The moment Kieran captured in his photograph had a powerful impact on him. He had taken a picture of a boy who appeared to be around fifteen years old, and something about the boy's presence in the shot had caught Kieran's attention. Despite not having noticed the boy before, he seemed to be the perfect subject for the photo.
Lost in thought, Kieran continued to walk while still engrossed in his camera. However, his attention was quickly diverted when he accidentally collided with a stranger wearing a black jacket. As the person's expensive perfume wafted over him, he couldn't help but notice the stranger's alluring scent.
The cologne had a rich, earthy aroma that filled the air around him. Kieran couldn't help but think that this was a man who was not only handsome but also confident and commanding.
When the stranger's entrancing scent filled Kieran's nostrils, he felt a rush of excitement and trembled with anticipation. At only eleven years old, Kieran couldn't quite comprehend the emotions he was experiencing. He found himself inexplicably drawn to the boy in front of him, even though he was also a young boy.
Kieran's heart raced with nervousness every time he caught sight of the stranger's perfect lips. He was thrilled by the possibility of getting closer to him but also apprehensive about the unknown feelings stirring within him. Kieran couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to explore these newfound emotions and to be near the stranger who had such a profound effect on him.
Kieran's grip on the camera suddenly slipped, causing it to fall to the ground. It was a strange feeling, perhaps a result of his nervousness or the suddenness of the encounter. Without hesitation, a stranger quickly swooped in to pick it up and handed it back to Kieran. As he looked up, Kieran realized that the stranger was the same boy he had captured in his photograph.
Kieran felt a mix of emotions as he stood there, face-to-face with the subject of his photo. "It was just a coincidence," he muttered, snatching the camera back from the stranger's hand.
However, he couldn't deny the fact that the boy in his shot was undeniably handsome, and a part of him felt drawn to him in a way he couldn't quite explain. As he gazed at the stranger. Kieran couldn't help but wonder what other coincidences the universe had in store for them.
"Khun pood pasa anggrit dai mai?" (Can you speak English?) he asked. Maybe because he didn't understand what he was saying.
"Perfect," the stranger said.
He nodded. The stranger's accent seems like he's not a native. "Who?" Kieran was aware that some natives are fluent in speaking English. However, the guy's accent is too different, or he just carries himself speaking English fluently.
"That picture on your camera." The boy smiled.
He puffed out his chest as if he had won a gold medal in the Olympics. The guy makes Kieran dance with glee. It's a big achievement for Kieran every time someone admires his photos.
"Khobkhun mak khrub." (Thank you very much.)
The stranger's eyebrows knitted together. What's wrong? He couldn't figure out what his confused face indicated. Did he not understand what he said? He asked him why.
"I don't speak Thai." He pushed his hands into his pockets.
Did he say earlier that he is not native? So what was he doing there? Where is he from? He couldn't help himself and got curious.
"My name is Hardin Sheeran Chen, I'm from the Philippines, and happened to explore the place until I came here and fell in love with the bridge." He explained.
"Philippines? It means that you're also a Filipino." Kieran put the camera in its case.
"Also? You mean?"
"My Dad is Thai and my Mom is Filipina." He smiled and looked straight into Hardin's eyes.
"Ah, maybe you know how to speak Tagalog?"
"Yes, but I can speak little. My name is Kieran Lymn Sutthiprapha by the way," he said. He has a perfect smile on his lips.
"Gentle name."
"Oh, thanks. What are you doing here?" didn't he hear what he said earlier?
"I lost, it was my first time here." Hardin looked in the distance then his lips locked unable to say another word again. He also likes Kieran who ran away from his mommy's apartment.
"Bangkok is just a small world. Tell me about where your mom is, or do you remember the address -" He hadn't looked and took off his look from Hardin. He was about to finish what he was saying but Hardin spoke immediately.
"Saem Choi, that's where Mom lives. I moved into her apartment just three days ago from the Philippines since it was vacation," he said softly.
"Luckily, I am from Saem Choi too, let's go." He began to walk to lead Hardin. He felt the droplets of rain that hit his soft skin.
Hardin smiled as he followed Kieran. "The lights, the scenery of the bridge tonight is probably amazing," Hardin said.
