Archive of Our Own

“God, it’s been ages since we had a sleepover and pampering session.” Pete giggled as Yo sighed and continued spreading his clay mask over his face. “P’Pha is awful about doing this stuff sometimes.”

“P’Pha was always a natural beauty,” Pete agreed as he continued to spread his own clay mask over his cheeks. “I can’t even get Ae near most this stuff. He says what’s the point if he doesn’t feel any different.” Pete huffed as he dabbed a bit more on his forehead. “Apparently once in a blue moon is enough. At least he lets me put moisturizer on his face at night now.”

“Now that’s one thing P’Pha has enough of. He’s got more moisturizers and hair products than you.”

“No way!”

“I took a picture of the vanity in his dorm room the other day. Gosh, I have to show you.”

After the masks were applied, Yo settled down on Pete’s couch to sort out their movie selection. Pete joined him after a stop in the kitchen.

“Pink milk! You always were my favorite, Ai Pete.” Yo grabbed the nearest cup and sighed with satisfaction.

“Say… How are P’Kit and P’Beam doing? Are they any closer to dating Ming and P’Forth?”

Yo frowned. “No. And it’s annoying. All the tension gets P’Pha riled up. You wouldn’t believe the crap he pulled the other day during the Medical faculties public works project the other day… Bullying Ai Ming and P’Forth by hiding P’Beam and P’Kit behind him like that.”

Pete smiled. “Well… I’ve also heard Kong is having trouble with his P’Arthit… Tin is still circling Can…”

Yo raised an eyebrow. “You made a plan, didn’t you.”

“Just a little nudge…”

“God, why didn’t I expect this? Valentine’s Day is later this week too.” Yo sighed and stared at his cup of pink milk wistfully. “I should have guessed this was a trap.” Yo tilted his head upwards at the ceiling. “You always were the romantic one.”

“I maintain that Tin is Mr. Darcy and-”

“Oh fuck off . You got your Mr. Bingley, Miss Bennet. And I got my... “ Yo moved to scratch at his nose and thought better of it with his mask still on. “I guess I got my Prince Charming.”

“Prince Charming,” Pete said while wiggling his fingers. “You’re lucky he kept looking with his glass slipper. Even when you were right under his nose.”

“And you’re lucky Mr. Bingley isn’t aware of how you’re a sour peach or an old maid.”

Pete sipped his pink milk. “So? Are you game?”

Yo wiggled his nose. “What is it gonna cost me?”

“You’ll have to persuade P’Pha to help nudge things along with P’Arthit.”

Yo blinked. “Really? I thought you’d make him help P’Kit and P’Beam.”

Pete waved his hand to dismiss the suggestion. “No, he’s too close and they already know he’s on their side. P’Arthit won’t see it coming if P’Pha gives him a nudge. No, you and I will work on P’Kit and P’Beam together.”

“Wait so that means…” Yo sipped his drink. “Who are you making help Ai Tin?”

“Oh, Ae will be talking to Can.”

Yo raised an eyebrow. “Ai Tin’s Cantaloupe? You think your boy can get through his thick skull?”

“Can is not that dense. Besides, Ae has a personal stake in this now,” Pete said primly.

“Which would be?”

“I promised him I would-” Pete whispered the rest in Yo’s ear.

“Shiiiiit… When did you get that dirty?”

Pete’s smile was wide and serene. And it terrified Yo. “Oh Yo… You don’t need to know that. Just worry about what you’ll have to promise P’Pha to help you.”

Yo’s face turned bright red. “I’m putting my life on the line, you know. If this doesn’t work, I’ll haunt you forever.”

Pete shrugged. “Are you sure you want to do that? Or would you rather haunt P’Pha and watch him in the shower?”

Pete laughed and walked away to wash his mask off while Yo contemplated his options.

------

Ae did not normally treat anyone to breakfast. A soda here or there, maybe. Split some ice cream after soccer practice? Sure. But anyone who wasn’t Pete was likely to be dying on the wrong hill if they asked Ae to buy them any substantial food because Ae didn’t waste his limited funds on anyone but Pete.

So naturally, when Ae offered to buy Can some coffee and a snack after morning practice, alarm bells were ringing in Can’s mind. However, they were drowned out by the growling of his stomach and Can readily agreed.

Ae watched as Can slurped down half an entire iced coffee as black as his hair without any sugar or cream before turning his sights on a sandwich.

“Since when did you drink coffee black?” Ae prodded the sugar shaker towards Can. “Don’t you normally like sweet things?”

