Daotok sat quietly, his hands resting on his lap as Min's words echoed in his head.
"Then why don't you fight back against Thit? Didn't he harass you too?" Min asked, crossing her arms.
Daotok sighed, his expression weary. "I really can't match his strength," he admitted truthfully. "Every time I tried to push him away, I used all my strength, but I just couldn't overpower him. If he were in my place right now, he'd probably be able to help Min, Somsri, and their kids much more than I could."
Min huffed. "True, he's built like a bear. I can't fight him off either. Why don't you just set him on fire?"
Arthit, who had been tending to Daotok's wounds, looked up in alarm.
"Wow, Min, why so harsh? I've never had bad intentions toward you!" he protested.
Daotok gave a small nod. "Yeah, I guess." Despite Arthit's overwhelming presence and the way he sometimes pushed boundaries, he had never truly meant any harm. Unlike Guard, Arthit wasn't cruel—he was just… persistent. And with his big, puppy-like demeanor when he was trying to charm him, Daotok found it impossible to be angry at him for long.
Arthit continued dressing his wounds, his touch heavy but careful. The sting was bearable. Meanwhile, Min grumbled as she treated her own injuries.
"I'm so lonely now. Without a brother like Nong Dao, I have to treat my wounds myself."
"What the hell, brother? Husband, more like. You should find one, too. How about Kim?" Arthit teased, his tone playful.
Daotok groaned. "I'm begging you, please drop the Kim thing."
Min scoffed. "And you didn't deny a single word when Arthit kept calling you 'boyfriend, boyfriend, boyfriend' over and over again. It's driving me crazy!"
"Ah... I didn't notice that." Daotok blinked in surprise.
Arthit smirked. "I spoke so naturally, didn't I?"
"That's not how it is at all," Daotok argued, shaking his head.
"Oh, come on, stop overthinking things," Arthit said, waving a hand dismissively. "Besides, why would you even mention it, Min? Just let it go."
"I can't!" Min declared. "I'm his mother. Even if someone's going to marry my child, they need to behave well if they want me to approve!"
"So you mean you gave birth to him yourself, huh?" Arthit teased.
"Of course! I pushed him out myself."
"Weren't you in pain when you gave birth? If it were me, I'd be dead by now."
Before Daotok could respond, Min slapped Arthit on the arm—hard.
"OW! That hurts!"
"Idiot! Why are you the one who's hurt? How does that make sense?"
"Damn it, my arm feels like it's about to break!" Arthit whined.
As their banter continued, Daotok felt an overwhelming heaviness settling over his body. He had been feeling this way ever since they left the animal clinic, but at first, he thought it was just the injuries. Now, his head was beginning to feel light, his vision blurring.
"I think you need to get an X-ray or something," Min said, noticing the shift in his demeanor. "Wait, Dao—!"
Before she could finish, Daotok heard Arthit's deep, familiar voice calling his name in panic. Then, everything went black. When he opened his eyes, pain greeted him from every part of his body. His hand was hooked up to an IV, and the sterile white of a hospital room surrounded him. The fabric of a hospital gown felt unfamiliar against his skin, yet the situation itself was all too familiar.
He groggily turned his head to the side, only to find Arthit slumped over beside him, his large hand wrapped tightly around his own. The morning sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over the sharp features of the man asleep beside him. Even in sleep, he looked radiant in Daotok's eyes.
A small smile tugged at his lips before he even realized it. Glancing at the clock, he saw that it was 6 A.M. Arthit had likely been sitting by his side since he passed out the evening before. His body must have finally reached its limit. Back in the day, this wouldn't have happened—but he hadn't been in a fight or taken care of his health in a long time.
He'd have to start training again if he wanted to get back to his old self. Arthit stirred beside him, his thick eyebrows knitting together, his jaw clenched as though he were lost in a nightmare. Even in sleep, he looked distressed. Without thinking, Daotok reached out and gently ran his fingers through Arthit's hair.
"Go away, bad dreams," he murmured softly.
