5 years later

"Sir, we're here."

Arthit opened his eyes, massaging his forehead he groaned silently at the impending headache. He shouldn't have slept in the car after being on the plane for an hour.

His eyes darted towards the window. A sigh leaving his lips. He was tired of this but it was the only source of distraction to him, something that kept him away from drowning in the past.

He watched few people rush out of the building his car was stopped in front of. He recognised a few of them. This is gonna be a long day for him.

"Thank you," Arthit glanced at his driver who smiled politely at him. Taking his black suit from the seat beside him he got down the car, immediately being swarmed with people welcoming him.

"Thank you for joining us today Khun Arthit. It's our pleasure." A man in his 50's smiled warmly at the young CEO.

Arthit gave a smile that never reached his eyes, "It's my pleasure too. Glad to be a part of this. I'm looking forward to this as my Mae had a really good impression on you guys."

Arthit bit his inner cheek when one of the employees gave him a bouquet as a welcome gesture. He didn't want to be rude so he took it, murmuring a thank you. He was tired of being treated like this, as if he was someone really important and of high standards.

Maybe he was in the past, but he doesn't know if that can still be continued. Arthit didn't feel he was worth enough anymore. Even though he had become the CEO of Rojnapath Groups.

"We won't disappoint you, Khun Arthit. I give you my word." The man gestured with his hand to follow them inside.

"I'll hold on to that, Khun Zhao."

Arthit stared down at the bouquet in his hands. A bouquet of dark pink and yellow gerberas.

I really love them! Their meaning is soo pure. Fit for any occasion. One of the reasons that they're my favourite. You can portray any emotion through it, be careful with the colour you choose though!

A peal of melodious laughter followed by those words echoed in his ears from the inside. A voice that he never wants to forget.

He smiled to himself remembering one of the memorable conversations he had with that person. He still remembers it, the other male suddenly started talking about his favourite flower when he saw them in the garden during one of their walks at a park. When he still carried their child.

If he could have those small talks, just once more, he would be the most grateful person on earth.

Gulping down the lump that formed in his throat he stopped himself from staring at the flowers in his hand as he followed the others into the conference room.

"The presentation will start in 5 minutes Khun Arthit. Our team is all set for it." Zhao directed the other to have a seat.

Arthit cleared his throat, "Sure. Take your time."

He wasn't concentrating on his surroundings, just talking here and there when the other team members ask questions or share pleasantries. He greeted his team who had arrived before him from their head office in Bangkok.

When Achara told him to look into the projects of 'Nilox Inc' he was pleased with the way how the projects were carried on. The positive outlook and successful works even though it had been only three years since they started their branch in Thailand.

And it was apt for the new project they were coming up. Achara and David had talked into asking Arthit to join with Nilox Inc for their next project, as the other company had already been shortlisted from the ones they have got requests to work with after the announcement of their new project it was easy for them to look into this company.

Nilox Inc was situated in Chiang Mai and that added to the benefits too as the Rojnapath Groups Resort project will be situated in Chiang Mai.

And Arthit had to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to look into the reports and presentation Nilox Inc has started on. They previously had a meeting in Bangkok a week ago to hear from the presentation Rojnapath Group had prepared.

"Khun Arthit, this is our team."

Arthit blinked, coming back to his senses. He stood up from his seats to share pleasantries.

As soon as his eyes met the two people in front of him, his breath caught up in his chest, eyes wide as it can be. He felt as if the world was mocking him, trying to fool his senses.

Was he dreaming? This can't be-

"This is Noel, my son. And this is his secretary Khun Kongpob. They're in charge of the project. We'll have other team members too."

Two pairs of eyes stared into eachother. One devoid of any emotion, other fighting the urge to break down. They held their gaze for a second before the honey-skinned man broke their gaze.

Arthit gulped, his whole being frozen. He felt his legs turning numb, staring at the one person who was avoiding his gaze. His eyes started to burn as he stopped his tears from falling.

"Nice to meet you, Khun Arthit." Noel stretched his hand forward, a trace of bitterness in his face as he stared at the man in front of him.

Arthit bit his inner cheek. He stretched his trembling hands, holding Noel's warm ones, he shook them.

"Your hands are cold, Khun Arthit. You okay?" Noel asked, faking concern.

"Y-Yeah I'm. Let's start, shall we?" Arthit turned to Zhao, not having the confidence to utter even pleasantries to the man beside Noel.

"Sure. Kongpob, please." Zhao smiled at his son's secretary as they sat on their seats.

"Sure Sir."

Arthit closed his eyes, a shiver running through him when he heard the voice. Deep, soft voice. The voice that he yearned to hear for the past five years.

Did his parents know this? The fact that Kongpob Suttilak was working under Nilox Inc? The man he had been searching for five years.

Arthit gulped. He didn't want an answer to that, because it was a long topic between him and his parents that still stood bitter. Everything wasn't the same anymore, even with his parents.

And for once Arthit was glad that his parents weren't like those you see in high society that covers up their children's wrongdoings and praises them for something they didn't deserve. It's still bitter to him how his parents act around his presence but it reminded him that despite all the success he had achieved in his life, professionally, there was still something that didn't make his life successful in his family. It reminded him that he isn't that perfect person who he believed himself to be in the past.

