Atikom's face lit up with a smile when he opened the door to welcome Anupap back. He wore only a towel around his waist, his broad chest bare. The young police major spread his arms in welcome before settling down to watch TV quietly.
"Major, you'll sleep on the sofa. I'm taking the bed tonight. P'Bud's room isn't available."
"Yes, sir." Atikom nodded slowly, his eyes still fixed on the television.
"And aren't you going to put on some clothes? Aren't you cold?"
Atikom shook his head slowly, still staring at the screen with apparent fascination.
"It's late—almost bedtime." Anupap sat on the bed, watching him.
The TV addict nodded in acknowledgment.
Anupap narrowed his eyes, wondering what game Atikom was playing. He couldn't help thinking the young detective might be sulking, hurt that he'd been told to sleep on the sofa.
"Are you really going to sleep like that?"
"I don't have any pants. Just the one pair of jeans I wore here, and they got soaked." Finally, Atikom spoke, though he still didn't turn to face his companion.
Anupap felt his irritation rise at this deliberate mind game.
"Well, why did you go swimming in jeans anyway?"
"Did you want me to swim out to apologize in my underwear? What if they slipped off and a fish bit me? That would have been terrible. If that part was mine got damaged, who would take responsibility? Wouldn't you feel sorry for me, Khun Nu?" Atikom turned with that mischievous glint in his eyes.
Anupap looked away, embarrassment flooding through him. This was Atikom in his element—annoying, provocative, and utterly scheming. Most importantly, he was sitting so close right now.
In his current state, if Atikom simply dropped that towel, he'd be completely naked. Being this close made Anupap's heart race. Part of him worried about what Atikom might do tonight, while another part thrilled with anticipation—surely Atikom wouldn't just lie there quietly.
"I'm tired and need to sleep. I have work tomorrow." Anupap mumbled.
"You can turn off the lights anytime, Khun Nu. Before sleeping, I'll just drop this towel and I'm ready. I promise you won't see me naked—if you're afraid of being traumatized." Atikom's eyes still sparkled with mischief.
"Then I'm going to sleep first. Good night." Anupap spoke softly before reaching to turn off the bedside lamp, leaving only a few lights on.
Atikom turned off the TV and stood up, walking closer. Anupap pulled the blanket up to his neck, lying on his side facing the sliding glass door that opened to the balcony.
"Good night. I'd like to give you a goodnight kiss, but I know you wouldn't allow it." Atikom's voice was gentle as he gazed at the young man's form on the bed, then reached for the light switch by the headboard.
"Sleep well and sweet dreams," he whispered close to Anupap's ear before walking back to the sofa, dropping his towel onto a chair back, and lying down. He pulled a small blanket up to cover his broad, muscular chest.
The young detective lay with his eyes wide open in the darkness, his heart full of thoughts about the person sleeping nearby, overflowing with happiness.
At the beach house, he'd felt something similar knowing he'd have the chance to sleep under the same roof as Anupap. Tonight... they were sleeping in the same room, so close he could reach out and touch him. This feeling was magical.
Finally, his loving heart had found light. The storm that had battered him was over.
Now there was only the bright sky after rain for him to admire.
***
In the deep of night, the air conditioner hummed softly. Anupap shifted to turn from his right side but felt himself held in place. His back pressed against something warm, and strong arms embraced him tightly.
He stirred groggily.
Someone was on his bed... he was being held!
Major Atikom!
"Detective… let go."
"Mmm..." Atikom's voice was drowsy, his face nuzzled against Anupap's neck, warm breath cascading over skin until he shivered. The police major shook his head, tightening his embrace and pulling closer.
"Captain… let go."
"No."
Anupap began struggling to pull away, but the strong arms of the peace officer held firm, pressing closer. A leg slipped between his thighs, entangling them, and Anupap felt heat building against the back of his thigh.
"Major Atikom, get down right now." He started fighting against this 'midnight assault.'
"Khun Nu, don't struggle."
"Let go."
"No." The young policeman refused to grant this citizen freedom... He was drowsy and tired of trying to sleep cramped on the sofa.
"I can't sleep comfortably. Let me hold you a little."
"No." Anupap mumbled softly, drowsiness overwhelming him. Atikom lay still and quiet... breathing steadily.
Anupap adjusted his head on the pillow to find a comfortable position. Right now, he felt incredibly warm. Even with the air conditioning running cold, the large down comforter and the broad chest he was leaning against, wrapped in Atikom's strong arms, made him feel cozy and content. He no longer wanted to move.
Atikom lay beside him... perfectly still... showing no signs of obeying orders.
"Khun Nu... I love you. Please love me back a little." Atikom whispered softly, burying his face in Anupap's neck. Then both men drifted into slumber, floating away into a world of peaceful nighttime tranquility.
***