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“Tine, I’m home!” Sarawat shouts as he closed the door behind him, taking off his shoes and his jacket. He furrows his brows when he doesn’t hear Tine’s reply. Normally, Tine would always be the first one to come back if they’re both not walking home together. And Tine doesn’t even have classes today– so he’d usually just play around with his phone and wait until Sarawat got back so he can innocently (not so innocently) ask him to make dinner, which Sarawat always tries to resist but can’t help but give in to whenever Tine would look at him with those twinkling eyes and bright smile he flashes his way.
He headed upstairs when he couldn’t find Tine in the kitchen, and he immediately sighed when he saw his boyfriend hunched over the desk, sleeping over his laptop.
He places his guitar and bag down to the side and walks towards Tine, sighing again when he looks at his face. He definitely looked exhausted; his hair a mess, his eye bags more worse than yesterday, and his bright and vibrant skin looking more paler and sickly than he’s ever seen it.
He hooks his hand under Tine’s legs, his other wrapping around his shoulders. He gently and slowly lifts him up from the uncomfortable chair (he has got to buy a much more better one so Tine wouldn’t have his back and butt aching the next day from the hard wood) and Tine instantly shifts. Sarawat stops for a moment, holding his breath, wondering if he’d woken him up, but that doesn’t seem to be the case as Tine presses his face to his shoulder, nuzzling for a few moments before he lets out a small exhale.
Sarawat’s heart swelled at the action, feeling something akin to fondness at the sight. He knows Tine only does that whenever he’s trying to find the perfect spot to settle down to. One time, while they were both watching a movie around midnight, halfway through it, Sarawat felt Tine snuggle up against the crook of his neck with his arm over Sarawat’s stomach. Sarawat couldn’t sleep the whole night, even though he really needed it, but it was incredibly worth it to see Tine sleeping soundly on top of his chest, cuddled warmly, his cute features lax and serene.
That only means that Tine is comfortable here in Sarawat’s arms, even though he’s definitely worn out.
“You’re still such a tua woon wai.” Sarawat murmurs, pressing a soft kiss on the crown of Tine’s head before walking towards their bed. He gently lays him down, making sure to pat the pillow to make it fluffy and place it underneath his head. He sees Tine mushing his cheeks against the pillow, looking so cute and adorable, reaching up to slide one hand under it and the other to grasp it. Sarawat frowns when he sees the crease in Tine’s eyebrows and the sad curve of his lips. He hates how even when sleeping Tine couldn’t even be comfortable and it’s all because of this stupid project he’s been working on for weeks now.
Tine’s professor– who is too fucking hard on them– assigned them all to do some individual research about a certain topic that’s impossible for just one person to do. Tine’s always assured him that he can handle it, but Sarawat hates seeing his decreasing behavior and health the past few days while working on the said project on top of his classes and music club meetings and cheerleading practice and other assignments his professors give him.
He knows Tine; and he knows how focused he can be if he really wants something or wants to finish something, a trait Sarawat admires but also doesn’t like because when his boyfriend zeroes in on his work, he forgets about doing literally anything else– that includes eating, staying hydrated, and even doing his skincare which he does very religiously because he loves his skin and his ‘Mr. Chic’ image. When these days would happen, it would almost be impossible for Sarawat to force him to eat lunch, or even drink his favorite drink, or go out to have some fresh air and reprieve.
He reaches his hand to Tine’s temple, brushing his thumb over the middle of his eyebrows, trying to relax the tense muscle there. It took a few moments for Tine to ease the tightness, but eventually, it was gone and Tine’s expression was a much more neutral one. Sarawat sighs, hoping he’s sleeping better now, then leans in to plant a soft kiss on Tine’s forehead. He lets his lips linger on the skin for a while before pulling away, tugging the covers up and covering Tine’s body securely.
He stands up from the bed and walked over to Tine’s still open laptop to save whatever he had been working on. His eyes widened when he saw what was on the screen.
‘GROUP 5 PROJECT: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE’
He groans lightly, turning his head to look at Tine.
He knew this project would be too much for one person.
