The late afternoon sun spilled golden warmth into Karan's kitchen, touching every surface with a soft, honeyed glow. Outside, the city hummed quietly—muffled traffic, distant chatter, and the gentle clatter of evening markets opening for the night.
Inside, however, everything felt slow and peaceful.
Karan stood at the counter, sleeves rolled up, carefully slicing fresh basil leaves. His expression was focused, lips pursed, eyes sparkling slightly with excitement. He kept glancing at the clock.
"Seven more minutes," he whispered to himself.
"Then he should be home."
He wasn't nervous.
Just eager.
He had been preparing a surprise dinner for Arthit—a new recipe he had worked on for days in secret. Something comforting. Something warm. Something that tasted like home.
He wanted to show Arthit how loved he was.
And how seen.
---
Arthit Arrives Home
Right on time, the front door clicked softly.
Karan's heart fluttered.
Arthit stepped inside—black shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, hair slightly messy, tired eyes softening the moment he saw Karan.
"There you are," Arthit murmured.
Karan smiled gently.
"Welcome home."
Arthit didn't go to the couch.
Or the table.
Or even take off his watch.
He walked straight to Karan.
His arms circled Karan's waist, pulling him in until there was no space left between them. His face pressed into Karan's neck, breathing him in deeply.
"You smell like heaven," Arthit mumbled.
Karan laughed softly.
"Or I smell like garlic."
"No," Arthit said without hesitation.
"You smell like home."
Karan's cheeks warmed at that.
"Long day?" he whispered, running his fingers through Arthit's hair.
"Mm. Too long," Arthit admitted, holding him tighter.
"The only thing that kept me sane was knowing you'd be here."
Karan leaned into the embrace, letting Arthit rest his weight on him.
He loved moments like this—quiet vulnerability, the raw softness Arthit showed only to him.
"Sit down," Karan murmured.
"I made something special."
Arthit lifted his head slightly.
"Special for who?"
"For you," Karan said, eyes warm.
Arthit's expression softened, tenderness blooming in his eyes.
"I love when you cook for me," he whispered.
"And I love cooking for you."
---
Dinner Surprise
Karan guided Arthit to the dining table and made him sit.
"No peeking," Karan said, covering Arthit's eyes with one hand.
"I won't," Arthit said obediently, lips curving in a lazy smile.
"But if you don't hurry, I might drag you into my lap instead."
"You wouldn't," Karan teased.
Arthit smirked.
"Try me."
Karan's ears turned red as he hurried back to the kitchen.
He plated the dish carefully—soft herb chicken simmered in a garlic cream sauce, paired with fresh basil pasta he had rolled by hand that afternoon. A small dessert sat chilling in the fridge, waiting to be revealed later.
He set the plate down and gently uncovered Arthit's eyes.
Arthit blinked once.
Twice.
Then he stared at the dish like it was priceless art.
"You… made this?" he whispered.
Karan nodded nervously.
"Do you like it?"
Arthit didn't answer.
He pulled Karan into a kiss instead—slow, deep, full of gratitude and something very much like awe.
When he pulled away, his forehead rested against Karan's.
"You spoil me," he murmured.
"You deserve it."
"No," Arthit whispered.
"You deserve better, and yet you choose me every day."
Karan cupped Arthit's face gently.
"I choose you because you're my heart."
Arthit swallowed thickly.
Then he ate.
And for a moment, everything around them stilled.
Halfway through the meal, he stopped suddenly.
"Karan," he said softly.
"Yes?"
Arthit's voice lowered.
"Don't ever let anyone take you from me again."
Karan reached across the table and took his hand.
"No one will."
His smile was soft.
"I'm not going anywhere."
Arthit squeezed his hand tightly, as though anchoring himself.
---
Evening Softness
After dinner, they ended up on the couch.
Karan sat curled up against Arthit's side, head resting on his shoulder. Arthit's arm was around him, fingers tracing idle circles across Karan's arm.
It was quiet.
Peaceful.
Complete.
"You're warm," Karan mumbled sleepily.
"You're clingy," Arthit teased.
"You like it."
"Too much."
Karan smiled against his shoulder.
"Good."
Arthit gently tilted Karan's face up, brushing their noses together.
"You know…" Arthit whispered, "I don't want to live separately forever."
Karan's breath hitched.
"What do you mean?"
Arthit kissed his forehead softly.
"I want us to wake up together. Every morning."
"To sleep next to you every night."
"To come home to you, not a quiet empty room."
Karan's eyes softened.
"Are you asking me to move in?" he whispered.
Arthit shook his head slowly.
"No."
His voice lowered.
"I'm asking if we can build a home together."
Karan felt his throat tighten.
"A home… just us?"
"Just us," Arthit confirmed.
"A future where I don't have to let go of your hand. Ever."
Karan's heart swelled.
He placed his hand over Arthit's heart.
"Yes," he whispered.
"I want that too."
Arthit leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Karan's lips—slow, tender, lingering.
Then another.
Then one more.
Until Karan was breathless and smiling.
"You're everything to me," Arthit whispered against his lips.
"My peace. My light. My home."
Karan closed his eyes.
"And you're my forever."
They stayed like that—wrapped in each other, warm and safe—as night settled softly around them.
---
END OF CHAPTER 45