"There were a few signs for places along the Nakhon Nayak River as we drove here. I also heard about a place where you can go and leave a note. The walls are covered with notes from people from all around the world but I think it might be more of a cafe," said Fah.

"We passed a place on the way up here, a restaurant with a small open area for dancing and they have a live band. It was called the Dancing Elephant. Do you want to go there?" Run directed his gaze at Fah.

Leave it to me to ruin his happy moment. He probably wishes he never had a brother now. Thank God for Mek and his ability to find the positive side of things, thought Run.

"I can't dance," said Lom, looking at his abdomen.

"That's okay, we can watch those two make fools of themselves. I wasn't going to let you dance even if you wanted to - you're still recuperating," said Fah as he rubbed Lom's shoulder. "Let's sit down."

They went and sat on the edge of the bed. Run and Mek sat at the small table near the window.

"I'm starving. Can we go to dinner now?" Run's stomach growled for added emphasis.

"I'm so hungry I could eat a..." Mek stared at Run's crotch.

"Stop! God, you can be so embarrassing!" said Run. His neck, face, and ears turned a vivid red.

"Horse. I was going to say I could eat a horse!"

"Sure you were," said Run. He stood up and hoped everyone would follow suit.

"Are you okay to go out, Lom?" asked Mek.

"Yeah, sure." He got up and grabbed money from the backpack. "Can we ride in your car? I can't take the vibration of the motorbike."

"Of course. I'll treat everyone to a luxurious ride and dinner and then, I'll make Fah and Lom jealous of Run!" Mek smiled mischievously.

"Why will we be jealous of my brother?" asked Fah.

"Keep your eyes on me when I hit the dance floor. Only Run is allowed to dance with this hot number." Mek turned sideways, spanked his ass, and, in a falsetto voice, said "Ooh, Daddy!"

"Oh god no, Mek! Please promise me you won't do that, or anything like it, in public!" Run laughed hysterically.

"Oh, Run, he's all yours! Time for you to tame the stallion - in public this time," said Fah.

"What?" asked Lom, confused.

"I'll explain later. Okay, let's go. I'm hungry too," said Fah. "I'm excited to go on a double date with my brother - I never thought I'd have a chance to do that in this lifetime."

"I know, isn't it great," said Run. They clambered into the car and drove to The Dancing Elephant.

After ordering they sat and enjoyed their drinks as they waited for the food to arrive. They couldn't help but notice the number of people at nearby tables and on the dance floor who turned to stare at them.

"Maybe they're looking at us because we're not local. This might be one of those places where everybody knows everyone else," said Mek.

After the food arrived they forgot about the people around them. Dinner conversation was sparse as the group tried the different dishes and left nothing on the plates or in the bowls. Lom leaned back and sighed.

"I forgot what good food tasted like," he said.

"Thanks a lot," said Fah, rolling his eyes.

"You have to admit this was a great meal. I appreciate everything you cook, but there's a limit to what anyone can do with a small stove in a bungalow," said Lom.

"I know, you're right. This dinner was amazing, thanks Mek."

"Does anyone want dessert?" asked Mek. The others looked at him and shook their heads no. "Alright, then let's head to the dance floor so Run and I can have some fun."

"Mek, no. I can barely stand. I ate too much," moaned Run.

"Nonsense, you're dancing with me. If my boyfriend says he can barely stand it should be because of my amazing sexual prowess, not because of khao soi!" Mek laughed, Lom and Fah smiled, while Run winced as his cheeks flushed.

They got up and walked down the short corridor to the adjacent open-air area where the band was playing. They found a table near the dance floor. Lom and Fah stayed at the table while Run and Mek went to the bar to buy everyone drinks.

Returning to their table, Run noticed people watching him as he walked past and sat down. As new people entered they also glanced at their table. Women at other tables were whispering to each other and pointing at their phones. Several women waved hello. Fah and Lom noticed two women across the room taking photos of them.

"Do you think we're safe here? I don't want anyone to recognize me as a kidnapping and murder suspect. Not only don't I want to be arrested in public, I don't want any of you to get in trouble for being with me," said Fah, unconsciously wringing his hands. Beads of sweat glistened at his temples.

"The police can't arrest you - you're holding hands with your supposed victim," Mek pointed out.

"True," said Run. Mek turned to Run, held out his hand, and the two rose and walked to the dance floor.

