Chapter Text
From: P'Sing
To: Krist
11:45 AM
Krist, are you busy right now? Want to get some lunch together?
From: Krist
To: P'Sing
11:47 AM
Uh, I'm busy at the moment. Maybe dinner?
From: P'Sing
To: Krist
11:48 AM
Okay! Let's go to the new place that Tay recommended.
Seen
Krist looked through the clear glass display case with dozens of silver and gold rings, all uniquely designed in varying sizes. He looked at the jeweler, P'You, who was smiling at him kindly. The shop he is currently in is old with the obvious wear and tear of the walls, and the browning tiles. But the glass cases of rings and jewelry right in the middle of the shop were still kept in perfect shape, it was like spotting a diamond in a cave.
He looked back at the unfamiliar jeweler, with familiar features. He remembered seeing the person who created the SOTUS gears, he was a middle-aged man who had just volunteered and applied when he saw the call for a customized gear for a project.
He was very kind and made the gears perfectly. Even during the second season with the merged gears, his work was still amazing. The gears weren't fancy or anything, they didn't have a shiny gold exterior nor were crusted by diamonds, but Krist remembered being so fond of them, especially when he wore the bracelet during filming.
"How can I help you, again?" P'You asked him. Krist looked at him, startled by the sound. He was too busy admiring the rings. P'You is not the jeweler from years ago. He's young, about Krist's age, and he smiles a lot. P'Lit told him that he was the apprentice and nephew of the jeweler who had retired a few years back. Now, P'You takes care of the shop and entertains the loyal customers who come to their shop.
"I want to ask for your help in making a gear charm," Krist says, looking around to see if there are any examples of a gear if they are on display. You looks at him, a little confused, "A gear charm?"
"Yes, uh, you see—"
"Oh! A gear!"
Krist pauses, shocked at You's widened gaze at him. The jeweler continued while rummaging underneath the glass case into the drawers, "Sorry, I know you wanted your privacy, but I recognize you. I've been a fan of your work, and when you guys filmed SOTUS years ago, my uncle made the gears. That's the first thing he taught me: making gears."
He added, "I've made a bunch of gear-related jewelry to practice on, but I never displayed them because the general public doesn't really think of "gears" when they think of rings or necklaces."
Krist chews on his lip as he waits for P'You to give him the collection. It's in a black box with a velvet interior. These are the gears he imagined, exactly as it was. It was a collection of several different kinds of jewelry in gear form. Necklace pendants, chains, rings, keychains, earrings, and the thing he needed: the bracelet charm.
The actor looked at the man in front of him who looked so excited, practically bouncing on his feet, waiting for his reply. Krist grinned, pointing at the one he needed, "This is what I need."
"Yes, thank you so much! I'll tell you more about it! ... Mhm... Yes, okay! Bye!"
Krist hung up on the call, grinning a little. His smile faltered when he saw Singto in front of him, walking towards him as they neared the entrance of the honey restaurant that Tay suggested. Singto asked him, "Who were you talking to?"
"Nothing important," Krist says. Singto looked at him weirdly but shrugged it off, pushing the door of the entrance.
It's a nice place, Krist can't help but think. The interiors are both vintage and modern. But it feels like a family restaurant, rather than a fancy dining area. The seats were lovely as well, with good condition tables. The food was amazing, Krist chewed on it happily, and the pasta was just perfect.
Singto just stared at him, in awe. He loved seeing Krist enjoy food. The man's cheeks fill up, and he gets this smile. He loves to see it, which is why he often takes him to eat. Krist also seems a little more relaxed now, like something has changed. He just can't pinpoint what it is.
"So, how was your day? What were you busy doing this afternoon?"
Krist swallows his food, looking elsewhere as he answers, "None of your business, P'Sing. How about yours?"
Singto tried to ignore the pang of hurt with the reply. He just wanted to know what he was busy with, but he figured he could put it under the rug for now, "I had some work to do behind the scenes. The staff from our series called me in to ask for some adjustments on the final script for the last filming."
"Oh, why did they only call you?"
"It was mostly about my scenes, they were trying to figure out if I could fit into the lines, or we had to adjust them. P'Aof told me that he'll ask for your opinion in a few days to check on it too," Singto poured some juice into his glass. Krist quietly asked for his own.
"Did you have lunch alone today, P'Sing?" Krist asks, and it's one of the softest tones he's ever heard since he came here. Singto tries to mask the shock and the affection on his face because it sends so many feelings into his heart that he feels like it's in overdrive.
