Love of Silom

Chapter 12 - Possessive and Protective.

 

Krit sat watching Wayu, who was sound asleep on the bed. His face was smooth and flawless, his long, thick eyelashes curled beautifully. Krit wanted to lean down and kiss those lips, still red and swollen from last night's rough kisses, but he didn't want to wake him. His gaze drifted past the gaps in the blinds to the outside window. The warm morning sunlight filtered through the clouds, casting a glow on the building across the street. It was still too early to wake the man beside him.

 

Last night, he had been too rough with Wayu at the door, in the bathtub, all the way to the bed. Wayu must be exhausted. Krit ran a hand through his hair and leaned his head against the headboard. He knew he had let his emotions take over, but he simply couldn't let the matter slide.

 

That guy... that Mind or whatever his name was. Krit could tell he was different from Wayu's other customers, maybe because they had met back when Wayu was still in university. If Wayu's life hadn't taken such a turn, perhaps the two of them would have fallen in love back then.

 

The thought scorched Krit's heart. He admitted he was jealous. Even though the idea of Wayu leaving him for the other man was nearly impossible—Wayu loved him deeply, and he knew that well—if he and Wayu had never met, things might have turned out differently.

 

"Damn it," Krit muttered, annoyed at himself for overthinking things. His movement stirred the person next to him. Wayu blinked his eyes open, still drowsy.

 

"Krit..." he murmured, reaching out to hug him. Krit stroked his silky hair, his knuckles grazing Way's cheek lightly.

 

"Still sleepy?"

"I'm waking up," Wayu mumbled, shifting to rest his head on Krit's lap.

 

Krit looked down at him. "You're not mad at me about last night?"

 

"No."

"Why not? I wasn't exactly being good to you."

 

"Well, you weren't," Wayu admitted, opening his eyes.

 

"You really scared me."

"I'm sorry."

 

"But I'm not mad. In fact, I'm happy that you were there... that you openly acted like I was yours. Because... you've never done that before. Sometimes, I even wondered if you were proud to have me as your boyfriend, if you ever wanted to show me off. Because I want to show you off so badly. I want everyone to know that you're mine."

 

Wayu's blunt words made Krit smile. He was incredibly fond of him and understood that those feelings stemmed from a love so deep that it sometimes made Wayu insecure. "You still think you're not good enough?" Wayu was silent for a moment before he sat up, leaning against the headboard beside Krit.

 

"It's not that I think I'm not good enough... but think about it. Ever since you met me, you've been caught up in so much trouble. I feel guilty for dragging you into all this, family issues, problems I created, and even what happened last night. It feels like I'm always making things difficult for you."

 

"No... That's not right. I chose to be part of your life from the start. I never regretted it, not even for a second. And as for last night, that wasn't your fault. I was the one who made a big deal out of it."

 

"Well, you were jealous," Wayu pointed out. 

 

"And when I get jealous, I'm just as bad." Krit let out a weary smile. Wayu lowered his gaze, fidgeting with his hands in his lap.

 

"As for my job... I know people don't see it in a good light. Some even look down on it. But it allows me to stand on my own. I've never looked down on it myself. I've never made this much money before in my life. But one day, I'll leave it behind. This was never the path I wanted. I've always wanted to be an architect, and that hasn't changed."

 

Krit reached out, placing his hand over Wayu's. He gave Wayu's back a light pat, offering silent encouragement.

 

"You're strong, Wayu. No matter what path you choose, I know you'll succeed. I'll be here to support you until you do."

 

"Thank you"

 

"But if you ever want my support in other ways, not just encouragement, I'd be more than happy to help."

"What do you mean? Are you saying you want to take care of me?" Krit pulled Way's hand to his lips and kissed it. "Would that be so bad?"

 

"Just be my boyfriend. That's more than enough. But if there's ever something I do want from you, I'll let you know when the time comes."

 

"You could just tell me now."

"You're so stubborn."

 

"Hm? But...

 

"I feel like you already make me so happy that I don't even know what else to ask for." Wayu pulled Krit's hand to his lips, returning the kiss. "Thank you for always being there for me when I'm at my weakest. And I'm sorry for always making you worry. I promise I'll try to make everything better, myself, and us. I'll make you proud of me one day."

 

"I'm already proud of you."

