Beneath the Surface

Part 0

**Short Description:**

In a world where silence speaks louder than words, Beneath the Surface follows the intertwining lives of Longtai, a quiet, reserved photography student, and Yok, a bold, rebellious street artist with a hidden heart of gold. As they navigate their own struggles-Longtai's battle with insecurities and Yok's fight against corruption through his anonymous graffiti-they find solace and connection in each other. Amidst the backdrop of a university setting and the streets painted with protest art, their relationship grows deeper, forcing them to confront not only their own personal demons but also the lines between art, protest, and love. As their worlds collide, they must discover what it truly means to break through the barriers that separate them.

**About the characters:**

Yok ;

Yok is a vibrant, free-spirited soul with an infectious smile that hides a deep, rebellious heart. As a talented street artist, his medium is graffiti, which he uses to voice protests against corruption and injustice, often alongside his close friends. He works as a mechanic at Kumpha's garage, where his passion for motorcycles reflects his love for freedom and expression. His tall, confident, and slightly mischievous demeanor draws people in, but beneath the surface, he has a quiet, protective side-especially toward Longtai. Yok's life is a balance of chaos and creativity, and he's deeply intrigued by Longtai's fragility and introversion, feeling an unspoken pull to protect him. He's flustered by his own feelings toward Longtai, unsure of why he's so drawn to him but knows he can't stay away. His artwork is bold, raw, and a direct reflection of his intense emotions and views on the world.

Longtai ;

Longtai is a quiet, introspective photography student who prefers the comfort of solitude over social interaction. With a gentle soul, he's often plagued by self-doubt and insecurity, particularly when it comes to expressing himself. Behind the camera, he's confident, capturing the world with a unique perspective, but when it comes to human connections, he feels lost. His growing friendship with Yok pulls him into unfamiliar territory, leaving him both intrigued and frightened. Longtai is sensitive, overthinking his interactions, especially with Yok, as he grapples with whether he's a burden to those around him. He finds peace in routines, like working at the bookstore, but Yok's disruptive presence stirs conflicting emotions in him. He's deeply empathetic, but his fear of being hurt or a burden often holds him back from truly opening up.

Gram ;

Gram is Yok's closest friend and partner-in-crime in their anonymous protest art. He's a charismatic, carefree person with a bit of an edge, always looking for the next thrill. Gram handles the logistics and online side of their protests, running an anonymous social media account to expose the corruption they fight against. While he appears laid-back and casual, especially when teasing his friends, he has a strong sense of justice and enjoys the thrill of their secret missions. He's protective of Yok, often the voice of reason when things get too risky, but he doesn't back down from a fight. Gram lives with Yok, and they share a bond that's more like brothers than just friends. He's lighthearted, but deeply loyal, always having Yok's back whether it's in their art protests or everyday life.

Sean ;

Sean is another close friend of Yok and Gram. He's a more reserved, practical type, studying to work with cars and machines in the same garage where Yok works on bikes. Sean has a steady demeanor and acts as the grounding force within their group. He has a protective side, especially toward his boyfriend, White, and tends to be more cautious about the risks they take. While he isn't directly involved in the protest graffiti, he supports Yok and Gram's cause, providing backup when needed. Sean has a playful side that comes out when he's with friends, often teasing them, but he's usually the first to sense when something's wrong. He's dependable, loyal, and a bit more down-to-earth compared to the other more impulsive personalities in the group.

White ;

White is Sean's boyfriend, a sweet, clean-cut, and petite person with a gentle nature. He's the polar opposite of his twin brother, Black, and serves as a comforting, nurturing presence. White often visits Sean at the garage with lunch, showing a domestic, caring side that contrasts with the more rebellious nature of Yok and Gram's circle. He's soft-spoken, preferring peace over conflict, and isn't involved in the protest side of things. White is the type to bring calm and balance to the chaos around him, embodying warmth and kindness. His clean appearance-curly black hair, glasses, and a polished demeanor-shows his gentle, nurturing personality.

Black ;

Black is White's twin brother, but they couldn't be more different. Rough around the edges, Black has a tough exterior, with short hair, a rugged look, bandaged hands, and a perpetual scowl. He's often bruised or beaten up from his constant clashes with authority or bullies. Black harbors deep resentment toward the wealthy and corrupt, dedicating himself to finding ways to fight them, even if it means getting himself hurt in the process. He's impulsive and angry but driven by a sense of justice that's raw and intense. Yok sees Black as someone reckless, but Black has a fierce sense of loyalty to those he cares about, even if he's often at odds with the world. Black's sense of purpose is intense, and he's the one who finds the targets for their graffiti missions, fueled by his hatred for the elite who exploit the poor.

Emma ;

Emma is one of Longtai's few friends, bright, energetic, and always pushing Longtai out of his comfort zone. She's playful, quick-witted, and always ready with a teasing remark, especially about Longtai's quiet demeanor. She often speaks without thinking, sometimes making Longtai feel overwhelmed with her questions, but she means well. Emma reminds Longtai of his younger brother, bringing a sense of sibling-like protection over him. Despite her playful banter, she's also deeply empathetic and intuitive, often noticing when Longtai is struggling and trying to lighten his mood. She enjoys spending time with Yok and Longtai in the cafeteria, her extroverted energy balancing out their quieter dispositions. Emma is the glue that keeps her group of friends together, always ensuring that no one feels left out.

Tain ;

Tain, being a doctor, is protective and nurturing, especially toward Longtai. He's likely seen some of the emotional and physical scars from Longtai's past, making him extra cautious and supportive. Tain has a professional demeanor but cares deeply for Longtai, seeing him almost like a younger brother. His medical background gives him a practical, problem-solving mindset, but his personal connection to Longtai brings out his protective instincts.

Phupha ;

Phupha shares a protective role over Longtai due to Longtai's past. He is likely more emotionally invested in Longtai's well-being than Tain, looking out for him not just physically but also emotionally. Phupha may be less open with his feelings but shows his care through actions, perhaps in quieter, more understated ways. His watchfulness over Longtai signals a deep bond, possibly stemming from a shared history or understanding of Longtai's vulnerabilities.

Mr. Thanawat ;

Mr. Thanawat is a quiet, mysterious man in his late 50s who owns a small, cozy bookstore-Longtai's safe haven. He rarely speaks but offers wisdom when needed, often reflecting on someone from his past, someone Longtai reminds him of. Though he never shares the full story, it's clear this person was deeply important to him, and the lingering sorrow in his eyes hints at loss.

Mr.Thanawat sees in Longtai a reflection of his younger self, someone struggling with unspoken emotions. He becomes a subtle guide for Longtai and Yok, gently nudging them towards understanding, while quietly hoping their love story finds a happier ending than his own. His presence is quiet but crucial, offering support without intruding.

**About the story**:

This story is a mixture of reality from the people I know and from my imagination, I was supposed to write this one a short story because I was bored but then I decided to write the full version, this story is different from my previous work and I hope you enjoy this one too.

Coming soon!