The last thing Daotok remembered was the warmth of Arthit's embrace—the way his strong arms wrapped around him, the lingering taste of sweet kisses on his lips, and the heat radiating between their bodies before exhaustion finally claimed him.
When Daotok's eyes fluttered open, he was still nestled in that familiar hold, his body pressed against the hard planes of Arthit's chest. His mind was groggy, his limbs heavy, but the first sharp jolt of pain made him inhale sharply. A deep, aching soreness spread through his hips and lower back, making even the smallest movement a challenge.
"How are you feeling?"
Arthit's voice was gentle, his fingers brushing soft strands of hair from Daotok's face. His eyes, dark and laced with concern, searched for any sign of discomfort.
"It hurts," Daotok admitted, his voice hoarse, his body instinctively tensing against the pain.
Arthit chuckled lightly, though there was an unmistakable hint of guilt in his expression. "Well, considering what happened last night..."
A deep flush crept up Daotok's neck as his thoughts drifted back. He swallowed hard, averting his gaze. "Mm," he murmured in response. His current state didn't take him by surprise. He was dressed in nothing but an oversized white shirt—clearly Arthit's—his skin freshly cleaned. Even the bed sheets had been changed, the evidence of their passionate night erased.
"What time is it?" he asked, shifting slightly but regretting it immediately as another wave of soreness rolled through him.
"Late," Arthit replied vaguely, his fingers tracing soothing circles along Daotok's back.
Daotok frowned. Had he really slept that deeply? Then again, after last night... it made sense. Just the thought of it sent heat flooding to his face, and he instinctively bowed his head to hide it. It had been his first time—far more intense, far more overwhelming than he had imagined. But it had been perfect. He was glad it had been with Arthit.
"Why are you looking down?"
Daotok hesitated before asking shyly, "Last night... was it okay?"
Arthit smirked. "What if I said it wasn't?"
Daotok stiffened. "I-I'll do better next time."
A deep chuckle rumbled from Arthit's chest as he pulled Daotok into a firm embrace, pressing a lingering kiss to his temple. "It was amazing," he murmured. "So amazing I didn't even know what to do with myself."
Relief washed over Daotok, and he reached up to cup Arthit's cheek. "I was really happy too."
"You're adorable," Arthit murmured, kissing the palm of Daotok's hand. "How did I get this lucky?"
A small laugh escaped Daotok, but before he could respond, Arthit tilted his head. "Want to take a bath?"
"I don't think I can move."
"Then we'll take one together."
"No way."
"Why not?"
Daotok hesitated, struggling to find the right words. If they bathed together, and Arthit got in the mood again... there was no way his body could handle it.
"I won't do anything," Arthit reassured, seeing the hesitation in his expression. "You should rest first."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Okay. Can you help me to the bathroom then?"
Arthit's grin was mischievous as he effortlessly lifted Daotok into his arms.
"Of course."
Daotok let out a soft yelp, wrapping his arms around Arthit's neck as he was carried into the bathroom and placed on the counter near the sink. Arthit, still shirtless, moved with practiced ease, grabbing a toothbrush and squeezing toothpaste onto it.
Daotok blinked.
Arthit handed him a glass of water but didn't offer the toothbrush. "Open your mouth."
"I can brush my own teeth."
"Just open your mouth."
After a moment of hesitation, Daotok obeyed, his face burning as Arthit carefully brushed his teeth for him. The intimacy of the act sent a strange, embarrassed warmth spreading through his chest.
"Ouch!" he winced as the toothbrush scraped against his gums.
"Sorry," Arthit murmured, his tone genuinely apologetic as he continued with more care.
Once finished, Daotok rinsed his mouth and watched as Arthit casually lifted the oversized shirt from his body. Reflexively, Daotok raised his arms, but the moment the fabric was gone, he felt Arthit's gaze roam over his bare skin. He glanced down, noticing the deep reddish-purple marks littering his chest.
His breath hitched. "What are you doing?"
Arthit's hands were already spreading his legs apart. "Cleaning the ointment."
"Ointment?" Daotok echoed in confusion.
"You bled last night," Arthit said, voice calm but firm. "I applied some ointment, but I need to wipe it off before we soak in the water."
