Roses for tomorrow

Fahlada was smart. She knew it, her parents knew it, her friends knew it.
But when it came to courting… her knowledge was practically nonexistent. Understand her—it was the first time she had to court someone. Someone she really liked. Someone she liked liked.

The first step was a bouquet of roses. The next morning, she gave it to Earn along with a home-cooked breakfast and a sweet note. Her heart melted at the sight of Earn’s little blonde jumps and squeaks of happiness. It was a sweet moment. Earn even pulled Fahlada back into bed, insisting they cuddle and talk until noon.
But after that… what came next? Was she supposed to buy flowers every day? Not that it bothered her, but at this rate, Earn would be living in a garden by the end of the month. Speaking of which—how long was courting supposed to take?

Yes, Fahlada was smart—to an extent. But she desperately needed guidance.
“I’m in love with Earn,” she blurted out randomly in the middle of a conversation with her friends.
They were sitting in a local café, enjoying their free period without worrying about coursework for once.
“We know,” Bow said.
Tan sighed and slid five bucks over to Bow, ignoring the confused look from the brunette.
“I told you, two weeks was too short,” Bow added smugly.
“I know!” Tan groaned, clearly frustrated. “But they were always acting like they were gonna make out at any moment.”
Fahlada was dumbfounded. “What does that even mean? What do you mean you knew?”
“Everybody knew, darling,” Bow chimed in.
“Excuse me,” Tan interrupted, “but it wasn’t exactly a secret. Your girlfriend—”
“She’s not my girlfriend… yet,” Fahlada cut in.
Then, as if on cue, she repeated herself: “But I’m courting her.”
Her two friends exchanged looks, caught off guard by the statement.
“What the—”
“Shut up, Tan,” Bow interrupted sharply, leaving the young man frowning. “You have to tell us—since when? How did this even happen?”
Fahlada’s sudden revelation was a shock. Just yesterday, she wouldn’t have admitted anything like this. Tan and Bow had assumed for ages that the two women were already a couple but hadn’t told anyone because Fahlada was shy about it. The way they acted around each other made it seem obvious. But over time, they realized that Fahlada was just… dense. Oblivious. Even when Earn was practically shouting her feelings through her actions.

