Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

They had been together in the condo when it came up. It was just a bit of a joke or an off-handed comment on Intouch’s part. They were eating dinner together after a long day of school, In trying to hide away a bit longer before going home, thankful both their fathers were out of town on business again. He was feeding Korn a bite when it just slipped out. “We should run away together.”

Korn almost choked what he was chewing, looking at his boyfriend and trying to gauge if the other was serious or not. Because, yes, he had thought about running away before. After the threats his father had made against In, and seeing the bruises the smaller boy tried so hard to hide from him, he’d thought about it. But to actually hear Intouch say something like that surprised him completely.

“I mean ... we could,” he said after a moment. “ I could find us somewhere safe, a place to live. It’d be easy to sell here and get us somewhere else.” Korn was already planning things in his mind. They could tell stories to throw people off of where they were going. He thought of things he could set up for them to be comfortable. He had money hidden that they could use.

In chuckled softly across from him. “It would be a lot of work, but we could be happy finally…..we could be free. Not worry as much about people who know our families seeing us together.” It might have started as something to just say to see how Korn would react, but now, In was really considering it.

He would miss his family, not his father and friends at school, but Korn was his soulmate. They promised to be together no matter what. To always find each other in any life they were in. Running away may be a good idea for them. The freedom the pair truly deserved in life. Both were quiet for a while while they finished dinner together. In only spoke up once the food was gone.

“Let’s do it.”

Korn only needed to hear those three words because the cheerful, smiling boy across the table from him had his whole heart no matter what. He would give the world up for him, do anything to make In happy, and fight the world to protect him. So if In wanted to run away together to start a new life, they would do that.

“Okay, sweet boy. We will start a new life together.” Korn smiled, leaning across the table to softly kiss In’s lips.

Over the next few weeks, they planned whenever they could together. Whether at school, in the condo, or in the house when In’s father was gone. Korn did most of the work, lucky enough to sell their condo and find them a place where they would be going. Working out the details and small things they needed to do was easy. In slowly sneaked stuff out of his room in his school bag to pack when they ran away. He always had to be careful because his father watched him so closely. Korn had more freedom but still had to be just as careful.

They decided not to tell anyone what they were doing. No matter how much Korn loved his brothers, he didn’t want to risk them knowing and being hurt. And In knew if he told his sister, she would try a million different ways to talk him out of it, even though An wanted nothing more than for In to truly be happy.

Things finally seemed to come together for them both. They picked a day, planned the last few details, and then it was time to wait. Korn was a bit scared that In might back out because he had been sad about leaving his sister and niece, but the younger kept telling him it would be okay. That he would be at their meeting place no matter what.

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It was Intouch's 19th birthday, the day he was leaving his family forever. He had told his parents his university friends were taking him south to the beaches for a weekend trip for his birthday. It was a holiday weekend anyway, so they wouldn’t think much of it. But he could see that An didn’t believe the story.

He could feel her watching him as he packed a few last things in his backpack. “It’s only 2 days, An. I’ll be back on Monday.” He smiled, turning to look at her, his typical shine there. But she still stood, arms crossed, with a knowing look.

She finally sighed, walking over to her brother and pulling him into a tight hug. “Just…please be careful, Intouch. I love you so much and want nothing more in this world than for you to be happy, too, and Alin. Please always remember that. And one day, call me when you can or think it’s safe again. Please don’t forget about us.” She whispered the last part. Her way of letting In know, she knew. An knew her baby brother wasn’t coming home in two days, but she wouldn’t stop him.

In frowned as they hugged, wishing he could tell An everything so she wouldn’t worry. But he knew it was better this way. “I’ll be safe, An, I promise. I’ll call one day,” he said, slowly pulling away. He grabbed his backpack, letting his sister walk him outside to the front gate. He said bye to Alin, promising her he’d bring something back from the beach, struggling to hold back his tears the whole time. Finally, he walked out of the gate of his home for the last time, waving goodbye to his family.

Korn waited at the bus station for In. The older one could already see that his boyfriend was struggling with what they were doing. Korn knew it wasn’t an easy choice. He also had a tough time saying goodbye to his brothers that evening, neither of them knowing what he was doing. Both thought he would stay with a friend for a few days.

