The Whole Nine Yards

Chapter 3

Arthit was already waiting in his dorm lobby when Kongpob went down. Arthit hid his smile, Kongpob in a pullover is looking like a little prince again. For his part, the best that he can manage is a peach shirt and pants.

He went out and they beelined for the door.

'Where are we going?' The young man prodded Arthit.
'The avenue.'

Kongpob's face lit up. 'Don't get too worked up'. Arthit reminded him.

When they arrived, Kongpob can see the banners. It was a motorcycle show. Kongpob beamed and all but pulled Arthit inside. Arthit froze. Kongpob momentarily stopped and upon seeing Arthit's discomfort, he understood. Kongpob dropped the  arm he was holding.

But once inside the venue, Kongpob looked like Christmas morning came early. Customized motorcycles and big modern bikes are all on display.

'My bike was a gift from my Dad,' Kongpob shared.
Unable to reply, Arthit just blinked at him.
'I've always been fascinated with them since I was young.' Kongpob added.

He looked at the displayed bikes with awe. Arthit, as much as he wants to deny it, is fascinated by the changing emotions in Kong's face especially when he tried one of the bikes.

Kongpob took photos and when he was about to take a selfie, he pulled Arthit close to him. But Arthit immediately looked around to check if someone is watching them.

'Just stand beside me,P.' Kongpob pleaded.

He straightened up then stood next to Kongpob who took a selfie with a sleek bike in the background.

'Arthit?' someone called. When he looked back, it was P'Ben their senior who already graduated. He greeted him.

'Oh P'Ben.  How are you? This Kongpob a junior. NongKong, this is P'Ben, he is classmates with P'Tum.'

Kongpob just looked at him after the introduction. If he has an issue with it, he didn't correct Arthit but he smiled to greet their senior instead.

' I didn't know you're into motorcycles, N'Arthit.' P'Ben asked his junior who just scratched his head.

'I asked him to come, P'Ben. He's nice enough to accompany me.' Kongpob replied when Arthit can't seem to answer.

'Good senior looking after your junior. I'm happy to know we trained you well. Come on.'

They looked around. At the back of the showroom, there was vintage Hollywood motorbike collection entitled 'James Dean Tribute'.

'He was an actor in the 1950s who died before he reached the age of 24.' P'Ben explained as he pointed to a photo of an American guy on a big bike .

'He was a motorbike enthusiast. They say he took his lovers - male or female, around in his motorcycle. He may have died young but he had a wild ride, so to speak.' The senior shared with a smile on his face.

P'Ben turned to address his juniors, 'You two should do that as well.'

'What do you me..an, P'Ben?' Arthit asked. He may hide it well from others  but Kongpob detected a slight panic in Arthit's cracked voice.

' Live fully. You young guys are so high strung these days.  Enjoy your youth.'  The smiling senior tapped them on their shoulders and made his exit.

Arthit released the breath he didn't realize he was holding when P'Ben was out of sight. Then, Kongpob turned to him with the gaze that seemed to devour him alive and said,

'Up for a wild ride, P?'

Arthits eyes widened, his heart was beating so fast again that he bolted from the showroom. A guy's heart can only take so much after all.

Kongpob just chuckled and went after him. He found Arthit outside of the venue.

'Thank you for taking me here.' he said as stepped beside him.

'Bright insisted I visit it. He actually wanted to see it himself.'
'Oh.'

'But I'm still glad you took me here.' Then Kongpob flashed his menacing smile that  made Arthit turn his gaze away from the younger man. 'This guy is overwhelming.' Arthit thought.

'I'm hungry. Let's go.' he declared as he stormed off again. Kong had to walk fast to catch up with him.

When Arthit finally stopped, they were standing before an Italian diner.

'You like meatballs? Arthit asked, still not looking at him.

He nodded. Kong is amused. He knew,  as much as Arthit may look so pained when does it, that his boyfriend is really trying his best.

They both ordered pasta with meatballs and Arthit placed all but two of the meatballs from his own serving to Kongpob's plate.

'I'm okay.' Kongpob told Arthit.
'Eat. ' Arthit ordered which made Kong grin.
'Stop it.' Arthit chided him as he looked outside with a smile on his face.

'Too much spices.' Kongpob whined after taking several bites.
'Where can you find a bland pasta, Kongpob?' Arthit snarked at him.
'Nowhere.' Kongpob sighed. But feeling mischievous, he docked to whisper,

'But your meatballs made up for it, P.'

Arthit choked on his water and Kongpob lost it. Arthit looked so scandalized and tried to chastise Kongpob  who is laughing so loud that other diners are now looking at them.

'Kong! Stop it or I'll leave you here.' Arthit warned.
'You know I'll just chase after you as I've always done, P.' Kong, the devil, winked at him.

Arthit wished the ground will just open up so he can disappear in that very moment.