Safe you, Risk me [ENGLISH]

After all the effort, sweat, and sacrifices of training to become a bodyguard, Heart was finally celebrating with her friends and classmates at Smalls Bar (สมอลส์ บาร์). It was a cozy and popular place in Bangkok (กรุงเทพฯ). The bar was known for its relaxed, artsy vibe, with soft lighting and a small stage for live jazz music. Located in the Sathorn (สาทร) district, it was the perfect mix of good music and delicious cocktails. The atmosphere felt special and welcoming.

Heart stood out among her friends with her ash-blonde hair falling in soft waves to her shoulders. Her skin, slightly tanned from outdoor training, gave her a healthy glow. That night, she wore a simple white blouse with a black leather jacket, making her look both casual and stylish. Slim-fit jeans and black boots completed her outfit. Her strong, athletic body showed the years of physical training she had done. Still, her calm blue eyes and gentle smile made her seem approachable, even in the lively energy of Smalls Bar (สมอลส์ บาร์).

Heart had always dreamed of protecting others. She wanted to work as a bodyguard for public figures, giving them safety while they lived in the spotlight, surrounded by cameras and crowds of fans. Now that she had finished her tough training, she was ready to begin. All she needed was her first client.

The bar was alive with energy. The sound of smooth jazz filled the air while customers enjoyed their drinks at tables or danced near the stage. Warm light from lamps and candles made the space feel cozy. At the bar, skilled bartenders mixed colorful cocktails while laughter and conversations filled the room.

Heart was excited to celebrate. She walked around, taking photos of the decorations, her friends, and people dancing. She also took a few selfies, holding her phone above her head to get the perfect shot. But she didn’t realize that, in the VIP area, someone else had been caught in the background of her pictures by accident.

In the VIP area, away from the crowded dance floor, sat Fai Siriphan (ไฟ ศิริพันธ์). She was a famous singer, one of the most talked-about artists in Thailand. Fai had a slim body and elegant posture. Her dark brown hair, styled in soft waves, framed her beautiful face, showing her high cheekbones and full lips. Her deep brown almond-shaped eyes seemed to study everything around her, giving her a powerful presence.

That night, Fai wore a short emerald-green dress that sparkled under the lights. A silver necklace rested on her neck, matching the color of her high heels that clicked with each confident step she took. With a drink in her hand and a calm but serious look, she dominated the VIP area like a queen.

Heart’s selfie had accidentally captured Fai in the background. Unfortunately, the photo wasn’t very flattering, and the bright flash of the camera caught Fai’s attention. From her seat, Fai sent a sharp, angry look toward Heart, who was still busy checking her photos and didn’t realize what was about to happen.

Fai put down her drink and got up. Her friend, David (เดวิด), tried to stop her, but she ignored him and walked straight to the bar with an impatient look on her face. When she reached Heart, she grabbed the phone right out of her hands.

“Hey! What are you doing?” Heart shouted, surprised, as she tried to grab her phone back.

“What am I doing?” Fai said, looking at her phone and scrolling through the pictures. “I’m deleting every photo where I’m in it. You have no right to take pictures of me without asking. Who do you think you are? Cheap paparazzi?”

Heart froze, shocked and confused. She watched as Fai went through her photo gallery, deleting pictures one by one.

“I didn’t even know who you were,” Heart said, trying to defend herself. “I was just taking pictures of the party like everyone else.”

“You don’t know who I am?” Fai paused for a moment, raising her eyebrows in disbelief. “That’s convenient. I’m in my private space, and I’m not just anyone you can snap photos of.”

Heart took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “I’m serious, I don’t know who you are. I’m here with my friends, celebrating. I wasn’t trying to bother anyone.”

“Well, you did,” Fai replied coldly. “And by the way, your pictures are terrible. You should be thanking me for deleting them. The lighting is bad, your angles are awful... even I barely recognize myself.”

Hearing this, Heart felt a mix of embarrassment and anger. Fai didn’t care. She deleted the last picture and handed the phone back.

“Next time, watch where you point your camera,” Fai said with a bitter smile before turning and walking back to her seat in the VIP area.

Heart stood still, holding her phone and trying to stay calm. Her best friend, Nalani (นลานี), came over when she saw Heart’s frustrated expression.

“What happened?” Nalani asked, curious but concerned.

