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Baiboon flopped down on the couch, rubbing his face. He was frustrated with his current situation.
"But you promised," he said, frowning at Kim.
"I'm sorry, I have some other important stuff to do," Kim knelt down to look at Baiboon.
"You're always busy," Baiboon complained in a childish manner. Kim felt horrible for canceling at the last minute, but he really, really needed to help Kamol with some important stuff. It was related to Ms. Cherry and his kidnapping.
In an attempt to comfort him, Kim said, "Someone else can always go with you! Or you can go by yourself to the movies."
Baiboon groaned and moved his hands to grip the seat, "You promised, Kim! What do I do with the extra ticket now?"
"Use it! See the movie a second time!" Kim shrugged, "get one of the aunties to go with you."
Baiboon thought about it, but that sounded boring.
"Besides, one of the bodyguards probably will accompany you inside. You're the youngest here, so surely you're always protected."
Yeah…that made sense. Baiboon listened.
"So," Kim chose his words carefully, "if you like one bodyguard more over the other…make them go with you."
Baiboon gasped, it made sense. Kim's plan was perfect.
"But I don't have the strength to do it," Baiboon groaned, plans of asking them out down the drain.
"I'll ask for you! Who is it?"
Baiboon shakes his head, covering his eyes with his fingers out of embarrassment.
"Come closer,” Baiboon whispered, and Kim scoots closer until they’re able to whisper to one another. Baiboon simply said “Mr. Kom.”
Kim pulled away and grinned, watching Baiboon fidget with this sleeve, making an “ooh” sound. Baiboon gave him a small shove.
“Why don’t you confess to him?” Kim asks, keeping his voice low to avoid being heard by anyone else other than Baiboon.
“I don’t think he’s interested in me, I’m still in school, everyone calls me a kid,” Baiboon sounded like he was in denial. Kim snorts, the incredulous look on his face makes the younger confused.
“Yeah, he totally doesn’t like you. He only carried you to bed when you were tired, played with your hair-probably-and refused to leave you until it was safe after that night.”
“He did play with my hair,” Baiboon muttered, grabbing a pillow and clutching it. Kim suddenly burst out laughing.
“That’s what you got from what I said?” Kim said through his fits of laughter, covering his mouth when Baiboon shushed him.
He looks down, almost ashamed. Kim smiled at Baiboon, reaching over to pat his head.
Baiboon glanced at him. Kim spoke, “Baiboon, you’re not a child, if you like him, then do something, say something, to get your feelings across. You’re in college; a young adult.”
The advice sounded helpful, Baiboon would keep it in mind. He quietly thanked Kim.
“But,” Kim holds up a finger, “if he doesn’t reciprocate, don't get hurt over it. There has to be a good reason behind it. Even if he doesn’t tell you.”
The words made him a little happier, maybe a bit more confident. A smile tugs at his lips. He'll definitely do it, Baiboon just had to encourage himself first.
"Thanks," Baiboon said to Kim, who pats his head again. He honestly felt embarrassed: talking about who he liked as if they were two high schoolers sharing secrets at a sleepover. Though, sometimes it felt nice.
Standing up, Kim adjusted his shirt, "Bye, Kamol is probably waiting for me. If Kom has to go with him, guess he'll have to change his plans."
"Welp, shit," Baiboon cursed internally. He forgot Mr. Kom was always at Kamols' side during business. He puffed his cheeks and flopped back on the couch.
Footsteps echoed throughout the hallway and Baiboon's attention shifted. Although curious, he couldn't bring himself to sit upright.
The pillow stayed glued to his chest as he looked at the ceiling. Who was pacing down the hall?
"Hello?" Baiboon called, gaze flicking to the figure entering the room.
Oh my god, aren't you supposed to be with Mr. Kamol?
Baiboon brought the pillow to his face and nearly screamed. He inhaled deeply instead.
"Hello, Baiboon. Mr. Kamol told me to look after you," Kom. It was Kom .
Why is the world so cruel to me? He kept his face in the pillow.
"Bai—" Baiboon cuts him off with, "I heard you." He didn't mean to sound curt. There was a moment of silence, the pillow almost ripping from how hard it was being gripped.
