Hidden Love [WilliamEst]

Chapter 15

Ever since Est returned from Chiang Mai, he and William had been inseparable. It was as though the weeks of separation had created a magnetic force between them, pulling them closer than ever before. The weight of their conflicting schedules and the struggles of being apart seemed like distant memories now, replaced by the comfort of being able to see each other whenever they wanted. Every moment together felt like a breath of fresh air, a reminder of how much they meant to each other.

Est had some free time after wrapping up filming for his series. The production team was busy with post-production and editing, so he didn’t have to worry about promotions for a little while. It was a welcome break for Est, who had spent the last month in Chiang Mai shooting scenes nonstop. Now, he had a chance to relax and recharge, and more importantly, spend time with William.

William, on the other hand, was still busy with LYKN’s packed schedule. LYKN’s popularity had skyrocketed, with fan events, interviews, and performances lined up every other day including overseas schedules. Yet, despite the relentless demands of his career, William always made time for Est. He was determined not to let his work get in the way of their relationship again, not after everything they had been through.

It became routine for Est to visit William at his practice room. LYKN’s rehearsal schedule was grueling, with long hours spent perfecting their choreography, working on new music, and preparing for upcoming concerts. But whenever William’s group had a break, Est would slip into the room, quietly sitting in the corner, watching with admiration as William worked. Sometimes, he’d bring food or drinks for the entire group, earning playful thanks from the other members.

The first time Est showed up, the LYKN members couldn’t help but tease them. “Looks like someone couldn’t stay away,” Tui had said with a wide grin, nudging William.

Lego had joined in. “Yeah, phi William, you sure you’re not distracting us with your love life?”

But neither Est nor William cared. They had learned to ignore the teasing, brushing it off with smiles. As long as they were close to each other, nothing else mattered. LYKN had long since accepted the relationship, and the teasing was always lighthearted, just part of the camaraderie they shared.

Despite the teasing, all of them had a soft spot for Est. They had seen the difference in William since Est came back. He was happier, more relaxed, even when the pressure of their fame weighed on him. Having Est around seemed to calm him, to remind him that there was more to life than just work. The members had noticed how William would glance over at Est during rehearsals, a small smile playing on his lips every time he saw him watching from the sidelines.

There were moments when Est would stand by the door, leaning against the frame, his eyes following William as he practiced his routines. He loved watching William in his element—the way his body moved with precision, the focus in his eyes, the passion he poured into every step. It was a side of William that Est adored, and he never got tired of seeing it.

Occasionally, William would catch Est’s gaze from across the room, and without fail, a grin would break out on his face. He’d jog over during a break, wiping the sweat from his brow, and pull Est into a quick hug, not caring if he was still damp from practice.

“You should join us,” William would tease, his arms still around Est’s waist.

Est would laugh, shaking his head. “I think I’ll leave the dancing to you. I’d probably trip over my own feet.”

William smirked, leaning in to whisper, “I wouldn’t mind catching you if you did.”

Their interactions were filled with that kind of lighthearted affection—small moments that felt monumental in their simplicity. They no longer had to steal moments or worry about when they would see each other again. Now, they could be together, and that alone was enough.

One afternoon, Est had come by the practice room as usual, carrying a bag of snacks for the group. William’s eyes lit up the moment he saw him, and without hesitation, he broke away from the rest of the members to greet him.

“Did you miss me?” William asked with a playful grin, pulling Est into his arms for a brief but warm embrace.

Est rolled his eyes, though the smile on his face betrayed his true feelings. “You know I did.”

They stood there for a moment, wrapped up in each other’s presence, until Nut’s voice called out from across the room. “Alright, lovebirds, we still have work to do. William, you can make out with phi Est later!”

William laughed, giving Nut a playful glare before reluctantly pulling away from Est. “Fine, fine. I’ll behave,” he said with a mock-sigh, though his hand remained on the small of Est’s back as he guided him over to where the other members were.

The group gathered around, snacking on the treats Est had brought while chatting about their upcoming events. The conversation was lively, filled with jokes and banter, but there was a comfortable ease to it. Est had become part of their routine, his presence as natural as if he had always been there.

Even as they sat together, William kept one hand resting on Est’s knee, a subtle but constant reminder of their connection. Every now and then, he would lean in to whisper something in Est’s ear, making him smile or laugh quietly.

Later that evening, after practice had ended, William and Est headed back to William’s apartment. Est had been spending more time there recently, preferring to stay over instead of going back to his own place. It was easier that way, and besides, they both loved the feeling of waking up next to each other in the mornings.

As they settled in for the night, Est curled up beside William on the couch, his head resting on William’s shoulder. The warmth of William’s arm wrapped around him made Est feel safe, content in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time. The past few weeks had been exhausting, but now, being here with William, it was as though all the stress had melted away.

“I’m glad we have this time together,” Est said softly, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on William’s arm.

William pressed a kiss to the top of Est’s head, his voice equally soft. “Me too. I don’t ever want to go back to the way things were, when we barely had time to see each other.”

Est nodded, his heart swelling with the same thought. “We won’t. No matter how busy things get, we’ll always make time.”

“Always,” William agreed, his hold on Est tightening slightly. They stayed like that for the rest of the night, wrapped in each other’s arms, and neither of them wanted to let go.