Dear Diary,

Today marks the first day of school after a long two-month vacation. It feels like I'm still not quite used to this new life. I'm now a senior, which means I'm just a year away from graduating high school. Time feels like it's moving so fast. My family and I used to live in Japan, but when my father decided to open a new branch of his hospital here in Bangkok, we moved to Thailand. It's been almost four years now, and I've been going to an international school ever since. There are other Japanese students here, but adjusting to this new culture has been difficult for me and my brother.

To be completely honest, I really don't like it here. There are so many things that remind me of home—like how my father is obsessed with Buddhist temples, even though we're not Buddhists. He finds the architecture beautiful and always drags us to visit one. Everywhere I look, there's a temple, and I can't help but feel like I don't belong.

I just want to go back to Japan. But I don't have much choice. I have to stay here until I can leave on my own, and since it's my last year of high school, I guess I'll stick it out. After all, once I graduate from college, I can finally return home.

//

Dear Diary,

Today has been a wonderful day! I found out from my uncles that my two cousins, Sana and Momo, will be joining us here in Bangkok, and they will also be transferring to our school. I'm really happy about it. Honestly, I've always been kind of a loner. I don't mind spending time by myself. I usually just eat my lunch alone and then head to the library afterward. After school, I always have ballet lessons and a Thai language course, so I don't have time to hang out with my classmates. I prefer to be by myself, but this year will be different. I'll be with my best friends and cousins again. Maybe things will be a bit more fun.

//

Dear Diary,

Tomorrow is the day my cousins will arrive! I'm so excited! I decided to go out shopping today, just to prepare for their arrival. I thought it would be nice to know where I can take them once they're here, so I decided to commute around the city to explore. I hopped on the subway to check out a few places, but I didn't expect what happened next.

On the train, there were a group of boys around my age. Two of them sat beside me while the others stood nearby. The train was nearly empty, and I could feel my heart racing. I wanted to get up and leave, but just as I tried, one of them grabbed my wrist and asked for my name and number, saying they'd leave me alone if I gave it to them. I couldn't speak, and tears started to well up in my eyes. I felt so helpless.

But then, something unexpected happened. A guy behind them stepped forward and hit the guy who was holding my wrist. The bullies immediately stood up, bowing to him as if they were terrified. The guy stared at them coldly, then punched the one who had been grabbing me. The train stopped, and the bullies quickly ran out, apologizing as they went. The guy remained standing in front of me, his presence intimidating. I could tell he wasn't someone to mess with.

I managed to thank him, and he simply smiled and walked away without saying much. His name was Chaeng, I overheard when I thought one of his friends called him. There was something mysterious about him. I couldn't stop thinking about him. I had no idea who he was, but something about his aura intrigued me.

I didn't feel safe enough to continue shopping, so I decided to go home. I took a taxi, still thinking about what had happened. Chaeng... his face kept lingering in my mind. His deep dimple when he smiled... it was so striking. I couldn't stop thinking about him.

//

Dear Diary,

Today was the day I finally reunited with my cousins, Sana and Momo. We had been video chatting for the last four years, and now they were finally here! I couldn't have been happier. They asked me about places they could visit around the city, but honestly, I don't know any tourist spots. I'm not the type to go out much. I'd rather stay home and avoid the crowds, especially since I don't feel safe going out alone with the number of gangs around.

If only Chaeng were here with us, then I would feel more confident going out. Wait, did I just say his name again? I can't seem to stop thinking about him. What is happening to me?

//

Dear Diary,

Today was my cousins' first day at the Academy. They're struggling a bit, especially with Thai Literature—something that I know is quite hard for anyone, let alone someone who's just moved here. Momo in particular has been complaining about it nonstop. There are some Japanese students in our class, so they've been getting along with them easily. As for me, I've been keeping to myself, laughing along with them whenever they say something funny, but mostly, I've been staying quiet, like I always do.

They keep saying I haven't changed. I'm still the same quiet person I've always been. But I don't mind I always enjoy my own company.