“It’ll be okay, In. It’s better this way. We will be safe and happier,” Korn whispered, hugging Intouch for just a second as they waited for their bus, still having to be careful while in Bangkok.

In nodded, wiping away the few tears that escaped. “I know, it’s just hard. I love An and Alin so much. I wish I could tell them or let them know when we get there that I’m okay.”

“One day, sweet boy. One day, you will be able to. But you know we have to stay hidden, for now, lay low,” Korn answered, frowning. He knew that he would start looking for them once his father noticed that Korn had run away and that Intouch was also gone. That’s when the real danger would start. They had to wait for that to pass, to blow over. As well as whatever backlash would come with In’s father finding out his son had also run away. They had to stay hidden to protect themselves and their families so no one could be used against them.

“I know P’Korn. One day, I’ll see them again. One day, things will be better for us. I just hope we are making the right choice.” In looked up to his boyfriend, nodding.

“We are, I promise. I would never stir you wrong or put you in harm's way In,” he said as their bus number was finally called for boarding. Korn kept In in front of him the whole time, pulling the hood up of the younger’s jacket to keep him a bit more hidden. He led them to seats in the back of the bus, letting In have the window seat. That way, he could protect Intouch if anything happened or someone came for them.

Both were nervous as they waited for the rest of the bus to load, In’s hand reaching over and gripping Korn’s knee tightly. His heart seemed to beat out of his chest. It felt like forever before the hatches closed, the driver got on, and the doors finally closed. The bus slowly pulled away from the station and headed to the highway, north out of the city, the opposite direction both boys told their families they would be that weekend.

“It’s okay, you can relax now, In…. try to rest,” Korn whispered, lacing their fingers together and guiding In to rest against his shoulder. It was so easy for him to tell how tense the younger was, how scared he still seemed to be. “Rest, and we will be at our new home by morning.”

In nodded, eyes closing, trying to relax his body. He slowly drifted to sleep, knowing that Korn was next to him, there to protect him if anything happened. When he woke up again, their new life together would be starting.

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Even though it was smaller, Chiang Mai seemed just as busy and fast-paced as Bangkok. But Korn had chosen it because it was still big enough for them to get lost in, even as new faces. When their bus arrived that morning, he helped In off, collected their bags, and shuffled him out of the station. From there, finding a car to take the pair to their new apartment was easy.

Korn had chosen to live in a less popular area, mostly away from the city center and most tourist areas. It was somewhere they could blend in, find jobs, and just live their lives.

The apartment was as big as their old place, one room with a small kitchen area and bathroom. In said it was all he needed. He didn’t care about fancy as long as he was with Korn.

The little old lady renting it to them was sweet as she explained how the building worked, when rent was due, and where things were in the neighborhood. She told them if they ever needed anything, she lived on the first floor and don’t hesitate to come knocking.

“You remind me so much of my grandson and seem just as sweet.” She smiled, patting In gently on the cheek. “And it’s so nice you have someone to care for you.” She looked at Korn, a knowing look in her eyes. But it wasn’t bad; it was approving.

In smiled softly at her. “Thank you, grandma. I promise if we need anything, we will come to you immediately. You’ve already done so much for us,” he answered respectfully, a slight blush across his face from her comments.

“Of course, of course. I’ll let you boys get settled,” she replied, giving the apartment keys to In before leaving.

It was the first time they truly relaxed since leaving their homes the night before. In went to the bed against the wall, fell onto it, and took a deep breath. He laid a hand across his chest to ground himself. “We did it……we got away, we made it.” He smiled, laughing softly to himself.

“We did.” The bed dipped next to him as Korn sat down, a hand slowly running through In’s hair. The older one watched his boyfriend. Something already seemed to change in his face. In had always been carefree, happy, and glowing. But now there was something else he couldn’t put his finger on just yet.

The new city and new life gave them so much freedom. They still got looks and were judged in public if they kissed or held hands, but there were so many things neither of them had to worry about anymore. The longer they stayed in the new apartment, enjoying the quiet together, the more it settled on them.