Daotok felt his entire body heat up in mortification. He had bled? Before he could fully process that, Arthit was already wiping him down with a damp cloth, his touch gentle yet meticulous. Overwhelmed with embarrassment, Daotok covered his face with his hands.
The cold cloth made him flinch slightly, but Arthit was careful. When he finally moved away, Daotok slowly lowered his hands, trying to steady himself. And then—Arthit removed his pants.
Daotok's breath caught in his throat. The memories of last night flashed vividly in his mind as he instinctively averted his gaze, cheeks burning. Arthit chuckled at his reaction, effortlessly lifting him again and stepping into the tub, settling them both into the warm water. Daotok leaned against his chest, feeling safe, feeling wanted. The warmth of the bath mixed with the heat of Arthit's body, making his exhaustion resurface.
"So, this means I can call you my boyfriend now, right?" Arthit teased, his voice playful.
Daotok blinked. "Is that so?"
"Of course, my boyfriend."
"Huh?"
"Admit it."
Daotok scoffed lightly. "Otherwise, was last night just a one-night stand?"
Arthit gasped in mock offense. "That's cruel. Are you saying you'd use me and leave?"
Daotok smirked. "What if I am? I can be very heartless."
Arthit grinned, pulling him closer. "Then I'll make sure you fall for me so deeply that leaving won't be an option."
Daotok rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress his smile. "Don't go doing this with anyone else."
Arthit's playful expression softened. "Since I started liking you, there's been no one else." His voice was quiet but firm. "I'm completely head over heels for you."
A deep warmth spread through Daotok's chest as Arthit rested his chin on his shoulder, holding him like he was something precious.
"Are you planning to do that every night?" Daotok finally asked, flustered.
Arthit smirked. "You better get used to it quickly."
"That's ridiculous!" Daotok blurted out before he could stop himself. He had mentally prepared for what happened last night, but reality had exceeded every expectation. If this became a regular occurrence, he wasn't sure how his body would survive.
Arthit smirked, the curve of his lips both amused and knowing. "Don't worry. Your body will adapt over time."
Daotok narrowed his eyes. "Really?"
"Yeah, really."
A small chuckle escaped Daotok's lips, but his amusement faded the moment he caught the way Arthit was looking at him. His dark, heavy lidded gaze traced over his features, lingering on his slightly parted lips.
"You're smiling," Daotok noted, his voice quieter now.
"Smiling at what?"
Daotok hesitated before softly murmuring, "I'll... I'll try my best."
Arthit reached out, his fingers tilting Daotok's chin up before he leaned in, capturing his lips in a slow, deep kiss. His tongue pushed past Daotok's lips with ease, the heated slickness making Daotok's breath hitch. His chest tightened, his pulse quickening as the kiss deepened, tongues sliding and intertwining in a sensual rhythm. His body melted into the sensation, warmth pooling low in his stomach as he instinctively leaned closer, his fingers gripping Arthit's forearm.
By the time Arthit pulled away, a thin strand of saliva still connected them. Daotok's lips were swollen, his breaths uneven. A heat far stronger than the bathwater surged through him, making him feel lightheaded.
"You're making that seductive face again."
"Well, we just kissed," Daotok murmured, trying to steady his breathing.
Arthit's smirk deepened. "Do you like it?"
A brief pause, then a soft, "Mm."
Arthit exhaled sharply, his control wavering. "If you keep looking at me like that, I won't be able to hold back."
"You have to," Daotok countered, his voice quieter but firm. "You promised."
Arthit sighed, raking a hand through his damp hair. "Fine, fine. Do you want to get out now?"
Daotok nodded. Slowly, he shifted to allow Arthit to step out of the tub first. Water cascaded off Arthit's toned body as he grabbed a towel and loosely wrapped it around his waist before turning back to help Daotok out. The moment Daotok stood, a sharp soreness shot through him, making him wince.
Noticing, Arthit swept him into his arms effortlessly. "You're not even standing properly."
"I can walk," Daotok protested, though he made no real effort to stop Arthit.
Arthit merely chuckled and carried him to the bed, setting him down before grabbing a fresh towel to dry him off. His hands moved with practiced ease, wiping away the moisture from Daotok's skin before dressing him in clean clothes. The tenderness of the act made Daotok's heart clench. This side of Arthit—gentle, attentive—felt so different from the dominance he had shown just hours ago.
