Chapter 16

After spending an hour together, Hardin eventually dozed off, his head resting on Kieran's shoulder. As Kieran set aside his beer, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness - he knew that in Hardin's eyes, he was just a Nong or a little brother and friend. Despite this, Kieran remained silent, choosing not to voice his feelings of wanting something more than just their friendship.
As the night grew colder, it was already past ten o'clock and they needed to head back inside. However, Hardin was still fast asleep, oblivious to the time. Kieran gently roused him from his slumber, making sure they both entered the house safely.
Ascending the stairs proved to be a challenge for Kieran, particularly with Hardin in tow. He was grappling with the dilemma of whether to lift Hardin's weighty frame, given that he was inebriated and thus even more cumbersome.
Instead, Kieran opted to enfold his arms around Hardin's torso, providing the necessary support to help him ascend the steps. Together, they painstakingly made their way up the staircase until they finally reached their destination.
Let's have fun and celebrate. My Nong and I are finally reunited.
Kieran felt a surge of joy and relief wash over him. After what seemed like an eternity of separation, they were finally reunited. Hardin's exuberant declaration of celebration echoed through Kieran's mind, invigorating him with a sense of hope and excitement for the future.
However, a while ago their revelry was short-lived. Hardin's inebriated state had rendered him weak and unsteady, causing him to lose his balance and plummet into the pool with a shrill cry. Acting quickly, Kieran sprang into action, his instincts taking over as he raced towards the pool's edge and hauled Hardin out of the water, his heart pounding with adrenaline.
Despite the initial shock and disorientation, Hardin gradually regained his bearings, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. Kieran kept a watchful eye on him, fully aware of the potential dangers that could arise from excessive drinking.
I love my Nong...
Kieran paused as he reflected on the words he had just heard. Hardin had said them repeatedly, and each time, Kieran's heart had quickened, as if he had just completed a race.
He couldn't help but smile at the memories, especially since Hardin had pronounced the word "Nong" in such a charming way.
However, Kieran reminded himself that Hardin had been under the influence of alcohol at the time. And of course, he always wanted more than their friendship.
Despite that, Kieran knew that Hardin cherished him deeply as his closest friend. Their friendship had endured through thick and thin, and Kieran felt grateful to have someone like Hardin in his life. The thought of losing him was unbearable, but Kieran also knew that their bond was strong enough to weather any storm.
As he pondered over these thoughts, Kieran felt a surge of gratitude and love for his dear friend. He made a mental note to express his feelings to Hardin, as he knew that their friendship deserved to be celebrated and appreciated.
"I'm feeling a little chilly," Hardin whispered sensually to Kieran, his lips brushing against Kieran's earlobe with a soft and tantalizing touch. The warmth of his breath sent shivers down Kieran's spine, making him tremble with desire.
With a careful and deliberate movement, Kieran lowered Hardin onto the plush sofa cushions, his mind racing with anticipation and desire. As he gazed down at Hardin, his clothing clinging damply to his skin, Kieran felt a surge of lustful energy coursing through his veins.
His thoughts were consumed with the urge to explore every inch of Hardin's body, to savor the taste of his skin and the feel of his muscles beneath his fingertips.
Without hesitation, Kieran began to slowly unbutton Hardin's shirt, each movement sending a jolt of electricity through his body.
His hands trembled with excitement as he revealed the toned muscles of Hardin's chest, his fingers tracing the contours of his skin with a delicate touch.
As he worked, Kieran felt a sense of passion and urgency building within him, pushing him to explore and experience every moment of this intimate encounter.
As Kieran carefully discarded Hardin's damp shirt into the laundry basket, he turned back to find Hardin's piercing gaze fixed intently upon him. Before Kieran could make a move to remove Hardin's shorts, he was taken aback as Hardin pulled him in close, his powerful arms enveloping Kieran's body in a tight embrace.
"P'Hardin," Kieran gasped out, his breath hot against Hardin's skin as he buried his face in the man's broad chest.
Kieran's body was awash with sensation as he felt the warmth of Hardin's body against his own, his muscles rippling beneath his skin like steel cords.
Though Kieran knew he could easily overpower him, he found himself surrendering to the intensity of Hardin's embrace, his heart pounding with a heady mix of fear and desire.
Can I stay here forever, under your embrace, and keep listening to your heartbeat? It's a home for me.
Kieran could feel the heat from his naked body. And Kieran smelled Hardin's natural, masculine scent. Kieran found himself staring up at Hardin's concrete jaw and Hardin's perfect lips. Kieran swallowed. He was locked in an embrace by the perfect man in the world and it felt euphoric.
Kieran listened to the steady thump of his heartbeat. Despite feeling drowsy, Kieran couldn't help but be entranced by the comforting rhythm. It was like a soothing lullaby that urged him to drift off to sleep.
Suddenly, he felt a warm hand wrap around his body, which jolted him awake. As he opened his eyes, he realized that he was in bed with Hardin. Squinting at the small table beside him, Kieran checked the time and saw that it was three in the morning.
