"Please stay with me," Kieran whispered as Hardin leaned closer. He had uttered that phrase countless times before. Once, he had longed for Hardin to be his, wishing upon the starry sky. But now, all he desired was for Hardin to remain by his side. As Hardin's warm breath brushed against his face, Kieran gently closed his eyes, anticipating the impending kiss. He longed for the touch of Hardin's lips against his own, patiently waiting for that moment to arrive.
As he anticipated the kiss from Hardin, his mind traveled back to the poignant and beautiful moments they had shared. Hardin's love for him transcended words, and he was grateful for the lessons learned. This special person had taught him to persevere even when he felt powerless, igniting a fire within him to stand up for what was just. Through their connection, he had found the bravery to challenge societal norms and show the world that love knows no bounds, defying expectations of gender.
And this man, the one who loves Kieran like no one else ever could, remains faithfully by their side just as Hardin had promised months ago. Hardin inspires the best in Kieran, ensuring that a smile graces their face each and every time. Hardin's love for Kieran goes beyond mere affection, words, and emotions; it serves as a constant reminder of their inherent value as a person.
Gently, Hardin pressed his lips against Kieran's. Their kiss was filled with tenderness and affection. Kieran eagerly reciprocated Hardin's gestures, feeling an overwhelming sense of bliss. Though aware of the gazes around them, they continued, unfazed by societal norms. Some individuals may find discomfort in witnessing two men kissing, but it is a reminder that love knows no boundaries, and nature itself embraces diversity without prejudice.
Regardless of what others may think, their love for each other remains unwavering. To his surprise, a few tears cascaded down his cheeks. Kieran sensed Hardin's gentle touch as their lips met, a tender caress accompanying the kiss. In those precious moments, the strength of their bond was so profound that Hardin refused to let fear shake them, even in a public display of affection.
As their lips gently parted, Hardin embraced Kieran tightly. Tears streamed down his face, a mix of indescribable emotions. It was a blend of sorrow and joy that overwhelmed him. When their embrace ended, Hardin gazed at Kieran with a look of sheer elation, as if he had just won the lottery. His eyes remained fixed on Kieran, never faltering. Unable to resist, Hardin drew him back into a warm and intimate hug. He pressed soft kisses on Kieran's head, placing tender kisses on his forehead and caressing his crown lovingly.
Hardin playfully tapped Kieran's nose. "Don't overthink it," he advised, while gently caressing his back.
"I can't stop thinking about you," he confessed, his words filled with longing.
With tenderness, Hardin pressed a soft kiss to Kieran's forehead. "You make my heart melt," he whispered affectionately.
Pharm furrowed his brow, observing them for a moment. "I'm sure you two aren't tired," he remarked. "We still have to walk another one and a half kilometers to reach the campsite. It's already four in the afternoon, so let's keep moving." Pharm turned away from them and briskly followed after Ayne, who had already started walking ahead.
Kieran's lips curled into a gentle smile as he reminisced about the sudden pause he had taken earlier. Memories of the past pains flooded his mind, particularly the time when his own father had failed to accept him. In those moments, he had felt a sense of hopelessness, doubting whether he would ever find true happiness. Yet, with Hardin by his side, he had found the strength to overcome his battles. And now, looking back, Kieran felt an immense pride in himself for how far he had come.
"Are you up for walking a long distance?" Hardin asked Kieran with enthusiasm. "I can carry your bag or even carry you if needed!" Hardin's smile brightened as they encountered fellow hikers ascending the mountain, as well as some descending.
"I'm good," Kieran replied confidently, ready to continue their journey. With renewed determination, he resumed walking alongside Hardin.
Kieran gently placed his hiking bag on the ground and took a moment to catch his breath. He sprawled out on the lush earth, feeling the cool blades of grass and fallen leaves beneath him. His gaze rose, captivated by the sight of towering treetops and the dance of leaves that filtered the sunlight. A sense of tranquility enveloped the surroundings, punctuated by the melodious chirping of birds, signaling the approach of dusk.
