[THE NIGHT BEFORE]
Daotok lay in bed, restless, his body tossing and turning for nearly half an hour. The warmth of his bath had long faded, failing to bring him the relaxation he had hoped for. His mind refused to quiet down, thoughts swirling like an unstoppable storm.
Cream, who had been in the bathroom with him earlier, had tried to engage in conversation as usual, but even her chatter couldn't distract him. She had casually mentioned hearing a noise near the door when he returned home, though she hadn't dared to check what it was.
It was probably for the best that she hadn't seen anything. The more she pressed for details, the harder it became to push the incident out of his mind. His lips pressed into a thin line every time it resurfaced. And it would only get worse from here.
His heart, already shaken and unsteady, now felt like it was teetering on the edge. He had always been the type to remain indifferent to most things—his expression unreadable, his emotions carefully guarded.
People often remarked on how rare it was to see him smile, and an even rarer occurrence was seeing him flustered. Yet somehow, Arthit managed to unravel him effortlessly, reducing his composed demeanor to a blushing, nervous mess.
The worst part? He seemed to enjoy it. The way his lips curled into a pleased smirk whenever he caught Daotok's cheeks tinged with red—it was maddening.
He had resolved to punish him for the kiss. A silent treatment, until he felt satisfied. First, as a form of retribution. Second, because he wasn't ready to face him yet—not when just thinking about him sent heat creeping up hismneck.
He hadn't realized he was this easily unsettled. Or rather, it only happened with Arthit. Could it still be called 'easily flustered' if it only applied to one person?
His friends would surely tease him mercilessly if they found out. Especially North, who never missed an opportunity to pounce on his weaknesses.
After finishing his bath, Daotok turned his attention to the shopping bags from earlier that day. He began putting away the clothes, shoes, and the hat he had received. A small, unconscious smile tugged at his lips. Even in something as simple as buying things for him, Arthit remained as overbearing as ever.
Once everything was settled, exhaustion took over. He collapsed onto the bed, expecting sleep to claim him quickly—but his body refused to rest. Hencurled up under the blanket despite the room not being particularly cold.
The bed felt too spacious. Too empty. That was the terrifying part. Just a few nights of having Arthit's warmth beside him, and already, he had grown accustomed to it.
Frustrated, he reached for his phone, hoping to pass the time. As soon as he unlocked the screen, a flood of unread messages greeted him.
[ARTHIT]: Have you taken a bath yet? What are you doing? Working?
[ARTHIT]: Why aren't you reading this? Did your internet run out? I'm playing a game now. Finished the game, and you still haven't read it.
[ARTHIT]: Are you working or sleeping? What time is your class tomorrow? I have morning rounds, so I probably can't drop you off.
[ARTHIT]: Could you spare a moment to reply? Are you mad about the kiss? Don't be mad, I was trying to hold back!
[ARTHIT]: What? Or are you embarrassed? You're embarrassed, aren'tnyou? Okay, fine. Since you're embarrassed, I won't call you. But I'm onlyngiving you until tomorrow to blush!
[ARTHIT]: I'll play one more game and then sleep. You should sleep too.nGoodnight.
A helpless sigh escaped Daotok as he read through the messages. He was the type to ask and answer his own questions all in one breath. A small, amused smile formed on his lips before he placed his phone down.
"Goodnight to you too," he murmured under his breath, closing his eyes.
This time, sleep finally came to him within minutes.
[THE NEXT MORNING]
Class proceeded as usual, though Daotok couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts of last night's messages. Arthit had sent another flood of texts that morning, mostly complaining about his lack of sleep due to his early hospital rounds.
During lunch, Khun Kim reached out, saying he was nearby and wanted to discuss their project. Remembering that Arthit had insisted he wrap up the work quickly, Daotok agreed. Knowing full well that Arthit wouldn't appreciate him meeting Khun Kim without informing him, he sent a quick text beforehand. Surprisingly, Arthit specified a particular café for their meeting. It wasn't until he arrived and saw Min working as a server there that everything clicked.
So, he had sent someone to keep an eye on him.
Min, Ever the observant one, chatted with him for a while before Khun Kim arrived. She mentioned keeping herself busy to avoid thinking about Donut, but Daotok had the distinct feeling she was here for more than just distraction. Not that he minded.
Khun Kim seemed unusually cheerful as they ordered coffee and got to work. The project involved three illustrations for his horror novel, including the cover. He was meticulous, wanting to review drafts immediately to ensure they met his expectations. Daotok, always prepared, sketched rough drafts on the spot as he listened to Khun Kim explain his vision.