If Arthit could stop the time at this very moment he would gladly do it. So that he could rush to the younger male who was standing on the podium and presenting the project reports on the screen, and swarm him in his embrace. If only he could do it...his palms clenched into a tight grip.

His eyes solely focused on the man on the podium. And the melodious voice he misses soo much echoing in his ears. He doesn't know how he should react. Surprised? Happy? Insecure? He doesn't know. He felt as if his insides were ready to burst.

Arthit trailed his eyes over the male. The tan skin glowing under the room's dim light. Kongpob...he wanted to call him out, scream that he fucking miss him. But he has to be professional. It wasn't like the other male was giving a damn about his presence.

You've changed Kong. Arthit talked within himself.

Five years of being apart, not even getting a glimpse of the male for all these years. Finally having the man in front of him, he could see how much the other had grown.

Kongpob looked confident. The fire in his eyes and pride was something he hasn't been able to see when they were together. The determination in those eyes was making Kongpob more beautiful, ethereal.

Seeing Kongpob in a suit, with a file in his hands as he explained the presentation, his hair jelled to the side, his shoulders broad and figure straight in confidence, Arthit felt a rift in him.

A break in his insides that told him he never gave Kongpob the strength to stand in confidence like the younger does now. It reminded him that he only broke the younger apart, his ego and selfishness made both of them break apart into pieces.

Flashes of the past rushing into his mind. He was choking himself with the tightness in his chest. As if someone was ripping him apart. Seeing the man who he pushed away, seeing the man who he wasn't able to reach for years was standing in front of him and he fucking doesn't know how he should react! The pain and shock on seeing the latter, the relief that washed over him on seeing Kongpob after years were there inside him. But he could never voice it out, right?

The determination he had in him during the first two years of searching for Kongpob was gone. He had labelled himself worthless long back. He had told himself that he doesn't deserve a chance anymore and thus the powers above didn't want him to reach out to Kongpob. His search was worthless.

But now, destiny itself has brought him to Kongpob. He was just a few feet away from him. Arthit wanted his eyes to imprint the other's image in his heart, the voice of the other forever going to swirl in his mind.

And not to mention that Kongpob was with Noel. Something inside Arthit stirred at the thought. Before he could rack his brain off on it the sound of everyone clapping in the meeting room brought him out of his daze.

Arthit mentally cursed. He didn't even listen to one bit of the presentation. He just kept staring at Kongpob.

"What do you think, Khun Arthit?"

"Huh?" Arthit turned towards Zhao, giving a fake smile he immediately made eye contact with his team members who sat opposite to him.

He sighed in relief internally when the others smiled back at him and nodded. That was a key point.

"We're really impressed with the work your team has done Khun Zhao. We'll immediately get into work. I won't be leaving Chiang Mai until basic necessities are done." Arthit stood up along with the others.

From the corner of his eyes he saw Kongpob and Noel standing opposite to him. At the other end of the conference table.

"It's a pleasure to hear that Khun Arthit. We'll immediately get into work. We'll go in to finalise the land lot tomorrow." Zhao nodded this head, smiling.

Arthit hummed in reply, "I would like to get a copy of the presentation you prepared. Just wanted to go in-depth with it. Will it be a trouble?"

Zhao shook his head, "Of course not! Kongpob will arrange it for you."

"Me?!"

Arthit turned towards the younger male who voiced out suddenly. A smile unconsciously made its way on his lips when he saw the other's flustered cheeks, with eyes wide.

"Huh- I mean. Sure." Kongpob cleared his throat when Noel nudged his shoulders. He gave an apologetic glance at his best friend who just shook his head.

Arthit watched every little interaction closely. His jaw clenched. Feeling a fire in his chest.

"Ok then, please follow me. We'll talk about the final procedures." Zhao guided the other out.

Arthit gave one last glance at Kongpob before he walked out of the room, followed by the other teammates.

"Kong! Get a grip over yourself!" Noel shouted as soon as everyone left the conference room.

"I did! I presented the whole project in front of him as if nothing happened at all! Wasn't that enough!?" Kongpob massaged his forehead.

Can this day be any more worse? It had been going downhill from the beginning of the day for him. He knew this day would come, if not for now at least in the future.

When their company announced their partnership with Rojnapath Groups on their new project Kongpob knew he will have to face Arthit Rojnapath one day. And he prepared himself mentally for it. But it wasn't enough, seeing Arthit in person in front of him brought the buried up emotions inside him.

"Kong, I'm sorry. I know it's hard but you can't act around him like it. Be professional." Noel placed a hand over the other's shoulder.

"I know Noel. It's just...the day has been already frustrating for me." Kongpob sighed, gripping the file in his hand they walked out of the room.

Noel chuckled. "Don't worry about Dae. He'll be fine."

Kongpob chuckled, a genuine smile forming on his lips. "Thanks to Lian."

"Of course." Noel laughed. Opening the door to his office room he let the other enter.

