Chapter Text
“So, I didn’t expect Wai’s best friend to be you.” Pat says, as they take the elevator down to the car park. “I was a shocked to see you this morning, I thought we might bump into each other at University.” He adds.
Pran supposes that Pat is right. He also thought he would be able to go to university close to his home. Some part of him also thought that, if Pat so happened to be there as well then they could maybe compete in sports again or maybe even try the freshy music festival that Wai had told him about.
His parents had less control of him at university and though he has never outwardly defied them after the band got him dragged out of school, there was always a pull towards Pat he couldn’t deny.
Even know, standing in the elevator a foot away from each other, he could feel the need to shift just a little bit closer. Pran wondered if Pat felt the same.
“I could tell. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so speechless before. That big mouth of yours is always talking.” Pran jokes lightly, sliding to nudge Pat’s shoulder with his before settling back just a little closer than before.
Pran watched has Pat huffs and rolls his eyes, but also nudges his should back, sending sparks down his arm.
“This big mouth has a lot of interesting things to say Pran. Maybe you should listen sometime. Right now this big mouth is offering to by you dinner on the way home.” Pat offers, though Pran can see he’s pretending to be cool about it, like he doesn’t really care for the answer.
Pran knows his better than that, better than most people probably. When Pat offers something, you take it. Pat always tries to be cool and unbothered but anytime he’s offered Pran anything it has always been something he wanted to do but couldn’t come across as too nice because of their parents rivalry.
“Can we get wantons?” Pran asks as the elevator pings and opens into the parking garage. Pat laughs and nods as they make their way to his car.
They drive pretty much in silence to the curb side restaurant Pat has chosen for dinner. Occasionally they point out something or mention a point to do with their project but nothing much.
Once they order and settle down at their table, Pat leans his chin on his hands staring at Pran.
“What?” Pran snaps after a minute of Pat saying nothing. Pat doesn’t respond but thanks the server that brings them their food.
“You look different but you’re still the same as when we were younger. I liked you a lot then.” Pat says softly, glancing down at Pran’s very specific and unchanged order of food.
“Liked me?” Pran replies just as softly, fiddling with his utensils. Pran didn’t need his heartbroken again, even if Pat didn’t do it intentionally last time.
“I like you. I was going to tell you properly after the concert in high school. Obviously I didn’t get that far, but I’ve been thinking about it today. It might be a bit rushed but I think we’ve waited long enough for this. Don’t you Pran?” Pat says, trying to make deliberate eye contact with Pran.
looks up properly, staring right at Pat, processing all the information he’s been given and working out a conclusion.
“I think so too. So what do you want to make us then?” Pran asks him honestly. He watches Pat consider his question, he hopes it could make them boyfriends. That is what Pran desperately wanted from Pat year ago but now that seems too much and not enough at the same time.
“How about dating? Getting to know each other properly and then maybe more when we’re ready? Deal?” Pat asks, holding his fist out for Pran to bump.
Pran let’s out a laugh at the silly way they used to make a bet or start a competition between them, now being used for something a lot softer.
“Deal.”