However, the conversation soon veered off course.
"You know, ever since we first met, I thought you were incredibly talented,"
Khun Kim said, watching him sketch.
Daotok didn't look up. "Thank you."
"You're very charming too, did you know that?"
"Uh... no."
"Maybe you should smile more. I haven't seen you smile yet."
Silence.
"You're not very talkative, are you? That's probably another one of your charms. Do people hit on you often?"
"No." Daotok pushed the sketch towards him. "Could you check the background on this side?"
Instead of focusing on work, Khun Kim leaned in, his tone more personal. "If you have free time, we should go somewhere for inspiration."
"I don't have much free time."
"Ah, then maybe the weekend?"
"I'll have to decline."
"Because of him?"
Daotok glanced up, expression unreadable.
"If you need help, you can tell me," Khun Kim pressed. "Or... is he forcing you?"
Daotok's patience wore thin. "I'm not uncomfortable with him."
Khun Kim hesitated before sighing. "Can't you give me a chance?"
"No."
A long pause. Then, softly, "Do you really like him that much?"
"Yes."
Khun Kim chuckled, though it lacked humor. "I envy him."
Daotok remained firm. "It has to be him."
And with that, the matter was settled.
They returned to work, but an undeniable shift had settled between them—one that could not be undone.
☆☆☆☆☆
[PRESENT TIME]
Daotok turned his head at the sudden sound, only to find Arthit grinning at him, amusement dancing in his eyes. Before he could say a word, Arthit burst into laughter.
"Why do you look so startled?" he teased, tilting his head slightly.
Daotok hesitated, his brows knitting together. "I'm just surprised," he admitted softly, shifting his gaze away. "Why did you suddenly speak so politely?"
"Hm? I don't know." Arthit shrugged, the corners of his mouth quirking up mischievously. "Why? Don't you like it?"
"No, it's just... unfamiliar." Daotok shook his head, voice quiet yet firm.
Arthit hummed in understanding. "Right. I'm not used to it either. Now that I think about it, I never actually asked if you wanted me to talk more politely to you. But I figured you wouldn't want me to force it."
Daotok turned back to him, eyes narrowing slightly. "Forcing it how?"
"Like speaking more formally all the time."
Daotok huffed, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "No need for that. Just be yourself."
Arthit's grin widened as he reached out to give Daotok's shoulder a light squeeze. "Knew it. But you getting all flustered? That's kind of cute."
Daotok rolled his eyes but said nothing as they exited the restaurant together. Just as they stepped onto the pavement, Min hurried after them.
"Thit, you forgot your car keys."
"Oh, thanks," Arthit said, taking them from her hand. Min's gaze flickered to Daotok, a knowing smile forming as she noticed Arthit's arm draped casually around his shoulders.
"And you, Yu-Seong? Did you bring your motorbike?" she asked.
Daotok gave a small nod. "Yeah. What about you, P' Min?"
"I came by car."
"Take my motorbike back for me, will you?" Arthit tossed his keys to her without hesitation.
Min caught them, frowning in confusion. "Your big bike? You're asking me to take it back?"
"Yeah."
"And what about you?"
"I'm going back with my boyfriend, obviously. Right, Yu-Seong?" Arthit flashed him a wicked grin.
"Huh?" Daotok turned to him immediately, utterly perplexed. Boyfriend?
What the hell was he talking about?
"Why don't you take your own bike back?" Daotok asked, incredulous.
Arthit leaned in, voice smug. "I feel like riding behind you and holding onto your waist for once."
Daotok scoffed. "No way. Patcharamon's tires will probably go flat."
"I'm not that heavy!" Arthit protested stubbornly.
Min covered her mouth, shaking with barely contained laughter. "Oh my god, you're serious? Dao, you're really letting him ride with you? Look at his size—he's like a buffalo! Your bike won't survive."
Arthit shot her a mock-offended look. "Hey! It'll be fine. I've never ridden on the back before. It'll be exciting."
Daotok groaned, rubbing his temples. How did this happen? Arthit was supposed to be the one giving him a ride, not the other way around.
"I feel so sorry for your bike," Min continued, shaking her head. "Why don't you just take your big bike back?"
"Because I'm worried about my friend! I don't want her to go through the trouble of catching a ride home," Arthit said with exaggerated concern.
"Worried about me? What a lame excuse," Min shot back. "And how am I supposed to know where 'the usual spot' even is?"
