Chapter 15. Orange Nasturtiums

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[Kongpob]

For Arthit who never experienced the standard concept of dating, it felt mandatory to make the second date somewhat traditional. Everyone deserved a regular customary date, and this was what Kongpob wanted to incorporate into tonight.

The minute they stepped through the doors, it  became blatantly obvious where they were. Large posters lined the walls and the entire ceiling was covered in recessed lighting. The only difference was that apart from the usual hustle and bustle, the crowds were fairly sparse that night. Kongpob glanced down at Arthit, the epitome of confusion, and became relieved when the smaller man only looked around in wonder.


"Are we watching a movie tonight?" Arthit asked in awe. He hadn't let go of Kongpob's hand yet.


"You can pick whichever one you want to watch." Kongpob answered while smiling, giving Arthit's hand a gentle squeeze.


Like magic, Arthit's cheeks immediately flushed rosy red. Kongpob had to hold in a laugh watching the adorable reaction.


"Du...uh...um. Th— the fourth one." Arthit blurted out after much difficulty, futilely working to remove his hand from his grasp.


Kongpob looked up, still holding onto the struggling hand. His face slowly broke out into a smirk observing the list. "The fourth one? Are you sure?" he asked with intent.


"I'm— positive." Arthit replied, at last removing his hand from Kongpob's. Hiding his hands behind his back, he turned to glance up at the screen. Along with the array of the latest films, they were having a rerun special tonight. Right under a recent Marvel action film, the title of the fourth movie was only two words: The Wailing.

A chill instantly crept up Arthit's back as he stood frozen in his spot. If anything, the poster was terrifyingly ominous.


"We can change it to something else if you'd like." Kongpob commented, lowering himself to whisper into Arthit's ear.


Flinching at the sudden closeness, Arthit took a half step sideways seizing his tickling ear. "No, it's fine. I'm fine. We can watch that one." He stated, cautiously covering the ear Kongpob had breathed in.

Enraptured by his endearing actions, Kongpob held in a grin and instead looked at Arthit with hidden concern. "Are you really okay with this one?" Kongpob asked in a careful voice. Arthit did not look okay.

Almost instantly, in a higher than normal pitch Arthit answered, "Yup." He couldn't have fooled a blind man. Apart from his tone, his voice sounded too strained. Additionally, from his stance and how often he was shifting in place, it was obvious how perturbed he was.

Kongpob waited a moment longer for Arthit to change his mind. Watching Arthit as he stood his ground, showcasing his false bravado was both winsome yet distressing. On one hand, he didn't want Arthit to endured somethinghe couldn't handle well. On the other, he was witnessing the most heart-wrenchinglysweet expression he had seen in a long time.

Faintly smiling he shook his head. Arthit was too cute.



When they entered the dimly lit VIP arena, it was evident from Arthit's body language that he was back to his usual character of confusion.


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