Bangkok greeted them like an old friend—humid air carrying the scent of grilled street food, the cacophony of motorbikes weaving through streets, and the faint aroma of jasmine drifting from alleyways. Karan exhaled slowly, letting the city's pulse fill him. It had been years since he'd been back, yet every corner of this city carried memories of laughter, tears, and the life he had left behind.
Arthit's hand found his, warm and steady. "You're nervous," he said softly.
Karan gave a small smile, intertwining their fingers. "A little. But with you here… it feels right. Like coming home after being lost for too long."
Arthit's gaze softened. "That's because you're not alone. Not ever again."
The car turned into the familiar street where the **Kim family home** stood. The house, large and elegant, had been Karan's anchor through childhood. Now, it symbolized a new chapter: a family fully aware of who Arthit was, his past, and still welcoming him into their fold.
---
Family Reunion
The door swung open before they could knock. Mrs. Kim, radiant as ever, pulled Karan into a tight hug. "Karan! My son! You're finally home!"
"I missed you so much, Mama," Karan whispered, holding her close.
Mrs. Kim's gaze shifted to Arthit, and a warm smile spread across her face. "And you… our son-in-law," she said fondly, her tone teasing but full of affection. "It's been a long time since we saw you. Welcome home, Arthit. I hope you've been keeping my Karan safe."
Arthit stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Yes, ma'am. Always. He's my world."
Mrs. Kim chuckled softly. "I know that, my boy. We've seen it. And we've shared our fun times with him too," she added, nodding toward Arthit, eyes sparkling with memories. "You've been part of our family for years now. You're one of us."
Karan smiled, feeling the weight of relief lift. "Mama… it feels… right. Being home… with him here."
From the kitchen, **Mr. Kim** appeared, his imposing presence softened by his smile. The world-renowned chef had always been precise, exacting, and strong—yet his eyes revealed warmth as they fell on Karan and Arthit.
"Arthit," he said, voice steady but affectionate. "You've always been part of this family. My son's heart has chosen, and I trust his choice completely. I know who you are—Mr. Sakda's son, the dangers you carry—and yet… we accept you. Because you love him. That alone is enough."
Arthit bowed deeply, voice low and sincere. "Thank you, sir. I swear… Karan will always be safe, always loved. That's my promise."
Mr. Kim's stern face softened further. "I know you will. And Karan… never let fear or circumstance make you hesitate again. Love… love is courage. And you two… you've endured enough to prove that."
Korn, Karan's younger brother, bounded into the room, eyes bright. "Karan! Finally! And… Arthit!" His grin was wide, unapologetic. "I've known you both were a perfect match. And now seeing you together… it just feels right."
Arthit smiled, resting a reassuring hand on Karan's shoulder. "Thank you, Korn. It means a lot to me."
Karan hugged his little brother tightly. "I missed you, Korn. But now… everything feels complete."
Mrs. Kim pulled them into a warm group hug. "This is what I've dreamed of. Our family… whole again. And no matter the dangers, the past, or the world outside… this home is your sanctuary. Always."
Karan's heart throbbed with emotion. After years of fear and distance, of sacrifices made to survive and protect love, they were finally home—together, accepted, and safe in the arms of family who understood.
Arthit leaned close, whispering, "Seeing you like this… with your family… it feels like we belong. Truly."
Karan kissed the top of his head. "We do. Here, together, nothing can pull us apart."
---
Friends Reunion – Tension and Warmth
The cozy café smelled like fresh espresso and pastries, but the moment Karan and Arthit walked in, the usual light chatter fell into an almost reverent silence.
Lusi's eyes widened. "Karan… you brought him," she said softly, voice trembling slightly.
Karan gave a small, reassuring smile. "Yes… it's been a long time."
Arthit strode in behind him, posture perfect, aura commanding. His dark eyes scanned the café, taking in everything with quiet authority. Ren, New, and Lucas lingered subtly at the edges, ever watchful.
Lusi shifted nervously. "I… I didn't realize… he's… intimidating," she whispered to Nova, who nodded, pale but smiling.
Nova cleared her throat. "Yeah… he's the real deal. Even knowing he's Karan's… wow. He doesn't even have to say anything, and you can feel it."
Arthit's gaze landed on the two friends, and a faint smirk curved his lips. "You don't need to be nervous," he said smoothly, voice low, carrying a subtle edge. "I won't hurt anyone who cares for Karan."
Despite the reassurance, Lusi and Nova exchanged nervous glances, feeling the presence of a man used to control, danger, and command. But then Karan reached for Arthit's hand, fingers slipping between his, and the tension softened slightly.
"Karan…" Lusi said softly, "you look… happy. Really happy."
Karan nodded, smiling, eyes locked on Arthit. "I am. Finally. After everything… I'm with him again."