Almost instantly, Arthit's expression relaxed, though his grip on Daotok's hand remained firm. His phone vibrated beneath the blanket. Daotok reached for it, noticing Direk's name flashing on the screen.
"There's an incoming call," he said gently, shaking Arthit awake.
Arthit groggily opened his eyes, irritation flickering across his face—until he realized Daotok was awake. His eyes widened in shock before he abruptly pulled him into a crushing embrace.
"Ah—ow, that hurts," Daotok winced.
"Shit, sorry." Arthit pulled away but kept his hands on Daotok's shoulders.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm... okay, I guess."
"Really? Whew." Arthit let out a deep sigh of relief, lightly stroking Daotok's cheek. "Does your head hurt?"
"A little."
"And your injuries?"
"Yeah, they hurt."
Arthit frowned. "You said it was just your side and back. Why are you bruised all over?"
Daotok blinked. "How did you know?"
"I peeked," Arthit admitted shamelessly. "Well, I guess it's not peeking anymore since I told you."
Daotok gave him a tired look and sighed.
"What? I'm worried about you. What if the nurses pinched you or something?"
"Why would they pinch me?"
"How should I know? Maybe they're annoyed with you."
Daotok groaned. "No one does that."
Arthit sighed heavily. "So here's the thing—I need to vent. Do you know how worried I was? And yet, you still put yourself in danger. I get it, okay? You love cats. I said I got it!"
Daotok listened silently, watching as Arthit ruffled his own hair in frustration.
"I want to be mad at you, but I can't. You're too cute, and I love you too much," Arthit grumbled. "Just seeing your face makes it impossible to stay angry. But when I see your injuries, it hurts me. Damn it."
Daotok couldn't help but laugh. "You're such a complainer."
Arthit pouted. "Yeah, laugh it up. I'm just a dog to you, huh?"
"You're sulking?"
"Yeah."
Daotok smiled.
"Then I'll love you for you." Arthit stilled, their gazes locking.
A slow, genuine smile spread across Daotok's lips. "Thank you."
Arthit looked away, cheeks tinged pink. "Why are you thanking me?"
Daotok hesitated for a moment, his fingers grazing the hospital sheet absently. "Not many people are good to me."
Silence stretched between them, but Daotok wasn't deterred. He exhaled softly and continued, voice gentle yet weighted with experience. "So, it makes me happy. I've been alone for a long time. There aren't many people who are kind and trustworthy. I've been hurt too many times. That's why I appreciate people like Ter, Cat, and North."
Another pause. A heartbeat of hesitation.
"And you, too."
Arthit stiffened, caught between disbelief and something he couldn't quite name. "I thought you'd forgotten about me."
Daotok lifted his gaze, a rare smile gracing his lips. "I wouldn't forget. And I think it's the perfect time to tell you."
Arthit's throat went dry. "Tell me what?"
Daotok's smile deepened, warm and sincere. "When North asked if I had a heart, I said yes. It's because of you. You're very important to me."
For once, Arthit had no quick retort. His lips parted, but no words came out. His heart thundered inside his chest.
Daotok shifted slightly, his voice softer now. "And about nightmares... they won't come anymore. I'll be your dreamcatcher."
Arthit let out a frustrated groan, raking a hand through his hair. "Be my boyfriend already. I'm serious. I can't wait two more weeks."
Daotok chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't be so impatient."
Arthit scowled. "You... This is a hospital, you know. Don't make me take my shirt off right here."
Daotok raised an eyebrow, amused. "I didn't say anything like that."
"Damn it!" Arthit grumbled, tugging at his hair roughly. "You always say things like this. I'll remember this and wait for the day you become mine. Ugh, I feel like I'm about to explode. I'm off to the ward!"
Daotok watched as Arthit ranted, got up abruptly, and stomped toward the bathroom, muttering under his breath. When he reappeared moments later, he was dressed in his lab coat, professionalism settling over him like a second skin.
"Hey."
Daotok blinked up at him. "Huh?"
"Do you want to get back at Guard?" Arthit asked casually, as if discussing the weather. "I've captured him and his sister. Direk is negotiating with their father."
Daotok frowned. "Negotiating?"
