Arthit asked his boss Dan for permission to work from home for the next two days. He told Dan he was attacked by a drunkard on his way home. So, it wasn't a complete lie. He really didn't want to be out of the office again, but he didn't want to go into the office with all those bruises either. He can only imagine the gossip the people in the office would make up. Also, Kongpob had decided to work from home to keep him company. So, that was an incentive that he was more than happy to take. Hopefully, Kongpob won't have to go back to Shanghai or Taipei.

Today, Arthit can't go visit his mother either. He doesn't want her to see all his bruises. Even though his mother hasn't spoken much since she was in the hospital. She has cried every time she looked at Arthit. Krystal says she is in and out of sleep all day. She is barely eating or drinking. Krystal is worried that their mother may have fallen into deep depression.

Kongpob had offered a solution earlier, but Arthit still needs to think about it. Kongpob says one of his houses down the street is vacant, and his mother and sister can stay there. Apparently, Kongpob owns all the properties within two streets in every direction from his house. Most of the properties were rented out to expats, or other executive big wigs that wanted to be in this neighborhood.

The control freak that is his boyfriend didn't want anyone to mess with his design. The whole area was Kongpob's first property development project when he was 23. What the heck were you doing at 23? Arthit was just on his way out of his family home. Anyway, Kongpob sold the rest, and kept the two streets around him. And to his credit, it's true that some properties had already deviated from the original design concept. Some people with too much money, and no where to spend it had already redesigned their homes in the neighborhood within six years.

The vacant house was only five houses down from Thak and Sachi's house. Kongpob says the area is one of the city's most prestigious and sought after neighborhoods. It's very safe, and for added measures, Thak can tell the security team to monitor it too. The property would be a lot easier for Arthit to visit his mother and sister. Also, going to work for his sister would be a lot easier. Transportation is very convenient in the area. He even suggested to hire a homecare nurse to take care of Arthit's mother while they were at work.

Everything sounds perfect. Except, it's too perfect. The house is luxurious with no doubt. Arthit doesn't even have to go see it. He already knows this because every house in this neighborhood was like a mansion compared to what he grew up in. Also, Kongpob won't accept any money from him. So, he is not sure he can let himself take advantage of Kongpob like that even if he had offered. He doesn't know if he can afford just the upkeep for the property let alone a homecare nurse. So, he needs to think this over.

Arthit was sitting in the kitchen working. He has sent out three emails so far, so that counts as work. The kitchen is conveniently across from Kongpob's home office with the outdoor pool between them. Kongpob's office resembles a modern glass house that's connected to the house on the other end near their bedroom. The kitchen's ceiling to floor windows gave Arthit a clear view of Kongpob in his office. Earlier when Arthit was still in their bedroom, he heard Kongpob talking to someone in China. Arthit was amazed that Kongpob can speak Mandarin so fluently. He wondered what other languages Kongpob might be able to speak. So far there's Japanese, Mandarin, English, and obviously Thai.

Arthit saw Kongpob doing some push-ups, and lifted some weights while he was still talking over the speaker. Then he saw Kongpob video call M in all his sweaty glory. Arthit didn't like how comfortable Kongpob was with people around him. He remembered how Kongpob removed his towel to change butt naked in the locker room at the gym. Maybe he is just too conservative.

Kongpob ran his hand through his hair a few times before reaching for his glasses to look at his tablet. M must have said something funny, because Kongpob was suddenly laughing. Arthit pouted a little because he didn't know what Kongpob was laughing about. While Kongpob is sealing deals in there, Arthit is barely getting anything done.

Ding Dong. Ding Dong.

Arthit quickly got up to open the door.

"Oh, hello Mr. Thassapak." Arthit opened the door to let the man in.

"Hello Mr. Ronajpat. I'm here to see Kongpob. He said he wasn't going into the office today." Bie took his shoes off, and walked into the living room.

"Uh yeah. He is in his office right now. Did you want anything to drink?" Asked standing behind Bie.

"No thanks. So, you really live here?" Bie turned to look at Arthit.

"Yes. I do. You can find Kongpob down the hall to the left in his office. Don't turn right. That's my room." Arthit turned to go back to the kitchen.

"But that's Kongpob's room." Bie has a confused look on his face.

"Oh, I meant our room then. Just make a left. I need to get back to my work." Arthit returned to his work like he said.

