Special Chapter 6 - Live Happily Ever After: Bomb & Athens.

One Year Later. 

 

The bouquet in Bomb's hand was handed to a young woman in a graduation gown. The scorching heat made her beautifully made-up face glisten with tiny beads of sweat. Yet, on such an important day, no matter how hot it was, the recipient of the large bouquet still managed to smile. She looked at the man in front of her, his sharp, emotionless eyes resembling a familiar image she'd grown used to.

 

"Thank you for the flowers, P'Bomb."

 

"Congrats," Bomb said, just to be polite, a faint smile crossing his sharp, stoic face. The usual irritation he often displayed was now replaced by a calm demeanour. The young woman hesitated for a moment, debating whether to share something with her senior.

 

"Well, I have something to tell you, but I'm not sure if I should."

 

"What is it?" he asked, raising one eyebrow, his hand slipping into his pocket in his usual manner.

 

"I saw P'Eung with Athens. I don't know if you've seen them yet."

 

"..." Bomb's dark eyes flickered upon hearing this. He furrowed his brows and instinctively glanced around. All he saw were balloons, bouquets, and young men and women in dark graduation gowns. But no one looked like Athens. "Oh... Eung's here?"

 

"Yes, he is."

 

"And where is he now?" He asked, referring to his former lover, whom he hadn't spoken to in a long time, instead of the person he truly wanted to see. Bomb turned back to his junior, waiting to hear where the person in question might be.

 

"I just saw P'Eung at the drink stand."

 

"Alright, I'll go find him. I have something to talk about." Bomb nodded subtly, his tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek as he thought. At the drink stand.

Hopefully, he's still there. Not Akara, as he'd told his junior, but Athens, he hoped Athens would still be there.

 

His long legs carried him confidently in the direction he'd been told. Bomb held his head high, his hand clenched tightly in his pocket. Everything around him seemed to pause as he approached the drink stand his junior had mentioned. He saw Akara laughing brightly, with Narisa by his side, and someone in a clean white t-shirt sitting with his back to him. The light brown hair still looked soft, and the pale, slender neck was as charming as ever.

 

Bomb's breath hitched, and he masked his nervousness with a scowl when Akara turned and noticed him. That sharp-eyed Akara was still the same, and in true Akara fashion, he nudged Athens and gestured toward Bomb with his lips. It felt like one of those moments in a drama or novel where someone stops breathing upon locking eyes with another. Bomb found himself falling in love all over again with those bright, round eyes, the slightly flushed cheeks from the heat, and the smiling lips. He's gotten so much cuter. Athens has gotten so much cuter.

 

"Looks familiar, like your ex, Athens," Akara's voice broke Bomb out of his trance. He frowned upon hearing Akara shout, while Athens turned to scold him in a sweet voice.

 

"P'Eung!!!"

 

"What?"

 

"You're saying nonsense. I'm leaving now. Are you coming?"

 

"Nok and I were ready to leave half an hour ago. We were just waitin' for you to finish chattin' with your friends." Akara complained dramatically, glancing between Bomb and Athens. "Let's go. If you're leavin', then get up."Akara stood up... but Athens remained seated, as if waiting for something...

 

"Athens." Waiting for Bomb to call his name. The man who had been silently observing the situation finally spoke. Bomb wasn't sure if his voice trembled as he called Athens's name after not seeing him for a year... it was difficult.

 

"Yes?" Athens responded, turning to face him instead of walking away with Akara.

 

"Can we talk for a moment?"

 

"..About what?"

 

"About money."

 

"How long will it take?"

 

"Just a moment."

 

Was it luck or misfortune that he owed Athens millions? It became the perfect excuse to replace the real reason he wanted to talk.

 

"P'Eung, wait for me a bit," Athens said to Akara, who frowned and muttered under his breath. "I'm not waiting. I have to pick up my hubby. He's done looking at amulets, and I need to go get him."

 

"Then how am I supposed to get back?" Athens asked, having hitched a ride with Akara to the graduation event and not bringing his own car. Taking a taxi was out of the question, and public buses were even more daunting. Calling his family to pick him up felt like a hassle.

 

"Take a taxi "

 

"I don't know how to take a taxi."

