The summer night was unforgiving. The sweat streamed down Kin's face, drenching his sheets. The air conditioner in his room had failed him, leaving him in the humid embrace of the night. The whirring fans did little to alleviate the heat that clung to his skin like a second layer. Sleep was a distant luxury, elusive in the sweltering heat of the night.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1HY374Zkf
The next morning, the technician arrived, his tool bag in tow.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv92CzUdwda
"It seems like there's an issue with the electrical system and some parts have been damaged due to a shortage," he informed Kin, his gaze inspecting the dysfunctional air conditioner.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UFZRwEo7v
"And what do we do now?" Kin asked, beads of sweat trickling down his temples.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f39b6FgKF
"We'll have to replace the damaged parts. However, due to a recent increase in similar cases, there might be a wait of about two weeks."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCwcAzW7Fg
"Two weeks?”
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizCYPHphoq
Kin echoed, trying to suppress his shock. The thought of enduring the unbearable heat for two weeks was daunting.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuWTpOJHHZ
"I'm afraid so. There's a shortage of parts due to the high demand. We apologize for the inconvenience," the technician offered.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2HLhUKju2
"Alright. Thank you," Kin nodded, acknowledging the situation.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m9XRkPC9t
Later, Kin shared his predicament with Jirat, his white uniform clinging to his damp skin. "How am I supposed to survive this heat without AC?" he groaned, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdSuXgXupk
"Well, you can always use a fan," Jirat suggested, observing his friend's discomfort. "You've always been sensitive to the heat."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzWRr2ve4L
"Yeah, I know, but fans only circulate hot air during this kind of weather," Kin replied, grimacing at the thought. "How do you manage to live without AC?"
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXYDTl37nz
Jirat chuckled, "I'm a southern boy. I'm used to the heat, the wind, the humidity. Sure, it can get uncomfortable at times, but this is Thailand."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6URHBcF34o
Kin nodded, acknowledging the truth in Jirat's words. "I suppose I'll have to get used to it too."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPz82hvvRi
"Have you considered staying with one of your juniors for a while?" Jirat asked, a hint of teasing in his tone.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSeMnYA5ig
Kin contemplated the suggestion, "I've thought about it, but I don't want to impose on anyone. Maybe I'll just bear with it for now."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVhYT4J42F
He wiped the sweat from his brow, a picture of fortitude in the face of discomfort. Jirat looked on, his eyes filled with compassionate understanding.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKF6WZYg35
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgMA304hRx
………………………………………..
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcpbjEUDud
As Kin and Jirat carried on with their conversation, strolling along, a familiar silhouette caught their attention. It was Than, his lively spirit palpable and shimmering around him as he made his way toward them.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iB1Tgnni2
"P'Kin, P'Jirat, how's it going?" he greeted, his voice warm and friendly.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPap62rZHd
"Doing great, Nong-Than,” Jirat responded with a smile, before shooting a knowing glance at Kin.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZlhnepNCC
"But this guy here...he's got a bit of a problem."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYPt6xzlyH
Than followed Jirat's gaze, noticing Kin's white uniform drenched in sweat. The fabric clung to his body, revealing the contours of his muscular figure underneath.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CZIHihMlA
"P'Kin, you're sweating a lot. You seem uncomfortable," Than commented, his voice filled with concern.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZAFzeFFXW
"Yeah... I've always been extremely sensitive to heat," Kin confessed, his forehead glistening with sweat, his discomfort evident.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWXEKqsG58
"Hey, do you know what happened to P'Kin, Nong-Than?” Jirat teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief, yet showing a tinge of compassion. "His AC at his condo broke down.”
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJMXW9sMU4
Kin nodded in confirmation, fanning his shirt in an attempt to relieve himself from the heat.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2naRePTFL
"It's going to be tough for you, P'Kin," Than commented sympathetically.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsavg5JOSQ
"Yeah, it is," Kin confirmed with a strained smile. "And the worst part is, I have to wait in this cruel heat without AC for two weeks!" His frustration was palpable as he recalled the unfortunate circumstance.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeeA4r3SVN
"Two weeks?" Than echoed in surprise, his eyes widening at the news. Jirat nodded at him in affirmation, his concern for his friend evident.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJlIvvelir
"But it's okay. Sometimes life is tough," Kin said half-jokingly, trying to play off his predicament lightly.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMCFUJL9MT
Than fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. After a beat, he finally spoke,
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvp9lZj5Ob
"How about you live with me during this period?”
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m58onMUcu
"Live with you?" Kin echoed, his brows shot up in surprise. The idea catching him off-guard. He hesitated, not wanting to impose, but Than was quick to reassure him.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvzHYXnDKa
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWkP8BJbE6
"It's totally fine, P'Kin. I live alone in a house that my family bought for me to use during my campus life so I don't have to travel across the city. It has three bedrooms, and I only occupy one."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVswrtnzlaX
"But..." Kin trailed off, still hesitant.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtsCtsMeGw
"Come on, P'Kin, don't think too much about it," Than encouraged him, "I'm happy to help, and it's no trouble at all.”
