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Chapter 29 - Crazy You

Daotok sat at the desk, fingers moving swiftly over the tablet, his other hand trapped in Arthit's warm grasp. He hadn't resisted when Arthit first reached for him, and now Daotok held on tightly, as if savoring the contact. It was a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes. After Daotok's words—words that felt like permission—Arthit's face lit up with childlike delight, the kind of excitement one might expect from a student being rewarded by their teacher. 

"You're giving me hope here," Arthit murmured, eyes gleaming. 

"Am I?" Daotok replied absentmindedly, still focused on his work. 

"Yeah, totally. I feel like I can do anything now." 

"You can't." 

"But you just let me steal a kiss." 

Daotok's fingers hesitated over the screen before continuing their steady rhythm. "Is that what you'd call it?" he asked, his voice even. Earlier, before he had a chance to react, Arthit had leaned in and pressed a sudden kiss to his cheek. It had caught him off guard, left him momentarily stunned. By the time he processed what had happened, Arthit had already pulled back, his face smug with satisfaction. Even if Daotok had gotten angry, it would have only exhausted him further. 

"How about that sneak attack, huh?" Arthit teased, grinning. Daotok ignored him, his focus returning to the tablet. Just a little more, and his work for the night would be complete. The reality of his current situation still gnawed at him—having to stay in Arthit's room for the night. It unsettled him. He didn't feel entirely safe, at least not in the way he wanted to. He had already made up his mind: once Arthit fell asleep, he would quietly slip away and find a nearby hotel instead. "Almost done?" Arthit's voice interrupted his thoughts. 

"Hmm," Daotok hummed in response. 

"Wow, so fast. You must've gotten a lot of encouragement from me." 

"Then I guess it'll take forever now. Feels like I'm being weighed down." 

Arthit gasped in mock offense. "You're such a sharp-tongued guy, huh?" 

"Just kidding." 

"So, did you feel the encouragement from me?" 

"Ah... Is that what you call encouragement?" 

"Yep, but I'm taking a little extra from you too." With a playful smirk, Arthit lifted Daotok's hand and pressed a soft kiss to the back of it. He let his lips trail to the tips of Daotok's fingers before gently biting a knuckle. 

Daotok blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Why are you biting me?" 

"Because you're irresistible." 

"Like a newborn puppy?" 

"Why a puppy?" 

"Puppies like to chew on things when their teeth are growing in." 

Arthit snorted. "Who told you that?" 

"My grandma." 

"Oh, okay. Well, I guess I do feel like chewing sometimes." 

"It hurts." 

"It does?" 

"I mean when you bit my neck last time." 

Arthit's grin faltered slightly. "I already told you I wouldn't do that again." 

"Yeah." 

"Not until you're okay with it. But you've opened up to me already, haven't you?" he mused, laughing softly. His fingers absently traced the curve of Daotok's cheek, the touch feather-light and oddly comforting. Daotok sighed but didn't pull away. He had resigned himself to Arthit's antics long ago. Besides... it wasn't that bad. Annoying, yes. But not repulsive, not unsettling. Just... there. A presence he had unwillingly grown used to. 

Time slipped away as Daotok focused on his work. At some point, Arthit had gone quiet, the playful remarks ceasing altogether. When Daotok finally finished and sent off the last document, he turned to find Arthit slumped over, fast asleep. His head rested on one arm, while the other remained linked with Daotok's. Even in sleep, he held on, as if unconsciously keeping him close. It was then that Daotok noticed something odd—something he hadn't realized before. He had been smiling. 

A soft, familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. "He looks really tired, doesn't he?" Startled, Daotok turned his head. A small girl in a white dress stood beside him, clutching a tattered teddy bear. Emma. She smiled up at him, bright and innocent as always. It had been a while since they last saw each other. Daotok hadn't brought her along when he left, so seeing her now felt... unexpected. 

"Yeah, probably from school," Daotok thought aloud. "Plus, he wakes up so early." Carefully, he tried to slip his hand free. He had assumed Arthit was too deep in sleep to notice, but the moment he moved, those familiar brown eyes fluttered open. 

Arthit blinked groggily, frowning. "Finished your work?" 

"Yeah. Go back to sleep." 

"No way. I'll just sit here while you work. Then I'll study after." 

Daotok exhaled, shaking his head. "Uh-huh." 

Arthit smirked. "You should take a shower. I'll lend you some clothes." 