Fahlada recounted the events of last night, including her awkward, sort-of confession. Naturally, her friends found it ridiculous but refrained from interrupting—at least until she got to the crux of her problem:
“How do you think I should proceed?”
Tan stretched lazily before answering, “You need to woman up. Be daring. Plan cute dates. Make her want—no, make her desire to be with you.”
Fahlada stared at Tan, deadpan. “I know that, idiot. But what should I actually do?”
“Tell her you’re hungry for her,” Tan said with a smirk.
Fahlada choked on her lemonade, barely believing what she’d just heard. “This is why asking you for advice was a mistake.”
By the end of the conversation, Fahlada had concluded that Tan was the absolute worst person to seek advice from. His additional suggestions included gems like, “Send her thirst traps,” and “Push and pull—make her want more.”
Bow wasn’t much better. Her advice? “Just grab her, kiss her, and force a relationship.”
Fahlada sighed. Whoever dated her friends clearly needed therapy.
She didn’t need questionable advice from lunatics in dubious relationships. She needed advice that could actually work. That’s why she decided to turn to her parents. They were married, happy, in love, and their relationship had stood the test of time. If anyone could guide her, it was them.
“Wait, you have a new girlfriend?” Rusamee asked, visibly confused.
Fahlada blinked, startled by her mom’s question. She had called to explain the situation, but it seemed her parents had completely misread it. To them, she and Earn were already together. So when she started talking about courting, her mom assumed she was interested in someone else.
“What? No! I mean—”
“What about Earn? We like her for you.”
Fahlada cut her mom off quickly. “We’re not together, Mom. I called for advice. I want to court her.”
Rusamee still didn’t quite understand. For her, Fahlada and Earn were already a couple. Every time Fahlada called home, Earn was always there—clinging to her daughter, chatting sweetly in the background. There was even that one time when Earn answered the phone while Fahlada was in the shower. Rusamee had already started thinking of Earn as her future daughter-in-law.
“So you’ve been acting like a couple, but you’re not actually together? The new generation is something else,” she said, shaking her head.
At that moment, Fahlada’s father popped into the video call. “Hi, dear. How are you?”
Fahlada opened her mouth to answer, but her mom beat her to it, spilling everything. Her father listened patiently, though his expression was as confused as Rusamee’s at first.
“And now you want to court her?” her dad finally asked, tilting his head.
“Yes!” Fahlada nodded aggressively. “But I don’t know where to start.”
Her father gave her a warm smile. “When I courted your mother,” he began, placing a kiss on Rusamee’s temple, “I didn’t know where to start either. But I realized later that it’s simple. You just have to love her. Be a part of her life.”
Her mother smiled, watching him speak so lovingly. “And it’s about patience,” she added. “Love is patient, love is kind. Listen to her when she talks, and make sure you talk to her too. She shouldn’t have to guess how you feel. Be clear about it.”
Her father nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly. “Your mom’s right. Also, never speak with anger. Love doesn’t dishonor others; it’s not self-seeking, not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Hearing this, Fahlada started to understand why her parents’ marriage was so solid. She listened attentively, soaking up every word of their advice.
“What about dates?” she asked, leaning forward.
Her parents exchanged a knowing look before smiling.
“Darling,” Rusamee said, “a nice dinner at a good restaurant and a movie afterward is a great place to start. Trust me, after the first date, you’ll get creative about planning the next ones.”
“But for now,” her father chimed in, “courting is all about making time for her. Spend time with her. Remember, love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Taking their advice to heart, Fahlada immediately set to work. She sent Earn a quick message asking about her afternoon and evening plans. When the blonde replied that she was free, Fahlada wasted no time. She reserved a table at the restaurant Earn had been talking about recently and got tickets for a thriller movie afterward.
Without hesitation, she hopped into her car and drove to Earn’s faculty.
When Earn spotted the person she loved waiting for her in front of the university, her heart fluttered. She abruptly ditched her friends and ran toward the brunette.
“Hello, you,” Fahlada greeted softly, wrapping her arms around Earn’s waist. “How was your day, love?”
Earn didn’t hold back. She kissed Fahlada lightly under the ear before resting her head in the crook of her neck, humming contentedly at the familiar scent.
“Boring,” she murmured, not letting go. “You won’t believe what Bianca did to the guy she met at the bar. I told you about him, right? And don’t even get me started on my corporate law professor—he’s nuts.”
Finally, Earn lifted her head to meet Fahlada’s gaze. “And I missed you, baby,” she added softly, her eyes full of raw emotion.
Fahlada felt her resolve crumble under the intensity of Earn’s gaze. She leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on the blonde’s chin.
“Come on, let’s get to the car,” she whispered. “You can tell me more about it on the way. I’m taking you out tonight.”
Earn beamed. “Fahlada Thananusak is taking me on a date,” she teased, her voice proud and cocky.
The brunette could only shake her head, completely love-struck.
During the drive, Earn recounted her day in vivid detail. Fahlada hung on to every word, laughing at the jokes Earn threw in.
“But honestly,” Earn said at one point, “if it were you, what would you have done?”
“I don’t know,” Fahlada replied, grinning, “but it’s clear that guy was an idiot for trying something so stupid.”
“I know, right?!” Earn exclaimed, reaching out to take Fahlada’s hand in hers. She laced their fingers together and smiled. “You know, I love spending time with you.”
Fahlada brought Earn’s hand to her lips and kissed it softly. “I love it too,” she said simply, her heart full.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Earn’s eyes lit up. “Woah, P’Mor! It’s the one I told you about!” she exclaimed excitedly.
Without wasting a moment, they stepped inside. The place was beautiful, exuding a casual yet sophisticated Italian atmosphere. Earn couldn’t have been happier.
At first, she had thought being with someone like Fahlada might be challenging. After all, the brunette was… something else. Even Fahlada’s best friends had warned her: "It won’t be an easy task." The older woman had suitors in every corner of the university, yet remained blissfully oblivious to all of it.
Initially, this hadn’t bothered Earn much. Back then, she’d seen Fahlada as a funny, reliable friend. She even had friends who nursed crushes on the future doctor. But the moment Earn decided to step into the game, everything changed. She made her intentions unmistakably clear. Among all of Fahlada’s admirers, she was the only one to make it this far. Not that it stopped others from trying.
Earn wouldn’t call herself jealous, but she was undeniably impulsive. She believed everyone should know their place, and if they didn’t, she was more than willing to show them. Just like the waiter at the restaurant.