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgotv2Mmmrd
Kin exchanged a glance with Jirat, who nodded encouragingly.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulDTLhN3TH
"Alright, Nong-Than. Thank you very much. You're very generous," he finally agreed, to which Than shook his head dismissively, brushing off the compliment.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLix19DK5ZU
"It's located four Skytrain stations away from the campus," Than informed him, concern lacing his voice. "But from there, it's another 10 minutes' drive. It might be a bit inconvenient for you...Or maybe we can look at our schedules, and I can drive you sometimes.”
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVFb7R0feU
Kin quickly dismissed Than's concerns. "Don't worry, Nong-Than, you've been too kind already. I can manage to call a motorcycle taxi or a Grab-taxi." His gratitude was evident in his voice.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EfWSv0BWP
"Alright then," Than said, sounding relieved. His eyes lit up with excitement as he added, "You can move in today if you want."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlrccjicm6
………………………………………..
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36ez2IBMUY
Following their conversation, Kin found himself walking alongside Than as they left the university grounds, the cool afternoon breeze sweeping through the trees around them. Than, with his hands tucked into his pockets, turned to Kin with a question.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK7LYcH2Q6
"So, have you decided to move in today, P'Kin?" Than asked, his eyes full of anticipation, "It's entirely up to you, though."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOjYE6VXPD
Kin paused to consider Than's question. He glanced at his watch, weighing the time constraints in his mind.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYNKNjDAuf
"Well, I can move today," he agreed finally, "but I have to collect my stuff and some clothes from my condo first. Maybe after that, we can meet at your place?" He suggested, his brows furrowed in thought, "You can send me the location on my phone."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIEj7CCotP
"Alright," Than replied, his voice carrying a note of acceptance. He was silent for a few moments before an idea dawned on him.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe2kZCEKSc
"Actually, how about I go with you to your place? We can collect your stuff together and then head to my place. I don't have any appointments or anything else planned for the evening."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPOvZFN4Eq
Kin looked at Than, surprised yet again by his kindness. "Are you sure, Nong Than?" he asked, needing affirmation.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpPdz6vORn
Than nodded, his smile firm. "Absolutely, P'Kin."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuv47gXIsN
"Alright, then let's go to my place first,"
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSwykQQXKw
Kin agreed, returning Than's smile. Little did Kin know how much his smile meant to Than, how it caused the younger man's heart to flutter every time.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHJVKHzkFf
A short walk of less than ten minutes led them to Kin's condominium, a low-rise building that exuded a cosy and homely vibe.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxwr37dr72
"This place is quite close to the university, isn't it?" Than remarked, looking around in appreciation.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfVuQKwBGg
"Yeah, it's conveniently located," Kin agreed, "And it's just a 4-minute walk to the Skytrain station.”
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYivDW9uPq
They entered Kin's condo and Than was instantly hit by the distinct scent of Kin's living space, a mix of earthy incense and the faint aroma of coffee.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHLomFAwTV
Kin excused himself, retreating into his bedroom to gather his clothes. Meanwhile, Than found himself in the living room, surrounded by an array of personal items that reflected Kin's interests - scenic photographs, cat photos, textbooks, and an aroma diffuser.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN61YD0WdZ
These items painted a vivid picture of Kin's life and interests. Than's eyes fell on a dried rose sitting on a shelf. It was the white rose he had given to Kin on Rose Junction Day, almost three weeks ago. Beside it lay a dried red rose, its significance unknown to Than.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEWEvKRHhF
The sight of the dried roses drew Than into a maelstrom of curiosity, the unanswered questions nagging at him. He found himself murmuring,
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdMaXvlKjw
“P'Kin still kept it, who gave him the red one... or maybe he just kept them without any special reason..." But just as quickly as it started, Than shook off his speculations.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkyQfd7jga
Moments later, Kin emerged from his bedroom, a gym bag bulging with clothes in his hand. The bag's design was sleek and practical, catching Than's attention.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKgZi1yoRd
"That bag suits you, P'Kin," Than commented, admiring the design.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGa0PSkLDMN
"Yeah, it's pretty, and I love using it," Kin replied, shouldering the bag. "I have a couple of these. They're convenient for the gym and even for travelling."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c4uLERQzQ
"Any more stuff you want to collect?" Than asked, his gaze scanning the room.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgMaKFIzBZ
"Yes, a few more," Kin answered. He then quickly gathered some personal items, textbooks, and his laptop.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfi27RyTlI
"Okay, we can go now, Nong-Than."
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7yYTzGApx
With that, they left Kin's condo, hailed a taxi and began their 20-minute drive to Than's place.
ns216.73.216.6da2
