Apo can't film his WAN(DER) Day at his place because there are spots he wants to keep private, namely those with Mile's belongings strewn all over them: sweatpants, t-shirts, cologne, hats, even guitars. Same with Mile's place. Because while they have a lot of places to hang out, the easiest and most private option is a night in. And morning in.

It wasn't a problem for his Filmania livestreams because they weren't cohabitating then. Instead, he uses Gift's house.

Mile does not like this day. He has to sleep at his own place. Apo is not there to gaze at in the sunlight that streams in through the blinds, to wake Mile up with a gentle kiss or with raucously clanking pans. At least the pillows still smell like him. Apo picked them out, after one sleepover convinced him Mile's pillows were too flat and dragged him to the store to buy new ones.

Later on, Apo joins him down at the studio where Mile is getting ready for their joint interview, which cheers him up. They pause filming the WAN(DER) Day briefly to interview with Polyplus Entertainment. Mile gets the impression that each of the two female interviewers is intent on bedding one of them before the end of the day - and he doesn't like it. He and Apo are going on a dinner date tonight and then he's taking Apo home.

Mile keeps his actions polite and deliberately, perhaps overly, platonic throughout the evening. He knows when Apo starts dropping hints about their sleeping arrangements that it doesn't slip out by accident.

"Mile will turn on music at every moment, waking up, showering... Like, during the world tour, he'll be playing his guitar and solo parts. And the funny thing is he likes to listen to a lulling sound before sleep," Apo divulges.

This is all kinds of unnecessary. The question was about Apo's energy. How did they wind up talking about Mile's personal habits?

Mile's first instinct is to pale, and start sweating, and send up prayers for his PR team. But then he takes in the crestfallen expression of the women, who know how to add two and two together, and he can't help but revel. Needless to say, there is no more untoward flirting after that.

It's supposed to be a day focused on Apo, but it culminates in a lovely date on the water at a restaurant that is only reachable by boat. Thus, Porsche gets justice; he wanted to take Kinn out on a dinner date by the River but the restaurant was closed.

It would be perfect, if not for the camera crew tagging along and making it awkward.

He watches the footage afterwards and smiles to himself. Apo can't keep Mile's name out of his mouth. This is how Mile likes his coffee. This is how he shakes his drinks. It's incessant.

These days, they are together more than they are apart. They have a lot of joint projects, interviews, rehearsals, and other work-related sessions, and that is why they sleep over most nights. It's purely about convenience. Apo makes coffee and breakfast while Mile plays music throughout the apartment. And if they fool around long into the night and wake up in a state that has their makeup artist threatening to quit, that's the price that must be paid.

Mile's fridge is filled with D7 drinks in preparation for the D7 Grand Opening at the end of the month.

Not touching Apo in public takes an immense amount of effort for Mile. At first it was to respect Apo's personal space. Now it's to avoid rousing suspicion. But it's harder than ever for Mile to keep his hands off of Apo's body at the D7 event, because his brain is in a honeymoon phase.

Mile's left hand settles on Apo's right while they talk off stage, his hand caresses Apo's back under his jacket for close to a minute during photos, and Mile never misses an opportunity to slip it around Apo's waist. Two blown kisses, an under-the-blazer massage, and a lot of waist-holding. PR will love it. Plus the fans sharing his private business with Apo:

This event has been trending, with over thirty million tweets and coverage on national television news. The turnout is astronomical.

Apo wants Mile's phone to take pictures with and Mile hands it over without question. He knows Apo will be checking more than the Photos app, and he's fine with it. He has nothing to hide.

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Apo doesn't hand the phone over until the end of the event.

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"Who's the girl you were texting yesterday?" he asks casually.

"A friend." Mile rolls his eyes.

"That it?"

"There was a time she wanted to be more and I turned her down. Satisfied?"

"Yup," Apo smiles cheerfully.

•••

The fall season is full of events. The Asian leg of the KinnPorsche world tour involves Singapore, Seoul, Manila, and Taipei.