"P'Nham and I just ate some spicy noodles," Singto says, willing the shake of his voice to come off. Krist didn't seem to notice as he hummed, "Hm, that's good to know."
"Why?" the older asks, he can't help it. This was unusual, for Krist to ask him, simple questions and it just felt so caring. So he tests the waters. Krist takes a breath, "Just wanted to know you weren't alone."
"I still feel lonely every time you're not with me," fuck it, Singto just went with it. Sue him, but this version of Krist is not helping his cool and collected facade right now, and words just tumble out. Krist's ears turn red as he coughs, taking a big gulp of his drink.
"Just... finish the food!"
Singto wordlessly agrees and continues to eat. Enjoying this new but familiar side of Krist. Things are finally looking up these days.
The busy streets of Bangkok are faintly heard from the clear glass windows. Singto was in a small office, highlighting a script read for his most recent advertisement work next week. He quietly reads the lines and practices them in his head. His manager, P'Jane looks over at him from a seat nearby.
One of them breaks the silence.
"Sing, are you still sure about this?"
Singto finished rereading that line before he asked, "What do you mean?"
"I'm asking if you're still sure about pursuing Krist. Do you really want to keep this going, because frankly, I'm both worried and pitying you."
The younger frowns, straightening in his seat and putting down his highlighter after putting the cap back on, "Why the sudden question? It's not like I'm doing anything different, because this is how I show him I love him, even before I dated him."
"Well, I just noticed that this has been going on for months and Krist still seems evasive of your actions. I'm not sure if he can really forgive—"
"With all due respect, P'Jane, I don't think your opinion about Krist matters here, because I'm the one who knows him the most. I'm also the one who hurt him, so I know how deep the wound gets. My love for him does not have a timer. If he ever forgives me or not, it's my own decision to still stay with him," Singto says. He lets out a breath and closes his eyes for a few seconds, thankful that his manager doesn't bother to reply now.
The last thing he wants to think is negative thoughts because he knows deep inside him that there is a very small chance of Krist just learning to move on and forget about him. But now is not the time. He places the stapled paper down on the desk and puts it inside a white folder.
He starts grabbing his bag, and turns briefly to P'Jane, "It's getting late. Krist says he's picking me up for dinner, so I have to go. Thanks for accompanying me."
Without another word, he gives a polite wai to P'Jane and leaves out the door.
When he arrives at the parking lot, he beams to see Krist in the car, already waiting for him while scrolling on his phone. Krist looks up at the right time and sees Singto approaching the car, offering him a smile.
Singto gets a little taken aback as he gets inside the car, Krist has been giving him a significant amount of smiles for the past week. It's both a little uncanny and adorably sweet, Singto just treasures every single one. Krist doesn't mention where they're going for dinner and just hums quietly as Singto talks about his day, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel.
Singto looked out the window to see the car being parked at a very familiar place. He smiled. It's been a while since they've been here, and he's craving noodles.
When they got out of the car, Singto noticed it was oddly empty. He looked at the sign and it says it's closed. But the lights are on and the door is open. He turned to Krist, "Uh, do you think there's something wrong?"
"No," Krist quickly answers him, "it's fine. Mae knows we're coming."
"Oh, okay?" Singto still has furrowed eyebrows as he's confused. Conveniently, they're sat at a table in the middle of the small restaurant. Singto looked around to spot Mae Manaow but was surprised when the woman came out of the door carrying two bowls of steaming hot noodles.
He turned to Krist because there was no way this was happening. The shop was closed, but it was open for them, and Mae just came in without even greeting them and taking their orders. She just came out with the food. Mae Manaow settled the noodles down on their table and they both thanked her, Krist more confident and thankful than Singto, who looked at her in confusion.
"Enjoy," she says, taking the time to send a small wink to Singto. The other man flinched a little, blinking at her retreating form with wide eyes.
Krist tapped his hand, "Eat."
"Okay," Singto agreed, enjoying the taste of the food but still utterly dumbfounded.
They ate in comfortable chatter, with them talking about their work and what they did the past week. What kinds of games they played on their phones, or how the shooting on set was as funny as the bloopers. Singto still had so many questions at the back of his mind, but he chose to set them aside for now because this was one of the best dinners he'd ever had.
When they both finished their bowls, Singto wiped a tissue on his mouth, casually checking the time on his phone. Krist looked nervous now, as compared to the calm and collected appearance he had prior to this moment.
"Krist, is there something wrong? You look pale," he says, even if Krist is already pale with his complexion. But the way he was almost sweating was throwing Singto off a bit.
