

The nong seemed to question, but Aphros smiled gently, brushing the pretty hair away from Paint's face.

"I will finish slowly. If I go in right away, you won't be able to handle it, Paint."

That made the nong nod quickly, despite the trembling legs being teased from behind without pause. Both hands tried to move as he had been taught, until the sound of wetness echoed through the living room. Aphros didn't mention he was biding time for Paint to be fully ready.

"Mm, Phi… inside, it…"

The nong collapsed against him, small hips beginning to move in response to his guidance. The trembling moans by his ear made Aphros ask. "Still afraid of me?"

"Afraid, afraid." Paint whispered in his ear, speaking words that would test anyone's patience. "But if it's you, mm, It's okay."

Immediately, Aphros withdrew his fingers, looking at the exhausted figure leaning against him. Small hips still twitched as his hands slipped under the thighs, spreading them wide, lifting them higher. The slender body seemed to understand what was about to happen.

"Phi, Phi Aphros, I… I…"

"Shhh. Look at me. Look at me."

The tear-streaked face looked up, and Aphros spoke gently. "I love you, Paint."

"I… oh!" As the listener blushed deeply, Aphros pushed hiself into the tight channel, making Paint shudder.

Hands clawed at his shoulders, crying and whimpering, body shaking as the older man penetrated deeper and deeper, almost fully inside.

"Phi, Phi, oh! Phi…" The nong cried out, and Aphros asked, despite his sweat-drenched face.

"Does it hurt?"

"Yes, it hurts. It hurts…" the other admitted tearfully, prompting Aphros to kiss away the tears, his hands supporting the trembling round hips. The tightness inside was driving him crazy, but the tear-streaked cheeks made him grit his teeth and endure.

"You like your phi kisses, right?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Then kiss me." He said soothingly, and despite the pain, the nong wrapped his arms around his neck, pressing a kiss, tasting the salty tears.

The sweetness of the kiss intensified, and as Paint got lost in the kiss, Aphros…

Thrust harder.

"Mm! Oh, Phi, oh! Hic, hic…" Tears fell like pearls, but Aphros kept kissing the red lips, moving his hips into the tightness, pulling out and thrusting back in, each time deeper.

Every trust made Paint jolt as if shocked. The initial pained expression slowly twisted into one of intense pleasure, the slender body flushed, breaths coming in pants. As Aphros broke the kiss to nuzzle the pale neck, moans sounded by his ear.

"I feel full… inside, hngh, oh! So deep, so strong." The nong started to get used to it, his slender body moving in response to Aphros' rhythm.

And that was enough for Aphros.

Paint was flipped onto his back on the sofa, legs hoisted over broad shoulders. The tall figure thrust into the tightness, the sound of skin slapping filling the room. The sunlight from outside illuminated the most adorable, precious sight. If only he could be gentle. Thrusts grew faster.

"Phi, Phi Aphros, oh! Feels so good, so full, ah, ah, Phi!"

Tear-filled eyes looked up, sobbing.

"Why… are you so big, why are you so deep?"

The nong's words became incoherent, and Aphros leaned down, almost pressing Paint's thighs to his stomach, thrusting deeper. Sweat dripped from Aphros onto the pale cheeks as he continued without pause.

The nong moaned almost to the point of breaking, reaching down to stroke the tender part as well.

"Ah, mmm, ahhhhh!" Suddenly, Paint arched his body, face shaking on the pillow, eyes tightly shut, releasing his desires all over his hand. The tightness inside made Aphros growl in his throat, but he slowed his pace.

"Haa, pant, pant, it's okay."

"No… phi, phi." The exhausted boy called out with a trembling voice.

"I'm yours now…right?" Paint's question came in broken words, and the listener responded firmly.

"Yes! And I won't let anyone take you away from me!"

Paint smiled weakly, then murmured: "You look so handsome when you make that face."

He didn't know what kind of face he was making, but his sharp face spread into a faint smile and…

"Ah! Phi, not yet, not yet, I just came, just…mmm."

The one underneath cried out, eyes squeezed shut, face twisted in a mix of tears and pleasure. Hands started gripping Aphros' arms again as the tall figure thrust back into the tight channel. Aphros gave a gentle smile and said…

"But I haven't finished yet."

Just like that, the boy next to him, half-asleep and writhing, widened his eyes, glanced down, and looked back up with a stunned expression, utterly captivating.

"You haven't…um…"

"Not yet, my good boy," he said, kissing the cheek and moving to the ear. "You're my lover now, take responsibility for me."

"Responsibility for what…ah!"

The big guy didn't wait for an answer. Everything he had held back he unleashed all at once on that boy, causing unending moans to spill from Paint's lips.

The sound of skin against skin filled the room, the couch echoing with each movement. Kisses marked across the chest and neck, with every position change, the other would cling to him, not realizing each word only ignited more intense passion.

"The real thing starts now."

When Aphros said that, his new lover let go of everything and followed his phi movements. No matter how much he wanted to be gentle, he didn't say he didn't want to show ownership. Aphros decided it wasn't just the heart he wanted, but he would ensure his body could never be satisfied by anyone else but him.

----

"I'm sorry." Aphros said.

