Archive of Our Own ^beta

Thame sat in his dressing room, holding the golden trophy in both hands. His fingers were still shaking. He had smiled so much his cheeks hurt. His face was still full of makeup, but there were tear marks on his cheeks now. Happy tears.

The Best Actor award. His first one.

The cheers were still ringing in his ears. The stage lights had been hot. The cameras were everywhere. Reporters wanted pictures. Fans were screaming his name. But now, in this small quiet room, Thame felt like the world had gone still.

He looked down at his phone. It kept lighting up. Messages. Missed calls. So many people, friends, co-actors, directors, even people he barely talked to were trying to reach him. But he didn’t answer. He didn’t want to. Not yet.

He scrolled through the long list of names until he found one.

“Jun.”

Just that name. No emoji. No nickname. Just “Jun.”

His manager. His best friend.

The only person he wanted to talk to right now.

His thumb hovered over the screen. Then he pressed “Call.”

Jun was running. Well, more like half-running, half-tripping over backstage wires and camera cables. The show wasn’t over yet, but most of the crew was already packing things up. He was trying to find Thame’s dressing room, but the place was a mess. He had been dealing with press, sponsors, and one very annoying assistant director who kept asking where Thame was.

He didn’t even notice his phone vibrating in his pocket until the third buzz. He pulled it out, and his breath caught in his throat.

Thame is calling.

Jun stopped moving. He just stood there, heart pounding, looking at the name on the screen. His hand shook a little. Then he pressed “Answer.”

“...Jun,” Thame’s voice came, soft and low. Quiet.

Jun swallowed. He couldn’t say anything at first. He could hear something in Thame’s voice. Like a smile. But also a little nervous.

“You’re not picking up anyone else’s calls,” Jun said finally. He meant it like a question, but it came out flat. There was a pause.

Then Thame said, “Because I only wanted to hear your voice first.”

Jun froze. His breath caught. He couldn’t speak. On the other side, Thame didn’t say anything else either. He just waited. Jun looked around the noisy backstage. People moving. Lights being taken down. Someone shouting orders. But to him, it all faded. The only sound that mattered was Thame’s quiet breathing through the phone. He didn’t know what to say. So he said nothing. He just... listened.

Fifteen minutes later, Jun finally found the dressing room. He knocked once. The door opened before he could knock again. And there he was Thame. Still in his award-show outfit, eyes slightly red, trophy in his hands. They stared at each other.

Jun looked down at the golden award. “So,” he said, trying to sound casual. “Best Actor.”

Thame gave a soft laugh. “Yeah.”

“You did good.”

“You helped.”

Jun waved it off. “I just booked you shows.”

Thame stepped aside. “Come in.”

Jun stepped into the room. It was small, a little messy. Half-empty water bottles, some makeup tools, and a jacket on the chair. He sat down while Thame closed the door. The silence felt heavy, but not in a bad way. Jun watched as Thame placed the trophy gently on the table, like it was something fragile. Thame didn’t sit. He stood near the mirror, looking at his reflection. Jun watched him quietly. Then Thame spoke.

“Do you remember? Four years ago?”

“Which part?”

“The audition I failed. The one with the drama about the broken family. I messed up so bad I forgot my lines.”

Jun smiled a little. “You were awful.”

Thame turned and looked at him, mock offended. “Hey.”

“You cried in the parking lot,” Jun added.

Thame laughed. “Yeah. And you bought me chicken rice to cheer me up.”

Jun leaned back. “Because you wouldn’t stop sulking.”

“You said, ‘You’ll win one of those trophies someday, just not yet.’”

Jun raised his eyebrows. “I said that?”

“Yep.”

“Wow. I was really full of shit back then.”

Thame grinned. “But you were right.”

Jun looked at the trophy again. It was real.

All those years of trying, failing, trying again.

All the nights spent learning lines, practicing, waiting for callbacks. 

All the times he wanted to quit.

And Jun had been there. Every single time.

Thame sat down across from him. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees.

“You know,” he said softly, “I really meant it. About the call.”

