That week, Khao and First had been physically intimate three times. Every chance First got, he would make sure to fuck Khao thoroughly, helping to slowly fade the guilt Khao still felt for cheating on his boyfriend Podd.
However, even in their most heated sexual moments, Khao would break down and confess his hatred for deceiving Podd. But First would convince him that what they were doing was for a better life, and that there was no harm in it. Of course, Khao knew deep down that cheating was wrong, but he agreed with First's rationalizations.
It was now the weekend, and Khao was preparing for the rooftop hangout. He had asked First for money, claiming it was for toiletries, when in fact it was going toward booze that Mix would purchase. First gave him more money than requested, which made Khao feel guilty, but he rationalized that First was wealthy enough.
Surprisingly, Khao and First had spent the day working without any sexual encounters. Khao never found out about the private conversation First had with Neo in his office, and decided not to ask, afraid First would tell him to buzz off. However, First treated Khao kindly those days.
That evening, Khao showered and got ready. He had hickeys from his trysts with First, but he already had a plan to deal with them. He would apply makeup to conceal the hickeys. Wearing clothes that covered his neck would be too suspicious.
Khao wore a beautiful outfit – luxuries he had never gotten to wear before thanks to First's money. His friends would likely tease him, especially Mix, while Book would give compliments. Force would probably flex his muscles in return.
Khao missed them all, especially Podd. It was unbelievable that after having sex multiple times with another man and actually enjoying it, he could still miss his boyfriend.
On his way out, Khao passed by First and Earth, who were chatting and drinking beer. "P'Earth, let's go," he said. Earth nodded, finished his beer, and headed out, leaving First and Khao alone.
"Uhm, First, I'll be with the guys. I miss them, you know," Khao said, feeling bad for First. He had never really seen First socializing with anyone besides Earth and Neo.
"Okay, have fun and be safe," First replied, not bothered.
Khao took that as a cue to leave. On his way, he saw Podd's text message: "Love, are you already there?"
Khao smiled and replied: "Nope, will be there soon."
He looked forward to seeing his friends and Podd, even if his heart felt heavy with guilt over his infidelity. But he tried not to dwell on that as he headed to Mix's rooftop for a night of drinking and merriment with the people he cared about most.
◑◑◑
Khao and Earth arrived at Mix's humble apartment building. Though not luxurious by any means, it was still a cozy place for the friends to gather and enjoy each other's company.
As the two men stepped out onto the rooftop balcony, Khao's friends turned to greet them. "Khao! Over here!" Book called out with a wave, with Force besides him as always.
Mix, who had been leaning against the balcony railing, looked up and smiled when he saw Earth. The two locked eyes and Mix felt his heart flutter. He quickly composed himself and approached the new arrivals.
"Earth, this is my friend Mix," Khao introduced. "And Mix, this is Earth."
Mix shook Earth's hand, his own heart racing at the brief skin-to-skin contact. "Nice to meet you, Earth. Come, have a seat. I'll pour you a drink."
As Earth settled in beside Mix, the two began chatting and getting to know each other. Mix found himself captivated by Earth's easygoing demeanor and quick wit.
Meanwhile, Khao joined Book and Force on the balcony, plopping down in a vacant chair. "Khao! You look different," Book remarked, eyeing his outfit. "Taking fashion tips from somewhere?"
Khao blushed and smiled shyly. "Nah, I just decided to dress up for once. Besides, living in that mansion, I guess I'm trying to upgrade my style."
"Damn right," Force agreed. "Seriously though, how's living with your rich boss? Any perks?"
Khao laughed. "Well, the food is amazing. And I get to relax in a big pool every day. It's like being on vacation all the time."
Just then, the balcony door slid open and Podd stepped out. "Khao!" he exclaimed, rushing over to his boyfriend. Without hesitation, he threw his arms around Khao's waist and pulled him into a passionate kiss.
Khao melted into the embrace, his hands coming up to tangle in Podd's hair. But as their lips met, he felt a pang of guilt. Podd had no idea what he had been up to with First.
After a long moment, Podd pulled back, his eyes shining with adoration as he gazed at Khao's face. "I missed you so much, baby. I'm glad we get to spend some quality time together tonight."
Khao forced a smile, hating the way he was deceiving his sweet, loving boyfriend. "I missed you too, Podd. I love you."
"I love you too, Khao," Podd murmured, nuzzling his face into Khao's neck. He didn't notice the light dusting of makeup Khao wore to conceal the hickeys from his many trysts with First.
Just as Podd began kissing along Khao's jaw, the balcony door opened again. In stepped Neo, followed a moment later by First.
Khao's blood ran cold as First's icy eyes landed on him, his gaze darkening as it lingered on the way Podd was wrapped up in his arms. First's face was an inscrutable mask, but Khao could feel the tension radiating off him.
Neo, for his part, simply quirked a brow as he took in the scene. He knew damn well what had transpired between First and Khao. The sight of Khao canoodling with his boyfriend made Neo want to laugh.
"Everyone, this is First and Neo," Earth announced, throwing a guilt look at Khao. "First is Khao's employer and a friend of mine. And Neo is his best friend."
"Nice to meet you all," First said with a smooth, velvety tone, his words belied by a hint of subtle excitement. Tonight held a twisted allure for him, as witnessing Khao with Podd stirred a complicated mix of emotions.
Deep down, First harbored a misplaced sense of possessiveness, perceiving Podd as a secondary choice for Khao after being intimate with him- a misconception rooted in his own distorted perceptions, not reality.
As the night went on, Khao found himself put on edge by First's proximity. Every time Podd took Khao's hand or rested a possessive arm around his waist, Khao could feel First's gaze boring into him.
It got to the point where Khao started squirming in his seat, acutely aware that he looked like a cheating slut in First's eyes. His earlier guilt returned tenfold.
To make matters worse, Neo suggested they play a round of Truth or Dare. Khao immediately knew this would end badly for him.
But he had no choice but to participate as Neo and First took turns doling out the "penalties" to the rest of the party. Book and Mix had to do a shot. Force and Neo had to make out for 20 seconds. Podd and Khao were forced to give each other a deep, sensual kiss.
Khao's cheeks burned as he leaned in and pressed his lips to Podd's. He could feel First's murderous stare on the side of his face the entire time. By the time he broke the kiss, his entire body felt feverish with shame and anxiety.
Thankfully, the game ended without Khao being outed as First's boy toy. But he knew this was only a temporary reprieve.
Deep down, Khao realized his double life could not continue forever. Eventually, someone would find out the truth of his infidelity. And when that day came, Khao would have to face the consequences of his choices.
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