Chapter 1
Arthit felt the phone lightly vibrate within his pocket before he actually heard the distinct ping of the incoming message. Only one symbol flashing across the screen.
?
And just as vague was Arthit's reply.
7:30
Two extremely short messages to convey all that was required as Arthit hurried his feet towards his apartment. Kicking off his shoes as he settled onto his desk and diligently began working through the homework due the next day. Sometime between the endless equations and formulas he was surrounded by he got up to throw together some dinner, munching on it while still typing away at his computer.
At exactly 10 past seven his alarm blared, startling him away from concentrating on his homework and even though he had a long way to go before finishing it, he slammed his book shut and stood up. Grabbed his towel and made way to take a long, hot, shower. Everything else could wait for now. He had an appointment to keep.
He had almost finished drying his hair when he heard the soft knock on his front door. A quick glance at his watch letting him know that it was sharp 7:30. Always perfectly on time.
Arthit took a couple of calming breaths to curb his obvious excitement and swung the door open to find Kong's smiling face. Just as he was anticipating.
"Hi P'Arthit."
"Hey"
And that was pretty much how far their conversations got before the door was being slammed shut and their ravenous mouths crashed against each other. Their lips hungrily trying to explore as the tongues continued battling for dominance. Each of them winning and losing serval times with every lick, every taste. No conscious thought even daring to penetrate their minds as their feet carried them to the impatiently awaiting bed. Their adventurous hands making short work of any piece of clothing that hindered their passionate frenzy.
And not a few moments had passed since Arthit had answered the door when the two naked boys feel onto the bed. Fumbling hands working on squeezing out generous amounts of lube or ripping apart condom wrappers. Only a couple heartbeats before the room was reverberating with sounds of loud moans mixed with guttural grunts. The rhythmic squeaking of the bed making any one walking by outside the door more than aware of the pleasurable activities the residents of the apartment were currently involved in.
A long while later a spent Kong fell next to Arthit, finally shifting his heavy weight away from the man underneath. Their overheating bodies covered in a sheen of sweat while they tried to get their erratic breathing under control. At one point Arthit would have been shy enough to have dived under the covers as soon as the orgasmic fog had cleared. But he had long since stopped being bashful about his body in front of Kong. In fact he rather shamelessly stared as Kong pushed himself up from the bed. Watching him silently as he walked towards the washroom, cleaning himself up before getting a damp towel for Arthit. Handing him the washcloth before he began walking around the room gathering his discarded clothes. Pulling on his boxers and pants as he looked towards Arthit.
"How's your homework coming along?"
"Ughh. It's taking forever. I might have to stay up all night if I want to finish."
"Yeah that's my game plan too."
"Really? Why? I thought you were almost done with your project."
"Well I am done with my part. But neither Aim or Oak did any of theirs. I guess it's time to begin worshipping the caffeine overlords now."
Arthit hadn't even finished cleaning himself up completely by the time Kong was already dressed. Grabbing his bag before walking towards Arthit.
"I am going to head out now. So....Wednesday?"
"I have other plans. Ummm....Thursday?"
Kong only nodded before dropping a quick peck on Arthit's lips and turning around and walking out the door without another word.
And this was exactly why Arthit loved his relationship with Kong. They had sex and then he left. No complications. No expectations. It was fun. Easy. Simple.
It had begun over 6 months ago when they had coincidentally run into each other in a night club. And although they barely interacted with each other on their college campus what with being in different years and barely having a reason to ever even see each other, a few too many drinks along with some rather sultry dances had ended up in a night of drunk, wild sex that neither of them had originally planned.
The morning after when they had stirred awake next to each other could only be described as confusing and awkward. But without complicating the issue anymore Kong had simply gotten dressed, writing down his phone number in case Arthit needed to talk about what happened, and then simply left.
Arthit never called him to talk and Kong never tried to bring the topic up in college again. Their interactions naturally already very limited, but the few times they did see the other it always felt surprisingly pleasant. Kong's open smile rather skilled in not letting Arthit overthink their potential awkwardness. It seemed like they had one fantastic night and now the chapter was closed. No harm, no foul.
That was until exactly one month later Arthit caught Kong's eyes from across the room from the same night club. One look was all it took for both of them to ditch their friends and within 20 minutes having stripped all their clothes to repeat their night of passion.