"The very last row. And don't let anything scratch my bike."
Min gave him a deadpan look. "Are you serious? Dao, why do you put up with this guy? He was supposed to pick you up properly, and now this?"
"Hurry up, I want to get home!" Arthit whined, nudging Daotok forward.
Daotok sighed in defeat and climbed onto Patcharamon. As soon as he turned the key, he felt the heavy weight of Arthit climbing onto the back, making the entire bike wobble dangerously before settling.
"Take it easy, or we'll tip over," Arthit warned.
"You're heavy," Daotok grumbled, adjusting his grip on the handles. At this rate, he could only pray Patcharamon wouldn't give out under them.
Min, meanwhile, was in hysterics. "I can't—oh my god, Dao, you look so done with life right now. This is the most pitiful thing I've ever seen!"
"Min, shut up. Shorty, ignore her and just drive!" Arthit ordered, giving Daotok's shoulder a light tap.
Daotok groaned again. "You're heavy," he repeated, more to himself than anyone else.
"Huh? What's wrong? Why do you hate me so much?" Arthit asked, feigning innocence.
Min wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. "Because you're riding a Scoopy-i like a damn buffalo on a toy bike! Dao, I'm begging you, don't do this again!"
"Enough already! Let's go, Patch!" Arthit cheered, as if addressing the bike itself.
Daotok rolled his eyes before finally accelerating.
As they rode, he barely paid attention to anything other than keeping the bike upright. The added weight threw off his balance, making every turn feel like a struggle. Then, without warning, he felt Arthit's arms tighten around his waist, his face pressing against his shoulder.
"What were you talking about with Kim?" Arthit asked, voice close to his ear.
"Work."
"Why did it take so long?"
"He brought up other topics."
"Like what?"
Daotok sighed. "Can we talk about this later? I'm focusing on driving."
Arthit chuckled. "Alright, alright. But you're wobbling like an amateur."
"Because of your weight," Daotok shot back.
"Tch. Don't be so mean," Arthit said, pressing his forehead lightly against the nape of Daotok's neck. "You smell nice."
"Get off."
"No way. This is a new experience for me, you know? I've never ridden like this before."
"Sigh."
"Hey, take me on a joyride."
"No."
"You're so stingy! I've taken you on rides before."
"..."
"Come on, speed up! I'll be your biker chick!"
"Sigh."
Arthit pointed ahead. "Turn here. There's less traffic. A bit of a detour, but at least we get to ride longer."
Daotok groaned but complied, steering Patcharamon down the quieter road.
What had started as a normal evening had somehow spiraled into this ridiculous situation.
Even as they finally arrived, the scent of Arthit's cologne still clung to him.
As they stepped into the condo, Arthit smirked. "Being a passenger is great, you know?"
"Why?"
"Because I barely had to do anything... and I got to mess with you a lot."
Daotok sighed deeply, already regretting every decision that had led him to this moment.
As soon as they stepped into the elevator, Arthit turned toward Daotok, his expression unreadable. "So, why didn't you reply to my texts all day?"
Daotok hesitated, his fingers tightening around the strap of his bag. Just thinking about yesterday's kiss was enough to send his heart racing. He avoided looking at Arthit, staring straight ahead at the elevator doors instead. His silence didn't go unnoticed.
Arthit, ever perceptive, smirked knowingly. "Oh? So you're ignoring me now?"
Daotok's lips pressed into a thin line, refusing to take the bait. The silence stretched between them as the elevator ascended, filled only with the soft hum of the machinery. When they reached his floor, he stepped out first, leading the way to his apartment.
At the door, he turned and held out his hand expectantly. "Give me my stuff."
Arthit merely raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. Instead of complying, he shifted the weight of the items in his arms, making no move to hand them over. "Let me stay over."
"No."
"I won't do what I did yesterday."
"Still no."
"Why not?"
"Because I said so."
Before Daotok could react, Arthit casually pulled out his keycard and swiped it against the reader. The door unlocked with a soft beep, and in the next second, Daotok found himself yanked inside.
He barely had time to protest before Arthit shut the door behind them, dragging him toward the couch. His grip was firm but not forceful, a silent assertion of dominance that sent a shiver down Daotok's spine.
"What—"
His words were cut off as Arthit abruptly tugged him down onto his lap, making him stumble. A surprised yelp escaped his lips. He quickly tried to push himself away, but Arthit's arms wrapped around his waist, keeping him locked in place. Their faces were mere inches apart, so close that Daotok could feel the warmth of Arthit's breath against his skin.