Mile is asked who he wants to invite to join him at the end of his WAN(DER) Day.

"Uh, Apo?"

Mile is met with eye-rolls.

"He already picked you for his. Can you please pick someone else for this episode?" Pond taps his foot. "Promote someone with less fame, maybe?"

Mile settles on Tong, but Apo insists on coming along anyway.

Mile sometimes forgets Apo isn't supposed to be there. He orders three drinks and is admonished by the crew, who instruct the vendor to bring out two for the shot.

Tong is pretty cool. He's the father of an adopted son, with a background in microbiology, and has published a Y-novel.

But, behind the scenes, Mile and Apo sit together, walk together, laugh and eat and interact with the locals together. Tong should be upset, but instead he teases them mercilessly in a group chat that night.

At their central embassy event, Apo is very hyper. Ever the energy monster.

"You haven't been meditating as much anymore," Mile comments.

"You stabilize my energy."

"Oh," Mile breathes softly.

Apo beams a gummy smile at him.

"You're my comfort zone, you know. My safe place."

"Don't look now but..."

Apo turns to find a giggling gaggle of girls stand off to the side, pointing to him. They wave shyly.

Mile cannot blame them. Apo is tall, dark, handsome, regal, poised, friendly, goofy, talented... Sunshine in human form. A siren, a fucking vixen, Mile's kryptonite. He has Mile foam-at-the-mouth-insane.

Apo laughs.

"Kinn, please leave Mile's body."

Yes, Kinn needs to get out of Mile's body, promptly. This jealousy is completely irrational. Especially because Apo is the best at offering constant affirmation.

The touch of Apo's hand is grounding, letting him know Apo isn't going anywhere, with anyone else.

Their makeup artist snaps some shots of the two of them and posts them to Instagram.

Feeling bold, Mile comments: "he loves me."

At the GQ Men of the Year event in mid-November, Mile and Apo are already discussing their next project.

GQ asks them in an exclusive interview about their talents aside from acting. Mile can wiggle his ears.

"What about Apo? What other special talents do you have?"

Mile's mind betrays him. He's thinking of what Apo can do with his legs. With his mouth. It's all downhill from there, a whirl of deepthroat and splits and-

"What are you laughing at?" Apo chides, playfully knocking his shoulder.

"Laughing while waiting to hear the answer," Mile cries defensively.

On a more serious note, Mile finds himself leaning on the analogy their interviewers used almost two years ago when describing the way he and Apo fit together.

Mile and Apo have never been so close. As always, they room together and sleep in the same bed. Even when they're too shy to ask for a single bed, they always wind up sharing one.

At the Loy Krathong Festival event, with an array of strung-up lights glowing against the cobalt backdrop of the night sky and throngs of people as their cover, Mile dares to take hold of Apo's fingers. Apo squeezes his hand, casually entwining their fingers like it's nothing. Mile is in the most thrilling era of his life, checking for cameras before sneaking off hand-in-hand with Apo. He's never felt more alive.

He's exhausted, yes. During their tours, Mile exhausted himself putting on a show. Then he'd return to his shared room with Apo to lay very still in bed, recuperating, while Apo gazed pitifully at him. Sometimes, when Apo was being distant and preferred to get touchy feely with other guys in the cast, Mile would get drunk, and come to bed mumbling despairingly to himself, "I can't do it anymore," while Apo gazed on.

But there have certainly been more ups than downs, and Mile wouldn't trade these experiences for anything in the world.

•••

It's early December. Mile and Apo recently made the trip to Saudi Arabia for the Red Sea Film Festival with Bible. They didn't get much privacy during the trip, and barely a moment's peace away from inquisitive eyes. Saudi Arabia is not exactly a country where they can be themselves, worse than Thailand. Danger only served to intensify Mile's feelings for Apo. They couldn't resist holding hands under the hotel restaurant table in Jeddah. And, somehow, this little gesture was one of the most romantic of Mile's life.

Apo was so sweet on his Instagram post and story from the event.

