Kongpob slowly climbed the stairs to Arthit's  dorm , first floor had two of his classmates patrolling the corridor that led to stairs for second floor, one of them had waved at Kong and asked where was he when all the commotion was happening. After a small talk and great effort, the second floor and same view but no one stopped him this time. On the third floor, in Arthit's corridor were Prem and Wad patrolling like they would squash even a fly daring to look at Arthit's door.

" Where the hell were you Kongpob ? " Wad scoffed. " Ai Pek had sent you that video hours ago..."

"Home " Kong answered." I came as fast as I could. "

" Did Arthit complain against them? "

" No. Aim did call the Rector. But you know how our dear Rector is ... he suspended Arthit for three days. "

Kong nodded in understanding " Arthit did assault him but they were initiators. What action was taken against those assaulting him ? "

" None. "

" None! Why ? " Kong frowned " It isn't fair. "

" Well, nothing is fair in the world Kongpob " Prem shrugged.

" We avenged him though " Wad reasoned.

" How ? " Kong was literally confused.

" We beat those guys up. Their bruises are blacker than Ai Arthit's. " Wad explained , smiling.

Perplexed, Kong tilted his head, one of his brow rose high " It did soothed your hearts and gave you satisfaction  but how did it help Arthit ? We can only avenge him if we bring their actions and also rector's to everyone's attention "

Wad sneered " It is not a movie Ai Kong. No one listens shit we say. We are neither board member's son nor chairman's grandson. "

Kong frowned " Taking out your anger over faulty administration, on me or Aim is not right Wad. "

" See Kongpob we did what we could,okay. Only other option was to start protesting against university. We have exams in a month ... it's not possible unless we want to waste the semester okay. Even if I go on protest, not many will support us at such crucial time. " Wad explained, Prem nodded in approval.

" Have you contacted Student council? "

" No..."

" Okay . " Kong immediately texted Phana to meet him at 9.

Staring at Arthit's  room plate, he took a deep breath,his shoulders sagged low. He didn't even bring food or pink milk or anything to distract Arthit, just an ointment and a painkiller from drugstore. How was he gonna care for him  ?

"I think you should let Arthit rest Kongpob " Wad's advise pulled him out of his soliloquy.

" I want to see him. " Kong stared at the door longingly and a silent conversation passed between Prem and Wad . " I will help you in patrolling the corridor  after I talk a little bit with Arthit. "

" Fine." Prem nodded. " you are injured don't, you don't need to patrol with us. Just convince him to see a doctor.  At this moment He, I think you are the only person who can be more stubborn than he is. He only let us tend to bruises on his face.  "

Kong nodded  " I will take him to a doctor. Tell everyone to stop patrolling after 11, I am taking Arthit home. "
......

"Kong ! " under bright lights of corridor, crusted blood and scratch on Arthit's  face stood out like wore spots on his fair skin.
Kongpob clenched his fingers seeing the small white bandaid stuck at  corner of Arthit's  lips and the lower lip itself was crusted red. Video couldn't justify the way those bastards did a number on him. It pained him more that like last time, Arthit hadn't gotten them worse injuries than they did Arthit.

"You should have called me . Why did you climb all the steps ,Kongpob?" Arthit admonished
" Your ankle needs rest na!"

How can Arthit still think about his injury, his convenience even after being in a worst state than him ?

" Arthit ..." Kongpob sighed, shoulders sagged, head hung low " can I come in? "

" ofcourse. " Arthit opened the door wide while stepping aside " come on, in. What happened, are you okay ? Is something the matter? "

Kong raised his eyes and instantly looked down, staring at his shoes " I am sorry " he mumbled.

" For what ? " Arthit asked, while he lead Kong towards his bed.
For inconveniencing you. For not being enough. For not understanding what you are going through, like our friends did. For still trying to decode it like I write algorithms for programs .
But he said none of these. 

Kong slumped in the bed,
" I know I should not come here and disturb you like this. Phi pin told me it's against manners and the behavioral codes." Since I couldn't be the emotional support you want!

His elder sister  had repeatedly warned Kongpob against barging in Arthit's  dorm, stating it will make Arthit wary of him. Kong didn't want that to happen but the urge to see Arthit was so strong , he didn't even know why at that time until he saw the anonymously sent video.