From the moment they walked in, the waiter—a charming Italian man—had been trying to shoot his shot with Fahlada. His confidence earned him nothing but death glares from the blonde.
“I’ll be serving only you tonight, bella,” he said, flashing a flirty grin at Fahlada and throwing in a wink.
Earn rolled her eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn’t get stuck.
“Follow me. I’ll show you to your table,” the waiter continued, gesturing ahead.
Fahlada, oblivious to his antics, took Earn’s hand gently in hers. “Let’s go, love,” she said sweetly, turning to the blonde with a warm smile. “Everything alright?”
Earn shrugged off her irritation. “Yeah, don’t worry.”
Still, Fahlada leaned closer and placed a soft kiss on Earn’s forehead, then another on her nose. “If you don’t like this place, we can go somewhere else—or even just head home,” the older woman offered. “I’m not really sure how to do this whole ‘courting’ thing, but I’m trying my best. If I do anything that makes you uncomfortable, just tell me and—”
“Baby!” Earn interrupted with a soft laugh, cutting off the flustered brunette, whose cheeks were now dusted with a rosy blush. “Everything is perfect, I promise.”

And it was—mostly. The food was delicious, the conversation flowed easily, and Earn felt truly loved by all the little thoughtful touches Fahlada added to the date.
It would’ve been even better, though, if the waiter hadn’t continued flirting with Fahlada throughout the evening. He brought her a flower, lingered too long while chatting, and even gifted her a dessert. “It’s on the house, bella, but if you want to pay for it, I’ll let you.”
Earn arched an eyebrow. She didn’t need to be a linguist to catch the double meaning behind his words.
At first, she gave him the benefit of the doubt, trying to stay calm. But when he persisted, she decided to act.
When they got up to pay, Earn stepped behind Fahlada, wrapping her arms possessively around the brunette’s waist. Her fingers traced light circles on Fahlada’s stomach, occasionally pressing against her toned muscles.
The contact earned her a soft sigh from Fahlada, and Earn didn’t miss the chance to throw an insolent smile at the now-frustrated waiter.
Still, he didn’t give up. “A beautiful girl like you—” he started, but Earn interrupted him.
“Baby,” she purred sweetly, planting a kiss on Fahlada’s neck and lingering just enough to make her point clear. Her lips brushed the sensitive spot gently, sending a visible shiver through the older woman.
Fahlada’s attention immediately shifted. Goosebumps rose on her arms, and her breath hitched. “Yeah?” she replied, her voice soft and distracted.
“It was perfect. I loved it,” Earn whispered against her neck, her tone full of affection.
Fahlada’s face lit up with pride, her eyes shining. “Really?!”
Earn didn’t answer verbally, instead deepening her embrace and nuzzling closer.
The blonde’s satisfaction only grew as the waiter’s confidence faltered. She shot him a pointed look, holding Fahlada even tighter, as if to say, She’s mine.
Unfazed by the tension, Fahlada playfully kissed Earn’s head. “I’m so glad you enjoyed it,” she said cheerfully. “But we’re not done yet—let’s go.”
With that, Fahlada turned her attention fully to Earn, unintentionally ignoring the waiter, who was left blushing in frustration.
The brunette paid the bill, and the pair left the restaurant. Earn walked away with a victorious smile, while the waiter tried to hide the sting of defeat.

Earn knew exactly where she stood and expected others to respect the boundaries as well. She couldn’t entirely blame them, though. Fahlada was breathtaking—it was almost impossible not to be drawn to her. Earn got it; she really did. If the roles were reversed, she’d probably be in the same position.
But they weren’t reversed. People could admire the brunette all they wanted; she did, too. They just needed to keep their admiration to themselves and not flaunt it in front of her.

After all, with a gorgeous girlfriend came great responsibility. And Earn was ready to handle all of it. Every. Single. One.

For a first official date, Earn was more than satisfied. Fahlada had even chosen a thriller for their movie, a genre the older woman didn’t particularly enjoy. Predictably, Fahlada spent half the movie hiding behind her hands or gripping Earn’s arm tightly, which the blonde found absolutely adorable.
It was a great start, but what truly impressed Earn was how consistent and thoughtful Fahlada was afterward.

Take exam week, for example. Earn was completely swamped—stressed, buried under books, and practically glued to her dorm desk. She had no time to meet Fahlada, let alone go on a date.
That’s when she heard a knock on her door. Opening it, she found Tan, holding a bag filled with home-cooked meals, a bouquet of roses, and snacks.
“Your girlfriend,” Tan began, smirking knowingly, “sent me to drop this off for you.”
Earn beamed, practically floating. Inside the bag was a small letter, too. Fahlada had written about her day, how much she missed Earn, and how proud she was of her hard work.
Earn wasted no time sending a heartfelt thank-you message to the brunette.
This became a daily ritual throughout exam week. Every evening, Tan would arrive at her door with more meals, snacks, goodies, and letters from Fahlada.
“You’re so lucky,” Earn’s roommate said, shaking her head. “Your girlfriend treats you like a princess.”
Earn absolutely loved hearing that.