Sarawat knows about Tine’s kindness– he knows it all too well. The boy has an unbelievably big heart of gold and he never hesitates to help out a friend, or even just a stranger, in need. He knows that even though Tine always complains about cleaning, he’d be the first of the two of them to pick up a rag and start scrubbing the table. He knows that Tine would always curse and groan that he hates his friends, but he’d always join them no matter what at that, ‘Gross But Cheap So We Have To Eat’ blog they run. He knows that Tine would grumble about Phukong’s presence but he always makes sure to treat him to lunch and listen to his rambles like an older brother would. He knows that even though Tine would always cheekily ask him to cook dinner, he’d always repeatedly ask if it’s okay and if it’s no bother at all. He’s frustratingly selfless down to his core and that’s what makes him sparkle so brightly, so lively and vibrant and pure.
And Sarawat loves that brightness; loves Tine’s limitless generosity towards other people even with nothing in return.
But he’s also wishing that Tine wasn’t so kind sometimes because he knows people abuse and take advantage of that– which seems to be what’s happening now with the project only Tine seems to be working on.
He looks at Tine in sadness, understanding why he couldn’t even go to bed to sleep because he’s been working on this by himself, and Sarawat knows this because he saw Tine typing away on his laptop when he woke up earlier in the morning. He probably still hasn’t moved since then and Sarawat curses himself for coming home so late because he could’ve made Tine sleep earlier. He looks back at the screen, hardening his gaze as he scrolls down the lengthy word document, pages and pages of his boyfriend’s research for a damn group. He grits his teeth, his eye twitching in anger when he reaches the last page– which is fifty one– and sees the names of the assholes in the group with his kind and beautiful Tine.
Fucking pricks.
After a brief minute of admiring his boyfriend’s eloquent writing of laws involving domestic violence, he saved the document before closing it. When he did, he was shocked once more when he saw the google page open; multiple tabs open. Too many that they were all so little and Sarawat couldn’t even see what each page was about. But he knows that each and every one is probably related to his project that he shouldn’t even be doing alone. Tine was probably planning to finish this all today with the amount of pages that were open, a flutter and a stab going through Sarawat’s chest at the realization.
He’ll make those idiots pay for making his boyfriend push himself to the limits.
After closing the whole page, he shuts down the laptop and smiles when he sees the picture of the two of them grinning wildly as Tine’s desktop wallpaper before it faded to black. He quickly changes into his pyjamas and brushes his teeth. When he finished, he walks out and slowly dips down on the bed, careful as to not disturb Tine. But Tine still managed to stir from his sleep, groaning slightly and lifting himself up from the pillow. Sarawat soothes him gently back down, patting his head which he knows that Tine likes, making Tine sigh and lean into his palm.
“W... Wat?” Tine says shakily, voice groggy and hoarse from sleep.
“I’m here.” Sarawat whispers, pressing another kiss on his forehead. “Are you okay?”
Tine sighs again, wrapping his arms around Sarawat’s middle, huddling himself against Sarawat’s chest. Sarawat tries not to coo at how cute he’s being even when he’s half-awake like this. They’ve been together for over a year and Sarawat will never get used to this version of Tine that’s cuddly and affectionate. “I missed you. You’ve been gone for too long.”
He chuckles lightly, knowing that Tine always complains about him coming home late and today is seemingly not an exception. He shifts closer to Tine, wrapping an arm around him and carding it through his soft and messy locks. “I’m sorry. But I’m also mad at you.”
“Whyy?” Tine whines, eyes still shut, mouth forming to a pout.
“You’re working yourself too hard, Tine.” Sarawat chastises softly, brows furrowed in worry. “When have you last eaten? Or even moved from your chair? Or even just went outside?”
“I need to finish this project, Wat.” Tine explains, voice woozy and obviously unsteady. He lets out a yawn, looking so adorable that Sarawat melts at the sight. “It’s due next week and there’s still–” another yawn. “– more points to write and finish. But I’m–” Tine rubs his eyes as another yawn escape his lips. “– sorry for making you mad.”
