Mew and Tul had been friends for as long as they could remember, their lives intertwined like the winding streets of Bangkok. From the bustling markets of Chatuchak to the tranquil temples scattered across the city, their shared experiences had built a bond stronger than anything either of them had ever known. But for Mew, that bond had slowly evolved into something deeper, something he wasn’t sure how to handle.
It all started in high school, during one of their many weekend adventures. They had skipped out on a school project to explore the city’s hidden gems, as they often did. That day, they had ended up at Lumphini Park, where they rented a boat and lazily paddled around the small lake. Tul had been teasing Mew about his terrible rowing skills, his laughter echoing across the water. It was in that moment, as Mew watched Tul’s eyes light up with joy, that he felt the first stirrings of something more than friendship.
Mew had tried to dismiss it at first. He convinced himself that it was just a phase, that it would pass like a fleeting crush. But as the years went on, those feelings only grew stronger. Mew found himself looking forward to their time together more than anything else. He cherished every moment, every laugh, every shared secret. Yet, with those feelings came an overwhelming sense of fear. What if Tul didn’t feel the same way? What if confessing his feelings ruined the one relationship that meant the most to him?
These thoughts plagued Mew’s mind as he and Tul continued their close friendship. They went through the highs and lows of university life together, supporting each other through exams, heartbreaks, and family dramas. Mew was always there for Tul, and Tul was always there for Mew. But no matter how close they were, Mew couldn’t bring himself to cross that line, to risk losing what they had.
One day, after they had both graduated and started working, Tul suggested they take a weekend trip to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. It was one of those rare weekends when they both had time off, and Tul was excited to explore the historical ruins and temples.
“Come on, Mew,” Tul had said, his eyes shining with excitement. “We’ve been talking about going there for years. It’ll be fun, just the two of us.”
Mew couldn’t say no to that smile, so he agreed, even though the idea of spending an entire weekend alone with Tul made his heart race for reasons he couldn’t fully explain.
The trip was everything Mew had hoped it would be and more. They explored the ancient temples, marveling at the intricate stone carvings and the massive Buddha statues that had stood the test of time. They rented bicycles and rode through the quiet streets, stopping to eat at small, family-run restaurants where the food was simple but delicious. They even took a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink.
It was during one of those quiet moments, as they sat on the riverbank watching the sunset, that Mew felt the overwhelming urge to confess his feelings. They had been sitting in silence for a while, both lost in their thoughts, when Tul turned to Mew and smiled.
“This is nice,” Tul said softly, his voice barely louder than a whisper. “Just being here with you.”
Mew’s heart skipped a beat at those words, and before he could stop himself, he blurted out, “Tul, there’s something I need to tell you.”
Tul turned to him, his expression curious and a little surprised. “What is it, Mew?”
Mew took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. This was it. This was the moment he had been dreading and anticipating for years. “Tul, I… I like you. More than just as a friend.”
Tul’s eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, Mew was certain he had made a mistake. He could feel the panic rising in his chest, but then Tul’s expression softened, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
