After leaving the university, he returned home by himself. He had set out to find Hardin's, but to his disappointment, Hardin was nowhere to be found. He waited patiently, but his efforts proved fruitless. Meanwhile, the day was filled with enrollment and orientation activities for the senior students. Undeterred, he took the opportunity to explore the university campus and forge connections with fellow freshmen.
Throughout the day, he held onto the hope that Hardin would show up, and they could share a meal together. However, it seemed that Hardin had vanished into thin air. Despite being extended invitations by his newfound acquaintances, he declined their offers of food. Eventually, he reached a decision and resolved to head home instead.
When Kieran arrived home, he headed straight upstairs. Collapsing onto his bed, he stared up at the ceiling, his thoughts consumed by Hardin. The mention of Hardin's girlfriend, which came up in conversation yesterday and again this morning, made Kieran wonder if that was the reason Hardin didn't get to see him that day; perhaps Hardin was preoccupied with his girlfriend.
As Kieran dwelled on these thoughts, he felt an overwhelming tightness in his chest and a constriction in his throat. He couldn't help but imagine how different things would be if he were a woman, free to openly express and acknowledge his feelings for his best friend Hardin. However, the reality was that he was not.
Kieran's eyes fluttered shut, his tears tracing a path down his cheeks. He pressed his teeth into his lower lip, the pain mirroring the agony within his heart. The weight of his father's homophobia, the disdainful society that showed him no consideration, and the unrequited love he held for his best friend, Hardin, bore down on him relentlessly.
Each thought was like pouring alcohol onto an open wound, intensifying the hurt that consumed him. Kieran carried his pain in solitude, feeling its weight when he was alone, only to mask it with a forced smile whenever he stepped into the public eye.
Kieran's sobs escaped through clenched teeth as he desperately tried to suppress them. Suddenly, a pair of hands gently cupped his face, wiping away the wetness that stained his cheeks. The touch was so tender that it compelled Kieran to open his eyes, even though tears blurred his vision. Through the haze, he could make out Hardin's face, his expression filled with compassion and understanding. Hardin's smile radiated warmth and comfort, a soothing balm to Kieran's tormented soul. With each stroke of his hand, Hardin wiped away the remnants of Kieran's tears, silently assuring him that he was not alone in his pain.
Kieran couldn't discern whether Hardin had just arrived or if he had been observing him from afar. His heart raced with uncertainty as he rose to his feet, feeling the weight of vulnerability. Kieran's gaze remained lowered, unable to meet Hardin's eyes.
But then, as if in a miraculous rescue, Hardin's hands cradled Kieran's face, gently urging him to look up. Reluctantly, Kieran met Hardin's gaze, and in that moment, a profound transformation occurred.
The pain that had consumed him seemed to dissolve into thin air. It was as if gazing at Hardin's handsome face cast a spell, mending the shattered pieces of Kieran's heart. The gentleness and allure in Hardin's expression acted as a soothing balm, gradually erasing the ache that had plagued Kieran for so long..
"I'm sorry," Hardin muttered as he let out a sigh.
"I apologize," Hardin muttered softly, his sigh escaping his lips.
Kieran was puzzled as to the reason behind Hardin's apology. The only thing he could deduce was that Hardin had allowed him to return home from university unaccompanied. Perhaps Hardin believed that Kieran was disappointed by this gesture. However, Kieran had long outgrown the tendency to voice such complaints. He closed his eyes, attempting to convey the emotions swirling within him.
Hardin gently caressed both of Kieran's cheeks, his touch eliciting a quiver in Kieran's lips. Kieran's hand slowly made its way to Hardin's chest, tracing the path until it rested upon his heartbeat.
"I'm sorry," Hardin said again. "I'm sorry that I lied to you. I don't have a girlfriend, Nong," he admitted.
Kieran remained silent, processing the words that Hardin had just spoken. It was difficult for him to fathom that someone as attractive and intelligent as Hardin could be without a girlfriend. Furthermore, Kieran couldn't help but wonder why Hardin had brought up the topic in the first place. As Hardin gently withdrew his hands from Kieran's cheeks, he reached out and clasped Kieran's hand, pressing it against his own chest.
