Picking Up The Broken Pieces Part 2 (Prapai's Story)

Chapter 2

Sky stood in the shower, letting the warm water cascade down his face, hoping it would rinse away his grogginess. He was still silently cursing himself for being late, though a part of him wished for just a few more minutes with P'Pai. The memory of Prapai's long arms around him that morning made him feel warm, comforted, and—most importantly—loved. A soft smile crept onto his face as he replayed how supportive Prapai had been, even in his uncharacteristic nervousness about the exam. But as the knots in his stomach tightened again, Sky exhaled slowly, willing himself to stay calm.

Stepping out of the bathroom, he noticed that Prapai had moved from the couch to the bed, lounging there with an unmistakably wide smile. Prapai's eyes followed him as Sky gathered the pieces of his uniform, their gaze lingering in that familiar, possessive way that sent a flutter through Sky's chest. He could practically feel the warmth of it.

"What are you so happy about? You made me late!" Sky said, feigning annoyance as he tugged on his shirt.

"I'm not the one who wanted to cuddle after breakfast!" Prapai shot back with a laugh. "And I'm definitely not the one who fell asleep in his boyfriend's comfortable arms."

There it was again—that word. Comfortable. But it wasn't the right word. Not really. The right word was safe. Sky felt safe enough to fall asleep in those arms. Safe because, for the first time in years, he didn't have to keep looking over his shoulder or brace himself for pain.

"It is your fault!" Sky countered, a sly grin creeping onto his face. "If you weren't so comfy, I wouldn't be running late!" He leaned in, deliberately letting his shirt hang open to tease Prapai. Sky knew exactly what he was doing. As he met Pai's gaze, he caught his own reflection in those honey-colored eyes, and the realization hit him again. This was where he belonged. Here. With Prapai.

Sky leaned forward to plant a kiss, not on Prapai's lips—though the temptation was there—but on his nose instead. It was a simple, playful gesture, yet it left them both smiling. But as his chest remained exposed, Sky noticed Prapai's expression shift. His boyfriend's gaze lingered on his scars, the faint marks of a past Sky worked so hard to move on from. Pai's eyes glistened, the pain he felt on Sky's behalf still as raw as ever.

Sky cupped Prapai's face, gently lifting his chin until their eyes met. "I love you," he whispered, his voice soft and steady. "And thank you... for being so comfortable."

Before Prapai could respond, Sky found himself being pulled onto the bed. He let out a laugh, but his heart pounded in his chest. The way Prapai held him—strong, tender, unyielding—made it so tempting to give in. The way Pai's hands settled on his waist, and the look in his eyes, made Sky want to push all other responsibilities aside.

"You really know how to drive me crazy, don't you?" Prapai said, his grin returning as he tightened his grip on Sky's waist.

Sky smirked, leaning down to nip at Prapai's bottom lip before pulling back, teasing him one last time. "I really do have to go," he said, though his body protested every word. He reluctantly pulled away, knowing that Rain was already waiting for him—and probably ready to throttle him for being late.

Prapai loosened his hold, sinking back onto the pillow with a dramatic pout. But his eyes never left Sky as he gathered his things, preparing to leave. Prapai wouldn't admit it aloud, but he was more than a little annoyed that Sky's exam happened to fall on his day off. Still, he was grateful for the accidental morning they'd shared.

As the door shut behind Sky, Prapai could already feel the emptiness creeping in. He sighed, dragging himself off the bed and into the living room, hoping the noise of the TV might fill the quiet space Sky left behind. But before he could settle in, a sharp knock at the door pulled his attention.