This time around though when Kong left Arthit was bold enough to send him a text. Even if it took him a week to muster up the courage. A simple question. With a clear implication.
When are you going to the club next?
Friday.
Time?
9. But we can skip that step and I can simply come over to your place.
Ok.
And that's how their relationship began. If one can even call it that. They had sex whenever they wanted and then Kong left. Arthit never asked him to stay and Kong never lingered. In fact other than that first time they met each other in the club Arthit couldn't even remember if they had spoken to each other outside this room. Their personal lives, just that. Personal. Neither asked questions beyond the normal small talk, in fact talking was one thing they did very little of when they were together.
Which is exactly how Arthit preferred it. He had neither come out to his friends or family, and he had very little intention to do that any time soon. Dating or being in any sort of romantic involvement was not at all in his featured list of life plans. Being in a relationship brought nothing more than complications he had no interest in dealing with now or ever.
Sex, though was a completely different issue. Especially sex with Kong was a mind blowing experience sometimes he couldn't get enough of. And it came with no strings attached. No tantrums. No jealousy. No requirements.
Kong demanded nothing. He questioned nothing. He expected nothing.
There was only one word to describe his relationship with Kong.
Perfect.
~~~~~
It had been over two weeks since Kong had last come over to his apartment, and Arthit could quite clearly feel his frustration in every cell of his body. 18 days to be exact. But no matter how badly both of them wanted to meet, their semester deadlines has descended upon them full force. None of them ever finding more than a few minutes free all day before dragging their tired feet back to crash and repeat the day in hell once again.
It had gotten annoying to the point that Arthit was tempted to message Kong if he would be up for a quickie inside the boy's locker room in between classes. He had even typed up half the message when his fingers suddenly stilled. For some reason finding it a little too cheap to ask something like that of Kong. All while reminding himself that he didn't have any rights over him to demand he help him solve the rather annoying problem in his pants.
His mood only getting darker from that moment onward. His quipping getting so unbearable that his friends made him go back home for the day so that the rest of them could get some work done in peace.
And not two seconds after he had stepped outside the room did he pull out his phone and sent their patented texts.
?
His heart giving an uncharacteristic leap when he immediately got a response.
9:30
That was much later than their normal time but right now Arthit couldn't care less. Anything to get absolutely any private time with Kong.
Which was exactly why he was showered and changed, sitting on the bed, tapping his foot impatiently looking at the watch every 10 seconds. Even puttering about the room, cleaning random corners he had never looked at before while he stared almost non-stop at the door. A good 45 minutes later getting another message that both frustrated and excited him.
Sorry for running late. Leaving in a little bit.
Arthit was definitely going to have to make sure Kong knows the meaning of the word 'little' cause two hours later there was still no sign of the boy. His eyes almost drooping close when his phone pinged once again.
I am so sorry P'. I just managed to get out. You must be asleep by now. We can just reschedule.
NO! Get your ass here this instant! I have been waiting for weeks now.
Well, obviously Arthit didn't type that. What he did reply was a lot more tempered.
I am still up if you want to come over.
And although it was pushing close to midnight on a week night, he couldn't help but smile when his phone buzzed almost immediately.
Be there in 10.
And this time exactly 9 minutes later Arthit heard the rustle outside his door. Swinging it open he didn't even pretend with their general short formalities as he smashed his mouth against Kong's. Pushing him determinedly toward the bed as his hands fumbled at Kong's pant button. His own erection straining to the point of being painful.
He had managed to finally get Kong flat on his back, his jeans pulled around his ankles, Arthit tracing his abs with hungry lips, fingers playing with the hem of his boxers, Kong moaning in pleasure as his hands guided Arthit's head towards the long awaited prize.
Arthit lightly dipping his tongue in Kong's navel as he licked a tantalizing path down when he heard a loud grumble thundering from Kong's stomach. Momentarily catching him unaware before he raised his head slightly. Wondering how much time was appropriate before he could ignore it and continue tasting the delicious skin.
But just as he was about to dip his head the loud roar reverberated around the room once again. Another one quickly following. Arthit couldn't help but grin at the ridiculousness of their positions when he looked up to find Kong burying his face in his hands out of sheer embarrassment.
Arthit stared at his half concealed face for a moment. A random thought flitting through his head. This was the first time he had ever seen Kong blush. And after everything they had laid bare in front of each other, it was kind of endearing to see Kong still feel shy in front of him.
