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The sound of the last footsteps retreating to their designated classes echoed in the distance as the bell rang through the hallways. Lunch break had ended five minutes ago, and the frenzied students made their way back to class.
Except…
"Mmph..," muffled moans consumed the tiny janitor's closet, where two boys had decided they had more important things to do than focus on their studies. Teenagers.
"Shhh, keep quiet," whispered Pond, as he sucked the boy's neck with enough force that the young man struggled to keep his posture, rattling against the rusted door, making the tiny screws creak and crack. They really had to renovate this room; the mildew smell stained the yellow walls.
Not so silent, were they?
His palms crawled their way under his ruffled uniform, up his back as he pulled him closer. They were both a sweaty and disheveled mess, adrenaline buzzing through their bodies as they devoured each other in hopes of not getting caught.
Goosebumps consumed the man; he was drowning in pleasure. Flushed against each other, their hardnesses rubbing together, resulting in loud whimpers. The rush of heat was intoxicating, the temperature rising in the tiny closet.
Hearing an abrupt squeak that startled them, the two boys separated instantly, desire leaving their bodies as panic surged its way in, fully washing over their faces. They looked at the rusted doorknob, which was now turning freely, and then back at each other, their eyes widening with alarm.
Fuck.
Suddenly, the door jerked back open, revealing the hot-headed hall monitor, and standing beside him was the school's principal. Both were out of breath, as if they had run a marathon just to bust them. They were done for.
"What is the meaning of this?" the hall monitor spat, red seething his face as he looked between the disheveled boys and back to the principal. You could practically see the anger steaming out of his ears.
Pond was at a loss for words; the boy next to him was trembling with fear.
It looked exactly like what it looked like. How was he going to get out of this?
"Um, well…" Pond started, his hand coming up to scratch his neck as he anxiously swayed on his feet.
The principal lost her patience, stepping forward. "Well, what?"
The awkward silence swallowed them whole, all four of them glancing at each other, as the adults waited for one of them to speak up.
"H-he… was sexually assaulting me!" yelped out the trembling boy, making everyone's heads turn towards him. Pond snapped his neck so hard, probably straining it.
"WHAT?" All three of them yelled. The older two looked at Pond accusingly, their faces angrier than before.
What the fuck?
"No, I fucking didn't, I would never do that!" Pond claimed, looking nothing but guilty. His breathing turned heavy as he struggled to craft his next words.
"We…we were making out, it was a mutual decision,"
" …And he was enjoying it too!" he scrambled his sentences together, his words not convincing the adults any further.
The hall monitor fisted his shoulder, crinkling his uniform even further, pointing to the younger man's neck.
"Why is his neck purple then?! That's a sign of violence!" yelled the man at Pond, his words aimed straight at his chest.
"They are called hickeys! Have you never seen them-"
"Enough," the principal's words cut off his own.
"Send him to my office, now," her words chilling them to the bone, turning her attention to the shaken boy.
"Young man, you are dismissed. Go back to class, I'll deal with you later," the boy, hastening away from the situation, looked back at Pond with a faint smug smile painting over his lips.
That fucker!
"Please, he's lying! Why can't you believe me?" his voice, desperately pleading, begged to be freed from such accusations.
The hall monitor, losing his patience, grabbed Pond by his wrist, finally leading him to the lion's den.
"Enough talking, young man. I'll see this with your parents," called out the principal as she walked behind them towards her sanctuary.
Well, not so much for Pond.
After what felt like 30 excruciating minutes of staring at the plethora of certificates scattered across the wall, the ticking of the office's stupid old clock drilled into Pond's ear, the worried sight of his parents heavily treading came into view. He was so fucked.
"Pond, why did your principal call us in?" his mother's voice filled with worry, her eyes darting between them.
"Mrs. and Mr. Lertratkosum, please sit down," commanded the woman, pointing to the leather seats paralleling Pond's.
And so they went through the same storytelling of the incident from an hour ago. The principal, accompanied by the old, janky monitor, recalled all the details of the events to his now-horified parents, disgust eating away their faces, looking back at their son in pure shock and denial.
Pond, struggling to keep his calm, lashed out from frustration, denying these accusations as he looked at his parents with pleading eyes. They believed the principal's words, as they suggested behavioural contemplation. It was not enough, as a verdict was finally read out by the principal. A month-long suspension.
Anger rushed through his veins, clouding his brain altogether as Pond was left at a loss. He wanted to take all of those certificates, shattering and discarding them, as this woman deserved nothing but hell. How can he be punished for something he didn't even commit? He wouldn't even dare hurt someone in that way.
To make matters worse, his mother's voice rushed back in, suggesting they take him to a youth camp, a religious one at that. They thought this was best for him, as he could work on his problems and become a better person, finding solace with the Almighty. They had to be joking. Leaving no room for complaints, his parents called an end to this heated meeting as they grabbed Pond and left.
Mrs. Lertratkosum’s heels clacked sharply down the empty hallway, each step dripping with fury. His father held his son's collar by the back, dragging him along towards the door leading out to the main parking lot.
"Not a word from you, young man," his father started, his voice dropping octaves, disappointment practically spilling out with his words.
"Because by the time we get home, you'll have your bags packed and sent for camp, immediately."
Pond wished he were dead.
The endless green ocean of Douglas-fir trees swallowed the tiny car, freely moving its way on the long road. Having his window cracked down, Phuwin hummed unconsciously to the tune playing radiating from the radio in the background, his parents' bickering alongside. The chill breeze passed through the car, and he took a deep breath in, the air traveling through his nose and soothing his nerves. His anxiety was battling through his brain.
It was nothing remotely close to Thailand, the home he grew up in. The now dark green trees contrasted against the tropical greenery he was used to. The change unsettled him.
Passing under numerous road signs, one finally came into view, standing out the most from a distance: Oregon Welcomes You! all big and green, trees designed onto it.
He took a deep breath, knowing what he was about to get into was nearing.
"Honey," his mother called out from the passenger seat, turning her head back towards the nerve-wracked boy.
"I know you feel sad since we moved, but this is the perfect opportunity for you to make more friends and meet new people. We have to get used to this place, especially a young man like you," she looked almost hopeful, looking into her son's eyes.
"It'll also give you a chance to strengthen your bond with God, you've wanted to do that for quite a while now, hm? We must adapt to the culture here, since I have decided we will be attending church more frequently!" she said, smiling softly, alternating her eyes between him and her husband, who was humming in agreement.
Over the past few months, the Tangsakyuen's had decided it was time for a fresh start, that being in a tiny town in Oregon. He didn't understand how his parents came to this conclusion, moving all the way across the globe this time, permanently, he guessed. They had always moved locally, never a drastic one like this, and he feared it would be the longest term they had ever done.
