Two naked men laid next to each other satiated, and exhausted. Each lost in deep thought.

Arthit recounts what has just happened. He had said 'I love you' to Kongpob. He couldn't hold himself back. The 8 letter words burst out of him at the sight of Popeye making Kongpob's room his own. Now, he is left facing the consequences of these words. He wasn't ready for rejection, and thank God Kongpob didn't reject him.

The problem really isn't even with Kongpob, but himself. He wasn't ready to admit the fact that he has so easily fallen for another person so soon. What if this is just a rebound? That wouldn't be fair to Kongpob. Kongpob deserves better than that from him. But it's all too late now. The damage has been done. He has already put that out in the universe.

No one has ever cared so much about him, or tried to understand him like Kongpob. Kongpob doesn't expect anything from him. He doesn't force him to change or do anything in return. Kongpob is too good to be true. He still can't believe a guy like Kongpob likes him back.

Seeing Kongpob go to such lengths to make him happy made him realize that he was making Kongpob sad. He doesn't know what Kongpob sees in him, or why Kongpob does what he does. But he did see the glimpse of hurt and disappointment in Kongpob's eyes when he said he was going to move out.

He didn't want to acknowledge the fact that his heart is telling him to just embrace Kongpob's affection. But Kongpob has made room in his heart for him, and he has even made room for Popeye. He couldn't deny his feelings anymore, no matter how premature their relationship is. How do you not love a guy that loves you and your dog? He smiles to himself. He is doomed.

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The reason why Kongpob is always confident and cool about everything is because he keeps everyone at arm's length. Nobody ever gets to him. He doesn't ever let himself get close enough to anyone to get hurt. He kept himself too busy to let anyone even get on his calendar.

There's a reason no one was ever allowed to stay the night. He didn't want to get attached to anyone, and he definitely didn't want anyone to get attached to him. No small talks the morning after. No awkward goodbyes or follow-ups. He's not those love'em and leave'em guys. He straight up let them know there's no love involved from the get go. It's all carnal needs, nothing more, nothing less. Take it or leave it. He is well aware of his own appeal, and many are more than willing to take it for what it is.

If no one was there for him when he needed a shoulder to cry on back then, he surely doesn't need anyone now. Arthit was the exception. He was an accident that hit him in the blindspot. A serendipity one can say.

Arthit's "I love you" was unexpected though. He was frozen in his spot. He doesn't take those words lightly. He hasn't said those words to anyone for so long that it's not even part of his vocabulary. Looking into Arthit's eyes, he knew Arthit meant it. And if he is honest with himself, he is happy to hear it, albeit scared.

Was he ready to say the same? Would it hold any truth if he said it? He did fly all the way to another country to bring him home. Even though he didn't actually run away, but that's besides the point. He did want to erase all bad memories Arthit had in the past. He did take it upon himself to seek justice against Chet when Chet hasn't done anything to him personally. But that scumbag deserves a slap from everyone and anyone. And then there's Popeye. Why did he want to make sure Arthit got Popeye back? It's because he doesn't want to see Arthit worried and sad.

So, is this love? How can he say it if he is not even certain? Arthit deserves sincerity. So, instead of just saying 'I love you' back to him, he opted to ask Arthit if he would be his boyfriend. It was still not an easy feat for him. He was just as afraid of being rejected, especially when Arthit had said he was going to move out despite spending the last three days together.

On their way back from Tokyo, he was half preparing his heart for Arthit to just walk out his life like it never happened. He felt that Arthit didn't take him serious no matter what he said or did. However, that all changed when Arthit took the initiative to hold his hand. He never would have imagined such a small gesture would change his mood so dramatically.

Now, after all this has transpired. He needs clear cut answers. He is never one to beat around the bush. He doesn't have the time nor the energy for that. Arthit has now agreed to be his boyfriend. This warm happy feeling is very foreign to him. He can't even begin to explain the relief that washed over him. However, there's still a problem. He doesn't know what being boyfriends entail. Arthit was too embarrassed to be with him even in a country where no one knew them. How is he supposed to act here on their own soil? Also, the most important part is, how does he keep Arthit from leaving without pressuring him?