“Huh?” Can lifted the coffee and gazed at it. “I, uh… I guess I got used to it.” Ae raised an eyebrow and ten seconds later, Can broke like an egg. “Okay, fine! It reminds me of Ai Tin.”

Ae covered his face with his hands. “You need to stop being so stupid about this. I’m tired of him thinking we can’t tell he’s watching you from the announcer booth.”

Can blinked. “He’s been watching me from the announcer booth?” Ae closed his eyes and mumbled something to himself while Can attempted to read his lips. “Wait, you hate Ai Tin. Why are you suddenly telling me to stop being stupid about him?”

“Tin and I don’t get along, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy seeing you tug the guy back and forth.” Ae took a sip of his smoothie. “If you don’t like Ai Tin, that’s fine. But at least tell him. If you like him, then why are you so scared? Just TELL HIM instead of drinking coffee just because it reminds you of him.”

Can’s face turned pink. “It actually reminds me of his-”

“I don’t need to know. I don’t want to know. But if you’re that hung up on Tin, then you can’t avoid it.”

“But I’m scared!”

“And he isn’t?” Can sat a little straighter as Ae continued. “Do you think I’m not terrified every single day that Pete will wake up and realize that he deserves someone better than a poor Engineering student?”

“Ai Ae, Ai Pete loves you to death!”

“And yet he is still afraid that any pretty girl that comes up to me will be a better match than him.” Can cast his eyes down at his sandwich. Ae sighed and made a face. “Look, if you tell anyone I told you this, I’ll kill you, get P’Arthit to help me hide your body, and make Pete distract Tin until he stops searching for it.” Can gulped with wide eyes and nodded. “We are all afraid, Ai Can. There is not a person in our suddenly large friend group that isn’t afraid of love and what it means.

“P’Kit doesn’t understand why Ming is attracted to him. P’Beam would rather think it was a mistake between him and P’Forth than to hope he feels the way he does. P’Arthit is afraid of what others will think of him. You are afraid of what you’ll become and what you’ll face if you date Tin.

“I can’t speak about Ming, P’Forth, or Kongpob. But Tin has been waiting every day to hear what you have to say. He already lives in terror that each day will be the last one he has before you reject him.” Can pouted. “Do him a favor, and just tell him the truth.”

Can thought about it for a moment and stirred his coffee with his straw. Ae wasn’t wrong and Tin’s expressions were troubling. Always so happy when Can gave him just a bit of attention. Always kind and indulgent for scraps that Can would be offended by if he were treated so.

But did that mean that he could be brave? Can wasn’t sure.

But Can was entirely sure that Ae was right about one thing. Drinking black coffee just because it reminded him of Tin was a new level of sappy. And perhaps it was time he did something about it.

“Fine, I’ll talk to him. But I have to ask you one thing.” Ae raised an eyebrow. “Did Ai Pete write that monologue for you?” Before Ae could hit him, Can stuffed the remaining half of his sandwich into his mouth, grabbed his coffee, and ran. He had planning to do and it would be for naught if Pete’s scheming got to Tin first.

------

Beam turned the corner and immediately turned back, rubbed his eyes, and looked around the corner again. Forth stood looking handsome against the morning sun and he was talking to a petite but tall young girl with rather nicely plaited hair. Forth put an hand on her shoulder, his expression was bright.

It was an expression Beam was familiar with. It was often the one Forth gave Beam, hopeful, charming, and just a bit devious.

The girl giggled, a little oddly high pitched, before running off. Beam fought the urge to snarl and follow after her. Beam felt a shadow come over him before he was faced with Forth’s face, leaning in close.

“Na Ai Beam, what brings you to the Engineering Faculty today?” The smell of Forth’s cologne hit Beam’s nostrils and Beam wanted to sigh just a little. “The hazers didn’t ask for med students today, did they?”

“No, I was just… Who was that Nong you were talking to anyway?”

“Oh the girl?” Forth’s smile turned a little funny. “Oh that’s Nong Peach. She’s new. Just transferred in this semester.”

Beam crossed his arms. Forth noted that his lips had taken on a bit of a pout. “She asking you for help as her senior?”

“Something like that.”

Forth leaned back just a little as Beam pointed his finger in his face. “You be careful, Mr. Forth. I had better not see you take advantage of an innocent Nong!”

“Oh? Why would I do such a thing?” Forth’s eyes seemed to darken and Beam was suddenly reminded that his back was against a wall. “Unless… You’re telling me to look right here?”

