HIDDEN TRUTHS

CHAPTER 1: SHADOWS OF THE PAST

Porsch glanced out the window of their cosy apartment, watching the city lights flicker like stars scattered across the ground. The familiar hum of Bangkok at night usually soothed him, but tonight, a knot of unease twisted in his stomach. He turned to look at Arm, who was sprawled on the couch, engrossed in a news segment about the legalisation of same sex marriage in Thailand.

"Arm," Porsch called softly, trying to keep his voice steady. "We need to talk."

Arm's eyes flicked to him briefly before returning to the screen. "What's up?" he asked, his tone casual. But Arm could hear the underlying tension. They had lived together for ten years, and Arm knew Porsch well enough to sense when something was off.

Porsch sat down beside him, turning off the TV. Porsch took a deep breath. "It's about us. About where we're going."

Arm's expression softened slightly, but his eyes remained guarded. "What do you mean?"

Porsch hesitated. How could he put into words the fear that had been gnawing at him? The fear that their decade-long relationship was built on a fragile foundation. "I just wanted to tell you that I love you," Porsch said.

Arm's face hardened. "What is going on? What is wrong?"

"Nothing," Porsch said. "I just have a feeling something is wrong. We've been together so long, but sometimes I feel like I don't really know you, "Arm said.

Porsch's eyes darkened, and for a moment, Arm thought he saw a flicker of guilt. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared. "You're being paranoid," Porsch said, standing up. "Nothing's changed. We're fine."

Arm wanted to believe him, but the doubt lingered. "I just... I want to know that we're on the same page," he said quietly.

Porsch sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, Arm, I love you. Isn't that enough?"

Arm nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I guess it is." But as Porsch walked away, the knot in his stomach tightened. Something was definitely wrong, and Arm was determined to find out what it was.

---

Across town, Tul was having a restless night of his own. He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind racing with thoughts of his past. He turned to look at Mew, who was sleeping peacefully beside him, his face serene in the soft glow of the bedside lamp.

Tul reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from Mew's forehead. How could he have been so lucky to find someone like Mew? Someone who loved him unconditionally, despite everything. But Tul's dark past was like a shadow, always lurking, threatening to destroy the happiness he had found.

He knew he couldn't keep it a secret forever. Mew deserved to know the truth. But the thought of revealing his past filled Tul with dread. What if Mew couldn't handle it? What if it drove him away?

Tul sighed, rolling over and closing his eyes. He had to tell Mew, but not tonight. Tonight, he just wanted to hold onto the peace a little longer.

---

Meanwhile, in a small apartment on the outskirts of the city, Tawan was cooking dinner, humming softly to himself. Gia would be at his home soon, and Tawan wanted everything to be perfect. He had spent the afternoon preparing Gia's favourite dishes, hoping to make up for the busy week they had both had.

As he set the table, Tawan's thoughts drifted to Gia. He loved Gia more than anything, but there was something Gia hadn't shared with him yet. Something Tawan could sense but didn't fully understand. He knew Gia had a past, just like everyone, but it felt like there was a part of Gia she was keeping hidden.

Tawan was determined to be patient. He knew Gia would tell him when she was ready. But he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something important Gia was afraid to reveal.

Just then, the front door opened, and Gia walked in, looking exhausted but smiling warmly at Tawan. "Hey, love," Gia said, pulling Tawan into a hug. "Something smells amazing."

Tawan smiled, pushing his worries aside. "I made your favourite," he said. "I thought we could have a nice, relaxing evening."

Gia's smile widened. "That sounds perfect," he said, kissing Tawan gently.

As they sat down to eat, Tawan felt a surge of affection for Gia. Whatever secrets Gia was hiding, Tawan knew they could face them together. Love was about trust and understanding, and he was willing to wait for Gia to open up in her own time.

---

In three different parts of the city, three couples were grappling with their own hidden truths. As night fell and the city settled into a quiet lull, each of them lay down to sleep, their minds filled with thoughts of love, secrets, and the hope that one day, everything would come to light.