Jun blinked. “What do you mean?”

Thame looked at him. His eyes were steady now. Calm.

“I didn’t want to hear anyone else. Just you.”

Jun looked away. “You’re just tired.”

“No,” Thame said. “I’m not. I was thinking about it even before they called my name.”

“Thame…”

“When they said it,when I heard I won,I didn’t think of the fans, or the other actors, or even my family first.”

Jun swallowed.

“I thought of you.”

Jun didn’t speak.

Thame gave a small smile. “I wanted to see if you were smiling. If you were proud. I... I wanted to tell you first.”

Jun stood up suddenly. “We should go. The press is probably waiting outside.”

Thame stood too. “Jun..”

“We’ll talk later, okay?”

Thame didn’t move. “Do you ever think about it?”

Jun froze. “Think about what?”

“If we weren’t just an actor and manager.”

The words hung in the air. Jun turned slowly. He saw the way Thame’s fingers curled at his side. The way his voice had dropped. The fear in his eyes. Jun opened his mouth. But nothing came out.

Not “yes.” Not “no.” Not anything.

He looked at the door. Then back at Thame.

“I think,” he said slowly, “we should go.”

Thame didn’t stop him when he opened the door. He didn’t follow right away. Jun didn’t look back.

But even as he walked away, the sound of Thame’s voice saying “I only wanted to hear your voice first” echoed in his ears.

And it didn’t leave him.

Not that night.

Not even after the cameras were gone and the lights turned off.

Later, Jun sat alone in his apartment, still in his manager badge and black suit. The award show had ended hours ago. He had smiled, shaken hands, done everything he was supposed to. But his chest felt tight.

He picked up his phone.

No new messages.

No missed calls.

He stared at Thame’s name in his contacts.

He didn’t call.

He didn’t text.

He didn’t know what to say.

Because deep down, he did think about it.

All the time.

Two days passed. Jun didn’t see Thame. He tried to stay busy. There were emails, calls, meetings. He told himself it was normal—they both needed rest after the award night.

But even when Jun worked, his mind stayed on one thing:

Thame’s voice.

“If we weren’t just an actor and manager.”

“I only wanted to hear your voice first.”

Jun couldn’t stop thinking about it. He didn’t know what to do with those words. They were soft but heavy. So he stayed quiet. And Thame didn’t call again.

On the third day, Jun walked into the agency office and saw Thame in the waiting area. His heart skipped. Thame was wearing a cap and a mask, trying to stay hidden. But Jun would know him anywhere. His posture. His hands. His eyes. Thame stood up slowly. They looked at each other.

Jun’s voice came out small. “You didn’t tell me you were coming.”

“I didn’t plan it,” Thame said. “I just... wanted to see you.”

Jun looked around. “Let’s go inside.”

He led Thame into the small manager’s room and closed the door behind them. Silence.

Thame took off his cap and mask.

Jun crossed his arms. “You should’ve told me. If someone saw you, it could’ve become news.”

“I don’t care about that right now,” Thame said. “I came to talk.”

Jun didn’t answer.

Thame stepped closer. “I scared you, didn’t I?”

Jun blinked. “What?”

“Backstage. What I said. It scared you.”

Jun looked away.

“It’s okay if it did,” Thame said. “I didn’t say it to make you uncomfortable. I just... couldn’t keep it inside anymore.”

Jun ran a hand through his hair. “Thame, this isn’t easy.”

“I know.”

“You’re my client.”

“I know.”

“You’re famous now.”

“I know.”

“You have so much ahead of you. You can’t risk things like, like this.”

Thame didn’t speak for a moment.

Then he asked, softly, “Why does it have to be a risk?”

Jun looked at him.

Thame’s voice was low and calm. “Is it really so dangerous... to care about someone?”

Jun’s voice cracked. “It’s dangerous if you lose everything because of it.”

“I won’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I know I want you beside me.”

Jun shook his head. “This is hard enough already.”

Thame stepped even closer. Jun could see the tired look in his eyes. But also something real.

