Cashback System From The Heart

The afternoon sunlight slanted lazily across the living room floor as Phuby, curled into the couch, scrolled through YouTube videos on his laptop. His mind should have been racing—after all, today was the big day. But instead, he found himself lost in a compilation of cute penguins sliding on ice and travel vlogs from Kyoto.

It wasn't until he saw a video titled "How to master the perfect proposal" that his pulse quickened. That should've been him, not watching strangers on screen. He smirked and shook his head. "Focus, man."

He glanced at his phone—no messages yet from Hana or the group. Strange. He'd delayed his exit under the pretense of "stomach discomfort," but that was hours ago. He had a momentary panic—was he being careless?

A soft sound at the door jolted him. He minimized the video and looked up just as the shophouse manager group returned—Hana's voice carried through the open doorway, cheerful.

Before Phuby could rise, Hana walked in, flanked by her parents, Mrs. Wulan, and Om Luky. They carried shopping bags full of trinkets and sweet treats.

"Hana-chan!" Mrs. Wulan called, her voice warm. "You got everything?"

Hana hugged her mom. "Yes, Bu. We found some nice gifts for your grandma—and clothes for everyone."

Phuby rose, smiling brightly. "Hey. You all back?"

Hana glanced at him, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in his relaxed posture—and the faint scent of coffee mixed with the perfume of the spring breeze.

Phuby, caught off guard, took a step forward. "Yeah, I—"

Hana raised a playful eyebrow. "So... stomach feels better now?"

Phuby's heart skipped. His lips parted in mid-sentence, ready to say, Actually, I feel fine now. But then… Hana's mother quietly cleared her throat.

"Oh, yes," Mrs. Nakamura began, giving Phuby a gentle nod. "Phuby was resting. He needed time to recover so he could take good care of you all on your return."

Phuby froze, grateful for the save. He let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Right… thanks, Mrs. Nakamura."

Hana stared at both of them. She opened her mouth but chose to look away, instead setting down her bags. The moment passed.

"Let's unpack," she said softly, moving toward the kitchen.

Once she'd gone, Phuby's mother placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "That was a close one, Nak."

Om Luky nudged him with a grin. "You okay?"

Phuby nodded, rubbing his fingers together. "Yeah. Just... excited for tomorrow."

Mrs. Nakamura offered a kind smile toward Phuby. "Rest tonight. Tomorrow will be a big day."

Phuby returned her look with a grateful nod. "Yes, ma'am. I'll sleep early."

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Reflections

Later that night, Phuby lay in bed staring at the wagon wheel pattern on the ceiling. His stomach wasn't feeling better—his nerves were jittery, his heart overstuffed with hope and fear. He reflected on the near slip-up earlier.

I almost said I was fine, he thought. If not for Mom and Hana's mom, the whole thing would've collapsed.

He rolled onto his side and closed his eyes, feeling both thankful—for their support—and terrified of what tomorrow might bring.

Because at dawn, under the hush of early spring light, he would kneel beneath those bamboo stalks and ask for the one thing he'd never been brave enough to ask for before.

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