University was meant to be their next major adventure.
After years of dreaming about the future, they finally had it—a little apartment near campus, their own space, and a fresh start in the frenetic heart of Bangkok. It was meant to be the beginning of something wonderful.
For a while, everything was perfect.
Arthur and Nick fell into an easy rhythm: morning coffee before class, late-night quick noodles, and whispered discussions in the dark. Arthur would wake up to Nick's alarm, grumbling as Nick gently brushed his hair before getting ready. Even on the busiest days, they always made time for each other, sneaking between classes or meeting at their favorite street food vendors after long lectures.
They had pledged they wouldn't let university change them.
And then Tyler entered the picture.
Tyler was Arthur's classmate. He was bright, personable, and passionate about art in a way that Arthur respected. They clicked almost instantaneously, bonding over debates about technique, exhibitions, and creative expression.
At first, Nick didn't mind. Arthur had always been gregarious, always made friends effortlessly ever since he knew Nick. But then Tyler started showing up more and more.
At first, it was innocent, with Arthur and Tyler working together on projects, grabbing coffee after class, and exchanging notes about impending assignments. But soon, Nick started seeing minor things.
The way Tyler constantly managed to find an excuse to touch Arthur, a hand on his shoulder, a brush of fingers when giving supplies. The way Arthur's phone buzzed continually with Tyler's messages. The way Arthur chuckled at Tyler's jokes in a way that made something horrible twist inside Nick's chest.
Nick had never considered himself a jealous person. But this, this was different.
One evening, Nick arrived at their apartment to find Arthur and Tyler sitting on the couch, heads pressed close together over Arthur's sketchbook.
Nick's stomach constricted.
"You're home late," Arthur muttered, without glancing up.
"Yeah, I had something to do," Nick replied, his voice clipped.
Tyler glanced up and gave him an easy smile. "Hey, Nick. Arthur was just showing me his latest piece. It's incredible."
Nick faked a courteous nod, but he didn't miss the way Tyler's hand lingered on Arthur's wrist before pulling away.
"Didn't realize you had company," Nick continued, his tone rougher than he intended.
Arthur eventually looked up, hearing something in his voice. "We were just wrapping up."
Tyler stretched, standing. "Yeah, I should head out. See you tomorrow, Arthur."
Nick watched as Tyler gave Arthur a friendly pat on the shoulder before leaving. The door hardly closed before Nick spoke.
"He's always around you," he remarked, attempting to sound casual but failing.
Arthur looked up from gathering his pencils. "What are you talking about?
"Tyler," Nick murmured, his voice tight. "It's like he's trying to take you away from me."
Arthur groaned, cleaning his hands. "Don't be ridiculous, Nick. He's simply a friend."
Nick scoffed. "Yeah? Because it doesn't appear that way."
Arthur frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?
Nick hesitated, running a hand over his hair. He didn't want to come across as anxious, but every instinct in him shouted that Tyler's motives weren't as harmless as Arthur imagined.
"You don't see the way he looks at you," Nick mumbled.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "We're just classmates. He's assisting me with my portfolio."
Nick let out a disappointed groan. "Fine, whatever."
Arthur narrowed his gaze. "Why are you acting like this?
Nick opened his mouth and then closed it. He didn't know how to express it, the way the prospect of losing Arthur made his chest clench, the way he felt like Tyler was creeping into a space that had always belonged to him.
"I just don't trust him," Nick eventually concluded.
Arthur shook his head. "Nick, not everyone is trying to steal me away from you."
Nick didn't answer. Instead, he turned and strode toward their bedroom, his mouth set. That night, he lay awake staring at the ceiling, his thoughts jumbled with doubt and frustration.
For the first time in years, he went to bed.
The next few weeks only made things worse.
Arthur started spending more time with Tyler, and Nick could feel the distance increasing between them. Arthur would come home later, weary from studio sessions, and crash onto the couch instead of curling up with Nick in bed. Their chats became shorter, and their normal, lively banter was replaced with tense silences.
Nick despised it.
One evening, as they sat at their tiny dining table eating takeout, Nick finally broke.
"You cancelled on me again today," he added, attempting to keep his voice steady.
Arthur didn't look up. "I told you, I had a deadline."
Nick clenched his jaw. "You always have deadlines now."
Arthur sighed. "Nick, I'm not ignoring you. I am just…this is essential to me."
Nick stared at him. "And I'm not?
Arthur finally looked at him, frustration blazing in his eyes. "That's not what I said."
Nick shoved his food away, appetite gone. "Then what are you saying?
Arthur exhaled, scratching his temples. "I just don't understand why you're making this such a big deal. Tyler is a friend. That's it."
Nick gave out a sour laugh. "Right, a friend who always appears to need you, a friend who's conveniently present every time I turn around."
Arthur's jaw constricted. "You're being paranoid."
Nick jumped up abruptly, his chair scraping across the floor. "You know what? Forget it."
Arthur sighed. " Nick
"I need some air," Nick mumbled, snatching his keys.
He walked out before Arthur could stop him, his chest tense with frustration.
Nick strolled the streets aimlessly, the neon lights of the city blurring as he moved. He didn't know where he was going; he just knew he couldn't stay in that apartment, suffocating under the weight of everything unsaid. He didn't want to continue arguing with Arthur.
Eventually, he found himself near the riverfront, leaning against the railing while he peered at the black water below.
He hated feeling like this, like he was losing something he didn't know how to hold on to.
His phone buzzed.
Arthur: Where are you?
Nick glanced at the message for a long while before replying.
Nick: Out.
A few seconds later, another message came.
Arthur: Come home.
Nick inhaled, his fingers tightening around the phone.
Part of him wanted to stay out, to keep wandering until he could make sense of everything. But a bigger part of him, one that would always belong to Arthur, realized there was only one place he truly wanted to be.
After a minute, he groaned and turned back toward home.
When Nick eventually went in the door, Arthur was sitting on the couch, arms crossed.
"You could've at least told me where you were going," Arthur replied, his voice low but tense.
Nick shrugged. "Didn't think you did care; you were busy with Tyler."
Arthur moaned. "Nick, stop, stop making this about him."
Nick clenched his jaw. "It is about him."
Arthur shook his head. "No. It's about us. About the fact that you don't trust me."
Nick breathed hard. "I trust you. I don't trust him."
Arthur glanced at him for a long while before sighing. "Nick…"
Nick ran a hand through his hair. "I just…" He hesitated, his voice softer now. "I don't want to lose you."
Arthur's expression relaxed. He stood and crossed the room, standing in front of Nick. "You won't."
Nick sighed, stress pouring from his shoulders. Arthur leaned out, fingers touching Nick's.
"I promise," Arthur said.
Nick gazed into Arthur's eyes, hoping for comfort. And slowly, Arthur pulled him into a hug, holding him securely.
For now, that was enough.
But deep down, Nick knew this was only the beginning.