Bangchan

The city never sleeps.

The lights of the skyscrapers illuminate the cloudy sky while the streets still glisten from the rain that fell a few minutes ago. The air is fresh, the distant sound of a few cars is barely audible, and the leaves of the trees sway in the breeze.

Bang Chan always says that this is his favorite time of day. After finishing in the studio, he sends you a simple message:

"Come downstairs. I want to show you something."

When you leave the building, you find him leaning against his car wearing a gray sweatshirt, his hands in his pockets, and that tired smile that only appears when he sees you. He doesn't have a plan. He never needs one. They just drive around the city with soft music playing in the background, talking about anything and everything, and sometimes about nothing at all. There are comfortable silences that don't need filling.

They end up parking in front of a park with a view of the illuminated skyline. They walk slowly among the trees while he intertwines his fingers with yours. There are no cameras, no fans, no schedules... just the two of you.

"You know," he says softly, watching the city lights. "I spend every day surrounded by noise... but somehow, when I'm with you, everything goes quiet."

They sit on a bench. He puts an arm around your shoulders and they both stare at the sky covered with clouds and the lights reflected on them. There's no need to talk.

After a few minutes, he turns his head slightly to look at you and smiles.

—I could travel all over the city, see a thousand different places... and still, my favorite place will always be wherever you are.

A cool breeze stirs the leaves of the trees. He tucks a strand of your hair behind your ear and gently squeezes your hand.

—Thank you for making the heaviest days feel so light. For Bang Chan, a perfect night doesn't mean a luxurious date or an elegant place.

It means driving without a destination, sharing a hot drink, listening to the rain fall on the windshield, and having you lean on his shoulder.