"Hungry?"
Kong simply nodded, his face still half concealed, his nose scrunching cutely as another rumble rang through the room. Giving a short chuckle Arthit scooted off the bed and grabbed Kong's arm to pull him up.
"C'mon, let's find you something to eat."
There were more than a few firsts that night. The first time Kong sat perched upon Arthit's kitchen counter. First time for Arthit trying to cook a meal for anybody other than himself. First time they actually spoke to each other words beyond basic pleasantries that hadn't instantly devolved into sexual moans. First time they laughed at some of their ridiculous professors. First time they shared a meal together.
And somehow, Arthit didn't seem to mind it that much. Talking, laughing, joking with Kong was more fun than he realized. And if their relationship hadn't started purely from a place of carnal desires he was sure they would have even been good friends outside this room.
Not that it mattered. What they shared inside the confinement of his apartment was more than sufficient for him. This night did start a new tradition for them though. One in which they made extra time for their secret rendezvous to cook and eat dinner together. Just like friends hanging out. Kong even picking up groceries on his way over at times when he felt like eating something specific.
"Sorry I am late P'"
"What took you so long? What is this?"
Arthit was peering inside the bag of groceries with a frown. He had been hungry for ages and waiting for Kong to start dinner was making him grumpy.
"Oh, I swung by the bakery you said you wanted to try."
"But that's all the way across town..."
Kong had stopped listening by then as he moved deeper into the kitchen to begin preparation for dinner. Completely missing the look of shock on Arthit's face. A helpless pinch forming across his heart.
When did their non-complicated, purely sex based relationship start having so many layers.
~~~~~
Arthit was having the hardest time falling asleep. It had easily been over two weeks since he had not gotten more than a couple hours of shut eye per night. And even those felt like he was teetering between the edges of reality and a hazy dream world. The bags under his eyes more pronounced than should be legal for a human being.
But no matter how hard he tried he simply couldn't find the rest he so desperately needed. Hot milk, warm tea, midnight workouts, none of it seemed to help.
And he had absolutely no idea how this strange phenomena had started. One day he was sleeping like a hibernating bear, and then with a snap of a finger he had transformed into grandfather owl, watching over the world dead into the night.
It's like no matter how badly he wanted he just couldn't manage to shut his brain off. Random, arbitrary thoughts kept flitting in and out. Memories that he hadn't thought about in a long time, embarrassments from ages ago that he would pay a million bucks to forget, jokes that were too silly to still make him chuckle all these years later. His mind was in some sort of an overdrive mode.
And yet every time he tried to block out all his thoughts he suddenly felt this inexplicable void in his life. An emptiness that he couldn't completely understand. An odd sort of a loneliness that seemed to haunt him the moment he tried to shut his mind down.
Which made absolutely no sense. He had his scheduled packed with classes and several sports activities. His friends rarely ever left him alone for more than 10 mins before he managed to drag his exhausted body home at night. And apparently all his aunts had decided to have babies in the same month cause nearly every other day he had to attend some of his cousin's birthday. He practically had no time to be lonely.
Still he experienced that haunting feeling every single night. So he did the only thing he could. Open him mind to the vaguest of vague thoughts. Tossing and turning all night long, jumping from one topic to another until light pouring through the window would indicate another wasted night had finally passed.
His zombie mode continuing until one evening he got the well known text.
?
For the first time Arthit actually hesitated even though he had his entire evening free. On one hand it had been over three weeks since their last hook up. Two since they had even run into each other on campus. What with exams and project deadlines and endless family obligations for both of them. On the other hand, Arthit was just so god damn tired.
He had been home for oven an hour and he didn't even have the energy to get out of his shoes before face planting straight on his bed. There was no way he could survive even the thought of sex right now. And falling asleep bang in the middle of doing it was not something he had ever considered a thing he wanted to cross off his bucket list.
Almost half way through typing up his first very intentional denial, he stilled. If they didn't meet tonight there was no telling when next they would find a common evening free. And since he was going to stay awake through the night anyway might as well take some pleasure out of it. Perhaps releasing some of his pent up frustration might even help him finally relax.
So he sent a quick message with the time and went to take a long, hot shower. Hoping against hope that the scorching water would finally wash away the fog in his head. And exactly as his alarm beeped at the designated time he heard the knock outside his door.
"Wow P'! You look horrible."
