Daotok stood in front of the bathroom mirror, droplets of water still clinging to his skin as he adjusted the oversized black shirt that draped over his frame, reaching down to his thighs. The warm shower had helped him relax, if only a little, offering a temporary escape from the exhaustion of the day. As he rolled up the sleeves, a knock echoed through the bathroom door, followed by the deep, familiar voice of Arthit.
"Are you okay? Does your foot still hurt?"
"I'm fine," Daotok replied, though in truth, the pain in his ankle had worsened after standing for so long. It was bearable, though. He had chosen to stand under the shower rather than soak in the tub—out of laziness more than anything. Fortunately, the bathroom floor wasn't slippery, so he managed without any issues.
Slowly, he stepped out of the bathroom, only to find Arthit standing near the bed, his phone pressed to his ear as he spoke in fluent English. Daotok furrowed his brows in confusion, realizing that the phone Arthit was using was his own.
"Oh, I'm talking to your dad. Ah yes, you're right, we are the winners of—H-Hey!" Arthit's sentence was cut short as Daotok swiftly snatched the phone from his hand.
"Daddy? What are you doing? Why are you talking to him?" Daotok asked, baffled. It wasn't unusual for Arthit to answer his calls, but what caught him off guard was how engaged his father seemed in their conversation. They were chatting so enthusiastically, as if they were old friends.
"Oh, I like this guy. He said he loves you, and I think... Wow, he's a big fan of Manchester United. So am I."
Daotok stared at Arthit in disbelief. "Why were you talking to Daddy?"
Arthit, ever composed, simply shrugged. "Your dad called, so I answered."
"And you just picked up?"
"Yes."
"And what about the part where you said you love me?"
"Emm... yes. I said, 'I love you so much, and I want you to be my boyfriend.' I meant it."
Daotok raised a hand to halt the conversation. "Wait a minute. You told Daddy you wanted me to be your... boyfriend?"
"Uh-huh. Your dad seemed fine with it."
"Really?"
"Absolutely," Arthit replied with a smirk that sent a shiver down Daotok's spine.
"You're insane," Daotok muttered, sighing as he turned away to properly address his father. He needed clarity, and fast.
"Daddy, I had a reason to be here with him. I was in the shower, so he answered for me."
"It's fine. No need to explain. I like him. He's... the most straightforward guy I've ever met."
"Yeah, I get it. You like him because he supports the same football team?"
"Oh, that's part of it. He even invited me to play football together if I'm free. It's been ages since I've played with the guys."
Daotok sighed again, rubbing his temple. "Daddy..."
"Why the sigh? Haven't you accepted his love yet?"
"No, uh, Daddy, what else did he say?"
"He asked for you to be his boyfriend."
"And?"
"I said okay!"
"No, Daddy, you can't just—"
"Why not? Someone as sincere as him, how could I say no?"
Daotok groaned. "Sigh. I don't want to talk about this anymore. Where's Dad?"
"He's asleep. Long day at work."
"Are you tired, Daddy?"
"A little. What about you? Tough day at school?"
"I didn't go today. Sprained my ankle, but I'll recover soon."
"Get well soon, and don't overwork yourself, okay? Dylan must've already told you since he's studying medicine. Even though he says he doesn't really want to work as a doctor after graduating, it's kind of like you, isn't it?"
"How much did you two talk?"
"Enough to get to know each other. He's a great talker. I think he's perfect for someone quieter like you."
"You're on his side, huh?"
"Absolutely."
Daotok exhaled heavily. "Everyone's on his side, even Khun Jeon."
"Wow, that's great. I'll leave you to it, then. Oh, by the way, he wants you to open your heart to him more. I'm rooting for him," Daddy added with a rare seriousness in his voice. "He's not like Kram. I could feel it just from talking to him, almost twenty minutes. He really loves you."
"From a phone call? How can you tell?"
"I just know."
"How?"
"It's a feeling. Forget it. Good night, sweetheart."
"I'm not. Your sweetheart is sleeping next to you."
"Ah... you're right. And I think your sweetheart is waiting for you, too."
The call ended, leaving Daotok momentarily stunned. When he turned, he saw Arthit leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching him with an amused expression.
"Your dad is right," Arthit said with a lazy smile. "I'm waiting for you."
"You heard that?"
"All of it."