"But really, are you okay?"

Kongpob bit his lips. "Noel. There's no point in asking that question."

"Why? I know how you feel."

"So why do you ask?" His jaw clenched. He was having a mental battle within himself.

"Because you're refusing to accept the truth. That you still love him."

"Noel!"

Noel sighed. His expression softens as he stared at Kongpob. He knows the other had gone through a lot, he had been there with him throughout it. But he thinks after all these years this is the chance. Maybe they can make things right? With a little push here and there.

It isn't like he's not angry at Arthit for making Kongpob go through all of those in the past. It isn't like he forgave him. But he has been keeping tabs on that man from here and there, and sometimes he did feel pity for him.

Time passed and people change. Right?

"Kong, but-"

"Noel! Can you please stop!? We ended this conversation just a few days ago! I'm not doing this! I cannot take a second chance! Especially since...since..." Kongpob gulped, his heart palpitating in his chest.

"Since Dae is a part of it now."

Kongpob sighed, closing his eyes. "Yes."

"Are you ever going to tell him?"

Noel knows this topic is hard for Kongpob. He had been planning to bring this up a long time ago but Lian told him not to, that Kongpob still needed time. One day or the other the truth will be out and they had to wait. But now that Arthit is back into the picture Noel thinks maybe this is the right time.

"There's no need for him to know. There's nothing for him to know." Kongpob slumped onto his seat, immediately opening the laptop and acting as if he was working. Which Noel clearly knew he wasn't, he had been seeing the other for a long time. He knows what's going inside that head.

"Kongpob."

The other clenched his jaws. Leaning on the chair he looked up at the COO of Nilox Inc.

"Noel, I can't take any more chances." Kongpob could hear his voice was breaking.

"I can't go for a trial run anymore, Noel. How many times have I given him the chance? Each time he messed it up! Made me look as if I'm something he reuses when he doesn't get things his way! As if I'm just a replacement! I-I won't be able to handle one more hit, Noel. As long as Dae is with me, he's the only one I need now."

Kongpob immediately wiped the tear that streamed down his cheeks. He hates it now, he hates being vulnerable. It reminds him of the past.

"But you still love him, Kongpob." Noel leaned down to place his palm over the other's hand. Squeezing it tight.

"I-I don't." Kongpob turned his face away. Gulping down lumps that formed in his throat.

"Yeah. I can see that. As if I haven't seen your marriage photo that you keeps under your drawer."

Kongpob's eyes widened. "You didn't-"

"It was an accident," Noel smirked. Getting what he wanted.

"I hate you, Noel!"

The other laughed, "I don't need your love anyway! I have my prince charming."

"Boasting." Kongpob rolled his eyes.

"Speaking of him," Noel smiled wide when he took out his phone from his pocket that started to ring.

Kongpob chuckled seeing how Noel's face immediately lit up.

"Hello, babe!"

"You sound soo desperate Noel," Kongpob smirked at him making the other glare back as he motioned him to stay quiet as he talked over the phone.

"Oh, really?" Noel glanced at Kongpob, worry taking over his feature as he talked to the other person on the phone.

"You guys are here!? But-"

Kongpob frowned, immediately coming onto his feet as he watched the other's expression change.

"Ok- ok, no, it's fine. We're coming." Noel hung up the call, a heavy sigh leaving his lips.

"What happened?" Kongpob asked, worry filling his eyes.

Noel turned to the other male, "Well, Dae and Lian are here."

"What!?"

Kongpob started to panic. His breathing started to become irregular. He can't let this happen. No. Not now. Not when Arthit is here.

"I'm sorry, Kong. But they're already here. Dae was-"

Noel was left hanging on his words as Kongpob rushed out of the room. Running like his life depended on it. Noel immediately followed the other, asking Kongpob to slow down but the latter wasn't hearing anything.

"Oh crap!" Noel placed his hand over his head, his steps halting as he watched the scene that unfolded in front of him.

He doesn't know if he should laugh or cry seeing Kongpob's expression at the exact moment.

You say timing. And this was a great example of that.

Kongpob just ran into Arthit while he was running and to top it with a cherry, the younger almost fell if not for Arthit holding onto him.

"I'm sorry!" Kongpob gulped, pulling himself away from Arthit's hold. His face flushed as he apologized.

"I-It's okay." Arthit gulped, the tip of his ears turning red.

"Be careful next time Kongpob, don't run around." Zhao gave a small smile to the younger male.

Kongpob nodded his head, giving a nervous smile.

"Papa!"

Kongpob stiffened. How bad can this day be?!

Four heads turned towards the direction where the voice was heard. Expressions changing drastically, for different reasons, as a little boy ran in their direction.

"Papa!" The boy wrapped his hands around Kongpob's legs. Pouting his lips.

Kongpob gulped. He leaned down to carry the boy in his arms. He bit the inside of his cheek as the boy wrapped his arms around his neck and rested his head on his shoulder.

As much as he wants to run away at the moment he couldn't.

"Oh, Dae is here." Zhao smiled. Walking over to ruffle the little boy's hair.