"No need. I'll just sleep in what I'm wearing." 

"What's the big deal? Just borrow my clothes." 

"They won't fit." 

"Well, obviously." With a chuckle, Arthit finally let go of his hand and wandered over to the wardrobe. The moment their fingers parted, Daotok felt an odd sense of coldness creep in. When Arthit returned, he handed over a t-shirt and long pants. 

Daotok glanced at them. He would definitely have to roll up the pant legs several times. "I'll wash and return them tomorrow." 

"Don't bother. I'll keep them to sniff." 

Daotok stared at him. 

Arthit only laughed. "What? I like the way you smell. It's normal, okay? Even North does it. If you had to pick between smelling your shirt or hugging me, which would it be?" 

"Neither." 

"So touching, really." 

Daotok ignored him and headed to the bathroom, shutting the door a little faster than necessary. He wasn't sure why he felt the urge to hurry. 

"Are you afraid I'll peek while you're showering?" Arthit's voice teased from the other side. 

"Yeah." 

"I won't, even if I'd like to see." 

Daotok rolled his eyes but said nothing. 

"Actually, I've already set up a camera inside. Look, I can see you taking off your shirt right now on my phone." 

He froze mid-motion. "Are you... serious?" 

Arthit burst into laughter. "Just kidding. What, were you actually taking your shirt off?" 

Daotok exhaled sharply. "Yeah." 

"Ha ha ha! Okay, I'll stop teasing. I feel bad now." 

As the warm water filled the tub, Emma reappeared, resting her arms on the edge. "Michael," she murmured. 

"Hm?" 

"I'm happy. You're finally opening your heart to someone.". 

"Why?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper. 

Emma smiled knowingly. "Even if he's a bit rough and clumsy, his love is pure and innocent, like a child's." 

Daotok scoffed, though there was no real irritation in the sound. "Is that so?" 

"Yep." Emma swirled the water again, watching the ripples dance outward. "He's never been in love before. He's honest, doesn't lie, and has no hidden agendas. He's natural—everything you like." 

Daotok leaned back against the edge of the tub, his wet hair sticking to his skin. "But it's just opening up. That's all." His voice was quieter now, almost hesitant. "I just think... if it's him, it might be safe." 

Emma tilted her head. "Exactly. It feels safe, doesn't it?" 

"Yeah." Safe. With everything Arthit had done for him, the thought crossed Daotok's mind as he was about to leave his house that day. If it's him... it might be okay. It felt safe to place his heart in Arthit's hands. Unlike others before him, Arthit wouldn't break it. He made Daotok feel that way—and that was why, for the first time, Daotok wanted to try opening up. 

"Michael might not like him that much yet," Emma mused, her voice pulling Daotok from his thoughts. "But I think no matter how long it takes, he'll stay." 

Daotok frowned slightly, watching the candlelight flicker on the surface of the water. "If he really stays, that is." 

"Isn't that what you want, Michael? Someone who'll stay until you're ready to give your whole heart?" 

He sighed, shutting his eyes. "But I don't know how long that will take. It feels selfish to make him wait endlessly without any promise." 

"Michael warned him about this when he confessed... and he said he'd stay." 

Daotok remembered the day Arthit had first confessed. He had rejected him then, warning him it might all be a waste of time. But Arthit had insisted. Stubbornly, relentlessly. Daotok had never known someone to be so serious about staying, but a small part of him—a very small part—wanted to believe him for once. "What if one day he gets tired of waiting because I don't return his feelings?" he asked. 

"He said it himself: you don't need to like him. He just wants to stay by your side," Emma reminded him. "If one day he disappears, it'll mean he was like everyone else—full of lies. But I'm sure he's not like that." 

Daotok opened his mouth, then closed it again. His mind warred with itself. 

"You never know. People can change, Michael. Are you hoping he won't?" 

He hesitated. "Well... maybe." 

Emma laughed softly, a knowing smile curving her lips. "Trust me, he won't lie. He's probably the most straightforward being on this planet." 

Against his will, Daotok smiled, just a little. 

"Why don't you just read his mind?" Emma teased. 

"No." 

"Why not?" 

"It feels like cheating, using my ability like that," Daotok murmured, lowering his gaze to the water. "Besides... if he's not lying, he should prove it himself. Why should I have to check?" 

Emma studied him for a moment before speaking. "You've been talking a lot more lately, Michael." 