 

"Then come with me. Don't bother talking to him." Akara placed his hands on his hips, glancing sideways at Bomb. Naturally, they didn't talk to each other. There was no anger or hatred left; only indifference remained. The next level of anger is apathy; that's what Akara felt toward Bomb.

 

"Alright, I'll go with P'Eung then. We'll talk later, P'Bomb."

 

What do you mean, 'alright"? No, that's not alright. I couldn't let Athens leave with Eung.

 

"Athens, I'll take you home myself. I really need to talk to you." Bomb said firmly, keeping his expression serious, even though his heart was racing, hoping Athens would agree.

 

"What say you, Athens? Are you coming with him or me?" Akara pressed, rolling his eyes repeatedly in exasperation. So tired of these two. Always so dramatic.

 

"Alright, P'Eung, you go ahead to P'In first. I'll stop by the bar before heading home."

 

"Okay... call me if you need anything," Akara said before walking away, leaving the tense atmosphere between the two behind. Bomb thought it wouldn't be hard to talk, even though their last memory together wasn't a good one. He just stood there, frozen. Not knowing what to do or where to start.

Talking again today...

Forget what I said about it not being hard to talk. It's the hardest thing ever.

 

"Have you been well?" Athens started the conversation, looking down at his shoes as he stepped closer to Bomb, stopping three steps away-not too far, but not too close to stir emotions again.

 

"Just so so. How about you?"

 

"I'm doing well."

 

"Why... didn't you ever reach out?"

 

"My dad was strict."

 

"Oh... so are you back for good, or... not yet?"

 

"Just here for my friends' graduation. I'm skipping class. I'll go back the day after tomorrow. I'll only be back in Thailand for good after I graduate."

 

"Oh." Bomb could only manage a soft 'oh' before choosing to look at Athens fully. The face that had once been thin and pale when they were together now looked fuller and more vibrant. That's good. He seems to have a better life and a brighter future now.

 

"So, what's this about money you wanted to talk about?"

 

"The three million baht you paid back to Eung on my behalf. I have the money now... but I couldn't contact you to return it."

 

"I forgot about that... So, is money the only thing you wanted to talk about? If so, I'll call P'Eung to wait for me. He probably hasn't reached his car yet."

 

"Athens..."

 

"Yes?"

 

"I'm sorry."

"...

 

"I've wanted to say this for so long. I'm sorry. For everything."

He finally said it. Bomb swallowed hard, watching as Athens exhaled deeply, the brightness in his eyes dimming. Again. Whenever it's him, Athens always looks like he's carrying the weight of the world. Silence fell between them. The hot wind blew, making Athens brush the stray strands of hair from his face. He forced a faint smile at Bomb.

 

"Then I guess I should apologise, too."

 

"It's been a year since we last saw each other. That's a long time."

 

"Yeah, it is."

 

"You've gotten cuter."

 

"Really?"

 

"You look more mature."

 

"You look more grown-up, too."

 

"Can we... go back to how we were?" He held his breath as he asked. He'd said he'd wait, and he'd been waiting every single day.

 

"Well... I'm already seeing someone."

 

"Over there?"

 

"Yes, a fellow Thai. We met in class and hit it off." Athens explained, watching Bomb's sharp eyes momentarily darken before returning to their usual calm.

 

"Does he make you smile?"

 

"Yes, he's a good person."

 

"I have nothing else to say except congratulations."

 

"And you? How are things with your boyfriend?"

 

"There's no one. I still can't forget you."

 

He wasn't sure if it was the right thing to say...Was it wrong to admit it now?

"If you can't forget because you feel guilty, then don't. It's been a long time."

 

"Never mind. That's all I wanted to talk about. Where should I drop you off, young master? Home or somewhere else?"

 

"Can we grab something to eat first? I haven't eaten all day."

 

"Sure. I haven't eaten either. Where do you want to go?"

 

"What do you feel like eating?"

 

"Up to you."

 

"Can we buy groceries and cook at your condo?"

 

Bomb froze, biting his lip as he looked at Athens...

Buying groceries to cook at his place, just like back then...

Back when he let himself fall for Athens.

 

"I'm not trying to seduce you like last time."

 

"I wasn't even thinking that."

 

"If you're uncomfortable, I can book a table at the usual spot. Sorry for being so picky. You know how picky an eater I am."

