Fragments Of Us [Completed]

The Notebook

Krit and Vel found themselves sitting side by side in a darkened theater, the soft hum of excited whispers from other moviegoers surrounding them as they waited for the film to begin. Vel had suggested they watch “The Notebook,” a classic Hollywood romance that seemed fitting for their first official date. Krit had agreed without hesitation, though he wasn’t entirely sure if the movie itself would hold his attention as much as the man sitting beside him.

The previews came and went, and soon the opening scene of the movie filled the screen. Vel leaned back in his seat, his eyes fixed on the unfolding story, clearly engaged from the start. Krit, on the other hand, kept glancing at Vel, unable to focus on the movie for more than a few minutes at a time. He couldn’t help it. There was something about seeing Vel so relaxed, his usual guarded expression softened in the dim light of the theater, that made Krit’s heart swell.

Vel, completely unaware of Krit’s gaze, watched as the love story between Noah and Allie played out on the screen. The passionate letters, the longing, the beautiful scenery—it was all enough to tug at his heartstrings. He had always enjoyed stories of love that defied the odds, and for some reason, this one resonated with him tonight. Perhaps because, in a strange way, it mirrored his own tentative steps into this new relationship with Krit.

When Vel shifted in his seat, moving a little closer to Krit, it only fueled Krit’s growing infatuation. He could smell the faint scent of Vel’s cologne, something subtle and earthy, which only made him more aware of their proximity. Krit tried to focus on the movie—he really did—but his mind kept drifting back to the way Vel had looked at him earlier, back at the temple, and then again in the car.

For Krit, the movie became background noise. His attention was completely captured by Vel. Every time Vel smiled or laughed at a scene, it made Krit’s heart race. He wasn’t even sure why. They hadn’t been together for very long, but the way Vel made him feel was something Krit hadn’t experienced in what felt like forever. It was simple, pure happiness—a kind of joy that came from just being close to someone who made everything feel right.

At one point, as Noah and Allie reunited onscreen in the rain, Krit leaned over and pressed a kiss to Vel’s cheek. It was soft, almost shy, as if he didn’t want to break the moment but couldn’t resist touching him. Vel, still focused on the movie, smiled but didn’t turn his head. “You’re supposed to be watching the movie,” he murmured, his voice teasing but affectionate.

Krit grinned. “I know,” he whispered back, his lips dangerously close to Vel’s ear. “But I can’t help it. You’re more interesting.”

Vel chuckled softly, his eyes still on the screen. “You’re going to miss the best part.”

Krit wasn’t so sure about that. In his eyes, the best part of this whole night was happening right beside him. He shifted again, this time resting his arm behind Vel’s seat, fingers lightly brushing the back of Vel’s neck. Vel shivered slightly at the touch but didn’t pull away, his body relaxing even more into the seat.

As the movie played on, Krit stole kisses every now and then—a quick peck on Vel’s lips, a soft kiss to his temple, or the occasional nuzzle against his neck. Each time, Vel would smile, sometimes rolling his eyes, but he never asked Krit to stop. In fact, the more Krit kissed him, the more Vel seemed to lean into the affection, the walls he had carefully built around himself crumbling bit by bit.

About halfway through the movie, Vel finally turned to Krit, catching him mid-stare. He raised an eyebrow, though there was no annoyance in his expression, only mild amusement. “Are you even paying attention?”

Krit blinked, caught off guard by the question. “I—uh, well…”

Vel laughed softly, shaking his head. “I knew it. You haven’t been watching at all, have you?”

Krit shrugged, grinning sheepishly. “I’ve been paying attention… just not to the movie.”

Vel’s smile softened, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other, the world around them fading away. There was something in Vel’s eyes—a mixture of warmth and vulnerability—that made Krit’s chest tighten. He wanted to say something, to express how much Vel meant to him already, but the words didn’t come. Instead, he leaned in and kissed him, this time lingering a little longer, their lips moving together in a slow, tender rhythm.

Vel responded, his hand coming up to rest on Krit’s thigh, squeezing gently. It wasn’t a heated kiss, but rather one filled with unspoken emotions—gratitude, affection, hope. When they finally pulled apart, Vel’s cheeks were flushed, though it was hard to tell if it was from the kiss or the warmth of the theater.

“You’re unbelievable,” Vel muttered, though there was no heat behind his words.

Krit chuckled. “What can I say? You bring it out of me.”

They settled back into their seats, Vel’s hand now resting comfortably on Krit’s knee. This time, Krit made a genuine effort to focus on the movie, though he still found himself glancing at Vel every now and then. Vel, sensing his gaze, would smile or nudge him playfully, but the atmosphere between them had shifted into something more relaxed, more intimate.

By the time the movie ended, both of them were in good spirits. As the credits rolled, Vel stretched his arms above his head, letting out a content sigh. “That was nice,” he said, turning to Krit. “Thanks for suggesting it.”

Krit grinned. “You’re welcome. Though, to be fair, I think you watched the movie more than I did.”

Vel laughed, shaking his head. “I noticed.”

As they gathered their things and made their way out of the theater, Krit couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of contentment. This date—their first real date—had been everything he’d hoped for. And even though they weren’t officially boyfriends yet, there was a quiet certainty in Krit’s heart that this, whatever they had, was going to be something special.

And as they stepped into the cool night air, hand in hand, Krit realized that Vel had already become more than just someone he was getting to know. He was already the person who made him feel alive again.

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