They exchanged smiles before Wayu added,

 

"But that doesn't mean you're off the hook for last night. I'm happy you got jealous, but you do know that I'm definitely going to get an earful from Mr Fei, right? For not handling my personal matters properly and letting my boyfriend stir up a scene. Slamming on the car brakes so loud it hurt everyone's ears, then standing there kissing me in front of clients... when I'm supposed to be one of the top hosts. That's bad for business, you know."

 

"Uh..."

"You have to make it up to me," Wayu said with a mock-serious expression.

 

"How?"

"You have to take me to Chiang Mai—a full Northern Thai feast. And I want to stand on that black iron bridge I forgot the name, the one over the Ping River. The night view there is beautiful; I saw pictures. And you have to stand on that bridge and shout that you love me."

 

"Do I have to do the last part?"

"Or I won't forgive you."

 

"Oof... headache." Krit pressed his fingers to his temples. "Okay... fine."

"Promise?" Wayu gave him a doubtful look. 

"You're only agreeing because you think we probably won't go, aren't you? Maybe even hoping we won't go at all."

 

"You really don't trust me, huh?" Krit wrapped his arms around Wayu and playfully swung him back and forth. "So, what do you want for breakfast?

 

"I want breakfast made by you. Three slices of toast, two fried eggs, crispy bacon, and coffee."

 

"You're ordering like I'm your personal chef." Krit pinched his cheek. "Alright, but after breakfast, shower, and get dressed. You're coming out with me, I have something to do."

 

"Mm... okay. Where are we going?" Krit's answer lay in a shopping mall on Sukhumvit Road. Wayu turned to him when he led him to a boutique of a French brand renowned for its jewellery and watches.

 

"Here? What are you buying?" Wayu asked.

"I'm buying something for you.”

 

The other person froze. "What”

"I want to give you something small to keep with you."

 

That's not necessary, Krit. I already told you, I just want you. I don't want anything else from you."

 

"I don't feel great about it, though. Some random people are buying you things, but there's nothing from me."

 

Wayu started chuckling. "Why are you competing with my customers? Just by standing there, you're already number one in my heart."

 

"I just want you to have something from me to wear to work. That way, when you see it, you'll think of me."

 

"To remind me of you? Or to remind me that I already have a boyfriend?" Krit smiled but didn't answer. "You're sneaky," Wayu muttered, but he let Krit have his way without any more protest. They walked inside together. Wayu was surprised when Krit started looking at earrings for him instead of rings or necklaces. But no matter what it was, as long as it was from Krit, it would be special to him.

 

"Do you like these?" Krit asked. They were earrings shaped like a tiger's head in side profile. Its eyes were tiny gemstones, and its nose tip was made of black onyx.

 

"Why did you choose these?"

 

"I think you're kind of like a cat. But bigger. A black panther should work as a stand-in."

 

When the salesperson took them out for a closer look, Wayu held them up to his ear. They really did suit him, just as Krit said.

 

"They're nice." Wayu admired himself in the mirror.

 

"How much are they?"

 

"This pair is two hundred fourteen thousand baht," the salesperson said. 

 

"They're made of yellow gold, tsavorite garnet, and onyx."

 

Wayu turned to Krit and shook his head.

"Krit, I can't wear two-hundred-thousand-baht earrings to work. They're easy to lose, and on some nights, if I dance or drink too much, what do I do then?"

 

"It means you should take good care of them."

 

"You mean the earrings or me?"

 

"If you lose the earrings, you can always buy new ones." Wayu looked at Krit in silence. That sentence alone touched him deeply. He smiled before speaking.

 

"You win."

 

"You can check out other pairs too, in case you find one you like more."

 

They browsed together until they found a pair that caught Wayu's eye especially. The design struck a balance between elegance and edginess. A small, shimmering white gemstone sat at the centre, framed in a square setting. Diagonal lines divided the frame, one half in sleek black lacquer, the other adorned with tiny, glistening white diamonds.

 

"They're white gold with brilliant-cut diamonds," the salesperson explained.

Wayu turned to Krit. "Diamonds, huh?"

 

"There's also lacquer. See that black part?" Krit said, then turned to the salesperson. 

 

"Please don't tell him the price."

"Krit..."

 

"Just try them on first. You can decide after."

 

Wayu did as Krit asked. Krit watched in satisfaction—Wayu's features were already striking, but now he looked even sexier.

 

"I think we should get these," Krit decided, handing his credit card to the salesperson.

 

"Krit, are they very expensive?"

 

Krit shook his head.

"Not really. Just about three hundred baht."

 

"That's not true," Wayu laughed.