And now they were on what seemed like a never-ending road, after spending the last 19 hours being cramped in economy seats, all of them jetlagged as the car drove them towards their destination.
Phuwin had no choice but to abide by his parents' decision, claiming it would be the perfect "starter pack" to his new Oregon life.
He guessed he could say he was Christian, but not deeply? In all honesty, he had always practiced his religion on national holidays or attended Sunday morning service with his parents, but his personal beliefs never occurred to him otherwise. Even he was confused and a bit uneducated.
It's not like he had sinned or anything; that thought never came to his mind. Sinning.
What even was sinning?
His parents grew up warning him about the seven deadly sins, that they were the lowest things anyone could do, and could be punished by God for committing them.
They went down the same list, rebuking such negative energy during their prayers:
Pride, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Gluttony, Envy, and last but not least, Lust.
Everyone who knew him described him as a saint. At 19, he still never drank, always respected his curfew, and did not come off disrespectful at all. He wasn't the type to go harass someone, insult them; he hadn't even gotten his first kiss yet.
Phuwin shifted in his seat as his father curved down roads, finally leading them to an evergreen pathway.
They had arrived.
'Everlasting Hope: find hope within you', the youth camp that ignited this whole adventure.
Exiting the car, he looked up at the grand sign, his heart swelling with so many conflicting emotions.
"Alright, kiddo," his father stepped up next to him, his unloaded luggage in his hand, placing it on the ground.
"Remember, no conflicts, no disobeying. If anything happens, you call us, okay?" he reminded the younger boy, his eyes looking into his father's. Searching for any mutual signs to turn back.
To his dismay, none were found.
"We love you so much," his mother reached down to press a kiss on his temple and ruffle his hair altogether.
Oh, and.
"See you in three weeks!" she waved him off as they made their way back to the car, stepping into their seats. She blew him a kiss once more through her rolled-down window, and the car took its departure.
He watched the car fade out of view and glanced back towards the big sign, sighing.
Taking his suitcase, he entered the premises, the brown rusted gates creaking open, and unwillingly made his way down the long path.
God, save him.
Quite literally.
As Phuwin walked through the forest, his eyes caught on the tiniest details. How the trees swished from the chilly wind breezing through them, the orange rays of the sunset peeking through every branch, bathing the endless field of dark green leaves in orange. Birds chirped on branches, some singing, some conversing with others. He was in awe, not used to this in Thailand at all. From the greenery alone, he felt like he could breathe a little better.
He ended up reaching the second gate, where an old woman graciously approached him while smiling kindly.
"Hello, dear! You must be our newcomer, Phuwin Tangsakyuen, right?" she asked, looking him up and down, examining him as if he had landed on earth just a minute ago.
He straightened up, fixing his posture. "Yes, ma'am," he fidgeted with the hem of his shirt.
"How wonderful! Your parents told me all about you, so no worrying too much," she said, chuckling, attempting to ease the tension written all over his face.
She managed to take his luggage from his grip, holding on to it. "Follow me, young man," walking away, signaling him to follow her.
As they both walked through the gate, they passed a sign directing them that the camp was nearing.
Phuwin's ear caught the voices of multiple youths playfully screaming in the distance; some laughed, some chattered. They were here. And the camp was no joke.
Fairylights twinkled through the dark, tall trees surrounding the perimeter. A campfire pit circled by rocky seats centered the camp, occupied by some kids who looked around his age. On the side of the camp stood the dormitory quarters, two decent-sized wooden sheds that were probably decades old. What caught his attention the most was the main factor of the camp, a private white oak chapel, so tall it almost reached the trees, with a big cross labeling it from the exterior. An unknown feeling grew in his stomach.
"Alright, Phuwin," she faced the boy, kneeling on one leg to meet his eye level.
She took a paper from inside her jacket, unfolding it as she handed it to him.
"These are the camp information and rules; you must obey them, as the Lord wants the best for you," she cracked an eerie smile, staring deep inside his eyes. Phuwin felt a bit unsettled.
His eyes ripped away from hers, looking down at the paper.
The rules are as follows:
Stay within the premises at all times.
Curfew starts at 9:00 PM; if you are seen awake past it, you will be punished.
You must participate in camp activities at all times.
You must wear your cross at all times.
His eyes halted on the last one, his breath holding for a moment.
No sinning.
His eyes lifted back to meet hers, unconsciously nodding his head in agreement.
"Yes, ma'am," he said, keeping his words short.
The woman stood up, her smile growing wider. "Amazing! My name is Ms. Genevieve. Luckily, you are not the only ethnic person here, so you'll feel just at home!" his ears perked up on those last words.
There was someone else like him?
"Curfew is in two hours, right now let's go introduce you to everyone," she led him towards the center of the camp, where the majority of youths had gathered around the now lit campfire, the embers crackling into the air. Their interest piqued at the newcomer.
As the two approached, the kids stood up and greeted the woman. "Greetings, Ms. Genevieve. May god be with you," they spoke in unison, hands joining together as they gestured a prayer.
She reciprocated the action and said it back to them. "Amen, children. This is our newcomer, Phuwin Tangsakyuen. He moved in from abroad, so please treat him with utmost respect as he is one of us now.
The kids stuck their heads out, getting a glimpse of the boy who was half hidden behind Ms. Genevieve's back. He slowly popped out, offering a shy wave.
"I'll be heading to my duties now. Curfew is in two hours. I expect to see everyone in their designated rooms," she looked at every one of them, the authority in her voice striking across their faces.
Following her leave, Phuwin was bombarded with questions like where he moved in from, how old he was, and very personal questions that couldn't be answered on the spot, catching him off guard.
While he struggled to keep up with their imposing curiosity, he felt a sudden gaze piercing through his back, the weight of it undressing him bare.
He turned around searching for the source, only to be greeted with a sight of black, deep eyes staring at him, dissecting the boy under his gaze.
Leaning against the white oak chapel, now illuminated under the moonlight, was a fine, well-proportioned young man, but that wasn't the part that unsettled him. It was the way he was being observed, like a predator watching its prey. His skin tingled with something unspoken, shivering as goosebumps consumed his body.
Phuwin had never felt this.
His arms were reserved, tucked under his chest, his leg crossing over the other. Waves of pitch-black hair, darker than the night sky, covered his head, with curtain bangs falling on each side of his temples. His demeanor blended with the wall of darkened oak, making him seem invisible to the eye.
Those eyes devoured him, hungry.
Phuwin snapped his gaze away from him, as if he had been caught red-handed, but the boy's stare didn't falter. It only grew.
