Waiting For His Yes

The group of five men were having fun at their usual table in their favourite bar. Arthit, Knot and Prem had become close friends since first day of their freshman year. While their two years seniors Kongpob and Tew had been friends since high school.

When Tew and Knot started dating, they naturally merged into one group. And after Arthit and Kongpob had started dating five years ago, Arthit's senior year in college, they had become a close knit one.

Two years ago, when Knot and Tew tied the knot, Kongpob also felt that it was time for Arthit and him too to follow in their footsteps.

After all, they had been together and in love longer than they had officially started dating. And their love for each other only increased everyday. They were also settled in their respective careers. They practically slept most nights together at either one's place. Mostly Kongpob's place since Arthit lived with his uncle. After Arthit parents' death, he and his younger sister, Prae, moved in to their uncle's house. They had blessings from both their families. In fact, everyone was teasing them to be already married as neither could bear to stay apart even for a few days.

Now, 2 years later after Knot and Tew's wedding and three rejected marriage proposals by Arthit, Kongpob was nervous at the course their relationship was taking.

Even when someone else teased them or asked them anything regarding marriage, Arthit would clam up or change the topic. Just like whenever Kongpob would broach the subject. Directly or indirectly, Arthit's response is same. He'd pull off or change the topic. He'd not even give a simple response like 'soon' or 'just waiting for him to propose me'.

Tonight, Tew brings up the dreaded topic again in his drunken state. "So you guys, when are you planning to get married? I mean what's the hold up?"

"Unless you both have eloped and are already married." Prem grins.

"No way. They'd not dare to do that. Prae and Kong's parents would kill them if they rob them off a big fat wedding." Knot says.

"Hey! Count me in too. I'll also kill them if I miss my best friend's wedding." Tew threatens.

"Relax, they won't do that." Knot calms Tew while cupping his cheeks.

Prem comments on their cheesiness followed by more teasing and soon the original question is long forgotten.

Except by Kongpob. Once again, Arthit didn't respond. Not even a tiny hint that he even intends to marry him in the future.

At one point Kongpob even wondered if Arthit has a phobia or trauma regarding marriage. But nothing in Arthit's past would suggest such a condition. His parents had a healthy marriage, as does his uncle. Arthit never went through a broken engagement or being jilted at altar. Hence, Kongpob couldn't find a valid reason for Arthit's hesitation. Like always, Kongpob drowned his doubts and fears in alcohol.

*--+--*

Next morning, Kongpob woke up a little dazed in an unknown room.

Wait... Where is this place, where am I? Last night I was...

As he remembered last night his hand automatically moved towards his head. Surprisingly, he was not suffering from headache. No hangover.

What's going ---?

"Kongpob! Open the door!" Arthit's angry voice filtered through the door.

Kongpob quickly rushed to open the door. Though nothing made sense, Arthit's voice even angry, brought him relief. It meant Arthit was with him wherever he was.

As soon as Kongpob opened the door Arthit all but plowed inside. In a black tux. Hair neatly gelled and styled. Face showing a hint of make-up. Shiny black shoes, making their way towards a closet.