The summer night was unforgiving. The sweat streamed down Kin's face, drenching his sheets. The air conditioner in his room had failed him, leaving him in the humid embrace of the night. The whirring fans did little to alleviate the heat that clung to his skin like a second layer. Sleep was a distant luxury, elusive in the sweltering heat of the night.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvZHEt8gUD
The next morning, the technician arrived, his tool bag in tow.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23Dpvjl4cf
"It seems like there's an issue with the electrical system and some parts have been damaged due to a shortage," he informed Kin, his gaze inspecting the dysfunctional air conditioner.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0zsoslcdX
"And what do we do now?" Kin asked, beads of sweat trickling down his temples.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14eraQUHUY
"We'll have to replace the damaged parts. However, due to a recent increase in similar cases, there might be a wait of about two weeks."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecbt2zUBzd
"Two weeks?”
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuTeIrbox6
Kin echoed, trying to suppress his shock. The thought of enduring the unbearable heat for two weeks was daunting.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD9yqNeOGx
"I'm afraid so. There's a shortage of parts due to the high demand. We apologize for the inconvenience," the technician offered.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fR0VH8DHO
"Alright. Thank you," Kin nodded, acknowledging the situation.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8M0lKBXxd
Later, Kin shared his predicament with Jirat, his white uniform clinging to his damp skin. "How am I supposed to survive this heat without AC?" he groaned, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmoiwWbSQE
"Well, you can always use a fan," Jirat suggested, observing his friend's discomfort. "You've always been sensitive to the heat."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLByUxBGMSc
"Yeah, I know, but fans only circulate hot air during this kind of weather," Kin replied, grimacing at the thought. "How do you manage to live without AC?"
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEv0w0pmRE
Jirat chuckled, "I'm a southern boy. I'm used to the heat, the wind, the humidity. Sure, it can get uncomfortable at times, but this is Thailand."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcg56N93oW
Kin nodded, acknowledging the truth in Jirat's words. "I suppose I'll have to get used to it too."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6FzsWs4mb
"Have you considered staying with one of your juniors for a while?" Jirat asked, a hint of teasing in his tone.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3h0L23VdP
Kin contemplated the suggestion, "I've thought about it, but I don't want to impose on anyone. Maybe I'll just bear with it for now."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCZXRkRrTk
He wiped the sweat from his brow, a picture of fortitude in the face of discomfort. Jirat looked on, his eyes filled with compassionate understanding.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG3j736Z57
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL4t5JfY3n
………………………………………..
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IlW2Y6PY9
As Kin and Jirat carried on with their conversation, strolling along, a familiar silhouette caught their attention. It was Than, his lively spirit palpable and shimmering around him as he made his way toward them.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpL3c9xvjL
"P'Kin, P'Jirat, how's it going?" he greeted, his voice warm and friendly.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VE4RvBxBj
"Doing great, Nong-Than,” Jirat responded with a smile, before shooting a knowing glance at Kin.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNSfEPtot3
"But this guy here...he's got a bit of a problem."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tnWxJtC34
Than followed Jirat's gaze, noticing Kin's white uniform drenched in sweat. The fabric clung to his body, revealing the contours of his muscular figure underneath.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9qgJrhpQE
"P'Kin, you're sweating a lot. You seem uncomfortable," Than commented, his voice filled with concern.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd959skj3d
"Yeah... I've always been extremely sensitive to heat," Kin confessed, his forehead glistening with sweat, his discomfort evident.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8B8hX5A9MN
"Hey, do you know what happened to P'Kin, Nong-Than?” Jirat teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief, yet showing a tinge of compassion. "His AC at his condo broke down.”
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuyOoDim9m
Kin nodded in confirmation, fanning his shirt in an attempt to relieve himself from the heat.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHMgWBuS48
"It's going to be tough for you, P'Kin," Than commented sympathetically.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6aZpjytlW
"Yeah, it is," Kin confirmed with a strained smile. "And the worst part is, I have to wait in this cruel heat without AC for two weeks!" His frustration was palpable as he recalled the unfortunate circumstance.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIi3GsOBZq
"Two weeks?" Than echoed in surprise, his eyes widening at the news. Jirat nodded at him in affirmation, his concern for his friend evident.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1APmilefY
"But it's okay. Sometimes life is tough," Kin said half-jokingly, trying to play off his predicament lightly.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXATncm0K3h
Than fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. After a beat, he finally spoke,
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwS9k17P1v
"How about you live with me during this period?”
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhJIXFGmGV
"Live with you?" Kin echoed, his brows shot up in surprise. The idea catching him off-guard. He hesitated, not wanting to impose, but Than was quick to reassure him.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd0Fs2FELc
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0tezGMjML
"It's totally fine, P'Kin. I live alone in a house that my family bought for me to use during my campus life so I don't have to travel across the city. It has three bedrooms, and I only occupy one."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiHEWrEk9a
"But..." Kin trailed off, still hesitant.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mvamH6VW1
"Come on, P'Kin, don't think too much about it," Than encouraged him, "I'm happy to help, and it's no trouble at all.”