He excused himself from their conversations, quickly bidding them farewell, and wearily walked towards his quarters.
Remembering the paper Ms. Genevieve had given him, he took it out and flipped it. Basic information was written on the back, like his dorm number, roommates, his parents' phone numbers, etc.
Skipping through the paper, his eyes landed on his bunk buddy, eyebrows shooting up when he read the name.
Pond Naravit Lertratkosum.
Relief washed over him as he recognized a Thai last name. So this was what Ms. Genevieve meant by. He wasn't alone.
He felt a sort of giddiness, knowing another boy like him was also at this camp. Maybe they could get along really well, his mind wandering, as he entered his dorm.
The room was filled with two rows of old wooden bunk beds paralleling each other, where the occupants' names were labeled on the ends of the bed frames. After searching for his own, he found it in the back end of the room, which happened to be right next to the bathroom. Thank god, because walking through this crammed room in the middle of the night to relieve himself seemed horrendous.
He started unloading his bag, taking out all of his essentials: toiletry bag, sets of PJs, and clothes for the next three weeks, storing them in his tiny assigned dresser. Pulling out the first drawer, he saw the mentioned cross necklace from the rules sitting on the bottom, a holy bible next to it, staring back at him. As he took it in his hands, he examined it closely, the moonlight hitting the metal, shining it in his palm. He had never worn crosses around his neck, even as a Christian; he thought it was nothing but a piece of jewelry.
But he couldn't disobey the rules.
Bringing the chain up to his neck, he attempted to clasp it, but kept struggling.
And suddenly, his stomach dropped. Chills traveled through his body as he felt the familiar scrutinizing feeling.
On instinct, he turned around, and he was met with those same pair of eyes. Except that now, he was two inches away from his face instead of fifty. Towering over him, rooting Phuwin in his spot with that intense stare. The proximity between them, a burning heat warming up the room. One single step, and their chests could brush. His body felt like butter, about to melt into the floor.
"Do you need help with that?" the boy spoke up, his voice vibrating low, sending shivers down Phuwin's spine. His eyes checked the latter out, from his head to his toes.
"Yes…I'd appreciate that," answered Phuwin, drowning in those black eyes that pulled him in.
"Turn around for me," commanded the mysterious boy, his order intoxicating all of Phuwin's actions.
And so he did, moving to face his back against the man's chest; they were dangerously close.
He felt the boy's hot breath coming out of his parted lips, hitting the back of his neck. Sudden soft touches made their way up, fingertips grazing against his nape. He held his breath.
"All done," exhaled the boy, clasping the chain and repositioning the cross, his hands fiddling to center it between Phuwin's collarbones.
He turned to face him again, "Thanks," he said curtly, his hands back to the hem of his shirt, fidgeting once again.
Those black orbs explored his own brown eyes again, as if to reach into his soul and unravel all of his secrets. This boy was beautiful. His skin and face were of endless honey, thick plump lips parting, moistened by a swipe of his tongue over the soft pink. His nose was the center of it all, crafting a facial harmony between his features. But one stood out the most, and it was the black dot positioned on a crease, under his left eye. A mole.
Phuwin's breath faltered, as if his soul was ripped out and replaced with someone else's. What was happening to him?
His body regained control over his senses, and he stepped back, creating enough space between them to breathe normally, to ease off all this tension.
"S-sorry, what's your name?" he blurted out, searching for anything to snap him out of this trance.
The boy chuckled, amusement hinting through his expression.
"I'm your bunk buddy," he replied, pointing to the label on the frame.
Phuwin's eyes followed his sense of direction, skimming down his bulky biceps, towards his forearms, veins protruding through his skin, dancing along every movement. His gaze finally landed on the label he was pointing to. Phuwin read it.
Pond Naravit Lertratkosum.
He snapped his eyes back to those dark oceans, his face stunned. He was the Thai boy? And his roommate?
Pond quirked a smile, shifting his weight down, leaning towards Phuwin.
"Nice to meet you, Phuwin," his teethy smile showing through his lips, fangs sinking into his bottom.
"H-how do you know my name?" he asked, taken aback.
"I overheard it during your introduction." But he was thirty meters away?
Phuwin studied his face, sensing some sort of enthusiasm hinting through his words.
What was he up to?
Checking the time, it was exactly 8:30 pm. As if on cue, the doors burst open to a bunch of youngsters scrambling to their bunk beds, getting ready for curfew. The chill in the room disappeared, replaced by the heat of a dozen bodies moving around between the beds.
Pond climbed up to his bed, his ass almost hitting Phuwin's face as he clumsily made his way up.
"Anyways, you'll fit along just fine," he called out from the top, looking down at his face.
"ฝันดีนะ," he finished, his voice dripping with a teasing sweetness, before fully lying down, getting ready to sleep. Sweet dreams.
Those words hitting deep in his chest, Phuwin managed to sit down on his own bed.
He gripped the cross that was swaying side to side against his neck, closed his eyes, and managed to take a deep breath in and out.
He rarely prayed, but now…
"Father…," he started, unsure of what to ask for.
"Heal my soul and replace evil thoughts with only pureness, your light and grace," in his mind swam every tiny detail, mocking the pleading words escaping his mouth.
Pools of ink. Honey. Mole.
"Amen."
Phuwin lay down on his bed, feeling the unfamiliar sheets as he tucked himself under the thick covers, enveloping him in a warm embrace.
His breathing steadied as sleep consumed him whole, his muscles untensing as he drifted to sleep.
This was going to be a long three weeks.
Phuwin woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside his window, groggily sitting up, his hair and face embodying sleep. He looked around the empty room in confusion, wondering where everyone had gone. Checking his bedside clock, it read 9:00 AM, indicating that the day was starting soon.
Landing his feet on the floor, he fully sat up and stretched. His head curiously peeked up, seeing that the top bunk was empty, sheets left untidied. Why hadn't anyone woken him up earlier?
Treading towards the bathroom, he changed for the day, wearing a loose shirt with some black shorts. More athletic and breathable, unlike his tight clothes from yesterday. Right.
It was the start of his official first day.
The mirror showed his reflection as he brushed his teeth in circular motions, his other hand clumsily applying sunscreen to his now-washed face.
Today was a field day, an opportunity to fit in more comfortably, breaking the ice with the others, as mentioned to him by one of the kids from yesterday's interrogation session. He still had yet to find out what the day would consist of; nobody had explained to him exactly what they would do.
He finished cleaning himself up, and his eyes studied himself through the reflection, steadying on the cross necklace peeking from under the shirt. The rules said he must wear it at all times; he couldn't risk being punished.