"Huh? Oh, n-nothing! Let's go!" Krist says, standing up. The older man panics as he stands up as well, "W-wait! We haven't paid yet!"
"I already did. Don't worry about it," the younger replies, going to his car. Singto meekly follows, simply at a loss, because Krist didn't mention anything about this to him.
Now he watches as Krist drives silently. The car ride is smooth sailing, but both of them are tense. Singto was simply confused. He hopes this isn't something bad, or something that will cause Krist to finally sever ties with him personally. That would be the worst-case scenario.
But as he sees the place where Krist has stopped the car, his heart sinks.
It's a park.
It's not just any park, but it's the eco-park that they often go to on dates. There are only a few people who go there, seeing as this is close to their neighborhood and only the locals visit the park.
But it's also the place where they had the biggest and last fight that led to their breakup.
"So what? You take me on the best date only to tell me that you plan on ending our relationship?"
"Krist, I—"
"Fucking hell, P'Sing. Are you that much of an asshole? Why are you suddenly—"
"But I'm leaving, Krist."
"... you're leaving?"
He turned to Krist, who looked like he was able to have a mini panic attack with his heavy breathing. Singto's breath hitched at the scene and realized where they were.
The older was about to speak when Krist opened the door, saying, "Let's take a walk."
Singto follows him, walking towards the forest path, illuminated by lampposts. It was a familiar sight, they used to walk here hand in hand while talking about the most random things. It was quiet, mostly because there was no one around. It's already late in the evening.
Singto continued to follow the path that Krist took. His heart sank further and further into himself as they neared the spot.
There nestled amongst the trees, was a gazebo. It is a popular spot for dates, but usually, it was only them who used it. They were lucky in that aspect. But now, it wasn't just an empty patch of grass. There were tights hung around and over the tree branches, creating an intimate border around the area. Several daily lights were around, and a lamp was nestled in the middle of a picnic blanket.
There was also a basket next to it, with a bottle of wine protruding from one of its lids.
The older had his mouth wide open in a gasp, and it continued to be there as Krist turned to him. Both of their faces were illuminated by warm yellow lights from the lamps. And it was even more illuminated by the moonlight shining bright upon them.
Krist began speaking.
"P'Sing, I know you clearly remember this place. It's the place where we both fell in love and had our hearts broken. It's a place I have never been to, since the last time we met here.
"It's been a wild three years since then, and every single time I'm not with you, I feel incomplete. I let the anger consume me. I let the betrayal get the best of me. And I tried hard not to think about you, but you were always on my mind.
"There was one night. I remembered calling you, a thousand miles away. I remembered crying, drunkenly slurring the words, I miss being Arthit, and I think that was my mind telling me that it was my true feelings. Because I do. I miss being Arthit, I miss being in that time when everything was still simple. When I knew I was falling for you and you were there to catch me. When you kiss me on and off the screen."
Singto wanted to interject, but Krist continued, eyes a little glassy, hand in his pocket.
"The moment you told me you still loved me, I wanted to cry myself to sleep. I can't believe my heart was telling me two opposite things. I can't believe that my anger towards you allowed my heart to believe that your confession was the worst possible outcome," Krist quickly wiped a threatening tear, Singto almost reached out and wiped it himself.
"But you stayed. You stayed this time. You didn't leave my side, even if I treated you like shit. Even if I didn't reciprocate your actions. You stayed for me, you kept apologizing, and promising that you would be better."
Krist looks back at him again, and takes a glance towards the moon that provides them light, "The problem is, P'Sing, you were always the one for me. And if I'm being honest, I think I forgave you a long time ago. But a big part of me held on to that pain, so I couldn't move forward like you. I was scared to take another step."
Singto was already crying, his eyes wet with tears. Krist took his hand out of his pocket and showed him a silver chain.
It was short enough to be a bracelet. It's more of a charm bracelet, with three charms. One is a moon, another is a sun.
And the last one is a gear.
The chain had a bright silver glint from the moonlight, and Singto felt like the world had stopped. Krist held on, similar to a very important scene in their first series together.
"Since I know I'm cheesier than you, let me do this in a way we both know well. The gear is in your heart. The heart is in your gear. If you ask someone to take care of your gear, it means you ask that someone to take care of your heart. So, P'Sing, I'm giving you this gear. I gave you one, years ago. But this gear is different. It's stronger, but it's also taken a lot of hurt. But if you'll still have me, even after months of waiting, I'd like for you to take my gear again. Let's begin again, P'Sing."