Kongpob bit down a sigh from leaving his lips. Trying his very best to stop the urge to look at Arthit.

"Hey, Dad." A young man walked over, hugging Zhao from the side.

"Hey, Lian. How is Dae? You brought him here." The elder glanced at Dae and the man beside him.

"Oh yeah, he's getting better. The fever has subsided but he was making a fuss at home. He misses his Papa." Lian chuckled.

The other completely forgetting the male who was standing behind them, looking over the interaction.

"He's a Papa's boy for sure." Zhao chuckled. His eyes widened when he heard someone clearing their throat. He immediately turned towards Arthit who had a thin smile on his face.

"Oh Khun Arthit. Sorry for that." The elder stepped in towards Arthit.

"Oh, it's fine! I understand." Arthit gulped, forcing a smile on his face. His chest tightening as all the possibilities rushed into his mind.

"Meet Lian, Noel's fiancé." Zhao pointed at the man who stood beside his son.

Arthit felt as if a weight over his shoulders had been lifted. He smiled wide as he shared pleasantries with the other male.

"Nice to meet you...Khun Arthit." Lian smiled back.

Arthit doesn't know if it's only him, but there was something in Lian's voice that didn't sit well with him.

"And this is Dae. Kongpob's son."

The smile on Arthit's face vanished. Even though he guessed it when the little boy called Kongpob Papa but hearing it out from someone made it hard for him.

"Oh." Arthit forced a painful smile as he glanced at Kongpob. He saw the other's lips trembling. He wanted to ask, but did he have the right to?

Kongpob glanced at Noel, worry filling over his feature. But what was confusing him was, he couldn't get a grip on why he was worried.

Was he worried because Arthit got to know Dae was his son?

Or because of the thought of Arthit overthinking about it?

He doesn't know.

"Excuse us please." Noel understood his best friend's look so he immediately tried to get out of the situation.

Arthit stood there motionless as he watched the three walk away. His eyes following Kongpob and the child in his arms. The way the child was hugging Kongpob, a small pout on his lips as if he was close to crying.

He felt an unknown coldness swarming him up, freezing his insides. His mind clouding with emotions painful than the ones he ever felt.

Did Kongpob move on?

He's having his own son now. If he wasn't a fool back then, their son might be of the same age too by now.

A bitter chuckle left his lips. How pathetic of him to still hope that he stood a chance for Kongpob. How foolish of him to hope that Kongpob didn't move on.

*****

"Papa, I'm hungry."

Kongpob glanced at his son who was pouting. His small cheeks puffed out, round eyes staring at him innocently.

"Just a few more minutes, baby. We'll go have lunch after, ok?" Kongpob ruffled his son's hair.

"Will it take long?" Dae glanced at the computer.

Kongpob chuckled, he pulled Dae up and made him sit on his lap. "Papa won't take long. Just a few more minutes."

"Okay." Dae leaned his back on Kongpob's chest and stared at the computer screen.

Kongpob glanced at his son. Smiling unconsciously. He placed a soft kiss on the crown of his head making the little boy giggle. Popping his dimples on his cheeks.

He placed his hand over Dae's forehead, checking his temperature. A sigh escaped his lips when he felt the warmth under his palm.

Dae hasn't been well since last week. The fever subsides one day and the next day it gets higher. He's glad that Dae is at least not bedridden with a high fever like he had at the three weeks ago.

He took Dae to the hospital but the doctor said it might be because of the hot weather. The doctor gave medicines for two weeks. Kongpob hopes his son gets better especially since he's anaemic.

It was the second time this month Dae was getting sick.

Kongpob doesn't want a repeat of what happened a few months ago.

Sighing Kongpob stared back to his computer, continuing to do his work.

Two weeks and a lot of things have changed for him. He was now sitting inside one of the cubicle rooms of Rojnapath Group's Chiang Mai branch. Giving his best into the working of Nilox Inc and Rojnapath Group's new project.

Since Rojnapath Group is having a larger part in the project most of its office work is done by the company itself and as a part of it, Nilox Inc had to send a few of their team members to the Rojnapath group. And the other way around.

It was teamwork. Both the companies look into each other's efforts and helping within them. Reporting to the project heads at times.

And Noel somehow made it up to the point that Kongpob was on that list.

Not to mention the huge argument they had right after Kongpob found it out. In the end, Lian had to get in between them to calm them down.

"Kongpob, listen to me. You can't always stay up like this with your feelings being compressed. You have to let it out. Even after all these years you still have that spot for Arthit reserved in you, you couldn't move on. So now that you got the chance, let the future decide. If Arthit is destined to find out, he'll. Or else nothing happens.

Know that we're here for you, Kong. I and Noel are here with you. Your parents are there. Dae is there. Stop hurting yourself already, Kong."

Kongpob closed his eyes. Lian's words repeating in his head.

Can he? Will he be able to forgive Arthit? He doesn't know.

And what if Arthit has already moved on?

What about Namtan? He had already signed the divorce letter before he left Arthit. So what if Arthit already had a family?

"Can we go and have lunch with Uncle Arthit like before Papa? He was soo fun!"