“I’m not asking for anything right now,” Thame said. “I just want you to know that I meant what I said. Every word.”

Jun looked down. “I don’t know what to do with that.”

“You don’t have to do anything. I’m still your actor. You’re still my manager. I’m not trying to break that.”

Jun looked up again. “Then why are you here?”

Thame gave a small smile. “Because I missed you.”

Jun blinked. His chest tightened.

“I missed hearing your voice. Seeing your face. Hearing you complain about paperwork. And I was afraid that maybe I messed everything up.”

Jun sighed. “You didn’t.”

“Good.” Thame stepped back finally. “Because I don’t want to lose you. In any way.”

Jun looked at him for a long time.

Then said, “Do you want chicken rice?”

Thame blinked. “What?”

Jun gave a tired smile. “There’s a stall down the road. We haven’t gone in a while.”

Thame’s face lit up.

He nodded. “Yeah. I want chicken rice.”

They sat at the same stall they always went to. Nothing fancy. Just a small cart with plastic stools.

Jun sat across from Thame, watching him eat. He looked the same, messy hair, tired eyes, same soft hoodie he always wore when he wasn’t filming. The only difference now was the golden award that existed somewhere far away in Thame’s house.

“You should be resting,” Jun said.

“I rest better when I eat here.”

Jun snorted. “Liar.”

“It’s true. The food tastes like four years ago.”

Jun looked at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It reminds me of who I was before all this.”

Jun went quiet.

Thame set down his spoon. “I haven’t changed, you know.”

“You have,” Jun said. “But not in a bad way.”

“I’m still me.”

Jun smiled softly. “Yeah. You are.”

They sat in silence for a while, the sound of cars and motorbikes passing nearby.

Then Thame asked, “Do you think we could ever be more?”

Jun didn’t answer right away. He stirred his soup slowly. Thame waited.

Then Jun spoke, voice low. “I think about it. I do.”

Thame looked at him, hopeful.

“But I’m scared,” Jun said. “If we take one wrong step, everything we built could fall apart. Your career. My job. Us.”

Thame nodded slowly.

Jun kept going. “And part of me wonders... Do you feel this way because I’ve always been here? Because I know you so well? Or do you really…”

“I really do,” Thame said firmly.

Jun looked up.

“I didn’t fall for you because you’re always here,” Thame said. “I fell for you because you see me. Because when I’m happy, you know why. When I’m upset, you know without me saying anything.”

He smiled a little. “And because you bring me chicken rice when I cry.”

Jun laughed quietly.

“I’m not asking for a perfect answer,” Thame said. “I just want to stay close. However I can.”

Jun looked at him for a long time. Then nodded. And that was enough.

The next few weeks passed quietly. Work picked up again. Thame had interviews, new projects, and even a magazine shoot. Jun handled his schedule like always professional, calm, organized. But something had changed between them. Small things.

Thame didn’t avoid him anymore. He texted more often. Left voice notes. Sent photos of his food with the message: “You’d hate this. Too much sauce.”

And Jun started replying more. He still didn’t know what this was between them. But he didn’t push it away.

Sometimes, late at night, Thame would call just to ask, “Did you eat?”

And Jun would say, “Yeah. You?”

And that was it. No big words. Just small comfort. It was enough for now.

One night, Jun found a gift box on his desk. He frowned. No name on it. He opened it. Inside was a framed photo. It was blurry, like it had been taken quickly. 

Thame was laughing, mouth open, eyes closed. Jun was standing beside him, holding a coffee cup, looking annoyed. It was from the set of Thame’s first drama. Behind the photo was a note:

This was the day you told me to stop smiling like an idiot. I didn’t listen then. I still won’t.Thank you for always standing next to me.Even before anyone knew my name.

From T.

Jun stared at it for a long time. Then smiled. And placed the photo on the corner of his desk.

A few more weeks passed. Things were changing, slowly but surely. Thame’s fame kept growing. He was getting more offers now TV shows, movies, interviews, even a brand deal with a skincare company. His face was on posters all over Bangkok. But even with all the noise around him, Thame stayed the same.