Hardin flopped down beside Kieran, resting his tired body. Ayne and Pharm explored the campsite, ensuring everything was in order. They found themselves at the beautiful campsite in Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, eagerly anticipating their early morning ascent to the majestic peak of Doi Pha Hom Pok mountain. Nestled in Fang District, in the enchanting Province of Chiang Mai, the mountain awaited their adventurous spirits.
"Are you alright?" Hardin inquired, standing up and directing his gaze at Kieran.
"I'm completely exhausted, but it's worth it. This place is absolutely amazing, thanks."
"Don't worry, I'll give you a massage later."
"Alright, enough with the mushy stuff," Pharm interjected. "The tent is ready, Ayne and I will gather firewood for a bonfire later."
The night air was chilly, but the warmth of Hardin's embrace as he wrapped his arms around Kieran from behind, along with the crackling fire, provided enough comfort amidst the cold. They sipped on canned beer, gathering around the flickering bonfire. Kieran glanced at Pharm, who offered a smile before turning his attention to Ayne, who was playing One Direction songs.
The unfamiliar woods were not eerily silent, but rather peacefully tranquil. The soft chorus of crickets filled the air, their rhythmic melodies casting a spell on Kieran. In that moment, he felt an instant connection and fell in love with the enchanting ambiance. Regardless of whether his question had an answer, as long as Hardin remained by his side, Kieran knew that his love for the woods would never wane.
Every day, Kieran's love for Hardin grows stronger, an addiction that never loses its thrill. Even in the late hours of the night, they found themselves outside, gazing up at the serene sky. The moon shone brightly, captivating their attention for countless minutes. The enchanting radiance of the moon sparked a sense of romance, drawing them in, as if peering into the depths of their souls. Finally, unable to resist the connection that bound them, they clasped hands and shared a tender kiss.
"Time to get some rest. We have an early morning ahead of us, with the promise of breathtaking morning fog and an exhilarating sunrise at the peak of the mountain." Hardin's words were barely audible amid their tender kisses. With care, he scooped up Kieran and guided him into the cozy confines of the tent, gently placing him down before leaning in for another lingering kiss.
Hardin's tender kiss lulled Kieran into a peaceful slumber, while another gentle kiss from Hardin stirred him awake. As their eyes met, Kieran's smile radiated warmth and affection. Despite the early hour, well past three in the morning, it became apparent that Hardin had been awake for a while, quietly observing Kieran's peaceful rest. A small yawn escaped Kieran's lips, prompting laughter from Hardin, who playfully pinched his nose.
Hardin planted another affectionate kiss on him, attempting to rouse him from his slumber. Not giving up, he continued showering kisses on his lips, nose, and forehead. Finally, after one final kiss, he rose to his feet. They patiently waited for fifteen minutes until Ayne and Pharm woke up. As soon as they were fully awake, they eagerly prepared themselves to embark on their journey.
After an arduous trek through the shadowy woods and winding paths, they finally caught sight of the mountain's summit. The chilly air enveloped them as they reached the top, with a dense morning fog obscuring their vision, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead.
Amidst the mist, they heard Ayne and Pharm's voices calling out, their words echoing in the stillness. The mountain was a popular destination for morning hikers seeking the breathtaking sight of sunlight illuminating the landscape.
As they reached the summit of Doi Pha Hom Pok, a sense of relief washed over them, prompting a sigh of contentment. Despite the obscured view of the valleys below and the neighboring peaks, standing atop the summit felt like stepping into paradise. They anticipated that as the sun fully rose, the dense mist would dissipate, revealing the lush greenery that lay hidden. Hardin instinctively wrapped his arm around Kieran, the two of them basking in the anticipation of the sun's ascent.
As the soft morning breeze gently brushed against Kieran's cheeks, he closed his eyes, savoring the moment. "Stay with me," he whispered, battling the internal struggle to keep those words from escaping his lips. Yet, despite his efforts, the words slipped out once more. His confession prompted Hardin to confront him, his mouth agape, but no words escaped his captivating lips.