Daotok groaned. Why did he have to deal with something so bizarre after taking a shower? Not only did Arthit talk to his father, but he also confessed his love and proposed—without hesitation. And the worst part? Daddy seemed perfectly fine with it.
Arthit walked over and sat beside him on the sofa. "Why's your face so red?"
"I don't know," Daotok mumbled, turning his face away.
"Embarrassed? But your dad is easy to talk to."
"Yeah, that's just how he is," Daotok admitted. "Was this your first conversation with him?"
"Of course. Had to ease into it before your dad caught on."
Daotok frowned. "Caught on to what?"
Arthit smirked. "That I really mean it. But I'm not rushing you. Just being honest about what I want."
Daotok's heartbeat stuttered. "Ah... I see."
Arthit leaned back, watching him closely. "I even invited your dad to play football with me."
"Daddy already told me."
"Does your dad still play sports?"
"Yeah, football."
"Not bad. He's perfect for being a father-in-law."
Daotok choked on air. "Father-in-law?!"
"What's your dad like?" Arthit asked casually, his voice smooth, curious but relaxed.
Daotok tilted his head in thought. "He's... normal, I guess," he replied with a small shrug. "But Daddy... he's a little like you."
Arthit smirked, nodding in agreement. "At least we support the same football team. I was thinking... what would I do if he cheered for a different team?" He shook his head dramatically. "Good thing he's English."
Daotok remained silent, his fingers tapping against his knee as if lost in thought.
Arthit noticed. "Why do you look like you're deep in thought?"
"Nothing," Daotok said, hesitating for a moment. "Just thinking... You're really straightforward. What would you have done if Daddy didn't approve?"
Arthit scoffed, his lips curling into an easy smirk. "Oh, who cares?"
Daotok narrowed his eyes slightly. "What do you even care about?"
Arthit's expression softened, his gaze unwavering. "Just you."
A beat of silence passed before Daotok exhaled, shaking his head. "There you go, flirting again."
"I'm serious," Arthit murmured, his tone steady. "I don't give a damn about anything in the world except myself. And now, you."
Something in the way he said it sent a quiet shiver down Daotok's spine. He turned away, focusing on the television. "Alright... got it."
"Are you going back to work?" Arthit asked after a pause.
"No, I'm taking a break. Planning to watch a movie."
"Great. You like horror movies, right?" Arthit stood up, moving towards the coffee table where his laptop rested. He connected it to the TV and scrolled through Netflix.
Daotok raised a brow. "Do you like watching them?"
"I'm fine with anything."
"If you don't like it, we can watch something else."
Arthit turned slightly, giving him a look. "It's fine. I can watch anything. I just want to watch it with you, so pick whatever you like."
Daotok bit the inside of his cheek, feeling his heart stumble in his chest. How could Daddy suggest he open his heart more when he was already struggling to deal with how much Arthit made it race? He watched Arthit from behind for a while until he turned and caught him.
"Not coming to choose?"
"I'm coming, I'm coming." Daotok stood and moved to sit on the floor beside him, scrolling through the selection. "What about this one?"
Arthit barely glanced at the screen. "Why ask? If you want to watch it, just press play."
"Well, we're watching it together."
Arthit's lips curved into a small smile. "I like that word. 'Together.'"
Daotok blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
"Nothing." Arthit shook his head, amused.
Daotok clicked on the movie, only to realize it was a series.
"Choosing a series? Trying to spend more time with me?" Arthit teased.
Daotok scoffed. "No, I just realized it's a series."
He returned to the sofa, and Arthit followed, sitting close enough that their shoulders brushed. "A witch story?"
"Yeah, it has great reviews."
"Oh," Arthit hummed before abruptly standing. "I'll take a quick shower. You can keep watching."
"Alright."
Daotok barely paid attention to the screen as he heard the distant sound of water running. When Arthit emerged from the bathroom, Daotok glanced over—only for his breath to hitch. Arthit was shirtless, his toned muscles still damp, tattoos stretching across his tan skin. The light cast soft shadows along the ridges of his abs, emphasizing every sharp line.
"What are you staring at?" Arthit's voice was amused, teasing.
Daotok quickly averted his gaze. "Am I staring?"
"Yeah."
"Oh. Sorry."
"It's fine. I know my body is nice to look at."
Daotok stayed silent, but he couldn't deny it. He looked down, fiddling with the hem of his sleeve.
"Why aren't you wearing a shirt?" he muttered.
