SOTUS: Make The Best Of It (The Graduation Series)

One & Only

People might it odd that they've not discussed marriage despite being together for a good six years. They joke a lot about it - about how they're like any other married couple out there with their petty arguments, or how they're both content for date nights to be just them settled on the couch with the TV on in the background while they talk about their day. But it's not something that they've actually discussed in detail, even with the recent change in the marriage laws for same gender couples.

It strikes Arthit when he least expects it.

It's just them going about their morning weekend routine as always. Kongpob lathering two pieces of toast with Arthit's favorite jam, and Arthit heating up the soya milk because Kongpob prefers it hot. There's no words exchanged yet that morning with Arthit still battling his morning grogginess, and Kongpob knows better than to engage his boyfriend in conversation when it's only 7 in the morning.

Arthit bites into his toast and it's the perfect texture of crunchy yet soft, the sweet-sour tang of raspberry jam sitting nicely on his tongue. Not too much that it feels cloying, yet not too little that he can taste just the bread. They're seated opposite of each bother, their foots grazing beneath the table while Kongpob scrolls through his iPad to catch up on the morning news. It's sunny enough that the light is pouring in through the kitchen windows, illuminating the kitchen in a soft orangey glow. They've (more precisely, Kongpob) recently re-painted the house to a more softer tone and Arthit loves the homey feel that it provides.

Kongpob does that tappity thing with his fingers against the iPad when he's reading something intriguing, ''Oh, it looks like the stocks I invested in are doing decently well.''

''Really?'' Arthit has no clue whatsoever about stocks or market shares (that was more of Knott's thing), but he listens as Kongpob goes on an enthusiastic tangent about whatever it is that he's invested in. ''What did you invest in?''

The thing about Kongpob is that he doesn't make Arthit feel stupid when it comes to explaining things that the older male has absolutely no clue about. He watches as Kongpob gestures animatedly with his hands as he goes on and on about online trading platforms, the best stock-type to invest in and whatnot and Arthit's suddenly struck with the thought of:

I can see myself spending my entire life with him.

And it takes Arthit by complete surprise.

Which really shouldn't be the case because they've been together long enough that even their friends and family have teased them about acting like a married couple. Especially when Arthit (still) nags Kongpob about squeezing the toothpaste from the middle, or when the other good-naturedly reminds Arthit about separating the whites from the colored items when doing laundry. 

He feels the yearning deep in his chest, thinking about what it would be like for them to be formally and officially recognized as a married couple. Ever since the country had passed the new law a year and a half ago, both of them had rejoiced over the change, but marriage wasn't something that they had discussed in detail.

But...it would be nice. An intimate ceremony with their family and closet friends. Both of them wearing identical rings. For Arthit to finally be able to include Kongpob in his insurance plan as a spouse. 

''P'Arthit?''

It takes Kongpob lightly nudging his foot for Arthit to snap out of his reverie.

''Sorry.'' Arthit quips with an air of sheepishness. ''What was it again?''

''It's okay, P'. I know you're not really into this stuff.

''Yeah.'' Arthit takes another bite of his toast, catching the crumbs with his other hand. ''But I like hearing you talk about it.''