No one but the Decorum in Bangkok would lend them suits for the event. Every other company thought they were one-hit wonders, but Mile knows they will be back next year, together, bigger and better.

Following the festival, Mile had to go to Kalasin to celebrate his brother Man's birthday with the family, and it was rough on Apo, particularly because of his jealousy.

Mile had to console him yesterday.

Now, in the privacy of Apo's bedroom, both men reacquaint themselves with each other's bodies. The closest they came to kissing during their last trip together is drinking from the same glass, and the closest they came to sex was Mile's hand on the small of Apo's back.

Now, Mile is going ham. He tosses Apo's jeans - belt and all - into the air. Apparently, Mile doesn't know his own strength, because the buckle hits the light fixture, shattering the glass, and the room is plummeted into darkness.

"What the fuck did you do?" Apo shrieks.

"Don't move. There's probably glass everywhere," Mile winces.

Apo groans.

"I have some Christmas lights. They'll have to do until I can get this fixed."

"Ho, ho, ho," Mile mutters lamely.

Gradually, they start laughing.

"I prefer doing it with the lights on, but this is good too," Apo murmurs, pulling Mile in close.

They feel their way around each other's bodies with their hands and mouths. Mile feels Apo trembling, hears his soft whimpering and moaning, and tells himself: it's real, it's real, it's real. He wants this to be real. He wants it to be more than carnal pleasure. But, nestled against Apo's body, the younger man's responsiveness and slack-jawed expressions turning Mile on something fierce, there is a lot of pleasure. A young man in his prime with no girlfriend will get off however he can. Mile is available, and Apo may be using him. That's okay.

Because Apo turns to Mile after sex and says, "I love you," in an all-fucked-out voice.

•••

Mile buys a new guitar and takes Apo along because Mile and guitars is his kink or something.

At the D7 Fun Fan Impact even, the topic of conversation somehow shifts to Mile's business plans. He jokes about building the highest bungee jumping attraction in Thailand, because he loves the thrill. Everyone knows that's bullshit. Thrill-seeking is more Apo's thing than his.

"But suppose it's a waterpark?" Apo suggests cunningly. The stadium erupts into cheering and screaming. Apo is still waiting for that dowry. For the second time, Mile is brought publicly under questioning. He explains the issue with the business loan, but Apo has once again successfully made him sweat. And it doesn't end there.

"I was talking to him on the phone one day," Apo recounts, "and I asked him, what color boxers are you wearing? He answered green." The crowd collectively loses their mind. Mile is not happy. That information was for Apo and Apo alone; he feels mildly put off by Apo sharing something so private with the world. Apo is obviously just trying to brag about the fact that he access to that privileged information. That, and he thrives on chaos. "Everything is green: phone, case-"

"Keeping a cohesive theme, inside and out," the interviewer appraises.

"Exactly-"

"But...maybe don't mention the hidden parts."

"Excuse me," Mile implores the interviewer. He leans over to Apo. "I'll deal with you later," he says off-mic.

Mile gets Apo back, disclosing that Apo's room light is broken. At this point, the interviewer is speechless.

"Fuck you very much," Mile tells Apo backstage. "Telling the world about my boxers?! Might as well have shouted, hey everyone, we had phone sex!" Honing in on Apo's throat, Mile smirks. "Bold of you to say all that with a hickey on your neck."

"Oh, yeah? Why don't you give me another one?" Apo stares at him defiantly.

"Yeah? That what you want?"

"Yeah. I wanna get in trouble."

"You know why I'm always staring at you so intently?"

"Why?"

"Because I'm scared of what's gonna come out of your fucking mouth."

"If that's what you're worried about..." Apo leans in close. "Put something else in it."

•••

This has been the best and happiest year of Mile's life. Apo likes him.

They've gone from a few dozen people coming out to see them to dozens of thousands. Bodyguards. Screaming fans. Massive money bouquets. Expensive dinners around the world. Designer clothes and jewelry being practically thrown at them.

