"Why are you smiling like loon ? " Aim asked, while he deposited his bag at the study table and crashed on Kongpob's  bed.

"Arthit is my friend now. I am happy"

" How do you know that he is your friend now ? He said it ? "

No he didn't.  But Kkng knew it, he felt somehow sure of it.
It has been three whole days since Arthit haven't even once uttered a single 'f-word' in their conversation. He even gives Kong a small smile as greeting. And important of all things — He brought a cold coffee for Kongpob! Exactly like he likes it .

That means Arthit had finally considered him a friend right ?

He had seen Arthit only bringing coffee or any edible thing for Ai Knot . Also, Arthit wasn't snapping his book shut when Kong lost track of professor's dictation and tried to peak at his notes.

"I have carefully observed his behavior and expressions. Its the most logical conclusional.." Kong answered, still smiling.

" That's good dude. " Aim answered non- chalant.

" Give me your ED notebook , let me copy your answer of last question. Rest I have done." Aim's hand reached for his notes.

Kongpob's blissfull expressions  instantly turned sour. " No " He snatched his notes back.

" Go, take it from Arthit " Kong answered
" It only costs twenty Baht and he had it derived by four different methods , you can copy one. "

" Dude ? " Aim frowned " I can buy a breakfast for twenty baht. "

" I will buy you breakfast tomorrow. " Kong declared. " But buy answers from Arthit. I won't harm his business. "

" Dude , I am your friend too " Aim whined.

" And you can afford twenty bucks if you don't wanna find your own answers " Kong retorted.

" Kong , I understand  that you think he is your friend. But you won't do him harm by letting me copy your answer, just because he sells solutions. His business isn't even ethical or legal ! "

" Neither is being lazy and copying assignments off of others. He is atleast benefiting off of it " Kong answered. " I want to see him benefit "

" I swear I will buy answers from him next time. Please let me copy this time " Aim pleaded.

" No " Kong gave a firm answer.

" Dude , his dorm is on the opposite side ! " Aim whined " please..."

" I will accompany you ..." Kong declared, picking up his keys, mobile and a chilled bottle of pink milk from his fridge, he dragged Aim with him.

" Dude... I am your childhood friend and he is more important for you ? " Aim whined,giving puppy eyes. 

Kong ignored his whining. He wanted to see Arthit , Aim was perfect excuse.

.....

When they knocked at Arthit's door, the said man opened it bare chested, only a towel wrapped at his hip, a frown adorning his gorgeous face.

" He needs to buy answers " Kong pushed Aim infront of Arthit.

" Its 11 fucking PM " Arthit grumbled.

Unaware of Arthit's grumbling, Kong's gaze was stuck at his toned torso. " Nice " Kong mumbled in appreciation. 

Arthit clipped back of Kong's head " Eyes up, Kongpob "

Reprimanded, Kong instantly averted his eyes.

" Which answer do you want Aim ? " Arthit asked .

" Last one " Aim answered.

Nodding, Arthit turned his back towards them and started searching something perhaps the file from his bookshelf. Kongpob couldn't help but stare at the broad back at display.

"Kongpob!  " Aim kicked his leg " Don't stare if you don't want Arthit to knock your teeth down" he chided in whispers. " he already warned you once.

" I am not staring " Kong replied , eyes still glued to Arthit's back.

" Pray tell me what are you doing now? " Aim whispered scandalized.

" Appreciating. He has a nice body. " Kong whispered back. Taking a step ahead towards Arthit, as if in a trance.

Seeing Kong is again missing social cue, Aim tripped him, which made Kong loose balance, he twisted his ankle.

" Ouch " Kong tried to standd up, but sharp pain shooting in his ankle every time he tried to do so, didn't let him do so.

He glared at Aim " Why did you do that ? "

" What happened ? " Arthit was kneeling at his side now.

" He twisted my ankle . " Kong complained.

Arthit glared at Aim " What the fuck is wrong with you ? "

" I...didn't do it " Aim stuttered.

" Don't lie " Kong and Arthit glared at Aim in unison. Aim took a step back, clearly patronized.

" Dude, I didn't mean to do it. I just tried to make him stop staring at you. You see he doesn't understand social protocols — " Aim was trying to explain both his and Kong's behavior but Arthit cut him off.

" It was matter between my body and his eyes. If I had a problem with it , I am fully capable of dealing with him, Khun Aim. " Arthit chided " Do refrain from taking decision on Kongpob's  behalf in future "

" I am sorry...I didn't mean it ..." Aim stuttered.

Arthit stood up in a flash, grabbing a blue file from his desk he handed it to Aim " one method twenty baht . Be back within 30 minutes .And this is my assignment file , not the rough sheet for business. If I see a single mark , you know what will happen.... "

Nodding, Aim took the file and he squatted beside Kongpob " I will help you stand up....

Again he was cut off by Arthit " You have done enough helping, thank you very much. " Arthit replied sarcastically. 