"Will you stay?" And there you have it. The cat is out of the bag. Kongpob blurted it out before he can further reason with himself. He had asked earlier in the car, but Arthit had already said no. So, does asking again make him seem desperate? Is this considered pressuring him?

"Do you really want me to stay?"

"Would you if I said yes?"

"Aren't we moving too fast?"

"I only believe in what feels right. If you don't feel the same, I will understand." Kongpob said in a calm voice, not giving himself away.

Arthit turned propping himself up on one elbow to face Kongpob who was resting on his hands folded behind his head. But before he can say another word, he had to take in the view in front of him. Kongpob's position expanded his naked smooth chest. The curves of Kongpob's pecs and abs were well defined. The bedsheet laid low covering just below his v-cut. Arthit had an urge to either pull the bedsheet further up to cover more, or to pull it further down to reveal more. How does this guy always look like he is striking a pose? Focus Arthit, stay focused.

Kongpob lifted Arthit's chin with his finger to face him, and he leaned in close, "eyes up here." He smirked looking from Arthit's eyes to his lips before he pecked Arthit's lips.

Closing his eyes, Arthit tries to school his voice to sound normal. "The problem is, I feel too much."

Arthit doesn't want to sound weak or easy, but he has to admit that falling for Kongpob only took him from zero to sixty in three seconds, rivaling Kongpob's Ferrari. Which by the way, he hasn't ridden in yet.

"Look at me." Kongpob says softly.

Arthit opens his eyes looking straight into Kongpob's. So close, their noses touched. "That makes two of us." Kongpob says as he tilts his head slightly to capture Arthit's lips again.

"Just stay. Stay with me. Please." Kongpob didn't care that he might sound desperate. He just doesn't want Arthit to leave.

Arthit takes his hand to grab the nape of Kongpob's neck to deepen their kiss.

After another breathless kiss, Kongpob pulled away. "So, is that a yes?"

"Yes." Arthit reaches forward again for Kongpob's very addicting lips. He climbs on top of Kongpob straddling him. But before their lips can touch again, Kongpob's stomach growled loudly in protest.

"I guess I'm hungry for more than just you." Kongpob chuckles.

"I know you only want me to stay so I would cook for you." Arthit says chuckling.

"I'll pay you with my body." Kongpob winks, and smiles slyly.

Both laughed before getting out of bed.
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Arthit was quickly whipping something up for dinner in the kitchen while Kongpob played with Popeye. It still amazes him how comfortable Popeye is with Kongpob. Popeye chased Kongpob happily around the living room, and then they were rolling around on the ground.

When dinner was ready, Arthit found Kongpob asleep with Popeye sleeping on top of his naked chest. At that moment, Arthit was slightly jealous of Popeye, because that's exactly where he wants to be. Maybe staying here isn't such a bad idea. Arthit took his phone out to take a picture of them sleeping.

Then he walked over to Kongpob, and squatted down next to him. He studied him for a few seconds before tapping his cheek to wake him.

"I would wake up faster with a kiss." Kongpob opens his eyes smiling.

Arthit blushes and quickly gets up. "Dinner is ready. We should eat quickly, and get some rest. We have work tomorrow."

Arthit was about to walk away, but Kongpob grabbed his hand. So, Arthit smiled and pulled him up as Popeye climbed off his chest.

They ate comfortably exchanging glances and smiles. Arthit is downright giddy, but he is trying his hardest to not show it. Smiling silly to himself. He can't believe he is actually going to live with Kongpob. His heart is still pounding from Kongpob asking him to be his boyfriend. As he shoveled his fork around, barely picking up any rice, he wondered whose bedroom he will sleep in tonight. Should he play it cool, and just go back to his own room? But then he probably won't be able to sleep all night. He unconsciously started to frown.

Kongpob is just silently there eating, and admiring all the interesting and wide range of expressions Arthit is making. That is until he saw him frowning.

"Arthit. Arthit. Are you okay?"

"I wanna sleep with you."