He still texted Jun every night.

He still brought chicken rice to the office sometimes.

And he still waited.

Waited for Jun’s heart to catch up.

Jun, on the other hand, was learning something new every day.

He was learning that it was okay to feel scared.

Okay to be unsure.

And okay to want someone quietly, slowly.

He didn’t say it out loud yet.

But Thame was becoming more than just his actor.

Much more.

One morning, Jun got a call from the director of a new movie. The project was big International. They wanted Thame for the lead role. It will shoot in Korea for three months. Big names were attached. Jun knew this was a dream offer.

He met Thame that evening in a quiet cafe. Jun slid the script across the table. Thame looked at it, then looked at Jun.

“What’s this?”

“A big chance,” Jun said. “Maybe the biggest yet.”

Thame picked it up and flipped through a few pages. His face was unreadable.

Then he asked, “Three months in Korea?”

Jun nodded.

“No break in between?”

“Nope. They want full-time shooting. Starting next month.”

Thame leaned back in his chair. Jun watched him closely.

Thame smiled. “You already said yes for me, didn’t you?”

“I told them we’d think about it,” Jun said.

“But you want me to take it.”

Jun didn’t answer right away. Then he said, “It’s your dream.”

Thame tapped his fingers on the table. “Would you come with me?”

Jun blinked. “To Korea?”

“Yeah. As my manager. Like always.”

Jun looked down. “I don’t know if I can. It’s a long time. I have other clients. Schedules.”

Thame was quiet.

Then he said, “I want to say yes. But only if you come too.”

Jun looked up. “Thame…”

“I know it’s a lot,” Thame said softly. “But it’s not just about work anymore. You matter to me. And if I’m going somewhere new, I want you there. Not just because you’re my manager... but because you’re my person.”

Jun’s heart skipped a beat. He looked out the window. He stayed quiet for a long time.

Then, in a soft voice, he said, “Let me think about it.”

Thame smiled. “That’s enough.”

That night, Jun couldn’t sleep. He sat on his couch, lights off, only the city lights shining through the window.

He thought about all the years they had spent together.

How Thame started as just another hopeful actor.

How Jun was just doing his job.

And how somehow, somewhere between missed auditions and chicken rice dinners, something deeper had grown.

And now Thame was asking him not just to manage his career, but to stay close, wherever he went.

Was Jun ready?

He didn’t know.

But he wanted to be.

Two days later, Jun walked into the agency office and found Thame sitting at his desk, waiting. Jun walked straight up to him and handed him a folder.

“What’s this?” Thame asked.

“Flight schedules,” Jun said. “Hotel info. Korea work visas. I called the Korean team and confirmed your contract.”

Thame blinked. “You...?”

“I’m going with you.”

Thame stared at him.

Jun gave a small smile. “Only because someone’s gotta keep you out of trouble.”

Thame laughed. Then he stood up, pulled him into a hug. A real one. Tight and warm. Jun didn’t pull away. He let himself stay there, for a little longer than usual.

The day of the flight came quickly. Thame wore a cap and mask, trying to stay low profile at the airport. Jun handled the check-in, made sure the bags were safe, and double-checked all the documents. They sat side by side at the gate. Thame kept glancing at Jun.

Jun noticed. “What?”

“Nothing,” Thame said. “Just checking.”

“For what?”

Thame smiled under his mask. “That you’re really here.”

Jun rolled his eyes. “You’re annoying.”

“Still your favorite, though.”

Jun didn’t answer. But he smiled.

Korea was cold. Much colder than Bangkok. Thame shivered when they stepped outside the airport. Jun handed him a thick scarf. They shared a cab to the hotel. Thame looked out the window, eyes wide. Jun watched him. 

This was Thame’s first time acting in a foreign country. New language. New crew. New set. Jun knew it wasn’t going to be easy. But Thame wasn’t scared. He was excited. And Jun felt proud. So proud.

