Park

                                    

                                          
Arthit held onto me tightly, just holding me as I finally let go of my tears. I just about had it enough. 
Arthit didn't let go until a few minutes later. I looked at him, my face flushed and red, completely embarrassed partly that he had caught me in such a vulnerable moment. But Arthit's face had no smirk or tease. Rather, he just tidied my hair and just caressed my cheeks. I was a bit stunned by what he was doing. It was as if he was not aware of what he was doing. 
Just then, the doorbell rang! Arthit and I snapped back to reality, and he pulled away from me, face turning red. I took a deep breath before opening the door to find Lam and Aim standing there.
"Hey, what are you guys doing here? Come on in. P Arthit, P Aim is here."
Arthit turned around, surprised to see Aim too and enquired. Both boys said they had come by to just check in on me. I nodded, reassuring them I was fine. Arthit said he would take his leave so the boys could spend some time with me. I knew he was making way to give me space, but I was hoping he would stay for a bit longer.
But before I could say anything, Aim too offered to leave with him so Lam could spend some time with me privately. I nodded reluctantly as I watched both boys get ready. Arthit just told me to rest and that he would see me tomorrow. I nodded and went to just see both boys off. 
As I closed the door, I heard Lam ask me.
"You seemed pretty reluctant to let Arthit go. What's going on?"
"Uhm, nothing. I just.. you know.. it's been a long day. Nung came here earlier, too. And I was so angry at her."
Lam cocked his head at me and looked quizzically. 
"Park, you didn't answer my question." 
I kept quiet, not knowing how to answer him. I just went to keep away my things instead and asked Lam if he wanted a beer. The good thing about Lam is that he knows when to pull back. He didn't push for any answers and told me to go take a shower while he got himself a beer and settled down in front of the TV.
I showered, changed, and came out only to hear Lam speak to someone on the phone. From the convo, based on what I gathered, it was P Aim he was speaking with. I grabbed a beer and sat down next to Lam, just resting my head on his shoulder as I watched the TV mindlessly. Lam and I had a very close friendship, one that is often mistaken as love by others, but we were just incredibly fond of each other. He has my back as I do for him but dating him? That wasn't on the cards.
After the last incident with Nung, I think I was completely swearing off dating. Just then, my phone beeped. I looked down to realize it was P Arthit! I instantly sat up, keeping away the beer and replying back to his message. I had failed to realize it, but a smile had come over my face when I saw P had texted me.
I finally put away my phone about 10 minutes away later, only to find Lam smiling with a smirk at me. I just rolled my eyes but didn't say a word. Lam just chuckled at me as we launched into conversation over other things.
Around 1am, Lam finally left. Aim had very kindly offered to pick him up.
"Are you two dating or something?"
"Don't be an asshole. You know I like Linn, and he's helping me woo her."
"OK? But don't you realize you have spent more time with P Aim in the last week than you have with Linn over the last 6 months of your wooing?" 
Lam fell silent, the realisation hitting him. I just patted his shoulders softly, not saying a word. Lam bade me goodbye and left.
I just waved him off and closed the door,  sighing. Now that I was left alone, the fatigue of today was hitting me. I walked towards the couch and just sunk into the couch, I looked at the TV, the images just washing mindlessly over me. I looked down at my phone and realized I hadn't changed my wallpaper yet. It was a picture of Nung and me. I just looked at it, the ache hitting me harder. 
Just then, the phone rang. It was P Arthit. Why was he calling me now? I contemplated not answering, but eventually, I did. All I croaked out was a hello, and P Arthit could instantly pick out I wasn't in the happiest of moods.
He asked me what was wrong, and I just told him what was going on in my mind. He listened patiently but didn't say anything. But at the end of the conversation, I realized all I needed was that listening ear.
I felt much better by the time we hung up about an hour later. Arthit offered to pick me up for breakfast at 9 am. the next day. Since it was already 2am, I decided to go to sleep. 
The next day, I woke up at 7am, showered and changed, and was ready by 8.30 am. Arthit came up to pick me up.
I opened the door only to find him grinning at me. He asked if I was ready, and I nodded. He was surprised I was ready so fast and chuckled lowly. We headed out towards his jeep when Nung came there again, this time with her mom! 
I was stricken upon seeing her and didn't know what to do. I knew I said I would hit her, but her mom was here! I looked over at Arthit, who just looked back at me stunned, too. 
This fucking bitch really didn't know how to take no for an answer.