A familiar ringtone pierced the stillness of the night, dragging Daotok from the depths of sleep. His body was cocooned in warmth, embraced by Arthit behind him. One strong arm was tucked beneath his head, acting as a pillow, while the other rested firmly around his waist, securing him in place.
The steady rise and fall of Arthit's chest pressed against his back, coupled with the soothing scent of cologne and something uniquely comforting, threatened to lull him back into slumber.
Daotok shifted slightly, attempting to lift the heavy arm wrapped around him, but his effort was met with resistance. The grip only tightened, accompanied by a low, disgruntled sound from the man holding him.
For a brief moment, he thought Arthit might be awake, but the steady rhythm of his breathing suggested otherwise. If anything, Arthit was merely reacting in his sleep, instinctively keeping him close.
Blinking drowsily, Daotok reached for his phone, the glow of the screen illuminating the darkness. North's name flashed on the display. A sigh left his lips as he answered, his voice thick with sleep.
"Already asleep. Sweet dreams." His words were little more than a mumble as he ended the call, ready to drift back into unconsciousness. The phone buzzed again.
"Don't hang up!" North's frantic voice came through the speaker.
Daotok groaned softly, pressing the device to his ear. "Hm, what's up? Calling me in such a panic?"
"Hey! Daotok! Why are you sleeping? Normally, you're up at this time."
"I'm human, you know," Daotok muttered, rubbing his temple. "And why are you calling me by my name?"
"Who says scary words like 'ghost' at night? No way I'd call you Ghost Rider!" North's voice lowered as if he were trying not to be too loud. "I swear, man, it's real. I was taking a shower earlier, and I heard a kid laughing. It was terrifying! I've never experienced anything like that before. Why's it haunting me when I wasn't even the one eating snacks? It should haunt P'Arthit!"
A soft chuckle escaped Daotok. North's panic, though genuine, had an amusing edge to it. "Where's your boyfriend?" Daotok asked.
"Why are you asking about my boyfriend?"
"Go be with him. Then you won't feel scared."
"No way! P'Joe's working late. I'm already losing my mind; you want me to bother him? No chance."
"But you're scared, aren't you? Let him comfort you."
"Who's scared? Me? Fear and I are polar opposites." North's tone suddenly turned defensive.
"Alright, then. I'll hang up now. Sweet dreams."
"Wait, wait! Don't hang up! Please don't. Fine, I admit it, I'm really scared. I'm on the verge of tears. Damn it, I hate this kind of thing so much. Why's it haunting me when I didn't even eat the snacks?"
"You're about to cry for real?"
"Yeah, tears are welling up."
Daotok smirked. "Man, a guy's tears flow so easily."
"Shut up. This is serious."
"I don't think there's anything there, North. You're probably imagining it. What are you doing right now?"
"Hiding under my blanket. If P'Johan saw me, he'd wonder what the hell I'm doing. But I'm scared!"
"Take the blanket off and listen closely. Are you sure you really heard laughter?"
"No way! Are you crazy?"
"North, I've told you before, your place has nothing to worry about. Your boyfriend has a strong aura; ghosts wouldn't dare come near. Even if you look between your legs right now, there's nothing there. Trust me."
"You sure?"
"Positive. I promise. Even I ate those snacks, and nothing happened. Your friends are probably just messing with you."
"You think so? Are you saying I'm just imagining things?"
"Maybe. You're scared, so your mind's playing tricks on you. Have you been watching a lot of horror movies lately?"
"Maybe I've been watching too much horror." A rustling sound came from North's end, then silence. "There's nothing here, man."
"See? I told you. Stop being scared and get some sleep."
"But what if it comes after I hang up?"
"If it does, tell it to come visit me instead."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Better than you bothering me and keeping me awake. I'd probably sleep better with a ghost around."
"Wow, so you're saying I'm more annoying than a ghost?" North burst into laughter. "Okay, okay. If you're sure there's nothing, I feel a bit better now. Oh, are you free tomorrow?"
