After a night of contemplation, Porchay realized Macau was right; he needed to truly talk to Kim to move forward. He unblocked Kim, and his phone immediately buzzed with a flood of notifications – calls, messages, videos… Over 150 messages from Kim, each pleading for forgiveness. Chay’s heart ached; he’d never seen Kim so desperate.
Days prior, Boss had driven Porchay to a specific spot, a test of sorts. If Kim truly cared, he would find Porchay. If not… Porchay pulled out his phone and texted Kim: “Come. Where it all started.” Then, he switched it off and waited in the deserted university hall, the place where Kim had first noticed him.
“I knew you would come here.”
Kim’s familiar voice echoed, and Porchay inhaled deeply before turning. Kim was wearing the same clothes as that day, a detail that tugged at Porchay’s heart, a bittersweet reminder.
“Hello, P’Kim.”
“How are you?”
“Good.”
Kim’s gaze dropped to Chay’s wrist, still bandaged and purple from a recent incident Macau had insisted on tending to. Porchay instinctively hid his arm, lowering his eyes, but Kim gently approached, cupping Porchay’s face in his hands before breaking down in tears.
“Chay, what… what did you do?”
“It’s nothing…”
“Can’t you see how worried I am about you?”
“Hum?”
“Chay, I never saw you as just something to treasure. Not like a child or someone helpless! I just want to protect you because I love you, and the thought of anything hurting you breaks me. I thought my love was obvious. I’m sorry if I can’t explain it well, but you are all I have and all I ever wanted.”
Porchay shrugged, still avoiding Kim’s eyes, feeling tears welling up. Kim pulled him into a tight embrace.
“I’m so sorry. I never meant to make you feel like this, Chay.”
“Do you love me, P’Kim?”
Kim nodded, looking directly at him, wanting to be completely honest.
“You’ve always seen me as some kind of idol, shining on stage, right? You think I get everything I want and maybe you wished to be like me… without knowing that all I want is you. You are everything I aspire to be. You are so lovely – kind, sincere, pure, and honest with your feelings. You are loyal and love with such tenderness. I don’t want to lose the light you bring into my dark life. Please. Can’t we stay together?”
Tears streamed down Porchay’s face. He had yearned for Kim’s love so intensely, he hadn’t realized it was already there. Kim was different with him, gentler, more tender. They weren’t perfect, communication was a challenge… but their love was so profound that neither Kim nor Porchay could bear to let go.
“I want you to stay.”
Porchay smiled at Kim, his voice filled with pure love. He leaped into Kim’s arms.
“I’m sorry, P’. I was convinced you didn’t love me as much as I love you…”
“Say that again,” Kim whispered, tenderly.
“I love you.”
“I love you too, Chay.”
Kim held Chay close, kissing him with all the love he felt for his sweet angel. For Kim, Porchay was his first love and destined to be his last. He needed no one else.
Students began to emerge, and Porchay blushed with shyness, wanting to pull away, but Kim held him tighter. Kim flashed his charming smile before kissing him again, right there in front of the entire university! Porchay was mortified, yet secretly thrilled.
❤❤❤
Kim and Chay’s relationship had evolved from acquaintances to friends, then to lovers. They had their conflicts, moments that tested them, but their love was undeniable. Most importantly, they were committed to growing and moving forward together. Because they were going to stay.
That evening, the concert was about to begin. Porchay was no longer just in the audience. He wasn’t merely a fan anymore. He stood beside Kim, guitar in hand.
“Good evening everyone, I’m Wik, and this is my guitarist… Nong Chay!” Kim paused for the applause, then looked at Porchay with an encouraging smile, signaling him to start.
Porchay winked playfully. And the music began. Then Kim introduced his new song.
“Gentlemen, ladies… tonight, I’m going to perform my new song exclusively for you. It’s called: The Song of Us.”
The song was a deeply personal creation for Porchay, months in the making. It narrated their love story, every up and down, every moment beautiful and challenging. It was beautiful, just like Kim. And just like Porchay. Beautiful, just like their love story, a melody of staying together.
