Destined You & I (Completed)

Chapter 27

2013
(K19, A18)

It's early in the day and the marketplace is still quiet. Locals and tourists have yet to fill the tight aisles that separate one stall from another. Some vendors are lazily just starting to set up their stalls for business. Here at the market, you can find all sorts of things to buy. From clothing to jewelry to purses to souvenirs and much much more. There's something for everyone.

Kongpob holds up a silver band. He doesn't know what size would actually fit Arthit. He places it on his ring finger and a silly grin breaks across his face. There's a funny feeling in his stomach. He wonders if Arthit will like it. This one is slightly loose on him so it should probably fit. But it shouldn't matter too much since he plans to buy silver chains so that they can wear the rings around their neck. Kongpob thinks it's better to wear them around their necks instead of their fingers because they are still so young.

Kongpob has thought of getting Arthit a ring ever since he promised to return to him after his studies. He can sense Arthit's anxiety over his departure and he wants to do something that would make Arthit feel better. Kongpob understands what Arthit is worried about, but only time can tell what will become of them. Kongpob feels that as long as they love each other, then two years will not be a problem. His grandpa for example loved Jenny till his very last breath and he probably still does even in the afterlife. That's if there's an afterlife. Unfortunately, his grandpa and Jenny's love story had obstacles that were beyond their abilities to overcome.

However, that's not the case with him and Arthit. Kongpob's parents are very supportive of him no matter what he chooses. And Arthit's parents are accepting as well even though Arthit's father hasn't exactly been enthusiastic about their relationship. At least no one is against them being together. So, unless they fall out of love on their own, they have no problem.

"N'Kongpob, do you know which one you want yet? I have some more here." Joon takes out another tray of silver rings for the young boy.

"Hmm... I think I found it already. P'Joon, do you have another one of this one here?" Kongpob shows P'Joon the ring he likes. It's a silver band with a chain inlay. It looks pretty stylish to him. Hopefully, Arthit likes it. It's nothing fancy. It's what Kongpob can afford at the moment. Aside from walking dogs and tutoring after school, Kongpob had no other means of earning money. Everything else he did was volunteer work, and his parents didn't allow him to get a real part-time job. They didn't want work to interfere with his studies, and their modest family didn't need much. They are happy to have each other and everything else is just extra.

"N'Kongpob, you're lucky! I only have two of this style left, but I don't know if the size will fit you. Here, try it. If these don't work out, then try another style. At least you can count on my stuff being real silver. I can't say the same down the street." Joon hands Kongpob the second matching one from another tray of silver rings.

"Thanks," Kongpob takes the ring from Joon and puts it on his ring finger. It fits him perfectly. He'll give the slightly loose one to Arthit. "I'll take them. Can you help me pick silver chains for them? I want to wear it on my neck."

"Sure. These should be the right length for you. You're so thoughtful N'Kongpob. He's very lucky to have you." Joon smiles and takes one of the rings and threads it through a silver chain.

Kongpob blushes with a smile and looks away. "How did you know it's a boy?" Kongpob mumbles his question. He didn't mention any gender.

"Well, you chose a pair of men style rings and they're both pretty big. It's just my guess but seeing your smile, I think I'm right. Do you want to try it on?" Joon winks at Kongpob as she hands the necklace with the ring over.