Kongpob called out to see if Arthit had returned from the supermarket. When he didn't hear anything, he took out his phone to place a call.
"Annyeonghaseyo."
"Hyung. How are you?"
"Good. What about you? I heard someone tried to take you out."
"They did, but you know I'm too stubborn to die."
There was laughter from the other end of the phone.
"So true. No one has been able to take me out so far. Clearly, God is not done with me yet. I have a broken arm and some bruises. No big deal." It was Kongpob's turn to laugh this time. "I think you know why I'm calling."
"I have an idea. Why don't you make it clear?"
"I need some back up. I'm dealing with people willing to kill to keep their secrets and I can't wrangle them alone. This is more than just some run-of-the-mill embezzlement. These guys have taken it to a whole other level."
"Um. When you do you need me?"
"When can you come?"
"Let me finish up here. I'll call you when I get to Chiang Mai."
"How do you know I'm in Chiang Mai?"
"Are you seriously asking me that question? See you when I get there."
The call was cut. Kongpob could do nothing but stare at the blackened phone screen and shake his head amusedly. He should've known his hyung would know where he is at all times. They weren't blood brothers, but they'd been through enough to bond them for life. Now that he would be helping with the investigation, things would certainly get interesting. Kongpob was broken from his reverie when he heard the front door open. He made his way to the living room to greet his roommate.
"You're home."
"Yep. I wasn't sure what to make for dinner, so it took me longer than usual to make my way through the supermarket. I spent more time browsing than shopping."
"So, what did you decide to make?"
"Can you believe that after all the time I spent trying to decide, I bought ingredients for Pad Thai?" Arthit laughed at himself and carried the groceries to the kitchen.
Kongpob sat at the kitchen bar top watching Arthit. His heart was warmed watching Arthit. This was not the first time his heart twitched a little when Arthit was around. He could feel himself falling for the milky-skinned man, but he had been fighting it. He couldn't let himself fall for a suspect. Granted, he didn't think Arthit had anything to do with what was going on, but he couldn't risk compromising the investigation. It was too important. His mind wandered back to their first night together after Kongpob had be released from the hospital.
Flashback begins...
The pain was unbearable. Every breath and every step were pure torture. He had been in the hospital for a while and he still couldn't believe Arthit and Apinya had stepped forward to help him. His parents were unable to return right away and even if they did, he wouldn't be able to do his job with them around, so it was better they weren't here. At this point no one was above suspicion so Kongpob planned to use this time to see just who Arthit was and if he was a threat. He couldn't think of a better way to get to know someone than by living with them. Unfortunately, the circumstances were horrible. Kongpob wasn't sure he could concentrate on his investigation in his condition.
He couldn't see out of one of his eyes and he only had one good arm. According the doctor he would be like this for at least 6-8 weeks. Even walking was a problem. His attackers had rained punches and kicks all over his body doing significant damage. He needed time to convalesce, but he also needed to advance his investigation.
Arthit and Apinya were helping him into his condo today. Arthit had agreed to stay with him until he was able to survive on his own. Would a hardcore criminal make such a sacrifice? Kongpob didn't know, but he couldn't let his guard down. Kongpob grimaced as Arthit carried him bridal style into the condo. He gingerly laid him on the bed and adjusted the pillows for his comfort.
"Thank you Arthit. I don't know what I would do without your help. I really appreciate it."
"Don't worry about it. I couldn't let you fend for yourself. Could I? Besides it might help to have the Division Director at my disposal. You can solve any problem I have while doing my work." Arthit smiled at Kongpob and exited the room to get his things.
Kongpob tried to straighten himself in the bed and cried out in agony. He wasn't used to having one arm and he accidentally put his weight on his broken arm. Arthit rushed into the room to find Kongpob gripping his arm, tears running down his face.
"Oh no! What happened?"
"I put weight on my arm by mistake. Oh my God! It hurts so much."
"Here. Let me help you. I'll get some painkillers and a glass of water."
Arthit left the room and returned with the bottle of painkillers they got from the hospital pharmacy, a glass of water and a heating pad the nurse had given them. He wasn't sure if the heating pad would help with the pain, but it certainly couldn't hurt. He gently helped Kongpob straighten himself up against the headboard of the bed and propped him up with several pillows. Then he gave Kongpob two pills and held the glass while he placed the pills in his mouth. After Kongpob swallowed the pills, he plugged up the heating pad and placed it on the broken arm. After a couple of minutes, Arthit saw Kongpob's face relax. The pain had caused Kongpob to sweat a little, so Arthit went into the bathroom and brought back a cool towel to place on Kongpob's forehead.
"Is that better?" Arthit placed his hand on Kongpob's forehead to move his hair and reapplied the cold towel.
"Yes. Thank you so much." Kongpob inhaled Arthit's woody scent. He felt his heart twitch and he closed his eyes, intoxicated by the scent. He hoped Arthit could not hear the loud thumping of his heart. He shook his head to clear his thoughts.
"Something wrong Kongpob? Are you comfortable? IS there anything I can get you?"
"No. I'm fine for now. I think I'll just sleep. Can you help me lie down?"
Arthit helped Kongpob adjust his position so he could comfortably lie down without putting any strain on his arm or his eye.
"Relax. I'll start on dinner. If you don't feel like eating later, I'll just put in the refrigerator until you're ready. Okay?"
"Um." Kongpob slipped into sleep as Arthit turned off all lights except the small one on the nightstand. He left the door cracked open so he could hear if Kongpob called.
Flashback ends...
Kongpob believed Arthit was a good person and he strongly believed his investigation would prove him correct. Until then, he would keep his feeling in check. It would kill him to do so, but he had no choice. He continued to watch Arthit move around the kitchen and all he do was imagine himself cooking with him, stealing a kiss here and there while they made dinner. Kongpob had to admit that the thought of spending his life with Arthit made him smile. How could he have fallen for him so quickly? He sighed and tried his best to wipe his thoughts from his head.
A plane was landing at Chiang Mai International Airport from Copenhagen, Denmark. A well-built tall gentleman was walking toward the exit as he pulled his phone from his pocket and checked the time. He had an appointment to keep and he couldn't be late. As entered the taxi and gave the drive an address, he took a portfolio out of his bag and started to review the information. He was interrupted when the driver alerted him that they had reached his destination. After paying the fare, he exited the taxi and strode into the lobby of the building. The building attendant looked up and greeted the man.