Days passed. Filming began. The schedule was packed, early mornings, long nights, fast meals, language practice. Thame worked hard, always giving his best. The Korean crew liked him. The director praised him often. 

Jun stayed behind the scenes, watching everything, making sure things ran smoothly. He learned how to order food in Korean. Learned the subway system. Even learned how to shout “Cut!” in Korean when the translator was late.

Thame always said, “You’re becoming a local.”

Jun replied, “I have to. You’ll get lost without me.”

They laughed a lot. Shared late-night ramen. And sometimes, when the room was quiet, they sat close without saying anything. It felt natural. Like this was always supposed to happen.

One night, after a long shoot, Thame knocked on Jun’s hotel door.

Jun opened it, half-asleep.

“What?” he mumbled.

“I can’t sleep.”

Jun yawned. “You have shooting at 5 AM.”

“I know.”

Jun stepped aside. “Come in.”

Thame walked in, sat on the bed. Jun lay back down, pulling the blanket over his head.

“Do you think this is real?” Thame asked quietly.

Jun peeked out. “What?”

“This. Us. Everything. Sometimes it feels like a dream.”

Jun stared at the ceiling.

Then he said, “It’s real to me.”

Thame smiled.

Then, softly, he asked, “Can I hold your hand?”

Jun paused. Then slowly reached out from under the blanket. Thame’s fingers wrapped around his. Warm. Careful. They stayed like that until they both fell asleep.

The movie wrapped up after three months. The last day of filming was emotional. The crew clapped. The director gave a speech. Thame cried a little. Jun pretended not to see. That night, they walked along the river in Seoul. It was quiet. Just the two of them.

“You did great,” Jun said.

Thame looked at him. “Because you were here.”

Jun shook his head. “You’re the one who acted. Who learned Korean. Who worked hard.”

Thame smiled. “And you’re the one who stayed beside me through it all.”

Jun didn’t know what to say. Then Thame stopped walking.

“Can I say something?” he asked.

Jun nodded. Thame turned to face him fully.

“I think I’m in love with you.”

Jun’s eyes widened.

Thame went on, “I’ve felt this way for a long time. Maybe from the start. But I didn’t want to ruin anything. I still don’t. But I had to say it.”

Jun stood still. Then Jun took a step closer. And another.

Then, softly, he said, “I love you too.”

Thame blinked.

“I didn’t say it before because I was scared,” Jun said. “But now I’m more scared of not saying it.”

Thame reached out. This time, Jun didn’t just give his hand. He leaned in. And Thame kissed him. Soft. Gentle. Real. There were no fans. No cameras. No lights. Just two people who had waited long enough. And found each other in the end.

Months later, Thame’s movie came out. It was a huge hit, both in Thailand and Korea. He won another award. When they called his name, he walked up to the stage, smiling. He thanked the crew, the fans, and the director.

Then he looked straight into the camera and said,

“And thank you... to the person who always stands beside me. Who answers when I call.You were my first voice. You’re still the only one I want to hear.”

Backstage, Jun stood with crossed arms.

Another manager teased, “Wow. Wonder who that was for?”

Jun just sipped his drink. And smiled. A real one.

That night, after the afterparty, they went home together. It was past midnight. The car ride home was quiet. Thame sat in the back seat beside Jun. Their shoulders touched, but they didn’t speak. Not because they had nothing to say, but because the silence felt full. Comfortable. Warm. They were both tired. The award show, the lights, the people, the noise, it was over now. All that was left… was them.

When the car stopped outside Thame’s apartment, Jun reached for the door. But Thame gently touched his wrist.

“Stay,” he said softly.

Jun looked at him. Thame’s eyes weren’t asking. They were hoping. Jun’s heart beat faster.

He nodded once. “Okay.”

They went up to Thame’s apartment. It was dark and quiet inside. The city lights glowed through the window. Thame locked the door behind them. Jun walked in slowly. He took off his shoes and stood by the couch.

“Want water?” Thame asked.

Jun shook his head. “No. I’m fine.”

Thame stepped closer.

His voice was low. “You’re really here.”