"My hair's wet."
"Ah. I see."
Arthit grabbed a T-shirt, tossing it over his shoulder before picking up a small towel to dry his hair. Then, without warning, he sat down in front of Daotok and handed him a hairdryer.
"Dry it for me."
Daotok raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you do it yourself?"
"Lazy."
With a resigned sigh, Daotok switched on the dryer, adjusting it to warm air. He hesitated before running his fingers gently through Arthit's damp black hair, his touch careful. Arthit hummed in contentment.
"Dao."
"Huh?"
"Daotok."
"What?"
"Nothing. Just felt like saying it."
Daotok hesitated, then mumbled, "I like your name."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Michael too. Is that your other name?"
"Yeah."
"Why Michael? Do you like Michael Jackson?"
"Michael Jordan."
"Fair." Arthit smirked. "Why is the dryer so weak, though?"
"You like it stronger?"
"Yeah."
Daotok didn't respond, simply adjusting the setting. When he finished, Arthit stood and pulled on his shirt.
"Why do you like my name?" Daotok asked suddenly.
Arthit shrugged. "Why not?"
"Nobody likes it. It sounds feminine."
"It does, but because I like you, I like your name too," Arthit said easily.
"Other people don't like you as much as I do, so they don't get your name the way I do."
Daotok felt his face warm. "Are you really planning to confess every half an hour?"
Arthit smirked. "I can do that. You can even set an alarm."
"No need."
"I'll just say it whenever I feel like it. So, where's the movie at?" Daotok summarized the plot so far.
Arthit listened, eyes half-lidded in thought. "The heroine is a writer?" Daotok nodded.
"Have you ever thought about writing?"
"I have, but I prefer drawing."
"I see. Can I hug you?"
Daotok hesitated, then quietly said, "Sure."
Arthit grinned. "Whoa, agreeing like that. Does that mean you like me?"
"Even if I said no, you'd hug me anyway."
"Exactly." Arthit pulled him close, holding him tight.
Daotok sat stiffly before finally relaxing into the warmth of Arthit's embrace, his heart thudding steadily in his chest.
☆☆☆☆☆
Arthit rested his chin on Daotok's slender shoulder, his lips brushing lightly against the nape of his neck as he inhaled the faint, sweet scent lingering on his skin. The smaller figure in front of him remained still, his focus fixed on the movie playing before them, though Arthit felt the slight tension ripple through his body at their close proximity.
A faint smile tugged at Arthit's lips. He didn't need to watch the screen; the sounds alone were enough to piece together what was happening. His arms encircled Daotok in a loose embrace, one hand gently wrapped around his waist while the other held his soft hand, idly tracing patterns against his skin.
"Am I bothering you?" Arthit murmured, voice low against Daotok's ear.
"A little."
"Okay."
"Well, it'd be nice if you'd stop messing with me."
"Then stop tensing up already."
"Stop messing with me first."
"Dogs like to fuss over their owners like this, you know."
"Mm."
Arthit chuckled softly, nuzzling against Daotok's shoulder before shifting slightly. "I have a morning shift tomorrow," he said, recalling the reminder Hill had just sent him. "I won't be here when you wake up, but I'll be back in the afternoon. Don't cry because you miss me, okay?"
"I won't."
Arthit smirked. "Hey, no crying, alright?"
Daotok sighed. "No, I mean... not missing you is impossible."
Arthit froze for a moment, caught off guard. His heartbeat stuttered before a warmth spread through his chest. Unable to resist, he pressed a firm kiss against Daotok's soft cheek, lingering longer than necessary. Daotok let out a soft grumble of protest at the intensity, squirming slightly.
"Are you serious?" Arthit teased, his voice laced with mischief. "Because if you are, I'll pin you down."
Daotok turned his head, a small grimace forming as he pushed Arthit's face away with a palm. "Stop. No, enough!"
Arthit laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, I won't."
Daotok slowly lowered his hand, though his expression remained wary.
"I just want to kiss you on the cheek again."
"No more."
"Were you serious?" Arthit asked, tilting his head.
"About missing you?"
"Yeah."
Daotok hesitated before nodding. "Yes, but not too much."
Arthit grinned, satisfied. "That's good enough. Missing me a little every day is fine."
Before Daotok could react, he stole another quick kiss on his cheek. This time, instead of shoving him away, Daotok merely sighed, a soft exhale that barely reached Arthit's ears. He let him be.