He pushed himself through the dorm and out on the field, the counsellors coming into view as the campers were listening to what they were saying.
"May God be with you all," said Ms. Genevieve, her hands palming together, accompanied by two other supervisors Phuwin had not yet met.
"Amen," chanted back the kids, their eyes now on the newcomer approaching the circle.
"Good morning, Phuwin. Please join your friends as I announce the plan for today," explained the old woman, her eyes studying the boy before pulling her attention back to the group.
Walking to an empty spot, he sat down, crossing his legs as he relaxed on the patch of grass.
"Today is a field day, meaning it will consist of three main activities: Tug of War, Hide and Seek, and lastly, Balloon Tossing. We hope these games will ease the tension between you children, giving you a chance to get closer to each other, as friendship will be the second most important thing to establish here," she read off her clipboard, explaining the itinerary to the focused campers.
"I will now announce the teams for the day, as you will participate in each game together," flipping the page, she started to call out an endless number of established pairs.
…
Hayleigh Walker and Arthur Anderson,
Emma Sanders and Jackson Smith,
He focused on the names being listed, realizing his own had still not yet been called.
Bailey McRae and Luke Peters,
"And last but not least," she called out, tearing her eyes away from the paper.
Pond Naravit Lertratkosum and Phuwin Tangsakyuen.
At the mention of his name, his heart flipped. Turning his head around, he searched for his partner, those black eyes boring into his, meeting them halfway. He was sitting, his elbows holding him up as the wind breezed through his dark locks.
Pond was smirking. Phuwin scoffed under his breath, that smile getting on his nerves. Why was he so amused?
His mouth moved, parting as he started speaking silently, not caring if someone saw them exchange this silent conversation.
"Good luck, partner," the words rendered to his brain.
Phuwin shook his head in slight annoyance, rolling his eyes while getting up to prepare for the first game.
He hoped luck would be on his side.
The Tug of War match was split into two groups: Boys vs Girls.
They cheered, thinking it was an easy dub since men had more muscle.
Unfortunately, that was not the case; the reason being their teammate called Phuwin.
Both sides split up, positioning themselves to face back-to-back, and held the rope tightly, aiming to win.
Phuwin wanted to win. He tensed his muscles, his grip tightening on the rope as he dug the heels of his feet firmly into the ground. He was ready. But unfortunately, luck was not on his side.
A breath of air fanned onto his nape. That warm breeze belonged to no one other than Pond.
His brain short-circuited as he felt a pair of fingers brushing close to his, a fisted hand taking place dangerously close to his own. The back of his thighs touched the tip of his knees, the contact buzzing.
Ms. Genevieve had blown the whistle, and the match erupted in ambitious chants and grunts as the two teams battled for victory.
But all that was on Phuwin's mind was the skin-to-skin contact, losing his focus on the game. His muscles tensed, but at what cost? They weren't helping with pulling the rope; he was rooted in his place, mind blaring with close, touch, feel.
As the five-minute timer came to an end, the right side of the rope broke out in excited cheers, the girls taking the win.
"Are you kidding!" and "Oh come on!" groans tripled, all eyes on Phuwin. They lost because of him.
An apologetic expression took over his face as he murmured apologies to the rest of the group.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what took over me," gloom tainting his words, his brows furrowing.
The culprit let out a small chuckle, the sound vibrating in his body.
"It's okay, you'll try better next time," he said with a grin, leaning close to his ear, whispering to him only.
Shivering on the spot, the words tickled his ears as he jerked away from the sound.
Distaste grew within him. Why was Pond messing this up? Him up?
Pond stared at him with a smug expression, watching the boy walk away.
The second game of the day would soon start. Hide and Seek.
The counsellors started a 10-minute timer; the small tick-tocks of the seconds counting down ticked through a speaker sitting on the grass.
"Everyone, you must find a hiding spot in the next few minutes. You are free to hide wherever you want, as long as you stay within the premises," explained Ms. Genevieve through a megaphone, the kids running off with pure adrenaline rushing through them.
"You cannot hide with someone else in the same spot. If you are found, you will be exempted from the next game," she called out, seeing everyone disappearing in the distance.
Phuwin was still unfamiliar with the camping grounds, since he had just arrived yesterday. He was at a disadvantage. With all his might, he made his way through the far end of the grounds, spotting a tiny wooden shed. The timer in the background boomed through the air. He had no choice but to enter it, hoping no one had claimed this spot.
The door creaked open, his head peeking in to see if it was empty. It was an equipment room.
"Hello?" he called out into the blank space, the silence answering him.
Sighing in relief, he entered carefully, but that certainty was ruined when he felt two hands on his lower back, pushing him in. He stuttered on his feet, tripping forward.
He heard the door lock.
"Wha-" he turned his head back around, palms coming up to cover his mouth, cutting his words off.
His eyes widened, taking in Pond's disheveled sight. Sweat glistened on his forehead, strands of hair frizzing from what seemed like he had run. Their chests panted in unison, panicked breaths escaping them both.
"Shhh…" he whispered into the tiny room, the air heating up from their closeness.
Their ears perked up, hearing the sound of footsteps approaching in the distance.
"Stay quiet or we'll both get caught," he instructed as his voice dropped low, his eyes dancing on the short's features.
"We don't want that, do we?"
But Phuwin wasn't making an effort in talking, because all he could feel were his lips brushing against the salty palm. His legs fought to stay upright. Was this how first kisses felt?
Outside, they both listened to the thud of footsteps retracting away from the shed.
They both let out a sigh of relief, the closed palm remaining on his mouth.
"Earth to Phuwin," he voiced a bit loudly, snapping him back from the trance he was in.
Panic rushed through Phuwin, his arm coming up to swat the sweaty palm off his lips.
"What do you think you're doing?" his patience was running out. "You can't be here. You can't hide with me."
"Why not?" Pond said, amused, his brow twitching up in interest.
Phuwin looked at him as if he had spoken in alien.
"I'm sorry, were you not paying attention to the rules of the game?" he whisper-screamed, his words aimed straight at Pond.
"If we get caught, we won't participate in the next game, you dummy!" He swore Pond was somewhat playing with him.
"No, I wasn't paying attention to Ms. Genevieve. And either way, we won't get caught. Don't you trust me?" Pond answered him, his breathing now regulating.
Phuwin stepped away from him, scoffing in disagreement.
"Whatever, man," he said more to himself than the latter, searching the room before making his way to a padded corner on the ground, leaning down to sit.
Pond followed him closely, claiming the spot next to him.
"Oh, so now you're following me?" he looked up at the boy, annoyance claiming his features.
"It's not illegal to sit next to you, Phuwin. Aren't we bunk buddies?" his voice glinting with delight.
