A/N : Just a short Chap to maintain the flow : )

" Thit ..." Kong entered like unruly wind,equally surprising and unexpected. When Kong had shook a sleeping Arthit, kissing him on cheek and letting him know his grandfather was expecting him to discuss some important matter, Arthit didn't think Kong would return anytime soon. Definitely not within next half an hour so he had decided to finish his tutoring session with a first year who had paid in advance.

Arthit turned towards Kong pointing a finger towards laptop. He didn't want juniors gossiping about him being at Kongpob's house and that his why he has chosen most inconspicuous corner that was empty and near a window.

Seeing Arthit tutoring someone through laptop, Kong instantly shut up.
Headphone over ears, round spects adorning his eyes, a cute dimple accompanying his dazzling smile - Arthit was totally in his element- he definitely was born to teach and make most difficult of concepts look like easiest things that ever existed. He had seen Arthit teaching one or two times before and it was a treat to be in his session.

Signing Arthit that he can wait , Kong sat beside Arthit, throughout one hour tutoring session, totally forgetting the fact that he was supposed to ask Arthit if he wanted to meet his grandfather.

Seeing the recent changes, it would be good if they get his grandfather in their corner. Kong doesn't think the old man would in any way tolerate the blatant injustice done to Arthit or any other student, but him seeing Arthit as the brilliant person he is, will definitely help lots.

" That's it for today nong. Semester is in a month. Keep revising the important concepts I have star marked for you. " Arthit shut the laptop and Kong instantly frowned at Arthit " Why didn't you postpone her to Tuesday or some other day. Doctor told you to rest na ...aren't your bruises hurting ? " Kong asked, his fingers caressing the bruises marring various spots on Arthit's lips, a guilty gaze planted at the newest lip bruise he had added to Arthit's battered canvas of a face.

Arthit shrugged, resting his head on Kongpob's shoulder" No rest for the wicked I guess "

"You are cute not wicked . you should take rest " Kong declared frowning " Why do you always say bad things about yourself ? Can't you see how amazing you are. You have talents and skills people want and work day and night for "

Arthit smiled at Kongpob's frustration, he always found it endearing when Kong takes things literally, his most caring and compassionate side shined at those moments.
Arthit lifted his head from Kongpob's shoulder and stared in Kongpob's eyes, tiniest of smirks adorning his lips

" Maybe I like hearing you complimenting me Khun Suthiluck "

Kongpob placed a hand at Arthit's shoulder " Then tell me so ...I will complement you, always. You don't have to belittle yourself for that. "

Arthit kept his gaze at Kongpob's, his eyes staring in to Kongpob's. People said eyes were windows to the soul and Kongpob's was purest, cleanest and most bright soul Arthit had ever seen.

" compliment me then..." he whispered, his lips caught Kong's thumb when he opened his mouth to talk, he did not do anything to release Kong's thumb.

" Tell me what do you envy about me. " Arthit asked .

Kong's brow knitted, his eyes squinting in to crescents in genuine confusion
"Why would I envy anything ? I don't envy anything about you . I like many things about you " Kong answered " envy is when you want others things for your own. Envying isn't good. There is a reason it's among major sins "

" What do you like about me then Kongpob Suthiluck " Arthit asked, pulling Kong right on track .

He knew he was playing a dangerous game, a game that would utterly destroy him. Kong didn't even know how addictive he can be, how addictive his innocence was, how Arthit got high on his complements, on the pure adoration floating in Kongpob's eyes.

He was getting habitual of finding new things each day in Kongpob, like Kong is his personal treasure trove. And his heart physically pains thinking about the dreaded day looming over their heads, the one that will tear him away from Kong - tear away they must - because Arthit wasn't about to leave on his own. That day was close, Arthit could feel it in his gut and he knew he won't be able to do anything about it because that's how it has always been.

Good things were like butterflies, momentary, never lasting. All he could do was soak himself in it. Like he was doing right now.
He gazed at Kongpob who was deep in thought " Everything Arthit Rojanapat" Kong finally said. " I like everything about you. I like all the fine things about you and even the things that are not so fine . Things that I wouldn't tolerate in anyone else. "

" things like ...? "

" Like cussing for example. I don't like perusal of curse words but when you do it , my brain doesn't mind much." Kong frowned " I have always like rugged looks but I can't find myself looking away from you. I like you smile but I even like you raging mad. I like you artistic, as tutor, as my classmate, as my friend, my benchmate and even as something more."

Arthit drew a quick breath at something more. He was walking on the sharp edge of a knife, he didn't know how long he can keep walking without inevitably hurting his feet. This no strings thing was good, heavenly even but he was sure those invisible strings will materialise very soon and he was going to get tangled in them.
Right now wasn't the moment to worry about it.

