Between Us

I Love You

After a few days, life between Arthit and Kongpob began to settle into a more comfortable rhythm. The tension that had once hung heavily between them was slowly dissipating, replaced by a growing understanding and ease in their interactions. Their days together were marked by quiet moments of companionship, small gestures of affection, and a mutual effort to bridge the gap that had once threatened to pull them apart.

Arthit and Kongpob were getting along well. Their dynamic had subtly shifted, with both of them working together as a team, whether it was taking care of Mai or just spending time together after work. The emotional distance that had existed before was replaced by a kind of partnership, something that felt natural yet meaningful. 

Arthit was more attentive now, making sure Kongpob felt included in everything, especially where Mai was concerned. Kongpob, in turn, began to feel more secure, sensing that Arthit's actions weren't just about responsibility but about genuine care and connection.

One evening, Arthit approached Kongpob with news that took them both forward in this new phase of their lives.

"Namtarn's leaving," Arthit said as they sat together on the couch, Mai happily playing nearby.

Kongpob glanced up, surprised but not entirely displeased. "Leaving? Where is she going?"

Arthit gave him a reassuring look, sensing that Namtarn's presence had always been a point of discomfort for Kongpob. "I've arranged for her to stay at a different place. One of my colleague, Namtarn's friend offered her a more suitable arrangement. She'll be closer to work and can focus on that."

Kongpob processed the information, his initial jealousy giving way to relief. He had always felt uneasy with Namtarn's closeness to Arthit, even though they were just friends. Her departure gave him a sense of space—room to be in this relationship without feeling like someone was looming over them.

"That's good for her," Kongpob said after a moment, his voice neutral, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of something deeper—relief mixed with the lingering insecurity that had been brewing for days. "She'll be better there."

Arthit nodded, reading the unspoken thoughts on Kongpob's face. He shifted closer to Kongpob, his hand brushing against his gently, as if to remind him that there was nothing to worry about. "I wanted to make sure she had a good place to stay. But you should know, Kong, Namtarn was never a threat to what we have. She's just a friend."

Kongpob didn't reply right away, but he turned slightly toward Arthit, his eyes softening. "I know. I guess I just... I didn't want to lose what we're building."

Arthit's gaze softened too. "You won't. I promise."

They shared a quiet moment, the sound of Mai's giggles filling the room. Arthit glanced over at his daughter, watching her play, before turning back to Kongpob with a small smile. "I didn't arrange this because of her... I did it for us."

Kongpob's chest tightened slightly at the words, his fingers instinctively tightening around Arthit's. "For us?" he repeated softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Arthit nodded, his thumb brushing gently over Kongpob's knuckles. "Yes. I want you to feel like you belong here. Not just because of Mai, but because I want you here—with me."

Kongpob's heart swelled at the sincerity in Arthit's words. The insecurity he had harboured, the fear that Arthit only cared for him because of Mai, slowly began to fade. He felt a warmth spread through his chest as Arthit continued.

"I know things haven't always been easy, and I'm sorry if I made you feel like you weren't important. But you are, Kong," Arthit said quietly. "You matter to me. This—what we have—matters to me."