When they walked out of the boutique, Krit turned to Wayu.

 

"Shall we go now?"

"Go where?"

 

"Chiang Mai."

"Huh..?"

 

"I already promised this morning, didn't I? Chiang Mai is practically around the corner—just a one-hour flight, and we're there."

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

About three hours later, they were in a car driving out of Chiang Mai Airport toward the city, with Krit behind the wheel. Wayu gazed at the lush green mountains that stretched endlessly beyond the airport.

 

"I can't believe you actually brought me to Chiang Mai," Wayu said, rolling down the window and sticking his head out to breathe in the fresh air. "If I said I wanted you to shout your love for me at San Francisco Bay, would you take me there too?"

 

"That one's a bit harder to do in a day," Krit laughed.

 

"Let's get something to eat first. After that, you can tell me where you want to go next. Then tonight, we'll go to that bridge you wanted to visit."

 

Krit drove along the road that encircles Chiang Mai's ancient city, laid out in a square. Wayu started listing all the places he wanted to visit, until Krit shook his head and said he'd have to file for leave, and Wayu would have to quit his job, if they wanted to cover everything on that list. They spent hours eating and sightseeing around Chiang Mai's most interesting spots. As the sun sank toward the horizon, they finally pulled over near the black iron bridge spanning the Ping River from east to west.

 

Wayu stepped onto the sturdy iron bridge. It was called Khua Lek- 'khua' meaning bridge in the local dialect. It was a single-lane bridge for vehicles, with pedestrian walkways on both sides. Krit and Wayu strolled, the cool breeze carrying the scent of trees and grass from the riverbanks.

 

They stopped in the middle of the bridge, admiring the view. The lights along the towering metal framework flickered on, forming gentle, arching rectangles that stretched the length of the bridge.

 

"It's beautiful," Wayu murmured, leaning against the railing, gazing at the river that flowed endlessly into the distance. This same water would weave through cities and mountains until it reached the mouth of the Chao Phraya River.

 

Krit reached out to brush aside a stray lock of Wayu's hair that had fallen over his eyes in the wind. His fingertips traced the smooth curve of Wayu's forehead as he asked, "You like it?" Wayu nodded, his cheeks tinted with a soft pink, his bright eyes gleaming.

 

"Now it's time for the important part," Wayu said, turning to Krit.

"You're serious about this?"

 

"Mhm. It's no big deal—nobody here knows us." Wayu pointed to the far end of the bridge, near the Chiangmai Christian School. "I'll wait over there, and you go back to the bridge's entrance. Then, shout that you love me loud enough for me to hear."

 

Krit let out a low groan. Wayu laughed at his suffering expression.

 

"And once I hear you, I'll run straight into your arms right here."

..Alright. That's worth it"

 

Wayu chuckled before turning away. They walked in opposite directions, moving from the middle of the bridge toward their designated spots. Once Wayu reached his end, he stopped. The distance was just far enough that they could still see each other, but any words would be too faint to hear unless shouted.

 

Wayu stood facing the river, resting his elbows on the bridge railing, waiting to hear Krit's voice. Minutes passed with only the sound of the wind and the slow-moving traffic behind him, a common sight in this area, especially in the late afternoon and evening.

 

Just then, Wayu heard someone calling him nearby. When he turned, he saw a man on a motorcycle pulling up close. As soon as the man caught Wayu's gaze, he spoke. "Hey there, handsome guy standing over here," the motorcyclist pointed to the other side of the bridge. "That guy over there says he loves you."

 

As soon as he finished speaking, the motorcyclist rode off with a smile. Wayu turned at once and saw Krit handing money to a tuk-tuk driver while talking and gesturing in his direction.

 

"Hey, kid!" A woman's voice called out nearby. When Wayu turned, he saw a group of young women rolling down their car window and leaning out to speak to him in unison.

 

"Krit says he loves you, Wayu!"

 

Wayu's face turned red. He glanced back at Krit, who was watching him with a smile. His heartbeat quickened. Step by step, he started walking toward Krit. Some cars passing by slowed down, their passengers calling out the same message: 

 

"Krit loves him. From walking, he began to run. The wind rushed past him as he ran toward Krit, who opened his arms when Wayu was almost there. And just before they embraced, Krit spoke.

 

"I love you, Wayu."

 

Wayu threw himself into Krit's arms, and Krit held him tight. They clung to each other on the bridge, surrounded by twinkling lights.