Kongpob choked on his own breath. His eyes widened at the sudden statement.

"No! We're not having lunch with him!" He started to panic.

Dae pouted, his lower lip innocently pushed forward, not understanding the dilemma his Papa was going through.

"But why? He was soo nice! Uncle Arthit even brought me chocolates last time. Can we please go and ask him at his room?" Dae turned around to face Kongpob.

"No." Kongpob gulped.

Dae let out a frustrated sigh, "Papa pleas-"

"Dae! I said no!" Kongpob glared at his son. His face feeling hot with the pressure he was feeling.

Kongpob's eyes widened, realising what he has done. His expression softened as soon as he saw Dae's eyes pooling with tears. He cupped his cheeks and rubbed away the tears that streamed down his small cheeks.

His chest feeling heavy seeing his son. Dae's cheeks were losing their chubbiness just because of the fever he was having. Kongpob felt guilty that he made his son cry at a time like this. How horrible can he be!

"Papa is soo sorry, baby. I'm soo sorry." Kongpob didn't know what else to do, he can only apologise to his son for his own misbehaviour.

He shouldn't have lashed out like that. Dae didn't know anything.

"Papa scold Dae," Dae sniffled.

Kongpob trembled. He bit his lips as he pulled Dae into his embrace. Soft sobs from the other echoing in his ears.

Dae had always been sensitive. He cannot handle it if Kongpob scolds him or get angry at him. But sometimes Kongpob had to do it in order to make his son understand things. But in the end, Dae would always be comforted in Kongpob's warm embrace.

Kongpob doesn't know what he should expect anymore. He was afraid of Arthit getting close to Dae. His son is his life, he cannot let him go like that. He doesn't know why he keeps overthinking but he just can't help it.

He had observed Arthit through the two weeks they started to work together. Arthit was in charge of the project from Rojnapath Group so it was impossible for Kongpob to avoid him.

And it was vacation season, schools were closed, leading Kongpob to bring Dae along with him. He cannot always ask Lian to babysit him. He cannot ask his parents too. Kerkklai was just recovering from a heart attack and Maya had to look after him.

And Kik was accompanying their mother too. They can't let their mother handle everything alone. To add up to it, Kik has a three-year-old daughter too now, Kongpob knows how hard it is to look after a three-year-old. He can't burden them more.

And he couldn't find a nanny either. He doesn't trust anyone with his son other than his family and friends.

Bringing Dae to work made it hard for him to stop overthinking. The constant fear was inside him. He didn't want Arthit to notice the... similarities.

Not after what he told them.

But things have been going out of hand. Dae and Arthit got a chance to interact one day when Kongpob was busy discussing about the project with his team. He was shocked when he saw Dae in Arthit's arms, laughing with eachother when he went to check for his son.

"Dae! What are you doing?" Kongpob rushed towards his son, immediately trying to take Dae out of Arthit's embrace but his son wasn't having it.

"Dae!" Kongpob was fuming. His eyes trying it's best to not glance at Arthit.

"Papa go! I'm talking with uncle Arthit." Dae pouted at Kongpob, his face scrunched as he glanced at his Papa.

"Dae-"

"Kong."

Kongpob stiffened. A shaky breath leaving his lips as he turned his face towards the elder.

"Khun Arthit."

The younger saw a flash of hurt passing by those dark orbs, the painful smile on those pink lips aching his heart. But he had to do this.

"Let him be. We have been getting along well. I'll look after him, you can have your time with the team." Arthit's rosy cheeks had its dimples in display as he spoke to the younger.

Kongpob gulped. Looking at Arthit and his son. The similarity in their features scaring Kongpob.

"It's okay. I can take care of my son." Kongpob took a step forward to take Dae from Arthit's arms but it went in vain.

"Papa! Please!"

Arthit gulped. Staring at the bleak expression on the other's face. "I-Is it because it's me who's with him?"

Kongpob glanced at Arthit, his lips parted in surprise at the tender tone of the other's voice. Hurt filling them and Kongpob started to feel guilty. A tightness in his chest.

"I won't hurt him, Kong."

The younger's lips trembled. His hands on either side clutched into a tight grip. He couldn't handle it, the pain the voice held. The longing in those eyes, he could see the other's emotions. He could read them.

Was it possible? He might be overthinking again.

"It's not like that , P'Arthit."

Kongpob's eyes immediately widened at the slip of his tongue. He gulped as their eyes locked within eachother. The smile that stretched across Arthit's lips made him want to dig a hole and bury himself in it.

"Uncle Arthit! I'm hungry! You told me you'll buy me brownies!" Dae's remark broke the intense gaze the two shared.

Kongpob cleared his throat, feeling his cheeks heat up. He rubbed his palms together.

"Uh-Yeah, right. Uh- Kong, it's time for lunch already. Why don't you come with me? We'll have lunch together."

Arthit gave a soft smile. His face glowing within, his dimples in display as he laughed along with Dae who was excited about getting brownies. There was this easiness in Arthit now, Kongpob could see a difference and it made his heart beat fast.

And Kongpob knew he couldn't say no to that.