Korn leaned down after a moment, brushing his lips against In’s, knowing they were free to do it now and not have to worry about being caught. “I love you, In, so much. You are my soulmate, my heart, my other half. I would do anything for you, give you anything in this world.”

In chuckled softly, opening his eyes to look at Korn. “I love you to P’Korn. From the first day I saw you, I always knew that it was meant to be, and I wasn’t going to give up till you were mine. And I was right. I’m the happiest person in the world, with the best boyfriend anyone could ever ask for. I found my soulmate when so many aren’t lucky enough, too, and I get to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“My silly boy.” Korn shook his head, pulling In against him, holding him tight as they lay together, In resting his head on the other’s chest, still smiling. Even with the small part of his mind nagging and telling him to call his sister or to let his family know what he did, In was happy. He pushed those thoughts away. Right now, he was just going to let himself enjoy the moment. Be free with Korn and live the life they both deserve.

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Over the next few months, it was easy for them to settle into life in Chiang Mai. Korn had money saved before they ran away, along with some he had stolen from his father before they had left. With the small amount In had from the weekly allowance he had been given, it was enough to get by for a bit.

Korn found a job for a lawyer in the area, being a clerk just making copies and running papers. He almost laughed at the irony of it several times during the first week of working there. Going from being a mafia boss’s son to working for a lawyer. But it was good money and would help him provide for In.

Even though Korn didn’t want In working right away, he couldn’t stop the younger. He didn’t want In to feel like he was being controlled. The ladies at the corner store loved In so much anyway. Korn couldn’t say no when they offered In a cashier job. Korn knew Intouch would be safe there, and it was also close to home.

Everyone in the small neighborhood accepted them not long after they moved in. The old ladies always commented on how cute Intouch was or how nice it would be to be young and in love again. Both had been scared at first of what people’s reactions would be if they showed their relationship, but they learned quickly they didn’t have to hide. It was okay for them to hold hands in public, sit close together, or even steal a kiss occasionally.

Chapter Text

About six months after they had run away, the couple lay together in bed for the night when In spoke up. He was curled against Korn's chest, and the older one almost didn’t hear him.

“I want to call An,” In whispered.

Korn was silent for a long time, rolling the words over in his mind. He knew by now that no one was probably looking for them anymore. He knew they were safe there and had built almost a new family to protect them, but he also couldn’t blame In. He knew his boyfriend missed his sister as much as his brothers. But deep down, there was still that small worry about his father.

“Okay…we just have to be careful still, sweet boy. We will use the phone at the store,” he answered finally. He felt In smiling, knowing how much those few words brought joy to him.

The following day, they went together to the corner store In worked at. The aunties all fussed over him while he asked if he could use the phone in the office. In said it was a special call, and they let him back right away. Korn sat next to his boyfriend, waiting while he dialed. He had to reach out to take Intouch’s free hand when he saw the other was shaking some.

In sighed, waiting for a moment, knowing it was early and someone might not answer. He was fixing to hang up before finally hearing a small hello. In smiled, knowing it was his niece.

“Hey Alin, It's Uncle In ... Is mommy around?” he asked softly.

“Uncle In!! Is that really you?” she squealed over the phone, and In could already hear footsteps in the background. His heart pounded, hoping that it wasn’t his father.

“In? In?” It was An. Hearing her made him relax a bit, squeezing Korn’s hand.

“Hey An, it’s me,” he answered, biting his lip and trying not to tear up, already hearing his family's voices.

He could tell that his sister was crying already. “Oh, Intouch, where are you? Are you safe? You’re okay, right?”

“I’m safe and happy. I’m okay, An, just miss y’all so much. It’s been so long.”

“A-are you coming home?” she asked. In able to hear Alin whining in the back, wanting to speak to him again.

“No, An, it isn’t safe for us in Bangkok. And we have a life here now. We are safe and can be us. No one threatens me or anything,” In answered, wiping at his eyes before leaning against Korn. “But how are you and Alin and mom and dad?”

