Chapter Text
Sky was grabbing a quick bite to eat before a class when a large group of students at the near table started packing their things and headed towards the exit. It was a Friday and usually Fridays were sporadic days when it came to attendance. Even the ‘smart kids’ sometimes flunked classes if it wasn’t the most important lecture, the professor wasn’t that strict or they wanted to travel outside of the city to go back to their families or something. Sky did it once when his dad got sick and he decided to grab some of his homework to take with him back to Lopburi between taking care of him, and had to rely on Rain taking notes for both of them.
So now, with the loudest factor gone from the cafeteria, the space seemed even quieter. It was a weird hour too, a little after four in the afternoon so Sky could count on the fingers of one hand how many people remained outside of staff at the far end of the room. He still didn’t mean to eavesdrop. And not in such an obvious way.
“I don’t like the person I become when I’m with you.”
His head whipped to the right before he could even think about it and his eyes zeroed in on a boy, young looking and on the smaller side, he couldn’t have been more than a first year, that was sitting a few meters away, talking on the phone. His voice had carried easily and when he caught Sky looking, he flushed and quickly grabbed his bag and started leaving. Sky almost wanted to call after him to apologize but that would have been really ridiculous and made things even more awkward. He stayed seated and swallowed his food. Frowned when his next bite tasted strange even though there had been nothing wrong with his fried rice a minute ago.
But he just took a sip from his drink because his class started in fifteen minutes and continued his meal. And yet-
What he’d just overheard had to be one of the most hurtful things someone could say to him. He couldn’t help but imagine himself in a situation where he would hear the words and felt an unpleasant shiver go down his spine. For him to say it though was unthinkable, not in his current relationship.
He was the best version of himself when he was with Prapai, plain and simple. People might have something to say about measuring your worth by how your partner sees you. Letting your happiness rely on one person. Both things were true for Sky and he didn’t give a fuck what anyone had to say about it.
The hearts in Prapai’s eyes every time he looked at him made the air he breathed sweeter. It wasn’t vain, it was life-changing once he finally allowed himself to believe he wasn’t being played and his boyfriend truly wanted a relationship, truly loved him. And it was the safest he’d ever felt, allowing himself to let go and trusting his lover with his heart. Prapai next to him, he was happy. No fear, no doubts, not anymore.
He had had his moments of insecurity, he had to admit it. He had surprised himself with his sudden burst of possessiveness towards Prapai, especially when to this day the man kept being approached by ex-lovers and eager strangers trying to flirt, trying to steal his attention. Sky wanted him all to himself while at the same time realizing his jealousy was unprovoked. Prapai had eyes for no one but him. It was only later, once Sky realized Prapai liked this side of him, he started to relax. Sky had spent so long doubting himself, trying to sculpt himself to a version that was interesting enough to make his boyfriend want to stay. His biggest fear had been him losing interest.
Now he knew he was loved. The way he was, all his insecurities, all his baggage, he didn’t need to appear a certain way and be untrue to himself. Now he felt comfortable in his own skin, relaxed in the knowledge he was the equal partner in a healthy relationship.