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kQPXovcyf
Kin exchanged a glance with Jirat, who nodded encouragingly.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwWFXXAQa6
"Alright, Nong-Than. Thank you very much. You're very generous," he finally agreed, to which Than shook his head dismissively, brushing off the compliment.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE69jgFYd5k
"It's located four Skytrain stations away from the campus," Than informed him, concern lacing his voice. "But from there, it's another 10 minutes' drive. It might be a bit inconvenient for you...Or maybe we can look at our schedules, and I can drive you sometimes.”
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ502ggztKCm
Kin quickly dismissed Than's concerns. "Don't worry, Nong-Than, you've been too kind already. I can manage to call a motorcycle taxi or a Grab-taxi." His gratitude was evident in his voice.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkR6OSBis0
"Alright then," Than said, sounding relieved. His eyes lit up with excitement as he added, "You can move in today if you want."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFG79agyNy
………………………………………..
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwTPEHj9u4
Following their conversation, Kin found himself walking alongside Than as they left the university grounds, the cool afternoon breeze sweeping through the trees around them. Than, with his hands tucked into his pockets, turned to Kin with a question.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkx9ByiFSJ
"So, have you decided to move in today, P'Kin?" Than asked, his eyes full of anticipation, "It's entirely up to you, though."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXp4spldR2
Kin paused to consider Than's question. He glanced at his watch, weighing the time constraints in his mind.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmUssHyf0x
"Well, I can move today," he agreed finally, "but I have to collect my stuff and some clothes from my condo first. Maybe after that, we can meet at your place?" He suggested, his brows furrowed in thought, "You can send me the location on my phone."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0MLc4QEEs
"Alright," Than replied, his voice carrying a note of acceptance. He was silent for a few moments before an idea dawned on him.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxCAIq5WGK
"Actually, how about I go with you to your place? We can collect your stuff together and then head to my place. I don't have any appointments or anything else planned for the evening."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2PtsoK49u
Kin looked at Than, surprised yet again by his kindness. "Are you sure, Nong Than?" he asked, needing affirmation.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ABlWCWPEi
Than nodded, his smile firm. "Absolutely, P'Kin."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ889912YWmP
"Alright, then let's go to my place first,"
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgy27rw2qqf
Kin agreed, returning Than's smile. Little did Kin know how much his smile meant to Than, how it caused the younger man's heart to flutter every time.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBzbGcOedC
A short walk of less than ten minutes led them to Kin's condominium, a low-rise building that exuded a cosy and homely vibe.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9nWtiWPyp
"This place is quite close to the university, isn't it?" Than remarked, looking around in appreciation.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85pEf36oXR
"Yeah, it's conveniently located," Kin agreed, "And it's just a 4-minute walk to the Skytrain station.”
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Khw6bbIWU
They entered Kin's condo and Than was instantly hit by the distinct scent of Kin's living space, a mix of earthy incense and the faint aroma of coffee.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXLjWSDqjU
Kin excused himself, retreating into his bedroom to gather his clothes. Meanwhile, Than found himself in the living room, surrounded by an array of personal items that reflected Kin's interests - scenic photographs, cat photos, textbooks, and an aroma diffuser.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBe747uGPEA
These items painted a vivid picture of Kin's life and interests. Than's eyes fell on a dried rose sitting on a shelf. It was the white rose he had given to Kin on Rose Junction Day, almost three weeks ago. Beside it lay a dried red rose, its significance unknown to Than.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVoY1tJVY8
The sight of the dried roses drew Than into a maelstrom of curiosity, the unanswered questions nagging at him. He found himself murmuring,
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxoBpqVA3G
“P'Kin still kept it, who gave him the red one... or maybe he just kept them without any special reason..." But just as quickly as it started, Than shook off his speculations.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIsCxpvI25
Moments later, Kin emerged from his bedroom, a gym bag bulging with clothes in his hand. The bag's design was sleek and practical, catching Than's attention.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjn88UMxhO
"That bag suits you, P'Kin," Than commented, admiring the design.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5N9fhwrJL
"Yeah, it's pretty, and I love using it," Kin replied, shouldering the bag. "I have a couple of these. They're convenient for the gym and even for travelling."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8jpDeMliN
"Any more stuff you want to collect?" Than asked, his gaze scanning the room.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xc1aG01IS
"Yes, a few more," Kin answered. He then quickly gathered some personal items, textbooks, and his laptop.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwNpS62F2T
"Okay, we can go now, Nong-Than."
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMBTDld6UV
With that, they left Kin's condo, hailed a taxi and began their 20-minute drive to Than's place.
ns 15.158.61.36da2
