2013
(K19, A18)

The bus ride was bumpy. The roads were unevenly paved. The streets were getting less crowded as the bus headed away from the city. The minibus's air conditioning was weak if working at all. But thanks to the retreating sun, the Songkran heat was bearable for the two young lovers that were sitting closely together.

Arthit doesn't know where Kongpob is taking him, but he didn't care as long as they were together. They had left the kids and Miss Eva as soon as they finished helping Miss Eva unload everything from the bus back at the orphanage. Miss Eva couldn't help shedding a few tears before letting Kongpob go. Seven years had gone by in a blink of an eye. She gave them each a great big hug, and told them to come back to visit.

They have been on the minibus for almost twenty minutes. Kongpob was looking out the window, and sharing his earbuds with Arthit again.

Passengers alighted one after another until they were the only ones left. Arthit scanned around, and indeed they were the only ones left on the bus besides the driver. He glanced sideways with a little smile, and ever so slowly lowered his head onto Kongpob's shoulder. Kongpob smiled, and took Arthit's hand, and placed it on his lap, running his thumb gently back and forth. Arthit's smile grew wider, and his eyes met the driver's through the rear view mirror. The driver smiled at the two young lovers.

"Last stop!" The bus driver called out.

Both boys quickly got up as the bus came to a complete stop, and the driver got up from his seat.

"Last bus returning is at eleven." The bus driver spoke to no one in particular.

"Thank you Sir." Kongpob said with a wai before getting off the bus behind Arthit.

Kongpob looked at his watch, and it was just past eight. So, they still had plenty of time to catch the last bus. "Arthit, what time do you want to be back home?"

"Any time before midnight should be fine." Arthit lied. His mother and father have texted him multiple times asking for his return. They haven't seen him all night and day, and were worried sick about him. His father had specifically asked that he return home by dinner time, but that has long passed now. Arthit figured if he is going to be punished or scolded, he might as well make the most of today. After all this is their first date, and the days are counting down. Every minute was too precious to waste.

"Well, we have plenty of time then, but let's not stay out too late. I'm sure your family misses you. Besides, it's been a long day, and I know you must be tired." Kongpob said as they walked away from the bus stop.

"Okay, but there's no rush. I think as long as we can catch the last bus, then it's okay." Arthit said, but honestly he was feeling a bit tired. They stayed up till really late, or technically early last night. Then they've played around with kids all day today. So, he is a bit tired, but he doesn't want to miss even a minute of it. Especially not when they can finally be alone.

Dusk was soon approaching, but the light was still mingling in the sky. The boys walked side by side, both with goofy smiles. Their hands touched every now and then, and both would look to each other with a shy smile.

Arthit didn't question where they were going. He just followed wherever Kongpob was leading him. They were walking on a cobblestone street, and he noticed all the streets nearby were cobblestone. This was not typical in Bangkok. He looked around the area, and there were some really beautiful houses. Some were practically mansions that were gated with fancy cars parked outside. These houses were also spaced apart unlike homes in his own neighborhood that were right next to each other. Arthit has never been to this part of town. He wondered what they were doing here.

"Kongpob! Look at that car. It's so cool, right?" Arthit pointed out excitedly.

"Yeah. That one is cool, but there's an even cooler one inside their garage. Too bad it's closed. Come on, let's hurry."

Kongpob led Arthit past the main road, and turned a corner to the right where there was a smaller street that was an uphill climb. The houses built alongside this street were even more beautiful than the ones they had just passed by.

Arthit is curious to know where Kongpob is taking him. "Kongpob, where are we going? Are we almost there?"

"Almost. Come on." Kongpob offered his hand with a smile.

Arthit happily took Kongpob's hand, and didn't ask anymore questions. Kongpob's hand felt so warm, and fitted perfectly with his. Arthit was so busy thinking about everything and anything that he didn't register where they were going anymore.

Then, suddenly they came to a stop in front of a brown wooden fence that was about seven feet high. Arthit turned to look around, and they were already at the end of the small street. He didn't realize they had walked so far.

"Arthit, we have to climb this fence. It's pretty easy. I've done it a million times. Do you want to go first, or do you want me to go first?" Kongpob asked, looking at Arthit who seemed a bit uneasy.

"What? We can't do that! What if we get caught?" Arthit asked nervously. What is Kongpob even thinking? Million times? Kongpob doesn't look like a thief, so why does he want to break in?

"Trust me. We won't get caught. Hurry." Kongpob smiled, and like on cue, all the street lamps came on, making Kongpob look impossibly more handsome.

Arthit nodded. He did trust Kongpob. So, he bit his bottom lip, and surveyed the fence. It really wasn't that high, but he might need a little boost. "Kongpob, I'll go first. Can you give me a boost?"

"Sure. You jump to grab the ledge, and I'll boost you from the bottom." Kongpob instructed.

"Got it." Arthit stepped back from the fence a little. Then he took a one step forward, and jumped, reaching his hands for the top of the fence. His hands touched the top, but it wasn't enough to hold on. So, he landed back down to the ground.

"Arthit! You almost had it." Kongpob encouraged.

"Yeah. Let me try again." Arthit rubbed his hand together a few times, hoping they will grip better this time. Again, he took a step back, and then one step forward, and jumped. This time his hands reached the top, and he tried to pull himself up.