"Thanks! Just what I needed to hear."
"Sorry, sorry. That's not what I meant. What I was trying to say was...what I meant was...you look horrible."
"Sparkling vocabulary you have there."
"What happened?"
"Just been having a hard time falling asleep at night."
"How come?"
"Got a lot on my mind I guess."
"Hmmm...how were your exams?"
"All I am going to say about them is that they are done. And we shall not be referring to them again tonight. Now what do you want to have for dinner?"
Although Arthit was still insanely tired, his movements sluggish, his lethargic mind slow to respond to everything, somehow the wildly bouncing thoughts had quieted down. He even found himself able to focus on the conversation he was having, something he hadn't managed for weeks.
Kong must have also been attuned to his inner turmoil cause their lovemaking that night was particular slow and soft. Instead of his senses heightening through intense passion, he found his muscles relaxing under Kong's comforting weight. The warmth of his body enveloping Arthit in a protective cocoon. The light fluttering of kisses down his neck and shoulder feeling like a sweet lullaby. And by the time they were floating back to reality Arthit could almost feel his eyes drooping shut. His mind ready to finally switch off.
His hand automatically reaching out and grabbing Kong's wrist when he felt him beginning to move away.
"Stay."
"What?"
"Just ... stay for a bit."
And by the time Kong shifted next to him to settle a little more comfortably, Arthit had already begun snoring softly.
~~~~~
P' is it ok if I come over tonight?
Arthit stared at his screen with obvious confusion flashing across his face. What's with typing out this long message when their entire relationship revolved around one singular symbol. This long form question from Kong leaving Arthit with a rather unsettling feeling.
And although Arthit sent his typical response with a time he was on edge for the rest of the day. Not really ready for a wrench to be thrown into their well-oiled machine. Everything was going so perfectly until now and he hated how one odd message from Kong had sent him down the highway of overthinking all day long. Exactly why he knew how badly he would suck at conventional relationships.
His heart rate naturally increasing as the minutes ticked by towards Kong's impending arrival. The knock on the door almost as loud as the thump against his chest. Why did one stupid message get him so nervous.
Which meant he stared a little too keenly at Kong's face as he threw open the door immediately noticing the distinct lack of Kong's usual open grin. A tight smile making his expressions look more sullen than usual.
"Hey."
"Hi."
"How was your day?"
And then Kong shrugged. Shrugged!
That is not what Kong does. He calls them bad manners. If someone asks you a question, you always try to respond with an answer. That was practically Kong's motto. And yet he had simply let the conversation hang between them awkwardly as he slipped off his shoes and socks and stepped further into the room.
"So...ummm...what do you want to eat?"
"I'm not hungry. And I need to head out soon."
Arthit's steps halted halfway towards the kitchen. Partly unsure of where to go next. Everything was just slightly off today and none of it was sitting well with him. For the first time in their entire history did Arthit just stand around awkwardly. Not exactly sure how to proceed. Never had he ever felt like this with Kong.
Things with him had always been so easy. Their basic instincts always taking over. Their overwhelming attraction compensating for any insecurities they would have about what they were doing.
It wasn't until Kong walked upto him and softly began nibbling at his lips did he finally relax slightly. His steps still a little shaky as they made their way towards the bed. The feeling of this inexplicable dread only increasing when after 10 whole minutes they had done nothing but kiss. Kong rather content in languidly exploring his mouth without making any attempts to even unbutton their shirts.
Which frankly was a giant red flag if there ever existed one. The Kong he knew would have had their clothes torn apart by now, making the condom work overtime. And that is when Arthit realized why Kong had remained restricted to a very PG version of their make out session. The erect hardness that he would have typically felt rubbing against him was distinctly missing.
Arthit let him continue the patient kiss for a few more minutes before he pulled away and looked straight into Kong's eyes.
"What's wrong?"
Instead of responding though, Kong gave him a defeated look before rolling off of him onto his back beside Arthit. Burying his face in his hands with clear exasperation, letting out a deep sigh.
"I really shouldn't have come."
Arthit had never felt rejection on this magnitude before so he wasn't entirely sure how to feel about it. But as his heart began sinking he knew that whatever it was, it was going to suck hardcore.
They just laid next to each other for a few moments, both of them gathering their own thoughts. Arthit not really sure what to even say in this situation. Maybe he could laugh off the awkwardness somehow? But he was neither that witty and nor was he capable of making a joke right before he knew Kong was going to say something earth shattering. And then he did.
