Hardin drove home with a sense of contentment, his mind filled with a mix of curiosity and speculation. Earlier, he had noticed Ayne and Pharm together, heading somewhere with an air of intimacy. There was an unspoken connection between them, something that piqued Hardin's interest from the very beginning.
As he reminisced about their interactions, a thought crossed his mind: Could Ayne and Pharm be more than just friends? The notion brought a smile to Hardin's face, and he shook his head in amusement. It was already past six o'clock in the evening, and the mystery of their relationship continued to intrigue him.
Hardin pondered the unusual absence of communication from Kieran. Normally, Kieran would reach out to check on him, but that afternoon, not a single message had arrived. It left Hardin feeling perplexed and slightly concerned.
Coming to a stop in front of Bangmot Pies, Hardin decided to buy a dessert for Kieran, hoping it would bring a smile to his face. As he approached the counter, he couldn't help but notice the captivating beauty of the lady serving him. Her slender eyebrows and flawless, glossy skin gave her an enchanting aura. Her radiant smile, accompanied by her gleaming, white teeth, illuminated the area. Hardin momentarily found himself captivated by her allure but quickly averted his gaze.
"How much?" Hardin inquired, breaking the silence.
"Two hundred Baht," she replied, her voice carrying a soothing tone. Hardin couldn't help but wonder if this was her natural voice or if it was just part of her affected mannerisms.
Handing over the money, Hardin observed her boldness as she asked, "Want to ask for my Line ID?" There was a hint of seduction in her words, a skill that seemed to come effortlessly to her. Hardin briefly entertained the thought of her being skilled in other areas as well.
"Sorry, I'm already in a relationship," Hardin politely declined, feeling the need to emphasize his commitment.
"Oh, she's a lucky woman then," the lady responded, a touch of admiration in her voice. "Whoever she is, she's fortunate to have someone as kind and gentle as you, someone who makes her want to come home and stay." Her words carried a genuine appreciation for the qualities she perceived in Hardin.
"He's not a woman. He's a man," Hardin confidently asserted. Hardin remained unfazed by any negative remarks, as he took pride in his relationship with Kieran.
Curiosity filled her voice as she sought clarification. "Wait, are you saying he identifies as male? So, he's a man?"
Hardin nodded in affirmation, acknowledging her question. He understood that there was nothing inherently wrong with his loving connection to Kieran.
"Two men, embracing their handsomeness. There's absolutely nothing amiss with that. Love knows no boundaries," she exclaimed, emphasizing her belief in the freedom to love whomever one chooses.
"Thanks."
She smiled and gave him what he ordered. "Here. Go home he was waiting for his gentle and handsome husband."
He couldn't stop laughing. "I got to go now."
She smiled. "Thanks, come back soon."
"Chai khrub."
Hardin's weary body relaxed as he finally arrived home, grateful for the respite. Upon entering, he found the door ajar, causing him to wonder if Kieran was already home. Stepping into the living room, he noticed the clock chiming six in the evening. Puzzled, Hardin couldn't help but question why Kieran hadn't closed the door if he was inside. Perhaps Kieran was enjoying the yard instead? After all, the yard and the pool were Kieran's cherished spaces within their apartment.
Hardin ascended the stairs, but couldn't immediately spot Kieran due to the lack of illumination. The fading daylight outside hinted at the approaching darkness, and he anticipated that rain would soon accompany it. Placing his belongings on the circular table, he flicked on the light switch. To his delight, Hardin noticed Kieran lying on the bed, gazing at him.
A smile formed on Hardin's face. Was Kieran pretending to be asleep? Regardless, now that Hardin was home, he longed to cuddle with Kieran. Did it matter if Kieran was sleeping? Hardin ceased pondering and began to undress. He went straight into the bathroom. He took a shower.
If Kieran wasn't sleeping, why hadn't he gotten up? Did Kieran not want Hardin to come home? Was he avoiding a conversation? Hardin shook his head, dismissing the thoughts, and hurriedly finished his shower.
