Self Rival • Completed

xxi. the courting

Arthit subtly touched his lips as he remembered the kiss he shared with K earlier. Arthit closed his eyes in embarrassment, feeling his cheeks flushed at the reminder that it was him who pulled K for another kiss. 

Arthit touched his lips again, still feeling the tingle after kissing K. Did he like the kiss? Arthit's not sure. 

Why did he do that? He doesn't like K. Arthit loves Kong, so why? Maybe because something about the kiss they shared reminded him of something. Maybe because K's lips, the shape and texture, reminded him of Kong's. 

Arthit nodded. Yes, that's the only reason. Some of K remind him of Kong. Arthit doesn't like K. K is smug, overly confident, straightforward, aggressive, and a bit creepy with his weird endearments. He's far from Kong, who's caring, cute, sensitive, and a soft-looking guy. 

Arthit smiled to himself, being reminded that they would meet later today. He's going to see Kong again. 

The guy fixing his phone gave Arthit a look. He probably thought Arthit's a virgin guy who just got his first kiss. Arthit awkwardly smiled at him. 

/

"P'Arthit!" Kong called from a distance and happily waved at Arthit who looked at him with a bright smile. Arthit felt impossibly very happy seeing Kong again after two weeks without him. 

Arthit almost gave up that Kong would ever want to talk to him again, but now, Kong's here, looking cute as ever. As usual, he has his colorful and weirdly designed long sleeve shirt, loose washed-up jeans, colorful socks, rubber shoes, colorful cartoon-themed wristwatch, and his thick-framed glasses. Kong's uniquely chosen (mismatched color) fashion was a sight for sore eyes. 

Arthit happily waved as well. "Kong!" Arthit's eyes widened when he accidentally pecked Kong's lips instead of just kissing his cheek when Kong hastily moved towards him when he saw Arthit leaning in.

"I'm sorry." They chuckled at each other when they apologized at the same time. "Okay, you first," they burst into joyous chuckles when they spoke again at the same time. 

Arthit widely smiled at Kong. "Let me apologize first. I'm sorry for kissing you like that without asking you first."

Kong shyly smiled. "Hey, It's fine, P', it's not like I mind," Kong rubbed his nape in embarrassment because of his words. 

Arthit sighed at Kong, looking very adorable. 

"Anyway, P'," Kong sighed, and he looked very apologetic at Arthit. "I'm very sorry that I broke my promise last night. You must have waited for me, and I hate that. I hate having to worry you and make you wait-"

"It's fine, Kong. I didn't wait for long. I only waited for like half an hour. I had engagements as well."

Kong blinked at Arthit. "Really, P'?"

Arthit nodded. He didn't like lying to Kong, but he also didn't want Kong to blame himself. He didn't wish Kong to know the truth, especially the part where he had to sleep at K's house, Kong might think badly about it. Arthit felt terrible that he kissed K now that Kong's here. Innocently and happily smiling at him, not knowing that Arthit was with another guy earlier. 

Damn. He felt like he cheated on the younger. 

"Are you okay, P'?"

Arthit hummed his assent. He shook his head to remove every K thoughts in his mind. "Where were you last night, anyway? Were you okay?"

"Yes, P'. But my parents needed me and my phone broke-"

"Do you need a new phone? I can buy you a new phone if you want," Arthit blushed, hearing Knot in his head calling him Kong's sugar daddy. "I mean, you can loan it and pay for it whenever you're ready. I won't pressure you. No interest as well."