Hardin and Kieran share a deep appreciation for art and nature. Kieran finds solace in the beauty of the night sky and stunning landscapes, and Hardin's passion for these things only strengthens their connection. Whenever Kieran is in Hardin's presence, he feels a sense of calm and serenity.
As they walked across the bridge, Kieran stopped and turned to face Hardin. "Rain," he said, gesturing towards the sky. In response, Hardin nodded, and they both took off running toward the end of the bridge.
They could see the beanery just ten meters away, and their hearts raced as they pushed themselves to the limit. Finally, they reached the end of the bridge, both panting and out of breath.
Despite their exhaustion, Kieran and Hardin felt exhilarated by the rush of adrenaline that came from their impromptu race. They both smiled at each other.
Kieran shivered in the cold. He hugged himself. He was shocked when Hardin took off his jacket and gave it to him.
"Why?" he asked.
"Wear it, you're cold."
He accepted and wore it. "Thanks. I bet we should warm our stomachs. Noodles will do."
"Tara," (Let's go) Hardin said. He knew that Kieran knew what he meant.
Hardin and Kieran found an empty table and sat down. Kieran took the lead and ordered two bowls of Guay Teow, a popular Thai soup that Hardin would have loved. As they sat facing each other, Kieran couldn't help but observe Hardin quietly eating the soup. He noticed that Hardin wasn't much of a talker, which made Kieran a bit nervous.
Despite his nerves, Kieran tried to make conversation, but Hardin remained quiet, focusing on his Guay Teow. Kieran eventually gave up on the small talk and focused on his bowl of Guay Teow, bowing his head in appreciation of the delicious flavors and textures.
As they ate in silence, Kieran couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this new friendship. Even though they didn't talk much, there was a sense of comfort in each other's presence. Kieran knew that this was just the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
As they exactly finished their soup the heavy rain stopped. Kieran heaved a sigh of relief as he took a big step outside that decent beanery. Hardin refused his treat but Hardin couldn't do anything when Kierwn gave the aunt Ninety Baht for two bouls of Guay Teow. Hardin thanked him.
"Okay, Saem Choi is just twenty meters away from here. Do you prefer walking?" he asked Hardin.
"Sure, I want to get to know you a little bit more." He stepped forward and followed Kieran.
"Same here. I can see you're good, genuinely good," Kieran said energetically.
"You speak like a grown-up man." He tapped Kieran's shoulder.
"Dad used to say the same thing. By the way, should I delete your picture from my camera?" he asked. Maybe because Hardin wanted to erase it.
He stopped. "And if I told you that keep it for me. I mean, I just want to be your friend."
Kieran stopped and turned to Hardin. "Then we are friends now. Okay, I'll keep it. When will you get it?" he asked seriously. He can communicate in Tagalog but he has difficulty in pronunciation.
"When I'm in college," said Hardin.
Kieran frowned, and he creased his forehead. "Are you kidding me?"
Hardin just laughed. "I want to study at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi. It's known globally for Engineering courses. Since I'm still in Junior High School, I will go back to the Philippines. After my graduation, I will take the entrance exam for civil engineering."
"Civil engineering? That's what my Dad wants for me and I want it too." Kieran began to walk again and Hardin followed.
"Shall we go to the same university together?" Hardin asked and pleaded.
Kieran said, "I'm eleven years old now, Pee. We'll wait a few years. And, you'll become my senior."
"That's okay, senior will take care of his junior," Hardin replied in his gentle voice.
He didn't know why what he said made his chest beat faster. Hardin messed up his hair. They are neighborhoods. He remembered yesterday that his mom talked to a Filipina lady that would be Hardin's mom.
He smiled."Thanks."
"My pleasure." He took off Hardin's jacket and when he tried to give it back, Hardin refused it, saying that his jacket was already his.
Kieran expressed his gratitude to Hardin with heartfelt sincerity. As Hardin turned to make his way back into their shared abode, he graced Kieran with a subtle wink - a gesture that would forever be etched in Kieran's memory. The words that Hardin had imparted to him would remain a cherished reminder of their bond.
As Kieran stood there, a sense of warmth and affection filled his heart. He realized that Hardin had become more than just a mere neighbor; he had become a trusted confidant and a true friend. And as he thought of their newfound camaraderie, Kieran couldn't help but feel a deep sense of appreciation for the connections he had forged in his life.