 

"I love you too, Krit," Wayu murmured. He hadn't expected Krit to do something like this. It was beyond anything he had imagined. He was deeply touched. This was the right man for him, and he would never let go of this embrace.

 

"Aren't you embarrassed at all, doing something like this?" Wayu mumbled into Krit's chest, his voice muffled by the tight hug.

 

They loosened their embrace, gazing into each other's eyes before laughing. The way they looked at each other was full of the emotions of two people deeply in love. Wayu pressed his knuckle between his brows to stop the tears from welling up.

 

"We still have some time. Want to take a walk over there?" Krit pointed toward the riverside walkway.

 

They strolled along the path, chatting, until they reached a set of stairs leading down to the riverbank. The view was strikingly beautiful from this. The bridge and city buildings flanking the river created a picturesque scene.

 

"I never thought you'd do something like this," Wayu said. "How much did you spend, by the way? The cars, the bicycles, the tuk-tuks, the motorcycles..."

 

"Everything I had," Krit replied. Wayu chuckled, his eyes filled with gratitude.

 

"Thank you."

 

Krit reached out and gently ruffled Wayu's soft hair, enjoying the feel of the silky strands. His hand drifted to Wayu's ear for a brief touch before he pulled away. Wayu touched his earring and spoke. "At first, I thought you'd give me a ring or a necklace, but you got me earrings instead. But I love them."

 

"I had a reason for choosing these earrings," Krit explained. "First, earrings come in pairs. Even if they're separate, they still belong together. And second, I like their meaning; they symbolise courage. That suits you, Wayu."

 

"You know, when you gave me these earrings, I felt so happy. It made me love you so much that I don't even know where the feeling ends. Not because they're expensive, but because you told me that lost things can always be replaced— but me... You wanted me to take care of myself, right?"

 

"Mhm... because there's only one Wayu."

"I wish I could give you something too. But you probably wouldn't accept it."

"You've already given me plenty."

 

"Then let's do this, I'll make you a grass ring." Wayu moved to pluck a blade of wild grass growing by the riverbank and wove it into a ring. He slipped it onto Krit's ring finger.

 

"Take good care of it, okay?"

 

"I will," Krit said, bringing the ring to his lips for a kiss before smiling at him.

 

That night, they took the last flight back to Bangkok together. The plane soared into the sky, leaving behind the sparkling city lights and dark mountain silhouettes as part of a cherished memory. Wayu leaned against Krit's shoulder, and beneath the blanket, their fingers intertwined, hearts brimming with happiness.

 

When they arrived at the airport, Krit drove Wayu back to his condo. He stayed for hours, holding the warm, soft body adorned with nothing but those earrings, listening to the sweet, breathy moans that came with the deep sensations he gave.

 

"Drive safe, officer. And don't zone out thinking about your boyfriend too much," Wayu teased, rising on tiptoe to press a quick kiss to Krit's chin before leaving.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

Krit arrived home just as dawn was breaking. As he stepped inside, he found his dad sitting at the dining table with a cup of coffee, while his mom brewed tea nearby. Police Major General Phithak and his wife had a habit of waking up at the crack of dawn.

 

"Krit, you're back," his mom greeted him when she saw him.

 

"You've been coming home at sunrise a lot lately. Where have you been staying?"

Phithak chuckled lightly.

 

"Why keep pestering him? If he wants to talk, he will. Krit, your mom's starting to suspect that you're not coming home much because you're staying over at some woman's place."

 

"Honey!" Krit's mom playfully smacked her husband's arm.

 

"You don't need to worry," Phithak continued. "A man should have some experience with women. He can handle himself. Right, Krit?"

 

Krit forced a weak smile, neither confirming nor denying anything as he quietly headed upstairs. But even as he climbed, he could still hear his parents talking. His mom was worried he might get a girl pregnant before marriage, while his dad brushed it off, saying that if she got pregnant, it'd be great—they could finally have the wedding. It is not a big deal.

 

Once inside his bedroom, Krit let out a heavy sigh and tossed his car keys onto the table without a second thought. The happiness that had once warmed his heart had now drained away. Krit stepped onto the marble balcony, its surface cool from the early morning air. 

 

He leaned against a pillar, eyes drifting toward the horizon. The sky was slowly brightening with the first light of dawn, the world vast and open; he could go anywhere, be as free as he pleased. And yet, he felt suffocated, trapped in a cage without walls. The only time he truly felt free, the only place where he could completely be himself… Was in that small space, where he was with Wayu.