They're on tuktuks all over Bangkok, and on billboards everywhere, even in Times Square, New York.

This thing that they've built, which they loved from its infancy, has grown up and become their greatest pride and joy.

Apo feels it too. He has never been happier, according to his New Year's Instagram post. This past year that they spent together was the highlight of his life. Apo essentially says: fuck everyone I was with before Mile; at least, that's Mile's objective interpretation.

There's a subtle difference between the way Apo responds to his comment and the way he responds to others, but it's there. At least, that's Mile's unbiased opinion.

•••

Mile didn't like being unable to spend New Year's Day alone with Apo in the privacy of his apartment.

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They barely got a few minutes together in the bathroom.

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They couldn't kiss at the end of the countdown. But they hugged and exchanged I love yous.

This time, Mile and Apo have made plans to spend all day together on Mile's birthday, meeting before noon and staying up late.

They spent almost all of yesterday in town together, shopping and dining. Apo wanted to show Mile a new store he'd discovered. Several fans recognized them but seemed to know to keep their distance during the men's private time. Today, Mile brings Apo to the temple to make merits and then Apo records a birthday video.

Mile has a playlist ready for the roadtrip. He drives through countryside with the windows down, wind in his hair, blasting Honey Take My Hand by Cody Francis.

Their hands meet on the console.

"Hey, darlin,' I love it when it's me and you," both men sing along. "On the road with a couple of tunes in a car for two..."

They enjoy the week shopping, eating out and playing music in Kalasin. Mile is in his element, showing Apo the mall he owns, and Apo gives Mile fuck-me eyes the entire time. Apo doesn't disclose that he's in Kalasin, but people figure it out.

From the beginning, Apo liked to be the first to comment on Mile's posts. Everyone jokes that he's the Flash. He'll quickly type a - sometimes monosyllabic - comment like 'cool' or 'sigh' or 'ugh' before anyone else can comment. He usually has a head start because he's with Mile when Mile posts. Like a kid, he'll make Mile wait until he knows what he wants to comment, then cry "ready, set, go!" - and get upset if Mile posts when they're not together, sulkily refusing to comment at all.

Mile has had his eyes on a very specific guitar for some time, but it was sold right before his birthday. Apo bought it for him, along with a black designer wallet with M engraved in gold on the front. Mile is not proud of how he reacts. It involves more than a single man tear.

Around Mile's birthday, when the most attention is on him, is usually when the press tries to place him in a relationship with someone, for clicks, reads and, ultimately, profit. This is not the first time, or the second time, or even the eleven hundredth time that rumors have circulated about him. Every three out of seven days of the week, Mile wakes up to a wild new rumor printed in some Thai tabloid, frowns, shrugs, and tosses it aside. Sometimes he sees a rumor about himself so fascinating he actually wants to hear more. Like, damn, tell me...what do I do next? It's only natural; people are expecting him to settle down. But this year, there's nothing. He's in his thirties. They've either given up or started respecting him too much.

Mile truly believes he has never been - and never will be - happier. They've started working more on preparing for Man Suang. The themes are forbidden love and Thai history. Mile likes to think of it as Brokeback Bangkok.

Two days after his birthday, Mile and Apo are interviewed by Vogue Taiwan. Mile is asked about Apo's favorite romantic confession quote, so he details how Apo likes to say I love you in a low voice. Apo is asked about Mile's favourite English song and starts singing When You Say Nothing At All, which Mile follows up with, "I listen to many songs. But that one is the most romantic, in my opinion." They also field a question about the dowry.

These days, Mile fears every incoming text might be from his PR team.

•••

Mile is laying in bed the night before their Hong Kong world tour debut. The curtains shift gently in the breeze. Apo stands naked in the sliding glass balcony door, silhouetted against the twinkling city lights, a plume of smoke billowing from his plush lips.

No, he is not the angel Mile took him for ten years ago. He is the sinner who was destined to pull Mile down with him. Mile loves this sinner and will love him all the way to hell. With his eyes, he traces the smooth, lustrous curves of Apo's lithe, supple body in the dark.

