The long day of architectural exploration came to a close, each member of the team said their goodbyes with the air of accomplishment. The first to approach Kin was Big, who was always polite and a bit shy.
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"Thanks for your help today, P'Kin," he said, his thin frame barely half the size of Kin's muscular physique.
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Korn stepped forward next, "We appreciate your time, P'Kin. Hope we didn't tire you out too much," he said, giving Kin a wink that was half-teasing, half-grateful.
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Last but not least, Loft approached Kin. His farewell was casual and friendly. "Thanks for hanging out with us today, P'Kin. It was fun," he said, giving Kin a grateful nod.
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As they all started heading their separate ways, Kin found Loft walking alongside him towards the BTS Skytrain. They ended up standing on the same platform, waiting for the train to take them back home. Loft turned to Kin with a proposal,
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"Hey, we're headed the same way. How about we stop by Siam Station and grab something to eat? My treat, as a thank you.”
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Kin laughed a bit, gesturing to his attire,
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"Look at me, Loft. I'm in these shorts and vest that have been soaked with sweat all day. Even if they've dried off in the café's air conditioning, it's not really the outfit for Siam, is it?”
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"Even like this, you still look hot, P’Kin,” he teased, his words carrying an undercurrent of sincerity.
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Kin hesitated at Loft's open admiration, but Loft quickly pressed on, "Come on, P'Kin. I bet you're starving by now. I am too.”
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With a sigh of defeat and a small chuckle, Kin finally agreed, "Alright, you win. Let's go.”
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Loft whooped in victory, his grin wide and infectious. "Yes! You're the best, P'Kin!" he exclaimed, reaching out to give Kin's muscular shoulder a playful squeeze. Kin couldn't help but smile at Loft's enthusiasm, amused by this side of Loft he had not expected to see.
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………………………………………..
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Their train pulled into Siam station in under fifteen minutes. They stepped out into the bustle of Bangkok's trendiest district, where high-end fashion boutiques and cutting-edge art galleries stood side by side. A constant stream of stylishly dressed teenagers flitted about, their clothes as vibrant and diverse as the city itself.
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Kin felt distinctly out of place amidst the stylish crowd in his current state: clothes damp with sweat, vest and shorts clinging to his skin. He shifted uncomfortably, suddenly self-conscious amidst the trendy crowd.
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Loft, however, was seemingly oblivious to Kin's discomfort, his mind clearly set on food. "So, what are we eating, P'Kin?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
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"You pick, Loft. It's your treat, after all," Kin replied, forcing a smile.
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Loft's face lit up. "Great! Let's go for shabu. Nothing like a hot pot buffet to satiate a hunger, right?"
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"Looks like someone's really hungry," Kin laughed, happy to go along with Loft's suggestion.
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Together, they made their way through the modern department store, weaving between luxury brand shops until they reached the restaurant area. Just as they were about to step into a cozy shabu place, a familiar voice rang out.
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"P'Kin!" The call came from Than. He stood amid a group of friends, a big smile on his face as he waved them over. Loft's face twitched slightly at the sight of him.
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"How surprising to see you here!" Than continued, looking genuinely pleased. "I'm just here having a meal with friends. And you, going to have dinner?”
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"Yeah, with my junior friend here." Kin pointed to Loft, who was watching Than with an unreadable expression.
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Than's eyes landed on Loft. "You must be Loft, right? I've seen you around," he said, acknowledging Loft's popularity.
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"Yep, that's me. And you're Than from the engineering faculty, right?" Loft said, the recognition in his eyes surprising Than.
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Than nodded, confirming his identity. There was an uncomfortable tension that hung in the air, palpable to Kin and anyone close enough to observe the exchange. Kin decided to dispel it with some self-deprecating humor.
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"I hope you can forgive my appearance, Nong-Than," he chuckled, gesturing to his sweat-drenched clothing. "I've been working with a project group of architecture students all day."
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"Even in this condition, you look fine, P'Kin. Don't worry.” Than's smile widened.
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Just then, Loft nudged Kin. "Let's head to the restaurant, P'Kin. Our table might be given away if we keep dallying."