By Sunday, with exams finally over, Earn couldn’t resist bragging to her friends about Fahlada’s efforts. The weather was nice, and she was lounging in her dorm, gushing over the thoughtful gestures.
“And she just texted me to get ready because she’s taking me out,” Earn said proudly.
Her roommate sighed wistfully. “I want her to court me too! My boyfriend doesn’t do half of what she does.”
“Too bad,” Earn said with a feisty grin. “She’s already busy with me.”
Her roommate rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t hide a small smile.
Five minutes later, Fahlada arrived, dressed in casual shorts and a button-up shirt—a rare sight.
“Hello, are you—” Fahlada began, but she didn’t get the chance to finish.
Earn grabbed her hand and dragged her toward the elevator. Once the doors closed, she turned to face the older woman with a proud smile.
“Hello to you too,” Fahlada said, amused by the sudden rush. “What the haste about?”
Earn stepped closer, pouting dramatically. “Have you seen yourself?” She leaned forward, resting her forehead against Fahlada’s shoulder.
“You’re way too attractive. I can’t let my roommate see you like this—she’d be heartbroken to know you’re taken.”
Fahlada chuckled at Earn’s playful antics. “You’re such a sweet talker, aren’t you?”
“Me?” Earn smirked, feigning innocence. “Only for you, P’Mor.”
Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she leaned in and gently bit Fahlada’s collarbone. The brunette gasped softly, her breath catching at the unexpected gesture.
When the elevator doors opened, a very flustered and blushing Fahlada quickly guided a smug Earn toward the car, shaking her head at the blonde’s audacity.

The blonde didn’t even have her seatbelt on before she was already asking about the destination.
“It’s a surprise, be patient,” Fahlada replied with a teasing smile.
Earn grabbed her arm, gently shaking it. “P’Mor, pretty please,” she pleaded, her brown eyes shining with mischief.
The brunette tugged at her arm, pulling Earn closer. Their faces were just inches apart, and the blonde couldn’t help but focus on the older woman’s lips.
“Love,” Fahlada murmured, her tone soft as her hands caressed Earn’s cheeks. The touch was light yet electrifying. Earn leaned in, desperate for contact. Time seemed to slow as Fahlada drew closer, her lips just a breath away. Earn felt like she could finally breathe again.
But the older woman had other plans. Her eyes glinted with a mischievous sparkle as she stopped short. “You’re so cute like this, all flustered,” Fahlada teased, her lips brushing over Earn’s with every word, sending shivers down the blonde’s spine.
“It’d be so easy, you know?” Fahlada’s fingers traced Earn’s lips with a featherlight touch, applying a sweet pressure. “So, so easy to just—” She tilted her head, taking her time as she pressed her lips against Earn’s more firmly but only to kiss the very corner of her mouth.
Earn gasped in frustration.
“Now,” Fahlada whispered into her ear, her breath warm against her skin, “be a good girl and stay still until we arrive, will you?”
Earn could only nod weakly, her voice betraying her. She didn’t trust herself to speak, and she was proven right when Fahlada bit her earlobe gently and then trailed kisses along her jawline, lingering just a moment too long.
A soft, throaty whimper escaped Earn’s lips. “H-h-hey,” she tried to protest, but her voice came out in choked stammers.
Ever since Fahlada started this whole courting thing, she’d become bolder, as if exacting revenge for all the times Earn had teased her. And it left Earn flustered and frustrated—like now.
“We’ve got about thirty-five, maybe forty minutes until we reach our destination,” Fahlada said casually, as if nothing had just happened. She handed Earn a bento box, along with some snacks and her favorite drink. “Here, I made breakfast for you. Do you like it?”
It was gestures like these that made it impossible for Earn to stay mad at her for long, even when Fahlada left her in a dazed state.
The ride was peaceful. Earn enjoyed the view as they drove further from the city and into the countryside. She held Fahlada’s hand as they chatted and joked. Eventually, they parked in a secluded spot far from the noise of the city.
“If you’re planning to kill me, I’d say you’re not doing a great job hiding it,” Earn joked.
Fahlada smirked. “Well, now that you know my plan, I’ll have to follow through. Come on, let’s get out. I don’t want to mess up my car with blood.”
As they stepped out of the car, Earn laughed and ran toward her, pretending to throw punches before wrapping her arms around Fahlada. The brunette laughed, her smile lighting up her face.
“If I hold you like this, you can’t do anything harmful,” Earn whispered, resting her head on Fahlada’s shoulder.
“You know, usually you’re supposed to run from your attacker,” Fahlada teased.
Earn sighed, nuzzling into the crook of her neck. “Well, if you weren’t so attractive, maybe I would.”
Fahlada shook her head, amused. “You’re lucky I find you endearing. I’ll let you live... for now.”
She hugged Earn back, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. They stayed like that for a few moments before Fahlada pulled a basket and a bag from the car.
“Let’s go. I wouldn’t want my victim to grow impatient,” she teased, leading Earn toward a grassy area hidden behind some trees.
They emerged into a beautiful, luminous spot where a crystal-clear river flowed. The water was so transparent they could see the smooth stones at the bottom.
Earn’s eyes widened with awe. “It’s beautiful.”
Fahlada watched her reaction with satisfaction. “I’m glad you like it. We’re going to have a picnic,” she said, holding up the basket, “and maybe go for a swim afterward.”
The blonde squealed with excitement, jumping and running around like a child.
They set up the picnic and began eating.
“When did you plan all this?” Earn asked between bites.
“Since last week,” Fahlada replied, leaning over to wipe Earn’s mouth. “I wanted to make sure the weather would be nice.”
Earn smiled, pressing a kiss to Fahlada’s shoulder. “Thank you for everything. I love it.” She leaned against the older woman, nuzzling the spot she’d just kissed.
“That was the intention,” Fahlada said, stroking Earn’s hair.
Earn grinned mischievously. “Do you realize that if it weren’t for that Disney movie night, we wouldn’t be here? I’m really the mastermind behind this relationship.”
Fahlada rolled her eyes, breathing in Earn’s scent. “You’re a nuisance,” she murmured.
Earn beamed. “A beautiful nuisance, though, right?”
Fahlada intertwined their fingers. “A beautiful nuisance that I’m in love with, if I must admit.”

