Following that night, Khao and First's secretive relationship persisted, marked by occasional, intense flashes of jealousy that threatened to expose their hidden truth. Meanwhile, Podd remained oblivious to Khao's infidelity and waning feelings. Khao's emotions had begun to shift, and he was terrified of admitting, even to himself, that he was falling out of love with Podd.
Torn between guilt and fear, Khao felt trapped. He couldn't bring himself to end things with Podd, who'd always been there for him. Ending it would raise red flags, and Khao worried Podd would think he was ditching him for financial reasons.
Neo and Earth kept mum about Khao and First's secret, playing it cool whenever they hung out with Khao's friends. Meanwhile, Earth and Mix's relationship got serious, and Neo continued his carefree ways, juggling multiple flings.
On the surface, life was good for the guys, but the facade was fragile. The truth was bound to spill eventually, and when it did, everything would change.
Khao snuggled deeper into First's side, feeling the warmth of their bare skin. They lay in comfortable silence, the city outside fading into the night.
They had just returned from their business trip, and it was clear they'd had the time of their lives. Away from prying eyes, they'd been free to let loose and indulge in some naughty fun, without worrying about the consequences.
First's fingers danced across Khao's shoulder, tracing gentle patterns. "You make this feel so effortless, Khao."
Khao smiled, his eyes closed. "We do fit well together."
First's gaze lingered on Khao's face. "In every way."
"You're happy, aren't you?" Khao's voice softened.
First's eyes locked onto Khao's. "I am. Because of you." Khao's heart skipped a beat.
"I love you," First whispered, his voice barely audible. Khao's breath caught.
Khao's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "First, I have Podd."
First's gaze didn't waver. "I know, but that doesn't mean you can't love me, does it?" Khao's silence was palpable.
First's fingers traced Khao's jawline, his touch gentle. "You and I, we have something real. Something that goes beyond labels or expectations."
Khao's eyes fluttered closed, his heart racing.
"I'm not asking you to choose," First continued, his voice low and husky. "I'm asking you to acknowledge what's between us."
Khao's breath caught, his thoughts tangled.
Khao's eyes snapped open, his voice firm. "I love Podd. I do. This... whatever this is between us, it's just temptation."
First's expression remained calm, but his eyes sparkled with intensity. "Tell me you feel nothing for me, Khao. Look me in the eye and say it." Khao's gaze faltered, his resolve wavering.
"Say it, Khao," First whispered, his voice low and urgent. "Convince me, and I'll leave you alone."
Khao took a deep breath, his heart racing. "I... I feel nothing for you, First." The words sounded hollow, even to Khao's own ears.
First's smile was a subtle, knowing curve. "Really?" Khao's nod felt forced.
First's eyes locked onto Khao's, searching for the truth.
"I feel nothing for you, First," Khao repeated, his voice growing more insistent. "Nothing. You're just an obligation, a mistake. I love Podd, only Podd."
First's gaze never wavered, his expression unreadable. "Okay," First said finally, his voice neutral.
Khao's words trailed off as First slid out of bed, his movements fluid and deliberate.
"I'm going to take a shower," First announced, disappearing into the bathroom.
The sound of running water enveloped the room, leaving Khao alone with his thoughts. Khao's breath came in ragged gasps as he stared at the ceiling, his mind reeling.
Why did saying those words feel like a lie? Why did First's acceptance feel like a challenge. Khao's eyes drifted to the bathroom door, his heart heavy with uncertainty.
◕◕◕
First bubbled over with frustration as he scrubbed himself roughly in the shower, his mind consumed by thoughts of Khao's lies. He couldn't understand why Khao refused to admit his true feelings, especially after witnessing the way Khao had argued with someone who was "sexualizing" him during their business trip.
First knew in his heart that Khao loves him, he'd seen it in his eyes. But Khao's stubbornness was infuriating.
Lost in his turmoil, First didn't even notice when Khao joined him in the shower. Khao's bold offer to help with his cock fell on deaf ears. First lashed out at him, his words cutting. "Fuck off, can't you see I'm showering?"
Khao chuckled, seemingly unaffected by First's harsh tone. "Don't tell me you're still mad for what I said," Khao said, avoiding the topic at hand.
"Yes, I am," First snarled, annoyed. "What's so difficult about telling Podd that you've had enough of him and want someone else?"
"Jealous much?" Khao asked, deflecting once again.
First pulled Khao close, roughly grabbing him by the waist and caging him in his arms.
"Listen up, Khao," First growled. "You're not the only one who gets to be jealous, you know."
Khao's eyes widened at the uncharacteristic display of raw emotions from First. First placed a hand over Khao's mouth to silence him. "Shh, I'm the one talking, and you're going to listen.
First's hand left Khao's mouth to grip his chin, forcing Khao to meet his intense gaze. "I wonder what Podd would say if he saw us like this," First taunted, his other hand sliding possessively down Khao's back.
Khao squirmed in his grasp, his eyes reflecting fear, worry, and shame. "First, if you want to fuck me, then just do it," Khao pleaded desperately. "I'll open my legs and let you do whatever you want, just don't tell Podd about this. It will break him."
First chuckled darkly. "Relax, I'll tell him nothing. I just want your relationship with him to end, and since you don't want to break up with him, then let me love you until you tire of him completely." His fingers digged bruisingly into Khao's hip as he makes this declaration.
Khao knew he couldn't fully trust First's vow of secrecy, given the man's mercurial nature. But oh, he looked so deliciously fuckable right now, eyes ablaze with passion and power. Khao wanted to feel First's hard cock splitting him open, claiming him, making him forget his own name.
As if reading his mind, First reached for the zipper of Khao's pants, intending to free his straining erection. "Bedroom," First commanded. "I'm going to fuck you where we can both watch in the mirror as I make you mine."
Without waiting for a response, First literally hauled Khao out of the shower, not even bothering with towels. Water rivulets down their bare bodies as First manhandled Khao into the bedroom. He shoved Khao face-first against the wall, kicking his legs apart. Feeling a thrill of fear, Khao braced his hands against the cold surface, wondering just how rough First intended to be.
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