The afternoon sun bathed the luxurious outdoor lounge area of First's home as Khao and First relaxed, enjoying the simple pleasure of each other's company. Just hours before, First had been discharged, and Khao hadn't wasted a single moment in rushing to his side. The day had been a blissful escape, their conversation flowing freely, uninhibited and uninterrupted, a stark contrast to the secrets and anxieties that had recently plagued them.
As the day drew to a close, a bittersweet feeling settled in, knowing Khao would soon have to leave. Holding First's hand, Khao confessed softly, "I love you, First, okay?"
First's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and elation flickering within. "I love you too, wait, did you just say you love me?"
Khao chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "No, I didn't," he teased.
"Yes, you did! Please say it again,” First insisted, his voice laced with a desperate yearning.
Khao, feigning reluctance, pouted, "No, I don't want to."
"Please, please," First begged, his eyes widening, a classic puppy-dog appeal that Khao rarely resisted.
"Okay, okay. Enough with the begging. You're terrible at it," Khao finally conceded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, "and I love you so much."
"Okay, but who's 'you'? Please say it again," First pressed, his heart soaring with the simple declaration.
Khao rolled his eyes, a playful gesture masking the depth of his feelings. "I love you, First Kanaphan Puitrakul, so much, is that okay now?"
"It's amazing,” First responded, his voice full of tenderness. “I love you most, Khaotung Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan. I hope you'll never forget that.” He leaned in, peppering Khao’s face with light kisses.
"Stop, you're being so cheesy,” Khao said, giggling, his usual playful teasing returning.
“Only cheesy for you,” First countered, kissing Khao’s hand with affection.
“I know,” Khao replied, his smile widening, a radiant expression of pure happiness. They remained for a moment, lost in each other’s gaze, hands intertwined.
After a comfortable pause, Khao cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "I'll be going then."
"Goodbye, babe, please be safe, okay?" First said, his concern evident.
"I will be," Khao promised. First reluctantly released his hand.
As First was left alone, the sudden quiet of the space amplified the absence of Khao's presence. He couldn't help but already miss the warmth and light Khao brought into his life. A wave of regret washed over him – a pang of longing for a past where they could have found each other earlier, under different, less complicated circumstances.
He had never imagined feeling love like this, so all-encompassing and genuine. It was a love that was worth fighting for, even through their many hurdles.
The weight of their past actions, however, remained. They both knew they had amends to make – apologies were due to Podd. First knew the road ahead would be difficult. But at least, First's friends had always been there for him and had always been aware of their relationship. First could only hope that Khao's friends would be just as understanding and accepting.
He held onto the the belief that they could navigate these challenges, hoping that everyone, someday soon, could understand the depth of their connection.
◑◑◑
Khao’s mother, setting down a spoon mid-stir, looked up at him, "Khaotung, where are you off to?"