"Have I?" 

"Yep. When you're with him, you talk more. You even respond to his questions. It's different from before." 

"And is that a good thing?" 

Emma hummed, tracing the surface of the water with the tip of her finger. "It's already good. A little stronger now. Good love helps people grow." She glanced at him, her expression oddly tender. "Do you remember the day you created me, Michael?" 

Daotok nodded. "Yeah." "Back then, you had no one. So you created me. I was the only one you could talk to about everything. I hope he becomes that person for you... so I can finally retire." 

Daotok turned to her. "You don't want to talk to me anymore?" 

Emma shook her head. "Not at all. But having someone you can truly trust and rely on is better, isn't it?" 

He exhaled, his chest tightening with something he couldn't name. "Yeah." 

"But if you're ever lonely, you can always call for me." 

"Got it." 

Emma grinned. "And you like it, don't you? When he gets jealous." 

A pause. Then, quietly, "Yeah... it feels nice, oddly enough." 

"Ha, how strange. He's intimidating, you know." 

Daotok smirked slightly. "When someone values you, you're bound to feel good... I think." 

Emma studied him closely. "But, Michael, you've started to crave his touch, haven't you?" 

His throat bobbed. "A little bit. Like... if he holds my hand for a long time and then suddenly lets go, it feels... empty. I can't explain it." 

"He's slowly getting under your skin. Before you know it, you're used to him. Like a worm burrowing into your life." 

Daotok let out a soft, almost resigned chuckle. "Yeah, maybe." 

After chatting with Emma for a while, Daotok let himself sink deeper into the warm water, allowing the heat to ease the tension in his body. She hummed softly, sitting in her usual spot at the edge of his mind. Emma's appearance had never changed since the first time he imagined her—except for how she'd grown taller over the years. She reminded him of a little American girl from a childhood movie he had loved, with her pristine white dress and the ever-present teddy bear clutched in her hand. She was a reflection of his fondness, an unwavering presence in his life. 

"Michael." 

"What?" 

"Do you want me to talk to him?" 

Daotok's fingers twitched slightly beneath the water's surface. He didn't answer immediately. 

"You let slip about me to him once, didn't you? Deep down, weren't you happy that he treated it as if it were normal?" 

Daotok's gaze remained unfocused, locked onto the pale yellow wall across the room. "He just didn't say anything about it," he muttered. 

Emma's gentle smile remained unchanged. She had always been this way— his subconscious manifesting in a form he could speak to, an entity that neither lied nor deceived. "If he had acted like it was strange or refused to accept it, you'd never have opened your heart to him." 

Daotok exhaled slowly, sinking further until only his eyes remained above the water's surface. His heart pounded, whether from the heat or the conversation, he wasn't sure. "The most important thing is finding someone who accepts your true self without trying to change it. Someone who sees you as your best self." 

"That's rare." Emma tilted her head, her voice light but firm. "But you've found one." 

"Yeah. I guess I..." 

"Are you blushing?" 

Daotok's breath hitched. "Yeah. I think it's too much. If everything he says is true, that is." 

Emma's expression remained patient, as if she had expected that answer. "You're saying that again. You've already talked about this. What's 'too much'?" 

"His sincerity. His feelings... it's overwhelming." His voice was barely above a whisper. 

"Not used to it?" 

"Yeah." Daotok closed his eyes and submerged himself completely, letting the water envelop him. He stayed there until his lungs burned for air, resurfacing with a gasp. 

Emma's voice echoed in his mind. "You always do that when you're overthinking." 

"Yeah." 

"And? Did it help?" 

"Not at all." After a while, he climbed out of the tub, dried himself, and dressed. The oversized clothes forced him to fold the sleeves and pant legs multiple times, an annoyance he tried not to dwell on. He tightened the drawstring of the pants to ensure they wouldn't slip, adjusted his reflection in the mirror, and finally stepped out of the bathroom. The moment he emerged, his eyes fell on Arthit, lounging on the sofa. 

At the sound of the door opening, Arthit sat up, his gaze locking onto Daotok. "Wow." 

Daotok ignored the obvious surprise in his voice and got straight to the point. "Where should I put the towel?" 

"Anywhere's fine." 

Nodding, Daotok walked to the balcony and hung the towel on the drying rack. 