Just as Daotok started to relax, he noticed Arthit shifting away, reaching for his pants. But his eyes caught on something else—the unmistakable bulge pressing against the fabric, still hard, still waiting for relief. A blush spread across Daotok's face, but he couldn't stop his gaze from trailing back up to Arthit's face.
"Where are you going?"
Arthit glanced at him, clearly debating his answer. "I just need to take care of something."
Daotok's lips tightened. His fingers twitched before he impulsively reached out, catching Arthit's wrist.
"D-Do you want me to help?" The words spilled out before he could second-guess himself.
Arthit stilled. His gaze darkened with intrigue as he turned fully to face Daotok. "Hm? How exactly would you help?"
Daotok hesitated, his confidence wavering under Arthit's intense stare. He swallowed, fingers tightening slightly around Arthit's wrist. "Well, I... I mean, I could..." His words trailed off, cheeks burning.
Arthit smirked. "You're getting bold."
Daotok's face only grew hotter. "I just thought... I made you like this, so I should..." He trailed off again, biting his lip.
Arthit's amusement flickered with something darker—something hungrier.
"Can you really do it?"
A deep breath. Then a hesitant nod. "Uh... mm, I think so."
Arthit took a step closer, the heat of his body pressing into Daotok's skin.
"Then go ahead."
Daotok exhaled shakily as he reached up, his fingers hesitating at the waistband of Arthit's pants. With slow, deliberate movements, he tugged them down, his breath catching as Arthit's arousal sprang free, thick and heavy in front of him. His fingers curled slightly, his stomach twisting with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
He had never done this before, but he was determined. He licked his lips, leaning in. His tongue flicked out hesitantly, testing the warmth of the tip. Arthit exhaled sharply above him. Encouraged, Daotok wrapped his fingers around the base, feeling the pulse beneath his touch. He started slow, teasing with light strokes and lingering licks, adjusting to the unfamiliar weight in his hand.
Arthit let out a low groan, his fingers brushing against Daotok's hair, not pushing but guiding. "That's it," he murmured, voice rough. "You're doing good."
Heat curled in Daotok's stomach at the praise. He opened his mouth wider, taking him in as deep as he could, his tongue swirling, lips tightening around him.
Arthit's breath hitched. His hand tensed in Daotok's hair. "Fuck..."
Daotok's eyes flicked up, locking onto Arthit's dark, hooded gaze. His movements grew bolder, fueled by the way Arthit's control seemed to fray with each passing second. His name slipped from Arthit's lips in a guttural moan, and the sound sent a shiver down Daotok's spine.
He wanted to hear more. He wanted to see just how much he could make Arthit lose control.
☆☆☆☆☆
Arthit disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Daotok lying on the bed, his body aching with the remnants of exhaustion. Every movement sent sharp pangs through his muscles, a painful reminder of the night before. He slowly reached for the glass of water on the bedside table, his throat dry and tender, lips still sore. Despite the discomfort, the scent of freshly laundered sheets wrapped around him in a comforting embrace.
With a quiet sigh, Daotok reached for his phone, a habitual action whenever he woke up. His fingers lazily scrolled through the screen, eyes scanning the influx of notifications. Their relationship status on Facebook had changed the day they officially started dating, and the response had been overwhelming. Friend requests flooded in—some from Arthit's friends, others from complete strangers. Daotok frowned slightly; he disliked having unfamiliar people on his social media and chose to ignore most of them.
On Instagram, the change was even more evident. Arthit had started posting pictures of him, subtle yet undeniable declarations of their relationship. North had mentioned that some of Arthit's friends, ones who had once attempted to court Daotok, were less than pleased. They complained, annoyed that they had missed their chance.
His family, however, had been nothing but supportive. His father and Grandma Puangthong had known about Arthit's pursuit long before they became official. When the announcement came, there was no opposition—only curiosity. His grandmother, ever the believer in fate, even looked into their horoscopes and declared them highly compatible.
The sound of the bathroom door opening pulled Daotok from his thoughts. Arthit emerged, refreshed, and climbed onto the bed with ease, pulling Daotok into his arms. His gaze flickered toward the phone screen.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Checking work."
"How's it going?"
"The last project got approved, so there shouldn't be any issues."
"That's good. Are you hungry?"
"Mm."