" Why did you suddenly suddenly visit me  when you were to stay home  for three days, Kong ? "

Would telling him about video be a good option ?  His observation said Arthit only push him away like he did in initial days of Kong trying to befriend him. The trick with Arthit was to be sincere in efforts and let him see and trust it enough to open up . So he answered truthfully what he normally would

" I really wanted to see you, badly but I was at home to recover. And Aim isn't replying my texts requesting him to give me your number, saying you have enough on your plate "

" Why ? " Arthit asked.

" I don't know , Aim is suddenly — "

" Why did you want to see me, Kongpob ? "

" I was watching the movie for the week, the heroine fell in love after the hero saved him from goons. They kissed. And I wanted to see you, so bad. " This was the truth. His heart had suddenly started beating faster when he remembered how Arthit devours his mouth .

Arthit raised a brow" You wanted to kiss after seeing a trash rom com , so you drove all the way from your home to my dorm ? "

Was it a wrong thing to say? It was the truth though ! So Kong decided to come clean.

" It is part of my treatment. " Kong clarified, anxious of Arthit's  reaction. " I watch movies and try to decipher what people are feeling at the moment and how differently they can behave while feeling same emotions.
I can't understand emotions Arthit , this automatically makes me unable to understand social barriers, satire among other things. "

Arthit's jaw fell slack " You can't understand emotions ? Like none at all ? "

And here goes the usual downtrodding of relationship . It wasn't even the first time Kong had lost trust of people due to his condition. When emotio  is a major factor that governed people's life, how can someone trust a person who doesn't understand emotions ?

Kong looked down, voice a new low
" I do experience them, but it's so hard to decipher and distinguish one from another, unless it hits me like a truck. " he prayed it would clarify he wasn't some heartless monster or dumb human— the two extremes people classified him in. He just needed a little more time to figure out than most of the other people. But Arthit's  reaction wasn't something he expected.

" And how do you live with that ?" Arthit wondered, aloud. " It must have been frustrating to feeling everything but not knowing what you are feeling ? And people must have been giving you shit and you keep wondering why they are being like that? "

A thin smile graced Kongpob's  lips for the first time since he coming in to Arthit's  room. Arthit was indeed different.

Everyone normally prods like how is it possible to not know what you are feeling along with other intrusive questions. They even questioned sincerity of Kong's friendship, because he can't understand love like others. But no one had asked him how he felt about that ? How tiring it was for him?

" It was like that at first. " Kong replied " Later, I started to understand emotions like I approached coding. I made it like program, noting small but common behavioral patterns and body languages associated with different emotions. I started to note it down and observe it , making necessary changes in my observations , putting if and then clause,predicting next moves of people and recognizing familiar patterns in behaviours. I also read novels of drama and romance genre and watch movies of the same to understand it as deep as I can. It has been a great help. "

Arthit smiled, plopping down beside Kong, he nudged Kong's shoulders with his " So stubborn. I would be surprised if you wouldn't have chased the problem until it presented solution Kongpob. "
And Kong grinned. He liked when Arthit complimented because they were always sincere. He knew he will be cursed at in atleast four different languages the next second he annoyed Arthit. It was organic— Arthit's  compliments and scolding. For a moment Kong forgets he comes from a family known for being  powerful , old money. In Arthit's  presence , he was like star or moon in presence of Sun — no matter how glorious or shiny or beautiful he can never outshine Arthit. The miridicke thing about being Arthit was that the man didn't know he was born to be in spotlight — no matter how much he lent his light to others, it won't dim his own.

Kongpob smiled back " I hope I am not annoying you with my stubbornness. And I am sorry for today , I will be mindful in future. It was just ..." Kong fell silent , searching for words " the urge was so strong, I was infront of your door before I knew. " And it was ..  especially the moment he saw those filthy limbs violating Arthit's personal space.

" Kongpob " Arthit cupped his face with his palm, his the rubbing at corner of Kongpob's lips " Isn't it frustrating to keep guessing and drawing inferences to act right for others ? To act in a pattern set by society, don't you get tired ?"

It was hard. So much. But what can he do. World knew only one language, one approach , refusing to learn another.

