The restaurant was alive with chatter, laughter, and the rich aroma of herbs and sizzling dishes. Karan stood behind the counter, wiping a plate, but his attention kept drifting to Arthit, who sat at the corner booth with Lean, Ren, New, and Lucas.
Arthit's laughter was light and genuine, and for Karan, it was a moment he'd been waiting for—a reminder of why every challenge, every separation, had been worth it.
"Chef!" Arthit called, waving him over. "Come taste this!"
Karan shook his head, smiling. "I don't trust you guys with my food," he teased. "One wrong bite and it's a disaster."
Lean's arms were crossed as he leaned back in his chair, eyes fixed on Karan. "Hm," he murmured, his tone quiet but sharp. "I hope you're not letting everyone flirt with him too much."
Arthit glanced at him, amused. "Lean, don't be silly. Karan is mine, remember?"
Lean's jaw tightened slightly, a flash of possessiveness in his eyes. "I know he belongs to someone… I just… want to make sure no one forgets who he is," he said softly, almost to himself.
Karan walked toward the booth, his eyes meeting Lean's for a brief moment. He smiled warmly. "Hey, Lean. Don't worry… I'm right here," he said, and Lean's tension eased slightly—but only slightly.
Ren leaned forward, smirking. "Wow, Lean's actually quiet. That's suspicious."
Lucas chuckled. "Maybe he's plotting."
Arthit laughed, leaning across the table to brush his hand over Karan's. "You're mine," he whispered, a soft smile on his lips.
Karan's fingers entwined with his, brushing gently under the table. "Completely," he whispered back. "Forever."
Lean's eyes darkened for a moment as he watched, the possessiveness curling into a knot of longing in his chest. He loved Karan, had loved him for years, but it was clear—Karan's heart belonged entirely to Arthit.
Throughout the evening, Lean found himself glancing at Karan, protective and jealous, while also realizing he couldn't interfere. Each laugh, each smile Karan shared with Arthit cut a little, but he swallowed it, focusing instead on supporting his friend silently.
Later, as the group teased each other—New trying to steal bites, Lucas daring Arthit to try something spicy—Lean finally spoke, leaning slightly toward Karan. "You know… I thought I'd get a chance," he murmured quietly, his voice low so only Karan could hear. "A chance with you."
Karan looked at him, gentle but firm, pressing a hand over Lean's. "Lean… you're amazing. I care about you, always will. But my heart… it belongs to him." He nodded toward Arthit, who was laughing with Ren and New.
Lean's throat tightened, but he smiled faintly. "I know," he said quietly, almost to himself. "I've known all along." He looked at Arthit, then back at Karan. "You're happy… that's what matters. I can't take that from you."
Arthit noticed the exchange, tilting his head curiously. Lean's gaze softened, and he stood, finally stepping back. "I'll leave you two to your evening," he said with a small, bittersweet smile. "You deserve each other."
Karan squeezed Arthit's hand, grateful and relieved. "Thank you… Lean," he whispered.
Lean nodded and walked toward the door. "Take care of him," he said softly to Karan, and then his eyes met Arthit's briefly. "And you… make him happy. That's all I ask."
With Lean gone, the air between Karan and Arthit shifted. They leaned into each other, fingers intertwined, smiles soft and private. Arthit rested his head on Karan's shoulder.
"I'm glad," he whispered. "That even though he cares… you're mine."
Karan pressed a soft kiss to the top of his head. "Always yours," he said. "Forever."
The friends around them—Ren, New, and Lucas—laughed and teased as they walked out together, but Karan and Arthit were in their own world, sharing gentle touches, secret smiles, and quiet confessions.
As the night stretched on, the restaurant behind them fading into the city lights, they knew this: Love sometimes asks for sacrifices—but it also rewards those who are patient, faithful, and brave. And tonight, wrapped in each other's arms, they had it all.
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End of chapter 37