Fragments Of Us [Completed]

Realization

Vel sat alone in his apartment, his thoughts spiraling in every direction. The day had been long, filled with the usual distractions, but now that the night had settled in, his mind was clear, and the silence was overwhelming. The absence of Krit next to him felt more pronounced than it usually did.

He reclined back on the couch, staring up at the ceiling, thoughts turning to Krit. It was strange how much everything had changed between them. Vel never imagined being in a position like this—where he was considering someone else’s feelings so deeply, where he was reflecting on how much he mattered to another person. But Krit had done that to him. He had made Vel rethink his entire approach to life, relationships, and what it meant to care for someone.

There was something so disarming about Krit. The way he handled Vel’s rough edges, never shying away from the things that would’ve sent others running. Vel had spent his life expecting rejection, assuming that no one would bother sticking around for long. But Krit had stayed. Through the mess, through the mistakes, through everything.

Vel closed his eyes, remembering the quiet moments they shared—the way Krit’s hand felt on his skin, the calm that settled over Vel when Krit was near. But it wasn’t just the physical connection that had grown between them. It was the understanding, the patience, the quiet support Krit offered without ever expecting anything in return.

And that’s what made Vel feel uneasy now. He had been on the receiving end of that care for so long, taking it without really thinking about what he was giving back. Sure, he had protected Krit, made sure he was safe. But had he really been there for Krit emotionally? Had he offered the same kind of support and understanding that Krit had shown him?

Vel wasn’t sure. And that uncertainty gnawed at him.

He stood up, pacing the length of the living room, frustration bubbling inside him. He wasn’t used to these kinds of feelings—this doubt, this concern for someone else’s well-being beyond a professional level. For so long, he had been focused on surviving, on doing whatever it took to get through the day. But now, with Krit, there was more. There was a future to think about, something deeper to hold onto.

But how could he hold onto it if he didn’t know how to care for it?

Vel’s thoughts drifted back to some of the things Krit had said—little comments here and there, moments of vulnerability that Vel had brushed off at the time, not realizing how important they were. Krit had opened up to him in ways that Vel hadn’t fully appreciated, and now he wondered if he had missed his chance to do the same.

He sank back onto the couch, running a hand through his hair. He didn’t want to lose what they had. He didn’t want to mess this up. But how could he change? How could he be better for Krit?

A sudden sense of determination settled over him. He might not have all the answers, but one thing was clear—he needed to talk to Krit. To be honest with him, to let him know that he was trying, even if he didn’t know how to express it perfectly.

Vel grabbed his phone from the coffee table, staring at Krit’s contact for a moment before pressing the call button. His heart pounded in his chest as he waited, unsure of what exactly he would say, but knowing that this conversation needed to happen.

The phone rang twice before Krit picked up.

“Hey,” Krit’s voice came through the line, warm and familiar. “Everything okay?”

Vel swallowed, his throat tight. “Yeah, I just... I’ve been thinking. About us.”

There was a brief pause on the other end before Krit spoke again, his tone softening. “What about us?”

Vel leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “I haven’t been fair to you, Krit. I’ve been so wrapped up in my own stuff, I didn’t see how much you were doing for me. I just... I want you to know I’m trying. I don’t want to screw this up.”

Krit was quiet for a moment, then he sighed. “You’re not screwing anything up, Vel. We’re both figuring this out as we go. It’s not easy, but that’s part of it, right?”

Vel’s grip on the phone tightened. “I know, but I haven’t been there for you the way you’ve been there for me. I don’t want it to feel one-sided.”

Krit’s soft laughter came through the line, easing some of the tension in Vel’s chest. “Vel, I don’t need you to be perfect. I just need you to be here. That’s enough.”

Vel let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “I’m here,” he said quietly, more to himself than to Krit.

“And that’s all I need,” Krit replied, his voice full of the warmth that always made Vel feel safe.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Vel smiled—a real, genuine smile. Maybe things weren’t as complicated as he had been making them out to be. Maybe, just maybe, he was allowed to feel this, to be part of something good.

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Vel felt a sense of peace settle over him. He might not have all the answers, but he knew one thing for sure—he wasn’t going to let fear or uncertainty keep him from being there for Krit.