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"Goodbye, Nong-Than. Catch up later," Kin said, waving a farewell. Loft followed suit, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "See you around, Than."
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Than waving back, sensed something strange in Loft's goodbye. A strange sense of Loft's hostility lingering in the air as they walked away.
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………………………………………..
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As Kin and Loft took their seats at the table, a bounty of thinly sliced beef and pork, alongside a vibrant assortment of vegetables, was laid out before them. Loft's dark eyes sparkled with anticipation, the sight of the table laden with delicious food reflecting in them.
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"Let's eat it all," Loft declared, his excitement barely concealed.
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"I never thought I'd see this side of you," Kin said, amusement flickering in his eyes as he watched Loft's ecstatic reaction to the food.
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"Well, everyone has something they enjoy," Loft responded, expertly dipping a slice of beef into the bubbling broth of the hot pot. "For me, it's food," he added, lifting the cooked meat to his mouth. As he chewed, his high cheekbones and firm jawline made for a captivating sight. "Besides music, of course," he said after swallowing.
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"That's quite clear," Kin acknowledged, taking note of the pure joy radiating off Loft as he relished his meal.
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Loft seemed to consider something as he continued. "As for you, P'Kin, it's the gym, isn't it? That's your happy place?”
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"Obviously," Kin responded, amusement flickering in his eyes.
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"And then..." Loft's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Let me guess... hot guys?”
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Kin, who was in the process of drinking tea, nearly choked at Loft's words. "No, not like that," he defended, though there was a playful edge to his tone.
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Loft pointed at Kin's well-defined bicep. "Well, it's as obvious as your ripped muscles here.”
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"Yes, I enjoy the company of my friends, juniors and peers alike, whether they're hot or not," Kin countered playfully. "But it's a plus if they are.”
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"There you have it, you finally admitted it," Loft retorted, smug with satisfaction.
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"But it's not like I actively seek the company of hot guys. I just sit and they just... come," Kin replied, his tone light and teasing.
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"No way, P'Kin. That level of confidence," Loft said, shaking his head in disbelief.
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"Well, for instance... you," Kin shot back, playfully catching Loft off guard. Loft choked on his food at Kin's unexpected comment.
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"Alright, I may have come to know you myself," he conceded, "but that doesn't change the fact that you always have hot guys around you.”
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"If you say so,"
Kin said, feigning nonchalance, clearly enjoying the playful banter. His eyes sparkled with a light-heartedness that belied the maturity his strong, chiseled features projected. Then, he switched gears suddenly, curiosity piquing his brow.
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“By the way, do you also know Nong-Than?"
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"Yes, I mean, I know of him. He's pretty well-known, a hotshot from the Engineering faculty," Loft replied. His brow furrowed in thought as he elaborated. "Most people know him. I guess it wouldn't be strange if I knew his name too."
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"Ah, the same reason he knows you, then?" Kin inferred, catching Loft's meaning.
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"Well, something like that, I suppose." Loft shrugged, playing it cool. A teasing smile then danced across his lips. "But, why do you always call him 'Nong-Than'? It makes him sound adorable."
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Kin chuckled. "I always use the prefix 'Nong' to refer to my juniors. It's like seeing them as my younger siblings. It kind of represents a feeling of brotherhood, and yes, it's also adorable, I suppose."
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Loft's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Then, why don't you call me 'Nong-Loft'? Am I not adorable? Am I not your junior?"
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Feigning thoughtfulness, Kin scrutinized Loft's features. "I guess it's just not quite suited to your face," he teased.
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Loft feigned hurt, clutching his heart dramatically. "What? P'Kin! You're making me feel sad, you know."
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Kin chuckled at Loft's antics. "Alright, alright, Nong-Loft, does that make you feel better?"
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Loft's faux melancholy swiftly transformed into mock relief. "Much better," he confirmed, grinning. But then, he admitted, a chuckle bubbling up, "Although, to be honest, it does feel a bit funny to be called Nong-Loft."
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The two of them burst into laughter. Kin shook his head, amusement evident on his face.
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"See, it's just not you," he reiterated, his eyes sparkling with mirth.
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