Kom spoke again, "I'll be here unless I'm told otherwise." That sounded scripted, honestly. Baiboon hummed, it was muffled.
"Please don't suffocate yourself, Baiboon," Kom sounded amused, something that was unexpected.
Lifting his face from the pillow, he looks over at the bodyguard. Kom stood at ease, as Kim liked to call it. His shoulders were straight and his hands were always clasped in front of him. Baiboon always saw a small smile on his face.
Sometimes it was there when it really shouldn't have been; Kom had kicked a man and he looked beyond satisfied. Baiboon worried for him from time to time.
Anyway, Baiboon felt uneasy. Kim made fun of how Kom acted while on duty. He looked like an NPC, non-playable character. Baiboon felt bad for laughing, but it was true.
"You can uh- do other stuff, aren't you busy?" Were bodyguards busy when they weren't watching someone?
"Not today, no," Baiboons eyes narrowed in annoyance to the dry responses. He sounded like a robot.
There was a strand of hair falling in the center of Koms face. He wondered if that's how he styled it, or it just happened.
That's when he realized he had been staring at Kom.
"Are you okay?" Kom asked, walking closer to Baiboon. He curled up with the pillow, nodding.
If only the couch could swallow him whole.
Kom stood by the couch, studying Baiboons expressions.
"You can sit," he offered, moving aside. Kom listened.
It was really awkward, to him at least.
He needed a moment to collect himself. So, the pillow was discarded and he got to his feet.
"I'll be in my room, go do whatever you have to!" Baiboon scurried off.
He really, really found feelings stupid. He remembered being more confident and bold to Kom. The time a hand grabbed his wrist and they sat together at the dining table. Baiboon cooked for him. It felt like they were going backwards with their progress.
The door shut with a slam and his back slid against the door.
His brain only made "aAaAaaAAA" noises.
Just do it! It's a movie! You guys won't even be looking at each other!
Minutes pass, it's only getting later into the day. Sooner or later those tickets would have to be used. He’d- they’d be late for the movie if he didn’t make up his mind.
I forgot the tickets! They're on the table still! Baiboon nearly slammed his head backwards on the door.
While he was here, he should probably pull on a better outfit. Sure, the tickets were important but he didn’t want to go out with pajama pants.
That wasn't the hard part; he had been given smaller shirts and pants Kim didn't want. Plus, he has his own style.
Something comfortable, that sounds perfect.
After getting changed, he went to find Kom. At first, he thought the man was still in the living room. Apparently he wasn't.
He swiped the tickets from the table and continued the search.
Finally locating the bodyguard, Baiboon approached him. Kom was outside, looking at shrubs. He looked at everything as if it were suspicious.
Baiboon reached over hesitantly, and tugged his sleeve. Kom turns around, greeting him. Baiboon held his sleeve for a bit.
Kom walked closer and Baiboon tried to say something. He fidgets with the tickets in one hand.
You weren't like this days ago! Come on! He said to himself.
He stuttered, but Kom was a very patient person. Luckily for both of them.
"Will you go to the movies with me? Kim had to cancel, and I have two tickets- and I don't wanna go alone," Baiboon still didn't let go of his sleeve. Kom didn't make him.
"Of course," Kom nods his head. He wasn't speaking loudly, like he was trying not to startle Baiboon.
"You don't have to if you don't want to—you must have some other job, right? So this isn't really important," Baiboon started talking. He went on and on.
"Baiboon," he quickly stopped blabbering, "I'll go with you."
"Thank you!" Baiboon smiled up at him, filled with relief at the agreement.
___
Kim’s phone was probably blowing up.
I THINK I’M GOING ON A DATE WITH HIM [Read 8:22 PM]
HE SAID YES, we’re in the car right now. He’s driving but he keeps looking back at me when we stop [Read 8:24 PM]
When he looked at me aaaa [Delivered 8:39 PM]
Why did i let u talk me into this im so anxious [Delivered 8:41 PM]
Also caps lock earlier sorrydhshsd [Delivered 8:41 PM]
Those were some of the texts.
It was currently 9:10 PM, and the movie started soon. There was a crowd in front of the theatre. Baiboon bit his bottom lip. How would they get through that?
