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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R6scYFOG5
The next morning, the technician arrived, his tool bag in tow.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vZWLqHaz6
"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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeneqFVSAho
"And what do we do now?" Kin asked, beads of sweat trickling down his temples.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii0azmggdS
"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."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPktrksipH
"Two weeks?”
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCxxFeUW8X
Kin echoed, trying to suppress his shock. The thought of enduring the unbearable heat for two weeks was daunting.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P3Lo8t4F2
"I'm afraid so. There's a shortage of parts due to the high demand. We apologize for the inconvenience," the technician offered.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn07QEdVTqC
"Alright. Thank you," Kin nodded, acknowledging the situation.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPo8z2ZPV0
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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9ES1JCNPE
"Well, you can always use a fan," Jirat suggested, observing his friend's discomfort. "You've always been sensitive to the heat."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIY8HKfrB4
"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?"
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVDZDGYwiC
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."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFZfpi24yW
Kin nodded, acknowledging the truth in Jirat's words. "I suppose I'll have to get used to it too."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j3XfaZtVC
"Have you considered staying with one of your juniors for a while?" Jirat asked, a hint of teasing in his tone.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mbIsJj555
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."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9NsFT57MT
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr3tLlw9bD
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBD47iTd0X
………………………………………..
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJj107mvb1
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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWjGqeSqOh
"P'Kin, P'Jirat, how's it going?" he greeted, his voice warm and friendly.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2nUYd1WyT
"Doing great, Nong-Than,” Jirat responded with a smile, before shooting a knowing glance at Kin.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3t7ncMO5N
"But this guy here...he's got a bit of a problem."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc1TvgxY23
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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64pAWWMBQN
"P'Kin, you're sweating a lot. You seem uncomfortable," Than commented, his voice filled with concern.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJDJ2WThav
"Yeah... I've always been extremely sensitive to heat," Kin confessed, his forehead glistening with sweat, his discomfort evident.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRLLOtp3cM
"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.”
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ369eLjfI4O
Kin nodded in confirmation, fanning his shirt in an attempt to relieve himself from the heat.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6CJ1B70Yx
"It's going to be tough for you, P'Kin," Than commented sympathetically.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDTblAVe7q
"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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq8vhUYviX
"Two weeks?" Than echoed in surprise, his eyes widening at the news. Jirat nodded at him in affirmation, his concern for his friend evident.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3d0KEL6FG
"But it's okay. Sometimes life is tough," Kin said half-jokingly, trying to play off his predicament lightly.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVWUEql0Bh
Than fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. After a beat, he finally spoke,
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoqQsvzr7z
"How about you live with me during this period?”
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8C30X2xfYS
"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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIQwCLrwje
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpM7hoN9XT
"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."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsTPxY9QK9
"But..." Kin trailed off, still hesitant.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn0eonfCUg
"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.”
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm7875XqPQ
Kin exchanged a glance with Jirat, who nodded encouragingly.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BBvuVFbZy
"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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbxZbOrmUv
"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.”
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8hfe6abvG
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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YRE3LgJIh
"Alright then," Than said, sounding relieved. His eyes lit up with excitement as he added, "You can move in today if you want."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZmp3EtKzo
………………………………………..
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCiJOdDYns
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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylcjezEgM3
"So, have you decided to move in today, P'Kin?" Than asked, his eyes full of anticipation, "It's entirely up to you, though."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwDu78LgkV
Kin paused to consider Than's question. He glanced at his watch, weighing the time constraints in his mind.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pfHOADWhz
"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."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP9eEN9RVh
"Alright," Than replied, his voice carrying a note of acceptance. He was silent for a few moments before an idea dawned on him.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEf4JiHYyj
"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."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Nf1alRfh5
Kin looked at Than, surprised yet again by his kindness. "Are you sure, Nong Than?" he asked, needing affirmation.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdl3Z35E3OQ
Than nodded, his smile firm. "Absolutely, P'Kin."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IblhEVVWi
"Alright, then let's go to my place first,"
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ7WILN19j
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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Lg8lLmLVu
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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEMTBmQX9P
"This place is quite close to the university, isn't it?" Than remarked, looking around in appreciation.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxzpWsHuB8
"Yeah, it's conveniently located," Kin agreed, "And it's just a 4-minute walk to the Skytrain station.”
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hXuWdQhs0
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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26s8odaOEg
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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRPtjPj2c2
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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCb7M12lwVy
The sight of the dried roses drew Than into a maelstrom of curiosity, the unanswered questions nagging at him. He found himself murmuring,
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5eaUSgu8v
“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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxf3bEg5Nc
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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLJeTfTECy
"That bag suits you, P'Kin," Than commented, admiring the design.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfwNiKdIn9
"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."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeoD8uUVM1
"Any more stuff you want to collect?" Than asked, his gaze scanning the room.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrMruQoEHg
"Yes, a few more," Kin answered. He then quickly gathered some personal items, textbooks, and his laptop.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHoxjE4QRK
"Okay, we can go now, Nong-Than."
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXRytPItqk
With that, they left Kin's condo, hailed a taxi and began their 20-minute drive to Than's place.
ns 15.158.61.48da2