 

"Eating at my condo is fine. Restaurant food has MSG, and you're allergic to it."

 

"...It's not too much trouble for you, is it?"

 

"You didn't seem to care before, so don't start now. I'll cook for you myself."

 

"Okay."

 

"Not sure if you'll still like my cooking as you used to."

 

Athens didn't respond whether he liked it or not. He quietly followed Bomb, who was leading the way to the parking lot. He found himself glancing at the familiar broad back, almost lifting his hand to place it there... almost touching it as his heart desired.

If it weren't for...The vibrating phone snapped him out of his thoughts.

 

"Yes, Athens speaking," Athens answered the call, and Bomb opened the car door for him. Bomb's ears perked up, eavesdropping on the soft voice, curious about who was on the other end of the line.

 

"Yes, it's alright. I'm about to grab some food... It's so hot in Thailand. Yes... I'm with a friend... Okay, you take care, too. Take care, bye."

 

Athens held the slim phone to his ear as he climbed into the car and shut the door.

Bomb started the car and honked loudly, drawing Athens's attention.

 

"What's wrong? That was loud."

 

"A dog ran in front of the car. Go ahead and finish your call. Sorry for interrupting."

 

"I got startled and hung up already," Athens said, pulling the seatbelt across his chest. Luckily, he'd ended the international call before Bomb honked. But... where's the dog? ...There wasn't a single dog in sight.

 

"Help me with directions."

"..."

 

"Give me your phone and open the map."

 

"I remember the way from the university to your condo. There's a mall near your condo; we can buy groceries there."

 

"Give me your phone..."

 

"I need it. Use your own instead." Athens raised his phone to block his face, smirking slightly at the annoyed expression on the taller man's face. Don't tell me he's jealous...

That's hilarious.

 

"Athens, do you want some fruit juice?" Bomb stopped in front of the produce shelf in the supermarket, holding up a carrot and turning to ask the smaller man beside him. The black dress shirt Athens had tucked into his pants earlier was now completely untucked, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. His forearm, holding the shopping basket, bore a new tattoo Athens hadn't seen before-Roman numerals

surrounded by several black flowers. A date, perhaps... but what date?

 

"Sure, if you're making it."

 

"Yeah, but I'm not sure if the juicer still works. I haven't used it in a while."

 

"Your tattoo... is it new?"

 

"Yeah, I got it after you left for New Zealand." Bomb placed the carrot in the basket, followed by the guava and pineapple. He remembered Athens liked this juice combination. Thinking about it, he realised he'd done a lot for Athens. From someone who couldn't cook, he'd learned just because his boyfriend was allergic to MSG.

 

"Does it have a meaning?"

 

"The first row is the date we started dating. The second row is the date we broke up. This empty space... I was saving it for the date we'd get back together."

 

"But I'll probably find another design to fill it in. Let's go pay. You must be starving by now, huh?" Bomb changed the subject, glancing at his forearm instead of Athens's face.

 

"P'Bomb..."

 

"What?"

 

"Don't make me feel guilty."

 

"It's on my body. You don't have to feel guilty. I'll pay for this. Let me treat you."

 

Athens nodded and followed the taller man to the checkout counter. He glanced at Bomb's sharp profile, something he liked to do, but quickly looked away when Bomb caught him staring. He lowered his gaze to his phone, pretending to scroll, until Bomb finished paying and it was time to leave.

 

"How old is he?"

 

"Huh!?"

 

"The guy you're seeing." Bomb hid his displeasure and asked as if he didn't care.

 

"Twenty-seven."

 

"Oh. Hey, let me ask you something. If I visit New Zealand, can you show me around?"

"Sure, as long as my dad doesn't find out."

 

"Then give me your contact info before you leave. I'll reach out if I go."

 

"Okay."

 

"Watch your step." Bomb pulled Athens's small arm close to him, glaring at a little boy who was barely knee-high. The child wasn't watching where he was going, and Athens had almost been bumped into...

 

"The kid was far from me. He wouldn't have bumped into me."

 

"He would have."

 

"And even if he did, it wouldn't hurt. He's just a little kid."

 

"It's still my fault even if I mean well."

 

"You can let go of my arm now." Athens pulled his arm back, frowning at Bomb's gruff tone.