They spent their time together talking and joking, savoring nothing but each other’s company. As the sun climbed higher into the sky, they decided it was time to head to the water.
“I didn’t bring a swimsuit, P’Mor,” Earn said, frowning slightly.
Fahlada smirked and wiggled the bag she’d been carrying since the beginning. “I thought about that. I bought a few. I didn’t know your style, so I got some options.”
When the blonde opened the bag, she found seven different swimsuits neatly packed inside.
“Well, you really went all out,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “I’ll just pick one and change behind that tree. Wait here.”
Five minutes later, Earn emerged, ready for the water. But the one who wasn’t ready was Fahlada.
Fahlada knew Earn had a habit of dressing... boldly. But of all the swimsuits she’d bought, she should have guessed Earn would pick the one with the least amount of fabric. The yellow bikini hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her fair skin, toned stomach, and shapely waist. Fahlada felt her pulse quicken, and she quickly averted her eyes, whispering to herself, “It’s too revealing.”
“You’re the one to talk,” Earn shot back, catching the brunette’s reaction.
Fahlada might have tried to play it cool, but Earn wasn’t blind. The red bikini the older woman wore was breathtaking, and as soon as Earn laid eyes on her, she felt as if she were falling in love for the first time all over again. She didn’t even bother to hide it, openly staring as she walked toward the brunette, step by deliberate step.
“I was absolutely right to drag you away before my roommate saw you,” Earn murmured, her voice low and teasing. She leaned in, pressing her nose against Fahlada’s cheek. “You’re way too damn attractive,” she whispered before playfully sinking her teeth into the soft skin.
“Hey!” Fahlada let out a small yelp of surprise.
Earn chuckled, grabbing Fahlada’s hand to lead her toward the water.
Once their bodies adjusted to the cool temperature, they started to play. Earn splashed water at Fahlada relentlessly, who, much to Earn’s satisfaction, didn’t fight back and let her win. Laughter echoed across the river as they played and chatted about everything and nothing.
But the mood shifted when Earn swam toward Fahlada with slow, deliberate movements.
The brunette arched an eyebrow. “You know I can see you, right?”
Earn smirked, wrapping her arms around Fahlada’s neck. “You know I want you to only see me, right?”
Fahlada’s hands slid to Earn’s waist, pulling her closer. “I only see you,” she said softly, her voice laced with sincerity.
Earn’s expression softened as she reached up, tracing her fingers along Fahlada’s face, as though committing every detail to memory.
“You know,” she whispered, her fingers lightly trailing along the bridge of Fahlada’s nose, “you’re being way too nice to me.” Her finger landed on Fahlada’s lips, gently pressing against them.
Fahlada’s lips parted slightly at the touch, and Earn felt her breath hitch as the brunette shivered under her spell.
“Am I?” Fahlada murmured, and before Earn could respond, she took the blonde’s fingertips into her mouth, nibbling lightly before suckling on them.
The warmth of Fahlada’s tongue made Earn’s knees feel weak, even in the water. Her breathing grew shallow as she felt her composure slipping.
“Because now, it’s you who’s being sweet,” Fahlada managed to whisper, her voice trembling.
The older’s hands moved in slow, deliberate circles along Earn’s waist, pulling her even closer. Their foreheads pressed together, noses brushing gently as they gazed into each other’s eyes.
Time seemed to freeze as Fahlada cupped Earn’s face, lifting it slightly so their eyes met. Their breaths mingled, and the world around them faded until there was nothing but the two of them.
And just like that, Fahlada kissed her.
It was soft and deliberate, a kiss that felt like a promise—a silent declaration of love that neither of them needed to voice. Earn melted into it, her arms tightening around Fahlada as the river flowed gently around them.
For a moment, nothing else mattered.