"But if you decide to leave me in the near future, let's make a pact. Let's avoid making it more challenging than necessary. I will strive to let go gracefully, making it easier for you to walk away without any regrets."
"It's alright, Hardin. Everything will be alright... Embracing my Thai beliefs, I understand the nature of impermanence. It's often said that nothing in this world remains fixed and permanent; everything is subject to change and alteration. Impermanence is an inherent aspect of human existence. Our love, too, may be impermanent, susceptible to change in the future. Only time will tell."
Hardin let out a deep, heavy sigh. "I'm here to stay -"
"Until when? Until you're able to? And if you're unable to?"
Hardin found himself speechless in response to Kieran's question. How could he possibly answer that? He had no intention of leaving or abandoning Kieran, it was something he couldn't bear to do.
"We can't foresee the future, Kieran."
Kieran's chest tightened. He shut his eyes tightly, trying to suppress the overwhelming emotions that swelled within him, but the struggle was futile. Warm tears streamed down his face, betraying his efforts to control them.
"I understand now. But you know what we should do? Keep fighting, continue loving each other, and even if we can't make it to the end, we can cherish the fact that we've loved each other deeply until now, right? Oh, why am I fixated on the idea of our eventual separation?" Hardin wept.
"You're preoccupied with the end because you'll be leaving me soon."
Hardin gently cupped Kieran's cheeks. "Kieran... Please, open your eyes," he whispered deeply. The sound of his voice stirred butterflies within Kieran. "Open your eyes... You know, if I ever contemplate leaving and giving up on you, it would be as painful as the day your Dad requested me to let you go. Please, don't pose that question anymore. I may not have the answer, but my heart longs to remain with you eternally. I love you. I cannot fathom leaving your side. Now, please open your eyes and behold this surprise. As the clouds dispersed, it seemed to impart a valuable lesson: the importance of finding strength within oneself. It reminds us that everyone needs to cultivate their own sense of resilience."
Kieran's eyes fluttered open, revealing a world where the dissipating mist unveiled the beauty of the rising sun. The lush, green peaks of surrounding mountains came into view, captivating his gaze. In that moment, as the sunrise painted a vivid line in his heart, Kieran felt an unbreakable bond with Hardin. A sense of tranquility washed over him, preparing him for the inevitable departure of his beloved after their graduation.
Kieran was filled with the certainty that no matter how much time passed, Hardin would eventually return. The waiting, although lengthy, held a sense of anticipation rather than torment. A few months seemed like a manageable timeframe. Kieran took a deep breath, grounding himself in the present moment.
"My heart beats only for you, and it shall remain sacred to you eternally. I solemnly promise," Kieran said with a smile, sealing his pledge with a pinky swear.
"You being in my future brings me immense relief. If you embrace the notion of impermanence, then I am all the more determined to make every moment with you meaningful. I desire to grow old by your side, sharing a lifetime of experiences. Let's wait to exchange those precious vows in Thailand, where I will proudly adorn you with a cherished ring. America or Brazil can wait; you shall walk down the aisle without any constraints. By the way, when we return to Bangkok tomorrow, let us make merit together at Wat Arun temple."
He smiled mischievously, capturing his lips in a fleeting yet passionate moment, before playfully dashing off with joyful laughter.
Kieran giggled playfully. "Hey, wait up! I want a kiss from you too!" He called out, joyfully chasing after Hardin. "I love you, Hardin!" He exclaimed, even though his words couldn't reach him. Kieran's voice reverberated in the air. He could faintly hear Hardin's response, claiming to love him more. Kieran nodded with a content smile, feeling his heart beat serenely, as if to the rhythm of a sweet dream.
"You have such a charming clumsiness, Hardin, and yet, that's part of why I love you so much."
~END~
Author's Note:
Congratulations! We've reached the end, and I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for taking the time to read this story, even if my approach may have been somewhat serious at times. Thank you sincerely for your support and for being a part of this journey. Until we meet again!