Jun gave a small smile. “You said stay. So I stayed.”

Thame moved closer, step by step, until they were standing face to face. His hand reached out, fingers brushing Jun’s.

“Do you remember,” Thame said quietly, “the first time I ever hugged you?”

Jun nodded. “After your first drama. You were shaking.”

“You held me so tight I couldn’t breathe.”

“You were crying.”

“I didn’t want to let go.”

Jun’s voice was soft. “You don’t have to.”

Thame looked into his eyes. The space between them felt thin. Jun’s heart pounded louder. He didn’t step back. Didn’t look away. He just... waited. Thame reached up and touched his cheek. His thumb brushed under Jun’s eye. His hand was warm. Jun closed his eyes for a second. Then opened them.

And whispered, “Thame.”

Thame leaned in. Slow. Careful. Like he was asking. And Jun answered by closing the space between them. Their lips touched, gentle at first, like a question. Then again. And this time, it wasn’t soft. It was real. The kiss deepened, their mouths moving together, slowly but full of feeling. Thame’s hands slid up Jun’s arms, pulling him closer. Jun’s fingers curled into Thame’s shirt, holding tight.

It was warm. Too warm. Jun’s heart raced. Thame kissed him again, slower this time, lips brushing, then pressing, like he wanted to remember every second. Jun’s knees felt weak. He pulled back, just a little, breathing hard. Thame’s forehead rested against his.

“Okay?” he asked, voice low and careful.

Jun nodded, eyes half-closed. “Yeah.”

Thame kissed him again. Deeper. This time, their bodies pressed together fully. Jun gasped softly against his lips, and Thame took the sound. They moved to the couch, not breaking the kiss. Jun fell back onto the cushions, pulling Thame with him. Their lips met again, over and over, hungry now, like they were making up for every moment they’d waited.

Thame’s hands found Jun’s waist, holding tight, grounding him. Jun’s hands were in Thame’s hair, tugging gently, his breath uneven. Neither of them spoke. The kiss said everything.

Thame kissed him like he never wanted to stop.

Jun kissed back like he never wanted to be anywhere else.

Time felt slow and fast at the same time. They kissed until their lips were red and swollen, until their hands shook and their hearts beat wild. Then, slowly, Thame pulled away. He looked down at Jun, eyes shining. Jun stared up at him, chest rising and falling. They didn’t speak. They didn’t need to.

But then Jun whispered, voice soft and rough, “I’ve never kissed someone like that.”

Thame smiled.

Jun reached up and pulled him down again. They kissed once more , slow this time, deep. Like they had all the time in the world. Because now... they did.

A little while later, they lay on the couch, tangled together. Thame’s head rested on Jun’s chest. Jun’s fingers ran gently through Thame’s hair. The kiss still buzzed on both their lips. Jun was the one who spoke first.

“I think that was the best kiss of my life.”

Thame grinned against his shirt. “Then I guess you’d better get used to it.”

Jun laughed quietly.

Then said, more seriously, “I was afraid this would mess everything up.”

“It didn’t,” Thame whispered. “It made everything real.”

Jun looked at him. And knew, in his heart, it was true. He kissed Thame’s forehead softly. And held him tighter.

Because finally, after everything. 

They were no longer just a manager and actor.

No longer hiding.

No longer afraid.

They were two people, in love.

It was past 1 a.m. The city outside was quiet. Inside Thame’s apartment, the couch was a mess, blankets half-fallen, clothes wrinkled, cushions moved out of place. Thame and Jun were still lying close together. Their lips were pink. Their hearts were still beating fast. The air around them was warm. Their bodies were warm, too.

Thame shifted on top of Jun, arms on either side of him, eyes searching his face. Jun looked up, breathing a little hard.

“You okay?” Thame asked, voice deep and soft.

Jun gave a small nod. “Yeah.”

Thame leaned in and kissed him again, slow at first. Then deeper. Jun made a quiet sound in his throat. Thame kissed down his jaw. Then under his ear. Jun’s fingers tightened around his shoulders.