Beam frowned. It was true, Beam had no official claim on Forth. But it was unspoken, this thing that kept Forth nipping at his heels as Beam ran or walked at his pleasure. But it had been months now. No person could keep up this kind of effort forever, could they?

“I'm just telling you to play by the rules “

“The rules?” Forth leaned a little closer and Beam could taste his breath. “Which rule? The one that says I can only chase you?” Forth leaned back. “I've been following it for a while, Beam. Don't you think you should do something too?”

Beam felt his face heat up. “Don't get ahead of yourself!”

Forth nodded. “Okay. See you around.” The air temperature dropped as Forth walked away and Beam contemplated whether the chill was really in the air or in his heart.

------

Yo sat at the Science Faculty canteen, relishing the relative quiet. His Fairy Angels had been easy to persuade to run a few tasks. Yo wasn’t entirely pleased about the price though. But as Kit walked in to look for him, Yo figured it’d be worth it. Hopefully.

“P’Kit, over here!” Yo waved his arm and Kit walked over. “So why did you need to see me P’Kit? Is something wrong with P’Pha?”

“Your troublemaker boyfriend isn’t even in class today for some reason. Said he had to go see P’Arthit,” Kit scoffed. “Honestly, if he’s going to act this way in med school, how is he going to be a doctor and afford your lifestyle?”

Yo laughed. “It’s okay as long as P’Pha is with me. That’s the lifestyle I want.”

“So mushy,” Kit teased. Yo and Kit both made a face and laughed. “So uh… Do you know if Ming is planning anything for today?”

“Hmm?” Yo kept his face surprised. This wasn’t according to Pete’s plan, but it would help all the same. “Planning anything? Oh! Is it because today is Valentine’s Day, P’?”

“Er… well…”

“Or is it because… You want to avoid his plan?”

“It’s complicated.” Yo took a sip of his drink while he waited for Kit to find the words. “I know Ming likes me.” Kit fiddled with his fingers. “But I also know he’s had plenty of girlfriends. I know a charmer when I see one.”

“Ohh… You’re worried Ai Ming isn’t sincere.” Kit made another face and Yo cursed Ming’s playboy nature in his head. “But you know Ming doesn’t talk to anyone else like he talks to you, P’Kit.”

“Doesn’t he?”

“No, P’Kit. I don’t think he’s even treated his ex-girlfriends half as well.” Yo mulled over his next words. “But I think it’s more important that you decide how you feel, P’Kit.” Kit raised his eyes to meet Yo’s. “Ming knows what he wants, it’s why he keeps coming to you. Do you know what it is that you want?”

After a moment of thinking, Kit thanked Yo for his time and left. Yo waited until he was out of sight before he typed out a quick text to Pete. If things were moving faster than expected, they’d need to keep each other updated.

Yo bit his lip and then texted Monty. Ming deserved a little bit of a fighting chance. He’d tell Ming he owed him later.

------

Arthit dribbled his basketball up to the hoop before moving into a graceful layup, only for a hand to smack it away. Arthit looked up and was greeted by Pha’s shit-eating grin.

“Fucking tall people,” Arthit said as he ran after the wayward ball. “What are you doing here anyway, N’Pha? Isn’t your campus on the other side of town?”

“Can’t I want to see my favorite P’?” Arthit dribbled the ball back to center court and Pha moved to swipe it out of his hands. Arthit dodged around him and took a shot, the sweet swish of the net improving his mood. “And play a game or two while I’m here? First to five?”

“You’re not dressed to play,” Arthit said glancing at Pha’s dress shoes as Pha ran after the ball.

“Take it as your handicap.” Pha dribbled back to center before spinning the ball on his finger.

“Bullshit. You’re the one that needed one last time!”

“I’ll be generous to you this time, since you’re the eldest here.”

“You mouthy little-”

“And how about a bet, P’Arthit?” Pha tossed the ball to Arthit. “If you win our game, I’ll owe you a favor. If I win, you owe me a favor.”

“What kind of favor can I give a rich boy like you? We’re not even in the same major.” And yet, Arthit started dribbling the ball anyway and Pha shifted his stance. “What do you really want?”

Arthit took a step forward before swerving to the side to circle around Pha. Pha shot across managed to get the ball away from Arthit’s hands before dribbling to the other side of the net. Arthit growled, but failed to stop Pha’s jump shot.

“One point even.”

“You still haven’t answered me,” Arthit said as he brought the ball back to center court again. “What are you really after? Anything I can do, you can buy yourself.” Arthit dribbled the ball forwards half a step before taking two steps back and shooting the ball into the net. Pha frowned. “I’m not so easy, N’Pha.”