"Yeah. Their dad's a school director. There's some leverage to be used in exchange for his kids. That's Direk's specialty—intimidating people."
Daotok glanced at him warily. "So what's Direk asking me?"
"He's asking what you want to do about it."
Daotok sighed, shaking his head. "Oh, I don't really care."
Arthit smirked. "Alright then."
Daotok tilted his head. "What are you going to do?"
Arthit's gaze darkened. "I'm going to do exactly what they planned to do to you. Let's see how they like it. It's funny how their dad only comes running now that his kids are in trouble, but he turned a blind eye when his son was hurting you. Just thinking about it pisses me off."
Daotok merely hummed in response.
Arthit exhaled sharply, shouldering his bag. "It's good that you don't hold grudges. I don't want you dwelling on it, but I think Min will. Direk said she's enjoying getting back at her. What's the sister's name again?"
"Ging."
"Yeah, that's it. Anyway, I'm off. I told North; he should be coming to visit you."
Daotok blinked. "Oh, you told North?"
"Why? Was I not supposed to?"
"Not exactly. I just didn't want to get scolded."
Arthit snorted. "Well, maybe you should be scolded. That way, you won't put yourself in danger again. I'm leaving now. Reply to your chats, okay? I'll come back in the evening."
Daotok watched him walk out, and silence immediately filled the hospital room. He glanced around, noticing the space was larger than the ones he'd stayed in before. Arthit must have arranged for a private room. The thought made him smile unconsciously.
He said he'd love me for me...I guess he can say something that romantic, huh? A nurse soon entered with breakfast and medication, and the latter sent him into a deep sleep. By lunchtime, another meal was brought in, along with familiar faces. North and Typhoon stood at the foot of his bed.
"Hello," Daotok greeted. Typhoon looked at him with concern, while North was visibly irritated.
"Ah, that hurts," Daotok muttered after North pinched his cheek roughly.
"Hah, I heard you got into a brawl. You're bold, huh?"
"A little."
"So humble."
Typhoon crossed his arms. "How are you doing?"
"I'm okay."
"Okay, my ass! Look at yourself; you're a mess," North snapped. "I freaked out when P' Arthit told me what happened. Last night was terrifying. I still can't believe how angry he got."
Daotok's brows furrowed. "Were you here last night, North?"
"Yeah, I asked P' Joe to drop me off."
"Oh, so you knew last night. Why didn't you tell us earlier?" Typhoon asked.
"Well, I told you and Ter first thing in the morning. Didn't want you overthinking it last night. You're telling me P' Thit could kill someone, and I'd believe it," North said casually, leaning back in his chair. "Or has he already?"
Typhoon fidgeted, exchanging a glance with Daotok before answering. "No, he hasn't. But he might have done something to them."
North raised a brow. "Done what?"
"Hmm..." Typhoon hesitated. "He didn't tell you everything, did he?"
Daotok shook his head. "No. He just said I got into a fight with seven or eight guys, that P' Min and I took down the ringleader. The main point was that I stepped in to protect a cat and her newborns from getting caught in the crossfire. Oh... well, actually, there's a bit more to it involving the leader."
Daotok's expression didn't change, but his fingers curled into the blanket.
"What is it?"
"If I tell you, you and Cat might see me differently."
North rolled his eyes. "Why? Is the story that wild?"
Typhoon turned to Daotok with a soft, almost feline expression, his voice gentler. "Do you want to tell us yourself, Dao?"
Daotok met his gaze, a thought striking him unexpectedly. Some people really do resemble animals, he mused. Typhoon, with his wide, gleaming eyes and delicate features, looked remarkably like one.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Typhoon asked, tilting his head.
"Just thinking you really do look like a cat... something like that."
Typhoon blinked, then pouted.
North groaned, rubbing his temples. "Get back on topic and stop staring at Cat Face."
Daotok sighed, deciding there was no point in delaying. "Alright. If you're curious, I'll tell you."
"I'm always curious. Nosy, even," North admitted, leaning forward eagerly.
Daotok took a deep breath before recounting his history with Guard. By the time he finished, both North and Typhoon sat in stunned silence.