It was quiet for a minute before he heard his sister sigh. “Me and Alin are doing well. She was upset for a long time after you left but eventually understood that you were just on a trip. Mom is doing…okay. She understood why you did it……but In, Dad passed away. When he came home and you were gone, it killed him. He spent weeks looking and searching everywhere he could for you. Even getting Korn’s father involved. They just wanted you to come home. After two months, though…..his heart just gave out. He realized he drove away his son by being cruel and unaccepting.”

Intouch had a hand over his mouth as he listened, a sob escaping his mouth, the tears flowing down his face. His father had just wanted him to come home and had died of a broken heart because he had left.

“Korn’s dad is still looking in a way. It's mostly just a message that y’all can come home. He won’t do anything. He also saw his mistakes and knows now he can’t control who his sons love. He just wants Korn and you to come home,” she continued as he just listened. He was shaking so much that In didn’t even notice Korn taking the phone from him.

Everything being said after that faded into the background. It was static in his ears. He could see his boyfriend talking and nodding along to what his sister was saying but didn’t hear any of it. Korn was always able to handle situations like this better than him.

Finally, he hung up the phone and pulled In into his lap. They sat like that for a while, just hugging the other and Korn rubbing his back.

“It’s going to be okay, Intouch. It’ll be okay, my sweet boy,” Korn whispered softly, kissing the top of his head. “We’ll go to Bangkok for a few days, okay? So you can see your family and pay respects to your father. How does that sound? Then we will come back home.”

In nodded slowly, knowing if Korn said it was okay to go home for a few days, it was safe. Korn trusted that his father wouldn’t do anything to hurt Intouch.

He barely remembered the rest of the day. Korn got him home and into bed to rest while making plans for them to return to Bangkok. Getting tickets for them to leave in a few days and return soon after that. As much as they both missed their families and wanted to see them, they did have lives and jobs now in their new home.

When Korn finally joined him in bed that night, In curled around him, clinging tightly to the other. “D-did I kill my father?”

“No In, no baby. We did what was right for us. Something that had to be done. You didn’t kill him. He couldn’t live with the fact that he rejected his only son for he was,” Korn said, petting the smaller boy's hair. In played with his family ring, something that he had never taken off, and the one part of home he always wanted to keep with him.

“I wish I had gotten a chance to say goodbye,” In said, trying not to start crying again.

“You will soon, In. In just a few days, you will get to say goodbye and make peace.”

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They left early that following Friday to get into Bangkok by evening. An was already waiting to pick the pair up from the bus station. The moment the siblings saw each other, they were in each other's arms. In hugged his sister tightly and cried against her shoulder. “It’s okay In, everything is okay now,” she whispered, rocking him slightly before leading them both to the car. Alin and his mom were there waiting for them as well. In hugged them both. Alin clung to him and asked a million questions already. In just smiled through his tears as he answered everything he could for her.

Their first stop was at the temple so Intouch could make merit and pay respect to his father. It was hard knowing he had gone so long without knowing he had passed, and this was the first time he was visiting. Korn went with him to make merit, something they had done together many times in Chiang Mai, which had become special to them.

When it was time to visit his father's tombstone, An went with In. The siblings stayed close as they stood in front of the wall. His heart felt like it was breaking, seeing his father’s picture there, knowing he died without knowing if In was alive or okay made his heart hurt.

“I’m sorry, father. I’m sorry, I just left without telling anyone where I was going. I’m sorry I lied and ran away. I thought it was the only choice I had. I wanted to be happy and accepted. I love P’Korn so much. He is my heart and my soul. I truly don’t know what I would do without him. I hate that I learned after you passed that you finally accepted us. I know you would like P’Korn. He takes care of me, treats me well, and does everything a loving partner should. I hope you are resting peacefully, though. I hope you know now that I am okay. I’m happy and safe. I promise I’ll visit more. I’ll come to see mom, An, and Alin more. I love you, father,” In said. The whole time his hand was on the tombstone and tears dripped down his face.

He stood there for a few more minutes before being guided away by An. His sister hugged him tight. “It’s okay, In,” An whispered. “Dad loved you till his last breath.” For once, Intouch believed her too.