"Should be. Why?"
"Let's go make merit or something."
"You're inviting me to make merit?"
"Yeah, I've been feeling unlucky lately. A bit of merit-making might help."
"What about Ter and Cat?"
"They've got dates with their boyfriends. Oh, drag P'Arthit along, will you? If he's with P'Joe, those two probably won't join us."
"Alright, sure."
"Know any temples that are good for lottery blessings? Oh, I know one nearby. Let's aim for 30 million."
Daotok laughed softly. "Alright. I'm going to sleep now. See you tomorrow."
"Sure. Sweet dreams."
As the call ended, Daotok set his phone aside, the room once again enveloped in quiet. His eyes had adjusted to the darkness, and he glanced at the man beside him. Arthit was still holding him in the same embrace, as if he had never stirred throughout the entire conversation.
The steady rhythm of his breath, the warmth radiating from his body, the way his presence felt so natural—it made Daotok pause. He turned in the embrace, shifting to face him. Even in the dim light, Arthit's sharp features were unmistakable. Asleep, he looked different. Peaceful. Vulnerable in a way he rarely showed when awake.
Daotok found himself studying the curve of his lips, the way his lashes cast faint shadows on his cheeks. During the day, Arthit was lively—talkative, teasing, always quick to flash a smile. But like this, he had an aura that was strangely captivating. A quiet intensity that made Daotok's heart tighten slightly in his chest.
If he were to ask Arthit to say he loved him, the man would probably grin and say it without hesitation. He'd likely follow up with a playful question like, "Why? Have you fallen for me?"
The mere thought made Daotok chuckle softly to himself. Daotok gazed at the man sleeping beside him, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. A small, amused smile played on his lips as he reached out, lightly poking Arthit's nose and then his cheek.
"Idiot," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Arthit was a fool—goofy, exasperating at times, yet undeniably charming.
Just as Daotok had always thought. But he had to be careful with his compliments. The man had a strange habit of stripping at the slightest bit of praise. Daotok had learned that the hard way more than once.
Shaking his head at the thought, he let his fingers rest briefly on Arthit's cheek before whispering, "Sweet dreams." Not that Arthit needed the encouragement—he was already deep in slumber. With a quiet sigh, Daotok closed his own eyes and allowed sleep to reclaim him.
Sunlight streamed through the windows when Daotok awoke, filling the room with a soft golden glow. He glanced at the clock—nine o'clock. Not too early, not too late. A notification lit up his phone screen, and he reached for it, reading the message from Arthit.
[ARTHIT]: Don't forget to have the soy milk and deep-fried dough sticks on the table. And take your medicine. I'll be back this afternoon.
He smiled slightly at the reminder and sent a quick thumbs-up emoji in response before stretching and climbing out of bed. After freshening up, he poured himself a cup of soy milk and started on the dough sticks.
As he ate, he scrolled through his emails, checking for any work inquiries. A new project request had come in, but since he was still busy coloring illustrations for Arthit's current project, he replied that he would be available next week. If the client could wait, great. If not, it wasn't a big deal.
His thoughts drifted to Arthit's father, Direk, who had mentioned wanting an acrylic painting on canvas. Maybe it was time to follow up on that. Before he could dwell on it, a familiar weight brushed against his leg.
Looking down, he saw Khun Jeon, his cat, rubbing against him, demanding attention. Daotok let out a chuckle. "Give me a second, buddy. I'm still eating."
He glanced at the cat's food dish—it wasn't empty. Arthit had remembered to feed him before leaving. His gaze fell to his bandaged ankle, and he realized that Arthit had also changed the dressings while he slept.
It was the little things. The quiet, consistent care, the thoughtful gestures. The things that could break down even the most well-guarded walls. And Daotok's walls... they had crumbled the moment he had decided to give Arthit a chance.