She kissed her on the lips. It was light, sweet, innocent—unlike what came next.
That little kiss made Earn’s heart flutter with happiness, but it didn’t stop there. Fahlada leaned in for another, this time lingering longer, letting their connection deepen. Earn tightened her grip around the brunette’s neck, pulling her closer. They weren’t entirely sure how such an innocent gesture had turned into a full-blown make-out session, but neither of them was willing to stop.
For Earn, the tipping point came when Fahlada started to suck her lower lip slowly, teasingly, making her feel as if she might combust on the spot. Just as she leaned in for more, Fahlada pulled back, leaving Earn breathless and on the verge of whimpering. The mischievous glint in the brunette’s eyes was maddening.
“Not this time,” Fahlada whispered, her breath warm against the younger woman’s lips. “You’re not getting it your way.”
Her tone was low, commanding, and the effect was intoxicating. Fahlada pressed her lips against Earn’s neck, biting softly, grazing her teeth along her skin until she reached her earlobe.
“You’ll take what I give you,” she said, her voice dripping with authority. Earn’s head swam, her ability to think completely gone. She could only nod weakly, her body pliant under Fahlada’s touch.
“Talk to me, love,” Fahlada urged, her lips brushing Earn’s sweet spots, making coherent speech almost impossible. “Use your mouth.” She ordered.

Her mouth trailed down the blonde’s neck, sucking, nibbling, leaving Earn gasping for breath.
When Earn finally managed to open her mouth to respond, Fahlada’s lips captured hers again, ruining any chance of forming words. The kiss was desperate, hungry, and consuming. Fahlada wanted to feel her, taste her, lose herself in the blonde’s warmth. Hearing Earn gasp for air between kisses, moaning softly into her mouth, only spurred her on. She bit down on Earn’s lower lip, eliciting a soft, airy moan that sent a shiver down her spine.
Her hands roamed, gripping Earn’s waist tighter. She pulled the blonde so close that their bodies were flush, and Earn instinctively wrapped her legs around Fahlada’s waist. The feeling of Earn’s core pressing against her stomach was enough to make Fahlada lose her composure entirely.
“Baby,” Earn whimpered, her voice trembling. Fahlada stopped for a moment, her eyes locking onto Earn’s face. The blonde looked completely undone—lips swollen, cheeks flushed, pupils blown wide. Her wet hair clung to her face, messy and perfect. The sight alone made Fahlada’s resolve waver.
Unable to resist, Fahlada pulled her closer again, and the sudden friction of Earn’s body against her stomach sent a moan tumbling from her lips. Her head fell back as she tried to steady herself, but it was almost too much to handle.
Fahlada knew they needed to stop before things went too far, but when Earn began grinding against her, all rationality evaporated.
“Love, we have to stop,” Fahlada whispered, her voice shaky with restraint.
Earn pouted, her voice almost pleading. “Are you really planning to leave me like this?” She whimpered softly, her need palpable. “Please, baby.”
Fahlada was on the edge, her self-control hanging by a thread. “Listen to me,” she began, but her words faltered when Earn’s tongue trailed along the sensitive spot on her neck. “I— I want to do things— th-things right,” she stammered, her breathing uneven.
Earn wasn’t giving her any mercy. She leaned in, leaving a trail of kisses and small bites along Fahlada’s neck. The brunette’s head tilted instinctively, granting her more access. Fahlada’s mind was a haze, and she felt herself unraveling completely when Earn began to suck gently on her skin, leaving faint marks.
The sight of the brunette biting her own lips, struggling to maintain control, was too much for Earn. “You can’t start something like this and leave me in this state,” she growled softly, her voice low and sultry. She trailed her lips toward Fahlada’s ear, her breath warm and teasing. “You’re leaving me all needy, all worked up.”
Fahlada groaned, pulling Earn even closer, but with the last shred of self-restraint she had, she placed her hands on Earn’s shoulders and pushed her back gently. They were left staring at each other, breathless, hearts racing.
“I want to do things right,” Fahlada said again, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions.
“But your tongue already found a way to do things right,” Earn shot back with a sly smirk.
The brunette flushed at the bold statement, her confidence momentarily slipping. “I-I mean, I didn’t— I thought— I...” she stammered, flustered.
Earn couldn’t help but laugh softly at her antics, cupping Fahlada’s face in her hands. “You were so confident before. Authoritative, even. Look at you now.”
“I wasn’t!” Fahlada protested, her cheeks still squished between Earn’s palms as she avoided the blonde’s gaze.
“You were,” Earn teased, leaning in to plant a small, reassuring kiss on her lips before letting her go. “Now go swim over there. I need to calm myself down.”
Before Fahlada could respond, Earn splashed her playfully, laughing at the older woman’s stunned expression.
Fahlada groaned, running a hand through her wet hair. “You’re going to be the death of me,” she muttered, wading further into the water. But as she watched Earn’s playful grin, she couldn’t help but smile