"Someday, you'll miss me so much you won't be able to handle it."
"No, I won't."
"Why not?"
"That would be difficult."
"It wouldn't be," Arthit countered smoothly. "If you miss me, I'll come to you."
Daotok tilted his head slightly, considering his words. "Really?"
"Of course."
"What if we're on opposite sides of the world and you can't come?"
"Then I wouldn't be able to," Arthit admitted, "but if I could, I'd definitely come."
A thoughtful silence stretched between them before Daotok spoke again, his voice softer this time. "And if it ever gets to the point where you can't come to me, I want you to know that I'd still miss you just as much." Arthit exhaled, the sincerity in Daotok's words striking something deep within him. "Ah... smooth talker."
Daotok slowly leaned back against Arthit's chest, his form finally relaxing in the circle of his arms. "Take a break."
"From what?"
"My heart's about to explode."
Arthit chuckled, pressing his chin against Daotok's shoulder. "Haha, you're so straightforward."
"Mm."
"You like me more now, don't you?"
"Mm. And tomorrow, I'll probably like you even more."
Arthit blinked before a slow smile stretched across his face. "Damn." His heart thudded loudly against his ribs, mirroring the quiet confession Daotok had just made. They said no more after that, choosing instead to focus on the movie, but Arthit kept holding him, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing against his own. Eventually, Daotok drifted off to sleep in his arms.
As the credits rolled, Arthit carefully shifted, lifting Daotok into his arms and carrying him to the bed. He laid him down gently before retrieving ointment for his ankle, unwrapping the bandage and reapplying the medicine with practiced care. Once finished, he sat beside him, brushing a few stray strands of hair from his face before pressing a feather-light kiss against his forehead.
"Goodnight. I love you. Make sure to like me a little more tomorrow," he whispered.
He stayed up reading for most of the night, having taken an evening nap that kept him wide awake. By dawn, he finally succumbed to sleep, only to wake up shortly after for his morning shift. Skipping his usual morning jog out of sheer laziness, he made a quick stop at a nearby stall to buy fresh soy milk and deep-fried dough sticks for Daotok, knowing he'd appreciate them when he woke up.
Before leaving, he carefully replaced the bandage on Daotok's ankle once more, making sure to leave a note beside his breakfast. It was a simple reminder: Eat, take your medicine, and wait for me. I'll be back in the afternoon.
There was a certain satisfaction in doing these small things for him, an unspoken warmth that lingered long after he stepped out the door. Arthit arrived at the hospital just in time, the usual morning rush greeting him as he walked through the entrance. He was scheduled for ward duty with Hill today—thankfully. While working with Johan was always entertaining, nothing ever got done, and chaos was inevitable. At least with Hill, things would be smooth and efficient.
Arthit scanned the lecture hall the moment he arrived, eyes settling on Hill, who had been there earlier. Without preamble, he asked, "Has the professor arrived yet?"
Hill barely looked up from his notebook, smirking slightly. "Not yet. You're early today. That's new."
Arthit huffed, dropping into the seat beside him. "Of course."
Hill chuckled, shutting his notebook. "You've been a bit more... human lately. Ever since you started liking my boyfriend's friend."
Arthit turned to him, stunned. He had suspected that Hill knew, but hearing it outright was another thing entirely. "Who told you?"
Hill rolled his eyes. "Why bother hiding it from me? I don't get it."
Arthit exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fine, hit me with whatever you've got." He braced himself, ready for the onslaught. No matter how harsh the words, he wouldn't back down. He wouldn't stop pursuing Daotok, no matter what Hill said.
Hill's response was as dry as ever. "You're an idiot."
Arthit blinked. "Huh? That's it?"
"Why would I insult you?"
"Hey, when Joe was after North, you practically interrogated him."
"You're nothing like Joe." Hill leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.
"You've never admitted to liking or loving anyone before, so I know this must be serious. And the fact that Daotok has opened up to you means you're probably doing something right."
Arthit's grin stretched wide. "Wow, Hill, my friend, I knew you were the only one who truly understood me. You're a real one!"
"I'm not dying with you."
"Fair enough. Aren't you curious about how it's going?"
Hill gave him a bored glance. "If you want to tell me, go ahead."
Arthit didn't hesitate. "He said he'll like me even more soon. And he doesn't even call me P' anymore."