" I do." He nodded " But they have only ever known one kind of response, they don't understand another. So I have to learn the kind of response they expect. They don't need to learn to accept me for I am only one person and they are in majority. "

" You know what,  Fuck those behavioral codes. You don't have to follow those norms with me. " Arthit replied " Do whatever the fuck you wanna do. Ask whatever you wanna ask. No filters, no masks."

And this was his Arthit ready to face everything in its most raw form.

" But people always get annoyed or hurt when I don't follow those " Kong replied. " I don't want to annoy or hurt you."

"One, being annoying is your default setting and I am used to it now. And two, there isn't much that you can say or do to hurt me that I haven't already heard or experienced,Kongpob. You have nothing to worry in that department. Just be yourself "

Kongpob remained silent .  Arthit was complimenting him or dissing him ? He didn't want to be annoying to Arthit. He wanted to be loved, cared for and being loving and caring towards Arthit. He wanted to study Arthit so deep that he will be able to predict his response so he would never do anything that will hurt this precious human in his life.

"Kong" his sudden trance was broken by Arthit's  voice.

" I really don't want to lose you." Kong desperately searched the right words to convey his feeling.  I....whenever the thought crosses my mind , it feels like I am drowning without life support. "
It made his breathing labored to just think of a day he would something utterly stupid and Arthit's patience will wean out.

Kongpob's stiffened seeing Arthit's lips stretching in to a smirk that should be officially illegal — it provoked such dirty thoughts in his brain he didn't even know he was capable of thinking.

  " Didn't I promise you Kongpob , that I won't ignore you ever? Don't you believe me ? " Arthit pouted , the thin Crack on his lips filled with blood.

" I do. " Kong nodded, his heart heavy.

" Then belive it when I say,I much prefer real imperfection than fake perfection Kongpob. If you can't understand emotions or boundaries, you don't need to pretend that you do. You don't need any filter or rulebook to be by , when you are with me, just be yourself. Slowly you will understand my boundaries and yours too, through trials and errors. "

Kong kissed Arthit's cheek, just a light peck " You are so much like my grandfather "

Arthit chuckled " I look like a seventy-eighty year old man ? That definitely wasn't the compliment I was fishing for " he raised a brow.

" You are wise beyond your years and original and bold and thoughtful like my grandpa. " Kong beamed.

" I am honored that you think so , Kongpob"

" I am honored that you let me be your friend , Arthit ... I really am. " Kong smiled genuinely. Their friendship was one of the greatest treasure of his life that he would protect with everything in him. 

" You won't be for long..." Arthit mumbled.

" Why ? " Kong asked, confused. Was it because of the recent incident? Although the video had no sound Kong could make out the world Slut and prostitute . One of the boys even had groped Arthit. Does Arthit thinks Kong was prejudiced by those rumors?

" Nothing " Arthit shook his head. He suddenly leaned closed and inhaled loudly, his nose buried in Kongpob's neck.
" You always smell good. " he breathed and it made Kongpob's chest tingle.
.

Kong paused. Why is it that everyone something overwhelming happened or Arthit revealed a bit of his past, they always ended up tangled naked in bed! Arthit sought out physical intimacy like a basic need, like parched lips seeks water.
The night he discovered painting and Arthit told him about his home and guru, he can clearly remember Arthit's  demeanor changing ever so slightly. The nonchalant sitting style suddenly changed to subtle inviting posture with his one long shapely legs stretching out infront of him while the other one was folded making his shorts ride dangerously high. His hand rested upon his hip, flaunting those natural arch of his hips while his back leaned at the headboard, lips adorning a deceiving innocent smile while his eyes stared at him in open invitation, gaze brandished with lust . In moments like these Arthit was totally different person. Kong wonders if Arthit himself was aware of it ?

" You are here because you wanted to kiss me, didn't you Kongpob ? " Arthit asked, his voice trembling ever so slightly. Ghost of breath hitting Kongpob's skin made goosebumps rise on his back.

Kong wondered what should he reply in such a moment except giving Arthit all that he could give ...

" I did.... " he said , circling his a Around Arthit " I want to kiss you, talk to you and do more. " So much more.