Heart quickly explained the situation. Nalani’s eyes went wide with shock.

“Are you serious? You don’t know who that is?” Nalani glanced toward the VIP area.

“No idea. And I don’t know who she thinks she is, grabbing my phone like that,” Heart replied, still annoyed.

“That’s Fai Siriphan (ไฟ ศิริพันธ์). She’s one of the biggest singers in Thailand right now. Everyone’s talking about her; her songs are everywhere!” Nalani said, her voice full of disbelief.

“She’s that famous?” Heart asked, still surprised.

“Very. But it looks like the fame has gone to her head,” Nalani added with a small smirk.

Heart decided to try to fix things. She asked the bartender to make a light cocktail and deliver it to the VIP area as a peace offering. However, what happened next would be unforgettable.

As the bartender prepared the drink, Heart waited, hoping her gesture would smooth over the awkward situation. However, before the cocktail could reach the VIP area, an unexpected scene unfolded.

A man, clearly drunk, stumbled toward the VIP area. His eyes were locked on Fai, and his slurred speech was barely understandable. He stopped in front of her, leaning too close for comfort.

“Hey, beautiful... why don’t you have a good time with me?” the man said, his words dripping with arrogance.

Fai crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing sharply. “Move back. Right now,” she said firmly, her tone cold.

The man laughed and stepped even closer, ignoring her warning. He reached out a hand toward her shoulder.

“Come on, don’t be so hard to get,” he said with a crooked smile.

Fai’s friend, David (เดวิด), immediately stepped between them, his voice firm and protective. “That’s enough. Leave her alone,” he warned.

But the drunk man wasn’t backing down. “Who do you think you are? Stay out of this,” he spat, trying to push past David.

Fai’s glare grew even sharper as she stood her ground. “Don’t even try it,” she said, her voice calm but filled with authority. “I don’t have time for people like you.”

The man sneered, his movements clumsy but insistent. Just as he raised his hand to make another inappropriate gesture, Heart stepped in. She moved swiftly from the bar and stood between the man and Fai, her posture strong and steady.

“That’s enough,” Heart said, her voice low but commanding. “Leave. Now.”

The man turned to face Heart, his face red with anger. “Who do you think you are to get in my way?” he growled.

“Someone who won’t tolerate your behavior,” Heart replied, her gaze steady and unwavering. “Walk away before things get worse for you.”

The man hesitated, but his drunken temper got the better of him. Without warning, he raised his hand and slapped Heart hard across the face. The sound of the slap echoed above the noise of the bar, and for a moment, everything went silent.

The VIP area froze. David quickly grabbed the man and shoved him back with controlled strength. “You’ve crossed the line. Security is already on their way. You’d better leave before they drag you out,” David said firmly.

“Yeah, you should go,” Fai added, her voice dripping with disdain as she watched the man stumble.

Bar security arrived moments later, escorting the drunk man out of the bar. The tension in the VIP area began to ease, but Fai didn’t look relieved. Instead, she walked right up to Heart, her arms crossed and her expression full of irritation.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Fai snapped. “I didn’t ask for your help. Who do you think you are, playing the hero?”

Heart, still holding her cheek where the slap had landed, replied calmly, “I was just trying to help. That man was crossing the line.”

Fai let out a short, sarcastic laugh. “Help me? You’ve done nothing but cause problems since you walked in here. Do you really think I needed your help? Because I didn’t.”

At that moment, the bartender arrived with the peace-offering cocktail Heart had ordered. He placed it on the table next to Fai. Fai glanced at the drink, her expression unreadable for a moment, before she picked it up. She held the glass in her hand, looking at it for a few seconds as if considering her next move.

Without warning, Fai poured the drink over Heart’s head, the liquid dripping down onto her jacket and clothes. The room went silent again as Heart stood there, soaked and stunned.

“That’s for sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong,” Fai said coldly. She turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Heart standing in disbelief.

Heart clenched her fists, taking deep breaths to keep her emotions in check. After a moment, she turned and walked toward the restrooms to clean herself up. She entered the private VIP area restroom without realizing it, too focused on calming herself down.

As she leaned over the sink, trying to dry her hair and clothes, the door swung open behind her. She turned to see Fai standing there, her eyes still burning with frustration.

“You again?” Fai said, glaring at Heart. “Do you not have any boundaries? This is my private restroom.”