 

"I wasn't planning on holding it for long anyway," Bomb muttered, though in truth, he wanted to hold onto the soft skin and inhale its scent for as long as possible. But when caught, he quickly put on a front. "I'm hungry. Walk faster. Or can't you because your legs are short?"

 

"My legs aren't short. If you're in such a hurry, go ahead without me."

 

"Hmph." P'Bomb finally let go of Athens's arm and turned to walk ahead. Normally, he would've walked faster, but knowing someone was following him today, he slowed his pace unnaturally...Because Athens's legs really were short... he walked so slowly.

 

The aroma of food wafted from the kitchen. Athens sat on the couch in the living room, knees up, craning his neck to peek into the kitchen every now and then. His stomach growled, even though Bomb had already served him a large glass of fruit juice. The more juice he drank, the hungrier he got... When will the food be ready?

 

When his stomach growled again, Athens decided to check on the kitchen. He placed his bare feet on the soft carpet, slipped on the scattered slippers, and headed toward the taller man. Dragging his feet across the floor, the noise caught Bomb's attention. He turned from the stove, raising an eyebrow as if to ask why Athens had come into the kitchen.

 

"I'm starving. When will it be ready?"

 

"It's done. Go sit at the table and wait properly."

 

"I'll help carry the dishes. That way, we can eat faster." Athens walked over to the food plates. He glanced at the dishes Bomb had prepared and then at the man who didn't seem like he could cook. "These are all my favourites."

 

"Are they? I just made them randomly."

 

"Random or not, I wasn't expecting you to try to impress me." Athens picked up a plate, unintentionally pulling a sarcastic face. Realising his mistake, he bit his lip and turned to Bomb. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be sarcastic."

 

"They're your favourites. I wanted to impress you... Can I say that?" Bomb scratched the back of his neck. If he didn't say it outright, Athens might overthink it and feel hurt. He knew Athens was the type to overthink. When they were dating… Whatever. They weren't anything to each other now.

 

"I'll eat every bite. Can I take a picture before we start?"

 

"Sure, do whatever you want."

 

Bomb nodded, carrying the dishes out after Athens. Today's menu included stir-fried cabbage with fish sauce, fried egg salad, and tofu soup with minced pork. All of Athens's favourites. Despite complaining about being hungry, he didn't eat right away. Instead, he took out his phone to snap pictures, arrange the plates, and find the perfect lighting...Do you have to do all this?

 

Bomb waited until Athens finally sat down before serving him rice. Athens was still scrolling through the photos he'd just taken, prompting Bomb to ask.

 

"Are you sending them to him?"

 

"To whom?"

 

"The guy you're seeing."

 

"Why would I?"

 

"Because you like to check in with..." Boyfriend. Bomb didn't say the word. He pressed his lips together and served Athens some food.

 

"I stopped doing that a long time ago. I was afraid people would find it annoying, as you did. I'm just posting it on my Instagram story. I've been posting so much it's like a dotted line now."

 

"I haven't seen any updates from you."

 

"I changed my Instagram and blocked you."

 

"What about the old one?"

 

"I left it like that. Didn't want to delete the couple photos."

 

"Unblock me. I want to see."

 

Athens didn't comply. He put his phone down and started eating, even smirking to tease Bomb. But Bomb didn't say anything, only poured him a glass of water.

 

"You're treating me better now than when we were dating."

 

"Just eat and stop talking."

 

"Okay, no talking." Athens bared his teeth playfully before smiling when Bomb served him more food. "That's enough. I won't finish it all."

 

"You're smiling more now than when we were together."

 

"Eat your food and stop talking." Athens shot back with the same line, avoiding Bomb's intense gaze. He focused on finishing his plate. Bomb's cooking had gotten so much better. It was really good now. Before long, it was time to part ways. Bomb twirled his car keys while waiting for Athens to freshen up in the bathroom. The smaller man had asked him to drop him off at home as the sun began to set. They say time flies when you're happy. Today, Bomb realised that just watching Athens made him happy.

 

"All done."

 

"You didn't forget anything, right?"

 

"Don't think so... Thanks for the food. It was delicious. Look at my belly-it's sticking out now." Athens rubbed his stomach up and down, but Bomb, watching him, didn't see any belly sticking out at all. "If I ate like this every day, I'd get so fat."