He found this funny. Phuwin couldn't believe him.
The countdown sounded to an end, marking the beginning of the hunt.
Both of them tensed, knowing that they could be found by one of the counsellors.
In the silence, Pond studied the boy sitting next to him, starting from his knees bunched up in his hold, pressing against his chest. Over his windshaken dark brown hair, puffed out cheeks, a soft but pronounced jawline, down to his throat. His eyes caught the glint of the cross necklace.
"So…What made you come to camp?" he broke the silence, a startled Phuwin looking back at him.
He was making conversation while the door could be busted open at any moment. Was he serious?
"Aren't you supposed to stay quiet?" he let out a mocking chuckle.
Pond shrugged his shoulders. "Where's the harm in a little chat?" cracking a smile.
Phuwin's eyes tracked his actions, locking onto those fangs that dipped in his bottom lip.
The silence lingered for a bit more, until he eventually gave in to the question.
"We're moving here, all the way from Thailand, my parents and I," he started, recognizing some interest in Pond's face, which motivated him to continue.
"We're Christian. With the moving process, they thought signing me up for this camp would be helpful, since everyone's pretty religious in our soon-to-be tiny town. Also, I could make friends here, which is nice," he answered his question, bearing a neutral expression.
"What about you?" he reversed the question on him.
Pond chuckled a bit, one leg tucked under his thigh, facing him.
"I 'sexually assaulted' someone."
Phuwin's demeanor shifted, his eyes widening from those words. "…Pardon?"
Confusion hit him by the laughs escaping Pond.
"Nah, I'm just messing with you," he was grinning ear to ear, loving the distressed boy's reaction.
"I got suspended from school, and now I'm here to change my behaviour. Everyone is hoping for God to save me," said Pond, his eyes dissociating a bit, recalling the memories behind his story.
The air between them had settled down into a calming silence. This wasn't so bad, Phuwin thought.
As Pond's lips reparted to speak, a loud screech of a whistle cut them off, making them both flinch.
The hunt was over.
"Come on, let's go back," he got up on his feet, stretching his arms over his head.
Phuwin followed him out to the field, his head turning back to look at the shed once more.
The sun was setting, casting an orange-pink hue all over the sky.
They made their way back to the main area of the campus, spotting some kids who he assumed had been found during the game.
His eye caught the setup for the next activity.
It was time for the last game, Balloon Toss.
"At last, it is time for our final game of the day!" expressed Ms. Genevieve, calling all the campers to their designated positions.
"From one end of the field, you will decide a team member from your pair to toss you the water balloons from the bucket. They have to aim for your hand, and if you succeed in tossing all the balloons without them popping, you'll win today's challenge. Good luck, children, amen!" sang the woman, enthusiasm consuming her as she explained the rules.
As the other pairs made their decisions for the positions, the two boys looked at each other.
"I'll toss," claimed Pond, not giving Phuwin the chance to argue.
"Just don't fail," Phuwin called out, walking over to his spot, positioning himself between two other players.
Let's get this started.
What he didn't know was that ten minutes later, he would be drenched in water as if the whole ocean had been poured onto him. His clothes became a second skin, all soaked, clinging to every crook and part of his body, revealing his chest through the now see-through fabric. Compared to the other players, he was practically drowning.
He was pissed, his eyes piercing through his teammate's, because Pond was now bent over, his chest heaving as he died from laughter. How was this funny?
No matter how many times he excused Pond's horrible skills, it got on his nerves.
As if not humiliated enough, he was the only one saturated like a sponge.
"Phuwin, dear," Ms. Genevieve approached him, her eyes examining him from head to toe. He was shivering.
"Go back to the dorms and change yourself, please, before you catch a cold," she instructed him, and with those words, he marched straight to his dorm. He didn't look back once.
Entering his quarters, leaving wet prints all over the floor, he silently cursed himself for the humiliation ritual he went through. From his dresser, he took a pair of fresh, clean clothes to change into and made his way to the bathroom.
As he was about to lock the door, a familiar hand bridged the gap between the door and the frame. It was him. Of course.
"Leave me alone, Pond," spat out the wet boy, shivering in the puddle forming beneath him.
"No!" he called out, struggling against the boy barricading him from entering.
Ripping the door wider, he stepped in, locking themselves in the tiny, half-lighted bathroom.
He towered over the shrunken boy, his eyes softening as he looked through his brown eyes.
"What is your problem?" Phuwin, frustrated, asked with his head buzzing from the wetness and the burning heat of their proximity.
"You keep sabotaging me all day! Why are you playing with me?"
Pond didn't respond; instead, he listened to frantic breathing exuding from Phuwin's chest, his face furrowed as he unleashed his anger on him.
"Phuwin, it is just a game," reasoned Pond.
"No, it's not just a game… Ever since I arrived, you've been torturing me at every chance you get. You keep nothing but crossing the line, sticking to me every time I am close. You can't seem to leave me alone, and now you have drenched me in front of everybody!" he spat out, his anger releasing between them.
Pond looked at him, face full of worry. He had not realized he had caused Phuwin this much frustration.
His hand snaked up his side, slowly, hovering above his hip.
"Phuwin," his fingers landed on the damp clothing, holding him in place, his thumb soothing circles.
"Calm down," he breathed out, sensing the boy untensing under his touch.
Phuwin's mind betrayed him. He was lashing out at the tall boy, staring down at him with earnest worry, those black eyes softening. His anger started to die down, and the buzzing touch at his hip slowed down his heavy breathing, creating a rhythm only they understood how to follow.
The room faded away, his senses closing in on that soft brush of skin to skin. His face burned up from the tension.
Those black eyes drowned in his, jaw clenched as his circling thumb did wonders for the boy.
He was no longer shivering like a dog left out in the rain; he had found a way to warm up.
But the moment was shattered as Phuwin regained control over his senses. He reached past the boy, unlocking the door.
With a sudden push, Pond staggered out of the tiny bathroom. He looked back at Phuwin, brows furrowed, his face cut off by the door closing back.
"Leave me alone…" he whispered to the now empty room that was once occupied by another heat.
His hand came up to his chest, caging his heart.
God, please help him with this purging feeling.
It was before dawn when Pond heard faint, distraught whimpers growing louder. His heart stopped, listening to those shattering hums. He annoyingly shifted in his sleep, perking his head up to catch a better hearing of where it was coming from.
It was from the bottom bunk.
Ripping his blanket off, he carefully made his way down with silent steps, making sure he woke nobody up.
There lay Phuwin, curled up into a ball, shivering in his sleep.