Kieran took a deep breath, trying to collect his thoughts. His words came out in a stammered manner. "I... I don't really know what to say," he admitted, the weight of his confusion evident in his voice. "I apologize if my reaction seems odd, but I just want to listen to your heart, I just want to feel it."
Silence fell. The air between them filled with nothing more than the sound of Kieran's winded breath.
A heavy silence enveloped them, punctuated only by the sound of Kieran's labored breathing, as if the weight of his emotions had rendered him breathless.
In a gentle voice, Hardin broke the silence, his words hanging in the air like a delicate thread. "Does the rhythm of my heartbeat hold a special meaning for you?" he asked, his vulnerability evident in his question.
Kieran struggled to find the right words, his thoughts jumbled and disconnected. He felt torn between expressing his true feelings and the fear of jeopardizing his precious friendship with Hardin. The magnitude of the situation weighed heavily on him, and he hesitated to speak his heart, fearing that it would be a grave mistake.
Sensing Kieran's inner turmoil, Hardin interjected softly, his voice tinged with understanding. "Perhaps, would it be easier if I took the lead and finished what you wanted to say?" His question lingered in the air, waiting for a response, as if offering Kieran an escape from the overwhelming pressure he faced.
Kieran's heart trembled with a mixture of fear and apprehension. It felt as though time had come to a standstill. The audacity of meeting Hardin's gaze again was overwhelming. The words Hardin had just uttered echoed in Kieran's mind. How did Hardin come to know about his feelings? Was it a recent revelation or had Hardin been aware of it all along, concealing the truth for some time, perhaps even indefinitely?
The thought of losing his closest friend consumed Kieran's thoughts. Would their relationship be irreparably damaged this time?
"Are you too afraid to open your eyes and meet mine?" Hardin prodded, his voice laced with a hint of curiosity.
Kieran struggled to find the right words to respond, but they eluded him. His voice seemed trapped within his chest, unable to escape his lips. Though he yearned to refute Hardin's statement, he couldn't deny that there was truth in it.
Bowing his head, Kieran pressed closer to Hardin's neck, seeking solace in his embrace. He buried his face against Hardin's neck and chest, feeling the tender caress of Hardin's hand on his back.
Silent tears streamed down Kieran's face, his emotions overwhelming him. Deep inside, he felt a profound sense of remorse for the strain their friendship was enduring.
Hardin's murmured words lingered in the air, adding to Kieran's turmoil. "I don't understand why a man would be drawn to another man," Hardin confessed softly.
As Kieran heard Hardin's heartbeat, he couldn't help but yearn for something more than just friendship. Deep down, he longed to be by Hardin's side, not only as a best friend but as a lover, holding hands and sharing intimate moments. He craved Hardin's kisses and embraces, aching for a connection that went beyond mere friendship.
"I understand," Kieran managed to say, his voice tinged with sadness.
Hardin nodded. "Don't worry, I won't let this impact our friendship." Hardin let out a heavy sigh, his own emotions palpable in the air.
But inside Kieran, it felt as if a knife had been thrust into Kieran's chest repeatedly, making it difficult to catch his breath. He tried to mask his pain with laughter, pretending that he didn't desire a reciprocation of his feelings from Hardin. "You don't have to say that you feel the same way, and things don't have to change," he forced out, a hollow laughter escaping his lips. Yet, deep down, he felt shattered and broken.
"How many times have you listened to the rhythm of my heart?" Hardin inquired.
"Approximately a hundred times," Kieran guessed.
"And yet, you failed to perceive the way it quickened each time you listened," Hardin replied, smiling.
"Pardon me, what do you mean?" Kieran asked, peering into Hardin's eyes.
"Pom rak khun," Hardin uttered softly.
"W-What?" Kieran stammered. Did he hear correctly? Yes, he heard correctly—Hardin had just confessed his love.
"I can love you," Hardin whispered, his voice filled with tenderness. "I love you without judgment, without reservation. Come closer, and I will show you that you are worthy of love, regardless of societal expectations or the physical similarities we share. Who cares if we both possess the same private body parts? Who cares if I am a handsome man who loves another handsome man? Love knows no boundaries, no restrictions. It is neither right nor wrong; it simply exists."