“I’m just trying to clean up after what you did,” Heart replied, meeting Fai’s gaze directly, her voice steady despite her anger.

Fai stepped closer, her tone mocking. “Cleaning up? You’ve been ruining things all night. First with those photos, then barging into my space, and now here you are again. What’s next?”

Before Heart could respond, the door opened again, and Ploy (พลอย), another one of Fai’s friends, rushed in. She looked between them with wide eyes, sensing the tension in the room.

“Girls, please,” Ploy said, raising her hands in a calming gesture. “Let’s not make this worse than it already is.”

Fai shot one last icy look at Heart but said nothing. She turned sharply and walked out, her dress swishing as the door closed behind her. Heart stayed in the restroom for a moment, taking a deep breath as she looked at herself in the mirror. Her wet hair and clothes were a reminder of the humiliation, but her reflection showed someone who was still standing strong.

“It’s just one night,” Heart told herself quietly. “I won’t let this stop me.”

When she left the restroom, the bar had returned to its lively energy. Nalani (นลานี) was waiting near the exit, her face a mix of concern and relief.

“Are you okay?” Nalani asked, taking Heart by the arm.

Heart nodded, though her expression said otherwise. “I don’t want to talk about it here. Let’s go.”

As they stepped out into the bright lights of Bangkok (กรุงเทพฯ), the city seemed indifferent to the drama that had unfolded. The two friends walked in silence for a while before Nalani broke it.

“You know who that girl is, right?” Nalani asked cautiously.

Heart sighed, feeling tired. “You told me. She’s Fai Siriphan (ไฟ ศิริพันธ์), right?”

Nalani nodded, her eyes wide with excitement. “She’s one of the most famous singers in Thailand right now. Everyone knows her! But... she has a bit of a bad reputation for her attitude.”

“Her attitude is terrible,” Heart said sarcastically. “If every celebrity is like her, maybe I picked the wrong career.”

Nalani chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. “Not all of them are like that. I’m sure some are a little more... human.”

Heart let out a small, bitter laugh. The two friends continued their walk home, the city’s lights reflecting in their tired eyes.

The Next Morning

Heart woke up early despite going to bed late. The sunlight peeked through her curtains, lighting up her small room. The events of the previous night lingered in her mind. She could still feel the sting of humiliation and the cold sensation of the drink being poured on her.

With a heavy sigh, she got up and walked to the kitchen. Nalani (นลานี) was already there, preparing breakfast. The aroma of fresh coffee filled the small apartment.

"Arùn sawàt dee khâ (อรุณสวัสดิ์ค่ะ),” Nalani greeted, her focus on the pan in front of her.

"Sawàt dee khâ (สวัสดีค่ะ),” Heart replied, taking a seat at the table.

Nalani placed a plate in front of Heart. It held Son in Law Eggs (ไข่ลูกเขย), a traditional Thai dish consisting of fried eggs topped with a sweet and sour tamarind sauce, crispy shallots, and dried chilies. Its name often sparked curiosity and humor, but it was loved for its unique balance of flavors.

Heart raised her eyebrows as she looked at the dish. “Are these the famous Son in Law Eggs?”

Nalani smiled as she sat down across from her. “Yep. My grandmother always said this dish could cheer you up on a tough day. Thought you might need it.”

Heart picked up her fork and took a bite. The mix of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors melted in her mouth. “Wow, this is amazing. I’ve never had anything like it before.”

Nalani shrugged modestly. “It’s a classic. Besides, after the night you had, you deserve something nice.”

Heart smiled faintly as she continued eating. For a moment, the delicious food eased the weight of her thoughts.

Somewhere Else in Bangkok (กรุงเทพฯ)

Fai woke up in her luxurious mansion to the sound of her phone vibrating on the bedside table. She groaned, rolling over to see Nok (นก)’s name on the screen. With a sigh, she let the call go unanswered, pushing the phone aside. She eventually got up and made her way to the dining area, where Nok was already seated.

The bright morning light streamed through the large windows, illuminating the elegant dining table set with fine china. Nok sat at the far end, sipping coffee, her expression serious.

Fai dropped into a chair, her hair still messy from sleep. “What is it?” she asked, her voice groggy as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

“Good morning to you too,” Nok replied sarcastically, setting her cup down with a soft clink. “Are you ready to explain last night’s disaster?”