"P' I am going back home for a while."
"What?"
What is a while? What did mean for them?
"I...my mum got diagnosed with cancer."
Arthit immediately shot up like someone had punched him straight in the gut. He scooted closer to Kong, staring down at his grim expression.
"Shit! Kong! I'm so sorry. How...When...What do the doctors say..."
"It's still on stage 1 thankfully and they say she should make a full recovery..."
"That's good. That's good."
"But I know she is scared. And my dad is totally freaking out. And I think I want to be with her when she...you know...starts her treatment and..."
"Of course you should be with her. When do you leave?"
"Tomorrow. I don't know when I will be back again so I just wanted to see you before I left. And I can't believe I actually came to have sex with you when my mum is..."
Two silent tears tracing down his cheeks as his face was drowning in guilt of his supposed actions. Arthit brushed back his hair from his forehead while a thumb wiped away at the damp face.
"It's ok. It's ok. You were just trying to forget all of it for a moment. It's only natural. There is nothing wrong with it. Tomorrow you are going to go see your mom and be the most annoyingly devoted son on the face of the Earth. I'm sure you are going to be so overbearingly attentive that she will want to kick you out in two days."
Kong managed to crack half a smile before he shut his eyes again. His lost expressions, for once making him look much younger than his age.
"Why don't we take a nap? Sleep always makes me feel better. Plus I'm sure things will get really hectic from tomorrow."
With a brief nod Kong turned towards him. Burying his face in Arthit's torso as he tried to hide the oncoming sniffles. Arthit covering his stiff body with a quilt before settling down next to him. Neither of them exchanged any more words. There was really nothing much left to say. Arthit simply laid there. Glad to be able to provide as much physical comfort as he was capable. Sleep eluding both of them.
That was another day with a lot of firsts.
The first time they had shared a bed without sex entering the equation. The first time Arthit had sent him a message that did not at all pertain to their secret rendezvous. The first time Arthit had stared at his phone all day long waiting for even the simplest of responses from Kong. And the first time Kong had called him that night. Just to talk.
Kong was gone for exactly five weeks. And every one of those days that he was away they managed to stay in touch. Some days were nothing more than a short conversation lasting barely a couple of minutes. Others lasted for hours. Stretching late into the night. At times the two falling asleep with phones still attached to their ears. What did they talk about for all those endless hours? Arthit really wouldn't be able to say. It was about nothing. And everything. It seemed they had learnt more about each other in the 5 weeks of separation than in their year of being linked in the most intimate ways.
"Kong! You are back!"
"Hi P'!"
It didn't matter how uncharacteristic the next few minutes were for Arthit, but as soon as he walked upto his apartment and saw Kong hanging outside his door he had flung himself into his arms. Squeezing his hands around Kong's slender waist.
"When did you get back?"
"Just now."
"How's your mom? You told me last night that you were planning to stay a couple more weeks."
"She is doing much better. And obviously I lied. Surprise!"
His cheeky grin still barely forming before Arthit smashed their mouths together. One hand already fumbling with the keys, trying to push open the door, all the while making sure to keep their lips in full contact.
And it was in that moment, as Kong was sitting propped against the headboard of the bed, Arthit straddling him, legs wrapped around his hips, Kong buried deep within him after what felt like ages, Kong hungrily sucking and biting away at Arthit's naked chest, that Arthit finally realized just how badly he had missed Kong.
Finally being able to accept even to himself that it wasn't the sex that he had been longing for. In fact he hadn't even thought about it in a while. He had missed the living, breathing man under his hands. The warmth of his skin. The muskiness of his scent. The tenderness of his kisses. The way he talked, the way he smiled, the way he made him feel.
Arthit's entire body stiffened as the realization slowly began sinking in of what all of this meant. Kong halting his movements at Arthit's sudden change in expression, a frown that was only moments ago a moan of pure pleasure.
"What's wrong?"
"I think...I have a problem."
"What is it?"
Arthit visibly gulped before staring worryingly into Kong's eyes.
"I...I...I think I'm in love with you."
For one moment everything just stilled. Including Arthit's confused heart.
And then Kong let out a soft chuckle before he pulled down Arthit's face to meet his own, softly whispering against his lips.
"Took you long enough."
~~~~~