" Then what are you waiting for ? " Arthit asked, breaking out of Kong's loose hug and taking off his Tee " Let's kiss and more. "

Kongpob nodded eagerly, getting rid of his clothes in record time. He had an excuse to check upon Arthit's  injuries.

..........

Like a tiger trying to devour its prey , Arthit didn't give Kong a second. He
clamped his lips upon Kongpob's , tongue snaking around his, chasing it ferociously while his lips sucked the soul out of Kongpob's lower lip, his fingers wrapped at Kong's nape.

A coppery taste invaded Kong's mouth .
Blood .
Arthit's lips were slit.
Kong pulled back, unwrapping Arthit's fingers from his nape. Arthit chased after him, his fingers a steel grip when he pulled Kong towards him. His lips nibbling at the juncture between Kong's nape and shoulder.
" Don't you want me, Kongpob ? "Arthit mumbled. Kong pushed Arthit back with a palm at his chest . He silently shook his head at Arthit who instantly averted his eyes the moment Kong's eyes met his .

Shoulders sagged pitifully, Arthit turned his back at Kong. Kong instantly hugged  Arthit's back. " Let me see it na " he pleaded.

" What ? "
Kong made Arthit face him, his fingers wiping the tears pooled at the corners of Arthit's eyes. " I cannot think of a moment I do not want to be with you, to see you, hug you, talk to you,kiss you. "

The moment Arthit heard these words, his eyes shined bright, he leaned in, Kong's lips his sole target.
Again, Kong gently pushed Arthit away and slid down the bed " Give me a minute " he said heading towards the bathroom.

When Kong returned with first aid box Arthit, Arthit was curled up under blanket,  the soft material if it drawn over his head and tucked in his sides like a cocoon. Like Arthit wanted to isolate himself from this world. Kong paused and stared at the man. Is it how Arthit thinks of him? His safe cocoon? Which will hide him away from world, be the barrier between things hurting him and himself. 

" Arthit ..." Kong called , Arthit further curled up in to the ball, the blanket wound around him tightly.
Kongpob put the bowl of water and box of first aid on nightstand and placed a hand on Arthit's  back over duvet.
" Arthit " he called again but the man laid still, Kong could feel barely there vibrations under his palm on Arthit's back.

Holding the loose end of blanket Kong pondered whether to pull the blanket off of Arthit. It seemed like a cruel thought because right now Arthit  was holding the blanket like it was last remaining thing between him and the cruelty of world.

Tugging at the loose corner, Kong made space for his leg to fit in. Inch by an inch he made space for himself under the blanket. After tucking the blanket under his limbs, he laid holding Arhit, his legs over Arthit's, his chest pressed snugly against Arthit's back , one of his hands serving as pillow for Arthit's head while the other combed Arthit's hairs.

Arthit was sobbing. It was clear as day with all the suppressed sobs and quivering of his body.

" Thit " Kong called. " Why are you crying? "

" I am ....not " he replied back, stuttering due to choked sobs.

" Hmm..." Kong hummed, urging Arthit to turn and face him.

When Arthit did , Kong fished for his mobile and after turning on the torch , he kept it behind his head to illuminate the dark space without the light bothering them.

" Give me your fingers." Kong Said.
Arthit just stared at him.
" Trust me " Kong Said and Arthit slowly slid his index finger towards Kong.
" Both hands " Kong clarified and Arthit placed his palms in the space between them.

Kong held his hand in his own and folded index finger of his hand
" You are studying in the institute you dreamed of. " he folded middle finger of Arthit " You are exceptional student "
" You are best three point shooter we have."
" You were university moon last year " he folded the small finger .
" You are exceptional artist " he kissed the tip of Arthit's  thumb.

Kong took the other hand in his " You are best friend one could have. "

" You are inspirations to many, if you ask ten of our juniors, seven aspires to be like you. Even your so called haters don't deny that you are an impressive being.
"

" You are financially independent when majority of people your age still need support"
" You are also blessed in looks department"
" And above all, you are an exceptional human being with care and compassion in your heart."
" Shut up Kongpob " Arthit averted his eyes.
" Was Arthit angry?

" What did I say wrong...?"   Kong asked confused, he cupped Arthit's  cheek, which felt unusually warm under Kong's fingertips.

