The Art of Attraction

Chapter 8: Moving On (Part 1)

Ayan stood in the middle of his apartment, the one he had shared with Akk for so many years. The place was filled with memories—both happy and painful—and staying there felt like living in the past. The memories weighed heavily on him, and he knew it was time for a change. It was time to move forward and create a space that was entirely his own. After that conversation with Yok, he had kept staring at the ceiling of the bedroom he had stayed in for so long with Akk at night and realized that the comfort he used to feel there was now gone. He was just being stubborn and now he had made up his mind to let it go. With this resolution, he began searching for a new place, eventually finding a two-bedroom condominium that seemed perfect.

The new place was spacious and filled with light, a stark contrast to the shadows that seemed to cling to his old apartment. Ayan quickly decided to convert the second bedroom into a studio and mini office, a space where he could immerse himself in his art and teaching.

Yok, ever supportive and very happy with the news that Ayan had decided to finally discard the place he shared with his former lover, offered to help with the move.

On the day of the move, Ayan's friends Thua, Khan, and Wat showed up to help. They had been his pillars of support during the breakup. They were the ones who held him together the first few weeks Akk was gone and Ayan felt like he couldn't go on anymore. They were thrilled to see him taking this important step. To their surprise, Yok also arrived, dressed casually in his ripped jeans and muscle tank top that showcased his muscular, tatted-covered biceps, ready to lend a hand.

"Yok! You came," Ayan said, his face lighting up with a smile. Ayan was already sweaty since he started packing at dawn and felt both envious and attracted to the very fresh-looking handsome younger man that he couldn't help staring at.

"Of course, I did," Yok replied, grinning. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Thua, Khan, and Wat exchanged curious glances. The trio was surprised to see that there was someone else with Ayan whom they didn't know and when they looked at him questioningly, he consciously introduced Yok to them. Explaining he was a student he was mentoring and that he offered to help him when he found out that he was moving.

Thua was the first to recover from the surprise and greeted Yok. "Hey, nice to meet you Yok."

Yok extended his hand, smiling. "Nice to meet you, Thua."

Khan, a taller man with a boisterous laugh, clapped Yok on the back. "So you're the one who's been putting that smile back on Ayan's face. Good to meet you."

Ayan glared at Khan, who had always had a knack for making a joke out of everything but was relieved to see that Yok was just laughing as he replied to him noncommittally.

Wat nodded in greeting. "Hi, Yok. It's good to see Ayan finally making friends other than us."

As they worked together, Thua, Khan, and Wat couldn't help but notice how different Yok was from Akk. Where Akk had been reserved and serious, Yok was outgoing and playful. They immediately realized that the relationship between the two wasn't just an ordinary mentor-mentee. Yok would unconsciously touch Ayan now and then and hover over him making sure he won't carry anything too heavy. He was also solely focused on him unaware of the friends' scrutiny. He was very sweet towards Ayan and for the first time in years, the trio had heard Ayan laugh so easily. Ayan had never looked this happy in a long time. Even during the last years with Akk, Ayan had seemed more withdrawn than ever. Despite the differences with Akk in demeanor, they found themselves liking Yok's easygoing nature and the way he brought out again the best in Ayan.

Over lunch, they shared stories and laughter, the camaraderie growing stronger with each passing minute. Yok fit in seamlessly, his charm and warmth winning over Ayan's friends.

After a long day of moving, the condo finally began to take shape. Ayan's studio was set up with his art supplies neatly organized, and the living space felt comfortable and inviting. As the sun set, they sat together, enjoying the satisfaction of a job well done.

After the group finished setting up the condo and enjoyed a well-deserved dinner, Thua, Khan, and Wat prepared to leave, sensing that Ayan and Yok might appreciate some time alone to unwind after the long day.

"Thanks again for all your help, guys," Ayan said, hugging each of his friends in turn. "I don't know how I would have managed without you."

"Anytime," Thua replied with a grin. "And don't be a stranger at our place. We need to hang out more often."

"Definitely," Khan added, clapping Ayan on the back. "But now, we'll leave you two to... settle in."

Wat just smiled knowingly as he waved goodbye, his quiet nature hiding the amusement he felt.