Kieran was beset by insomnia, robbing him of a full night's slumber, and resulting in his tardy awakening at noon. He arose from his bed and performed a languorous stretch, languidly unfurling his body. With a sense of urgency, he made a beeline for the bathroom, eager to complete his morning ablutions.
Even before retiring to bed, he had meticulously packed his belongings, including his wardrobe and personal effects. However, the cause of his sleeplessness was gnawing anxiety about an impending event involving himself and Hardin, the outcome of which loomed ominously over his thoughts.
The conundrum that Kieran faced was how he could find solace in sleeping beside Hardin when he was acutely aware of his amorous feelings towards his best friend.
Was this an opportune moment for Kieran to unburden himself of his feelings? The prospect of doing so filled him with trepidation, as he was all too cognizant of the potential for rejection and the dire consequences that it could have on their cherished friendship.
Hardin is straight thus further complicating matters, as he was uninterested in a romantic liaison with someone of Kieran's gender. Engrossed in his thoughts, Kieran fixed his gaze upon his reflection in the mirror.
A wry smile played upon his lips as he placed his hands on his hips and scrutinized his form, meticulously assessing his facial expression. Despite any perceived flaws, he couldn't deny that he was pleased with his overall appearance.
Kieran's disheveled hair lent him a charmingly rakish air, softening the angular lines of his chiseled features and rendering him all the more handsome. The supple curves of his full lips, reminiscent of those of a woman, were the perfect complement to the proud, aquiline contours of his nose and the warmth emanating from his golden-brown eyes. His vibrant smile was suffused with the exuberance and vitality of youth, imbuing him with an irresistible magnetism that was difficult to resist.
As he shook his head to clear his thoughts, Kieran leaned over and splashed cool water on his face, reveling in the refreshing sensation that enveloped him. Despite his sleepless night, his ruggedly handsome features remained unblemished, and he was confident in his allure.
Kieran told Arthit not to disclose to their parents that he left later and lived in Hardin's apartment. Because Kieran knows his dad won't let him. If his parents were only in Thailand, he knew he wouldn't be able to go out. He's dead if his dad finds out that he was meeting Hardin.
Kieran experienced a complex array of emotions upon reuniting with Hardin after seven long years. While he was overjoyed to see his best friend once again, he also harbored a sense of disappointment that Hardin had not informed him of his presence in Bangkok, despite being in close proximity. Kieran couldn't shake the feeling that Hardin was avoiding him and didn't want to see him, which left him feeling dejected and confused.
However, Kieran's mixed feelings were further complicated when Hardin appeared out of nowhere to congratulate him on passing the entrance exam. Hardin's sudden reappearance made it seem as though he had never left, and Kieran couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for the past. To add to the complexity, Hardin then asked Kieran if he could move into his apartment, throwing Kieran into a state of confusion and uncertainty as he grappled with his feelings towards Hardin and the implications of the request.
A tale that commenced upon the Rama VIII bridge, culminated in Saem Choi's yard and resumed after seven years. Yet, it was not Hardin, the erstwhile paramour, beseeching Kieran to rekindle their romance, having relinquished his pursuit. Rather, Hardin appeared as a comrade, bound by a pledge to attend the same institution of higher learning as Kieran.
Kieran, overcome by a sudden sense of nonchalance, shook his head and descended to the living room. With a smirk on his face, he flung himself onto the sprawling sofa, contemplating whether or not to take a bath before Hardin's arrival. Despite his Hardin's imminent visit, Kieran found himself indifferent to the matter, perhaps even a little apprehensive of the chilly water that awaited him. For now, he was content to languish on the couch, basking in the warmth of his idleness.
With a languid gait, Kieran rose from the sofa and made his way to the kitchen, a vague but persistent hunger stirring within him. After rummaging through the fridge, he emerged with a bar of chocolate and a bottle of cold milk. Pouring himself a generous serving, he returned to the living room, feeling a sense of ennui as he awaited a message from his friends Pharm and Ayne. Uncertain of their availability, Kieran idled away, wondering if they were prepared to make contact.
