Forget Me Not

In Two Minds, Under One Moon

There were so many things to say, so much to explain, but when Sarawat saw Tine emerging from the bathroom in his clothes, he found himself speechless. Tine, on the other hand, couldn't help but think that his charming host had found a way to his heart through food.

Seeing the table laden with roasted meats, wine, and other delicacies, both his body and mind felt warm. He couldn't understand why someone like Sarawat, who had once been a stranger, was now becoming so important in his life. It was incredible how he could no longer imagine being alone in this world. Sarawat was like a beacon of hope, sent to quench his thirst for love.

Perhaps Tine didn't really know what love meant. His previous relationship was more about his need for companionship, though he had wished for it to last. Whenever he asked himself what made him stay, or why Kyle was so special, Tine couldn't define it. But with Sarawat, everything was so clear.

Sarawat's influence on him was remarkable. His generosity, surprise dinner dates, adventurous spirit, and inexplicable allure made Tine rethink all his life decisions. Where had this man been all his life?

As Tine tasted Sarawat's cooking, he couldn't hide the delight on his face. "So, what do you think?" Sarawat asked, even though the answer was already clear.

"I can't believe it!" Tine exclaimed, looking amazed. "You cooked this?"

"Well, I grilled the chicken, but..."

"Yes, but you prepared all these other dishes too while I was showering. I can't even poach an egg properly. You're an angel!"

Sarawat laughed at Tine's reaction. "I grow my own vegetables in my rooftop garden. I can show it to you later if you'd like."

"No wonder I can taste the freshness!" Tine said. "But how did you know I'm into health food?"

"Well, I sort of figured it out since your body looks..."

As Sarawat's voice trailed off, Tine's grin widened. "Okay, so you are checking me out."

"Not really...I mean...okay, damn it. Yes, I'm checking you out. I mean, who wouldn't?"

Tine giggled. They continued eating, and Sarawat even made him a martini. The steak was roasted to perfection, just like the chicken, with a smoky flavor, crispy exterior, and tender, juicy interior. Tine chewed, satisfied, and showered Sarawat with high praises. Sarawat was flustered but smiling.

Through food, Sarawat learned a lot about Tine. He discovered that Tine exercised a lot and chose fish as pets because they were easier to maintain---though he had killed eleven of them in the process.

"So, how long were you with Kyle?" Sarawat asked. Both were surprised the conversation had veered there, but Tine shrugged it off because it was Sarawat. Though he didn't like talking about Kyle, he felt this topic couldn't be avoided.

"I met him at my first job," Tine confessed. "It was a rollercoaster relationship. We hit it off right away. Fong warned me to be careful, but I was stubborn and didn't listen."

"Fong?"

"Yeah, Fong. He's one of my friends. The other two are Ohm and Phuak. I haven't introduced them to you, but I think Fong already talked to you on the phone."

Sarawat chuckled, recalling Tine's friends. "Yeah. But there was never a proper introduction. Just threats, reminders, and suggestions. Lots of them."

Tine giggled, his eyes turning into crescents. "My friends think I'm hopeless when it comes to love. Anyway, I felt that Kyle was the one back then, so we started living together and moved to Switzerland after a year."