FirstKhaotung - Blossoming Feelings~ Book 1

CHAPTER 17 |Blossoming Feelings|

Khaotung's PoV

Drinking wasn't something Khaotung did often, however he found comfort in the glass of scotch on the table in front of him. He was back with Neo and Mark, but he hadn't uttered a word since they'd arrived. They'd made their way to the mostly empty bar, two days after picking up a crying Khaotung.

The dimly lit bar served as Khaotung's refuge, a place where the clinking of glasses and the low hum of conversations provided a temporary distraction from the storm inside his heart. He sat alone at the corner of the counter, nursing a glass of whiskey as the amber liquid mirrored the depth of his thoughts.

The melancholy melody playing softly in the background seemed to resonate with Khaotung's mood. He glanced around the room, observing the camaraderie shared by friends and lovers, feeling like a solitary figure in a world that had turned cold.

Just as Khaotung considered drowning his sorrows in another glass, the door swung open, and in walked Neo and Mark, his closest friends. Neo's eyes immediately caught Khaotung's pained expression, and he exchanged a worried glance with Mark.

Khaotung tried to put on a brave face, offering a strained smile as Neo and Mark approached. Neo slid onto the stool beside Khaotung, concern etched on his features, while Mark took the seat on the other side.

"Hey, Khaotung," Neo said gently, placing a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "Mind if we join you?" Neo said, referring to the drink in the latter's hand.

Khaotung nodded silently, grateful for the company of friends who knew him so well. As the trio settled in, the atmosphere shifted from somber to one of shared camaraderie.

Mark, ever the supportive partner, signaled the bartender for a round of drinks. Neo shot Khaotung an empathetic smile, understanding the unspoken pain that lingered in the air.

The clinking of glasses and laughter surrounded them, creating a bubble of warmth in the otherwise chilly bar. Mark leaned over and whispered something into Neo's ear, causing Neo to chuckle.

"You guys are too adorable," Khaotung remarked, a faint smile breaking through his sorrow.

Neo grinned, his eyes locking with Mark's. "Well, Mark here has a way of brightening even the gloomiest of days."

Mark blushed, playfully nudging Neo. "Only because I have the best company," he said, stealing a quick kiss.

The genuine affection between Neo and Mark provided a beacon of light in Khaotung's darkness. As they shared stories, laughter, and even a few silly dance moves, the weight on Khaotung's shoulders began to lift.

In the midst of the merriment, Neo turned to Khaotung with a soft expression. "You don't have to go through this alone, you know? We're here for you."

Khaotung nodded, grateful for the support of true friends. The night continued, the trio creating a haven of solace amidst the chaos of emotions. In the warm glow of friendship and the sweet moments shared between Neo and Mark, Khaotung found a temporary respite from his heartache, realizing that sometimes, healing came in the form of genuine connections and the love of those who truly cared.

✾

First's PoV

One day earlier.

First: Hey, Khaotung, I've been trying to reach you. Can we talk? I know things got messy, but I really need to explain.

First: I miss you, and I hate that things are like this between us. Please, let me explain.

First: I know I messed up, and I can't stand the thought of you being hurt. Just give me a chance to make things right.

First: Khaotung, I'm not ready to give up on us. Please, let me know you're okay.