Seven minutes later, Hardin emerged from the bathroom, not even bothering to put on his boxer shorts. But Kieran remained in the same position. Something was amiss. Kieran hadn't moved an inch. Hardin's concern grew.
Assuming Kieran was fast asleep, Hardin swiftly dressed himself and blow-dried his hair. Leaving the room, he descended the stairs and headed straight for the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, he grabbed a can of beer and popped it open, taking a long, refreshing gulp.
Returning upstairs, Hardin settled beside Kieran and enveloped him in a loving embrace from behind. He could hear the steady rhythm of Kieran's breathing. Placing his hand gently on Kieran's chest, Hardin felt the reassuring beat of his normal heartbeat.
"I love you," Hardin whispered, gently pressing his lips against Kieran's soft hair. As he inhaled deeply, a realization washed over him—Kieran wasn't asleep. It dawned on him that Kieran had been feigning slumber, perhaps to shield himself from confronting his own emotions. For Kieran, the silence was a torment, a word synonymous with inner turmoil. Hardin was on the cusp of breaking the silence when Kieran's voice interjected.
"For you, in the context of a same-sex relationship—"
Hardin's shock interrupted Kieran's unfinished thought. He couldn't fathom why Kieran had used the word "if." The mere suggestion rocked him to his core, leaving him unsettled and yearning for an explanation."Why if?"
"You have the freedom to date someone, or should I say you're currently involved with someone?" Kieran's voice wavered, filled with a tinge of sadness. "She meets all the criteria of beauty, and beyond that, she carries herself with grace—a true lady."
Hardin felt a wave of confusion wash over him. "Wait, I don't understand. What are you trying to say?" His words were laced with bewilderment.
Kieran pondered the purpose behind revealing his encounter with Hardin and the beautiful lady at the restaurant. They were dating, so why did he question whether Hardin was aware of their relationship? The uncertainty gnawed at him, leaving him longing for answers.
"Don't tell me you saw me with her—" Hardin shook his head.
Kieran's lips trembled, his voice choked with tears. Overwhelmed by emotions, he broke down in a torrent of lamentation. The weight of it all had become unbearable—his heart ached, his mind in turmoil. At that moment, as Kieran crumbled, Hardin wrapped his arms around him from behind, offering solace.
But to Kieran, Hardin felt like a stranger, a distant figure. The house they shared, and the room they occupied, all seemed to be tainted with deceit. The closet, once a sanctuary, now became a symbol of secrets, locked away with Hardin holding the key. Kieran couldn't help but wonder what other lies Hardin bore, lies that would only deepen the wounds he inflicted upon him.
"Please..." Hardin gently wiped Kieran's tear-stained cheek with the palm of his hand, his arms enveloping him from behind. Unbeknownst to him, Kieran had witnessed the situation that led to his emotional state. "I'm sorry, but there seems to be a misunderstanding."
Hardin held Kieran tighter, seeking solace in their embrace. "She was Zen, my friend, a relative visiting from the Philippines. The cultural gestures might have been misinterpreted. Filipinos are known for their warmth and kindness. Hardin is a gentle and caring person." He tenderly pressed a kiss to Kieran's cheek, hoping to convey his sincerity.
Hardin searched Kieran's eyes, his gaze brimming with genuine sincerity. Yet, Kieran appeared unwilling to meet his gaze, avoiding confrontation.
"I'm sorry," Kieran mumbled softly.
Hardin's voice softened, trying to reassure Kieran. "It's alright. Your love for me can elicit different emotions, Kieran. It's natural." He tenderly caressed Kieran's face, only to discover a chilly wetness on his fingertips. Hardin's heart skipped a beat as he examined his finger and noticed the presence of blood. Concern and fear washed over him. What had happened to Kieran's face? Was there a cut? And if so, what could be the cause of it?