Bie turned, and headed down the hall to look for Kongpob.

Arthit discreetly watched Bie go into Kongpob's office. The two men were all smiles at first, but then something must've happened. Kongpob leaned against his desk with his arms crossed, and legs crossed at the ankles. He wasn't looking very happy at the moment.

Bie was talking animatedly throwing his hands in the air to make a point. And then all the sudden, Bie looked out the window, and across the other side right at Arthit. Arthit quickly looked away. Crap. He was caught watching them. Arthit tried to act like nothing happened, and pretended to work.

~~~~~~

"Bie, I don't understand the problem here. You said that you can get all the charges dropped. That's great. So why does it matter that Arthit lives with me? Where he lives is irrelevant to the case?" Kongpob said glaring at Bie.

"I never said where he lives has anything to do with the case. I just want to know why he lives here? What's your relationship? He just called your bedroom his." Bie stared at Kongpob with his hands on his hips.

"I don't see how that's any of your business." Kongpob raised an eyebrow at Bie.

"Really? All these years of friendship, you can't tell me the truth?" Bie gave an incredulous look.

Kongpob looked right into Bie's eyes. "Fine. You listen clearly. He is my boyfriend. Happy now?"

"What?" It took Bie a moment to let those words sink in. He turned to look out the window again at Arthit that wasn't looking over here anymore.

"Why him? What does he have that I don't?" Bie asked.

"Everything. Because there's only one him." Kongpob looked over to Arthit who was still pretending to work.

Kongpob smiled looking at him. He knew Arthit was watching him the whole morning. He was trying to quickly wrap up all his work so he can go join Arthit for a movie on the couch, and some delivery pizza.

Bie saw Kongpob's face looking at Arthit, and he knew it would never be him. They've known each other for over ten years. He was Kongpob's senior in college. Kongpob believed in him, and helped him open his own law firm. They weren't just friends, but partners too. He himself is bisexual, but has only had girlfriends. The only man he has ever confessed to is the man that is standing in front of him right now with a silly grin on his face that's meant for someone else. Bie still remembers how Kongpob rejected him.

Flashback

"Congratulations! You've won your first case for the firm." Kongpob took a big swig of champagne before handing the bottle over to Bie.

"Yes I did! I'll fucking show those naysayers." Bie took a big swig too.

The two young men sat on the floor of a tiny square office that had only six desks with only one window that looked out to an alleyway. Today was their first victory. Kongpob left work early to go watch Bie in trial. Bie had been a junior attorney for the past three years doing all the dirty, and backbreaking work for the senior attorneys just to be mocked that he was not good enough to ever make partner. They said Bie didn't know how to rub shoulders with the bigshots. That's where the bread and butter is. No matter how smart you are, if you don't know how to play the game, you will never win.

Bie on the other hand grew up wanting to be a lawyer for the underrepresented. Those that needed a voice. He hated how people think only rich people can afford justice. He helped those who were wrongfully fired, under compensated, or cheated by their employers. Bie helped Kongpob legally kick his uncle Keith Suthilak out of their company, and counter sued him for false accusations. This firm was Kongpob's way of saying thanks. Kongpob was just out of debt at the time, but he was more than happy to take a chance with Bie. Who would have thought that someday they would be where they are now.

"Kongpob, I've told you I like both men and women, right?"

"Yeah, you've only mentioned it like a thousand times. I still don't believe you though." Kongpob takes the bottle from Bie for another sip.

"Why won't you believe me? When have I ever lied to you? The only thing is, the man I'm interested has no interest in men. So, what can I do? I can't control who I fall for."

"Okay. Say you are telling the truth. How do you know that he isn't interested? Have you asked him?" Kongpob looked to Bie with a smile.

Bie was lost for a second staring at Kongpob, and his smile.

"Hmm?" Kongpob raised an eyebrow at Bie.

"So, you think I should ask him even if I'm pretty positive I'll get rejected?"

"Well, you will never know for sure unless you asked. You only live once. Don't live with regret. And say that he does reject you, then you can really move on."

"How would you reject me? Say if I confessed to you." Bie looked at Kongpob intently.

"First of all, if you actually confessed to me, then I would say you have real bad taste. I'm broke, I have no time to date anyone at the moment. And the most important thing is, I have no interest in dating at all. I'm done."