"I'll help you." Kongpob said as he quickly lifted Arthit from the bottom of his soles, giving him just the boost he needed for him to push himself up. "All right. You're doing great. Just swing your leg to climb over."

Half of Arthit's body was above the fence now. He needed to get his leg up high enough, and over before his arms gave out. He took one glance at Kongpob, and then back at the fence. With a grunt, Arthit swung his leg with all his might, and it was just high enough for his heel to stay on the top. He quickly pushed with his leg, and brought the rest of him over the fence.

Thud.

"Arthit! Are you okay?" Kongpob asked nervously. He hoped that Arthit landed without hurting himself.

"Yeah. It's your turn. Get over here." Arthit felt excited with adrenaline running high. He has never done this before. He has never broken into anywhere, or even trespassed before.

Thud.

"Wow... Kongpob! How did you get over so fast?" Arthit was amazed. Has his boyfriend really done this a million times?

"It's nothing. Come on let's go before it's too late." Kongpob held Arthit's hand again.

They were in the front yard of an old house that had all its lights out. The house was much smaller than all the houses they saw in the area. Arthit couldn't really see much beyond that as Kongpob pulled him into a side hallway, and they came through the other side to what looked like the backyard. There was overgrown grass and a lot of sunflowers taller than them.

"Kongpob, where are we?"

"I'll tell you later. Just come."

Kongpob led Arthit out of the backyard through another gate that was unlocked. There was a little path trail behind that house, and they walked quickly down the trail. There wasn't much along the path other than tall grass everywhere. The sky was getting darker by the second. They kept walking for a few minutes.

"We're here Arthit. Look!" Kongpob said looking at the sky, and then to his boyfriend with a smile.

Arthit looked to where Kongpob was pointing to. It was beautiful. He has never seen the sky look purple and majestic like this. Has it always been this beautiful? How come he has never noticed? From here, they can see the shimmering of the river, and the bridge from afar.

"It's amazing Kongpob. I've never seen the sky this color before. How did you know about this place? It's so peaceful and relaxing." Arthit asked softly, careful not to disturb the peace.

"I used to come here all the time right when the sun sets. The color of the sky is a little different during different seasons. Autumn and winter sunsets are more vivid, but it's still beautiful today. You should see it in the winter though. The shades of purple, pink, and blue are stunning."

"So, you climbed that fence all the time just to come here to watch the sunset?" Arthit asked, looking at Kongpob's pensive face.

"Come over here." Kongpob tugged Arthit's hand, and they walked a little further down. They came upon a big long log on the ground. "Here, sit down. This is where my grandpa and I usually sit to fish at night. I actually haven't been here in a while."

"It's really nice here. Thanks for bringing me." Arthit laid his head down on Kongpob's shoulder. How does Kongpob make everything seem better? People are nicer, the world is prettier, and even food tastes better. "So, you and your grandpa used to climb that fence?" Arthit had already imagined an old grandpa with super ninja skills in his head.

"Hahaha...my grandpa would have liked you. No, of course he didn't climb his own fence. I used to climb it just for fun. That was actually my grandpa's house, but it's mine now. I just don't have the keys with me right now."

"Oh wow. Would you live here one day? The area is very nice." Arthit asked, staring out to the sky as the last bit of sunlight went away. He can see the lights on the bridge and all the street lamps light up on the other side. It's beautiful. A few bright stars were now visible in the sky.

"Maybe. I don't know. The neighborhood has changed so much since my grandpa's days. This area used to be considered the outskirts of Bangkok, but as the city expanded, more people moved in. They built great big houses instead of all the little bungalows that used to be here. So if I move here someday, I might have to rebuild the house to fit in with the rest. But I really don't want to tear my grandpa's house down."

"You don't have to do that if you don't want to, Kongpob. The house is lovely. I'm sure you can make it work. You make everything better. So, I know you can."

"Thanks. I'm sorry if our first date is boring. I don't know anything about dating." Kongpob said honestly. He had only wanted to take Arthit to somewhere that meant something to him. That way, even in their limited time together, they can still get to know each other better.

Arthit sat up, and turned to look Kongpob in the eyes. "No. This has been an amazing first date. We did meaningful things, I met people who mattered to you, and I got to see an amazing sunset. You shared a piece of your heart with me. Thank you."

Kongpob smiled hearing Arthit say that. His eyes lowered to Arthit's lips, and he leaned over to capture his lips. This is the first kiss he initiated. He is still nervous, and unsure if he is doing it right. Pressing their lips together, and pecking them twice before he slipped his tongue into Arthit's mouth. Both their tongues eagerly explored each other with wonder. He pulled Arthit closer by his nape, and he heard a soft moan escape Arthit. Maybe he's not doing too bad. He smiled against their connected lips. Each of them decided that this will be forever their best first date.

~~~~~~
AN: Sweets, sorry for the late update. I just wasn't motivated, yet I don't know how this chapter got so long. Still, I hope you enjoyed it.

Facts: In a 2016 interview, Krist and Singto both admitted that as a freshman at Kasetsart University, they both hated the SOTUS system. However, they both eventually went on to become Hazers themselves.

Stay safe,
Lana ❤️