//

Dear Diary,

I'm feeling a bit nervous tonight. We just took the entrance exam for Bangkok University, one of the most prestigious universities in Bangkok. I've been studying hard for it, and I really hope I pass. This university is hard to get into, especially if you don't come from a wealthy family or have the right connections. But we've been studying every day after school, so I'm hoping that's enough.

It's a little scary to think about the competition. Only a few people make it in, and I really want to be one of them.

//

Dear Diary,

Today we got the results of the entrance exam, and I can't believe it—we passed! I'm so happy I could cry! My father is pleased, but he also reminds me that the next step is to continue down the path he's set for me. He wants me to follow in his footsteps and become a doctor. I know that's what he expects from me, and I'll do my best to meet those expectations. But it's going to be tough. I'll have to work even harder now.

My father also mentioned that one day he'll pass on the business to me and my brother. It's a big responsibility, but I'm ready for it.

//

Dear Diary,

It's our first day at university today. We're in different departments—Sana is studying Business, Momo is in Arts, and I'm in Pre-Med. I'm feeling a little nervous as I enter the classroom, surrounded by Thai students who are staring at me. I know I stand out—being Japanese and all—but I try not to let it bother me. I just focus on the lessons and try to ignore the stares. I have a lot to prove, not just to my father, but to myself as well.

//

Dear Diary,

It's been a month since I last wrote in here. I've been so tired lately. School is draining, and after a long day, all I want to do is sleep. But today, I couldn't rest. I'm furious. I saw a group of bullies surrounding my brother, Kai, in the hallway again. They've been picking on him since high school, and now, even though we're in college, it's still happening. My parents have gone to the school several times, but the bullies' families have so much influence that it seems like no one can do anything about it.

It makes me sick. I hate those bullies, and I hate that my brother has to go through this.

//

Dear Diary,

I went out with Kai today to buy some supplies for my project since Momo and Sana were still in class. After I bought what I needed, I noticed that Kai was missing. I found him outside the bookstore, surrounded by the same group of bullies who had tormented him before. One of them had his arm around Kai's neck, and it looked like they were intimidating him again.

I didn't think twice. I ran toward them, and when one of the bullies grabbed Kai, I slapped his hand off. That's when things escalated. Instead of retaliating against me, the guy punched Kai in the stomach, demanding money. Kai handed over all his money, but that wasn't enough for them. They continued to beat him, and I was powerless to stop it. I cried for help, but there was no one around.

Then, from out of nowhere, I saw him—Chaeng. He was standing at the edge of the crowd, but when the bullies saw him, they froze. Chaeng walked up to them, his presence intimidating. He told them to leave us alone, but they seemed to know him. The one guy sneered and said, "It's time for revenge."

The next thing I knew, Chaeng was fighting them. It was brutal, but he was so fast, so skilled. Within seconds, three of the bullies were on the ground, groaning in pain, unconscious. Chaeng had blood on his face, but he didn't seem to care. He helped me carry Kai to safety.

I still can't believe that after so long, I finally had the chance to see him again. My heart still races when I think about the way he stepped in to help us today. It feels like everything from the past few years, the fear, the isolation, the constant feeling of being out of place—it all led to this moment. And somehow, in the middle of all that chaos, Chaeyoung appeared. I don't know why, but it felt like fate had a hand in it.

When Kai finally regained consciousness, we were both incredibly relieved. I was so scared that we'd lost him, especially after seeing him go limp on the ground, but somehow, he opened his eyes and started to stir. My first instinct was to pull him into a hug, but I stopped myself, remembering how Chaeyoung was still standing there, watching us. I wasn't sure how to feel—grateful for what Chaeyoung had done or just overwhelmed by the whole situation. It wasn't every day that someone came to our rescue like that.