Kong grinned " you are just shy . "

" I said shut up Kongpob " Arthit glared at him to which Kong offered a cheeky grin.

" I think I am understanding your language. You are super-shy right now. " Kong supplied .

Arthit squinted his eyes at Kong " You will shut up if you don't want to be kicked out of the blanket. "

" Super shy " Kong whispered grinning .

" Go out of my blanket Kongpob " Arthit pushed Kong out of his blanket and wrapped it tightly around himself.

" Arthit ...thit ... please let me in.."

" No "

" I just thought cookie jar method will help you. My therapist had said to think of all my achievements when I felt insecure or lacking." Kong explained.

Arthit peeked out of the cocoon " Tell me again, are my ears red ? "

" It is. " Kong replied " But my answer is gonna be no because I want to be in there with you. " Kong pouted.

" Yeah fine ... only because I am generous" Arthit huffed , offering one side to Arthit.

"You are " Kong smiled "I am honored that you have chosen me as friend and..... I can't use the word boyfriend  and I abhor to call us friends with benefits...so I will say , I count myself lucky to be someone you want to share pleasure and your bed with — literally and metaphorically. "

In an instant Arthit's  ears turned reddest Kong has ever seen.

" You know what... you stay out there " Arthit scowled, instantly ducking his in the blanket to hide his red ears.

" Thit ..." Kong urged.

" I am not coming out " Arthit shouted.

" Please . " Kong pleaded.

" No." Arthit shook his head under blanket.

" But your lips were bleeding when we kissed. Let's clean it. "

Arthit  peeked out of blanket " That's why you pushed me away? "

" Yeah " Kong nodded, first aid box in his lap.

" I thought..."

" What did you think ? "

" Nothing " Arthit frowned,lost in thought.

" Liar " Kong squinted his eyes at Arthit " there is something...tell me or I won't take you to the place I bring pink milk from. "

" You are blackmailing me ? " Arthit raised a brow.

Kong instantly changed his tone to pleading " Please na...tell me "

Arthit shook his head slightly as if to dismiss the matter " Its nothing . It's just that my ex didn't like when my face had any blemish — bruise, cut or pimples. It turned him off. He had army of skin and hair specialist to take care of himself and me."

Kongpob's nostrils flared in indignation " I hope he gets face full of pimples and it doesn't cure even after treatments with greatest dermatologists. "

Arthit laughed " You are so childish, Kongpob. "

" I am not " Kong pouted " Isn't he childish for thinking it was your job to get his penis hard. Are you sure he didn't have erectile dysfunction? Maybe he was just trying to cover it "

" Why didn't i think of it before Kongpob ? " Arthit started laughing " I hope I get you to tell it to his face. "

" Who is he ? Tell me.Do you have his number?  I will tell him right now. Stupid man."

Arthit was rolling on bed " erectile dysfunction... God... I want to see his face when you say it " he kept laughing and suddenly doubled over in pain " Ouch..."

" What happened ...are you okay ? " Kong instantly leaned over Arthit , checking his torso..

" Area around your ribs is swollen Arthit " Kong informed "

Arthit clenched his jaw " Its nothing . "

" It is. "

" I told you Kongpob...it's not "

" Fine then... my ankle injury is nothing too...I am gonna start jumping on that leg until I get swelling of size you have."

" Are you stupid ? "

" Why isn't it stupid when you do it ? " Kong asked.

" You are not gonna listen , are you? "Arthit sighed " Fine. Do whatever you wanna do. "

" You will not object to whatever I want to do ? "

Arthit shook his head " its not like you gonna listen unless you get what you want. "

" Then let's go to doctor first then I want to take you home. " Kong declared.

" When did I agree to that ? "

" You said you will not object to what I want. Now you can't go back on your words."

"Kong ...it's not a good idea. " Arthit reasoned.

" Visiting doctor ? "

" No...going to your home. "

" Why ? " Kkng asked but Arthit remained silent.

" Your ex did some stupid stuff again ? Was he ashamed because you grew a pimple when you were visiting his parents ? "

" No...it's not like that. "

" Arthit... I am not your ex. Don't worry. I promise you , you will have fun there. "

Arthit stayed silent.
" You will have lots of blackmail material. And the pinkmilk place is close to my home too. "

" You really think pink milk will persuade me to visit your home? "

Kong shook his head " Nope. It can be deciding factor though and my grandfather have many art pieces from famous artists. Also I have the latest version of game you wanted to play. If you come we can spend all our time together without any interruption. We don't even have to tone our voices down  ."