That happened a few more times. Whenever Kongpob tried to pry out of the idea either Dae or Arthit somehow makes him agree to it.

And each time he gets scared. He can't let this go on like this.

Kongpob didn't want to repeat it again. He was happy without Arthit all these five years and he was gonna stay like that. He didn't need anyone else.

Are you sure Kongpob?

He cursed himself. Why does his mind have to play tricks on him at the very moment!?

"Come on Dae. Let's get lunch. We don't want you to have a high fever, do we?" Kongpob placed a soft kiss on his son's forehead.

Dae nodded his head nonchalantly making Kongpob sigh. He'll never be able to win this, would he?

"We'll go ask Uncle Arthit to join us. Okay?"

"Really!?" Dae's face immediately lit up and Kongpob felt a warmth seeping through him. A smile unconsciously forming on his lips.

"Yes. Now come on, buddy." Kongpob chuckled, carrying Dae in his arms he stood up. Making sure he has shut down the computer he walked out of his cabin.

Dae had been experiencing dizziness since morning so Kongpob didn't want his son to walk for long.

Making his way straight to the CEO's office, he didn't even have to ask anyone for permission. Thanks to Arthit for that.

You can come meet me anytime you want if you need anything, Kong. Dae can come too. I hope we can be friends for now.

Kongpob gulped. His son was pointing at Arthit's room, being excited to see the elder male. And Dae's reactions were making Kongpob realize things he didn't want to accept.

"Oh Khun Kongpob, Khun Arthit isn't here, he went out for lunch."

The younger male turned towards the source of the voice. It was Arthit's secretary.

"Oh ok. Thank you."

Was that disappointment that he heard in his own voice?

"Uncle Arthit!"

Kongpob snapped his gaze towards the direction his son was pointing at. His eyes widened when his eyes met Arthit's equally surprised gaze.

They were at the restaurant near the office, Kongpob thought he would be having a peaceful lunch that day after finding Arthit had gone out for lunch when he went to check on him, but guess destiny has other plans for him.

Why is Arthit always present at places where he goes nowadays?

"Papa, there!" Dae pointed again, this time softly pulling Kongpob's hand.

"Oh, Kongpob!"

The younger male gulped recognising who was sitting beside Arthit. Why is god bringing people from the past to him now?

Masking his expression he gave a small smile before walking towards their table with Dae swinging his hand softly as he held onto Kongpob's finger.

"Hi, Khun Nevin. N-Nice to meet you." Kongpob awkwardly waied at them. Avoiding Arthit's intense stare on him. He gulped when Dae felt his hand and rushed to Arthit's side.

"Come on Kongpob! Drop the formalities please, it's nice to meet you too." Nevin smiled wide at the younger male while Kongpob was praying to vanish from the situation.

"You didn't find a seat?" It was Arthit who asked and Kongpob involuntarily shivered.

"Uh-No, the place is almost full."

Nevin glanced at Arthit who was trying to say something but kept backing down. He bit down a smirk.

"Then let's sit together! We haven't ordered food yet, I'll call the waiter."

Kongpob wanted to object but seeing Arthit and Dae smiling as they talked to eachother made it hard for him. After all his plans have never worked out since Arthit came into the picture, so why does he have to bother now?

"Thank you." Kongpob forced a smile before he sat down opposite to the Arthit.

"He's still having fever." Arthit's voice broke Kongpob from his daze.

Arthit could feel the difference in Dae. The little boy is usually very talkative and would always be excited. But this time the boy looked tired, as if ready to sleep any moment.

Kongpob could see Nevin glancing at him from the corner of his eyes. He doesn't have to think twice about what was going through that head of his.

He knows Nevin is Arthit's close friend, one of the people who might know a lot about his and Arthit's relationship. He was at least glad that Nevin didn't talk to him weirdly or bring up their past relationship in between.

"Yeah, it came down last night but it's still there. He woke up late today morning too. He was really tired." Kongpob worriedly stared at his son who was comfortably seated on Arthit's lap.

How many years had he waited to see this scene in front of him?

"Don't worry, he'll be fine." Arthit gulped, clearing his throat. He wanted to ask but he doesn't know how the other will react to what he asks, it wasn't like he was in a position to ask about Kongpob's personal life.

Everything still looked like a dream to him. Five years of not being close to the younger male, five years of blaming himself and drowning in the darkness. Finally he found the source of his light. But he doesn't know whether he can win over him again. It was too complicated, without knowing anything about what was really happening.

They stared into each other's eyes. Both hearing the thumping of their hearts in their ears. Kongpob missed those eyes, which used to be warm towards him at one point in the past, and yet this time he could feel the same warmth. Maybe deeper.

All the memories were swirling in his mind.

And the conversation he had with Arthit had a few days ago.

"Kong, I know this is not right but please don't avoid me." Arthit bit his lips.

"Khun Arthit, I'm not avoiding you." Kongpob looked away. Leaning on the railing.

A bitter chuckle escaped the elder's lips. "I can see it, Kong. You almost ran back inside when you saw me coming in."