Arthit's dark gaze softened only for Karan. "After three years… no one will ever take him away from me again."
Lusi swallowed nervously. "We know… and it's clear you two belong together. It's just… a little scary being around you, Arthit. You… you have presence."
Arthit chuckled, low and smooth, leaning slightly toward Karan. "Good. Let them feel it. Only because he's mine."
Karan blushed but laughed softly, brushing a hand over Arthit's. "Always protective… and bossy."
Nova shook her head, still smiling but cautious. "You really are… something else. Mafia boss, powerhouse, and yet… he's Karan's heart. I can see that."
Arthit leaned down, lips brushing Karan's temple. "And always will be."
Despite the subtle fear in the room, the friends felt the undeniable **bond between Karan and Arthit**, the trust, love, and mutual respect. And slowly, as conversation shifted to memories, shared meals, and inside jokes, the tension melted just enough for warmth to creep in—though Lusi and Nova couldn't quite stop themselves from **keeping an eye on the formidable man** who held Karan's heart.
Karan whispered softly to Arthit, "See? They're just afraid of you, not me."
Arthit smirked, fingers curling possessively around Karan's. "Exactly. Let them fear me… as long as they know you're mine."
The café resumed its gentle hum, but the **impression remained**: Arthit was powerful, protective, and a force not to be trifled with. Yet Karan's hand in his was soft, tender, and utterly his. Three years apart, misunderstandings cleared, and the world could see clearly now: **they were inseparable.**
---
Lean's Quiet Farewell
The dorm was quiet, save for the soft hum of the air conditioner and the faint rustle of leaves outside the window. Lean sat on his desk, legs pulled close, eyes fixed on the small piece of paper he held in trembling hands.
It was Karan's handwriting—neat, familiar, and painfully gentle.
*Lean,* the note began.
*I'm going back to where I belong. I'm sorry I didn't meet you personally. I'm sorry… for leaving things like this.*
Lean's chest tightened, and a soft sigh escaped him. He knew this moment would come, yet holding the note now made it feel unbearably real. His love for Karan had been quiet, hidden behind smiles, laughter, and subtle gestures. He had watched, silently, as Karan's heart always belonged somewhere else.
Lean's mind wandered, recalling small fragments of their shared past:
The way Karan had carefully taught him how to plate a dish perfectly, laughing at his clumsy attempts, yet patient every time.
Late nights in the kitchen, sharing small bites of dessert, when Karan's tired eyes had sparkled despite exhaustion.
The soft way Karan had placed a hand on his shoulder during stressful moments, a simple touch that carriedmore warmth than words ever could.
And the quiet mornings when Lean would see Karan sipping coffee by the window, the sunlight catching his hair just so, and he would feel a pang of longing that never faded.
All of these memories—small, fleeting, yet precious—rushed through Lean's heart, bittersweet and tender.
*Choose what you really want, Lean. Don't be sad…*
Lean's fingers traced the words, lingering on the familiar curves of Karan's handwriting. A bittersweet smile tugged at his lips. He had hoped—dreamed even—that maybe, somehow, Karan could see him the same way. But love, Lean realized, was not possession. Love was wanting the other person to be happy, even if it meant letting go.
"I want you to be happy, Karan," Lean whispered, voice breaking just slightly. "Even if that happiness isn't with me."
He folded the note carefully, placing it atop his desk as though preserving a memory too precious to lose. Lean leaned back in his chair, staring out the window at the fading light of the Italian evening. A quiet ache throbbed in his chest, but beneath it, there was peace.
For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to smile—sad, yes, but genuine. Karan's love had found its home, and that was enough.
With a deep breath, Lean stood, running a hand through his hair. "Goodbye, Karan," he murmured softly. "I'll always… care."
The room was silent once more, but the note remained—a gentle reminder of love given, quietly, selflessly, and completely.
Lean left the dorm shortly after, footsteps light but deliberate, carrying with him the strength to let go. He had loved, he had hurt, he had wished well—and now, he could finally move forward, holding no regrets.
---
Evening in Bangkok
That night, Karan and Arthit stood on the balcony of the Kim family home, the lights of Bangkok sprawling like a sea of stars below. The city's sounds seemed distant, insignificant. Here, there was only them.
Arthit leaned against Karan, voice soft. "I never imagined… this. Being here, with you, with your family… it feels perfect."
Karan kissed his temple. "It is. And it's ours. No past, no danger… nothing can take this away."
Arthit smiled, resting his head on Karan's shoulder. "Forever?"
"Forever," Karan whispered, wrapping him close. "Always."
In that quiet, suspended moment, the world outside could rage, but they had each other, their love, and a family who fully accepted them. After years of struggles and sacrifices, they were finally home. Together.
---
End of chapter 39