More Than Words II: Say It If You Do

Chapter 9

a/n: Is this fic a continuation of the first fic? It is answered in the very first page (not the chapter) and in the title.

Kongphob was on cloud nine because he and his P'Arthit were finally on a date (even if they weren't calling it so) where Arthit had been the one to do the asking. He trailed after Arthit, shop after shop not particularly looking at or for something, contented in just following the older boy. Of course, he knew this entire thing was a pretext because Arthit couldn't straight up ask for a date. That's just how Arthit was - shy. So Kongphob followed him happy to just be with him. He was surprised when Arthit told him about P'Phone's pregnancy.

Kongphob was then sure that Arthit was using the news of her pregnancy as an excuse to ask Kongphob out. The idea left him in the seventh heaven.

He watched, amused as Arthit said why he wanted the gift and when the latter asked him about his niece and if he had any idea, Kongphob could barely suppress his laughter. Kongphob told Arthit how buying dietary supplements instead would be better for both the expecting mother and the unborn child and how it reminded him of once wanting a son. Kongphob had been raised by his sisters. He had too many women in his life while growing up. He just wanted another boy in his family. What better than a son?

From the mall they went next to the cinemas where Kongphob picked the film of his choice since Arthit had no input to give. He was turning, taking his wallet out but Arthit stopped him.

"Hold on, take the money."

"It's okay. It's my treat."

Arthit insisted. "No, how can you pay for me.."

"Let me pay for it." Kongphob pushed the hand with the notes but not letting it go, his hand still on the pale, warm hand. He knew exactly what to say to make Arthit agree to it. "Since we are finally on a date." Just like he had expected, Arthit dropped the potential argument, blinking his eyes rapidly. Kongphob laughed and took his hand back, taking his own wallet out. Arthit was always so cute. He just wanted to kiss those eyes.

They ran into Praepailin over there. They chatted for sometime.

Of course, things didn't last good for too long. It was too good to be true anyway.

Kongphob felt it in the way Arthit asked him to remove the white thread tied on his wrist, the way the older boy kept spacing out and then when he told Prae that they had come to the theatre because they had met on the way. Kongphob was crestfallen. Why would Arthit say that? He didn't have to say to his junior that they were on a date but to outright lie like that? It made him unhappy and dejected. Why would Arthit do that? Kongphob had just before that called it a date. Had he read the situation all wrong? Was he misinterpreting things?

Arthit looked disinterested by the time they came out of the cinema hall, not conversing with the taller boy beyond grunts and monosyllables. It felt as if Arthit was just putting up with him, the way the older's lips were pressed into a thin line, one side in a downward curve with his face turned away from the nineteen year old.

At first he thought it was because of the movie. May be Kongphob had chosen the genre Arthit disliked? But then, the older should have said him that.