Hill raised an eyebrow. "What, he doesn't respect you anymore?"
"How'd you guess?"
"Does anyone respect you?"
Arthit sighed dramatically. "Nope. Even George, the campus dog, avoids me."
"That's sad."
"Yeah, it is. But at least I've got him to love me." He grinned, completely unbothered by the dog's avoidance. "He said I'm like a dog. A Doberman, to be exact."
Hill's lips twitched. "And you're fine with that?"
"Yeah. I'd give up being a doctor if he called me a dog. I'd howl if he wanted me to."
Hill pinched the bridge of his nose. "How can someone be so obsessed with another person?"
Arthit's grin faltered slightly. "I just don't get why he won't agree to be my boyfriend. He said he likes me, didn't he?"
"Be patient, man."
"Being told to be patient is the most infuriating thing ever. Who can even do that? He's so damn fragrant, you know?" Arthit groaned in frustration.
Hill smirked. "Yeah, well, you're not official yet, so there's nothing you can do. Hey, Thit."
"What?"
"Nothing, it's just... I'm a bit surprised you've come this far. If I said I was proud of you, would that sound too over the top? Honestly, you're even more impressive than Joe."
Arthit gasped in exaggerated shock. "Wow, Hill, you're proud of me? Wow.
You should just be my dad instead of Direk. Why are you so kind and supportive? I'm truly touched."
"I don't want a son like you."
Arthit pouted. "Aw, Dad, I haven't even called Direk 'Dad,' you know. But who's Direk again? Never heard of him. Must be my real dad."
Hill stared at him blankly.
"Lend me some money to customize my car."
"Ugh, get away from me," Hill said, shoving Arthit's chair back with his foot.
Arthit only laughed. "Why are you so easily grossed out?"
Hill scowled. "Have you seen how Joe always messes with me? How can I not be on edge?"
Arthit smirked. "Special treatment, huh? He doesn't mess with anyone else like he does with you."
"Let him try messing with you instead."
"I bet you two have been a couple since freshman year."
Hill rolled his eyes. "Who's the husband?"
"The one who falls asleep first is the wife."
Hill snorted. "If it were me, I'd stay awake all night just to win."
Arthit grinned. "Hey, do we have anything in the afternoon?"
"Nope, free. Why? Planning to rush back to your special someone?"
"Nope, I'm visiting someone sick."
Hill gave him a questioning look. "Who?"
"Kram."
Hill blinked. "You mean your crush's ex? The one you beat up?"
Arthit shrugged. "Yeah."
"And why are you visiting someone you hospitalized?"
"Well, visiting sick people is what you do, right?"
Hill let out a long-suffering sigh. "But you're the one who put him in the hospital."
Later that day, Arthit made his way to Kram's hospital room. The moment he opened the door, Kram bolted upright, eyes wide with fear.
"Shit! You here to finish me off?"
Arthit rolled his eyes. "Don't be stupid."
Kram's gaze darted to his lab coat. "Why are you wearing a lab coat?"
"Because I'm a doctor."
"Right... Are you here to treat me? Wait, no, are you here to inject me with something lethal?"
Arthit grabbed a grape from the bedside basket and popped it in his mouth. It was awful. He immediately spat it into the trash.
"Hey! Don't waste my grapes!"
"They taste like crap. How are you holding up?"
"Considering I almost got killed? Pretty damn terrible, thanks for asking. But your dad paid my hospital bills, so that's something. Though, can it really be called kindness when it's his son's fault I'm here?"
Arthit ignored him. "When are you getting out of here?"
"Maybe two weeks. And why the hell does the guy who beat me up get to walk around in a lab coat? What kind of doctor are you?"
Arthit smirked. "The best kind."
Kram scowled. "Are you here to insult me?"
"No, I'm here to rub it in about your ex."
Kram tensed. "What about him?"
"He's mine now."
Kram's mouth fell open. "Huh? You two are together?"
"Not yet. But I love him. And he likes me too."
Kram stared at him, then sighed. "Take care of him. He deserves it."
Arthit's expression softened for a brief moment. "I will. And don't think about showing up in his life again."
"Got it." Kram exhaled, nodding. "I wish you two the best."
"Good. Exes shouldn't act all chummy, dumbass."
"Sorry."
Arthit left with a smirk. Nothing, and no one, was going to take Daotok from him.