"Are you mad about yesterday?" Arthit murmured, his deep voice sending another wave of heat through Daotok's body.
Daotok turned his head away, refusing to meet his gaze. He felt his cheeks burning and cursed inwardly at his body's reaction. But Arthit wasn't having any of it. He reached up, cupping Daotok's chin gently, guiding his face back toward him.
Their eyes met—dark and unreadable against wide, flustered ones.
"N-no," Daotok stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Then why won't you let me stay?" Arthit's arms tightened around him, their bodies pressing impossibly closer.
Daotok pressed his lips together, stubbornly refusing to answer. His heartbeat pounded so violently that he swore Arthit could hear it.
Arthit chuckled, the sound rich with amusement. "Hm?" he teased, leaning forward until his lips brushed against the shell of Daotok's ear. A soft gasp escaped Daotok before he could stop it. Arthit trailed down to his neck, pressing a slow, lingering kiss against his pulse point.
"I thought you said you wouldn't do what you did yesterday!" Daotok exclaimed, attempting to push him away.
"I'm not doing anything. Why are you avoiding me?"
"Just—just back off!"
"Why?"
Daotok frowned, flustered beyond belief, which only made Arthit chuckle again. "Alright, turn and talk to me properly."
"Can't we talk normally without all this?" Daotok huffed, still struggling against him.
Arthit tilted his head slightly, his smirk widening. "What's abnormal about this?"
Daotok glared at him. Instead of answering, he buried his face against Arthit's shoulder, gripping the front of his lab coat tightly. His breath was uneven, his heart hammering wildly. If he looked into Arthit's eyes now, he knew he would lose.
"Hey," Daotok whispered faintly.
Arthit remained silent, as if waiting for what would come next.
"Let me go."
"Are you teasing me?"
"No, I'm just being affectionate."
Arthit huffed, his arms still wrapped around him. "Fine. You're too cute for your own good, but I'm not letting you get up. We're talking like this."
Daotok sighed in defeat. He wasn't sure if it was exhaustion or something else entirely, but he found himself relaxing slightly in Arthit's embrace.
"So, tell me," Arthit began casually, "what were you talking about with Kim earlier?"
Daotok stiffened. "At first, it was about work."
"Mm-hm."
"Then... he said he liked me."
The air in the room instantly shifted. Arthit's hold on him tightened.
"What?"
Daotok swallowed. "He said he's liked me for a long time, but he didn't realize it until recently."
There was a beat of silence, then—
Daotok suddenly found himself flipped onto his back against the sofa, Arthit hovering over him. His breath caught in his throat.
"W-wait! Calm down!" he sputtered. "Didn't you say you wouldn't do what you did yesterday?!"
Arthit ignored him, instead lowering his lips to Daotok's wrist, nipping at the skin lightly. The touch sent an odd flutter through Daotok's chest.
"What did you say in response?" Arthit's voice was dangerously low.
"I turned him down," Daotok replied firmly.
Arthit's expression shifted. "Turned him down how?"
"I told him I like you," Daotok admitted quietly. "That it has to be you."
Arthit's lips curled into a satisfied smirk before he leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss against Daotok's cheek. Then, without warning, he buried his face in the crook of Daotok's neck. The familiar warmth returned, along with the feeling of soft lips trailing dangerously close to his collarbone.
"Do you think he saw this mark?" Arthit murmured.
Daotok's entire body went rigid. "H-huh?"
"The mark that shows you're mine."
Before Daotok could process his words, he felt another sharp sting on his neck.
"Again?!" he yelped, shoving at Arthit's chest. But the man barely budged, looking far too pleased with himself.
"Just thinking about how that guy was staring at you earlier pisses me off,"
Arthit muttered, placing another kiss on Daotok's exposed collarbone.
Arthit leaned in, his lips grazing the smooth skin of Daotok's collarbone before trailing lower, just beneath the neckline of his shirt. His kisses were slow, deliberate, each one leaving behind a faint trace of warmth before the sting of a forming mark set in. Another claim. Another reminder. Daotok pressed his lips together, suppressing a sharp inhale as the dull ache settled in.
He pushed against Arthit's chest with all the strength he could muster, and to his surprise, the older man pulled away without resistance. However, there was a flicker of dissatisfaction in his dark eyes, a quiet protest lurking beneath his expression.
Then, unexpectedly, Arthit leaned forward again, his lips brushing gently against Daotok's forehead.
"Don't make that face," he murmured, his voice softer now, almost tender.
