The secret of our true love between us and everything in the middle

Chapter 17

      KongPob spent another day staying at home just to smooch off time. He had given his parents a call and just informed them that he wouldn't be home soon not going into details of why, which they thankfully understand. By the third day, P'Arthit had 'kicked' KongPob out of the house. He was supposedly tired of KongPob lying around doing nothing except ruining his comic book collection. KongPob had no choice but to go back to work which he wasn't necessarily excited to face.
     From the moment he stepped into the franchise, San had not let KongPob be. He went around spewing numerous apologies for the cause of his illness despite KongPob's constant reminder that he was fine and that it was an accident. Even when KongPob had gotten some space from him, San kept a watchful eye on him to a point the customers began to ask him to focus on his work. “Get yourself together P'San, or do you want the whole world to know!” Trim whispered harshly at his unprofessionalism. San tried to snap out of it and seem more discrete but he wasn't himself that day. This time his gaze didn't go unnoticed by KongPob who felt unnerved by San though he didn't feel the need to confront San.

    KongPob could grasp that P'San looked at him in a different way by now, he wasn't that blind and even though he turned an eye on such things, he didn't wnat to feign too much ignorance that P'San would see it as an opportunity. KongPob realised he was now walking on eggshells and he had to be extra careful. He had about 2 and 1/2 months left before school reopens and he could manage to not accelerate the matter further. For now, he would act normal around P'San so that maybe he would realise on his own that KongPob was not interested at all.
The day went smoothly as possible that the underlying tension could almost not be felt. When lunch break came around the corner, KongPob went to the back of the cafe where they hanged the laundry to enjoy some sun and eat. Trim joined him later on and the two enjoyed each other's company in the open.
      “I'm really glad that you are alright P'KongPob ka,” Trim said in between bites. “We were really worried about you and I'm really sorry that we didn't notice that you weren't feeling well.”
      “Hoiiiiii, it's nothing Trim. I am also at fault for not telling you guys. Don't kill yourself over it. At least I didn't get any worse with you guys than I already was.” KongPob replied, sipping on his chocolate milk. “Thanks to your handsome boyfriend.” Trim said carelessly yet watched for a reaction. KongPob almost chocked on his drink, his mind whirling for a moment cashing Trim yo thump his back lest she actually caused him to choke to death.
  
     “P'KongPob! Oh my God! I'm soooo sorry! I didn't mean to just blurt that out.” Trim apologised actually feeling bad for just saying that out of the blue but it confirmed her theory. KongPob and P'Arthit were a thing. “I'm fine Trim. Just went into the wrong pipe.” KongPob uttered, clearing his throat and chest, feeling a bit hot. “Ahhhhhh, ok. Thennnnnn.......... is it true to say that you and P'Arthit guy are a couple?” Trim continued wanting full answers. KongPob felt trapped for a moment. It wasn't that he didn't want to acknowledge it, it's just that he took into account P'Arthit's feelings that he didn't want people to know about them. An issue he knew they would have to face in the future. He kept quiet not sure of what he should say and Trim sensed that she might have gone Iver her boundaries.
“It's ok P'KongPob ka, you don't have to answer me. I honestly don't even have a right to be asking such questions. Just pretend that you didn't here that ok na...” Trim hurriedly said, feeling uncomfortable all of a sudden. She stood up to leave when KongPob stood up abruptly and called her back.

“No, it's fine. Yes, P'Arthit and I are in a relationship,” KongPob finally said after breathing out harshly. He felt  the need to tell inspire of his usual secrecy style since it felt as though hiding it would be a kin to lying to himself and that made it seem as though he was ashamed of himself. He did it to at least free a part of himself without compromising P'Arthit. Trim wasn't going to lie and say that she expected him to confess. On the contrary she expected KongPob to evade the topic easily much to his closed and mysterious nature so she was bit unsure of herself now that he had confessed. Both of them faced each other in some sort of unspoken trance, neither knowing what to do next. “Uh... P'KongPob..... I....” Trim began to say before the bell for lunch break went off, signalling them to get back to work. It startled the two who couldn't seem to move given their unfinished business.

