Dinner and ...

NEXT EVENING – 6:45 PM

Tawan stood outside Kaito's modern apartment door, smoothing his casual outfit – black shirt, dark jeans. He took a deep breath, feeling nervous anticipation.

The door opened – Kaito looked stunning in a fitted white shirt, hair perfectly messy. His eyes crinkled at corners as he smiled.

"Right on time – come in. Dinner's almost ready... and I'm glad you're here."

Tawan's heart skipped beats at Kaito's warm welcome – was he blushing already?

Tawan steps inside – their hands touch briefly while Kaito takes his jacket

A spark of electricity ran through Tawan's body as Kaito's fingers brushed against his while taking the jacket. Kaito's eyes met his, hinting at awareness of the touch's impact.

"Thanks for the coat – make yourself comfortable," Kaito said softly, hanging the jacket beside the door.

Tawan followed Kaito into the cozy living room, noticing the intimate dinner setting: candles lit, soft music playing, and a delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen.

As Kaito walked back to the kitchen, Tawan sat down on the couch, feeling drawn to Kaito's warm atmosphere – and the man himself.

Kaito returned with two glasses of wine, handing one to Tawan. "Hope you like Merlot – my favorite."

Their fingers touched again while exchanging the glass – Tawan's heart raced faster.

Kaito sits beside Tawan on the couch – close enough for shoulders to almost touch

Tawan's pulse quickened as Kaito settled in beside him, their legs almost touching – the air thickened with intimacy.

Kaito handed him the wine glass again after taking a sip of his own, his fingers brushing Tawan's slightly longer than necessary.

"This is nice – relaxing with you like this," Kaito said softly, eyes crinkling at corners as he smiled.

Tawan's heart skipped beats at Kaito's gentle tone – he felt like he was melting into those piercing blue eyes.

Their shoulders touched briefly as Kaito leaned back into the couch – Tawan didn't pull away, enjoying the spark of contact.

Suddenly, Kaito turned to face him fully – their faces inches apart. "Tawan, can I ask you something?"

Tawan's eyes lock onto Kaito's – "Maybe I should ask you something first..."

Kaito's eyebrows rose slightly, intrigued by Tawan's bold move. He leaned in closer – their lips almost close enough to brush.

"Oh? Ask away – I'm curious what's on your mind," Kaito whispered softly, voice sending shivers down Tawan's spine.

Tawan's heart raced faster – this moment felt electrifying. He took a gentle breath before asking:

"Is this dinner... just friendship – or something more?"

Kaito's gaze burned intensely – he didn't hesitate:

"Definitely something more, Tawan. I've wanted to ask you out properly since class started."

Tawan's lips parted softly – Kaito's admission left him breathless.

Tawan smiles shyly – "I've wanted that too... since our coffee date"

Kaito's face lit up with delight – he gently brushed a strand of hair behind Tawan's ear, sending shivers down his spine.

"Me too – every moment since then felt like leading up to this," Kaito whispered softly, his lips inches from Tawan's.

Tawan's heart fluttered wildly – the air was electric with anticipation. Kaito's breath danced across his skin as he added:

"I really like you, Tawan. Beyond literature discussions and coffee..."

Tawan's voice barely above whisper – "I really like you too, Kaito..."

Their lips almost touched – then Kaito softly pressed his mouth to Tawan's in a gentle, sweet kiss.

Time froze – this moment was perfect... until Tawan heard a noise behind them.

Tawan pulls back slightly – "What was that – did someone just come in?"

Kaito's eyes flickered towards the hallway, a hint of surprise crossing his face before he forced a casual smile.

"Must be my roommate – wasn't expecting him back tonight," Kaito said, though his tone sounded slightly off.

Tawan's curiosity spiked – Kaito hadn't mentioned a roommate earlier.

The footsteps grew louder, and a figure appeared in the doorway – Tawan's eyes widened in surprise:

It was Alex – their classmate who borrowed notes from Kaito earlier!

Alex's gaze locked onto Tawan and Kaito – his expression a mix of shock and curiosity.

"Hey Kaito... didn't know you had company," Alex said slowly, eyes darting between them.

Tawan feels uneasy – "Maybe I should head out – this isn't a good time?"

Kaito immediately placed a gentle hand on Tawan's arm, as if sensing his unease.