"See. You're not being serious." Bie turned away disappointed.

"Okay. Pretend I'm him. Confess to me. Maybe I won't reject you." Kongpob winked with a smirk.

Okay, here goes nothing Bie told himself. "Kongpob, I've liked you for a while now. You're an amazing person. You believed in me when no one else did. I would like a chance to be more than friends. Will you go out with me?" Bie looked at Kongpob sincerely.

Kongpob suddenly doesn't think they were playing anymore. He turned away from looking at Bie. He took a moment to gather his thoughts. He had no idea Bie felt that way about him.

"Bie, you know you are not only a good friend, but you're like a big brother to me. I don't want to hurt you, but I am not interested. I know you can't control who you like, but I also can't control who I don't like. You will always be my brother if you will have me."

Bie took a deep breath, and nodded. "See, I knew he was going to reject me."

"I'm sure that idiot is not worth losing sleep over."

Both men chuckled, and never spoke of that memorable day again.

End of Flashback

Kongpob turned to look at Bie. He could tell Bie was thinking about that night 8 years ago.

"What I said that night is still true today. I can't control who I like, and who I don't like. Please tell me you've moved on."

"Oh, get over yourself. I'm long done with you. But I guess a part of me always told myself that you didn't give me a chance because you weren't into men." Bie said as he looked over to Arthit again.

"I'm still not into men. I'm just strangely attracted to him." Kongpob laughed.

Bie raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you sure he didn't cast some voodoo spell on you? Is he more handsome than me?" Bie asked with a smirk.

"Handsome? I don't know. But he is miles cuter than you will ever be." Kongpob laughed again.

Bie put his hand over his heart feigning hurt.

"Okay, let me walk you out." Kongpob put his arm around Bie and walked with him.

Arthit didn't know what was going on. One moment they were laughing, then they looked like they were arguing, and now Kongpob had his arm around Bie.

"Okay, don't come again unless I invite you. You know I don't like guests." Kongpob said playfully.

"Whatever." Bie replied rolling his eyes.

"Arthit, can you come here?" Kongpob call for Arthit.

Arthit walked over hesitantly. He was caught spying on them earlier. So, now he's a little embarrassed. Arthit walked towards the foyer where they stood.

"Arthit, I'm sure Bie has already introduced himself to you, but I would like to introduce you two to each other as well. Arthit, this is Bie Thassapak. He was my senior in college, and we are also partners of Thassapak Law Firm. He is like a brother to me. Now Bie, this is Arthit Ronajpat. He is a brilliant engineer, an amazing cook, and a cute tiger." Arthit's face blushed like a tomato, and he elbowed Kongpob in the stomach.

"Kongpob!" Arthit glared at his boyfriend.

Bie couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Fine. Scratch the first part. He is a brilliant boyfriend, an amazing cook, and a cute tiger." Kongpob quickly stepped back so Arthit couldn't elbow him this time.

"Hahaha....all right brilliant boyfriend. It's nice to meet you. I'm happy to see someone make Kongpob this happy. And you have nothing to worry about the case. They will officially drop it within the next 48 hours. The witness has clearly stated that she did not see who started the fight. And since the defendant was intoxicated, his words are not enough to press any charges. So, that is that." Bie said looking to Arthit who was still a little red.

"Thank you. It's nice meeting you too. It seems like Kongpob really does work with all his friends." Arthit adds.

"That's because he has a big heart. All right, I will be on my way. Kongpob, I will bill you." Bie smirked.

"Just take it out of my dividend." Kongpob shrugged.

"I swear, with all the cases just from KPS and Suthilak Group, I have no time for any other cases. I was tricked into this partnership. You be careful Arthit. Don't fall for that smile." Bie warned jokingly.

"Too late for that." Arthit said looking at Kongpob with a smile showing his dimples.

"Okay, that's too much sugar. I'm out. Goodbye." Bie closed the door on his way out.

The two men laughed, and turned to each other for a kiss.

~~~~~~
AN: My jet lagged brain wrote this long filler chapter. Hope you enjoyed it anyway.

*Find someone that will look at you like the way Singto looks at Krist in the picture at the top. 😍

Last night, I dreamt of Singto. 🤗 It must have been my ig stalking behavior before falling asleep that caused it. In my dream, Singto and I were looking for Krist. However, I don't think we found him in my dream. 🤔