With a warmth blooming in his chest, he finished eating, washed his cup, disposed of the trash, and returned to his desk to continue painting. Around one in the afternoon, the front door creaked open. Daotok glanced up as Arthit stepped inside, his sharp eyes immediately seeking him out.
Without a word, he walked over and set a lunchbox on the table. Leaning one hand on the desk and the other on Daotok's chair, Arthit studied the canvas. His lips quirked up. "Beautiful."
Daotok didn't look away from his work. "Thanks."
Without warning, Arthit bent down and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.
Daotok froze, his brush pausing mid-stroke. But Arthit? He acted like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"I just went to see Kram," Arthit said casually, shifting to unbutton his lab coat. "Mind if I bring him up?"
Daotok glanced at him. "Go ahead. Why'd you meet him?"
"To tell him to stop messing with my person."
Daotok hummed, unfazed. "Oh. Okay."
Arthit raised an eyebrow. "Not curious about how he responded?"
"Not really."
"Good. I'd be irritated if you were."
Shrugging off his coat, Arthit revealed a fitted T-shirt underneath, the fabric clinging to his broad frame. As he started undoing the buttons of his pants, Daotok promptly turned back to his painting.
"Hey, you can look. I'm still wearing boxers."
"Why would you say that? Normally, people say not to look."
Arthit smirked. "Because I want you to. I like it when you look."
Daotok scoffed, dipping his brush into the paint. "That's a little creepy."
Arthit let out a loud, amused laugh before settling into the chair beside him.
"Let's eat first."
Daotok sighed, setting his brush aside. "Alright."
He cleared space on the desk as Arthit opened the lunchbox, and they started eating together. Arthit watched him quietly before speaking up
again. "North invited me to make merit."
Arthit raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"
"Yeah. And asked me to bring P' Arthit along."
Arthit smirked. "Oh? Back to calling me 'P' now?"
Daotok shrugged. "Just for now."
"What do you mean 'just for now'?" Arthit pressed, but Daotok ignored him, focusing on his meal instead. Sensing he wouldn't get an answer, Arthit changed the subject. "Is Joe going?"
Daotok nodded.
Arthit let out an exaggerated sigh. "Lottery time, huh? Bet North's going to ask for lucky numbers."
Daotok chuckled. "How'd you know?"
"Joe complains about it all the time."
Finishing his meal, Daotok wiped his mouth and leaned back. "Do you want to go?"
Arthit studied him for a moment before answering. "Sure. But I probably won't go inside the temple."
Daotok nodded in understanding.
Arthit took their empty containers and disposed of them before glancing at his phone. "North just called. We're going soon. Have you showered?"
"Yeah. Just need to change."
Arthit smirked. "Need help?"
Daotok rolled his eyes. "I'll be fine, thanks."
With a small chuckle, Arthit watched as Daotok stood and headed toward his room, already looking forward to the rest of the day.
☆☆☆☆☆
Arthit cradled the sleek black cat in his arms as he carried it into the next room. He had long since decided to call the feline "Jon," regardless of whatever name it had been given by Daotok.
Names held little importance when affection was involved. As he waited for Daotok to finish changing in the bathroom, preparing for their merit-making trip, he idly mused aloud about how sending North to ask for lottery numbers would be more fitting.
Outside, the midday sun blazed relentlessly. Johan, notorious for despising the heat, would have to endure it today just to accompany North on this superstitious errand. It wasn't like he needed the money—far from it—but tradition was tradition.
Arthit, on the other hand, welcomed the warmth. He had always preferred it over the unbearable cold. The memory of his trip to Boston with Johan resurfaced—how the biting chill had sent him scrambling for the next available flight to Brazil without a second thought. No plans, no knowledge of the place, and barely any money. He had wound up getting bitten by a piranha, of all things, requiring stitches. An absolute disaster in every sense.
Yet, somehow, the experience had been worth it.