" Be back in 30. " Seeing Aim's horrified expression, he added "Don't worry, although he is of my taste. I won't eat your friend. " Arthit assured, he added in a low voice " unless he wants me too. "

Throwing an unsure glance at Arthit and apologizing to Kong, Aim made himself scarce.

Arthit helped Kong stand up and took him to sit on edge of bed, leg dangling down.

" You sit here, I will be back in a minute. " saying that Arthit went to his fridge and arranged a quick makeshift ice pack. Grabbing the small white box from bathroom shelf , he returned to Kong's side.

Sitting at Kong's feet, he put it on his towel clothed lap and applied ice pack to the injury.

" I don't see much swelling. Do you want to go to the doctor straight away or wait till morning? "

" Wait . "Kong answered in a word. His mind was stuck at something else. " Why did you assured Aim that you won't eat me ? Do they suspect you of being a cannibal ?  "

Arthit laughed " Cannibal...no. Man eater — yes ! "

" So, you prefer only men. "

" I do. " Arthit nodded, smirking. The double meaning was totally lost on Kong.

" Isn't it still cannibalism ? " Kong asked.

" Shouldn't you be worried since you satisfy all the qualities that I want in my man."

" Nope. " Kong pointed at the neglected pink milk bottle sitting on the floor. " I don't think I am in danger zone till I tell you address of the establishment that makes this nomyen. "

" After that ? "

" I think you are only trying to scare me away. You don't like people much, perhaps that is why " Kong concluded.

" Do you really not understand what I said about being a man eater or are you pretending to be innocent Kongpob ? " Arthit asked.

" Sorry, I do not. I am medically unable to process those double meanings you perhaps threw my way. If you want me to understand something , you have to tell me in direct words. No euphemisms. " Kong replied, and Arthit could read the little lines of insecurity marring Kong's pleasant mood.

" They think I sleep with any men, especially one who are loaded. "

"I don't understand. What is the problem ?  What does anyone have to do with the fact that  You don't like sleeping alone or you like heavy men to sleep with ? Isn't it your own business?  " Kong asked.  " Even I don't like sleeping alone when I am sick. "

Seeing Arthit stifling a laugh, Kong asked morose " I missed something again, didn't I ? "

" Not heavy per se. Men with heavy pockets. Rich men, Kongpob. They think I sleep with...I mean have sex with rich man. " Arthit clarified laughing .

Kong took a pause to think, Arthit came to like the lip biting Kong was doing. 

" But I am not rich. I do not satisfy one of the qualities then. "  Kong Said after a moment. "

" I didn't take you for a liar. " Arthit couldn't help but get offended " your clothes, language and  mannerism tells me you are quite rich. Only the price of perfume you wear is my annual budget Kongpob!. "

Kongpob laughed humorlessly " Isn't it you, who are prejudiced, Arthit ? You can bear your own expenses. And I can't afford even a handkerchief or pen with my own money. It's all my dad's. "

Seeing Arthit silent but judging stare he added " I do recognize that I will not have to struggle much for the opportunity or recognition that my peers will have to struggle for. I certainly have that privilege.
But I am not rich. My dad, my grandpa, my sisters do have money. Even the nomyen I brought you is paid by my father's card . But soon, after graduation, I will buy you Nomyen from my own money .  " He vowed.

Arthit smiled " Are you for real, Kongpob ? "

" yes " Kong answered , a cute frown of confusion adorning his face. " of course I am real. "

They stayed silent like that. Arthit applying ice pack and Kong looking intently at Arthit.

After some time , Kong spoke softly " can you put on a shirt ? "

" Why ? You are bored of my chest already , Khun Kongpob ? "

" No...I " Kong squirmed " my brain is malfunctioning  " Kong replied " I am getting not so friendly thoughts. And you even said I check all the boxes of men you like to sleep with. I wanted to sleep with you tonight, I don't want to walk all the way and go back to my dorm. But then you said sleeping as in see.  " He clarified. " and my brain crashed...put on a shirt please. I don't wanna unintentionally do something that will make you go back to being unfriendly. I like our friendship. I like when you smile at me. I like it when you accept and enjoy the  pink milk without telling me to shove it up my ass , like you used to tell me. I ...please , please...put a shirt on ..." he begged.

Chuckling, Arthit stood up and slipped on a shirt, without bothering to button it up, the flaps in middle parted like a curtain, offering enticing view of his torso .

" Better ? " Arthit asked.

" Worse." Kong answered, uneasy and squirming. " button it up please. Thoughts are getting worse. "

" Quite domineering , aren't you Kongpob?" Arthit asked buttoning up the shirt , button by button, starting from the lower most button .

" Ugh..." Kong groaned seeing Arthit's  tease making it worse, he fell on his back on the bed, legs still dangling, eyes tightly shut, he took deep breath to control his breathing and wayward thoughts. This was so not good.

Arthit is definitely going to curse him till eternity if he knows even inkling of thoughts that Kong has no business to think of.

He was confused. Arthit is a friend. Aim is a friend too. But why is it that Arthit's naked chest are triggering his horn brain cells and Aim's never do.