It was one of Earn’s favorite dates with the future doctor. After all the excitement, they dried themselves off and fell asleep together on the blanket under the warm sun.
Of course, after this event, Earn developed a new habit: kissing Fahlada randomly, no matter where they were. At first, Fahlada tried to resist, feigning embarrassment, but it didn’t last long. Before she knew it, she was the one stealing little pecks from Earn.
The thing was, Earn didn’t care where they were—private or public. She kissed Fahlada whenever she felt like it.
Take the time they went to an amusement park with their friends, for example. Every time no one was looking, Earn seized the opportunity to press her lips against the brunette’s. If that wasn’t enough, she even dragged her to quieter, less crowded areas just to have a little more uninterrupted time with her.
By the end of the day, their friends couldn’t figure out why Fahlada’s cheeks stayed red for the entire afternoon, but Earn wore a proud grin the whole time.

Fahlada was the perfect girlfriend—Earn couldn’t have been happier. In fact, she boasted about it to her mom one evening while lounging on Fahlada’s bed, waiting for her to come out of the shower.
“Does she know your personality isn’t as pretty as your face?” her mom teased, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
“Mom!” Earn huffed, scandalized.
“I’m kidding, kid. You’re a nice one,” her mom replied with a chuckle.
Earn crossed her arms sassily. “And I’m beautiful.”
Her mom laughed softly. “That’s true—because you’re your mom’s kid.”
Before Earn could retort, Fahlada stepped out of the bathroom. Her wet hair clung to her shoulders, and the steam from the shower seemed to follow her, giving her an almost ethereal glow.
Earn’s mom noticed immediately how her daughter’s eyes lit up, tracking the brunette’s every movement like she was the only thing in the room.
“Well?” her mom began, amused. “Are you going to let me meet her? Because she must be really pretty if she’s got you ignoring me like this.”
Earn rolled her eyes. “I’ll introduce you, but don’t fall in love with her, okay? I’ve already got enough people I have to fend off.”
Her mom chuckled at her daughter’s protectiveness, the warmth in her gaze unmistakable.

Fahlada, on the other hand, was completely lost in her thoughts. She was stressed, nervously playing with her fingers as she thought about what she had planned for later that evening. She wanted to ask Earn out officially, in a way that would be memorable—something grand, something that truly reflected the depth of her feelings.
But before she could fully spiral into her nerves, Earn’s voice broke through her thoughts.
“Baby, come here. My mom wants to see you.”
Her stress shot up to new heights. Fahlada gulped, her heart pounding as she hesitantly approached. When her face finally appeared on the screen, she felt like she could barely breathe.
“Hello,” Earn’s mom began, a warm but teasing smile on her face. “So, you’re the famous one who’s interested in my daughter?”
Fahlada’s hands suddenly felt clammy, and she straightened her posture. “Hi, ma’am,” she began, voice slightly shaky but polite. “I’m Fahlada Thananusak. I’m in my seventh year of medical school, and I’m planning to become a dermatologist.” She rushed through the sentence so quickly she barely took a breath.
Earn stifled a laugh from where she lay, watching her mom’s expression turn amused.
“Don’t worry, kid, I’m not going to eat you,” her mom said, chuckling softly. “But you’re beautiful, dear—I can see why this one can’t stop talking about you.”
Fahlada’s nerves began to ease at the kindness in the older woman’s tone. Earn, however, couldn’t resist grinning at the sight of the two women chatting. If her girlfriend had been a bundle of nerves at first, she was gradually finding her footing in the conversation.
“And please,” Earn’s mom added with a mischievous smirk, “keep her. Even if she’s stubborn and a bit of a brat, she’s your problem now. We don’t do refunds.”
“Mom!” Earn whined, clearly embarrassed, while Fahlada let out a nervous laugh, her cheeks turning a soft pink.
“She’s not a problem at all, ma’am,” Fahlada replied sincerely, her eyes drifting fondly to Earn. “I think I’m the lucky one.”
Earn’s mom raised an eyebrow, her smile softening. “Good answer.”