"You guys better stop bringing it up, you jerks," he muttered to himself, shaking his head.
That injury had forced Tonfah to write for him while he recovered. If anyone had wondered how he managed to keep drumming despite his bandaged hand, well—he faked it. He had simply been too lazy to write.
Not that he'd ever admit it to Tonfah. Though, in hindsight, Tonfah had probably known all along. He had still written for him anyway, unable to bear watching Arthit's pitiful struggle.
His gaze flicked toward the bathroom door before landing on Khun Jeon, who was wriggling against his chest, yellow eyes gleaming with mischief.
"What's up with you?" Arthit asked, lifting the cat with both hands and staring into its round eyes. "Do you really like me that much?"
Khun Jeon flicked his tail in response.
"Go tell your owner to like me too. Wait—didn't he already say that he does? Fine, then tell him to agree to be with me already."
"Meow."
Arthit clicked his tongue, a smirk playing on his lips. "I don't need your love. You're so annoying. Even your owner loves you more than me. Guess I'll have to eliminate the competition."
Overcome by a mix of exasperation and playfulness, he brought Khun Jeon's tiny head toward his mouth, pretending to bite down. But before he could sink his teeth in, the bathroom door swung open.
Daotok emerged, eyes widening in horror at the sight before him. In a flash, he rushed forward, yanking Khun Jeon out of Arthit's grasp.
"What are you doing?!"
"Biting his head," Arthit answered nonchalantly.
"Are you crazy? Why would you bite Khun Jeon's head?!"
"I was annoyed. Is biting not allowed?" He arched a brow. "So stingy."
"Stingy?! Who bites a cat's head?!" Daotok huffed, cradling Khun Jeon protectively and stroking his fur as if soothing the poor creature. "It's dirty, you know."
Arthit tilted his head, watching him. "Worried about me?"
Daotok didn't respond, too focused on brushing stray cat hairs off Arthit's shirt. He worked with quiet concentration, plucking each strand with care.
Arthit sat still, warmth spreading in his chest. A slow, satisfied smile tugged at his lips.
"Thanks," he murmured, his voice softer than usual. He was tempted to pull Daotok into a hug, but seeing how focused he was, he held back. "I like this."
"Hm?"
"You're so good to me."
Daotok paused for a second before replying, "Same."
Arthit's eyes gleamed with amusement. "What do you mean, same?"
"You're good to me too."
His heart skipped. "That's because I love you."
Daotok stilled briefly, then met Arthit's gaze with a slight nod, as if acknowledging it but unwilling to say more. It was enough, though. More than enough.
"Do you like me more than yesterday now?" Arthit teased.
This time, Daotok smiled, nodding again. Arthit grinned, feeling his heart swell.
"Don't take it off."
"Take what off? What kind of person do you think I am?" Arthit asked, narrowing his eyes.
Daotok sighed dramatically. "The kind who's ready to take his shirt off anytime."
"Damn it," Arthit muttered, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, fine. I really am ready to strip anytime when I'm with you. I could do it right now."
Daotok sighed this time, shaking his head as he stood up, still holding Khun Jeon securely in his arms. Arthit stared at them—his two greatest sources of frustration.
One day, he'd be the number one in Daotok's life. One day, he'd knock Khun Jeon off his damn pedestal.
His phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he glanced at the screen.
[JOHAN]: Arrived. Come down.
[JOHAN]: I'm waiting downstairs.
[ARTHIT]: Nope. Wait another half hour.
[JOHAN]: What are you doing?
[ARTHIT]: Choosing.
[JOHAN]: Alright, fine.
[ARTHIT]: Look who's getting mad. There's air conditioning downstairs, isn't there?
[JOHAN]: What the hell is wrong with you? Just come down already.
[ARTHIT]: Just kidding. So mean to me. I'll be down soon.
Sliding his phone back into his pocket, he turned to Daotok, who had now changed into an oversized light blue T-shirt and jeans. It suited him perfectly.