“Wouldn’t you want a favor? A really nice one? Something to impress your little suitor? It’s Valentine’s Day after all, P’Arthit,” Pha said as he casually dribbled. Arthit had been eyeing Pha’s hands so carefully he almost missed the last sentences.

“What?! A favor for him?!”

In his rage Arthit rushed Pha only to be easily dodged. Pha stayed just out of reach for another minute before making a breakaway for an easily executed shot.

“Two each.”

Arthit huffed and rolled his eyes. “What makes you think I’d want a favor for Kongpob? He’s annoying, he’s brash, he’s got a hero complex-”

“He’s all you seem to think about.”

“-he’s all I seem to- HEY!”

“Admit it, P’Arthit. I’ve seen the look in your eyes. The same one you used to call me out for.” Pha threw the ball at Arthit who frowned, but the pink on his cheeks was telling. “Turnabout is fair play.”

“I’ll show you fair play, N’Pha!”

Pha smiled. “I won’t make it easy for you. I’m a better troublemaker than your Kongpob, you know.”

Twenty minutes later and Pha and Arthit were both sweaty, dirty, and sprawled out on the court. At one point Prem had walked over, snapped a picture, and left without saying a word. Neither boy had the energy to care.

“I won!” Arthit cheered. “Fuck you, Pha!”

“That… is no way to talk to your junior.”

“As your senior… shut up.”

Pha sat up and started dusting himself off. “So, what do you want for your favor?”

“Huh?”

“You worked so hard to get it, so what do you want?”

“You were serious?!” Arthit sat up and ran a hand through his hair.

“I keep my promises, P’Arthit. So how about it? Want something for you? Or should I help you out with your troublemaker?”

Arthit tilted his head from side to side, as if to sieve his thoughts before he bit his lip. “I think... I have an idea.”

Pha smiled.

------

Kit scowled when Professor Auntie turned away. Beam had texted him again. Apparently Pha wasn’t the only one playing hooky.

Beam: Are you sure you haven’t seen any girls around him?

Kitkat: Am I stalking Forth for you now? Aren’t you the one at the Engineering faculty right now?

Beam: I’m at the mall! I’m working on something!

Kitkat: So now I’m supposed to take notes for all three of us AND stalk Forth?

Beam: Yeah, duh. Keep up Ai Kitty.

Kitkat: Fuck you and Ai Pha! I quit! Why do you both get to run off and be sappy with your boyfriends and I’m the one working?

Beam: Watch your tongue or I’ll tell N’Ming to wash it out with soap! I’m not Forth’s boyfriend!

Kitkat: So why are you stalking him?!
Kitkat: AND MING WOULD NEVER

Beam: It’s complicated! I think he’s trying to seduce a new girl.
Beam: Awfully confident aren’t you that you can keep N’Ming from disciplining you.

Kitkat: If he’s not your boyfriend, then let him seduce all the girls he wants! It’s not like you’ve never had your way with any number of girls already.
Kitkat: And Ming will never discipline me because
Kitkat: I WON’T LET HIM
Kitkat: Who would want to date that dumb and tall Nong anyway?!

Beam: Fourteen girls plus you apparently.
Beam: :laughing sticker:

Kitkat: Should I tell Forth about how many girls you’ve slept with?

Beam: Joke’s on you, I haven’t even told you about all of them.

Kitkat: Screenshot saved.
Kitkat: :smiley sticker:

Beam: FUCK
Beam: Fine, I’ll solve this mystery of the new Engineering girl on my own!
Beam: Just take the fucking notes.

“New Engineering girl my ass,” Kit grumbled. Kit looked over his next to barren sheet of notes before he flipped to the other page he’d been writing on in his notebook. A list of pros and cons plus an intricate web of plans, all highly detailed. “Looks like Pha better work his magic or we’re all going to fail the next exam.” Kit bit his lip and scribbled another line in his growing web. “You better watch yourself Ai Ming!”

At the Engineering faculty, Ming sneezed as Monty ran off after giving him a box of things that he’d asked Yo for, a bag of several things he did not remember asking Yo for, and wishing him good luck with his Valentine’s Day plans. “Who’s thinking of me so kindly today?” Ming groused as he adjusted the box in his arms before sneezing again.

------

“Oh it’s P’Beam!” Can rushed over and pulled Beam away from where he was hiding behind a pillar, watching Forth helping the mysterious new girl pick notebooks. They were actually laughing over stationary. Beam wanted to puke. “You’re really stylish. Help me.”