Kongpob gulped, he just wanted to relax his mind. So he had decided to spend some time at the company's rooftop. Few minutes into the peaceful environment, Arthit found him there.

"N-No, there's nothing of such. Don't make this hard than it already is, Khun Arthit."

"Kong, I know I messed up a lot. I don't even deserve to stand in front of you but can we- can we start over, please? As friends?" The thickness of the elder's voice made him tremble.

Kongpob observed the emotions that passed through the elder's features.

Hurt. It screamed hurt.

Kongpob just wanted to cry out loud. Scream out his feelings.

"Khun Arthit, there's nothing between us to start over. You and I have a family now and don't feel guilty about me. If that is what all this is about then no, I don't want anything."

Arthit clenched his jaw. It was hurting him, soo much than the past five years.

"Please listen to me, Kong. I-I know I hurt you a lot, I broke your trust. My ego burned us apart. I know it's all my fault, I- I shouldn't have let Namtan take control over me." Silent tears rolled down both of their cheeks.

It was the first conversation they were having, with proper words. Trying to solve.

"I searched for you Kong. These five years of separation made me realise how much you were worth it for me. I lo-"

"P'Arthit!" Kongpob gasped, aggressively wiping his tears away.

He doesn't dare to glance at Arthit. He's afraid to fall for him. Not that this man was what he wanted all these years. But he can't handle one more broken heart.

Not when Arthit is having a family too.

"This isn't right, P'Arthit." Kongpob gulped.

His eyes involuntarily searching for Arthit through his peripheral vision. Feeling a clench in his chest seeing how tired and nervous the elder looked.

No more of that overconfident man, dark circles adoring under his eyes. A deep set of orbs staring right into his soul. His pale skin glowing under the sunlight. The tremble of those lips and desperation in the voice was breaking him.

"I'm afraid the past would repeat, P'Arthit. I'm just an acquaintance. Let it be like that." A painful smile forced into his lips.

Holding their gaze for a second longer Kongpob broke it, walking away from Arthit. Wiping his tears as he left Arthit behind to watch at him walk away.

"What about your partner, Kongpob? Doesn't he take care of Dae?"

Arthit's eyes widened, his head snapped towards Nevin who was innocently staring at Kongpob as if he didn't ask something truly sensitive between them.

"Huh- Uhh...I-"

Kongpob didn't know what to answer. He tried to find the reasonable words to put forward but his mind became blank.

"What would you like to order, sir?"

Relief washed over the younger as the waiter walked up to them. He hasn't been soo thankful to someone in a long time.

Kongpob immediately asked Dae to get down from Arthit's lap and sit with him. And with a pout, Dae got down from Arthit's lap as he made his way towards his Papa.

Arthit glanced at Kongpob and Dae after he ordered his meal, he knows he shouldn't be doing this but it was the only chance he had to get close to Kongpob. He doesn't know about the other's life, even if he can't have Kongpob in his life anymore he's going to make the best out of what he has.

The atmosphere around them was confusing, at the same time hard as they kept avoiding that one topic. Their mind kept voicing inside them about the thorns they're stepping into within eachother's vincity.

"A seafood soup, please. Less spicy and without shrimps." Kongpob ordered, his heart beating fast against his chest. He hopes Arthit doesn't notice.

"Sure sir." The waiter waied at them before he left.

"That's all? You don't want to order anything else?" Nevin asked, his eyebrows raised.

He could clearly see that Kongpob was hiding something. He knows Arthit and Kongpob had been separated for years by now and it came down as a shock to him too when he saw Kongpob at the meeting that day.

"Dae won't eat much. It would be a waste if we buy more. I and Dae will just share it."

Nevin nodded, "Oh ok."

"By the way, you don't eat shrimps? It is the best part of seafood soup. You're missing it."

Kongpob's lips parted, he glanced at Arthit who had his eyes glued on him. The elder immediately broke the gaze as he cleared his throat. His cheeks heating up with being caught.

"I'm allergic to shrimps, uncle. I'll get fever so Dae can't eat it." Dae replied before Kongpob could open his mouth.

Arthit's eyes widened, but he soon masked his expression. It was just a coincidence, don't overthink Arthit!

"Oh really," Nevin smiled at Dae who was clinging onto Kongpob's arm.

"Your Uncle Arthit is also allergic to shrimps," Nevin observed the change of expression on Kongpob's face.

He wasn't a fool like his friend here to not notice the changes in Kongpob whenever Arthit is around, like how he would always try his best to avoid talking to Arthit or letting Dae talk to him.

Nevin bit his inner cheek, seeing Kongpob's eyes widen, the younger male visibly stiffened. Nevin doesn't know what he should make out of it.

****

"Kong, he's going to be fine." Arthit bit the inside of his cheek, his chest tightening seeing the younger in tears.

"This can't be happening again," Kongpob sobbed, leaning his back on the wall near the emergency room. His palms covering his face as he tried to gather himself, yet sobs escaped his lips.

Arthit gulped, he took a few steps forward. Placing his trembling hand over the younger's shoulder he sighed when the other didn't push him away.

"It's gonna be okay, don't cry." Arthit pulled the latter in his arms. And Kongpob didn't protest, he let the elder embrace him.