Damn. Arthit had it bad. His whole world was tinted with admiration for this man.
"You're staring too much."
"Why? You're adorable. Are you embarrassed?"
"No."
"Just a little bit? I've never called anyone adorable before, you know."
Daotok hesitated before muttering, "Fine. A little embarrassed."
"Great."
As they stepped into the elevator, Arthit didn't bother to sneak glances. If he wanted to look, he'd do so openly. Daotok, standing right beside him, was worth admiring.
They reached the ground floor, where Johan and North were already waiting. As soon as they approached, the couple stood and headed toward the parking lot.
"Whose car are we taking?" Arthit asked.
Johan smirked. "Are you driving?"
Arthit shook his head. Today, he didn't feel like it. Better to let Johan—who had long abandoned his racing days—take the wheel for his boyfriend.
They stopped in front of a sleek black car. Arthit slid into the back seat, Daotok following beside him.
"We're going to the temple for lottery numbers, right?" Arthit asked. Johan sighed, already looking bored. North chuckled.
"I already told you, I could go alone."
Johan shrugged. "It's fine. I'll drop you off and wait outside with Arthit."
Arthit leaned back, smirking. "We're not going in?"
Johan glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "Do you want to go in?"
"The view's nice," Daotok murmured, gazing out the window. "It's breezy out back."
Arthit gave a nonchalant nod. "Alright, we'll wait there."
A beat of silence passed before Daotok spoke again. "Hey, can I nap?"
"Sure, do whatever you want."
"I need to pee, though."
Arthit clicked his tongue. "Go ahead, but buy me a new car after."
Daotok snorted. "It can be cleaned."
"Well, damn. When someone peed on your car tire, you didn't even drive it," Johan quipped from the driver's seat, amused.
Arthit didn't dignify him with a response. Instead, he stretched out in the backseat and, without a word, rested his head on Daotok's lap. The sudden contact made Daotok stiffen, but he quickly relaxed, pretending nothing had happened.
Feeling playful, Arthit tilted his head, looking up at Daotok from below. He reached for his hand, pressing a soft kiss on the back of it.
"Ah, I saw that," North teased from the front passenger seat, turning slightly to smirk at them.
Arthit merely raised an eyebrow, unfazed. Daotok, however, tried to retract his hand, but Arthit held on, squeezing it lightly.
North chuckled. "Damn, it's sweet and tender."
Arthit smirked.
Johan groaned. "What's wrong with you?"
Ignoring him, Arthit let his gaze wander back to Daotok, his expression softening as he inhaled the faint scent wafting from him. It was intoxicating—warm, familiar, and unbearably tempting. He couldn't resist the urge to nuzzle against Daotok's stomach, rubbing his face against the soft fabric of his shirt.
Daotok jolted slightly at the unexpected contact, but he didn't push Arthit away. Instead, he gave a feeble attempt at resistance, his hands hovering awkwardly as if unsure whether to push him off or let him be. Eventually, he sighed, resigning himself to the moment.
"Damn, you look like a house cat," North remarked.
Arthit didn't answer, just buried his face deeper, savoring the warmth until he was satisfied. When he finally pulled back, he caught sight of Daotok staring out the window, his expression unreadable. But his ears—those small, delicate ears—were bright red.
Arthit grinned before lightly pinching his cheek. "Hey."
"Hm?" Daotok hummed without looking at him.
"Do you play the lottery like North?"
Daotok shook his head. "No."
"Then what are you going to wish for?"
Daotok hesitated before answering. "To get rid of bad things in my life."
Arthit frowned. "Don't. What if I disappear?" His voice was oddly serious. "What if the temple's blessings work, and I vanish?"
North burst out laughing. "Oh, come on, P'. If he wishes for only good things, he'd probably end up with a new boyfriend anyway."
