I used to hate you but now I love you!

Chapter 25

Arthit watched the scenery absently through the window with a small smile on his face. Last night's events continued to play in his mind and he resisted the urge to turn to look at his husband. Kongpob drove silently, lost in his thoughts too. They did it. And without getting drunk. And it had been mutual loving from both sides. Should he also add how wonderful it was? He bit his lower lip, trying to hide his growing smile.

Glancing at Arthit, his eyes collided to Arthit's since the latter had also turned his head in order to speak to him. Kongpob swallowed hard at the smile on his husband's lips. He preferred not to lower his gaze to Arthit's neck. The marks and love bites he had placed all around that slender neck would taunt him. "Are your parents very angry at me?", asked Arthit and Kongpob turned back to face the road as the green light allowed him to continue driving. He shook his head and replied casually: "They are not." Arthit did not truly believe his husband on this.

How could Kongpob's loving parents not hate him after what he did? A warm hand made its way to his hand and Kongpob threaded their fingers together. "I will be with you.", he assured Arthit and the latter nodded. "Just be yourself.", added his husband and Arthit turned his head to face the window. Kongpob should not have said this because his true self hated Sophia and now he was going to let it come out. Call him petty and selfish if you want but he was not going to let that woman cling on Kongpob.

It was easier to say than to make it happen. Once the door opened, a rush of cold air passed by Arthit as Sophia threw herself into Kongpob's arms. She hugged him tight and said in a complaining voice: "I missed you soooooo much!!" Kongpob patted her back and gently got away from her. "I missed you too.", answered Kongpob in a quiet tone as he smiled at his friend. To Arthit's surprise, she then turned towards him and hugged him too. What the actual hell? Arthit was confused. 

She leaned back and asked, looking very concerned: "I heard about your accident. I am really glad you are okay now. You should not worry very much about the memory loss. I am sure you will get them back." She patted his arm and turned back to Kongpob. She hooked her arm around his and said: "Uncle and Aunty are waiting for you inside, Kong." And she continued to make small talk as she lead both husbands inside the house; Arthit to her left and Kongpob to her right.  Reaching the living room, Arthit swallowed hard, suddenly feeling very self conscious about himself in front of his husband's parents.

He opened his mouth to greet the elders when Kongpob's mother stood up, tears filling up her eyes. She opened her arms as she walked towards Arthit. "You poor baby", she whispered even as she gathered him to her bosom. Feeling the warmth of the motherly figure, Arthit hugged her back and whispered: "I am sorry. I am very sorry." Francesca nodded and patted his back. Within seconds, with the exchange of those few words, along with unsaid ones, Arthit felt like his mother-in-law would forgive him. Opening his eyes to find his husband silently asking if he was alright made Arthit nod and smile sadly.

When Francesca finally let Arthit go, he found himself facing the head of the family, Kongpob's father. He was offered a formal handshake which he wisely accepted but that was it. It was clear that Mr Sutthiluck wanted to tell him a lot more and the obstacle of Arthit's memory loss was stopping him from doing so. Instead, he nodded and went back to his wife. Kongpob grinned at his husband who looked quite relieved and was about to walk to him when Sophia interrupted him. Arthit was getting all giddy when he saw Kongpob start to walk towards him but soon lost his good mood when that Sophia stopped him. 

He took a deep breath and walked towards them instead. Wrapping his arm around his husband's waist, he said sweetly: "tîi rák, why don't we first freshen up?" With widened eyes, Kongpob simply nodded and silently followed him. Granny winked at Arthit when he passed by her. When they reached their room, Arthit turned his face to look at his husband and the latter was all red. Worried, Arthit cradled his face: "You alright?" Kongpob licked his dry lips and asked: "What did you call me?"