 

"If we don't get back together, you'll miss out."

 

"...Do you want us to get back together?"

 

Athens stopped at the door, tilting his head to look at the man who had turned back to face him.

 

"I told you I'll wait."

 

"If we get back together, you'll just end up annoyed with me again. This is fine as it is. You seem happy."

 

"What makes you think I'm happy? You're the one who looks happy."

 

"I think I should leave before we start arguing again."

 

With a blank expression, Athens pulled his shoes off the rack, sat down, and began putting them on. He didn't expect Bomb to kneel down in front of him and undo the laces he'd tied, only to retie them properly.

 

"You suck at tying shoelaces."

 

"Suck? These never come undone when I walk."

 

"Bet you just bought them."

 

"You know me so well, huh?"

 

"Because I love you."

"..."

 

"Damn it, I shouldn't have said that."

 

"Love... since when?"

 

"Always."

 

"I never knew."

 

"If I didn't love you, I wouldn't have chosen you. I lost friends because they thought I was a jerk, and in the end, my wifey left me too... Talking about it makes me pity myself."

 

".."

"Let's go. Your shoelaces are tied now..."

 

"P'Bomb."

 

"Don't look at me like that. Get up; I'll take you home." Bomb looked up at Athens's round eyes, his heart sinking a little when he saw tears welling up in them.

 

"Why didn't you say you loved me back then?"

 

"Even if I had, you wouldn't have listened. I don't know if you'll listen now, but I just wanted to say it."

 

"P'Bomb..."

 

"Say my name again, and I'll kiss you. I'm not that patient."

 

"P'Bomb."

 

"You just love to challenge me, don't you?" He grabbed Athens's arm, pulling him close, and claimed a kiss from his soft lips. It was a gentle, sweet kiss, and he pulled away without pushing further. "Let's get you home, Athens."

 

"How could you just kiss me like that?" Athens didn't get up; instead, he started crying. How could such a light kiss make him cry?

 

"I'm sorry."

 

"I've been trying not to let myself fall for you again. You're so unfair."

 

In the end, he couldn't stop himself from falling for the same person all over again.

What he'd planned to be a short conversation turned into something much more. All his resolve crumbled.

"So, my kiss made you waver?"

 

"... Yes. Please don't make me love you more than I already do. I've been trying so hard to move on..."

 

"Then I'll kiss you again if it'll bring you back to me." Bomb pressed his lips to Athens's again, this time with a hunger that revealed his longing. He kissed him again, and again... and again. Athens sobbed, gasping for air, and raised his hand to cover his mouth before Bomb could kiss him again.

 

"No more kisses?"

 

"You can, but I just want to tell you something."

 

"?"

 

"I miss you. I miss you so much."

 

"If you miss me, then come back."

 

"If we love each other, will we fight again? Will we live in suspicion and guilt again?"

 

"I don't know about the fighting, but I promise I'll be better this time."

 

"...

 

"As for guilt or suspicion.. I've been single for a year now, Athens."

 

"So, I'm not taking you away from anyone anymore?"

 

"Nope. I'm all yours."

 

He kissed Athens's pale hand and then moved to kiss his forehead. Bomb scooped Athens up from the floor, carrying him back into the room, even though Athens was already wearing his shoes, ready to leave.

 

"You're staying here tonight, right?"

 

"Mm... Yes."

 

"I really want to fuck you."

"P'Bomb!"

 

That was crude and not cute at all.

 

"I want to devour you whole. I don't want you to leave anymore."

 

"I still have to go back to New Zealand. I'm already graduating later than my friends."

 

"I'm not letting you go."

 

"My dad will kill you."

 

"He'd have killed me already for taking his son as my lover again."

 

"Once I graduate, my dad probably won't mind if I stay with you."

 

"So, I still have to be apart from you?" Bomb placed Athens on the soft couch. He was in such a rush that he didn't even want to walk to the bedroom door.

 

"Yeah, just one more year. Consider it a test of our hearts."

 

"Heh..."

 

"What?"

 

"Stop talking to all those people you're chatting with. If I hear you saying take care to someone else again, you'll see."

 

"Jealous?"

 

"Yeah. Now tell me, who were you with while we were apart?"