" Show me " Arthit challenged.

Kong smiled " That's the problem . I don't know what else to do to make you see you are perfect. I am at my wit's end. "

Everything about Arthit is exciting - the white and dark. The innocence and this seduction. The ice in his gaze and fire of his touch - keeps him drowning. Keeps him awake, makes him afraid, entices him to touch- just one touch shouldn't hurt and it doesn't - just makes him crave for more.

Arthit smiled " I understand. "

Kong cupped Arthit's nape with his free hand " No you don't. You would never understand, even I don't understand it , I want to break something when you say derogatory things about yourself. I want to shake you until you understand you must not do it. That you are perfect. I want to hurt people bad mouthing you, I want to punch even you when you use those words casually for urself and it scares me.
I don't think there's anything you could do to make me hate you, that just seems impossible.. it's like ..it's exactly like the doctor said. " Kongpob gasped " Oh my God! Arthit " Kong grabbed round of his shoulders " There is no unique sign. They were right. Arthit..." Kongpob's fingers dug at his shoulders " Arthit....they were right. You just know. And the moment isn't even ground breaking or sky-shattering. It's almost anti-climatic. And its making me feel like all kinds of stupid for not knowing before. "

" What unique signs Kong? What did the doctor tell you ? Did you come down with something ? "

Kong bit his lip " Yeah.. but it's not serious. " Kongpob bit his tongue " I mean it's serious... really ... just not life threatening kind. Many people suffer from it. "

Arthit clenched his fingers " you were telling me that you had difficulty breathing and I thought you were pranking me. You had serious complications and I took it as a joke " Arthit gasped clasping a hand over his mouth.

" No no..Thit ..listen to me " Kong grabbed his shoulders, making Arthit look at him " Don't blame yourself, I was just beung stupid . I took the symptoms all wrong. I don't have that kind of disease, any disease for that matter. It's just ... " Kong bit his lip " I will tell you soon.. I promise. Just give me a little time to be more sure , although it feels like I can never be anymore sure than I am right now ."

"Are you alright Kongpob ? " Arthit asked, fearing worst. " You promise there's nothing catastrophic that you are hiding from me ? "

" I promise it's nothing to worry about. It's not bad thing " Kong answered smiling all goofy, confusing Arthit more and more by each passing second. " I will tell you " Kong pecked his forehead " Soon. I promise you."

Arthit nodded, he wasn't convinced really but he wanted to give Kong some space. The deep sinking feeling in his gut was forcing him to push Kong but he tapped it down, soothed his worries with the fact that Kong had promised to share with him soon.

Arthit stilled hearing the next words from Kongpob's mouth " Would you like to meet my grandfather ?"

Sewing Arthit sitting stiff Nad unmoving like a wooden doll, Kong tried to smile reassuring " It's okay if you want to meet him later. I have told him that you are not feeling well and he understands it. "

Does he ? Arthit wanted to raise a brow, instead he smiled. " it's okay. Let's meet your grandpa. When can we meet him ? "
Kongpob's eyes shone with joy " Right now if you want. I am really excited for it. Old man will love you right away, you and him are so alike. Stubborn, strong-willed and insanely determined to reach your goal. "

Arthit stretched his lips in what he hoped was an appropriate smile. He could feel his fingers turnibg Coldplay, his palms were sweating, his limbs loosing the bones.
Parents weren't ever happy to have him as their child's friend.

He braced himself, already lifting the walls around his heart as high as he could. He even turned his superpower of selective hearing on. He will do this for Kongpob. The day has arrived, and he is not going to be torn away without fighting tooth and nails- he will fight to stay by Kongpob's side even when he knew it was a loosing battle.

Releasing a deep sigh, he squared his shoulders and turned to Kong " Let's do this "

Kong smiled " Let's do this partner. "
......
Kongpob's grandfather wasn't anything Arthit had imagined. He was expecting a seasoned businessman in a custom tailored suit with a shirt ironed crisp enough to cut throats.

All experience he had was dimmed instantly when he saw Kong's grandfather casually lounging in his study, on a recliner with a book, dressed in horizontal striped Tee and plain burgundy shorts. The clothes didn't even have colour coordination.
Kong and Arthit stood folding their hands in waii. Arthit felt overdressed even in his simple sky blue formal shirt and trousers.

" Wadee Kong, Nong Arthit " the old man smiled and led them to the table and gestured them to the chairs. Arthit's taut shoulders relaxed, just a tiny bit. They took their seats, Arthit and Kong on one side and the grandfather on opposite. Arthit ass hadn't even touched the seat that the old man fired.

