The Pen That Changed My Life - Chapter 59 – A Smile That Wasn't Mine

11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfwqT2xec5

After Narin's birthday, life settled back into its usual rhythm.

School became busier.

Teachers reminded us that our final examinations were getting closer.

Even so...

Narin still found time to walk with me after school.

Sometimes we studied together.

Sometimes we visited his uncle's house.

Sometimes we simply sat beneath the old tree until the school became quiet.

Those ordinary days slowly became my favorite memories.

One Friday afternoon, Narin and I arrived at his uncle's house earlier than everyone else.

His aunt was preparing dinner.

His uncle was still at work.

Only Korn was home.

He was watering the flowers in the garden.

When he saw us, he smiled.

"You're early."

Narin laughed.

"We wanted to help."

"You?"

Korn teased.

"The one who burns toast?"

"I only burned it once."

"Twice."

"Fine... twice."

The three of us laughed.

For the next hour, we helped prepare dinner.

Narin washed vegetables.

I arranged the plates.

Korn carried dishes to the dining table.

It felt peaceful.

Almost like we had always been doing this together.

After everything was ready, Narin's aunt realized she had forgotten to buy bread.

"Narin, can you go to the bakery?"

"Sure."

She looked at me.

"Phawin, stay here. It'll only take a few minutes."

I nodded.

"Okay."

Narin grabbed his wallet and left.

The house suddenly became quiet.

Only Korn and I remained in the dining room.

"So..."

Korn said softly.

"How have you been?"

"I'm fine."

"School?"

"A little busy."

He smiled.

"Narin says you're always helping him study."

"He helps me too."

Korn nodded.

"I believe that."

There was a short silence.

Then he looked at me.

"You know..."

"I think you're the kind of person people feel safe around."

I looked at him in surprise.

"Why do you say that?"

He smiled quietly.

"Because everyone seems happier when you're here."

I didn't know how to answer.

So I simply smiled.

"Thank you."

Just then, the front door opened.

"I'm back!"

Narin walked inside carrying a paper bag.

"I hope nobody missed me."

Korn looked at him and laughed.

"You were gone for five minutes."

"Exactly."

"Too long."

Narin grinned.

He walked over and stood beside me without thinking.

To him...

It was completely natural.

To Korn...

It was another quiet reminder.

No matter how much he wished otherwise...

The place beside Phawin...

Already belonged to Narin.

Korn smiled as they talked together.

But behind that smile...

His heart whispered a painful truth.

Some smiles are beautiful...

Even when they were never meant for you.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1zEwEwC25

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