“Thame,” he breathed.

Thame didn’t stop. His mouth moved to Jun’s neck, leaving soft, wet kisses. Jun shivered. Thame pulled back just enough to look into his eyes.

“I want to be closer to you,” he said softly.

Jun’s breath caught.

Thame’s voice dropped lower. “Can I?”

Jun looked at him. There was no rush in Thame’s eyes. No pressure. Only want. And care.

Jun swallowed. Then whispered, “Yes.”

Their kisses grew deeper, hungrier. Thame’s hands moved slowly under Jun’s shirt, fingertips exploring warm skin and pulled off his shirt. Jun arched into the touch, his breath shaky.

“You’re beautiful,” Thame said, voice rough.

Jun laughed lightly. “You’ve seen me half-dead during work days. Don’t lie.”

“I’m not lying,” Thame said. “I’ve wanted this for so long.”

Jun’s chest ached at the honesty in his voice. He reached up and pulled Thame in again. Their lips met, fierce now, needing more. Jun tugged at Thame’s shirt. Thame helped him pull it off and tossed it somewhere across the room. Then Thame kissed down Jun’s chest, slow and open-mouthed. Jun let out a soft, broken sound. His hands slid into Thame’s hair, fingers curling.

Thame moved with care. Every touch was gentle but wanting. Jun was burning. In the best way. They moved to the bedroom, stumbling a little as they kissed, hands not leaving each other. Thame pushed Jun down onto the bed, hovering over him. Jun looked up, breathless. 

“You’re really here,” he whispered.

Jun reached up, fingers brushing Thame’s cheek. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

That was all Thame needed. Their lips met again, deeper than ever. Clothes fell to the floor, one by one. Skin met skin. Their bodies pressed close, no space left between them. Thame kissed every inch of Jun, slow, soft, almost worshipping. Jun gasped, eyes fluttering closed, lost in the feeling. When they finally became one, it wasn’t rushed. Thame moved slowly, careful, watching Jun’s face. Jun held onto him, breathing hard, legs wrapped around him.

“Okay?” Thame whispered.

Jun nodded, eyes shining. “Yes. Please.”

Thame kissed him deeply as their bodies moved together. Slow. Then faster. Then slow again. Jun’s voice broke, low and helpless. He had never felt anything like this.

It wasn’t just pleasure.

It was everything.

The years.

The tension.

The care.

The love.

After, they lay tangled under the blankets. Sweaty. Shaky. Silent. Jun’s face was buried in Thame’s neck. Thame held him tight, fingers stroking his back slowly. Neither of them spoke for a while.

Then Thame said, very softly, “That was... everything.”

Jun laughed breathlessly. “You talk a lot after sex.”

Thame grinned, sleepy. “Only with you.”

Jun pulled the blanket tighter around them.

Then whispered, “You make me feel safe.”

Thame kissed his temple.

“And you make me feel real.”

They fell asleep like that. Wrapped around each other.

Sunlight peeked through the curtains. It was warm, gentle. Thame blinked slowly as he opened his eyes. His body felt sore, but in a good way. He stretched just a little… and then smiled. Jun was still asleep beside him. Or half asleep, at least. Jun had his face buried in Thame’s chest. One leg was thrown over Thame’s waist. His arm was wrapped tight around him, holding him close like a big sleepy koala.

Thame didn’t move. He didn’t want to wake him. He just stared at the soft brown hair tickling his chin, the peaceful face resting on his skin, and the slow, steady breathing.

Jun looked… cute.

Really cute.

Thame’s heart was full. He gently ran his fingers through Jun’s hair.

Jun made a soft noise. A little “mmph.”

Thame smiled. “Good morning,” he whispered.

Jun didn’t answer. He only made another small sound and snuggled even closer. Thame chuckled quietly.

“I know you’re awake,” he teased.

Jun groaned. “No I’m not.”

“You’re talking.”

“No I’m not,” Jun mumbled into his chest.

Thame laughed.

Jun peeked up at him through one sleepy eye. “Why are you awake so early?”