"How are you feeling, Lom? Be honest," asked Fah.

"Honestly? I feel fine. I'm almost completely healed, just a bit sore. I'm well-fed, surrounded by friends, and I'm with you. Stop worrying, I'll be fine." Lom smiled at Fah, his nose crinkling.

"When do you think I should go back?" Fah hoped Lom's response would be closer to a month or longer.

"I think you should return tomorrow when Mek and Run leave." He saw Fah blink hard and his face began to lose color.

No matter how he said it, he knew it would hurt Fah. Being apart was going to be hell for him but Fah was much more sensitive.

Lom continued, "You should call Manao tonight to pick you up where we discussed earlier. Have her pick you up tomorrow around 10 a.m. I'll drop you off at 9, which will give me an hour lead in case any of Dad's men or cops follow her."

Fah didn't meet his eyes but listened as he focused on Mek and Run on the dance floor. Fah thought he was hiding his feelings but from the side, Lom could see his eyes were glassy.

It's like pulling off a bandage, Lom thought, this conversation needs to be fast and clean.

"We have the burner phones, you stocked me up with meds and bandages even though I don't need them anymore. Once you and Manao get back to town, have her drop you off at the police station. Make sure your father and your boss are already there waiting for you."

"I don't want to leave you," said Fah, finally looking at Lom.

"I don't want to be apart either, but we have to do this. In the end, we can have the life we want and be together." Lom spoke gently and held Fah's hand. "Remember I love you. I always have, and always will. Don't doubt me this time."

"I won't," Fah said in a solemn voice. Suddenly he laughed. "Oh my god, look at Mek! My poor brother didn't know what he was getting into with this relationship," said Fah as his body convulsed with laughter.

"Mek is hilarious and Run looks embarrassed but at the same time, he looks like he's having fun. They're good together," said Lom.

"They are. I'm glad I never slept with Mek. It would be weird to have slept with my brother's boyfriend."

"Is that the only reason you're glad you didn't sleep with him?" Lom tilted his head and raised his eyebrow as he asked this question.

"I'm glad you're the only man I've ever been with," said Fah.

"Really? I still am?" Lom was surprised.

"Yes, why?"

"We were apart for over a year."

"What is that supposed to mean? Who were you with? Or, should I ask, how many men were you with?" His chin trembled and his face paled as he waited for an answer.

"Fah, relax." He squeezed Fah's hand. "The majority of the year I was busy searching for you. I was also busy putting together a team for work."

"To kidnap my family," said Fah so low Lom almost didn't hear him.

"Yes, to kidnap your family. See? I was so busy all year long that I never had time to think about being with anyone."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"If that's true, then why didn't you have sex with me as soon as you got me to your condo?" asked Fah.

"First, you'd been shot. I was concerned about getting you medical treatment. Secondly, I was angry that you killed Bank and the others. Lastly, I'd never force myself on anybody, especially not you. Although I'm Ton's son, I want my partner to want to be with me. You certainly didn't want to be with me back then," said Lom.

"Thanks. In case you weren't sure, I want to be with you right now." Fah smiled at Lom. Unable to take it anymore, Fah leaned over and kissed Lom who reciprocated.

Several camera flashes went off at surrounding tables. Lom and Fah were startled and pulled apart quickly. They listened to the comments all around them.

"Lom is so lucky - Fah is absolutely gorgeous."

"I guess Fah found him. I wonder why he didn't update his IG?"

"Did you see the other two guys they came with? They're on the dance floor now and they're just as hot!"

"Do all the handsome men date each other? There's no chance for us to find men like this."

"I can't believe they kissed! They're so cute together."

Mek and Run had returned to the table when they saw the flashes. All four looked around but as they did, everyone else pretended to look in other directions.

"We should get going before they upload these photos and the police notice," said Lom.

"You're right. Let's go," said Fah as he stood. The four men paid the bill and went to the car. They'd driven almost five kilometers when Mek announced they were being followed.

"I can't tell if it's undercover police or Ton's men," admitted Mek. Lom kept turning around, trying to see who was driving. The darkness of the road at night combined with the glare from the headlights prevented anyone from identifying the driver.

"I'll drive normally for a bit more than I'll lose him. Be ready for some quick turns and sudden stops," said Mek as he accelerated.