 

"What if there were a lot?" Athens squeaked when his shirt was yanked, curling up in embarrassment at his exposed state.

 

"Then I'll make sure you remember that I'm the only one who's your man. Your body is just this small-what would happen if it were handled roughly?"

 

"You couldn't even be nice to me for a full day."

 

"I know you like it rough."

 

True, but only if it was Bomb.

 

"I've never been with anyone else. It's always been just you."

 

"I'd still go hard on you because I can't resist."

 

"That's not fair."

 

"Lift your hips, sweetheart. I'm taking your fucking pants off."

 

"Rude." Athens scolded, his face bright red, but he obediently lifted his hips, letting Bomb easily remove his pants. Athens let out a soft hum, his hands roaming over his own body. Athens touched the tattoo of his name...

 

"I'm going to get your name tattooed over my heart."

 

"I thought you hated being forced to tattoo my name."

 

"You were wrong."

 

"And about you loving me... Was I wrong about that, too?"

 

With hurried caresses and a deep connection, Bomb answered Athens's question with his actions. "No, you weren't. I love you... I love you, Athens."

 

"I love you, too... I missed you so much."

 

Athens's delicate hand patted the soft bed. Still wrapped in the blanket, he grabbed his vibrating phone without opening his eyes. The first sensations he felt upon waking were a sore backside, aching legs, and a strained waist. The bed had been thoroughly used, left in complete disarray.

 

"Ugh..."

He rolled over and opened his eyes. The bed was empty except for him. He hated this feeling of being left behind. Back when they were dating, Bomb would always get out of bed after they were together. Didn't he say he'd do better?

 

"P'Bomb! Where are you? Get in here now!" Athens shouted, clutching his phone and curling up to look toward the door. A moment later, the door swung open loudly. Bomb walked straight to him, his stern face softening as he sat on the edge of the bed.

 

"You're awake?"

 

"Mmm."

 

"What's with the yelling? Are you hungry? I made something for you... Go eat."

 

Oh... he got up to prepare food. Fine, then I won't complain.

 

"Nothing. I can't get up, but I want to shower." Athens admitted in a shaky voice, looking up at Bomb with teary eyes. His phone vibrated again, and Bomb snatched it to check. After reading it, he tossed it aside.

 

"Don't throw it! Who was it?"

 

"The person you're seeing."

 

"Oh."

 

"Don't 'oh' me..."

 

"Which one? I'm seeing a lot of people."

 

"Do you want to shower peacefully or with tears?" Bomb's gaze was intimidating, but Athens wasn't scared. He smiled faintly, closed his eyes, and felt himself being lifted off the bed. His sore backside was already making him tear up without any added force.

 

"I have to stay there for a whole year."

 

".."

"Will someone be jealous?"

 

"I will." Bomb's voice dropped as he placed Athens on the bathroom counter. He stared into Athens's wide eyes with a threatening look, then nudged his head against Athens's fair chest.

 

"Post a couple's photo on Instagram so people know I have a boyfriend."

"...

"Oh, right. You don't like taking pictures. Never mind."

 

"Today, I'll take a hundred pictures with you."

 

"Heh... Are you afraid I'll find someone else?" Athens laughed, threading his fingers through Bomb's hair. Athens was so happy. He didn't want to think about anything else. He wanted to freeze time, right here, right now.

 

"Yeah, I am. I think I'm being unreasonable."

 

"It's cute. I like it when you're jealous."

 

"When you're over there, send me pictures to check in."

 

"Don't complain later."

 

"If I do, you can slap me."

 

"You have to send me pictures, too."

 

"Yeah. I will." Bomb kissed the marks he'd left, listening to Athens's soft chatter as he nuzzled him.

 

"P'Bomb, give me your arm. I want to write a date on it."

 

"With what?"

 

"My finger. Today's the day we start over."

 

"That's embarrassing."

 

"Will it really be better this time?"

 

"It will. I'm sure of it."

 

Athens giggled as Bomb playfully nipped at him. He wrapped his arms around Bomb's thick neck, smiling widely as he was held tightly. After being hurt by love before, he never thought he'd be ready to love again. But today, he was ready to start over with the same person.

 

He hoped everything would go smoothly. :)

Live happily ever after.

From now on, may there only be happiness.

The End of the Special Chapters.