“Oi Nong!” Beam tried to remove his arm but Can’s grip was ridiculously tight. “What are you doing! I’m busy here!”

“No you’re not! You’re just staring at P’Forth!”

“Shhh!” Beam pulled Can away before his shouting could alert Pete or Forth. “What do you even need help picking clothes for? I thought you were avoiding that rich boy of yours.”

Can kicked at the floor. “Well… Ai Ae reminded me that I’ve been stringing Ai Tin along… for a while now.” Can then twisted the ends of his shirt. “And I think I’ve made up my mind. I owe it to Ai Tin and myself to say something.” Can’s eyes were particularly bright when he looked up at Beam next. “So please, P’Beam!” Can clasped his hands together and raised them into Beam’s startled face. “Help me make today a day that Ai Tin will remember for the rest of his asshole life!”

Beam stood silent for a moment, Can’s words and Forth’s echoing in his head.

*“Which rule? The one that says I can only chase you? I've been following it for a while, Beam. Don't you think you should do something too?”*

*“I owe it to Ai Tin and myself to say something.”*

Beam clenched his fist. “You want to stake your claim, huh N’Can?”

“I think I do, P’Beam.”

“Well, it looks like both of us have shopping to do. Come on, nong. We’re going to knock some boys off their feet.”

“Is it going to be really expensive? I’m on a budget.”

Beam looked Can up and down. “You might need a bit more work than I expected…”

“Hey!”

“But P’ will treat you today.”

“Sweet!”

------

Kongpob had no expectations for Arthit to do anything for Valentine’s Day. His only plan was to ask Arthit to join him for dinner at their usual stall by their dorms, buy him some more pink milk, and perhaps tease him. All acceptable things that they had managed before.

And maybe, just maybe, he’d work up the courage and nerve to ask Arthit to be his boyfriend for real.

The envelope placed in his locker -- the likes of which he’d only seen for dinner parties involving his father’s company -- was a complete surprise. It had an address and a time and Arthit’s messy signature.

Kongpob knew that address. How Arthit managed to get a reservation there and how he would afford it were the biggest questions.

“And yet, here I am anyway,” Kongpob said to himself as he straightened out his shirt cuffs and tie while the valet drove his car away.

The restaurant was filled with muted chatter and the soft sounds of cutlery hitting expensive china. Kongpob gave his name to the hostess and was immediately guided to a private dining room in the back.

The sight of Arthit dressed in a suit against the backdrop of sparkling fairy lights on the wall was a treat, but his shy smile was better.

“I’m glad you came.” Arthit managed to stop fiddling with his hands long enough to pull out a chair for Kongpob. “Please.”

“I don’t think I could have refused.” Kongpob’s smile was bright as he sat down. “How did you manage to get a reservation? This place is booked up years in advance.”

Arthit diverted his eyes. “A friend owed me a favor. I decided to cash it in today.”

Kongpob blinked. “Must be a pretty big favor.”

“He can afford it.” Arthit opened the menu and then choked. “He’s covering the bill too, thank god.”

Kongpob laughed. “You didn’t have to go so far just for me, P’Arthit. We’re not-” Kongpob’s mouth clicked shut. “Uh I mean-”

“Kongpob.” Kongpob looked away from the table cloth to see Arthit standing next to him and his heart started racing. “I know it’s been tiring, following after me like this.”

“If it’s for you P’, I don’t mind at all.”

“So will you follow me everywhere then? Even if I jump off a bridge?!”

“I’ll be the one to catch you, P’.”

“You and your hero complex.” Arthit rolled his eyes. “Can’t you take me seriously for once?”

Kongpob grasped Arthit’s clenched fist and rubbed circles around the knuckles. Arthit was already relaxing. “I’m listening, P’Arthit. What do you want to tell me?”

Arthit figited for a moment before withdrawing a pair of leather bracelets from his suit jacket pocket. “Student number 0062, you frustrate me to no end. You make me want to scream on the best of days. You’re brash, disrespectful, cocky…”

“By all means P’Arthit, keep going.”

Arthit rolled his eyes. “But you’re smart, kind, understanding, generous, thoughtful, clever, and…” Arthit tried to disguise his blinking back of tears as rolling his eyes again, but Kongpob could see the glistening in the dim lights. “And I guess I like you despite everything,” Arthit huffed. He offered one of the bracelets to Kongpob. “Will you be my boyfriend?”

“You always surprise me P’Ai’Oon.” Kongpob offered his wrist and Arthit released a breath he didn’t know he was holding. “I always thought I’d get to ask you first.”