His eyes caught the boy's body, shaking in fear from god knows what he was dreaming about, a tightly fisted hand gripped the blanket as if to escape from a nightmare. He looked closer, seeing the cross around his neck, grasped tightly for saving.
Pond's features softened, a wave of worry still present as he took in the shrunken figure. His forehead was laced with sweat, his eyes shut tightly. What was haunting him?
With careful steps, he approached the boy's bed, standing at the edge of the mattress.
"Fuck it," he whispered privately into the thin air, letting out a heavy sigh.
He peeled open the bunched-up blanket, depositing his weight slowly behind the small boy. Heat entrapped his body as soon as the mattress dipped from his weight, nudging himself closer to his back.
He held his breath as he was practically pressed against the boy, his body burning with every contact.
Positioning himself closer, careful not to awaken him, a waft of fresh flowers hit his airway.
Phuwin smelled like lilies.
He melted into his hair, bringing his head down to his nape, taking in that intoxicating scent.
Seeing Phuwin shuddering in distress, his hand caged around his hip, touching the reveal of soft skin from his rode up t-shirt. His thumb traced those same rotations as earlier, soothing the boy in his hold. Unconsciously, he shifted his weight back onto Pond, now fully pressed against his front. His breathing slowed into a calm rhythm, fear washing away from his body.
But all Pond could focus on was how hard he had become from Phuwin's ass flushed against his groin. The contact killed him, all the sensations flooding downwards, he bit his lips, fangs piercing through his bottom, to suppress a groan. He hadn't thought twice about what this would do to him. Now was not the time, he cursed to himself.
Phuwin had fully melted in his embrace, the fear replaced by calm, seeking warmth from the body spooning him.
Pond's own desire ruined him, but he couldn't have cared less about his needs.
The room grew quiet, the fearful noises disappearing into thin air, replaced by humbled breathing.
All that mattered to him was the boy against him, drifting into a peaceful sleep as his touch soothed him like magic.
Pond followed his breathing, calming himself down, sleep claiming his body as he relaxed under their heat.
There they lay, tangled in that tiny twin bed, bodies enveloped together under the covers.
What had consumed their dreams wasn't the future; it was the present, two pining boys seeking comfort in each other.
Phuwin sat on the browned wooden pew, the place of worship silent as he prayed to himself.
It had been the middle of the morning when he had decided to come seek the Almighty, because he had recalled faint memories. He hadn't hallucinated.
A conscious touch of a hand gripping his waist, the heat of a body warming his own shuddering, the tingling sensation on his nape, breath coming in fast and slow. In the middle of the night, someone had comforted him, and he knew damn well who it was.
The feelings that consumed him were at fault for why he was now sitting on the very bench.
He was the embodiment of guilt, trespassing in the house of the holy.
His prayer was reserved, whispering into the space between him and the cross.
"Holy Spirit…help me to stand guard over my heart. Push people out of my path that would tempt me to sin. Prevent pleasure from being my weak spot," the boy pleaded, in emotional turmoil.
Fluttering his eyes open, he felt a graze against his thigh.
With a glance next to him, he hadn't realized that the sin was listening to him.
His soul withered away from his body, pinning him down on that bench as he took in the boy next to him.
Pond had claimed the empty spot next to him. Phuwin was the only one in the chapel that morning. He was staring ahead, at the big illuminated cross in the very front of the room. His breathing slowed, nudging his thigh close to his own, until their bare skin touched from the rode up shorts they had worn. He tore his eyes away, meeting those familiar brown ones, losing composure as he watched him, silently.
Temptation was the devil.
Their eyes spoke a language one could not say out loud. At all.
Phuwin couldn't bear this any longer; the desire suffocated his whole being. He ripped his thigh away as if the contact sizzled, stood up, turning to leave, his footsteps receding towards the door, his presence echoing through the chapel, leaving a conflicted Pond all to himself.
Foolishness had purged them. And they knew. Deep down, this feeling had started growing, over time, consuming them both. It left them in a mess of longing.
They knew what to name it.
They were just not allowed to.
The clock had struck 12:00 AM when Phuwin's sleep was interrupted by the rustling sounds coming from the window. His eyes fluttered open, trying to see what was happening, when he caught a blurry figure. One he had studied too well.
"What are you doing?" he whispered into the room, his voice cracking from sleep.
Pond halted in his steps. The window was half-rolled down, his body perched on the ledge, as one leg hung outside.
He had changed out of his PJs, switching to fully black attire. A long-sleeved zip-up swallowed the upper half of his body, and black sweatpants hugged his bottom loosely.
He froze, his eyes looking up at the snoozing boy, widening from getting caught red-handed. It was just Phuwin, though, he thought internally.
"I didn't mean to wake you up…" he started wearily, afraid of waking the other campers, and he did not want that at all. "I was going to sneak out…" his face resembled a lost puppy.
"Sneak off to where, Pond? It's the middle of the night," replied Phuwin, slightly dumbfounded by his actions. Where could he possibly be going?
"A place I know of. Come with me," he offered, a slightly hesitant smile growing on his lips.
Phuwin was now sitting, conversing with the boy as if this was the most normal thing anyone would see happen on the brink of midnight.
"W-what do you mean, come? What if we get caught?" he said, voice and face laced with worry about the possible consequences they could both receive.
"I'll make sure we don't, now come on!" he whisper-yelled, trying to convince the anxious boy that it would be alright.
Phuwin stood up, checking himself up and down before gazing at Pond. He had worn pretty tiny shorts and a loose t-shirt, enveloping his body, hoping to sleep in it. Little did he know that sooner or later, he would be adventuring at such a late hour.
"I'm wearing my PJs, though."
"It's okay, take my jacket, it'll keep you warm," he reassured him, seeing Phuwin still looking hesitantly.
"Come here," instructed Pond, leaving no place for back-outs.
Phuwin's body betrayed him, stepping towards the boy. He watched him undo the zipper, peeling it off his chest, revealing a matching black hoodie. His arms looped around his torso, sliding Phuwin's arms into his jacket, zipping it up, the cross trapped underneath. Pond looked up at him, noticing a faint blush invading his cheeks. The jacket swallowed him completely, covering his body just above his knees. He smiled at the sight of the flushed boy in his arms.
He looked like his.
"Do you trust me?" he asked, holding his hand out.
Phuwin looked at the man sitting beneath him, searching inside those softened black eyes.
"Yes…I trust you," he answered, carefully taking his hand, the contact of their fingers intertwining sending shivers down his spine.
Pond smiled back in relief. He pulled Phuwin towards the window, descending first so he could help him. As his feet landed on the cold grass, he turned back to the opening, hands supporting the soft waist as he carried him down carefully, not to cause a disruption. He checked the perimeter, seeing the coast was clear.