Sarawat softens. Even when he’s drowsy and half-asleep, Tine never forgets to be the nicest person ever and apologize even though he knows that Sarawat can’t stay mad at him for long, or at all. He’s mad at himself for saying he’s mad at Tine when he did nothing wrong but be his kind, compassionate self.
“I’m not mad.” Sarawat mutters, voice low and completely soft. “But you should really take care of yourself, Tine. I don’t like seeing you so exhausted all the time.”
“I promise I will.” Tine snuggled closer to him, making Sarawat’s heart ache from how undeniably soft and fond he is for him.
Sarawat clicks his tongue, shaking his head slightly and rubbing Tine’s head at the spot he knows that gives him relaxation. Tine keens at the action, a small smile adoring his face and knocking Sarawat’s breath away. It’s been so long since he’s seen his boyfriend smile– this project actually making him more distressed and sleep deprived since it started– and a swell of victory blooms in his chest from the achievement he just made, even though it is small. “That won’t do. Since we’re both free, let’s go out. There’s this festival thing that’s going to be held tomorrow, and it’s just nearby. It’ll be a good distraction, don’t you think?”
Tine whines again, a pout on his cute lips. “But my project–”
Sarawat leans down and kisses Tine, cutting him off. Tine wasn’t even surprised as he melts into the kiss, forgetting what he was probably gonna say. Sarawat raises his other hand to delicately place it on Tine’s cheek, kissing him languidly and softly, a light pressure so Tine wouldn’t be jostled too much.
He pulls away, looking at Tine in fondness and affection, pressing his forehead against his. “Tine. Please?” His tone was desperate, but it was also laced with concern and anxiety. “Just this once?”
A beat passed and Sarawat was about to ask again before Tine tightens his grip around him, cuddling closer to his chest. “... okay.”
Sarawat smiles, his cheeks warming at the thought of Tine trusting him enough to leave this project he wouldn’t stop working on for weeks. He presses a kiss on top of Tine’s head, vowing to himself that Tine will have the greatest and most happiest time of his life tomorrow.
“Waaat! I know I promised you and all, but can we please go back home?!” Tine pleads as Sarawat drags him through the crowd by his hand, looking at food stalls and wondering which would be good enough to eat. “Please? I really want to finish my project–”
“Tine.” Sarawat turns his head and narrows his eyes at him. He softens his gaze, however, when he sees the dark rings under Tine’s eyes, his expression guarded and his shoulders tense as he looks around and tries to make himself as small as possible so as to not bump into anyone. Sarawat can’t believe that even though Tine is clearly uncomfortable, he’s still worrying about others and how he’d inconvenience them with a simple shoulder bump. He squeezes Tine’s hand reassuringly, Tine’s eyes widening slightly at the action. “It’ll be fine, okay? I promise.”
Tine drops his shoulders, looking a lot more calm now, as a small smile– that still never fails to make Sarawat’s heart skip– graced his lips. “Okay, Wat. But this better be worth it!”
Sarawat chuckles and looks back ahead, scrutinizing the food stalls, Tine’s hand still clasped in his.
As Sarawat mentioned, there is a festival going on. It’s to celebrate the end of their exams and the start of fall. There were already food stalls and some merchandise stalls set up; teens and kids roaming around the place excitedly. The place had a very relaxing and chill vibe, just right for Tine to loosen up and be happy again.
They both walked around before buying some food and some keychains from stores. Tine laughed as Sarawat’s shake spilled on his pants after a biker passed him a bit too quickly. Sarawat cursed the guy and tried to wipe the stain off while Tine just wheezed and stood off to the side, an overjoyous grin on his face. Sarawat could only smile fondly at his boyfriend’s laughing figure, hand over his mouth, his wide grin still noticeable from the cracks of his fingers.
