THE BOY WHO OWES ME

Episode 1: What You Accept

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OPENING SCENE

The rain came down hard over Bangkok, blurring the city into streaks of gray and gold.

Patji stood outside the bank, clutching a thin folder to his chest. The automatic doors slid shut behind him with a finality that made his stomach sink.

Rejected. Again.

He didn’t cry. He just stood there, rain soaking into his shirt, head bowed like he was trying to make himself smaller—less noticeable to a world that had already decided he wasn’t worth the risk.

His phone vibrated.

Unknown: You’re still there.

Patji frowned and looked around. That’s when he saw him.

Ryujin stood across the street under the awning of a closed café, dry, composed, watching him like he had been there all along.

Patji’s breath caught.

Ryujin crossed the street slowly, shoes splashing through puddles. He stopped in front of Patji, eyes unreadable.

“They didn’t help you,” Ryujin said. Not a question.

Patji swallowed. “It’s fine. I expected it.”

Ryujin glanced at the folder. “You shouldn’t.”

Patji forced a weak smile. “I’ll figure something out.”

Ryujin held his gaze for a long moment, then said calmly:

“Come with me.”

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SCENE 2 – RYUJIN’S CAR

The car smelled faintly of leather and something clean—orderly. Patji sat stiffly in the passenger seat, hands folded in his lap.

“You didn’t have to—” Patji began.

Ryujin started the engine. “I know.”

Silence stretched between them, thick and uncomfortable.

“You’ve been working two jobs,” Ryujin said suddenly. “You’re late to class. You don’t eat properly.”

Patji turned to him, startled. “How do you—”

“I pay attention.”

Patji looked away, heart pounding. No one ever said things like that to him. No one ever noticed without wanting something obvious in return.

“My father’s debt…” Patji whispered. “It’s not your problem.”

Ryujin’s jaw tightened. “It became my problem the moment you stopped sleeping.”

They stopped at a red light.

Ryujin turned to him fully. “How much?”

Patji hesitated.

Ryujin waited.

“…Three million baht,” Patji said quietly, ashamed.

The light turned green. Ryujin drove on as if Patji had just told him the weather.

“I can take care of it.”

Patji’s head snapped up. “No. I can’t accept that.”

Ryujin finally looked at him again. His voice was calm—but firm.

“You can.”

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SCENE 3 – RYUJIN’S APARTMENT

Ryujin’s place was high above the city—clean lines, dark wood, glass walls. Everything had its place. Nothing felt accidental.

Patji stood near the door, not sure where to step.

Ryujin disappeared briefly and returned with a thick envelope. He placed it on the table between them.

Patji stared at it, chest tight. “What is this?”

“A solution.”

Patji shook his head immediately. “I didn’t come here for that.”

Ryujin leaned against the table. “You came because you’re tired.”

Patji’s voice trembled. “I don’t want to owe you.”

Ryujin’s gaze softened—but only slightly. “You already do.”

The words landed heavy.

Patji looked up slowly. “Then tell me what you want.”

Ryujin straightened.

“I want you to stop struggling alone,” he said. “I want you to stay here. Let me handle things.”

Patji laughed weakly. “That’s… that’s not a fair trade.”

Ryujin stepped closer, close enough that Patji had to tilt his head back to look at him.

“I’m not trading,” Ryujin said quietly. “I’m choosing.”

Patji’s hands shook. “And if I say no?”

Ryujin held his gaze.

“Then I’ll respect it,” he said.

The pause stretched.

Patji looked at the envelope again. Thought of his father. The collectors. The late-night phone calls. The fear.

Slowly, hesitantly, he reached out.

His fingers brushed the envelope.

Ryujin didn’t smile.

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SCENE 4 – LATE NIGHT

Patji lay awake on the couch, staring at the ceiling. The apartment was silent except for the hum of the city far below.

Footsteps approached.

Ryujin stopped beside him. “You should sleep in the bedroom.”

“I don’t want to be a bother,” Patji murmured.

Ryujin looked down at him, expression unreadable. “You’re not.”