Kieran was diligently masticating the delectable chocolate, relishing its velvety texture and its rich, bittersweet flavor that tantalized his taste buds. Suddenly, his phone illuminated, interrupting his indulgent reverie, and a message from Hardin instantaneously materialized on the screen. Kieran however remained composed, reading the message with measured detachment before nonchalantly placing his cell phone aside.
As Kieran continued to savor the chocolate, he found himself ruminating on his future with Hardin. With Hardin entering his final year of university, Kieran was acutely aware that their time together was rapidly dwindling. The prospect of bidding farewell to his best friend after a mere year filled Kieran with a profound sense of melancholy. But what if after Hardin's graduation, Hardin will not leave Bangkok?
The pinky swear between Kieran and Hardin held immense significance for Kieran. Rooted in the ancient Japanese tradition of yubikiri, the act of linking pinky fingers was a binding symbol of their commitment to each other. As per this time-honored custom, breaking a promise made through yubikiri was tantamount to a loss of honor, resulting in the severance of the offender's pinky finger as an act of atonement.
However, Kieran was plagued by a persistent fear that haunted him every waking moment. What if Hardin vanished as he did seven years ago, leaving Kieran alone and adrift once again? The mere thought of such a possibility filled Kieran with a sense of dread and trepidation. He fervently hoped that history would not repeat itself and that the bond forged through their sacred pinky swear would remain unbroken.
The glass that Kieran was holding slipped from his grasp, spilling the remaining milk onto the circular table. He deftly finished the last morsel of his delectable chocolate and gazed off into the abyss. A deep sigh escaped his lips, signifying his profound sense of ennui.
Suddenly, Kieran's cell phone erupted into a shrill ring, announcing the arrival of a call from none other than Hardin. Kieran had obligingly provided Hardin with his contact and phone number the day before, and when Hardin messaged him, Kieran had saved his number under the charming moniker 'Maew na rak' or a Cute Cat. Kieran couldn't help but find the name endearing.
Kieran harbored a reluctance to initiate conversation, perhaps owing to his lingering timidity around Hardin. As a self-professed reticent individual, he perceived himself as a rather uninteresting interlocutor. Having only recently reconnected with Hardin, they were akin to acquaintances eager to delve deeper into each other's lives.
"Hello Khrub," he replied with courtesy.
"I presently find myself stationed at the entrance to your house. Pray to tell, are you prepared, Nong?"
"Could I request a moment to collect myself?" Kieran queried.
"Sure Khrub. I have to check my old room in our house," Hardin said from the other line.
"Chai." (Yes) Kieran immediately stood up, he had to take a bath even though his body was afraid of the cold water.
Kieran strode into the bathroom with a sense of purpose, shedding his garments with alacrity. As he stood beneath the cascading water, he luxuriated in the sensation of the rivulets running over his tresses and flesh. After twenty minutes, he emerged from the ablutionary chamber, his movements brisk and efficient as he hastened to his wardrobe, donning his attire with lightning speed.
Kieran exuded an air of effortless style as he donned his favorite blue shirt, which he paired with black shorts. The vivid hue complemented his rugged good looks, and he knew it. White, black, and blue were his preferred colors, each one echoing a different facet of his magnetic personality. His discerning eye for fashion was evident in every outfit he wore, whether it be a simple T-shirt or more intricate apparel. Even when fatigued, his innate charm and dashing looks shone through.
Kieran descended the stairs and promptly returned his cell phone, only to discover that Hardin had sent him multiple messages imploring him to visit him at his former abode. Without much thought, he ambled out of the house and towards Hardin's residence. Upon arrival, he noted that the gate was ajar, allowing him to enter with ease. As he strode across the threshold, his gaze was drawn to a sleek, obsidian automobile gleaming under the rays of the sun, stationed in the parking lot.