Arthit snapped his gaze to Daotok. "What's that supposed to mean? Having just me isn't enough? So now you're looking for a new boyfriend?" His irritation was evident.
Daotok sighed, finally meeting his gaze. "What should I wish for, then?"
Arthit smirked. "Wish to stay with me for a long time."
Johan groaned. "You idiot."
Arthit chuckled, unbothered. "Bear with us, okay? My relationship is always this sweet."
Johan snorted. "You might be the only one thinking that."
Arthit turned back to Daotok, pouting slightly. "You agree, don't you?"
Daotok simply shook his head, exasperated.
Arthit let out a dramatic sigh. "Why do you look so fed up with me? I get it.
I'm not cute anymore. I'm upset now. You call me a dog, and I even play along—barking, wagging my tail, rolling over—but you still don't love me."
Johan let out a long-suffering sigh. "Always with the dramatics. Even I find it irritating. How does your partner put up with you?"
"I'm just teasing!" Arthit shot back.
"But I'm actually annoyed."
Arthit scowled but relented. He turned back to Daotok. "At least you accept me, even if I'm annoying."
Daotok glanced at him, then gave a small smile. "As long as you're happy, I'm okay with it."
Arthit perked up immediately. "Can I be more than just a friend, though?"
North let out an exaggerated sigh. "Think carefully, okay? Do you really want someone like him as your boyfriend?" He turned to Daotok. "How about my friend instead? He may not be as rich or handsome, but he's definitely a better person."
"Wow, North. Traitor," Arthit deadpanned, kicking the back of his seat.
North yelped. "What the hell, P'?! That scared the crap out of me! See? He's violent. He kicked me!"
Daotok sighed, tapping Arthit lightly on the forehead. "Don't kick North."
Arthit huffed. "Ow, that was so hard! I feel the pain for him!" He rubbed his forehead dramatically.
North rolled his eyes. "I've been friends with you for three years. How does this new guy get more rights than me?"
Daotok smirked. "Well, then we'll deduct points."
"Hey, don't!" Arthit protested immediately.
Johan snickered. "Oh, are we deducting behavior points? Go ahead, deduct a lot—minus twenty."
Arthit gasped. "Minus twenty?! I only have three points!"
Johan clapped a hand on his shoulder. "At this rate, you'll be chasing after him for the rest of your life."
"Damn. Think I can handle it?"
Johan smirked.
The midday sun bore down relentlessly, heat radiating off the temple's stone.steps. Johan swiped at his forehead, already glistening with sweat, and let out an exaggerated groan. "It's so damn hot," he grumbled, tugging at the collar of his shirt. "Where's that cool breeze you were talking about?"
Arthit shot him an amused glance. "You've got to go inside first; there's a viewpoint up ahead."
Johan sighed dramatically. "Oh, alright." His eyes flicked toward the grand entrance of the temple, then back to Arthit.
"You've never been here before?"
"Once," Johan admitted. "But that was different. China brought me here to make merit." He shrugged. "Didn't actually go inside, though. Just dropped her off and left. Temples aren't really my thing."
Arthit chuckled. "That sounds about right. So why are you here today?"
Johan glanced around, watching visitors ascend the long flight of stairs toward the golden Buddha statue at the top. "Just felt like walking around.
Didn't have anything else to do."
Arthit shot him a skeptical look. "Who the hell comes to a temple just to walk around?"
Johan didn't answer, only shrugged as they continued up the slope. The Buddha statue loomed above them, shimmering under the bright sky. He slowed his steps and let out a sigh. "I'll wait down here," he announced, coming to a stop.
Arthit nodded as North and Daotok continued up the stairs to pray. He turned his attention back to Johan, who had settled onto a bench under the shade of a tree. "Do you go on dates with China often? Oh, wait. Dumb question—obviously you do," Arthit teased, referring to China, Johan's beautiful mother.
Johan rolled his eyes. "Don't call it dating. I'm more like her servant.