"Going to bed now?" Arthit asked. It was nearing 11 P.M, and with no work left to do, Daotok nodded. He barely had time to process Arthit's movements before the man was suddenly in front of him. Instinctively, Daotok stepped back, his shoulders hitting the wall. Arthit smirked. "You're so wary of me." 

Daotok's voice was steady, despite the quickened pace of his heartbeat. "What are you going to do?" 

"Whatever I feel like." Arthit leaned in, pressing his nose against Daotok's neck. A sharp intake of breath was the only reaction Daotok allowed himself. He attempted to push him away, but Arthit was immovable, his presence overwhelming. Instead of relenting, Arthit shifted, his lips grazing the sensitive skin near Daotok's ear, sending an involuntary shiver down his spine. 

"Get off." 

Arthit chuckled, voice husky and low. "When you're fresh out of the shower, you're so damn sexy." 

Daotok's breath hitched as warm lips pressed against his neck, leaving feather-light kisses that grew bolder with each passing second. His body tensed as Arthit's mouth lingered, sucking just hard enough for a sting to follow. "Stop... no," Daotok protested, shoving against him with more force. 

Arthit finally pulled back, his expression unreadable. "You're driving me insane." 

"What?" 

"When you wear my shirt like that..." He reached out, adjusting the oversized collar. Daotok followed his gaze down, realizing how the loose neckline had slipped slightly, revealing more skin than he intended. "Do something about it so I don't have to see... Damn, your skin's too white." 

Daotok quickly grasped the collar, pulling it up to cover himself. His heart pounded relentlessly, but he wasn't the only one struggling. Arthit ran a hand down his face, letting out a frustrated groan. "God... Can I even survive three nights like this?" he muttered. 

"You could just let me go back," Daotok suggested. 

"Not happening." 

"You promised not to do anything." 

"I know. But who told you to look this good? Damn it, it's not even about being pale. I'm crazy about you, got it?" 

Daotok stared at him, speechless. 

"Say something!" 

"I just... uh, I'm speechless. I didn't think it was this bad." 

Arthit let out a sharp breath, pacing slightly before raking his fingers through his hair. "It really is that bad. Seriously, what the hell? You just finished showering, showed a bit of shoulder and chest, walked out with wet hair, and now I'm—damn, it's worse than watching a porn star. I'm telling you." 

Daotok froze. 

"What? I'm trying to pull myself together here!" 

"Calm down," Daotok said, more for himself than for Arthit. 

"Why is the person who made me lose my mind the one helping me get it back? Why are you more composed than me, even when I'm the one who's supposed to have control over you?" 

Daotok hesitated, then quickly spoke the first thing that came to mind. "Think about your dad. How was lunch with Mr. Direk today? Was it good?" 

Arthit froze at Daotok's sudden comment, his expression shifting from heated frustration to sheer disbelief. His gaze locked onto Daotok, unblinking, as if trying to process what had just been said. Half a minute passed before he finally blurted out, "Uh... okay. What the hell?" 

Daotok remained composed, his voice steady as he replied, "It's just a way to distract you from what you were thinking about earlier." 

Arthit groaned, raking a hand through his hair. "Distract me? While you're still standing there in my shirt, looking like that, and telling me to think about Direk?" He let out a sharp breath, shaking his head. "Shit. This is giving me a headache." 

Daotok tilted his head slightly, studying him. "Is it helping?" 

Arthit narrowed his eyes but reluctantly admitted, "A little." He exhaled heavily and reached for his phone. "Let me call Direk real quick." 

"Sure," Daotok said, nonchalantly adjusting the oversized shirt draped over his frame. "Maybe he can help snap you out of it." 

Arthit scoffed, unlocking his phone. "Yeah, hold on." The air between them remained thick with tension as he pressed the call button, but Daotok simply stood there, composed as ever.

✨✨✨✨ 

"Direk." 

"What now?" 

Arthit exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face. "What should I do, man?" 

"Huh? What are you talking about?" 

"It's... it's bad." His voice dropped to a whisper, as if saying it aloud would make it worse. "Shorty went to take a shower, and my imagination just ran wild. I kept picturing things. Then, when he walked out..." He sucked in a sharp breath. "Damp hair, my shirt hanging loose on him—showing just enough of his chest, his shoulders. His skin's so pale, and that's not even the problem. The problem is that it's him." Arthit leaned against the wall, gripping his phone like a lifeline. "I'm going crazy, man. Something snapped. I completely lost it. He smells so damn good, feels so soft. I just—" He groaned. "Damn, I really want him." 

