Hardin and Kieran immediately distanced themselves from each other. Kieran turned his back to see Arthit's gallant visage. What? Do Arthit and Hardin know each other? How come? Arthit invited Hardin to sit. While the two were talking, Kieran kept glancing at Hardin. Is there something he should know?
"I met your brother a long time ago, and he was my way to check on you, and even the day you took the entrance exam, Arthit told me," Hardin explained as if he had read Kieran's mind.
Kieran looked at Arthit. "You didn't tell me."
"It was a promise," said Arthit. "He asked me to keep it a secret."
Kieran turned to Hardin and asked, "Why?"
He was chagrined because he wasn't informed, and why did it have to be hidden from him? But Hardin didn't seem to hear anything.
"Please," Hardin pleaded Arthit. "Pee, please."
Kieran experienced a sense of incongruity in the company of his elder brother, which prompted him to rise from his seat and contemplate an exit. However, before he could execute his plan, Hardin interjected by ensconcing his arms around Kieran's waist, abruptly bringing him down to his level.
The sudden action caused Kieran's heart to palpitate frantically, while a swarm of nervously fluttering butterflies took residence in his stomach. As Hardin's muscular appendage coiled around Kieran's neck, he pulled him in for an embrace, eliciting an unparalleled euphoria in Kieran's being.
As Hardin entwined his arm around Kieran's neck, Kieran couldn't help but feel a tinge of something deeper than mere physical sensations. He had always been drawn to Hardin's rugged charm and strong physique, but he had always kept his feelings hidden, buried deep within his heart. The sudden embrace from Hardin, however, was a revelation, a moment of intimacy that felt too good to be true.
As they pulled away from the embrace, Kieran looked into Hardin's eyes, and for a fleeting moment, he saw something in them that made his heart skip a beat. Was it possible that Hardin felt the same way? Kieran couldn't be sure, but he felt a newfound sense of hope, a flicker of a flame that had long been extinguished.
Hardin looked back at Arthit. "May I?" Hardin's face still pleading.
"Hmm... Mae and Dad aren't here," said Arthit.
"That's why I'm asking your permission."
"Ask him." Arthit leaned his back against the couch.
"Him? your Dad?” Hardin asked.
“Him.” Arthit pointed at Kieran with his lips.
Kieran found himself disoriented and uncertain as he struggled to make sense of the conversation between Hardin and his brother Arthit. Despite his confusion, Kieran couldn't deny the exhilarating sensation of being locked in Hardin's embrace, his heart pounding against his chest, his breath hot against his skin.
As the conversation continued, Kieran listened intently, his mind racing with possibilities. "Are you willing to live at my apartment?" Hardin asked Kieran. "Congratulations, by the way, you did fulfill my wish. Now we are in the same university-"
Hardin's proposal to live together in his apartment sent a thrill through Kieran's body, the prospect of being in close proximity to the object of his secret affection almost too much to bear.
And then, as if on cue, Ayne interjected, "Kieran will live together with us in the same apartment."
Hardin smirked. "Please, I'm waiting for how many years. I don't even show up to you. Even the day when you took the exam. I only stared at you in the distance and tasked my friend to give you a Nom Yen. Sorry Khrub, but I don't want to distract you during your exam."
He even remembers the pink milk he received when he took the entrance exam at the university. It was Hardin who gave it. He was not wrong in his suspicions then. "Yeah, I made it," he said enthusiastically. "And I thought you would no longer see me as a best friend," he said sadly.
Hardin raised his right hand folding the four-finger and raising his pinky finger.
"We will be friends no matter what. Let's pinky swear.”
Kieran smiled and he did the same. The two linked their pinky fingers together. Ayne and Pharm's eyebrows were arched.
Garden smiled. "Now, I'm asking you, and I hate when you refuse it, would you live in the apartment where I lived?"
He looked around at Ayne and Pharm. Their faces are frowning. "For one condition, Pee."
"What conditions?"
"Please let these two bastards live there too. They will pay for the electricity bills and water bills and they will cook breakfast, and wash dishes.”
"You're too much Nong'Kieran." Ayne protested.
"Okay okay. These two will occupy the available room, you? Yes, you Nong'Kieran will occupy my room.”
"What about you?"
"There are two of us in my room." He winked at Kieran.
His eyes widened "Are you serious?" Does he want that? It seems like yes. But for Hardin, there is no malice in that.
"Thank you Pee," Ayne and Pharm said in unison.
"Hardin," Hardin mentioned his name.
"Thank you." The two wai.
Hardin turned to Arthit. "So, he said yes, please permit me."
"Okay, bro. I trust you. My Nong'Kieran is stubborn but weak," said Arthit.
"Pee Arthit." He looked at Arthit, and he let out a deep breath "How about, Dad?"
Arthit sat to his younger brother Kieran "Everything will be fine, trust me."
"Senior will take care of his junior," Hardin chimed in.
He used to say the same thing when Kieran met him seven years ago on Rama VIII bridge. He used to say that he will take care of Kieran. So Hardin was there because he fulfilled what he was saying before. Maybe a part of it. But Kieran couldn't say anything more. The only thing Kieran knows is that he is happy. Kieran was on cloud nine.
"Only him?" Pharm asked. "What about us?"
"I will crush your bones if you fool around," said Hardin, laughing.
When Kieran had the chance to look at Hardin face, he saw the peaceful and happy look of Hardin.
"Thanks."
"What for?" Hardin asked.
"For being my best friend. You are indeed honest in your words.”
"You're my favorite. I care for you Nong.” Hardin smiled.
Arthit smiled bitterly knowing that there was another painful phase in Kieran's life. Why is it so hard for their daddy, and Mr. Pornthip's family side to accept and tolerate Kieran's sexual orientation? Kieran went through so much, emotional, mental, and physical pain. Discriminated, rejected, and hated. Too much for innocent Kieran.
Hardin pinched the bridge of Kieran's nose. Kieran was feeling raptured. His whole world has been waiting for this moment. Kieran has a rare feeling of being safe in Hardin's arms.