Rising from the bed, Hardin made his way to Kieran's side, where he lay with closed eyes. A lump formed in Hardin's throat as a few tears welled up, streaming down his face. Devastation washed over him at the sight of Kieran's condition. What in the world had happened to Kieran's face? It was marred by bruises, and his eye blackened. Anger boiled within Hardin, fueled by the injustice inflicted upon his beloved. How could anyone do such a horrific thing to Kieran? What kind of twisted individuals were responsible for that?
Hardin's tears streamed down his face as he tightly embraced Kieran, tenderly planting a kiss on his forehead. He repeated the word "sorry" countless times, his heartfelt apologies resonating in each embrace. The pain and brutality that Kieran endured, the relentless fists that struck his face, was incomprehensible to Hardin. "I'm so sorry, Kieran. I failed to protect you," he wept.
Kieran's voice quivered with anguish as he questioned his worthiness to suffer such violence. Did he deserve to be subjected to such cruelty? Did God permit these actions or were they merely the result of human fallibility? Their spiteful words echoed in his mind, asserting that he was unwelcome in the eyes of God. The torment he endured was palpable in his voice, an agonizing reminder of his inner struggle.
Hardin extended a helping hand, assisting Kieran in rising from the bed. Gently, he wiped away the tears that stained Kieran's cheek. "We need to get you to the emergency room right away," Hardin insisted.
Kieran's voice trembled as he pleaded, "No, Hardin, please."
Hardin cupped Kieran's face in his hands, kissing his forehead tenderly. "Don't be stubborn, my love," he implored. "You're in a really bad state."
Kieran's response was filled with despair. "It's pretty bad, Hardin."
Fury seeped into Hardin's voice as he vowed, "Tell me, Kieran, who did this to you? I'll make sure to take legal action against those bastards..."
His words trailed off, consumed by anger and frustration.
Kieran clung tightly to Hardin, seeking solace in his embrace. Hardin reciprocated the hug, his hand gently caressing Kieran's back, offering a comforting touch. Silent tears streamed down Kieran's face as he found refuge in Hardin's shoulder. The depth of Hardin's love for Kieran intensified, fueling his determination to seek justice against whoever had caused Kieran harm. However, the thought gnawed at him—what if Kieran chose not to reveal the identity of his assailant? Hardin understood Kieran's aversion to trouble, but he resolved to go to any lengths necessary for revenge.
Despite Hardin's persistent attempts to convince Kieran to seek medical attention, Kieran adamantly refused. Resigned, Hardin chose to clean Kieran's wounds and tend to his bruises. After carefully treating Kieran's injuries, Hardin picked up Kieran and left the room. He carefully went down the stairs and went straight to the kitchen.
Hardin prepared noodles for Kieran, knowing that he hadn't eaten yet. As he served Kieran, a pang of guilt washed over him, blaming himself for not being able to protect him. From that moment forward, Hardin made a solemn promise to himself that he would do whatever it takes to safeguard Kieran, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. All he desired was Kieran's happiness from the very start. With only three days remaining until their one-month anniversary as a couple, Hardin was determined to surprise him, as this milestone held a special place in his heart.
In the days to come, the uncertain future loomed over their happiness. Would it bring them joy, or would they find themselves locked in tearful gazes? Who knows if circumstances would eventually force them apart, perhaps for their well-being? The world held countless possibilities, both promising and unpredictable. And even if time were to separate them, Hardin remained unsure of what actions he could take to bridge that gap. The uncertainty of their fate weighed heavily on his mind, leaving him grappling with the unknown.
A piercing question plagued his thoughts: Would they continue their journey of exploration, hand in hand, navigating life's ups and downs together? Or would one of them depart, leaving behind a shattered and desolate home, forever wounded in heart with no chance of healing? Hoping for a tomorrow filled with happiness rather than bitter emotions, they longed for circumstances that wouldn't erect insurmountable barriers, rendering them unable to see or hear each other ever again. The weight of uncertainty pressed upon their souls, as they yearned for a future that would reunite and restore what was broken.