Silently

Arthit didn't knew what to expect. He had never met a mute person, let alone teach them. If anything, all his friends and him were boisterous and loud. Creating a ruckus whenever they got together.

But they had toned down a lot since they became working adults. Was it because of age? Or responsibility? Or both? But they were still a lively company, and Arthit enjoyed it a lot.

So he didn't knew if he could handle a silent person. A duration, where no words would be spoken or maybe he be the only one speaking.

Well, what can he do? When his boss asked him to tutor his mute son, he was in no position to refuse. So here he was, making his way towards Kongpob's room. He stood there and was about to knock, but the door opened before that.

Of all the things Arthit was expecting, he wasn't expecting a warm smile and an eager handshake.

He smiled back.

Kongpob lightly pulled him inside his room. And just like that, Arthit was pulled inside Kongpob's world.

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Kongpob's world was anything but silent. To outsiders, it may look like that. But isn't it said, only those can hear who are willing to listen.

And Arthit was very willing.

Kongpob was a bright person and a bright student. There was never a dull moment with him. Agreed, in the beginning, they struggled to communicate, with Arthit speaking too fast, and Kongpob unable to follow.

But gradually, they found their rythm. Now Arthit can speak slowly, repeat many times as he wants. And write it if it's still unclear.

Write. With pen and paper. Arthit found it oddly romantic. In this day and age, hardly anyone used pen and paper to communicate with each other. And Arthit found an odd satisfaction in doing so with Kongpob.
After their study sessions, they would spend some time writing to each other. It was fun and Arthit enjoyed it very much. He felt he could spend hours talking like that with Kongpob, but don't know why, whenever he is with Kongpob, the clock ticked so fast.

And then, reluctantly, Arthit would get up and leave. But not without a warm handshake and a teasing grin from Kongpob.

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When did it happened that Arthit started waiting for Saturdays? His world got divided into two.

When he was with Kongpob.

And when he was not with Kongpob.

The world slowed down a bit when he was with Kongpob. In this fast paced world, where everyone was running to get ahead, this sure was something.

It was calm and unhurried. With Kongpob silently working on his book. And Arthit silently watching him.

When did it happened, that Arthit started loving that smile and silent chuckle of Kongpob.

When did it happened, that Arthit started knowing when Kongpob was addressing him, without even speaking.

When did it happened, that Arthit learned sign language, just in case.

When did it happened, that Arthit started craving Kongpob's Attention and company.

Even though, Kongpob didn't speak, his eyes spoke a lot. And they were always filled with mirth, when with Arthit. And as if to compliment those eyes, Arthit cheeks were always blooming  red.

When did it happened, that Arthit started recognising every expression on Kongpob's face and eyes.

Those eyes, Damn those eyes, they will be the death of Arthit one day.

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It was one emotional moment for Arthit. He was so happy and so proud. Kongpob got accepted to his desired college. Arthit felt as if he had achieved something big in life.

He had promised to reward Kongpob. And he was willing to give anything he wanted, as long as it was under his means.

But Kongpob today was very different. He was looking at Arthit with a very unfamiliar intense emotion. And he couldn't figure it out what it meant.

So when Kongpob touched his hand, he flinched a bit. But Kongpob very gently pulled it and began tracing some patterns on his forearm.

His skin tingled and burned as Kong's finger glided across his skin. This was the first time, Kong was communicating like this.

But strangely enough, Arthit could very easily decipher what he wrote. And his eyes widened in surprised.

He ducked his head and nodded it meekly in confirmation. Out of the corner of his eyes, he watched Kongpob. Millions of expressions were forming in his eyes. But out of all of them, only one was dominating it- love.

Silently they met, silently they talked, silently they filled each other, and just as silently they fell in love.

But their declaration was anything but silent, because, with their hearts beating like thunder, Kongpob had wrote on Arthit's arm- you.

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I enjoyed writing it and I hope you enjoyed reading it too.

@ebekah again, how did you like it?