“Don’t lie to me, you knew this was coming today after that invitation.” But Arthit’s smile was pleased as he tightened the leather cord on Kongpob’s wrist.

“Not at all P’. This is too fancy for both of us.”

“You’re such a Koon Chai, how is this too rich for you?”

“I prefer to appreciate small things. This bracelet is enough for me, P’Ai’Oon.” Kongpob took the second bracelet and tightened it around Arthit’s wrist. “Who owed you this favor anyway?”

“Oh just a med student at another school… You probably don’t know him…”

Kongpob’s eyes narrowed. “The number of med students that could afford to pull a surprise reservation like this at a school nearby is limited to one person. Phana Kongthanin owes you a favor?!”

Arthit simply picked up Kongpob’s menu. “So I heard the duck is reaaaallly good here…”

“Is this why P’Prem showed me a picture of you two laying on the basketball court?”

“That jackass!”

------

Forth rolled his eyes as another round of shots was passed between him and his other single friends. Despite Pete’s plan, Beam had not said anything all day other than to “play by the rules.”

Drinking his sorrows away seemed like the best option. And Beam wasn’t even here to drink with him.

Before Forth could bring the shot glass to his lips, a pale hand snatched it away. Forth watched the graceful column of Beam’s neck bob as he took the shot. The collar of his dark blue dress shirt was open. His slim fit black pants accentuated the lines of his legs. Forth wanted nothing more than to let his hands wander over Beam’s body and unwrap him like a well-deserved Valentine’s Day present.

“Have you had a lot to drink already?” Beam’s lashes were stark against his cheeks as he blinked. “Or are you sober enough to come out with me?”

Forth tossed several bills at his friends and hightailed it away with Beam laughing behind him before he could hear the jeers of his friends. They’d get over it eventually anyway.

The minute they hit the cool night air outside the bar, Forth pressed Beam against the wall and Beam only smiled indulgently. Forth nosed his way up Beam’s neck, public decency be damned. “You’re tempting me.”

“Well, I’ve got to draw your attention away somehow, don’t I?”

“You only needed to ask. You’ve always got my attention.” Forth watched as a few people started staring before pulling Beam towards his car.

“You’ve totally had too much to drink to drive if you’re this horny already. Come on, I’ve got a taxi waiting.” Beam tugged him in another direction.

“You planned this?”

“Of course. Who knows if you’ve taken your pretty little Nong Peach out for a drink? I needed to make sure you’d come quietly.”

“Oh I’m going to come alright.” Forth pinched Beam’s ass and Beam yelped before swatting his hand away. “But not quietly.”

“Business before pleasure.” Beam pushed Forth against a lamp post. He kept his lips just millimeters from touching Forth’s. “Am I the only one?”

“You’re asking me that now? After all this time?” Forth switched their places. “If it’s for you, I’ll go to the ends of the earth. I’ll-”

“If I’m still the only one for you…” Beam bit his lip and Forth wanted to do the same as he watched it turn red. “I want you to know that you’re the only one for me.” Beam put his arms around Forth’s neck.

“I thought you regretted it.”

“The only thing I regret about our night together, was how much I don’t remember.”

The taxi driver honked the horn as Forth murmured, “Let me remind you,” against Beam’s lips. Beam moaned softly as Forth’s mouth moved over his. “Let me show you all the ways I love you.” Before their kiss could escalate further or Forth’s hands could wander any further, the taxi driver honked again.

“Our ride is getting impatient. My place or yours?” Beam said as he pulled away from Forth’s grasp to open the door.

“You dorm near Ai Kit don’t you? Come to mine. It’ll be quieter.”

Beam raised an eyebrow. “You know something?”

“I might have been forewarned, yes.”

Beam shrugged. “Details later?”

“Of course.”

Beam slid into the seat and Forth followed. “Give the man your address.”

------

Tin walked out of the IC Building, blinked, turned around, walked back in, rubbed his eyes, and then walked out again. The image of Can looking more polished than he ever had was still there so despite his disbelief, it had to be real.

Instead of his usual plain hair, Can had parted and styled it, making him look more handsome than cute. Can didn’t have a lot of mass, but he filled out the slim-fit dress shirt which made his shoulders look wider and his waist narrower. The skinny jeans were also nice, but Tin frowned when he noticed Can’s nervous expression.

“Is something wrong, Cantaloupe? Why are you dressed so well?” Tin looked around as Can pulled him aside. “Did you do something? Are you trying to persuade me to help you hide a body?”