Kai called our driver to take us to the hospital, and I gave him our location. It felt like an eternity waiting for him to arrive. The world around me felt like it was moving in slow motion. I tried to focus on keeping Kai conscious and calm, but my thoughts kept drifting to Chaeyoung. I couldn't get his face out of my mind. The way he stepped in without a second thought, taking on those guys like it was nothing. The way he fought so effortlessly—like he was born for it. It was a side of him I didn't expect, and it left me in awe.

Finally, the driver pulled up. I quickly introduced myself and Kai to Chaeyoung, and when he introduced himself in return, my heart skipped a beat. "Son Chaeyoung. Just Chaeng." I couldn't get the name out of my head. It was simple but strong, and something about it felt different. His name echoed in my mind—there was a rhythm to it, and I couldn't help but feel that it wasn't a usual Thai name. It was short, unlike the long, intricate names most Thai people had. I tried to figure out if he was half Thai, maybe mixed with something else, but I didn't ask. His presence felt like a storm—calm but powerful—and I was afraid to say anything that might break the fragile moment we shared.

Chaeyoung didn't want to go to the hospital. I could see the hesitation in his eyes, like he was ready to leave before we could even offer him any help. But there was no way I was going to let him walk away after what he had done. I reached out and grabbed his wrist, not wanting to let him go. To my surprise, he didn't pull away. It was almost as if he had decided to let me hold on to him, even if just for a little while longer.

The ride to the hospital was quiet, and the tension in the air was palpable. I kept glancing at Chaeyoung, wondering what went through his mind after everything that happened. But he didn't say anything. I didn't mind the silence though. In a way, it felt comforting, like we both knew we didn't need words to understand each other.

Once we arrived at the hospital, I stayed by Kai's side while the nurses administered first aid. I could hear his faint groans of pain, but I was grateful that he was alive and aware again. It was a relief to know that he'd make it through. But then I remembered Chaeyoung, standing there alone and injured, and I ran to find Dad.

I dragged my father over to where Chaeyoung was, and we explained what had happened. I could see the appreciation in my father's eyes as he listened. For the first time, I saw him truly grateful for someone other than himself. Dad was the kind of person who always helped others, but I could tell this was different. Chaeyoung had done something no one had ever done for my brother before—he had stood up for him when no one else would. He fought back against the bullies who had terrorized us for years, even though they had power, influence, and a connection that went all the way up the chain.

"I really admire his guts," my dad said, his voice filled with respect. I couldn't agree more. Chaeyoung wasn't like the other people we'd met. He had this quiet, dangerous strength that made me feel both safe and in awe.

Afterward, Dad invited him to dinner, and I was relieved. It had been such an exhausting day, and honestly, I was starving. But Chaeyoung, ever the reluctant guest, declined the offer. I couldn't let him leave like that, so I did the only thing I could think of—I grabbed his wrist again. I was surprised by how natural it felt, even though I knew I shouldn't be holding him like this. But, just like before, he didn't pull away.

"Come on, just eat with us," I insisted, and this time he didn't resist. It wasn't like he wanted to be rude; he just seemed like someone who preferred to keep to himself. But I was happy to have him with us, even if just for a little while.

The dinner went by quickly, but it felt special. It was just the four of us—Dad, Mom, Kai, and me—but for some reason, it felt like Chaeyoung belonged there too. Even though he didn't say much, I could see how much my parents respected him. They were impressed by the way he had handled everything, and I could tell that my dad thought highly of him, especially when he learned that Chaeyoung was the younger brother of Dr. Hibari Son, one of the best doctors at our hospital.

When it was time to say goodbye, I felt a little sad. I didn't get a chance to talk to him as much as I wanted to, but I was grateful that he'd stayed long enough to share a meal with us. As he left, I couldn't stop thinking about him. I couldn't deny it anymore—I was intrigued by him. There was something about Chaeyoung that I couldn't quite put my finger on. It wasn't just the way he stood up for us. It was more than that. It was the way he carried himself, the way he didn't let anything shake him.

I had no idea what the future held, but I knew one thing for sure—I wanted to get to know Chaeyoung better.