Carrying her stuff, driving, footing the bill. And tomorrow, she's dragging.me to check out a new clothing collection. Thank God North's coming, or my life would be hell."
Arthit smirked. "Wow, must be nice to have a boyfriend."
Johan shot him a glare. "Too bad you don't."
"You jerk," Arthit muttered, nudging him with his elbow. "Can you even talk like that in a temple?"
Johan smirked. "Too late now."
Arthit exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Yeah, well, he said he's opened up to me, you know. But he still won't give me a straight answer. I ask him to be my boyfriend every day. Hill said it takes time, and I get that. I'm not rushing, but I'm impatient by nature."
Johan arched an eyebrow. "Wait a second. Hill said that?"
"Yeah, why?"
Johan frowned. "Wait, so Hill knows?"
"Of course! How else would he give me advice? He even said he's proud of me. Hill's gone from being my best friend to my ride-or-die now."
Johan scoffed. "Proud of you?! Then why the hell did he scold me when I was courting North? Something's off here. You're lying to me, aren't you?"
Arthit grinned. "I'm not lying, damn it. I'm telling the truth."
"What the hell? Why would Hill praise you but scold me? Does he think you're better than me or something?"
"Well, I am better than you," Arthit said smugly, watching as Johan frowned in confusion.
Johan crossed his arms. "Because I used to be a player, right?"
Arthit shrugged. "He said I'm different from you because I've never had anyone before."
Johan narrowed his eyes. "But you've been to those massage parlors."
"No, I haven't! That was just a joke! Why don't you guys get that?"
Johan let out a low chuckle. "And what about all those times you 'negotiated' at bars?"
Arthit huffed. "That was temporary! I was a tiger back then, but now I'm a loyal dog."
Johan rolled his eyes. "Doesn't seem like you're any better than me." He leaned back against the bench, looking up at the clear sky. "Hill's biased.
He's probably afraid I'll steal his partner or something."
Arthit snorted. "Man, Hill's so paranoid. Poor guy."
Just then, North and Daotok returned from the temple. Arthit stood and went over to grab their shoes, setting them down neatly in front of them.
Daotok glanced at him. "You're not going to wear your shoes?"
"I will. Why are you asking so many questions? Just hurry up."
Daotok hesitated for a moment before sliding his feet into the sneakers. One of the laces had come undone. Without thinking, Arthit knelt down and began tying it properly.
"Tying them like that, they'll come undone again," Daotok muttered.
Arthit clicked his tongue. "Fine, I'll fix it."
He redid the lace more securely before moving to the other shoe. When he finally stood, North let out a dramatic sigh and wiped at imaginary tears.
"I'm proud of you, man," North said with an exaggerated sniff.
"Why? Johan's never tied your shoes?" Arthit asked, smirking.
"He has, but I usually wear sandals, so he doesn't have to do it often," North.replied. "If you don't want to trouble him, you could wear sandals too."
Daotok shook his head. "I don't really like sandals. They hurt my feet."
Arthit nodded. "Then buy better ones. But if you stick to sneakers, I can always tie them for you. Just don't be like North, alright?"
Daotok glanced away, his ears tinged pink. "Thanks."
"By the way, about the points—what's the score now?" Arthit asked, his tone casual but curious.
Daotok barely glanced at him as he smirked, flicking imaginary dust off his sleeve. "I just added another... three points."
Arthit narrowed his eyes. "And what's the total?"
"Not telling," Daotok replied smoothly, his lips twitching as if he were enjoying the game far too much.
Arthit scoffed, crossing his arms. "Hey, that's cheating."
Daotok only shrugged, his smugness making it clear that no amount of grumbling would get him to reveal the answer. Knowing he wouldn't win this round, Arthit let the subject drop, though he made a mental note to pry it out of him later.
By then, they had reached the temple steps, where North and Daotok were preparing to pay their respects. The pair moved toward the shrine, lighting incense and bowing their heads in reverence, leaving Arthit and Johan waiting near the viewpoint.