Thame looked at the clock. “It’s 9:00 a.m.”

Jun groaned again. “Too early.”

Then he dropped his head back onto Thame’s chest with a soft thump.

Thame kissed the top of his head. “You’re clingy in the morning.”

“I’m always clingy,” Jun said. “You just don’t notice because I hide it.”

“Are you hiding it now?”

“Nope.”

Thame grinned. “I like it.”

Jun lifted his head and looked up at him, eyes sleepy and soft. “Really?”

Thame brushed hair out of his face. “Really.”

Jun stared at him for a second longer.

Then he crawled up and kissed Thame’s cheek. “You’re warm.”

“I’m always warm.”

“You’re soft.”

“Only for you.”

Jun smiled, then suddenly kissed Thame’s lips. It was short and sleepy.

Thame blinked. “What was that for?”

Jun shrugged. “Felt like it.”

Then he kissed him again. And again. Small, soft kisses, over and over. Thame’s heart melted.

“Are you trying to kill me?” he asked, breathless.

Jun giggled. “Maybe.”

He kissed Thame’s nose. Then leaned his head on Thame’s shoulder. And stayed there.

They didn’t get out of bed for a long time. Jun refused.

“Let’s just stay here forever,” he said, burying himself under the blanket.

“We have to eat,” Thame said, laughing.

“I’ll eat the blanket.”

“You’ll get sick.”

“Then take care of me.”

Thame rolled over and pinned him to the bed. “You’re spoiled.”

Jun smirked. “You made me this way.”

“I regret nothing.”

Jun grinned and wrapped his arms around Thame’s neck. “Good. Because I’m never letting go.”

Thame leaned down and kissed him again. And again. Jun kissed back like he had all the time in the world. Like he was exactly where he belonged.

Later, Thame finally convinced Jun to get out of bed. He put on one of Thame’s oversized shirts and padded barefoot into the kitchen. Thame followed behind him, smiling the whole time.

“You look like a walking pillow,” Thame said.

Jun sniffed. “I feel like one.”

Thame hugged him from behind and rested his chin on Jun’s shoulder. “You smell like me.”

Jun blushed.

Thame kissed his cheek. “You’re cute.”

“Stop,” Jun said, hiding his face.

“Never.”

They made breakfast together. Jun was still sleepy and kept yawning. Thame cooked while Jun stood next to him, hugging him from behind the whole time like a backpack.

“Are you gonna let me move?” Thame asked, laughing.

“No,” Jun mumbled against his back.

“I need to flip the eggs.”

“You can do it with one hand.”

“You’re impossible.”

“I’m yours.”

Thame’s heart almost exploded.

He turned around and kissed the top of Jun’s head. “Yeah. You are.”

They sat on the floor together, eating breakfast from one plate. Jun leaned on Thame’s shoulder, stealing bites. Thame let him.

“You know,” Jun said, “I used to imagine this.”

“Breakfast on the floor?”

“No,” Jun said, blushing. “Waking up next to you. Being able to touch you like this. Kiss you. Hold you.”

Thame turned to him.

Jun looked away shyly. “I just never thought it would happen.”

Thame cupped his cheek gently. “It happened.”

Jun nodded. Thame leaned in and kissed him,soft and full of meaning. Jun kissed back, lips slow and warm.

After breakfast, they went back to bed. Just to cuddle. Jun lay on top of Thame, cheek pressed to his chest, arms tucked under his back.

“Comfy?” Thame asked.

Jun nodded. “Mhm.”

“Happy?”

Jun looked up and kissed him again.

Then whispered, “So happy.”

They stayed like that for hours. Holding each other.

At one point, Thame asked, “Are you gonna be like this every morning?”

Jun nodded. “I’m a koala now.”

Thame laughed. And kissed his sleepy, clingy koala right on the nose.

They didn’t leave the apartment that day. Or the next.

And Jun didn’t mind.

Because after all this time, he finally had everything he wanted.

A warm bed.

A full heart.

And Thame, soft, sleepy, and his.