Kongpob and Arthit: short stories

Arthit's jealousy rears it's head when he and Kongpob are being watched..

But it's not quite what he thinks..

Featuring Khai from Theory of Love who I absolutely have a soft spot for!

"They're watching us," Arthit says, leaning into Kongpob, shoulders brushing. "Why do you think they're watching us?"

"Stop freaking out, P'Arthit, they aren't watching us. The tall one keeps looking around. He's not specifically looking over here."

"He is." Arthit insists as he glares over at the man and catches him looking away. "What do you think he wants? No wait, I already know what he wants. He wants you. I know it. He keeps looking at you, he definitely wants you."

"Phi!" Kongpob says, bringing a hand to rest on the other's thigh under cover of the table, "You can not possibly get any of that from a few seconds of observing him, okay. He's just looking around. He looks a bit nervous to be honest."

"Yeah, cos he wants to come over here and ask you out." Arthit insists grumpily.

"Phi!" Kong says again, squeezing his thigh, "It wouldn't matter if he was looking at me like that, which he isn't, because I'm with you. I'm your boyfriend until the day you decide you want rid of me, okay?"

Then he reaches out and lifts Arthit's chin so that they are looking into each other's eyes. Before the older can flinch away, Kongpob speaks again, "I love you, okay?"

Predictably, Arthit blushes and ducks his head away. But his hand does come to rest on Kong's under the table and he mumbles an 'Okay'.

Still, he doesn't stop watching the guy who's watching them. Just in case.

It's a surprise to Arthit, that when the man's companion leaves the table, and Kongpob goes over to pay their bill, the tall man suddenly approaches him and plops down into the seat opposite.

Arthit rears away from the stranger, pushing himself back in his chair as far as he can.

"What?" He asks rudely.

But it doesn't send the other guy running, despite the fact that he used his head hazer voice. Instead, the other guy leans forward as though they know each other quite well and are used to speaking intimately.

"I need you to help me." He says, voice low.

Arthit just stares at him, wondering what on earth he could mean.

"I've been watching you." The man continues, and Arthit internally first bumps himself, chalking a point against the imaginary slate he's set up for when he's right and Kongpob's wrong. It's not often he earns a point, so he's started keeping track.

"I knew it!" He hisses out, "I told Kong you were watching us. So, what is it? You fancy my boyfriend or something? Well you can't have him. He's mine and I don't share!"

"It's the other man's turn to reel away, putting up both his hands, palms facing Arthit. "No, no!" He says, his voice a little high pitched, "It's nothing like that. Well no, that's not strictly true, it's something to do with that. Just.. could I explain?"

Arthit keeps his fierce look, but nods his head.

"Well, see the thing is, I was watching you because.. I was hoping to get some advice."

"Advice?" Arthit asks, face turning puzzled, "What could I possibly advise you about?"

"Umm, well, the thing is. Look, my name's Khai. I'm a final year film student and that little cutie I'm sitting with is my adorable boyfriend Third. But.. well, he's just so gorgeous and so cute and so lovely that I'm nervous. Well, no, scared. I'm scared that maybe someone might entice him away." He takes a deep breath and looks into Arthit's eyes, "So, I just wondered how you do it?"

Arthit stares at him, still processing the flurry of information he's just had offloaded on him. "What do you want me to say?"

Khai laughs, "I don't know. Just, you and your boyfriend are so into each other. It's really clear. So how do you keep him interested, what should I be doing?"

Arthit's laughs too, "Wrong man."

"Huh?"

"You've got the wrong man. You should be asking Kongpob to help you out here."

"Your boyfriend? No, it's clear what he does. I can see how he treats you and how he keeps you interested. I already do those things. I want to know what you do? I couldn't really see if I'm honest."

"Well I don't know whether to be flattered or insulted!" Arthit says, face settling back into his unimpressed expression.

"No, no! I don't want to insult you! I just really wanted some advice. Honest." Khai looks genuinely upset and it makes Arthit feel a bit bad, so he tries to explain again.

"Look I don't do anything. Nothing special. I'm just me. Just myself. Kongpob kind of does all the work if I'm honest."

"That's not strictly true, Phi." Another voice interrupts and Arthit's blushes deeply, staring up at his partner.

Kongpob sits down beside him, tangling their fingers together and offering his other hand to Khai.

"Hello, I'm Kongpob, this guy's other half."

"Better half," Arthit mutters and is rewarded with a swat to his shoulder.

Khai grins and takes the offered hand, "I'm Khai. I came over because I saw you two and I wanted to know what he does that means you look at him.. well, how you're looking at him now."

Arthit huffs, "He doesn't look at me in any way.."

"Oh believe me, he does." Khai insists.

"It's just.. him." Kongpob grins.

Arthit looks up sharply, heart thumping, "What do you mean?"

"It's just the person you are, Phi. The way you treat me. You care so much. You always check if I've had dinner, you ask me about my study schedule and make sure I take breaks. When I've got a late lecture, you bring dinner to my dorm; if I've got an early start you send me a message to check that I'm up and ready. When I had my exams you waited outside for me at the end and hugged me and told me to forget about them for now. It's just the way you act, Phi. The way you show me your love in a thousand tiny ways. It's who you are. And every little thing makes me love you more and more."

They gaze longingly at each other and Arthit even moves closer as though he might consider a kiss, when Khai interrupts.

"So, what you're saying.. is just be myself? Well, myself but even more caring and thoughtful and things?"

Kongpob nods, but he's distracted by the way Arthit is looking at him. "I'm sorry Khun Khai, but we really have to go." He says firmly and then pulls Arthit to his feet, hands still linked tightly.

"Well, thanks, you've been really helpful." Khai says, watching the couple stumble to the door, eyes still locked on each other.

"I bet they're going to have some really good sex." A voice pipes up behind him.

"Yes, I think you're ri.. Third! I, I wasn't..I mean.. I was.. I was just.."

"It's okay, my love. I heard. You were just asking for some advice."

Khai nods dumbly as Third leans forward and wraps one of his tiny hands around his waist, "Well," his boyfriend whispers, "As good as their advice was, you just have to keep doing what you're doing, Khai. I love you just the way you are. I wouldn't change you for the world."

Khai laughs, then realises that his partner is being quite serious. "Oh! Then.. I guess I'll just.."

He presses them even closer and then leans down to drop a soft kiss on Third's lips.

"Love you too." He grins.