Destined You & I (Completed)

Chapter 13

2013
(K19, A18)

Dawn slowly illuminated the room through the crack of the curtains. All was still quiet except for the birds chirping outside the window. All of them busy to get the early worms. Another day was about to start, with or without anyone's permission. Time was ticking, waiting for no one.

Watching Arthit's chest rise and fall steadily, I studied his features, and replayed all that has transpired. Sleep was nowhere to be found since my mind was restless. Arthit is so brave, I thought to myself while staring at him sleeping. He is using my arm as his pillow. He looks incredibly innocent with his puffy cheeks, soft pink lips, big eyes, and long lashes. Still very child-like when he is asleep.

Seeing Arthit drenched in the cold earlier caused a pang to my heart that I couldn't explain. I never would have expected to see Arthit in the middle of the night, and especially not in the middle of a drizzle. All I wanted was some fresh air to clear my muddled brain and mixed emotions. Never would I have thought, the one I had weighing on my mind would literally run into my arms, and take my breath away.

"Tell me the reason you are out here so late is the same as me Kongpob. Tell me."

Arthit demanded an answer that I could not deny. "Yes. It's the same," was the truth, and all that I was capable of saying. My heart was hammering against my chest, and it sounded like drums playing in my ears. I wanted to hold him just like that, just a little bit longer. But Arthit took a step back, and our eyes met. He is so beautiful. There's no other word to describe him. His face was misty, and his hair was wet. He continued to stare at me, searching for answers, and waiting for words that didn't come. I was too afraid to say anything. My mind had only become more confused by my admission. How was I supposed to confess, and break his heart at the same time? I can't.

And I didn't expect what happened next. How could I? Because the very next thing I knew was Arthit's lips were on mine. It took a moment for me to even realize I was being kissed. It was my very first kiss. A kiss I would never forget. A kiss that can never be taken back. And I wasn't sure if I was doing it right, but I gave it my all. Pouring all the emotions that words couldn't possibly express. We only stopped when we were out of breath.

"What do we do now?" Arthit asked with his head resting against mine.

I kept my eyes closed while I gathered all my emotions back together. I had no answer to that question. At least not yet. All I wanted to do was protect Arthit from the rain, and anything that was making him sad. But how can I do that if I am the source of his sadness? Wouldn't the best answer be for me to stay away? Stay away from Arthit so I won't cause him anymore pain. But I couldn't. Not when he is wet and shivering. I didn't want him to get sick. I needed to warm him up. So, I took him home. That was my only thought at the moment.

When Arthit pulled my hand back, I was afraid that he was going to leave. I knew Arthit was nervous about my parents, but I knew it was going to be okay. But I guess I must have said something that he didn't like, because I saw a flash of disappointment. He wanted me to let go of him, but I wasn't ready to let him go. I wanted him close to me. So, I held his hand tightly, and pulled him along. I liked how his hand fits in mine like it's meant to be.

When we got home, I quickly took him to my room. I left him there to change, and I quickly went to make him some ginger tea. Ginger tea has always kept the cold away from me. My grandpa used to make it every time I sneezed, but now my mom makes it for me. I hoped it would work for Arthit too. I had put in extra honey.

When I came back into my room, he was standing next to my bookshelves. I wanted to show him my grandpa, and then I realized again that I could have met Arthit when I was much younger. I can't believe we have danced around with each other all these years. I wanted Arthit to drink the ginger tea while it was still warm, and stupid me didn't realize I had forgotten to give him a towel to dry his hair.

I tried to dry his hair while he quickly drank his tea. When I was done, I couldn't help but stare at him. Like under a spell, our lips connected again. I still trembled against his moving lips. I was just as unsure as I was moments ago. He pulled me in closer and closer, and soon he was laying flat on my bed with me above him. Again, Arthit is much bolder than I am.

I had to stop Arthit. I had to stop myself. I pushed myself up, loosening his arms that were still around my neck.

"Arthit, what are we doing? I just had my first and second kiss. And you...and me...I'm not..." I found myself saying, and before I could further reason with him, he had already pulled me back in. But this time our kiss was much slower with small gentle pecks in between. When we finally stopped kissing, I looked into his eyes. There were tears falling down the sides.

"Arthit, please don't cry." I wiped his tears with my hands, and I leaned my head to his. I don't want to see him like this. My heart in my chest was so tight. It was hard to breathe. This was what I was afraid of. I've avoided all of this for so long. Why couldn't I have avoided it with Arthit? Now, I've made him cry. 'Kongpob, you have failed!' I internally scolded myself. What can I say to make it better? We stayed silent for a few seconds that felt much longer.

Arthit broke the silence with a sudden question. "Kongpob, when are you leaving? How many more days will you be here?" Arthit asked, cupping my face in his hands, and then sliding his fingers into my hair.

"I will be leaving in thirty two days." I told him with my eyes closed, and I took a deep breath. My impending departure now feels way too soon.

"Give them all to me. Let's live in the moment. I want to be with you. I want to be your boyfriend. Will you be mine?"

I shook my head. "Arthit, I don't think that's a good idea. I don't want you to be sad when I leave."

"So, you want me to be sad before you leave?"

"No, of course not. I don't want you to be sad at all." I placed my right hand over his that was still holding my face.

"It's kind of too late for that, you know? So, just be my boyfriend. We can have a date everyday since it's break time, and there's no school. Many couples only date once a week. If we have thirty two dates, then it's like we are dating for eight months. Right?"

Is he hearing what he is saying? I frowned at his logic. "I'm pretty sure that's not how it works."

"Kongpob, just say yes, or no." Arthit pouted.

"Yes." I said without really thinking about the consequences. I had realized that I can't say 'no' to that face. I laid down next to him, and turned off the lamp on my nightstand. Dawn was breaking, and the sky was getting brighter. The light was trickling into my room. I can now clearly see all the boxes around my room.

I turned back to see Arthit's eyes shut. Arthit yawned, and pulled my arm under him. "I'm tired. I'm going to sleep on you, so you can't sneak away." Then he draped his arm around my waist, and drifted off to sleep within seconds.

I'm left awake, pondering my decision while studying his beautiful face. What should I do? Are we really going to go on thirty two dates? I gently ran my fingers through his hair, and a soft little smile appeared on his face. Please don't let me hurt him, I prayed to anyone that would listen. Let him break me, and I would leave smiling.

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AN: Hello Sweets, sorry for another late update. I was traveling last week, and life in general took over.

So, are you happy or sad with this chapter? Arthit is so courageous. ❤️

Maybe Facts 😅: Singto adopted his late mother's last name in honor and memory of her. That's why his last name is not the same as his father Boonrod Cheewanorasuchakul. He has also given out scholarships to children in his mother's name. (This info was actually given by another reader. If this is incorrect, please let me know. I was just very touched by the way Singto has chosen to honor his mother, and I wanted to share this with you. He is such a good son.)