“Look Trim, I know that I may be asking much and that it may seem a bit strange but my relationship with P'Arthit isn't something that I want to put out there so if you could.....”
“Don't worry P'KongPob, your secret is safe with me. My lips are sealed.” she motioned smiling reassuringly as she filled his unspoken words. She could understand KongPob well to know that not every same sex couple would publicise their relationship. Stigmatisation and judgement was still alive in the Thai society and no one liked having that on their backs. KongPob smiled back feeling relieved and lighthearted. At least he could trust someone around here with his happiness. They then headed back into the shop at the sound of P'San's insistently calling for them.

    The two entered smiling at each itehr, their new friendship gaining a new understanding which bewildered San who saw how they interacted the whole day as though they were closer than before. Did something happen? San didn't bother with them and continued sticking close to KongPob as before. The day flew by well despite KongPob having a second shadow. He had changed his mind about going back to P'Arthit's place and decided to head home, P'Arthit's advice about him being filial ringing in his head. It was his duty and responsibility ad the only some in the family to be there and take care of his parents as mucb as possible. He texted P'Arthit to tell him about it and P'Arthit was more than glad that he was going home. He too needed some space.

     They closed up the shop rather early, the turn up of customers being low that day. Seeing that P'Arthit was not arriving at all, San seeked to seize the opportunity and asked to give KongPob a ride home. KongPob had a feeling something like this would happen and didn't want to fuel San's feelings for him at the same time he didn't want to come off as ungrateful and rude to an offer or make it obvious that he was distancing himself from San. He was completely silent, contemplating on how to approach the situation without making it awkward.
    Sensing KongPob's hesitance, Trim stepped in to the rescue. “Sorry P'San, but P'KongPob is taking me him today ka. He promised me earlier that he would isn't that right P'KongPob ka?” Trim said, voice laced with honey looking up to him to follow her lead. Despite having a non-lying policy, KongPob didn't miss rye chance to jump out of the situation. “Yes krap. I apologise P'San.” KongPob muttered lowly trying to give off an understanding feel so THAT San could respond well.
     “Oohh, ok. I wasn't aware you two had become this close to be taking each other home though,” San replied looking suspiciously at Trim.
     "Oiiii P'San, don't take it too hard. You can take him home another time.” She then hooked her arm with KongPob and dragged him away before San could say anything further. “Have a good night P'San and get home safely.” she shouted as they entered a taxi together and sped away.
   
    “Hoooo, that was close KongPob. If I hadn't cut in, you would be in a serious predicament with San." Trim saud as sge told the driver to drop her off a few blocks ahead. “I don't know if you have noticed but, P'San seems to think off you in a different way like you know roma ......." "I know Trim. I know."KongPob cut in not wanting her to say it out loud." Ohhhhhhh. Sooooo..... What are you going to do about it? Doesn't it bother you at all?” Trim asked curious to know  why KongPob held his silence if he knew.
"I don't like having complications and I really like working at the cafe. As long as he doesn't do anything to compromise that then, I won't act up towards it. It's better to keep the peace at times.” KongPob explained as the taxi came to a stop to let Trim off.

    “I understand you P' but I must warn you though, San...... He can get very persistent and isn't likely to give up. I hope you won't cave in,"Trim replied a bit worried." Don't worry Trim. Nothing like that will happen. I'm not the type to easily change my mind. Goodnight.” KongPob said smiling at her softly.
Returning his smile, Trim got out of the car, satisfied. KongPob was an assertive guy and he seems to handle the situation fine. "OK, P'KongPob. Then I'll see you tomorrow. Sorry for the trouble. Goodnight ka." she yelled, waving at him as she walked away and KongPob redirected the driver to the other direction to take him home.
    He thoyvht about what Trim said about San and he knew he had to be more conscious and decisive when it came to him to avoid trouble. He didn't want this to get out of hand and cause problems for him and his lover yet somehow he felt that this was only the beginning. He didn't want to give it much thought but his guts usually never mislead him and thus time they were saying that trouble was in its way.