The temple's high perch provided a stunning panorama of the city below—concrete sprawl stretching into the horizon, bathed in the afternoon sun. A warm breeze stirred the air, offering a brief respite from the heat.
"This feels more pathetic than romantic, standing here with you," Johan muttered, leaning against the railing as he gazed at the cityscape.
Arthit smirked. "I'm not here for the view. I'm waiting for my boyfriend."
Johan snorted. "Say it properly—get him to officially be your partner first."
"Wow, your mouth's as sharp as ever," Arthit shot back, shaking his head.
Johan simply shrugged, unapologetic.
A moment of silence passed before Johan changed the subject. "By the way, I've got a race next month."
Arthit turned to him, eyes narrowing slightly. "A serious one?"
"Would I be mentioning it if it wasn't?" Johan replied. "Direk's setting up the bet."
"For how much?"
"Thousands."
Arthit whistled lowly. "Not bad."
"Yeah."
"Feeling pressured?"
"No, just looking for a practice partner. I haven't raced in a while."
Johan arched a brow. "Want me to be your partner? Ready to lose again?"
Arthit chuckled, shaking his head. "Joe, you've been off the track longer than I have. You're probably rusty."
Johan rolled his eyes. "I can brush up. I've got some free time, so I'll be your practice partner if you want."
"Where's the race?"
"On their track."
Johan gave him a look of warning. "Careful with the car—and yourself."
Arthit waved off the concern. "Yeah, yeah. You should come watch if you're free."
Johan shrugged. "Sure, if I've got time. North's mentioned wanting to watch a race before."
A vibration in Arthit's pocket interrupted them. He pulled out his phone and glanced at the screen. "Tim's inviting me to play football tonight. You in?"
"Can't. I've got work."
"Alright."
"Are you going?"
"Probably. I haven't played in a while."
Before their conversation could continue, North and Daotok emerged from the temple, scanning the area before spotting them. Daotok had a serene expression, while North looked unusually determined.
"How'd it go?" Arthit asked as they approached.
"It was good," Daotok answered, adjusting his sleeves. "North spent forever making wishes."
North ignored the jab, tugging on Johan's hand. "Come on, let's go buy lottery tickets."
Johan blinked. "Lottery tickets?"
"There's a stall out front," North explained excitedly. "Hurry, we have to buy while the merit's still fresh!"
Arthit frowned. "What? Merit has an expiration date now?"
North scoffed. "Of course! You're not Buddhist, so what would you know?"
Arthit rolled his eyes. "Whatever, it's your thing." He glanced at Daotok, who had been watching the exchange with mild amusement. Falling into step beside him, Arthit lowered his voice. "What'd you wish for?"
Daotok turned to him, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Not telling."
"Why not?"
"If I tell you, it won't come true."
Arthit huffed. "You probably wished for us to stay together forever."
Daotok tilted his head, considering. "And if I didn't, would you leave?"
Arthit stopped walking and looked at him, expression serious. "Don't be ridiculous. I wouldn't leave even if I didn't wish for it. I already told you—I'm with you for life."
Daotok's lips curled into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Exactly. So I didn't need to wish for anything about you."
"Not even a little?"
"Not at all."
"Why?"
"If I'm going to wish, it should be for something I don't already have."
Arthit exhaled, shaking his head with a smirk. "That makes sense. I've already given you everything, haven't I? It's just you who hasn't accepted it yet."
Daotok's fingers brushed against Arthit's, a fleeting touch. His voice was quieter now, contemplative. "Maybe I just can't take it all at once."
Arthit didn't respond immediately, watching him carefully. Then, Daotok added softly, "But everything you've given me so far, I've never been unwilling to accept."
A comfortable silence settled between them, the unspoken words heavier than any wish made inside the temple. Without another word, they continued walking, side by side.