Kieran, feeling a mixture of emotions, couldn't help but question Hardin's words. "I don't understand," he said, his voice laced with confusion. "Do you truly love me as much as I love you?"
Hardin's gaze locked onto Kieran's, unwavering and sincere. "Yes," he replied, his voice filled with unwavering conviction. "I love you with every fiber of my being, with a depth that knows no limits."
Kieran's heart wavered, torn between doubt and longing. He yearned to believe the words spoken by the person he held dear, but uncertainty lingered. "Since when?" he asked, his voice betraying his bewilderment.
Hardin took a deep breath, attempting to convey the magnitude of his feelings. "Since the moment our paths intertwined," he answered, his gaze softening. "From the very first time I laid eyes on you, a spark ignited within me, growing into an all-consuming flame of love. It has only grown stronger with each passing day, each shared moment, and each heartbeat."
Kieran's mind swirled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. He shook his head, trying to dispel any lingering doubts. "I sincerely hope this isn't just a dream," he muttered, his voice filled with a hint of vulnerability.
Hardin reached out, gently placing a hand on Kieran's trembling shoulder. "You're wide awake, Kieran," he reassured, his voice soothing. "And yes, you are truly special to me. Do you remember the time you whispered to my pillow, 'Hardin, be mine'?"
Kieran's eyes widened in surprise, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I...I never said that," he stammered, his voice trailing off. Yet, his denial was short-lived as he caught sight of Hardin's sweet smile, a smile that spoke volumes.
Curiosity got the better of Kieran, and he couldn't help but ask, "Why are you smiling like that?" His heart raced, fearing the truth behind Hardin's expression.
Hardin's smile deepened, radiating warmth and affection. "Because," he replied softly, "I know the truth. I know that in the quiet moments, when you thought no one was listening, you spoke not only to my pillow but to my picture, my t-shirt, my toothbrush, and even my perfume. It wasn't just a pillow you talked to; it was a piece of me, a connection to our love."
Kieran's eyes widened further, a mix of surprise and vulnerability reflected in them. He realized that his secret gestures of affection had not gone unnoticed. In that moment, he felt a wave of relief wash over him, knowing that his love for Hardin was reciprocated and cherished, even in the most intimate details of their lives together.
Hardin gently caressed Kieran's cheek, his voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and affection. "Do you remember what you said to me seven years ago? 'Khun pen khon pi sèt sam ràp phom.' I've never forgotten those words."
Kieran's eyes widened in shock, as memories flooded his mind. He distinctly recalled uttering that phrase during one of their puzzle-solving sessions in Hardin's room all those years ago. He couldn't believe that Hardin still remembered it.
Curiosity tinged Kieran's voice as he asked, "So, you know what it means?"
A warm smile graced Hardin's lips as he nodded. "It means 'You are a special person to me.' And those words have stayed with me ever since you first said them. You hold a special place in my heart."
In a moment charged with anticipation, Kieran could feel the warmth of Hardin's breath against his face. A nervous gulp passed through his throat as he locked eyes with Hardin, recognizing a fiery desire reflected in their depths. Slowly, almost teasingly, Hardin leaned in, capturing Kieran's lips in a passionate embrace.
Overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, Kieran struggled to comprehend the reality unfolding before him. Hardin's touch teased and tantalized, each brush of their lips sending shivers down Kieran's spine. With a mixture of trepidation and longing, Kieran closed his eyes, surrendering to the intoxicating connection they shared.
Hardin skillfully seized the opportunity, deepening the kiss with a tenderness that spoke volumes of his affection. In that moment, as their lips interlocked, Kieran felt an overwhelming sense of love enveloping him. Finally, he allowed himself to reciprocate, letting the walls around his heart crumble as he yielded to the magnetic pull of their connection.
Kieran had yearned for this moment, as if the entire world had been holding its breath in anticipation. The sensation of Hardin's lips against his own was electrifying, causing Kieran to feel as if he were floating above the ground. In that kiss, he found solace, as if Hardin's touch could warm his very soul.
