Your man

Chapter Seven

*Arthit's POV*

"Why don't you get in and we will discuss more," Nai said to Arthit.

Arthit got in the car without a word.  He was determined not to get involved in whatever Nai needed from him.

"So N' Arthit.. how is the countryside treating you?" Nai asked casually.  Arthit wasn't in the mood for small talk.

"P' Nai.. let's not waste each other's time.  Why are you here?" Arthit asked.  For the first time in what felt like ages Arthit sounded like the person, he used to be.

Soulless.

"There is this Supreme Court judge we need out of our way.  It's a contract, and I can't tell you who wants the job done.  Let's say it's political," he said.

"I'm not a killer P' Nai.  You know that was never the kind of work I did," Arthit growled.

Nai stared at him and laughed until he was in tears.

"You are hilarious N' Arthit."

"P' Nai, I helped you build the business you have now, and you helped me back in return.  We are even."

"This is where you are wrong, Arthit.  You dragged me into this world, and we both know there is no going back.  Don't worry about the money.  We will both get paid well.  Besides this is more of a favor than a job.  The person who needs the job done is powerful, and we might be in trouble if we don't help him," Nai continued.

"It's your problem P' Nai, leave me out of it," Arthit said firmly.  "Please drop me off over there.  I will go home on my own."

"N', I advice you to think about it," Nai called after him.

"Is that a threat P' Nai?"

"Take it however you want Arthit.  But don't say I didn't make an effort."

*************************

Arthit was enraged.  He had subconsciously returned to his apartment instead of Earth house.

He had chosen to stay at Earth's for Singto.  He had worried over the fact Earth knew too much about him.  His worse fear was Singto getting to know the truth about him.

The apartment door was unlocked.  Even though the light was switched on, Arthit didn't see anyone in the house.

The sight of the apartment was horrifying.  There were clothes and take out food on every possible surface.  Arthit noticed a pillow and a sheet on the couch.  Todd had probably stayed over, he thought, which explained the mess.  Arthit was surprised.  Singto hardly tolerated any mess.

Arthit walked along the hallway into the room.  He heard the shower in the bathroom.  Why was Singto back early?

He opened the door and entered the dark room and turned on the lights.  He was startled in surprise.  Singto was sitting on the floor leaning against the bed staring at something on the wardrobe.  He hadn't acknowledged Arthit.

Arthit took slow steps towards Singto.  He didn't like the atmosphere in the room.  It felt too cold and gloomy.

"P' Sing?" he called softly.  "Why are you in the dark?  Wait.. weren't you wearing this last night?  Didn't you go to work?"

Singto turned his head to face Arthit.

Arthit was taken aback.  Singto's eyes were bloodshot and swollen.  The warm feeling which was usually behind his eyes was gone.  Singto looked away.  Arthit's heart sank.  He felt numb and fearful.

Arthit sat next to Singto and leaned his head on Singto's shoulder.

Singto remained motionless.

"P' Sing, I'm sorry," he said choking on his own words.

"Remember when you told me you have never been in love Arthit?" Singto's tone was cold.

 Arthit felt a burn in his heart.  He didn't answer Singto.

"I think it's still true."  Singto continued, "You told me you get bored easily.  I was a challenge to you back then.  I used to be interesting.  But I'm not anymore. Now, I bore you."

Arthit quickly raised his head and stared at Singto, eyes wide in horror.

"P' Sing!  That's not true!  I love you!" he said in hysteria as he kissed Singto's cheek in desperation.

Singto didn't push him away.  But Arthit knew it was because Singto wasn't paying attention.

"Arthit never loved Kongpob.  He was just another puzzle for Arthit to solve," Singto said softly.

Arthit could feel something stuck in his throat.

"P' Sing.. please.. you don't understand."

Singto chucked humorlessly.  "Do you know when I fell in love with you Arthit?  When I saw you force money to a kid to get medicine for his sick mother.  I used to think you didn't have a soul before then."

Arthit hung onto Singto's arm, silently crying, listening.

"You proved yourself innocent to me Arthit.  You don't really have to stick around anymore.  You don't have to be in this boring relationship.  I don't own you.  You are free to go.  Be with someone who makes life an adventure each day.  All I want is for you to be happy."

"P' Sing!  What are you saying!  Do you hear yourself?" Arthit screamed. 

The hopelessness in Singto's voice haunted him.

"I am at my limits Arthit.  I am emotionally drained.  I don't have the energy to fight with you."

Arthit leaned closer to Sigto and rested his face on Singto's cheek, hugging him sideways.

"You are my Kongpob P'.  I fell in love with him because he challenged me and questioned my behavior.  Kongpob made me a better person," he said.

"Kongpob didn't make Arthit a better person.  Arthit never changed.  Kongpop was a lie.  So was Arthit's love for him, am I wrong?" Singto asked Arthit.

Arthit let go of Singto's arm and stood up.

"You are right P' Sing.  Arthit isn't a good man. He is a monster who has committed crimes.  Arthit doesn't deserve to be loved.  Especially by someone as amazing as you," he said before leaving the room.  Arthit couldn't bear to look at Sigto.  His heart ached.  

Singto questioned his love.

His life was suddenly meaningless.

*************************

"Sawadee kha, is this Khun Arthit?  I am calling from the general hospital."