His hands lingered on his waist for a second too long before remembering to pull them off.
"Follow me," he patted his shoulder, demanding to lead him the way. Phuwin obeyed as he followed him, not straying away from him.
"Where are you taking me?" he asked curiously, because where would Pond take him at such an hour?
"You'll see," replied Pond, excitement pumping in his steps as he dragged them towards their hideaway.
They ran through the campgrounds, through the quiet midnight air, adrenaline buzzing through their giggling bodies. Phuwin couldn't believe this was happening. He should have regretted the moment he woke up, knowing the serious punishments that awaited them, but desire had taken over him.
He needed to put himself first.
Pond dragged him towards the chapel, walking towards the big cross glistening under the moonlight as if it was telling them to turn back, to not risk it.
But they had both long forgotten about the rules, the norms that controlled their lives.
He thought they would be going to the chapel when Pond shifted his direction to go around it, leading them behind the sanctuary. He only marched forward, not bothering to look anywhere else except the boy leading him.
He knew there was no turning back.
Treading through the woods, they reached an opening, making Phuwin halt in his steps, gasping at the sight.
It was a lake hidden behind numerous branches and leaves, the glowing moon water undisturbed, reflecting the endless sea of stars in the night sky. Rocks traced the shore, and a dock extended towards the lake. Two boys who had nowhere else to be.
It was breathtaking.
Pond took his hand, fingers intertwining as he led them to the end of the dock. The water rippled from their heavy steps, echoing against the wooden planks.
"Sit down," he told Phuwin, who was still mesmerized by the starry night.
"How…did you find this place?" he asked, blinking out his stun, moving to sit down next to him.
"I discovered it ever since I joined camp, which was a bit before you arrived," he stared at the water, looking at his reflection. "I snuck out almost every night."
Phuwin watched him. "Even after my arrival? I can't believe I did not notice the whole time."
"Yeah, especially. To clear my head," voiced the boy, keeping a volume only they could hear.
Crossing his legs, he asked the boy one more question. "From what?"
Pond tore his eyes away from the water, his head turning to face the boy next to him. His gaze deepened, staring into those attentive eyes. He opened his mouth.
"You," he confessed straight to his eyes, noticing the little twitch in his lids from his word.
You. You. You.
He had not realized he was holding his breath when he lowered his hand onto the dock, fingers brushing together. Sensing the contact, he took the other's hand in his, holding it tightly.
"Ever since you entered the camp, all I ever wanted was you," his voice dipped low.
The cross against his neck felt like a burden. Phuwin did not care anymore; he reached behind his neck, unclasping it, and shoved it in his pocket.
No going back.
"Pond.." he spoke up, his voice faltering from his heavy breathing.
"You've been haunting my soul ever since we locked eyes that night. I don't want to suppress these feelings anymore," he watched his face with every thought he had acknowledged.
"All I need is you." His face heated up, red tinting those soft cheeks.
Pond looked beautiful in the night, as if he belonged in the darkness. His dark eyes contrasted with gray under the exposure of moonlight. Dark waves of hair had now dropped against his temples, a bit shriveled as if his hand had run through it frustratingly.
"Then take me," he suggested, his eyes dancing over the rosy face.
His heart sank in his chest. He gazed at the boy. His boy.
Pond was all his. Fuck the rules.
They both moved in a hurry, their actions messy as the last thread of desire snapped.
Firm hands gripped his waist as he was hauled up onto Pond's lap. He looped his own around his neck, seeking warmth under that big hoodie.
The sensation of a hand gripping his jaw, the other coming up to graze his bottom lip. A touch that once felt illegal in the past, now feels so freeing.
"Let me in," pleaded his boy, their bodies shaking from temptation. Staring into those brown eyes, he asked for permission.
Phuwin needed to obey his rules.
Hesitantly parting his lips, he granted his wish. Their faces moved closer, panting onto each other. Pond captured his own, claiming those lips as they kissed.
Phuwin's body was on fire, his lips tingling with the contact of the thick, plump ones. He had never been kissed before. And never thought that the person to want him would be a boy.
He was kissing the devil. The sin that tainted all his beliefs.
The saint turning sinner.
"Mm.." he whimpered into the kiss, letting Pond dominate his way into his mouth. He could kiss him forever, he thought, those warm lips enveloping his. He wore his goosebumped skin with pride.
His hand traveled from his jaw, circling to his nape, seeking grip in the soft hair.
The coldness left his body, replaced by the burning tension that consumed them both.
Their lips messily tangled together, Pond's tongue intruding into the connection, licking his mouth and teeth, wrapping around his own. There was no ounce of space between them, their souls molding together underneath the hypnotic moonlight.
What had been haunting them had finally unleashed within this moment.
They tasted each other with deep craving, moans and whimpers, swallowing through their kisses.
"You have…intoxicated my….entire essence," Pond gasped between breaths as they dove in deeper. They were both blissed out.
"Don't stop, please," Phuwin pleaded, needing to stay in his mouth forever. To seek shelter in that warmth.
Pond melted into him, hands stroking his body as he embraced him tightly. He didn't dare let go.
Needy whines escaped from the depths of their souls, grinding against one another as they chased each other's rhythm.
Pond throbbed through his sweats, shaft awakening underneath that soft ass from the insanely driven pressure.
Phuwin didn't know what entity had possessed his body, making him hump against his lap, following his pleasure.
He felt a pair of hands sneaking underneath the jacket, wandering up his chest. Two thumbs pressed against his hard nipples, fondling with them as Phuwin moaned into their closed lips, his body twitching from pleasure.
He never knew he could feel this aroused. The dam suppressing his needs had fully collapsed.
The thick lips trailed down towards his neck, peppering him with kisses as he sucked on those spots, soothing the bites with a lick of his tongue.
"Touch me," Pond said, gasping for air, murmuring against his throat. The sound vibrating sent tingles down the latter's body, to his groin.
The concept of touching was foreign to Phuwin. But suddenly, that version of himself was out the door, replaced by a hungry monster.
His hand clumsily fondled the waistband of those sweatpants, palming his lower abdomen, feeling the hot skin against his tingling hand.
Dipping lower, his finger discovered and followed the length of the long shaft until it clasped around. He couldn't believe what he was doing, heat intensifying in his face.
They gazed at each other, lips parted as pleasure took over them. He started stroking the cock, releasing breathy moans from his boy.
"F-fuck..just like that," he panted into his face, eyes feverishly claiming his own.
He pumped him, doing whatever he could to undo Pond.
Ruined under his touch, he let go with a grunt, jerking over and spilling against his hand as he dove back in for a kiss, not bearing the separation.
