The Irresistible Vortex

Chapter 10

Date: 27/7/2020

AN: Enjoy!

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The weekend was here and Arthit's entire being was thrumming with the need to get his hands dirty with those beautiful colors. His hands were itching to sketch and fingers craving the touch of the soft wood that made up his collection of high quality brushes. His mind and soul just screaming Arthit to get in there and turn those blank canvases into high-class art pieces. His inspiration was strong and muses so loud that he could actually feel the paintings in his mouth, like he could taste them. And this entire weekend, Arthit knew he wouldn't leave his studio for entire two days. He had converted his second bedroom into a make-shift studio for times of sudden bouts of inspiration of all-nighters. Arthit was also sharing a separate studio with a fellow artist so they could split the rent.

At the back of his mind, Arthit knew this artistic inspiration might be a result of his high about what was happening in his life. The fact that the man of his dreams was interested in him and was indeed actively chasing him was just so ...almost unbelievable. He felt like he was floating on cloud nine and now, he was going to take this feeling and transfer it into his canvas. He knew whatever he produced in these two days was going to be amazing. He hoped he would be able to complete at least one-piece and if it was extraordinary he just might add it for the exhibition.

And as was obvious, Arthit started painting after work on Friday and only came out of the zone on Sunday afternoon, when his concerned friends intervened just like they did in college.

"What the hell!" Bright exclaimed as he entered the studio. Arthit hand was flailing but he was still holding onto the brush. Paints were all over the floor and walls. The artist himself was wearing just the pajama bottoms and his exposed skin was streaked with different colored paints.

Arthit's head snapped up and he was startled by his friend's presence in the house. Prem had now standing beside Bright and he shook his head. Arthit's eyes were rimmed red and dry, his hair was disheveled and his whole body had a slight tremor that indicated pure exhaustion. Prem gently moved in, pried the brush from Arthit's hand and held his friend as he led him to his bedroom. Knott was already preparing some soup for their friend, who didn't look like had eaten anything at all. The fact that Arthit didn't answer any of their calls or messages on Friday or Saturday said a lot. At some point on Saturday, the phone had probably gone dead as it had not been charged. Arthit had not even heard them ringing the doorbell, and they had to use the apartment key Prem had for emergencies like this.

"Okay, that's it Arthit. Go now freshen up a bit," Prem said as he guided the exhausted man towards the bathroom with a change of clothes. A while later Arthit found himself sitting comfortably on his bed, with all his friends around him. Knott handed Arthit a bowl of steaming soup and toast, and commanded him to finish it. The cute man started taking small sips, allowing the warm liquid to soothe his frazzled insides.

"It's been a while since this happened. What brought this on, huh?" Bright asked but Arthit just gave a small shrug.

Tutah came forward, smugly said, his tone more mischievous than anything else, "Could it be because of your dream boy's actions lately? The whole 'show' as he called it?"

Arthit knew better than to respond. But that didn't stop the flush on his face or the stupid smile on his lips. "Aww. Look at that cute little smile...!" Tutah said as he poked the little dimple on Arthit's cheek. The friends all started giggle and laughing, teasing their friend about the expensive gifts he had gotten over the week.

Once Arthit was calm enough he was asked in no uncertain terms to go to bed and sleep. The friends left the apartment when they were sure that the artist was sleeping soundly.