Sunday morning found Anupap stirring before dawn, as always. He rummaged through the shoe cabinet until he found a suitable pair, then stepped out for his morning run.
The coastal air carried a crisp freshness. Gentle sunlight filtered through the morning mist while sea breezes whispered across his skin, transforming his morning exercise into pure bliss. Gratitude toward Atikom swelled in his chest—this seaside retreat was exactly what he'd needed.
Anupap jogged along the scenic route, drinking in the natural beauty surrounding him. The treadmill belt at his Bangkok gym couldn't compare to this narrow coastal road. Five kilometers later, he reached the white lighthouse marking the fishing village's edge.
Standing before the waves that crashed against rocky outcrops, watching navy-blue water explode into white foam, his mind drifted to the shores of Bend, Oregon.
Spring mornings when he and Chavis would drive out to watch the sunrise. He'd sit hugging his knees while Chavis dozed beside him. When the sun appeared, he'd wake his boyfriend, who would grab his camera and rush to the pier's end, capturing Anupap's silhouette against the lighthouse backdrop.
Chavis… The gentle smile that had once been his constant companion began emerging from the shadows of memory. For years, Chavis had faded from his life, but now, with another man stepping into his world—Atikom—the past blazed across his consciousness like morning light painting the vast sky.
When would there be only one image in his heart?
Atikom claimed he was both present and future, but Anupap knew he remained shackled to yesterday.
The closer Atikom drew to him, the sharper his memories became.
Could he truly erase Chavis from his heart? And Atikom... how long could their future stretch? One month? One year? Nearly a decade, like his time with Chavis?
The morning sun gained strength—time to leave this contemplative space and return to the beach house. The journey back might prove more challenging; heat was building and hunger gnawed at his stomach.
Anupap walked along the narrow road, cutting through open grassland. The scenery was breathtaking enough to make him reluctant to return to Bangkok. He turned right onto the main road, planning to crest the hill ahead before beginning his five-kilometer run back—a perfect ten-kilometer morning total. Less than Bend, Oregon where every morning meant nearly twenty kilometers from their seaside cottage to the lighthouse and back. Chavis cycling behind, complaining about exhaustion.
Halfway back, the sound of an approaching vehicle made him glance over his shoulder. A silver pickup truck slowed alongside him.
"Good morning, Khun Anupap... quite a distance you've covered."
"You're, uh..." Anupap hesitated over the proper form of address.
"Awoot—Police Major Awoot. Atikom's friend from yesterday at the restaurant." The stern-faced man offered a slight smile.
Anupap stopped running. Awoot parked.
"I remember, just wasn't sure about your rank..."
"Inspector works, or Deputy Commander. But Awoot is fine if it's easier."
Understanding dawned. Police Lieutenant Colonels and Majors were called "Inspector," while Police Captains were "Platoon Leader"—like Atikom before his promotion to Police Major, when he'd become an Inspector...
Police Major Awoot, Atikom's friend, one of the "Three Tigers" Atikom had mentioned yesterday. Atikom, Tongrob, Awoot… This last one seemed worlds apart from the first two—polite, serious, coolly composed.
"Should I give you a ride? You're staying at Atikom's beach house, aren't you? Or would you prefer to run back?" Something flickered in Awoot's eyes that he couldn't suppress. From their first meeting, he'd felt drawn to Anupap. The young man's face seemed familiar, though he couldn't place where they'd met. But Anupap being with Atikom meant he was Atikom's latest companion.
He figured it wouldn't be long before Atikom moved on. The man never lasted a month with anyone, constantly changing partners. Then he might have a chance... if he decided to pursue him.
"I'd rather run back—came out for exercise anyway. But shouldn't you be out running this morning too, Inspector?"
Anupap's bright smile sent something trembling through Awoot's chest. 'This young man's smile is like morning sunlight... illuminating the entire world.'
"I run every morning—before dawn, watch the sunrise, then back. If you're staying longer, I'd be happy to show you some beautiful routes. Khung Wong Duan Beach has an amazing trail—nearly five kilometers along the shore. The east side catches the sunrise perfectly. Very peaceful. But today I'm visiting someone nearby, work-related, so I missed my run."
"I'm returning to Bangkok at noon. Not sure when I'll get another break like this." Anupap smiled.
"I'm here frequently. If you'd like another retreat, I'd gladly serve as your guide." Awoot handed him a business card. "There's a fruit festival next month too—worth visiting if you're free."
After Awoot drove away, Anupap pocketed the card and resumed running. Something in those intense dark eyes lingered in his thoughts. Awoot seemed polite, mature, strong, serious, and stable. How did these three friends—so different from each other—even connect?
As he ran home, thoughts of Awoot persisted.
'This man seems strong, serious, without a trace of playboy behavior. If he were to pursue me, could I love him?'
Police Major Atikom was still in bed. The house lay silent.
Anupap climbed to the beach house and headed straight for the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Hunger clawed at him. He'd eat first, then shower and work a bit before returning to Bangkok. He hadn't contacted anyone since Friday night—Sombat and the others were probably wondering about his absence.
He prepared an especially large breakfast for Atikom, worried about being called heartless. The man ate enormous quantities—large build, huge appetite, yet somehow avoided weight gain through intense exercise, though he slept late.
Anupap approached the bedroom door to wake the lazy police officer for breakfast, and to reclaim his confiscated computer.
"Inspector Atikom, time to wake up... Inspector... Major... wake up... time to start living." His knuckles grew sore from knocking. Atikom truly was a heavy sleeper. How had he managed those early morning pickups at the condo when his car was in the shop? 'Must use multiple alarm clocks.'
"Yessss... I'm up," came Atikom's groggy response.
Soon he heard rustling, then the door jerked open.
Anupap's eyes widened in shock. Atikom stood before him—hair disheveled, eyes bleary, scratching his neck absently. His chest was bare, revealing a taut, muscled torso, wearing only white underwear that left little to imagination in his just-awakened state.
"What do you need?" Atikom mumbled.
Anupap averted his gaze to the wall, heat flooding his face at this near-naked encounter.
"Breakfast," he whispered, then hurried back toward the kitchen. "Honestly... can't he put on proper clothes before opening the door?"
"What's that?" Atikom called after him.
Anupap didn't realize the mischievous police officer was standing there grinning, having deliberately chosen to grab underwear before answering the door, fully aware of the effect his appearance would have.
'That was quite generous of me—at least I put on underwear first before opening the door,' Atikom chuckled to himself before closing the door and heading for the bathroom.
***