" Let's get the main point aside before we get to know each other . What are your intentions for my grandson, Arthit " the old man asked and Kongpob groaned before Arthit could even open his mouth.

" Not the golden formula again grandpa. I already told you , we have already touched eyes, hand, soul and beyond. "

Arthit stared at Kong with open jaw. The moment he felt warmth rising his nape, he kicked Kong in the ankle.

" What ? " Kong turned towards him " See you made him blush grandpa " Kong turned an accusing glare at the old man " Arthit doesn't like when he blushes, which is basically all the time. "

" Shush you. Let Arthit talk. Even better, you go and find something useful to do " His grandfather rescued Arthit before he would either burst in smoke or dug a hole under the ground to hide his flaming face. He still kept his pinky locked with Kongpob's. He wasn't about to face Kongpob's grandfather alone.

Kong remained seated " Arthit needs me here. "

"What for ?" Old man raised a brow " All you are doing is embarrassing Arthit . Besides, your father wanted to talk to you about some recent developments "

Arthit felt Kongpob straightening at the mention of recent developments.

Kong pinned his grandpa with accusing star " You promise you won't pull one your infamous pranks ? "

" I never do " his grandpa replied puffing his cheeks.

" Don't lie. " Kong chided and turned to Arthit " If he tries to scare you by pulling anything on you. Just let me know . I will deal with this old man . I will be back before you know it " kissing Arthit's temple, Kong made himself scarce and Arthit was just left gaping at the door.

Kong's grandfather gave him few minutes to compose before he spoke again " Let me ask you again, What are your intentions towards my grandson Khun Arthit ? "

Khun. The demeanor was different the moment Kongpob's shadow left the room. And Arthit knew the man sitting infront of him didn't need armours of expensive custom tailored clothing to send the message that he was untouchable - the ruthlessness, predatory instincts were natural.

" I am his friend. I am staying by his side and I intend to do that till" Arthit paused " I am unable to do so. "

The old man nodded, his face giving away nothing " Friend you say... perhaps you forgot about being his bed warmer. "

Arthit pursed his lips, thinking of the way he could answer without insulting the old man. Well there was none.

He raised his head and met the old man's piercing gaze. " Technically speaking, Kongpob has warmed my bed more than I ever did his. But I don't think you are much concerned with technicalities here. " Arthit shrugged "So yeah, you could say that, we are friends, Khun Suthiluck. And we warm each other's beds too, it gets pretty cold alone you see. "

Placing a chequebook in between them The old man smiled "I have signed it . Fill in the amount that you think is sufficient to buy you new heater, Khun Rojanapat. One that will keep you warm enough to make you forget all about Kongpob."

Arthit smiled equally sweetly and slid the chequebook back to the old man " I am afraid I will have to ask you to decide the amount worthy enough to break connections with Kongpob since you would know his value better than I ever could,Sir. "

The old man pulled a pen out of the holder and bent down to write.
That's when Arthit decided to strike next
" and when you have decided the amount , please let me know your account number too, I will transfer the amount to your account and you can forget all about Kongpob. "

The old man chuckled and then laughed out loud, his eyes crinkling at corners " I like you. I am proud Kong chose you Arthit. Sit down. I was just pranking you."

Arthit sat, his mouth slack " I ..." he clipped his mouth shut. This was a prank ? He still couldn't believe it.

" Cruel prank, I know. I just had to see myself that you won't flee at the first signs of danger."

" And are you satisfied, sir ? " he asked, jaws clenched.

" No. " the old man pursed his lips. " I am content that you will stand every time they knock you down. Just know that I did what I did only to give you a glimpse of what you will face in Kongpob's world. "

Arthit nodded in understanding.

" A little birdie told me you like art works "

" I do khun " Arthit replied, alert. The prank has flayed him raw and he doesn't think he could forger it anytime soon.

" I would like if you call me grandpa just like Kongpob does. "

"Okay khun " Arthit replied. Old man smiled " come let me give you a tour "

By the end of tour of Khun Suthiluck's personal collection, Arthit was a lot wiser on artists and styles of art and much relaxed in the old man's presence.

" Do we have a deal that you won't tell Kongpob about my prank son-in-law? " the old man asked, scratching back of his head

Arthit gaped " Son in law? I am not...we are not couple. "

The old man chuckled " Not yet ? You already have my blessings though."

Arthit blushed. " You have wrong idea grandpa"

The old man smirked " Perhaps, you don't have right idea yet son. Haven't you seen how Kong looks at you ?"

Arthit frowned " how ? "

" Like I looked at his grandmother. Like you are his whole world. "

Arthit hid his flaming ears with his hands. He didn't know what to do with his galloping heartbeat and sinking in his gut.