Koh Lipe is beautiful.

That is the truth Apichat lives by. From the people, scenery and culture to the nature and wild life. He's proud to call it home and to take care of it.

He's entwined with every shop along their little strip by the coast. He owns a diving shop and takes care of the tourists but also provides fish and hands on labor for the other shops. He's always willing to provide a helping hand. It's one of his charms.

Today, Apichat is doing what he loves most. Diving. This time, he does not have an audience. It is just him and the sea. The blue surrounding him is so peaceful as he carefully navigates around the coral and rocks. He's always so careful not to disturb the ecosystems at the reef.

He snaps a few pictures, but he knows he needs to resurface soon. He has an appointment today. For some reason, this appointment feels big. He's used to being asked to be a guide, but this feels heavy and weighted. He cannot seem to figure out why.

With a flick of his feet, he shifts and starts swimming up again. He resurfaces and pulls himself up onto the boat where his assistant and friend, Thankat, is already waiting to help him remove his gear.

He runs a large, tanned hand through his wet hair after shaking it like a dog. He dabs at his skin with a towel and strips without hesitation to change clothes. "Let's go home."

"Already? We've only been here for an hour," Thankat squawks and juts his bottom lip out. "I don't wanna go back yet. That means I have to work at the bar."

"Sorry dude, I have an appointment." Apichat gives him a crooked smirk and Thankat Already knows he's unrepentant. The taller male checks his phone, amber eyes focused on the screen.

"An appointment? Hm? What kind?" Thankat wags his eyebrows, trying to look over his shoulder at his screen. Apichat rolls his eyes and pushes him away.

"Knock it off." And then he heads to steer the boat which leaves his friend pouting.

Eventually, they make it to the dock and unload everything. It is just in time for an old beat up truck with a wagon attached to it to pull up. Inside, Apichat feels his breath catch and his heart speed up.

He doesn't believe in love at first sight. Never has - being a known player - but something, something about this man causes him to see the potential.

He clears his head, jogging over and wordlessly helping grab some bags. At the surprised look he receives, he just gives a lopsided grin.

"I'm Apichat, Hia Win asked me to take care of you during your stay."