"So you're saying you're turned on?" 

"Yeah, exactly. Like, seriously turned on. It's awful." 

"Did you do anything to him?" 

Arthit hesitated before muttering, "I... nuzzled his neck. Maybe sucked on it a little." His fingers tightened around the phone. "Man, he smells amazing. Is it pheromones or what? I was dizzy as hell." 

"The guy has parents, Thit." 

"I know, okay? It's not like he grew out of thin air." 

"You like him. It's not weird that you're feeling this way." 

Arthit let out a humorless chuckle. "Really? But I've never felt like this before. Not like this." 

"That's because he's different. You're head over heels, and you don't even realize it, you idiot." 

Arthit groaned again, sliding down onto the bed. "How the hell am I supposed to survive three nights with him?" 

"You?" 

"Yeah, me." 

"Just keep it together, Thit. If you do, he'll definitely start to like you back." 

"He already said he's opening up to me." 

"Yeah, and then you go drooling all over him?" 

Arthit grinned slightly. "Another inch, and it wouldn't have just been drool." 

"Gross! I can't deal with you. Don't you dare say anything like that to him." 

"I'm joking, okay? I wouldn't say that to him." "For real?" 

"For real. I'd just use regular slang. I'm not the type to say filthy stuff in bed." 

"Good. Have you calmed down yet?" 

"Yeah, a bit. Thanks, Direk. You're the real MVP here." 

"Why do I even have a son like you?" Direk sighed heavily. 

"He's cute, so treat him well. He's tiny—don't be too rough, or he'll bruise easily." 

"Yeah, he's really small. I'm not even that big, but my shirt looks huge on him." 

"Not big? Please. Your muscles are as big as my head." 

"My what?" 

"Your shoulders, dumbass." 

Arthit rolled his eyes. "Fine, fine." He exhaled. "Oh, by the way, he told me to think of my dad's face to calm down." 

"What?" Direk burst out laughing. "Seriously?" 

"Yeah. I was just like, 'Huh, what does my dad even look like?'" 

"Should I send you a photo of me to hang above your bed, you ungrateful bastard?" 

Arthit laughed, his shoulders finally relaxing. "Relax. Just thinking about you snapped me out of it. It's so typical of him to say something like that to keep me grounded." 

"He's more collected than you are, huh? Even when you're the one messing things up." 

Arthit fell silent for a second before speaking again. "Direk." 

"What now?" 

"I really like him." His voice was quiet, almost hesitant. "Like, for real." 

"Then tell him, not me." 

"I already do. Morning, noon, and night. I like him so much it's driving me crazy. I don't even know what to do anymore." 

"Swallow him whole, maybe?" 

"That's stupid. If I did that, I couldn't hug him." 

"Fair enough. Now go back to him and behave yourself." 

"I will." Arthit hung up with a sigh, staring at the ceiling. His heartbeat was finally steadying, but the heat in his chest hadn't disappeared. It was exactly like he told Direk—just seeing Daotok walk out of the bathroom had completely wrecked his composure. And the worst part? The little bastard had pushed him away like it was nothing. Not that he pushed hard enough to make him move—Arthit had stepped back on his own. He groaned. 

He knew Daotok wouldn't be able to handle all these feelings. But he still couldn't control himself. That's how bad it was. That's how much he wanted him. And that scared him more than anything. When he opened the door again, he found Daotok rummaging through the wardrobe, completely oblivious to his inner turmoil. 

"What are you doing?" 

"Looking for a small blanket." 

"Top shelf." 

"Ah." 

Arthit stepped forward and reached up, easily pulling the blanket down. But just as he was about to hand it over, he realized how close he was. Too close. His instincts kicked in before logic could stop him. Instead of simply handing the blanket to Daotok, his arms moved on their own, wrapping around the smaller man from behind. Daotok froze. Arthit tightened his hold, his fingers pressing lightly into the fabric of his own oversized shirt draped over Daotok's frame. 

"Sorry." 

Silence.

"I don't know why," he admitted, voice lower now, almost vulnerable. "I just told myself I wouldn't do this. But it wasn't intentional." 

"It's fine." 

Arthit hesitated, then lowered his head until his forehead brushed against Daotok's small, delicate shoulder. His breath was warm against the soft skin. "Does it hurt?" he asked softly. 

Daotok shook his head. "No, it doesn't." 