After hours, Aphros draped a blanket over the flushed body adorned with fresh rose marks. His large hand lovingly stroked the soft hair, his sharp eyes gazing with affection at the exhausted, sleeping face. He gently combed the hair with his fingers, murmuring apologies for making Paint endure so much.

"Why did we just meet now?" he asked himself again, feeling the years had passed meaninglessly.

Just the light touching Paint's cheek and seeing him asleep in his home made his heart swell, declaring it the most wonderful sight he'd ever seen.

"I thought he would never love again." Aphros smiled to himself.

His past love had torn him apart, leaving him almost unable to stand. The words of his former love claimed that love between men was meaningless, nothing but lust, destroying the man who once wanted to give him everything.

But meeting that boy…

That nong with a steadfast, strong heart turned the heart of a man who thought he would never love again. Aphros desired more than just Paint's body; he wanted his heart.

Paint often thought he lacked charm, but he was a blooming flower, desired by many. Yet, Paint chose him, accepted his embrace, making Aphros vow to protect him with everything he had. Paint might think he couldn't compete with him, but the truth was, the one who had lost from the start was Aphros. His heart had surrendered, making him give his all to claim Paint's heart.

"I love you, Paint." he murmured, stroking the hair with deep affection before leaning to kiss his forehead softly.

[dramas-vs-novels]

What is Love Director about? Not like a full summary (I know you'll post one and I'm looking forward to reading it!) but what is it?

A young man named Paint is hired by his best friend Plerng (and Plerng's big brother Prapai of Love Sky/Love in the Air) to look after their uncle Aphros for one month.

Aphros has just come out the other side of a really nasty divorce, and he has a past history becoming suicidal after another relationship imploded. Aphros has been isolating himself, and his family is concerned. Plerng is also determined to match Aphros up with Paint romantically, and has spent three years just waiting for this divorce to put Paint in Aphros' path (Paint is unaware of this plan).

Paint is the eldest in the family, and his always-busy parents rely heavily on him to raise his twin siblings Ruup and Pai. He is also trapped in a lifelong one-sided love with the (straight and taken) boy next door, a love that has begun to poison him.

Aphros is a bratty little troublemaker, much like his nephew Prapai. He is a new headache for Paint, and yet also can see the weight the boy carries on his shoulders. Aphros half-raised Prapai, Plerng, and their sister Phan, and he gives Paint the same unconditional encouragement and support he gave them.

Paint has never been soothed or allowed to be weak before, and finds himself getting jealous of his best friend and the lifelong support he's felt from Aprhos. But Paint's growing fondness and warmth towards Aphros gradually turns into something decidedly non-platonic. Aphros, meanwhile, has sworn off another love... But that doesn't mean he will ignore his growing feelings for Paint.

[dramas-vs-novels]

In the LITA Special Novel, Rain refers to Payu as his "biological side pillow".

[dramas-vs-novels]

Wait a minute... where have I seen this before...

DID HE LEARN THIS TRICK FROM APHROS??

[dramas-vs-novels]

Does Paint have parents? Or Aphros?

Aphros... I don't think so? I haven't seen any mention of grandparents at least, and I don't recall if Prapai mentioned any in Love Sky. It seems like Aphros' big brother raised him, and Aphros raised the kiddos, so... if they're alive, they might live in another city or country entirely.

Paint mentions his parents both work long hours. He also seems wholly responsible for his twin siblings care, so maybe the parents aren't in Bangkok. At least as of ch 3, the only mention of them has been to say they both work full time.

So Paint has parents, Aphros... I can't tell if they're alive or dead, but if they are alive, they're as absent as Paint's.

[dramas-vs-novels]

What all kinks do AphrosPaint have? Is he worse or better than his nephews?

In this context, what does "worse" or "better" mean lolol

Aphros is into age play, and he has the mess kink to a lesser degree than Prapai or Plerng. He likes pulling out last second and covering Paint in his cum, but isn't as obsessively rimming Paint as Prapai is Sky.

They are fairly vanilla because Paint is so new to anything romantic or sexual. Aphros wants to take his sweet time training his man.

[dramas-vs-novels]

How does Prapai uncle treat his husband? Sex I mean?

Aphros and Paint have a bit of an age play kink.

Meaning Aphros does and Paint likes being treated like a cute and small guy (he's quite tall but by GOD does he want people to think he's small and cute (mainly bc that's Gus' type)), so he humors it.

If you look in my #excerpt tag, there is an AphrosPaint scene there (And I saw it earlier when I was looking for a different excerpt, so this one I know is there for sure!).

He likes to use overly innocent terms for sex stuff that leans into that age play. Like, in their first NC (a handjob scene), Paint has morning wood, and Aphros says something in the vein of "Phi will just rub it until the white stuff comes out and you'll be comfortable again".

And Aphros has never had this age kink before, it's specifically Paint that brings it out of him. But as Paint becomes more confident and comfortable with the sexual side of their relationship, he'll start saying things to kind of feed into it. supporting Aphros in his kink.

[dramas-vs-novels]

At first, it seems like Aphros is being a bit dramatic, until you remember he tried to kill himself because the love of his life cheated on him and threw him away...