"Apo," he calls, "come here."

Apo comes to him, pulling back the sheets to sit on Mile's lap.

Apo pins him down, grinding slowly, sensually. "Oh," Mile gasps softly, his eyes falling shut. "That's so good, baby..."

"I like when you call me baby." Apo appears nonchalant while blowing a puff of smoke through his mouth. "Wish you'd call me baby even when I'm not on your dick, though."

Mile leans up slowly, capturing his lips. The languid slide of their lips makes him shiver. Apo has the softest skin Mile has ever seen, touched or even conceptualized in his mind.

Apo begins to move with intent, until Mile is screaming "Fuck! Nattawin, fuck!" into the night.

•••

They are low-key but not that low-key. Love bites are just mosquito bites. Knees bumping, hands brushing, waist touches are just accidents. Sometimes Mile touches Apo below the belt, but not enough to really raise brows.

Mile, who is still tingling from his third orgasm within the last twenty-four hours, and thinks he will be riding that high for at least another week, feels emboldened. He's drunk on love for Apo, and a little bored of being good. In an unprecedented move, he calls Apo baby on stage. From the way Apo props his chin on his hand and gazes up at him through his lashes, he assumes Apo likes it. So, shy as he is, he does it again. And again. The fans love it. Apo is clearly thrilled, and can't wait to get off stage, which bodes well for Mile Junior.

Mile looks at the hordes of people looking at Apo, and imagines they're thinking: wow, he's perfect; Mile is so lucky. Whenever complacency begins to creep in, Mile will look at these adoring faces gazing up at Apo and remember who he's dealing with.

They hold hands before going up on stage, Apo fidgeting uncontrollably with nervous excitement while Mile holds his hand like a grounding tether.

"Apo needs to drop what energy drinks he is on," one staff member remarks. "I need that energy in my day."

Apo on energy drinks. Now there is a concept that would not end well for anyone...

Mile checks the sugar content on all the juices Apo puts into their cart.

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"They are so compatible," another staff member remarks. "Look at how one is super hyper and the other calm, letting the hyper one take over."

It's at one of these concerts or events - Mile can't distinguish which - that it sinks in for both men, their hands clasped over their heads in front of a roaring crowd of adoring fans: they've officially become the OG BL power couple. At this point, even their sponsors' brand endorsement accounts are supporting each other. Somehow, they've gone from paying for expenses out of their own pockets under Filmania to wearing Dior from head to toe, waving at thousands of fans, cameras flashing in their faces, arriving at high-profile events in sleek, shiny, chauffeured cars, with five-star hotels and bodyguards awaiting them.

They've both defied odds to get here. Mile was a fat, bullied kid once. Now, his bullies can only hope to afford to see him on tour. Apo's role was designed to be played by a Korean; he's been told his entire life he was too dark-skinned for roles. Now, Apo is Thailand's darling.

"Look what we've done," Mile whispers sidelong to Apo.

"We finally fucking did it. It's crazy." Apo's voice is soft and amorous when he meets Mile's gaze. The air grows thick with intensity.

Mile never would've done this series if not for Apo. During casting, Mile chose him. The kiss was his blessing on Apo. He brought Apo into this success with him.

Mile is not unused to this. But for Apo, this kind of reception is huge. "You made it."

Apo turns to him, love shining in his eyes.

"We both did."

•••

It's Valentine's Day, which Apo says is the best of his life because it's their first day of shooting Man Suang.

Mile buys Apo roses and a teddy bear, because that's what Apo said he wanted.

They watch Brokeback Mountain lying in the bathtub surrounded by foam and candles, because it's what Mile wants.

Neither man brings up dating. They don't need to. Mile knows what they have without needing to define it. As a wise man once said, love is when you're with someone that makes you feel complete. You don't feel that this person is someone else; they are your other half, which you've finally found. You see your reflection in that person. That is Apo to Mile.