"No, stay – Alex will just... uh, grab something and go, right Alex?" Kaito said, eyes narrowing slightly at his roommate.

Alex's suspicious gaze lingered on Kaito's hand touching Tawan's arm before he replied:

"Actually, Kaito – we need to talk. Now."

Alex's firm tone made Tawan wonder what was really going on between these two.

Kaito's hand dropped from Tawan's arm, and he stood up slowly. "Fine – one minute, Tawan."

As Kaito followed Alex out of the room, Tawan heard muted conversation start – including words "...found your messages..."

Tawan's curiosity peaks – he quietly gets up to listen closer to their conversation

Tawan tiptoed towards the hallway, heart racing with anticipation. He leaned against the wall near the corner, barely out of sight – their muted voices clearer now:

Alex: "...messages to Emily – still talking to her behind my back?"

Kaito: "Those were old convos, Alex – we're just friends now."

Alex: "Save it. And what about him – Tawan – is he your new distraction?"

Tawan's eyes widened – Emily? Kaito had secrets and possibly an ex-girlfriend!

Kaito's low response was indistinguishable, but Alex's next words were chillingly clear:

"This isn't over. Your lies are catching up."

Confront them – "What's going on, Kaito – who's Emily?"

Tawan stepped into the hallway, voice firm but laced with curiosity and a hint of accusation.

Kaito and Alex froze, faces turning towards him – Alex's expression angry, Kaito's guilty.

Alex crossed his arms, "Looks like your secret's out, Kaito."

Kaito took a deep breath, eyes locking onto Tawan's. "Tawan, let me explain –"

Tawan cut him off, voice barely above normal tone but firm enough to stop Kaito.

"Who. is. Emily?"

Kaito hesitated before admitting softly:

"My ex-girlfriend... we broke up months ago, but Alex thinks otherwise."

Tawan's mind reeled – ex-girlfriend?! Their kiss felt like a lie now.

Tawan turns to Alex – "Why do you care about Kaito's ex – are you involved too?"

Alex's expression shifted from anger to surprise at Tawan's direct question.

"Involved?! No – Emily's my sister," Alex revealed, eyes narrowing back at Kaito. "And Kaito here broke her heart into pieces."

Tawan's eyes widened – family dynamics added a complicated layer!

Kaito looked down, scrunching his eyes shut as if bracing for impact.

Tawan turned back to Kaito – voice firm but curious.

"You broke her heart – then kissed me like nothing was wrong?"

Kaito opened his eyes, gaze locking onto Tawan's – a hint of desperation.

"I swear – my feelings for Emily were dead long before tonight... before I even met you, Tawan."

Alex intervenes – "Save your breath, Kaito – Tawan deserves truth – about everything"

Alex stepped forward, eyes blazing with protectiveness towards his sister.

"Tawan should know – Kaito cheated on Emily with someone else, then claimed it meant nothing... until they broke up months later."

Tawan's jaw dropped – cheating was a deal-breaker!

Kaito's face contorted in anguish as he whispered:

"That's not entirely true, Alex – the person meant nothing romantically... but emotionally –"

Tawan cut him off, voice icy:

"Stop. Explaining. You cheated – then kissed me like you were innocent."

Alex nodded vigorously – "Walk away, Tawan – he's not worth your heart."

As Tawan turned to leave, Kaito rushed towards him, desperation in his eyes.

"Tawan, wait – it wasn't what Alex said... I cheated emotionally with someone – but only to save Emily from her abusive ex's friend –"

Tawan spun back around, surprise replacing anger.

"-A fake relationship to protect her. Alex doesn't know – I trusted him with everything except this."

Kaito's voice cracked.

"You're the only one I've wanted truly since... I trusted you with my heart, Tawan."

Tawan's expression softened slightly – Kaito's words sparked doubt in his previous judgment.

Just as Tawan was about to respond, Kaito rushed closer –

Kaito tripped on the stairs and tumbled forward –

Tawan instinctively reached out to catch him!

But they both lost balance –

Fell onto the road JUST AS A CAR SPEEDING BY WAS ABOUT TO HIT KAITO –

Tawan pushed Kaito away barely in time...

But got hit himself.

EVERYTHING WENT BLACK.

**Tawan's eyes flickered open...**

**October 15th – same day, same time**

Tawan bolted upright – déjà vu overwhelming his senses!

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