After that, they were both trying on some ridiculous headbands and hair clips a vendor was selling. Sarawat, though pouty, lets Tine put hilariously childish pins on his hair, obviously stifling a laugh by how humorous he probably looks. Sarawat looks at the mirror, unabashedly shocked at his hair’s appearance, and Tine finally bursted out in laughter at his expression. Sarawat started to pull out the pins one by one, wincing when he had to pull it out a bit more firmly. After Tine stopped laughing at him, he finally helped to take off the clips he put on him and Sarawat couldn’t even complain because his heart turned to mush when he saw the way Tine bit on his bottom lip, holding back a smile at Sarawat’s dismay.
They walked a bit more around before they stopped at a stall that sells flowers. Sarawat immediately buys a bouquet of roses and hands it to Tine, who turned as red as the flowers he was holding, mouth gaping at him in surprise, his eyes wide as he blinks repeatedly down on it. At that moment, Sarawat just wanted to squeeze Tine’s cheeks together because he’s so damn cute for his own good. Instead, he only smirks and presses a kiss on his nose, knowing he’d short-circuit at the display of affection. And he did– he squeaked and pushes the roses into Sarawat’s face, his face burning a bright red, Sarawat’s laughter filling the air as Tine told him to quit being an asshole.
Throughout the day, Sarawat watched as Tine’s quiet and depressed mood had lifted up and became happy and exuberant as Tine drags him to multiple stalls to ask Sarawat to buy something for him (which he gladly does to see more of Tine’s smile). The tension and stress in Tine’s expression eased away and was replaced with excitement and energy. Looking at Tine now, with his bright smile and crinkled eyes, it was like the past few days didn’t happen at all and Sarawat’s mission to make Tine the happiest he’s ever been seems to be going successful.
After a few more hours of goofing off and eating and taking pictures, the sun was already beginning to set in the distance. Sarawat, even though he’s blessed enough already, got to witness the twinkle of wonder in Tine’s eyes as the light of the sunset had transformed the place into a much more ethereal atmosphere.
“Wow.” Tine whispered, the colorful lights around them shining in his eyes; a beauty so enticing and enchanting that Sarawat almost wanted to grab the person walking pass him and force them to look at the elegant sight and make them say how beautiful it is. He wants to capture Tine this way and paint it on every wall, plaster it everywhere in his Instagram to let people know that the love he feels for Tine just can’t be bottled up.
He wants to scream how amazing Tine is and how Sarawat’s a lucky man for getting to have him.
“Beautiful, right?” Sarawat asked, standing beside him, not looking at the lights at all. But Tine was and he didn’t seem to notice that Sarawat’s gaze was on him.
He nodded enthusiastically, smile still so wide that Sarawat can’t help but stare at it, his own lips tugging at the corners just from seeing that smile adorning Tine’s features. “It really is! I love it so much!” Tine turns his gaze from the lights to look at him, making Sarawat feel as if he’s been punched in the gut from seeing the vividness on Tine’s face; the exhilaration, the intensity, the radiance.
Sarawat smiles, cheeks warm, eyes tenderly gazing at him. He raises his hand and placed it on top of Tine’s jaw, his thumb gently brushing over his cheek. Tine’s smile turned to a much more confused one, head titling against his palm. “Wat?”
“Can I kiss you, Tine?” Sarawat murmurs, trying his best to hold his gaze and not let it trail down on his lips that he badly wants on his. Tine opened his mouth to reply, but he was cut off by someone else’s voice that didn’t even try to mask it into a whisper.
“Ugh, can they please have a room?”
“Do they really have to do that here?”
“They’re such a typical couple. Their puppy love will eventually fade away.”
“Couples normally don’t last long and they’re not an exception.”
Tine’s expression became sad, one that Sarawat knows all too well that he’s being insecure again. It barely makes an appearance anymore, due to Sarawat always encouraging and assuring him of everything, but it’s clearly evident now because of the assholes around them who won’t mind their damn business.
There would be times where this happens; where people would talk about them being openly affectionate like it’s a bad thing. Sarawat always wants to sneer and scowl at them so they can give them the privacy they rightfully deserve, and maybe punch them too in the process. The few times these would happen was because of they’re in a different area, or when people are just really, really nosy shits.
