ADDICTED: NICOTINE

CHAPTER 12

"What do you want to eat?" 

"I don't know. You have any suggestions?" Arthit cocked his head toward his boyfriend as they walk through the shore. 

"What about me?"

Arthit almost choked on his spit and coughed. He started talking again after he cleared his throat.

"You'll get what you want later 'kay?"

"I really think we should've bought the red tiger's eye pendant." winking at his boyfriend, Kongpob wrapped an arm around his boyfriend's waist. When the auntie explained about the pendant they were now wearing, Kongpob suddenly felt guilty. He didn't like lying, especially to Arthit. He doesn't know how Arthit would react if he finds out about his plans, the cameras in his house and stealing his family's fortune. But then he remembered, Arthit will never know and if he does, he can always make a few twists. A white lie wouldn't hurt, right?

"I heard there's a good Italian Restaurant around here, you want to try that?" Kongpob raised his eyebrows and looks at Arthit with a smile.

When Arthit nodded in agreement, the other man led him off the shore to the car. Arthit looked confused when he saw the car already waiting for them because Kongpob didn't even take his phone out to call the guards or something. He looked at Kongpob who smiled at him.

"They've been following us around the whole time. We can't be left unattended, especially you. We'll never know if something happens that might cause our well being."

Arthit nodded as he said he understands. They really can't have anything happen to them.

They were now dining at a restaurant, Kongpob got a private lounge so Arthit won't feel anxious when Kong feeds him just like earlier when they ate lunch at a local diner they found on their way to PaTong. He doesn't know how his boyfriend can get flustered and shy when people look at them getting all fluffy in public but not care at all when he almost ate him at the bar. Perhaps it was the alcohol.

"What challenges do you think that Auntie was telling us?" Arthit asked then shoving a spoonful of pasta into his mouth. He couldn't help himself from being curious so he asked.

Kongpob finished chewing his food before speaking.

"I don't know, but whatever it is we'll face it together." he said smiling warmly.  Arthit returned the smile and nodded.

After eating dinner they went back to Bangla Road, the street was already being crowded by people so Kong and Arthit dropped off a block away from the main road. When they walked in pass the crowd at the main entrance, Arthit was mesmerized at the scene. Party lights gleaming through different directions, sounds of music booming out of giant speakers, and a crowd partying and having the time of their life. They all just seem to be so happy, so free. Arthit loved that.

The fair skinned man held his boyfriends hand and looked at him in the eyes. Eyes that screamed love. So much love. He hugged his lover tightly.

"Thank you." Arthit said softly but was loud enough for the man in front of him to hear.

"What are you thanking me for?" Kong asked running his hand on Arthit's soft hair.

"For giving me back my freedom and for loving me after all these time." Arthit answered honestly, resting his head on Kongpob's chest. The latter placing a kiss on top of his head.

"Anything for you baby."

They pulled out from their hug and started walking through the street. Buying food and drinks here and there. Dancing with the crowd and hyping up people who moved to the beat in the middle of the crowd. Everything was wild and fun.