“Are you saying you’d help me hide a body?”

“Of course. I can’t have you going to jail before you date me.”

“Are you saying it’d be okay for me to go to jail after I date you?!”

“It’s funny how you think the law could get between me and you,” Tin said as he took in Can’s unamused expression. “What’s wrong?”

Can kicked at the ground, managing to not scuff his new shoes. Beam had been very particular about Can getting the most life out of his new clothes. “I wanted to talk to you. About us.”

Tin tilted his head. “Good talk or bad talk?”

“Uhh… Good?”

Tin shifted his bag and took a deep breath. “Okay. Tell me.”

“I don’t want you to chase after me anymore.”

Tin waited a moment before he replied, “Are you telling me to give up?”

“No! I just-”

“I thought I’d have more time…” Tin frowned. “I made plans…”

“Fuck I said it wrong!” Can grabbed Tin’s wrist before he could decide to run. “You don’t have to chase me anymore because I’m here with you!”

“Here with me? Of course you’re here with me. We’re in the same spot.”

“No! Not like that! Ugh… Why are you so dumb today of all days?!” Can pulled at his hair, ruining the styling. “I like you, asshole!”

“Watch who you’re calling- wait, you like me?” Tin’s expression turned from despair to hope. “You-”

“I want to be your boyfriend.” Can stomped his foot and pulled on Tin’s arm, bringing them together at last. Tin’s hands were a welcome weight on Can’s waist. “I want you to stop chasing because you have me now. I want to be with you, Ai Tin.”

“You always have to say things in roundabout ways.” Tin rested his forehead against Can’s. “I want to be with you too.” Can smiled and Tin kissed the tip of his nose. Can wrinkled it in distaste. “What made you decide all of a sudden?”

“I guess I got a nudge from the universe?” Tin narrowed his eyes. Can attempted to flutter his eyelashes to distract Tin. It didn’t work.

Tin rolled his eyes. “If it’s you, it was less a nudge and more of a kick to the ass. Who forced your hand? Do you even actually like me?”

“TIN I LIKE YOU!” Can pulled Tin into a kiss. It was everything their first kisses were and yet were not. Even Tin’s insistent nibbling on Can’s lips was different. Tin felt his heart flutter when Can did the same.

“Okay.” Tin pulled away, breathing heavy. “I believe you. But who gave you the nudge?”

“Not telling!” Can slapped his hands over his mouth. “Not even if you torture me!” Tin sized Can up for a moment before hauling him over his shoulder. “LET GO OF ME! HEY!” Can flailed his arms and hit Tin’s back, but to no avail.

“Well Cantaloupe, I want answers and you’re my boyfriend now. I think it’s time I show you how persuasion works between lovers.”

“Huh?” Can stopped squirming for a moment. “Persuading people is different between lovers?”

“Let’s go back to my place and I’ll show you.”

Can waved as they passed Pond and Bow. Bow reached out as if to stop them and Pond pulled her back. “Snacks?”

“Even better. Dinner.”

“Skewers?”

“Hot pot.”

“Ohhhh… Well when you put it that way…” Tin smiled and continued walking. Type and Techno did a double take as the odd couple passed and Can waved at them.

The rest of the campus didn’t know what bizarre universe they had entered as they watched Tin haul Can away in such a manner. As long as Can wasn’t screaming bloody murder, they figured it was alright. Especially if he was waving.

------

Kit dusted off his hands as he looked at the table he had set in his dorm room. Ming had asked if he had any plans and Kit had replied that he’d made dinner for two. Ming thankfully filled in the gaps himself.

“It’s a date, P’!” Ming had shouted into his phone. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“Don’t go over-” Click. “-reacting.”

When Ming knocked on the door, Kit had expected a whole manner of things. Gaudy balloons, flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals, all the dorky things Ming loved to give him and Kit secretly adored getting. A small and tasteful gift bag being thrust into his face with a rose was the least expected thing.

“What’s this?” Kit peered into the bag as Ming slid his shoes off. “A real present?”

“Of course P’Kitkat!” Ming smiled brightly and attempted to put his arm around Kit’s shoulders. He smiled even brighter when Kit didn’t shove him off immediately. “It was a last minute change in plans. I hope it fits.”

“Fits?” Kit removed the box within the bag. It was a black leather box with a logo Kit had been very familiar with. “You didn’t.”

“Uh… Happy Valentine’s Day P’Kit?”

Kit pried the lid open to see the limited edition designer watch he’d been eyeing for ages. “I can’t accept this! This is too much! We’re not even dating! How did you even get your hands on this?”