"Wow," North finally said, shaking his head. "That's insane. Why is my friend so cool? It's not fair. Why are you cooler than me? This is the guy who spits fire, totally fitting for a friend of mine. That's how it should be."
Typhoon nodded, eyes shining with admiration. "You're brave and composed. I don't see you any differently—just more resilient than I thought. You really can't judge people by appearances."
Daotok shrugged, uncomfortable with the attention. "Hmm."
North smirked. "Dao, have you ever been in a similar situation before?"
"Hmm? Like almost getting assaulted?"
"Yeah, I got whacked in the gut with a pipe once."
Daotok raised a brow. "Oh, when P' Johan came to save you just in time?"
"Yeah. Still gets on my nerves thinking about it."
"What about fights?"
North scoffed. "Do you think someone like me avoids brawls? You're the one they call a ghost for your moves. I've been practicing boxing lately. Want to join me?"
"Not really into physical stuff like that."
Typhoon chuckled. "North's been boxing so much he's got a six-pack now. He brags about it every day."
Daotok smirked. "Really?"
North grinned. "Yeah, want to see?"
"Wouldn't your boyfriend poke my eyes out?"
"Of course not! We're friends."
"No thanks, you can keep it."
North sighed dramatically. "Why? Are you going to say you're only interested in Thit's body?"
Daotok rolled his eyes. "I didn't say anything like that."
"Ugh, you're so annoying."
The conversation drifted into casual banter as North plopped onto the bed beside Daotok, stealing food from his tray. Typhoon scolded him, reminding him that patients needed to eat properly. Half an hour later, Easter arrived, carrying a basket of fruit and flowers. North immediately moved to the couch and started munching on the fruit without hesitation.
"North, stop taking Dao's food," Easter scolded.
"What do you mean? He's still eating. You're peeling it for him anyway."
Easter scowled. "Ugh, you're so frustrating. And you called me a thief earlier!"
North shrugged. "I had a long class today and didn't eat. A body needs energy, right? Why is eating forbidden when it's essential to life?"
Easter let out an exasperated sigh and continued peeling an apple. Typhoon, meanwhile, sat on the small sofa watching TV.
Daotok glanced over. "You don't have to peel it, Ter."
"You're going to eat it with the peel?"
"Yeah, I usually do."
Easter frowned slightly. "It's fine, but it's... rough and scratchy."
North smirked. "That's P' Thit's future partner! Why would you peel the skin off the apple?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" Easter asked, puzzled.
"Well, P' Thit eats shrimp with the shells on. Didn't you know?"
"Huh? What kind of maniac eats shrimp shells?" Easter turned to Daotok in horror.
North laughed. "That kind of maniac. I saw it when we went out for barbecue together, remember? While P' Fah and Dao were peeling shrimp, P'Thit was chomping away, shells and all."
"That's insane! No, you can't eat shrimp with the shells on!"
"He's probably just too lazy to peel them," North replied. "Seriously, who eats shrimp shells? If he could chew crabs, he probably wouldn't bother cracking them either."
Typhoon chuckled. "P' Arthit seems like the kind of person who eats anything, easygoing like that."
North grinned. "I thought I was easygoing, but not as much as Dao's husband."
Daotok groaned. "He's not my husband!"
North smirked. "What if he ate a cat? Would you accept him then?"
Daotok narrowed his eyes. "Why would he eat a cat?"
"How should I know? Maybe he's traveled somewhere that eats cats. Anything humans can eat, P' Arthit probably eats."
Daotok scrolled through his phone, sending a message.
[ARTHIT]: What's with the puke emoji?
[DAOTOK]: Cat's cute.
[DAOTOK]: [sends a picture]
[ARTHIT]: What the hell? Sending me a pic of Jeon out of nowhere?
He didn't have to wait long for another response.
[ARTHIT]: I think I'm about to have a heart attack. So cute. So, so cute. Beyond human levels of cute. My chest hurts so much from how cute this is.
Daotok sighed, watching the chat with amusement. Arthit was as dramatic as ever.