" Fine. It's only because of game though " Arthit mumbled averting his eyes.

Kong chuckled dabbing Arthit's  lips with  cotton drenched in antiseptic  " As if "

" I hate you Kongpob " Arthit frowned.

Kong smirked " Please tell me same without turning red. "

Arthit glared at Kong " I want to punch you . "

" Can you punch my lips with yours? . " Kong instantly replied..

"KONGPOB! "

" Fine ... Fine " Kong chuckled.  " Let me apply ice pack to your ribs.

............

Kong had to pretend sleeping for almost two hours before Arthit actually slept around eight AM . He secured Arthit in blanket and texted Aim to bring his finest suit with the gold pocket watch his grandfather gifted him.

After donning the custom made three piece suit and gelling his hairs back, he checked on the students guarding Arthit's  door. After making sure Arthit was safe for the time being, Kong sat in his car to visit rector's home.

The Rector was surprised to find Kongpob at his home early in the morning.

" What brings you here, Kongpob ? "

" Phi phana had another urgent matter to take care of so he sent me with some files containing matter that had recently brought to student council's attention "
Kongpob placed a file on the table " This is the quotation of 50 CCTV for dorm assigned to  scholarship students that my grandfather had signed and paid for. The files shows the dorms were to have CCTVs every corridor and atleast 5 CCTV per floor. Students are asking why does it have only 15 CCTV in  an eight floor building hosting 400 students ? "

" I am glad you have brought it to my attention, it is indeed pitiful, I will personally look in to it Kongpob . "

" I am sure you will sir. I had one more matter to discuss with you."

" please feel free to share Kongpob " Rector smiled.

" I have a friend who had suffered from  three incidents that they have been called derogatory names and physically assaulted ..."

" Tell your friend to file a complaint — "

" It was brought in attention of a authority's notice but he didn't take action — "

" Who is this person ? We don't tolerate such inaction. Tell your friend to file his complaint directly to my office. " Rector said " and add a complaint against that administrative officer too. I will take strictest action against him."

" I am sure you will do sir " Kong bowed politely " I have already sent an application to your office Sir. I have also brought a copy for you to see if something more should be added. I am sorry to bother you sir. "

" OH...it's no bother Kongpob " Rector signed amicably..

Kong forwarded the file containing a complaint on behalf of Arthit filed by Aim as witness to bullying ..and a printed online petition to demanding  rector's resignation, signed by whole engineering department.

" What is this Kongpob ? " The rector sprang up.

" I merely did what you suggested sir. " Kongpob said innocently.. " I hope you will take strictest action against the incompetent officer "

" What joke is this Kongpob? "

" Indeed it is a joke ... joke with our saftey and dignity. " Kong sprang up "I am merely here to draw your attention to one more matter you have personally looked in to before Phi Phana will be presenting the files to the dean. " Kong fumed setting his mobile on the table.

" Do you even know who he is Kongpob ? There is a reason I couldn't take action."

" And what reason that may be except you were afraid of the family name possessed by those perpetrators? "

" He is ..." The Rector took a deep breath before mumbling " His mother was a lady of the night ."

" And how does it change that he was physically and mentally  abused under your care ? Under your administration ? "

" You don't understand if it gets out ..."

" Then you should have warned those students to not leak Arthit's personal information lest they will get sued their behinds to next births. You should have punished them under law for ragging and bullying. You should have called their guardians rather than reprimanding and suspending  Arthit over a fact that he had no control of. "

" Kongpob..." The Rector opened his mouth but shut it as soon as he saw Kong glaring at him..
" I am just here to tell you ... you deserve all that is coming to you... I had brought it to your attention when those students had
bullied Arthit at two different occasions.."

" Kongpob..."

" Tell your useless excuses to the board members who will actually believe it " Kong spat before turning and marching straight out of the hall.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A/N : Okay...so this chappy was a bit long. Hope you liked it 😇🤗.

Two chapters to go.