He couldn't shake off the feeling of confusion as he tried to piece together how he ended up there and why he had fallen asleep listening to Hardin's heartbeat.
Kieran's mind raced as he tried to piece together how he had ended up in bed. The last thing he remembered was being on the sofa with Hardin, who had wrapped him in a tight embrace.
But now, he found himself lying in bed, and someone was holding him from behind. He turned his head to look, and his breath caught in his throat as he realized it was Hardin. Kieran's heart pounded in his chest as he took in the sight of Hardin's face, so close to his own.
Their lips were mere inches apart, and Kieran couldn't help but wonder if Hardin had kissed him while he was asleep. The confusion and uncertainty swirling inside him made it difficult for Kieran to know how to react to the situation.
Kieran's eyes flickered to Hardin's attire and he realized that Hardin was already dressed. It dawned on him that it was likely Hardin who had carried him to bed. Kieran's face flushed with embarrassment.
How had he slept through being carried to bed and cuddled by Hardin? Why had he not woken up and stopped it? The questions swirled in Kieran's mind, but he couldn't bring himself to break the silence between them. He found himself unable to look away from Hardin's peaceful expression as he slept.
The conflicting emotions inside Kieran made it difficult for him to understand what he was feeling. Was it embarrassment or something more? Kieran couldn't tell, but he was certain that everything felt different now that he was lying in bed with Hardin.
Hardin opened his eyes and Kieran thought Hardin had fallen asleep earlier. Their eyes met. Neither of them looked down. Their eyes communicated. Hardin's palm touched Kieran's cheek. Hardin gently caresses Kieran's cheeks. Gentle touch and Kieran closed his eyes.
"Having trouble sleeping?" Hardin asked in a hushed tone, noticing Kieran's restlessness.
Kieran nodded in agreement, indicating that he was indeed having difficulty sleeping. Despite the early hour, he didn't seem inclined to try and fall back asleep. Instead, he appeared to be contemplating a peaceful retreat outside, where he could sit by the pool and soak in the serene atmosphere until the sun rose.
The idea of being outside in the refreshing cool breeze, surrounded by the fragrance of blooming flowers, seemed appealing to Kieran. It was as if he wanted to take advantage of this quiet time to reflect on his thoughts and find solace in the calming surroundings.
"Come here," Hardin said, pulling Kieran into a tight embrace.
At first, Kieran was taken aback by the sudden contact, unsure of how to feel about it. But as he settled into the hug, he realized how much he had craved this kind of physical affection. Despite his initial resistance, he found himself relaxing into the embrace, letting himself be held by Hardin.
"If you can't sleep again, just stay in my arms," Hardin whispered, his hand gently rubbing Kieran's back.
Kieran was touched by Hardin's words, feeling a sense of comfort and security in the warmth of his embrace. It was a feeling of belonging, of being wanted and cared for. As he rested his head on Hardin's shoulder, Kieran felt as though he was floating on cloud nine, enveloped in a sense of peace and contentment.
Kieran felt Hardin's arms slowly encircling him, and he reciprocated by wrapping his arms around Hardin. He needed this closeness, this connection with someone he cared about deeply. Kieran found himself enamored by every aspect of Hardin, from his flawless appearance to his scent, his heart, his very essence.
As they held each other, Hardin posed a thought-provoking question. "Do you think that friends can sometimes become romantic?" he asked Kieran, his curiosity piqued.
Kieran pondered the question for a moment, considering the possibility. "I think it's possible," he replied, "when you have a strong bond with someone, it's natural for feelings to develop over time. Sometimes those feelings can turn into something more."
He paused, then added, "But it's also important, to be honest with yourself and your friend about how you feel. That way, you can both make an informed decision about where to take the relationship."
Kieran's heart was racing, and he couldn't pinpoint the reason why. Could it be the start of Pee's affection for his Nong? But how could that be possible when society deemed it wrong and dangerous for people like him?
Living in a cruel and judgmental world, Kieran knew that being bisexual was seen as a disgrace, and he was labeled as the scum of the earth. He couldn't help but wonder, who doesn't feel the pain of rejection? Who doesn't shed tears for being outcasted?
"Stop worrying," Hardin whispered gently, holding Kieran close. "Just sleep, I'm here and I won't let you go. You're safe with me."
The bed was comfortable, and the two men lay there wrapped in each other's arms. Kieran couldn't help but feel a deep emotional connection to Hardin, but he wasn't sure if the other man felt the same way. Despite his uncertainty, Kieran decided to let go of his worries and allowed himself to drift off into a peaceful slumber, feeling safe and protected in the embrace of Hardin's strong arms.

Book Comment (350)

  • avatar
    Dreksie Fay Suarnaba Pontino

    good 😊

    16d

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  • avatar
    UbasMaribel

    so nice

    20d

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  • avatar
    UbananAlijandro

    This novel is a masterpiece! The part where Kieran's father accepted him wholeheartedly had me in tears. As a member of the LGBT community, I can understand the pain and struggle that Kieran went through. It's sad to know that this kind of torment still happens in real life, but I'm grateful for stories like this that raise awareness and promote acceptance.

    20d

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