By the time they got home, everyone seemed exhausted, physically and emotionally. Korn wanted nothing more than to get In food and upstairs to rest. He could see how much the day had already taken a toll on his boyfriend.

But nothing really seemed to want to work perfectly for them.

Around the time they were sitting down to eat, the buzzer for the gate went off. An looked up at her mother, then at the boys. Almost like she already knew who it might be.

“I’m sorry, Korn. I told him to wait till tomorrow to come by. To let you settle in and decide if you want to talk to him at all,” An said. Korn knew who was outside. He had hoped that it might be possible to get through the visit without seeing his father, but now it seemed like he wouldn’t have that choice.

He shook his head, standing up. “It’s okay, An, you didn’t know. I will go speak to him. Just…just keep In inside,” he answered, leaning down to kiss the smaller boy, whispering, “I’ll be back soon, so just stay here.”

Korn went outside, opening the gate enough to step out and speak to his father on the other side. The man he saw was not the same one he left six months ago. His father looked like he had aged years from worry and more. His eyes shone with something when he saw Korn.

“So they weren’t lying. You really are alive,” he said after a moment of looking at his son.

Korn nodded, sighing. “Yes, father, I’m alive. Is there a reason you are here?” He knew he was being a bit cruel, but he also knew his father was a cruel man. This was the same person who had told him he would put a bullet through In’s skull just to make sure Korn would never see him again.

“I wanted to see for myself that you were alive and well. And…. to tell you how sorry I am, Korn. I should have never said any of those things to you or about Intouch. I guess I didn’t understand what someone would do to be with who they loved until you left. Finding you gone was heartbreaking and your brothers having no idea either was just as bad. I searched with In’s family for months, even after his father passed. We never stopped looking, but we just started hoping y’all would come home when you were ready,” he answered.

Korn listened, unsure if he should believe his father at first, but he remembered what An had told him on the phone. He could also see the truth in his father's eyes. All the regret he had for the things he had done and said. Korn’s shoulders sagged some with relief.

“I’m glad you can finally accept that I love In and that he will always be part of my life. No matter what, he will be with me. But we aren’t coming back. We have a new life and a new home. In is considering starting school again soon, and I have a good job. Maybe one day, when I feel like I can fully trust you,we will move back, but for now, we will say where we are.” Korn told his father. “For now, we will make visits when we can. We will call. We are in the city for a few more days so I can see Krit and Kann, and In can be with his family. That’s all I can promise you right now.”

His father nodded, seeming to accept that. To Korn, it was clear he knew how much he had really messed up and pushed his son away and was now willing to respect the boundaries Korn set

“I can accept that. I hope I can see you, and we can talk more when you come to see the boys.”

“Yes sir, I’ll see you then, but it’s been a long day. I’m going inside to eat dinner and get my boyfriend to bed,” Korn said to his father before heading inside. Though he knew it wouldn’t end the conversation between them, it was a good start.

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Later that night as they lay in bed together, Korn held In against him, the younger resting in his usual spot, both thinking about the day they had. They had hard things they had to face but came out on the better side of them.

“It’s all going to be okay now, isn’t it?” In asked softly, tilting his head up so he could look at Korn. “We don’t have to worry anymore and can just be ourselves?”

Korn hummed, his hand stroking the other’s back. “Yeah, sweet boy, everything is okay. We get to love each other and be free.”

In smiled, snuggling back down. “I love you too, P'Korn. Thank you for promising to always be by my side, no matter what.”

“Of course, In, I would give you the world if you asked for it.”

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They would spend the next few days in Bangkok with their families, telling them about their new life. In saw his university friends again and caught up with them. It was nice knowing that they would be going back to Chiang Mai, to their home. Somewhere they had made their own safe haven. Even though it was safe with their families now, it wasn’t the same. Their tiny apartment, the aunties of the neighborhood, and everything else around them were parts of their lives and home now. Neither wanted to give it up for anything in the world. The most important thing about it was that they had each other there. They could be their true selves and love freely like it was always meant to be for the soulmates.