Simple

5. Paradise

The day started bright and light as it had lately. For the past week, Arthit and Kongpob had sometimes had breakfast, others lunch or coffee together; but they had met almost every day.

Only two weeks were remaining for the deadline that Kongpob's brother had set, not that really mattered anymore. However, Arthit still wanted to do a good job and impress his, boyfriend? None of them had asked the other officially but, how much would have that changed their relationship anyway? They hadn't told anyone either, not that it was a secret, but, again, it was really recent, and they felt like they would know when needed. 

The only person that worried Arthit in the back of his mind was his dad. Would this relationship taint the image of perfection that he was trying to build for his dad? 

He had never listened to his dad talk about same-sex relationships negatively, but neither with approval. Would that challenge his respect for him? His decision about Arthit inheriting the CEO position?

Arthit had this inner turmoil from time to time, but only when he was alone, because when Kongpob was by his side, everything went away and he could only feel the luckiest person in the world.

On Kongpob's side, he wasn't as bothered by his almost like imprisonment life. Even if he was pretty much monitored all the time, whenever Arthit was around, none of the usual security measures was seen. It was like Arthit was enough to keep him safe. And it was true, his impulses had almost given his handsome sun a couple of heart attacks in a week, but he managed to avoid Kongpob getting hurt.

The intercom ringed, and Kongpob almost jumped to the door to meet Arthit with a kiss. Arthit caressed his face gently and took his hand, guiding him to the parking lot. He had promised to take him to one of his favourite places, away from the rush and noises of Bangkok.

When they were in the car, Arthit handed him a blindfold mask. Kongpob looked at him and Arthit nodded with his head. Kongpob didn't need anything else, he trusted Arthit completely, and put on the mask. He couldn't see anything for the whole ride.

"Phi, are you kidnapping me?" Said jokingly.

"Of course. But only for the day, tomorrow we have work to do."

Somehow Kongpob managed to stay put, even though the excitement was at its peak.

Arthit finally announced their arrival. Kongpob went straight to remove the blindfold but Arthit stopped him. Just a bit more. He went to the passenger's side and opened the door. Kongpob felt Arthit guiding him outside the car and up some stairs. Lots of them. He could feel the breeze and the sound of animals, as well as the sun (the one in space) kissing his face warming him up.

Didn't miss even one step.

Once at the top was Arthit who took the mask off his eyes. And Kongpob was astonished by the beautiful view.

"Phi..."

In front of him, there was a vast green valley with a snake-like river and deep green vegetation. It felt straight out of a painting or photograph, but every colour was even more vividly; he was sure that if he were to take a picture he wouldn't be able to capture what his eyes were seeing.

He felt a hand in his hand, lacing their fingers and holding him close with care.

"I discovered this spot by chance. It's not overly touristic, otherwise, it will be too crowded. A couple of years back, a business partner of my dad's took us here in celebration after signing an important business deal."

Arthit didn't add, but the only reason why that heavenly place was not touristic or crowded was because of the ridiculously high fee that the members of an exclusive club paid to keep this heaven as a retreat, away from media and stress. Invitation only.

One would think that this place would be full of entitled brats, but somehow, there was something soothing about the place that made everyone behave.

"It's so high." Said Kongpob while looking straight down from the balcony where they were.

"I'll take you back for a weekend and you will see how the sunrise and sunset take over this place."

Kongpob bit his lips to contain his excitement. It felt like a promise of a future together.

Out of an impulse he dragged Arthit to another balcony, with an equally dazzling view.

"I'm hungry." He said suddenly after realising he didn't even have had breakfast that morning. Too excited to meet Arthit that he had forgotten.

"Okay." Said Arthit laughing. "Let's go then!" 

After getting to know Kongpob he had already expected that. Whatever was on Kongpob's mind took over everything else, whether it would be food, sleep, time, or anything else. And he found it becoming one of his favourite things to observe.

They went through reception, several halls and different rooms, to finally arrive to a suite, that was more like an apartment. After emptying their pockets and leaving their phones at the table,  Arthit brought them to the private balcony, where breakfast was waiting for them: rice, omelet, sausages, strawberries and coffee.

He seated on one of the comfortable chaise-longue (fancy name for a cheir deck) and waited for Kongpob to take his seat. The chairs were not looking at each other, but the scenery, facing the morning sun and the valley.

Konpob took a couple of minutes to sit down, and when he did, he took his place in between Arthit's legs, resting on his chest like it was there where he was supposed to be. 

Kongpob was a huge fan of skinship.

Arthit, circled his arms around Kongpob, and rested them on his belly. Kongpob, took the bowl of strawberries and ate them with delight while looking at the peaceful scenery.

It was like time had stopped.

"Can we tell your brother that I have managed to impress you?"

"I think that the only thing left is to build the prototype." Added mischievously Arthit after a long intended pause in which he couldn't help himself but to smile.

Was Arthit asking him to...? No way, right? It must have been work talk, but... somehow it felt like it was and at the same time wasn't.

Finishing the strawberries, Kongpob left of the table the bowl and put his own hands over Arthit's.

"But then you won't have to come everyday to S&A..." Said Kongpob with a small voice.

"Then, come with me." Breathed Arthit on his neck, making him feel tingly.

Rushed? Maybe. Unplaned? Totally. Worth it? Absolutely.

Arthit kissed the side of Kongpob's head lovingly.

"I thought you were hungry." Said looking at the almost uneaten breakfast.

The spark in Kongpob's eyes was activated.

He turned himself around and attacked mercilessly Arthit's lips. Sometimes with pecks, others with french kisses.

Arthit closed his eyes, feeling all of Kongpob's body tightly pressed on his own.

THIS was paradise.