Destined You & I (Completed)

Chapter 17

2013
(K19, A18)

The bus ride was bumpy. The roads were unevenly paved. The streets were getting less crowded as the bus headed away from the city. The minibus's air conditioning was weak if working at all. But thanks to the retreating sun, the Songkran heat was bearable for the two young lovers that were sitting closely together.

Arthit doesn't know where Kongpob is taking him, but he didn't care as long as they were together. They had left the kids and Miss Eva as soon as they finished helping Miss Eva unload everything from the bus back at the orphanage. Miss Eva couldn't help shedding a few tears before letting Kongpob go. Seven years had gone by in a blink of an eye. She gave them each a great big hug, and told them to come back to visit.

They have been on the minibus for almost twenty minutes. Kongpob was looking out the window, and sharing his earbuds with Arthit again.

Passengers alighted one after another until they were the only ones left. Arthit scanned around, and indeed they were the only ones left on the bus besides the driver. He glanced sideways with a little smile, and ever so slowly lowered his head onto Kongpob's shoulder. Kongpob smiled, and took Arthit's hand, and placed it on his lap, running his thumb gently back and forth. Arthit's smile grew wider, and his eyes met the driver's through the rear view mirror. The driver smiled at the two young lovers.

"Last stop!" The bus driver called out.

Both boys quickly got up as the bus came to a complete stop, and the driver got up from his seat.

"Last bus returning is at eleven." The bus driver spoke to no one in particular.

"Thank you Sir." Kongpob said with a wai before getting off the bus behind Arthit.

Kongpob looked at his watch, and it was just past eight. So, they still had plenty of time to catch the last bus. "Arthit, what time do you want to be back home?"

"Any time before midnight should be fine." Arthit lied. His mother and father have texted him multiple times asking for his return. They haven't seen him all night and day, and were worried sick about him. His father had specifically asked that he return home by dinner time, but that has long passed now. Arthit figured if he is going to be punished or scolded, he might as well make the most of today. After all this is their first date, and the days are counting down. Every minute was too precious to waste.

"Well, we have plenty of time then, but let's not stay out too late. I'm sure your family misses you. Besides, it's been a long day, and I know you must be tired." Kongpob said as they walked away from the bus stop.

"Okay, but there's no rush. I think as long as we can catch the last bus, then it's okay." Arthit said, but honestly he was feeling a bit tired. They stayed up till really late, or technically early last night. Then they've played around with kids all day today. So, he is a bit tired, but he doesn't want to miss even a minute of it. Especially not when they can finally be alone.

Dusk was soon approaching, but the light was still mingling in the sky. The boys walked side by side, both with goofy smiles. Their hands touched every now and then, and both would look to each other with a shy smile.

Arthit didn't question where they were going. He just followed wherever Kongpob was leading him. They were walking on a cobblestone street, and he noticed all the streets nearby were cobblestone. This was not typical in Bangkok. He looked around the area, and there were some really beautiful houses. Some were practically mansions that were gated with fancy cars parked outside. These houses were also spaced apart unlike homes in his own neighborhood that were right next to each other. Arthit has never been to this part of town. He wondered what they were doing here.