Arthit's POV

Krystal and I are sitting in our mother's room. Luckily, the doctor was able to stabilize mom from shock due to her internal bleeding. However, she has yet to wake up, and probably won't for a while.

I'm sitting bedside her, and as tired as I am, I don't want to fall asleep. I'm too afraid that something might happen to her if I fell asleep.

Krystal has actually just fallen asleep in the armchair behind me. She looks so pale and tired. I had put my jacket over her.

I turned back to look at my mother. Her cheeks are sunken in, and there's a very visible bruise on the right side below her eye. There's also bruises all over her body. I can't understand why she still stays by our father's side all these years.

How can my father still say he loves my mother when he hurts her like this? I just don't get it. Growing up at home was very confusing. One moment my parents are all lovey dovey, and the next, my mother is begging for mercy.

I have never idolized my father the way Kohl had. I was never close to him. My father had always favored Kohl for being the eldest son, and Krystal for being the only girl. But it never bothered me because I didn't want his attention. I knew very early on that I was not what he expected. After Ian had inadvertently outed me, I had no choice but to admit out loud to my family that I'm gay. I hated Ian so much at that time, but maybe it was inevitable.

I knew my father didn't really care for me, but I never knew he would hate me that much. So much that he would strike my mother for having me. For bringing shame to our family. Not a day went by since I came out, that he didn't beat me or my mother. Sometimes, we both got a beating.

I had to leave because my mother won't. If I didn't leave, not only would I suffer, but my mother would too. Over the years, I've only kept in contact with Krystal. Only through Krystal, I was able to know anything about my mother. I've missed my mother dearly, but after learning what had happened to her when she attempted to visit me has kept me away.

However, even with me being gone. My father's behavior has only gotten worse. Someone in the neighborhood had called the police on my father before, but my mother refused to press charges or testify against him. So, it's just useless. Also, the local police officers are chummy with my father since he is a retired officer. So, now everyone just turns a blind eye from the situation. It's like a broken record that keeps playing.

My eyes are tired and dry. Even pressing and squeezing them together give very little relief. The hard plastic chair I'm sitting on makes my back hurt. I wish this was just a nightmare that I can just wake up from. I know it's selfish, but I wish I was in bed now curled up with Kongpob. He should have woken up already by now, and will probably call me within the next hour.

I don't know what to say to him. There's a lot about my family, and my past that I haven't told him about yet. I mean, I haven't gotten to yet. Our relationship is still so new. I didn't want to leave the blissful bubble yet. My past is like Pandora's box. It's not meant to be opened. As hard as it is to believe, my life with my ex was still a million times better than what it was like at home.

So, life with Kongpob is like a dream. Would it be terrible to admit that I don't want Kongpob to know about my past and my family? The way Kongpob sees me is so perfect, that I started to believe it too. He makes me feel good about myself, and that it's okay to be me. The way he talks and shares with me his work makes me feel like he really values my opinions, and makes me feel like equals. The way he looks over some of my work, and comments on it makes me feel like he really cares, and supports me. These are things I never had before.

What if my family's situation changes things between us? I'm afraid he will lose that sparkle in his eyes when he looks at me after learning about my family's dark secrets. Maybe he will think all this isn't worth his time. No. That's not it. If anything, Kongpob will try to fix things for me. And he probably can, but I don't want him to.

I don't want to bring problems into our relationship. I want to solve my own issues. I don't want him to constantly have to be my hero. He has already done enough for me. From the moment we met, he has played the savior in my life.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Shoot! Kongpob is calling. I better take the call outside so I don't wake Krystal.

I walked outside of the room, and closed the door behind me to take the call.

Arthit: Hello?

Kongpob: Hey. Good morning.

Arthit: Good morning. Are you going out already?

Kongpob: No, I still have about fifteen minutes before I have to get ready. I'm still in bed.

Arthit: Mmm....you sound sleepy.

Kongpob: Mmm....wish you were here.

God, I miss him so much. I want to cry.

Arthit: Well, I'm not. Don't think dirty things about me.

Kongpob: Hahaha....you can read my mind so well. Why are you speaking so soft? Did I wake you?

Arthit: No. I've been up.

Kongpob: Okay. Hey, it says it's going to rain later in Bangkok. Why don't you let Luke drop you off at the door today at work? I don't want you to get soaked again.

Oh shit! I forgot about Luke. He is definitely going to tell Kongpob I'm not at home. He probably already knows I'm here since there's trackers on all the vehicles.

Arthit: Actually, I won't be going into the office today. I'm.... I'm helping Knot out with something.

Kongpob: Is it something I can help with? Are you okay? Is Knot okay?

Arthit: No, I can manage. Don't worry. I'll let Luke know that I won't be needing a ride today. By the way, I took your car today. I hope it's okay with you.

Kongpob: Arthit, it's more than okay. Let me know if you need anything else. And be careful driving in the rain.

Arthit: Don't worry. I won't wreck your car.

Kongpob: Hey, it's not the car I'm worried about. Are you sure you're okay? You don't sound very good.