“I’m still here, Mom!” Earn whined, her voice filled with mock indignation as Fahlada laughed at the playful banter between mother and daughter.
When the call ended, Earn’s mom chuckled softly, shaking her head with an amused expression. “Ah, good luck with this one, dear,” she whispered, her words clearly meant for Fahlada. “She’s an angel, but she’ll have you dancing in the palm of her hand.” After all she knew how her daughter was. A brat at heart, a gentle one though.

Once the call disconnected, Earn flopped onto the edge of the bed, crossing her arms dramatically. “You should get ready,” Fahlada said gently, trying to steer the conversation.
Earn pouted, shaking her head. “Come here first.”
Without warning, she reached out, wrapping her arms around Fahlada’s waist and pulling her close. Her head rested against Fahlada’s stomach, nuzzling there like a kitten seeking comfort.
“Are you okay? You seem tense,” Earn asked, her voice soft but full of concern.
Fahlada’s heart melted at the younger woman’s tenderness. She gently combed her fingers through Earn’s hair. “I’m okay, love,” she said with a small, reassuring smile. “Maybe just a little tense.”
Earn raised her head, her eyes locking with Fahlada’s. “Then let’s stay here tonight. I just want to be with you, only you.” Her words were a gentle plea, whispered so earnestly that Fahlada felt her resolve waver.
How could she ever say no to her? How could she resist the sweetest eyes in the world?
Soon, they were cozily dressed, sitting together on the veranda’s bench, sipping tea while enjoying the early afternoon. Earn was rambling animatedly about her little brother and her mom teasing her earlier, her words flowing easily as always.
Fahlada, however, was distracted, the nervousness still lingering. She was caught in her thoughts, searching for the perfect moment. She watched Earn closely, taking in every detail—her smile, her laugh, the way the light seemed to dance in her eyes.
Earn. Beautiful, warm, and so full of life. Earn, who was too good to be true. Earn, whom she loved more than anything.
And then, without thinking, she leaned in and kissed her.
The sudden gesture caught the blonde off guard, her eyes widening in surprise before she relaxed and returned the kiss, her lips curling into a small smile against Fahlada’s.
“Are you gonna tell me what’s on your mind?” Earn asked after they broke apart, her voice soft and teasing as she began tracing little hearts on Fahlada’s forearm. “I know you’re somewhere else.”
Fahlada pulled her into a tight hug, burying her face in the crook of Earn’s neck as if trying to gather courage from her presence.
“So tell me,” Earn pressed gently, their foreheads now touching. “What’s on your mind?”
Fahlada took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly as she whispered, “Only you. You’re the only thing on my mind.”
Earn smiled, her cheeks pink. “Don’t sugarcoat it, P’Mor. Just talk to me.”
Fahlada pulled back slightly, gazing into her eyes. “I love you,” she whispered into Earn’s ear.
Earn grinned at the heartfelt confession, leaning in to mirror her words. “I love you too, P’Mor.”
Fahlada blushed lightly, then mustered all her courage. In a soft voice, she whispered once more, “Will you be my lover?”
Earn’s eyes widened in surprise, her heart leaping at the question. Without hesitation, she abruptly leaned forward and captured Fahlada’s lips in an eager, joy-filled kiss.
“Of course I will!” she exclaimed breathlessly, practically glowing with happiness.
She leaned in for another kiss when, suddenly, the doorbell rang.
Earn groaned in frustration. “What is that? Are you expecting someone?”
Fahlada chuckled softly, planting a quick peck on Earn’s lips. “It’s nothing, love,” she reassured. “It must be the roses I ordered for tonight.”