And as they rode through their climaxes, moaning into the night sky, the world focused in on only them, letting everyone else fall away, cancelling out their opinions and judgments.
They had written their own rules.
By the end of week two, Pond and Phuwin were inseparable. To the other campers, they were just super close friends, maintaining a holy bond to survive the remaining days in the camp. Little did they know that behind closed doors, they hid a secret fling.
The problem was their separation anxiety, glued to the hip wherever they would go.
For every activity, they demanded to be paired up to stay together and help each other win. Anyone else watching them would think their teamwork was top-notch, but they didn't see the fleeting glances, the brush of hands, and the lingering touches. Their closeness led them to victory every time, climbing up the leaderboard as the "number one team".
During dinner time, they sat together, permanently claiming a table at the far end of the small cafeteria. Always eating with each other, they talked about their interests, learning new facts about one another. When Phuwin found out the real story behind Pond's arrival at the camp, he giggled at the stupidity of the event.
They chatted about Thailand. Pond had rarely visited, compared to Phuwin, who was born and raised there. He recalled his childhood, telling stories about his young adventures, the friends he used to have, and the snacks he loved to enjoy.
At every chance they got when alone, their legs brushed against each other under the table, the two becoming a giddy mess from the contact, smiling through their bites.
During their chapel visits, praying with the rest of the camp, they sat together on their brown pew, their eyes betraying the darkness, fluttering open, and sneaking glances at each other, suppressing a smile when Ms. Genevieve would wander through the rows. They fake mumbled with each prayer, pretending to pray and refusing to preach the traitorous beliefs against what they had found solace in. Only when out of view, they let their pinkies brush together, palms faced down in the space between them.
They had developed a nightly ritual, going to "sleep" in not-so-convincing "PJs", waiting for sleep to claim the camping grounds before they sneaked off into the night, desire luring them back to their hideaway. They kissed their temptations away, devouring each other underneath the shining moonlight, the smacking of their lips being the only audible thing heard in the quiet. They were so drunk in each other, seeking pleasure with every touch and feel, every moan and whimper.
In the mornings, they woke up early around the same time, choosing outfits for one another and getting ready together. Inside the closed door of the bathroom, Phuwin brushed his fingers through the dark, wavy hair, feeling the softness as he styled it the way Pond wanted him to. They brushed their teeth together, staring at one another, pulling funny faces in the reflection as they giggled, mouths full of toothpaste. Just two 19-year-old boys who were building something domestic.
But as time passed by, the days shortened, reaching their final day. The dorms were packed as each camper bustled in the rooms, packing their bags, loading up the luggage with their belongings. Pond and Phuwin followed along, a gloomy feeling haunting both their minds.
They had no way of staying in contact outside the camp, their phones taken away, leaving them no option but to say their goodbyes.
"Pond…what will happen to this? Us?" he asked him, his hand gesturing between them while they sat down on a rocky seat, watching the extinguished fire from last night's campfire.
Phuwin was scared. He didn't want anything to be ruined, since this was the most serious thing he had ever established with someone.
"Phuwin, you trust me, right?" he replied, mischief glinting in his eyes, knowing deep down the answer.
"Yes, you silly! You know that very well," he yelped, in disbelief at the absurd question.
"Then I assure you," he spoke, looking around to see if the coast was clear. Once sure, he laced their fingers together.
"I will find you."
Phuwin smiled at him, hope blooming in his chest. Pond would find him, and he made sure to do so.
A month had passed since they said their goodbyes, embracing each other, whispering sweet promises in a voice only they could hear, savouring the vows they had made.
Phuwin had woken up from a deep sleep, memories about the boy who had changed him for the better flooding his dreams, his features blurring through each recall.
It had become no contact ever since they departed.
Phuwin's family had finally settled into a private craftsman home, centered in a tiny local town. They were welcomed by the whole neighbourhood, finding peace in the life they were willing to settle in.
He made his way to his closet, opening the doors as he held the black suit in his hand. Changing from his PJs, he finished getting ready, tidying up when he heard a call come from downstairs.
"Honey! We're going to be late, hurry up!" his mother called out from the kitchen, her voice resonating through the house. She was cooking up a fast breakfast before they had to go, the smell of pancakes and bacon wafting in the air, leaving no place for tardiness.
"I'm coming!" he clumsily put on his socks, hastening downstairs towards the kitchen. He took a fresh pancake into his mouth, running out the door. He spotted his father already waiting for them in their car. He opened the back door, throwing himself in as his mother followed suit.
His father stepped on the gas, his mother instructing him on the way to their destination.
Phuwin looked out the window, taking in the new environment. This was his life now.
After a quick 10-minute drive, they parked the car and made their way into the church, his mother's heels clacking against the steps, her husband holding the door for her as the family entered. It was a Sunday, and the Oregonians took it as a very sacred day to seek prayer in God.
The gospel echoed through the church, the choir performing anthems as the public sat listening. Every bench was occupied by numerous families, leaving them no choice but to stand near the door, shimmying towards the side of the room not to disrupt the service.
The family listened quietly to the recitals, Phuwin quickly growing bored with them.
The sound of the door cracked open in the background, a few voices whispering to each other, making their way into the church, walking over to claim a spot for the service.
Their footsteps approached where Phuwin stood, clarifying they had found somewhere to stand.
As the family settled beside him, his nose caught a familiar scent.
Musk.
The same scent that he drowned in while seeking shelter.
From his peripheral view, he saw the figure leaning down, reaching his height. He was moving towards him. Panic flooded Phuwin.
And suddenly,
"I told you I'd find you," whispered the man.
Phuwin's face drained of blood, his body short-circuiting as that sweet voice he knew so well traveled down his ears, aiming straight at his heart.
Fully convinced he was hallucinating, he slowly turned his head to his right, meeting a padded black shoulder. He was wearing a suit identical to his, his hair neatly styled backwards, his proportions sharpest as he had felt them under his fingertips.
Pond. His Pond. Smiling back at him, those fangs biting down on his lip.
He couldn't believe it. He had found him.
Fingers brushed against his, forcing his palm open to hold tightly. Lacing their hands closed, hidden behind the back of the last bench.
The warm thumb soothed circles in the space between his index and thumb, melting Phuwin with his touch, making it hard for him to keep his composure.
"And I told you I trusted you," he replied privately, conversing through murmurs and touches.
They looked like maniacs trying to suppress the joyful smiles that rose on their faces.
Phuwin knew one thing.
He hadn't found peace from the camp; he found it within himself, sharing it with the boy he could spend forever with.
He realized that sinning also meant loving his true self, and he didn't regret one thing about it.