Arthit: Eh, I guess I'm just tired. But I'm fine. I have to go. I'll talk to you later, okay?

Kongpob: Sure. I'll talk to you later then. Goodbye.

Arthit: I love you. Goodbye.

I quickly hang up. The longer I stay on the phone, the more lies I would have to spin. My phone buzzed in my hand.

Messages:

Kongpob: I love you too.
7:18 a.m.

I run my thumb across the message a few times, and sigh.

Oh, I better send Luke a message before he comes looking for me.

Messages:

Arthit: Good morning Luke. I am not going into the office today. So, you don't need to come pick me up.
7:20 a.m.

Luke: I am outside the hospital in the parking lot. I will just be here. If you need anything, you can let me know.
7:20 a.m.

Arthit: Outside? Since when?
7:21 a.m.

Luke: Since 1:42 a.m.
7:21 a.m.

Shit! Luke has been here all night. He must already know who is in the hospital. And here I thought that if I just message him early enough to send him away, then he wouldn't know. Sigh.

I need to go talk to him before he tells Kongpob everything.

But let me check on my mom first. I turned back, and walked towards the door. I opened a little crack, and stuck my head inside. My mother is still asleep, and so is Krystal. So, I quietly closed the door, and headed outside.

The parking lot is on the other side of the hospital, and across the street. When I exit the door, the sun is blindingly bright. It isn't until this moment that I really feel exhaustion settling in. My tired eyes, and my sore neck and shoulders feeling extremely heavy, but I must power through.

I spotted Luke's car, and he spots me. How does he stay so alert after waiting around all night?

Luke got out of the car as I approached.

"Luke."

"Yes, Arthit. Do you need anything?"

"Can I have a word with you? Maybe inside the car."

Luke nodded, and got back inside the car. I went over to sit in the passenger side.

"Luke. Did you follow me because of the tracker?"

"Yes, but even without it, I would still know you left the house. And I would still have gone looking for you."

"Why? Why are you following me?" I looked at him curiously. It's not like I have millions.

"For your safety. Also, to protect Mr. Suthilak."

"I don't need protection. And how does my safety concern Kongpob?"

Luke gives me a deadpan look. Okay, maybe it's obvious that Kongpob would be worried if anything happened to me, but really?

"Arthit, is it okay for me to speak as myself?"

"Go ahead." I shrugged. Please enlighten me.

"I don't think you realize who you are right now? You are Kongpob Suthilak's partner right now. Your personal safety is no longer your personal business. You are now part of his world, and there are threats out there that you don't know. People can use you to get to him. As fair as a person Kongpob is, he did not get to where he is by being nice. He has his enemies, and they will not hesitate to use or hurt you. Don't let Kongpob's relaxed demeanor and lifestyle fool you for a second that everything is dandy. He is guarded 24/7, and so are you."

I sat there trying to process this information. I mean I know Kongpob is always guarded in one way or another, but I never really gave it much thought. The implications of possible danger was there of course, but I never took it seriously. But my being watched 24/7 is news to me.

Luke stares at me while I let things sink in.

"Okay. I think I understand what the concern is here. I guess I can be a liability."

"No. That is not what I mean. I am not anywhere as close to Kongpob as Thak is, but even I can tell he is much happier since you have entered his life. He would never see you as a liability."

I take a deep breath. Luke has no idea how happy Kongpob has made me.

"Luke, I understand now. However, I have a favor to ask of you. Do you know why I'm here?"

"Yes. Your mother has checked into this hospital."

"Have you told Kongpob or Sonya yet?"

"No. I haven't yet."

"Can you keep it a secret for me? I don't want them to know my mother is in the hospital. I want to take care of my family business on my own."

Luke looks at me with this serious frown.

"I at least have to report your safety everyday. I can skip details, but if asked specifically, I must report honestly. That is my duty. Also, if you think I'm the only one following you and Kongpob, then you are sorely wrong again."

"Stop freaking me out. Fine. Just try your best to not tell them."

"Arthit, I know enough about you to piece together what is going on. I honestly think you should just be honest with Kongpob. If you want to handle everything on your own, I believe he would respect that."

"I will tell him. I just need some time. I just want some space." I looked at Luke. I can tell he is trying to read me, but I give nothing else. His frown hasn't left his face, and he reluctantly nodded his head.

"Okay, I have to get back in there. You can leave."

"No. I can't. I will be right here." Luke left no room for argument as he slipped back into his usual stoic mode.

"Fine. Do whatever you want. It's not like I'm going anywhere." I got out of the car, and walked back into the hospital.

A part of me agrees with what Luke said, but another part of me just wants to stay in my bubble with Kongpob longer. If I can find a solution before Kongpob comes back, then he wouldn't have to be dragged into my family's mess.

~~~~~~
AN: Sorry for the late update. I hope this chapter isn't too boring. I needed to portray Arthit's thoughts on his family issues, and how he feels about letting Kongpob know.

Let me know what you think.