“Hey.” Tine looks back at him, eyes still sad and Sarawat wants to wipe that away because sadness does not look good on him. His beautiful features should be happy and smiling, and Sarawat will damn sure keep it that way. “They’re just cynical, okay? It doesn’t matter what they say.”
Tine still didn’t look assured. Sarawat takes a rose from the bouquet Tine was holding and snapped the stem from where the thorns stopped and tucked it between Tine’s ear. Tine’s eyes widened, a blush dusting his cheeks at the action. Sarawat just grinned at him, committing this image of Tine looking the most beautifulest to memory. He will never forget about this. “There. Pretty.”
Tine bursted out laughing, making Sarawat grin wider as his boyfriend continued to laugh, finally ignoring the people around him. It was a laugh that Sarawat knew means that he’s comfortable around him and that he didn’t care that there were others watching or looking. Sarawat sighs contentedly, gaze softening at Tine’s joyful laughter, wanting nothing more than to capture and repeat this moment for as long as time would let him.
“You’re so cheesy, Wat.” Tine says after a few more moments of laughing. He started to smile again, that big and bright smile Sarawat was accomplishing to see on his face after seeing his frustrated expression yesterday while he was sleeping. “But yes.”
“Yes?” Sarawat asks, confused.
“Kiss me.” Tine’s smile became more shy, more bashful as he stepped closer to him. “To let them know that there’s nobody else for me.”
Sarawat feels his own cheeks reddening from that, but he smirks like he doesn’t even notice. “Oh really?” His voice dropped to a whisper, his eyes finally falling on Tine’s full and plump lips. “Well, there’s also nobody else for me but you.”
Blinded once again by the bright smile on Tine’s face, he closed his eyes and captures their lips together.
He means what he said about nobody else for him but Tine. The love he harbors for him is strong, too strong to let go easily. His feelings just grow and grow with every day that he gets to spend with Tine; being his boyfriend, his lover, and doing things that make them both happy. He’s madly in love with him, something that the people around them don’t and probably will never understand. He loves him, loves him to the point where it’s impossible for him to imagine being with someone else that isn’t Tine.
How could he want to be with anyone else when he already has Tine?
Tine pulls away and Sarawat whines as he chases after his lips. Tine chuckles and kisses him quickly. “Wait. Someone messaged me.” Tine took his phone from his pocket and unlocked it. His brows instantly knitted in confusion, a frown coming up his lips. “Huh?”
“What is it?” Sarawat asks, trying his best to be innocent when he knows fully well what Tine is going to say.
Tine looks back up at him, an apologetic expression on his face. “Uh, Wat? Do you know that project I’ve been working on for the past few weeks?”
“Yeah. What about it?” Sarawat was smirking internally now, cackling evilly in his head at what he knew Tine was going to say.
“It’s actually a group project.” Tine admits, sheepish as he scratches the back of his neck. “I’m sorry I never told you.”
Sarawat momentarily softens. Even if it’s not his fault at all, he still manages to make Sarawat’s heart squeeze from how he apologizes for the littlest of things. He’s so pure.
Sarawat leans into Tine’s forehead, gingerly pressing a warm kiss there. “It’s okay, tua woon wai.”
Tine smiles in gratefulness at the gesture, causing Sarawat’s heart to beat rapidly once more. “Well, my group members sent me documents of their research and I’m just a little confused because they’ve never done that before. They also apologized for some reason.”
They damn right should, Sarawat nodded in his mind as he kisses Tine again.
(He may or may not have called up Fong when Tine was sleeping to ask for the jackasses’ numbers and then threatened them over a call to do their goddamn work or Sarawat will tell their professor to make the project an individual one instead because they weren’t helping or participating. He may have used his seriously deadly voice which made the guys stutter out an agreement. And he may have also told them that if they weren’t going to email Tine their research and apology the next day, he’d make sure their reputations would be ruined.)
“Don’t mind them.” Sarawat whispers into Tine’s mouth. “Just kiss me again.”
Tine laughs happily before complying.
Someone else might’ve said that true love is dead, but that’s a lie because Sarawat will make sure Tine will be happy for his whole life so they’ll be together ‘till the end of time.