"I don't know what's wrong with me," Arthit whispered, his grip loosening just slightly—but not enough to let go. "But I really like you." 

A soft hum was all Daotok gave in response. 

Arthit closed his eyes, inhaling the faint scent lingering on Daotok's skin. "I like you so much I don't even know what to do anymore." 

✨✨✨✨ 

The embrace from behind wasn't suffocating—far from it. It was loose, uncertain, as if Arthit was hesitant to hold on too tightly. His chin barely rested on Daotok's shoulder, his breath warm against his skin, carrying an unfamiliar softness that made Daotok's heart stutter. 

"I'll try," Arthit murmured, his voice carrying an uncharacteristic gentleness, a tone that almost sounded like pleading. "What's my score now?" 

Daotok exhaled slowly, tilting his head just slightly to the side. "Minus one. For scaring me." 

"Come on," Arthit groaned. "I've repented! Can't we just call it even at zero?" 

Daotok's lips twitched in amusement. "Ah... so you want a zero?" 

Arthit went silent for a moment, then cautiously replied, "Yes?" 

"Well, since you seem genuinely sorry, I'll give you two points." Arthit perked up immediately, but Daotok didn't let him get too comfortable. "But," he continued smoothly, "minus one still leaves you at one. If you'd rather have zero, I can take one away." 

"One! I'll take one!" Arthit rushed to say before Daotok could change his mind. 

Daotok allowed himself a small smile—one he doubted Arthit noticed. He was still trying to put up a wall, but the cracks were showing. He was warming up to him, despite his best efforts. He wasn't in love, not yet, but the slow burn had begun, creeping in like embers catching fire. 

Arthit chuckled, the sound lighthearted despite the intensity of the moment. "Hah, you must've put some kind of spell in that omelet back in San Francisco." 

Daotok rolled his eyes as he stepped out of Arthit's arms. "Yeah, I did. Magic." 

"What kind of magic?" 

"A spirit-binding spell." 

Arthit grinned. "Going for the kill, huh?" 

"Exactly." 

"Well," he exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "At least I've got one point." 

Daotok watched as Arthit reached for the blanket, looking far too pleased with himself. The moment of playfulness lingered between them, but Daotok had already turned away, making his way toward the sofa where he had planned to sleep. 

"Just be my boyfriend already," Arthit teased. "Admit it, you like me." 

Daotok paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Just a little," he admitted, snatching the blanket before heading toward the sofa. 

Arthit followed closely behind. "Aren't you going to shower?" 

"I will." While he was inside, Daotok sat on the sofa, plugging his phone into the charger on the nearby table. The thought of sneaking out while Arthit was asleep still crossed his mind, but he doubted the man would sleep easily. 

Arthit was too hyped up, the kind of person who stayed up late, just like Daotok. The bathroom door creaked open, and Arthit stepped out, now dressed in black pajamas—a tank top and long pants. The fabric clung to his frame, and the tattoos peeking out near his shoulders only accentuated his well built physique. Daotok quickly averted his gaze before Arthit could catch him staring. 

"So you really grabbed a blanket to sleep on the sofa, huh?" Arthit remarked, amusement lacing his tone. 

"Hm." 

"Go sleep on the bed properly." 

"No." 

"You." 

"No."

Arthit narrowed his eyes. "Do you want me to carry you?" 

Daotok raised a brow. "Do you want me to deduct points?" 

Arthit blinked, then let out a short laugh. "Whoa, you're negotiating now?" 

"Yes."

"Do you think I'm scared?" 

Daotok crossed his arms. "Aren't you?" 

"Nope. Deduct them if you want. Points don't matter," Arthit said casually, his gaze steady. "What matters is that I want to be near you." 

Daotok sighed. Of course, that was just how Arthit was—relentless, persistent. 

"So you're really sleeping on the sofa?" 

"Yes." 

"Alright, fine." Arthit held up his hands in mock surrender. "I'll let it slide tonight since I accidentally did something bad to you earlier." 

Daotok frowned as Arthit grabbed another blanket and began laying it out on the floor next to the sofa. "What are you doing?" 

"I just want to be near you." 

Daotok hesitated. "Uh... why don't you go sleep on the bed properly?" 

"Why don't you?" 

"No." 

"Then I'm staying here." 

Daotok stared at him, exasperated, but there was a warmth in his chest he refused to acknowledge. He could fight it all he wanted, but Arthit wasn't going anywhere.

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