Does he like Arthit ? Like have a crush on Arthit, like he did on Brad Pitt in his school days ? Aim said it was a crush when you like a person, their looks and body and behavior.

Oh my God? That's the most logical conclusion . He is having a crush and now Arthit will crush him if he got to know. And the thoughts of fuming Arthit are making his stomach feel funny and chest feel light .

What is happening?

" Kongpob " a gentle voice pulled him out of his thoughts and threw him in to deep in the next second that he recognized the voice was Arthit's. He liked gentle Arthit too.

His brain has crashed. Definitely. There is no other explanation.

" Kongpob " Arthit called again.

" hmm " Arthit hummed, eyes still closed.

" I am applying compression bandage " he heard Arthit saying. He hummed in reply, not daring to open his eyes lest his brain goes in to overdrive again .

Kong could feel the soft cloth wiping down his feet, Arthit's  finger running over the arch of his foot, wrapping his foot expertly  in layers of bandage. And this was the exact moment Kong understood why people like blindfolded porn.
Once when he watched it on his friend's recommendation, he didn't understand the appeal. But , this moment became his truth revealing moment, he could divide the timeliness of his understanding of sensory stimuli as before this moment and after this moment.

His brain conjured the thoughts of Arthit divesting him of his clothes - gently and carefully and with utmost precision as he handled his injured ankle. He could feel Arthit's nimble fingers running over his bandaged feet, double checking his handiwork. He wanted the touch to continue traveling upwards, to his knees, he wanted to feel those tingles Arthit's hands were inducing,  all over his body. His eyes flew open... this was bad ...so bad ..

" I am going  back " Kong tried to suddenly stand up, and fell down down.

" I want to go back to my dorm " he said clear and firm, slowly supporting his body using his elbow, he sat up .

" Why all of a sudden ? " Arthut asked " I thought you wanted to sleep here tonight.  Your thoughts are making a return ? " he asked smirking. " even after I buttoned my shirt till my throat ? "

" yes.." Kong answered horrified. " I am sorry.. I don't know how...why it is happening like that. I didn't even think all this when I was crushing on Bradd Pitt. "

Arthit raised a brow " Is that so? "

Kong clamped his lips tightly and made a zipping motion with his fingers.

" I am honored that I am invoking thoughts that even Brad Pitt couldn't Kongpob. I am curious now. What re you thinking? Can you tell me Kongpob ? "

" I ...No. " Kong shook his head.

" Why ? " Arthit asked. Giving Kong space to collect his thoughts, he walked to his cupboard and took out his extra pillow and comforter along with few bedsheets. Placing pillow under Kongpib's head, he piled the comforter and folded bedsheets at the edge of bed and urged Kong to place his injured foot over it.

" You need to keep your foot elevated. This is the best I can arrange right now". He informed. Kong nodded his head in answer but his eyes were still averted from Arthit.

Changing in to shorts and a tee,  Arthit Settled in the bed beside Kong , Arthit covered them with his comforter. " What if it will not affect our friendship. Would you like to tell me then ?

Kong turned his head to look at Arthit, checking if he was really saying this. " You will still be nice...even after knowing all the filthy things my brain is conjuring right now. "

" What if we are at same wavelength Kongpob ? "

" huh? "

" What if my brain is conjuring same thoughts as yours ? "

" What if they are not same? " Kong answered. " I don't want to lose our friendship. I worked really hard for it. "

"What if they are the same ? You won't know unless you tell me what you are thinking Kongpob. I promise you , nothing has to change between us. "

" I ..." Kong took a quick gulp of air " I want to  kiss you ..... naked" he was beet red by the end of sentence.

" And would you like to turn your imagination to reality ? " Arthit asked.

" I..."

" You have ten seconds to answer Komgpob " Arthit started counting " Zero, one..."

" Yes, " Kong whispered " Want...want ..I want "

" Then tell your friend you are staying the night.  He can return my file in the morning. "

Kong didn't bother nodding . Sending a quick text to Aim, he got rid of his mobile and turned to Arthit .

" Who was initiating the kiss   Kongpob ? " Arthit asked.

" You ..." Kong answered.

Arthit inched closer and closer until the space between their faces disappeared, their breath mingled. Kong now knew what do they mean by feeling warmth of someone's gaze.

" Like this ? " Arthit asked placings quick kiss at corner of his mouth.

" here " Kong tapped his lip with his index finger.

" Like this"  Arthit asked resting his lips atop Kongpob's .
" Here " Kong tapped his chin   his fingers trailing downwards to underside of his throat, Adam's apple, his clavicle. Arthit unbuttoned the buttons of his T-shirt and placed a peck at his collarbone.

" I like your perfume. It doesn't give me headache " Arthit declared , trailing his  down Kongpob's arms until he could intertwine his fingers with Kongpob's.

" I like kissing you . " Kong Said,  breathless.

" But you haven't kissed me yet, Kongpob. " Arthit complained.

" I must correct my mistake. " Kong smiled pulling Arthit atop him. His lips descended upon Arthit's  in an eager sweep.