The warmth of the elder settled within him, the warmth he had missed, the touch that he was craving for all these years. Everything was choking him.

Kongpob sniffled. "I should have been more careful."

Arthit shook his head, caressing Kongpob's hair. He know it isn't the time but feeling Kongpob in his arms were stirring the emotions inside him. He just hopes that everything will be fine.

"It's not your fault, Kong. It's not your fault."

"But he's my son, P'Arthit! I should have taken care of him! Should have noticed the signs!" Kongpob pulled away, turning his face to the other side so the other wouldn't see how weak he looked at the moment.

He was hating the universe for making things difficult. Why can't life be simple? Without any drama? He just wants this to end.

Arthit's jaw clenched, an unknown emotion swarming him.

He's my son, P'Arthit.

Why does it hurt soo much? As each day passes Arthit realises that he cannot have Kongpob back in his life. He cannot handle this pain, Kongpob was somebody elses now. Having his own family.

Something Arthit didn't give him. Family.

Maybe he should have signed that paper five years ago and move on completely from this life.

"Kongpob, relax. I know you're worried but we're here. Everything will be fine with Dae."

Nevin stepped in, he didn't want a big drama to occur. Especially inside a hospital.

He could see his friend was trying his best to keep his emotions in control. And it hurts him to see Arthit like that. These five years he had been there to see how the latter had to cope up with the reality.

"You don't understand! You don't understand!" Kongpob murmured, walking back and forth in front of the emergency room. His hands trembling.

Everything was completely fine an hour ago. Kongpob doesn't understand why all these was happening to him now. The pressure was too much, he just wanted to scream.

The image of Dae fainting right in front of his eyes clouding his mind. At one point they had lunch with the other two males and the next thing Kongpob knew was his son going limp in his arms. His nose bleeding.

He was terrified, what happened a few months ago rushing into his mind.

"Dae Suttilak?"

Kongpob's head snapped towards the direction of the Emergency room. He immediately walked closer the doctor who came out of the room.

"Doctor! My son is fine right?" Kongpob could feel a presence behind him, he didn't have to think twice as to who it was.

"His condition is really weak since his anaemia is stronger this time. We need to have a blood transfusion as fast as possible." The doctor took a deep breath.

Arthit's eyes widened. He wasn't expecting this. Dae is anaemic?

"And we have to find a person to collect blood. We don't have his blood type here. And it'll be better if it's a family member. Especially if it is his parents."

Kongpob bit his lips, he felt as if his legs were giving up. But he has to be strong.

The first thought that rushed into his mind with the doctor's words was Arthit's face.

Should he?

Gulping down the lump in his throat he turned around. His lips trembling as he stared right into Arthit's dark orbs.

"Kong-"

"Dae's blood group is AB+. P'Arthit can you please?" Tears whelmed up in the corner of Kongpob's eyes.

The only thought in him at this point was to save his son.

Arthit's eyes widened, "B-But I'm not a family member, don't you have someone else? Like y-your partner. Or someone?"

Kongpob closed his eyes tight, "Just listen to me once, P'Arthit. Believe me for once, can you please donate your blood for Dae?"

A shaky intake of breath was heard from the elder. Confusion filling his senses yet he nodded his head. Immediately following the doctor's instructions afterwards.

As soon as Arthit disappeared to another room Kongpob broke down, letting himself sit on the chair as he sobbed.

He know this isn't right. He knows Arthit deserves to know the truth no matter what it is. But he was afraid, afraid that he'll hurt himself once again.

He doesn't know anything about Arthit at the moment.

And Namtan? Did he already build a family out there?

He wanted to ask. But he couldn't. Through the two weeks even though silence was what they maintained, they could feel the distress within eachother.

Arthit had changed. Kongpob can see it. The way the elder deal with things were different now, the latter looked more expressive of his feelings. And Kongpob was falling deeper for the man despite all that happened.

He's cannot hate Arthit.

He never kept tabs on the elder after he walked out of his life. He never wanted to know about the other, it only brought pain.

It was more painful back then because Arthit had already given him beautiful memories to hold onto within the few months of their relationship.

Before Namtan happened.

"Kongpob."

The younger trembled, choosing to stay silent he felt Nevin sit beside him. He knows the latter might have guessed something.

Nevin is a really observant person. Acts like an ass sometimes but immediately catch the emotions in one person. And Kongpob did notice the knowing look the other gave him during the time they spend together today.

"Tell me the truth. You're hiding something from Arthit. Isn't it?"

Nevin's words sliced right into Kongpob. For a second Kongpob forgot to breathe.

He cannot run away anymore. Can he?

****

So, Dae is -👀🤐

I think something happened here🙃
Let's see..let's see😌

I was planning to end this within this chapter but guess it'll need one more to complete 😅

Me and my writing 🤦🏼‍♀️

Hope you guys enjoyed reading!
I don't know if it came out good, wasn't feeling well when I was writing it.

Will try to update soon!

Hope it came up to your
expectations, love slutforsingto

Stay safe and healthy!
Love you all!❤️❤️