"What should we order?"
"Up to you," Daotok murmured.
Arthit let out an exaggerated sigh. "That 'up to you' menu is the hardest one to choose from," he teased, pulling out his own phone to browse the food delivery app. Daotok shifted slightly, resting his head on Arthit's arm as they scrolled through the options together.
"How about burgers? They've got a promo—free Coke."
"Sounds good."
"Alright, let's go with that. What are you getting?"
"A pork burger."
"Okay."
"Can you order it without the crispy bun?"
Arthit paused mid-scroll, turning to him in disbelief. "Why?"
"I don't like crispy hamburger buns."
"You're kidding. They toast it on the grill to get that perfect crisp!"
"I prefer them soft."
Arthit groaned dramatically. "First, you don't like fried chicken skin, and now this? Do you not like anything crispy?"
"Not really. Crispy stuff tends to poke my gums. They're actually quite sensitive."
Arthit chuckled, shaking his head. "How sweet. Alright, I'll type in the request—no crispy buns."
As the order was placed, Arthit suddenly sat up, a look of realization crossing his face. He got up and walked over to grab his laptop from the desk before returning to the bed.
"What's this?" Daotok asked, watching him curiously.
Arthit smirked. "The song I told you about—the one I said I'd let you hear after we officially became a couple."
Recognition flickered across Daotok's face. He had been waiting for this moment. The song had been finished for some time, yet Arthit had insisted on saving it. His heart pounded with anticipation as the music began to play. The melody washed over him, a seamless blend of EDM and Tropical House—a soothing groove, catchy yet calming. His eyebrows lifted in pleasant surprise. "Tropical House?"
Arthit nodded proudly. Then his voice filled the room. Daotok's breath hitched. He had always admired Arthit's deep, rich vocals, but hearing them woven into this song made the experience even more mesmerizing. The lyrics told a story—a man wandering aimlessly until he discovered a cluster of shining stars. He gazed at them, mesmerized, until they fell down to him.
All those stars fell down on me, This is the second time I knew love. I saw you standing in front of me, Not too far to hold your hand. Your eyes bring me back to December, Moonlight, warm fire, night of forever love. And wherever with you, I'm home.
Daotok smiled as he listened. The "second time knowing love" resonated deeply. Arthit's first experience with love had been with his parents. December was the month he lost his mother, and on that night, his family had gathered around a fire—a moment symbolizing eternal love. As the song suggested, Daotok's eyes must have stirred those same emotions in him.
When the song ended, Arthit turned to him expectantly. "What do you think?"
Daotok's smile widened. "It's beautiful. The meaning is amazing."
Arthit looked thoughtful. "I haven't decided on a name yet."
"Huh?"
"Maybe I'll name it after you. Something like Shooting Star or Falling Star."
Daotok tilted his head. "Aren't those names kind of common?"
Arthit nodded. "You have a better idea?"
"I really like Night of Forever Love . It sounds beautiful in Thai too—."
Arthit tested the words on his tongue, then grinned. "Yeah? Alright."
"No, it's your song, you should decide."
"I'm not picky about the name. Let's go with that."
Daotok nodded in agreement. "What's the next step?"
"Uploading it to YouTube. Then I'll make all my friends share it. I'm about to become famous," Arthit joked.
"I'll help share it too," Daotok said enthusiastically, watching as Arthit logged in and began the upload process.
"What about the thumbnail?" Daotok asked.
Arthit smirked, opening a file. "Your picture."
The chosen image was a Polaroid placed on his guitar, digitally photographed. In the Polaroid, two pictures stood side by side—one capturing Daotok smiling at the camera, the other showing him turned slightly away. In both, they were holding hands.
Daotok's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
"Of course."
"What if people don't click on it because it's me?"
Arthit scoffed. "They will. They'll see how cute my partner is, rush to click, and then be jealous because they'll realize they can't have you."
Daotok blushed slightly but smiled. "You're not worried about showing me off?"
"I am," Arthit admitted, "but I also want to show you off. Besides, all they can do is look, right?"
Daotok nodded, warmth spreading through him. As their lips met in a soft kiss, he glanced at the screen. The upload was nearly complete.
Moments later, the song was live. Dylan Castillo - A Night of Forever Love.
Daotok grinned. Pure happiness filled his chest. This was theirs.