Their embrace deepened, intertwining their bodies and hearts in a passionate dance. Hardin's actions spoke volumes of his tenderness and wisdom, as he skillfully explored and claimed Kieran's lips, leaving no doubt of his affection. The connection they shared was profound, a testament to the powerful bond they had forged.
As their lips parted, Hardin's kisses continued their journey, trailing along Kieran's neck with a mix of gentleness and desire. With a tender bite, he left a mark on Kieran's flesh, a symbol of their shared passion and the intensity of their connection. In that moment, Kieran felt a surge of emotions, a mingling of pleasure and vulnerability, as their love story continued to unfold.
Kieran unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his well-defined chest to Hardin. A soft gasp escaped his lips as he felt the gentle touch of Hardin's tongue and teeth caressing his chest. Hardin's lips moved from Kieran's chest to his neck, leaving a trail of tender kisses. Their lips met once again, igniting a deep and passionate kiss that left them both breathless.
With anticipation, Hardin gradually removed his shirt, revealing his physique. Kieran's excitement grew as he watched, eagerly awaiting the next moment. Slowly, Hardin loosened his belt, leaving Kieran speechless with anticipation.
Hardin's member hanging flaccid between his legs. Kieran chest heaved and he swallowed several times. When it approached him, it gradually came to life. The pulsing veins running underneath Hardin's member were visible. Hardin's glans is pinkish and gloss. It makes him more damn horny if he has a piercing on his frenulum.
Kieran knelt in front of Hardin. Kieran was nervous. Kieran kissed Hardin's pinkish glans. He closed his eyes as he opened his mouth and took the head of Hardin's member into his mouth. Kieran's tongue slipped over the crown slowly, and he moved slowly yet deeper. He took in, every single inch, and worked his way to s*cked Hardin's b*lls. Hardin moaned wordlessly grabbing Kieran's head.
Hardin stopped Kieran. Hardin bent down to kiss Kieran again. They changed positions. Kieran's other hand grabbed Hardin's hair, while his other hand grabbed the bedsheet as he slowly dropped himself into bed and he continued to moan softly and lovely. Kieran's love for the right guy, Hardin, now combines romantic lust and passion.
Kieran doesn't want to miss the right moment. He said yes when Hardin lustily whispered in his ears that he wanted more than a kiss or the hot embrace of his mouth. He couldn't say no to Hardin, a panty-dropper.
Kieran looked at him, he could see Hardin's eyes asking him to relax. Kieran closed his eyes. Kieran's body began to shake and he was whimpering. Hardin moved in a sensational and tense synchronization of thrusting his beast member inside Kieran's eff h*le.
Kieran and Hardin are breathless. Kieran chanted forcing Hardin to move on top of him passionately. Every inch of his beast member invaded every part of Kieran's body. His back arched, his toes curled. The man Kieran considered gentle is a beast in bed. Hardin f*ck*d Kieran wildly. His sanity abandoned him and he moved so hard. There was no thought available in his mind, only the extreme lust of watching Hardin biting his lip as he moved on top of him endlessly.
A glass of champagne on top of the study table, a lampshade, and romantic music made their night in the fire, lust, and romance in combination. Hardin's moving on top of Kieran in such bliss brought ten thousand pleasures to Kieran. Kieran's moan arrived in a mood of delight and satisfaction as the music volume raised, and he felt like reaching the climax.
It's early morning and they're still hugging each other naked under the blanket. Hardin hugged him tightly. While Kierwn buried his face in Hardin's chest, that's the safest place for him. Hardin kissed Kieran's hair.
"Be Mine," Kieran whispered. It was the first time he was able to stand up and say that line to Hardin.
"Be Mine," Hardin said.
"I should say that. But is your love for me real?" he couldn't help but be curious.
Hardin let out a sigh. "Seven years ago when I go back to the Philippines and if there was only one person who animates my thoughts it was you, Nong. I think of you all day. And now that we have met, I can't let you go. I promised myself that I'll make you mine. And here we are, finally, you're mine."
"I love you," Kieran said in a delightful voice.
"Pom rak Khun maak gwaà." (I love you more.)
Hardin tightened his embrace. Kieran kissed Hardin's chest and minutes passed he fell asleep in Hardin's embrace.