“A little bit of help from Ai Yo, but I wasn’t expecting it this soon.” Ming placed a gentle hand on Kit’s wrist. “Please accept it, P’Kitkat.” Ming turned Kit’s face to face him instead of the watch and saw the red color spreading across his cheeks and he knew his true plea had been heard.

Kit threw Ming’s arm off his shoulders. “I’m not here tolerating you for your money, you know.”

“Of course not, P’Kit!”

“I’m just as well off as you are!”

“Of course, P’Kit!”

Kit growled but looked down at the watch again, realizing his fingers were clenched so tightly, the metal dug into his palm. Kit took a deep breath and let his hand relax. The metal slowly warmed in his hands as Kit remembered the words he had wanted to say. Ming stood quietly until Kit looked back up at Ming’s hopeful expression and sighed.

“You know, I always lose my temper like this around you.”

“I don’t mind it.” Ming put his arm around Kit again. And again he was not rebuffed.

“I’m not sweet or cute like Yo.”

“I don’t like boys that are so sweet, but you’re definitely cute, P’Kitkat.”

Kit rolled his eyes. “I get mad easy. I lose track of time when I work and study. I’m bad at censoring myself. I-”

“P’Kit, what are you-”

“Why do you even like me? Why have you been trying so hard?”

“P’Kit is not a lot of things. That’s true.” Ming tilted Kit’s head up. “But P’Kit is a lot of things to me, good and bad, I accept them all. I just like P’Kit.” Ming leaned in. “Do you accept me?”

Kit pulled Ming in the rest of the way. Ming’s smile was obnoxious to kiss, but Kit decided he didn’t mind. It was all part of accepting Ming after all.

------

Pete sighed as he collapsed into his couch, dressed in his pajamas. Ae would be over soon and he’d get to enjoy his Valentine’s Day at last as well.

A couple of texts from Yo indicated that he and Pha had found his thank you present. Pete smiled.

“A job well done,” Pete said to himself as Ae opened the door.

“And no praise for me, Ai Koon Chai?” Ae sat next to Pete, pinching his cheeks. “You’ve been thinking about other boys all day. I kind of want to punish you.”

“Thank you for helping me, Ae.” Pete pressed a gentle kiss to Ae’s cheek before fluttering his lashes. Ae’s pupils were already dilating. “Are you tired after working so much today?”

Ae pushed Pete into the couch cushions, nosing around his neck. “You tease me like this, and ask me if I’m tired? You’ve got some nerve, Ai Pete.”

“Well…” Pete traced a line from behind Ae’s ear to his neck, watching the shorter boy shiver. “If you come with me to my room, I’ve got my present for you prepared.”

Pete giggled as Ae nearly dragged him into the bedroom.

------

You are in a Group Chat with Kong, Yo, Forth, and two other people.

Kong: Your interference was really unnecessary, Pete. I was going to ask Arthit to be my boyfriend last night anyway.
Kong: But I’m glad I got to eat on Phana’s dime.
Kong: :smiley sticker:

Yo: HEY! BE GRATEFUL! Do you know how many things I had to promise P’Pha?!
Yo: I’m still sore!
Yo: And that gift was really unnecessary, Ai Pete!
Yo: ...But thanks anyway.

Forth: I, for one, enjoyed my intervention.
Forth: Beam has always been a jealous monster.
Forth: I’m glad you helped me use it to my advantage for once.
Forth: Good work, team.

Pete: :smiley sticker with hearts:
Pete: Really though, a Casanova like P’Beam couldn’t tell it was me in that wig?

Forth: :laughing sticker:

Ming: HOW DID YOU GET THE WATCH, YO?
Ming: HOW DID YOU KNOW IT WOULD WORK?!

Yo: It wasn’t the watch that made P’Kit confess.
Yo: P’Kit just needed a bigger reason to get the words out and tell you how he feels.
Yo: Any big and unexpected gift would have done that.
Yo: You owe me.

Ming: You jump, I jump.
Ming: :fistbump sticker:

Yo: As it should be.

Tin: I cannot believe you got Ae to give Can a sappy monologue about love.
Tin: I also can’t believe it worked.
Tin: I also didn’t need your damn help, Pete.
Tin: ...Thanks.

Kong: Ai Ae did what now?

Pete: It’s what friends are for.
Pete: Hush, Kong.

Tin: And just so you know.
Tin: There is no possible way you could distract me into not looking for Can’s body if Ae killed him.

Pete: Noted!