Fai took a slow sip of coffee, trying to play innocent. “What disaster?”

Nok sighed heavily, pulling out her phone and sliding it across the table toward Fai. “Do you want me to explain, or do you want to see for yourself? The videos are all over social media.”

Fai stared at the phone for a moment before reluctantly picking it up. Her jaw clenched as she watched clips of the incident at Smalls Bar (สมอลส์ บาร์). The memories of the night flooded back. She set the phone down, her irritation growing.

“She provoked me,” Fai said defensively.

Nok leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. “It doesn’t matter who provoked who. Your image is at stake. How many times do I have to remind you to control your temper?”

Fai rolled her eyes and took another sip of her coffee. “I’m sorry,” she muttered, though her tone lacked sincerity.

Nok raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. “Sorry isn’t enough this time. We have to do damage control. You’ll need to apologize.”

Fai set her cup down with a thud, her disbelief evident. “Apologize? To who? That girl?”

“Yes. And to your fans,” Nok replied firmly. “If we don’t fix this, it could hurt your career more than you realize.”

Fai sighed heavily, her gaze drifting to the fresh flowers on the table. She knew Nok was right, even if she didn’t want to admit it. Picking up a croissant from the center of the table, she broke off a piece in silence, her mind working to find a way out of the situation without swallowing her pride.

Back at the Apartment

In the small apartment she shared with Nalani, Heart was busy scrolling through job listings on her laptop. The soft sound of oil sizzling in the kitchen and the aroma of spices filled the room, blending with the gentle music playing in the background.

“Any luck?” Nalani asked, walking into the living room with a dish towel in hand.

Heart let out a frustrated sigh, scrolling past yet another listing that wasn’t a match. “Not yet. But I’ll keep trying. Something has to come up.”

“Don’t worry,” Nalani said with a reassuring smile. “You’ll find something soon. I mean, look at me! I just got hired to guard an up-and-coming actress.”

Heart chuckled, the memory of last night surfacing. “Let’s hope she’s nicer than some celebrities we know.”

Nalani grinned. “She is, actually. Really sweet. She’s been through a lot with obsessive fans, but I think working with her will be great.”

Heart nodded, trying to push away the tension that still lingered. “I guess I’ll just have to get used to this. If I want to be a bodyguard, I can’t let one bad experience scare me off.”

Three Weeks Later

After three chaotic weeks, Nok (นก) was at her wit’s end. The last bodyguard she had hired had quit without notice, leaving her to juggle managing Fai’s career and ensuring her safety. The stress was overwhelming, and she knew she needed help immediately. After numerous failed attempts, she called the bodyguard agency once again, but the response was disappointing: no one was available.

“What am I going to do with you?” Nok muttered under her breath, rubbing her temples. “No one wants to be your bodyguard.”

“I can take care of myself,” Fai replied coolly, brushing off the concern like it was nothing. “I don’t need anyone.”

Nok sighed heavily. She’d seen Fai’s fiery temper scare away more than one professional in the past. Keeping her voice calm, she tried to reason with her.

“You say that because you have no idea what they’ve had to put up with. You need to learn to control your attitude.”

“If they can’t handle me, they’re not fit for the job,” Fai said with a dismissive shrug, crossing her arms.

Nok bit her lip, resisting the urge to snap back. As much as she sometimes wanted to walk away from it all, something deeper kept her tethered. Since Fai’s parents had left her life, Nok had stepped in as her manager, protector, and pseudo-mother, carrying a responsibility that felt more personal than professional.

One morning, while reviewing the week’s schedule, Nok received an unexpected call from the bodyguard agency. It seemed they had finally found someone willing to take on the job. Without hesitation, Nok asked them to send the candidate over for an interview that same afternoon.

“Good afternoon, I’m Heart (ฮาร์ท)," she introduced herself confidently but kindly, extending her hand for a handshake.

Nok smiled warmly as she shook her hand. “Welcome, Heart. I’m Nok. Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

Heart nodded, her eyes scanning the opulent mansion. The grandeur of the place gave her a glimpse into the life of the person she would soon protect.

“Is the client the singer?” Heart asked curiously, trying to put the pieces together.

Nok let out a light laugh. “No, not yet. She’s performing at a bar right now, but she’ll be back later. Come, let’s sit and talk about the job.”

