Three months after their marriage, Arthur and Nick returned to Bangkok from their honeymoon, their hearts bursting with love and eagerness for the future. The sun cast a golden tint over the city as they settled into their shared apartment, the place now imbued with memories of their voyage together.
One evening, while the city lights twinkled outside their window, Arthur's phone buzzed on the coffee table. He peered at the screen, and his heart skipped a beat. The name shown brought back a flood of memories: Ake.
Nick noted the difference in Arthur's manner. "Who's that?" he said, setting down his book.
Arthur pondered for a time before saying, "It's Ake."
Nick's brow wrinkled. "Ake? The guy you...?"
Arthur nodded, cutting him off. "Yes, the one I used to make you jealous. But that was in the past. I haven't heard from him since."
The phone buzzed again, the sound reverberating in the room.
"Maybe you should see what he wants," Nick said, his voice cool but filled with curiosity.
Taking a deep breath, Arthur opened the message. It was brief: "I'm back in Bangkok. Can we meet?"
Arthur read the message aloud.
Nick leaned back, digesting the information. "Do you want to meet him?"
Arthur shook his head. "No. Our life is here now, with each other. I don't want anything to disrupt that."
Nick stretched out, grasping Arthur's hand in his. "I trust you. But if you feel the need to talk to him for closure, I'll support you."
Arthur grinned, thankfulness shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Nick. But I have all the closure I need right here."
They shared a heartfelt kiss, renewing their commitment. Yet, as the night deepened, Arthur couldn't shake off the unease that Ake's message had created within him.