Daotok instinctively pulled up his collar, hiding the fresh mark. He wasn't sure why he felt the need to conceal it, but the gesture felt natural. He shifted, drawing his knees up as he curled into the edge of the sofa, distancing himself slightly.
Arthit stood, shrugging off his lab coat before settling back down beside him, now clad only in a plain white T-shirt. The casualness of it made him look more approachable, but Daotok knew better than to be deceived.
"Give me your hand," Arthit said suddenly.
Daotok eyed him warily. "Why?"
"I'm in a bad mood."
A sigh escaped Daotok's lips, but he reluctantly extended his hand. Arthit took it gently, cradling it between his own, his thumbs brushing over the back of it before he lifted it to his lips. The kiss was soft—so light that it almost didn't feel real.
Daotok's heart stuttered in his chest, an involuntary reaction to the simple yet strangely intimate act. Even when Arthit lowered their hands to his lap, he didn't let go.
"Do you think he understood when you turned him down?" Arthit asked, his tone even but his grip subtly tightening.
"He smiled, so it seemed like he did," Daotok replied, recalling the earlier conversation.
"It didn't affect your work?"
"No."
"Do you think he'll move on?"
"I think so." Daotok nodded slightly. "After I rejected him, we talked. I told Khun Kim to let it go because it wasn't going to happen. He agreed. There's nothing to worry about."
Arthit exhaled sharply. "Hmph. If I'd known, I wouldn't have let you go in the first place."
"I had to. It was work."
"Yeah, I'm trying to understand," Arthit muttered, his gaze flickering to their still-intertwined hands. He seemed lost in thought for a moment before shaking his head. "So, what kind of work was it?"
"Just illustrating for a novel."
"Just that? And yet it took so long..." He clicked his tongue but then softened. "But it's good that you're not mad about yesterday."
"I wasn't mad."
"So, you were just embarrassed, right?"
Daotok hesitated before nodding. "Y-yeah..."
"You're adorable." A grin tugged at Arthit's lips as he reached out and pinched Daotok's cheek, making him scowl.
"So, the reason you didn't want me to stay last night was just because you were embarrassed, right?"
Daotok averted his gaze, mumbling, "Y-yeah... I just didn't know what to do."
His heart always betrayed him when Arthit got too close, beating wildly and making it impossible to think straight. Sensing his discomfort, Arthit pulled him into a loose embrace, arms wrapping securely around his waist.
"Then don't do anything," he murmured. "I'll take care of it."
Hearing that, Daotok instinctively raised a hand and lightly smacked Arthit's arm.
"Hey! Why'd you hit me?"
"Because you're annoying."
Arthit chuckled. "Fine, hit me harder then."
"You sure?"
"Go ahead. How hard could you even hit me?"
"I'll grab a chair and smack you with it. Wait here." Daotok made a move to stand, but Arthit quickly pulled him back.
"How annoyed are you to want to hit me with a chair?" he laughed, his amusement contagious.
The tension between them faded into something lighter, something easier.
They ended up talking, though it was mostly Arthit rambling about his day while Daotok listened. Unlike earlier at the café, where Khun Kim had gone on about his life, this conversation felt different. It felt natural.
Comfortable. Like something familiar yet irreplaceable.
"Ugh... I really don't want to do rounds tomorrow. I'm so tired."
"Mm."
"What's that? No encouragement?"
"No matter what, you still have to do rounds."
"I know, but I want some motivation."
"Do you want me to pat your head again?"
"No, I want a kiss."
"Not happening."
"Ugh, what a letdown." Arthit pouted as he stood up. "Fine, I'll go back to my room all dejected. I've been tired all day from studying, and now I have to deal with watching you with another guy. And that guy likes you—staring at you nonstop. The one who should've been there with you was me!
I'm just a pathetic dog, licking my wounds now."
Daotok sighed at the dramatic complaint, shaking his head slightly. Then, after a moment of hesitation, he motioned for Arthit to bend down.
"What?" Arthit asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.
"Just bend down for a second."
He complied, albeit cautiously, and Daotok took advantage of the moment, gripping the fabric of his shirt with both hands and pulling him lower. Then, before he could overthink it, he pressed a soft kiss to Arthit's cheek, lingering just a second longer than necessary before pulling away.
His heart pounded violently in his chest as he met Arthit's wide-eyed stare.
"Feel better now?" he asked, his voice almost a whisper.
Arthit blinked, seemingly frozen in place. Then, with a dramatic groan, he grumbled, "No! Do it again!"