Heart followed Nok into a luxurious sitting room, the furniture polished to a shine. As they talked, Nok explained the details of the position, emphasizing the challenges.

“The person you’ll be protecting has a... complicated personality,” Nok warned gently. “You’ll need a lot of patience.”

Later that day, Heart returned to her shared apartment to pack her belongings. The job required her to live at her client’s house. As she folded her clothes into a suitcase, she reflected on Nok’s words.

“A complicated personality,” Heart murmured to herself. She had a strong suspicion about who the client was, but she wasn’t ready to believe it until she saw for herself.

By evening, she had settled into her new room in the mansion. For a staff room, it was surprisingly spacious and came with small luxuries she hadn’t expected, like a private balcony that overlooked a well-maintained garden. The soft sound of water trickling from a small fountain added to the room’s calming atmosphere.

Meanwhile: Nalani’s New Job

While Heart was adjusting to her new environment, Nalani (นลานี) had also started her job as a bodyguard. She had been assigned to protect Night (ไนท์), an up-and-coming actress. Like Heart, Nalani moved into her client’s home on the first day.

A sleek black Grand Cherokee pulled into the driveway of the house, stopping at the front entrance. From the vehicle stepped a stunning woman in a long golden dress, her soft brown hair cascading over her shoulders in waves. Her warm, captivating smile lit up her face as she approached Nalani, her brown eyes scanning her with a mix of curiosity and approval.

“Hi, what’s your name, cutie?” Night asked sweetly, her voice soft and charming.

Caught off guard, Nalani stammered. “I... I’m... um...”

Night chuckled softly, her tone teasing but kind. “You’re...?”

“Nalani,” she finally managed, feeling heat rush to her cheeks.

“Nice to meet you, Nalani,” Night said, her smile growing even brighter. “You probably already know, but I’m Night. My real name is Nilad (นิลาด), though. You can call me that if you’d like.”

As Nalani awkwardly returned the smile, Night opened the door to her house and gestured for her to enter. Inside, a table was set for dinner. To Nalani’s surprise, there were multiple plates.

“Does she have a partner?” Nalani wondered silently. Articles about Night didn’t mention any relationships.

As she started heading toward her assigned room, Night’s soft voice stopped her. “Wait, don’t leave yet. Stay and eat with me.”

At the academy, Nalani had been trained to keep a professional distance from her clients—no shared meals, no personal conversations. Her job was to protect and stay out of sight. But Night’s warmth and genuine request made it impossible to say no.

As they sat across the table, Night used the opportunity to ask Nalani questions, her friendly nature making it easy for her new bodyguard to open up. At first hesitant, Nalani gradually felt comfortable enough to ask questions in return. The meal was delicious, and for the first time, Nalani felt less like a staff member and more like a guest.

By the end of the dinner, Night had outlined how things would work. She explained that while her schedule could be unpredictable, she made a habit of returning home for dinner whenever possible.

“I’d like you to join me for meals,” Night said sincerely. “We can plan the next day together. Mondays, for example, I always visit the company office. I’ll need you there too.”

The invitation felt more like an offer of companionship than an obligation, and Nalani found herself agreeing. Night even mentioned that Sundays were usually her rest days, meaning Nalani would often get those days off.

A Friendly Chat

After settling in for the night, Nalani couldn’t wait to share her experiences with Heart. She picked up her phone and dialed.

Nalani: “Hey! Guess what? My new client is the sweetest person ever! She’s even more beautiful in real life.”

Heart: “I’m happy for you, really. But wait till you hear about my boss.”

Nalani: “Who is it? Don’t keep me waiting!”

Heart: “It’s Fai Siriphan (ไฟ ศิริพันธ์)...”

Nalani: “You’re joking! What did she do when she saw you?”

Heart: “She slammed the door in my face. Now I’m sitting outside her room, waiting...”

Nalani: “Oh my god! I can’t believe it!”

Heart: “She’s absolutely stunning, but I don’t think she’s happy to see me.”

Nalani: “Well, she’ll have to deal with it. You’re her only option now.”

Heart: “I just hope things don’t get worse.”

Nalani: “Good luck, girl. You’ll need it. Keep me updated!”

As they ended their call, both women couldn’t help but laugh at the contrast in their situations.