His phone dinged once, his messages had finally been read and Kim replied.
Congrats, u did it. I’m with Mr. Kamol at a meeting so he took my phone for whatever dumb reason. Currently, we’re waiting for the American and Chinese diplomats to talk stuff out. Won’t bore you on that. If you guys both liked it, ask if he’s comfortable with you calling it a date?? It’s a movie u guys won’t be looking into each other's eyeballs for two hours. calm down. [Sent 9:11 PM]
Baiboon took a deep breath. Kim was good at giving advice in his opinion. “Do the opposite of what I do,” Kim said to him once.
Baiboon put his phone on silent temporarily and looked up at Kom, wondering what he was thinking.
Getting out of the car, he took a moment to stretch and yawn. Kom steps out, looking at whatever Baiboon was doing and then the crowd.
Kom looked at Baiboon again, putting a hand out to him.
Baiboon looked down at it, confused. He pockets his phone.
“Give me your hand, I don’t want you getting lost in the crowd, Baiboon.”
At that same moment the both of them felt awkward. Kom worried he said something that made him uncomfortable. He lowered his hand and gave an almost silent apology.
“No- no, it’s okay,” Baiboon grabbed Kom's hand using both of his. He looked down at their hands. Yep, this was happening, this is fine. He’s just doing it because he’s worried that I’ll get lost.
Kom found it cute in a way, looking down at their hands. Baiboon lets go and decides to only use one hand to hold Kom’s. His face felt warmer. Kom blames the heat.
They began to walk toward the theatre. It was uncomfortable bumping into people and trying to not trip over feet, but they managed.
When someone bumped into them especially hard, Baiboon was startled, stumbling forward and gripping Kom’s hand.
He didn’t really walk for a moment. Kom squeezed his hand the slightest, but said nothing. He stopped walking until Baiboon tugged at their hands.
Getting into the theatre, they still didn’t let go of their hands. Baiboon fished out the tickets, handing them to someone. He was suddenly very aware of their hands. It was a gentle hold, a loose grip that Baiboon could shake off if he wanted. Kom’s hand was warm, he felt content.
Kom didn’t want to let go either.
The only reason they part is because they have to walk to their seats. Of course, after Baiboon bought a tiny box of candy.
He held it and began walking, but Kom insisted on leading the way. Another thing from his job; Kom always had to stand in front of the person he protected.
Sometimes, Baiboon wished they could just stand side by side and walk. You know, and hold hands so they’d get mistaken for a couple.
Sitting down and getting comfortable, Baiboon watched Kom sit. He swore he did everything as if it was programmed. Why couldn’t he just relax?
“You don’t have to be so tense,” Baiboon murmured as he fought to open the box of candy.
Kom gently pulled it away from him as he replied, “I’m taking care of you, I don’t know when something may happen.”
He rolled his eyes, “It’s a theatre, who wants to interrupt a horror movie?”
Kom hands Baiboon the box back after opening it, “You didn’t tell me it’s a horror movie.” The words earned a mischievous grin from Baiboon. He looks up at Kom, right in the eye.
“Are you scaaaared?” He whispered, trying to tease the man to get a reaction out of him. Kom shakes his head.
“I didn’t even know the name of the movie, just that we’re going to see one,” Kom whispers back. Baiboon thinks he didn’t have to even try; usually speaking in a hushed tone. Or was that only towards him?
“The one with the ghost lady and the husband,” Baiboon grinned as he described it, leaning his head on Kom’s shoulder, “it’s okay if you get frightened, I’ll be here,'' He wasn’t sure where the courage came from. Kom huffed, holding a laugh back. A hand reaches up and pats Baiboon on the head. The gesture was almost as if Baiboon was a cat. Well, Kom was around the tigers often since he took care of them.
And then it stays there. He squealed on the inside. Would they stay like this for the entire movie? That’s over an hour!
Who complained about cuddling during a movie? Baiboon wouldn’t.
The second it started Baiboon put his full attention on the screen.
___
About half an hour passed, and most people were already scared. Someone even screamed to which they were shushed.
One of the scared people was Baiboon. Yet he still refused to rip his eyes off the screen, too engrossed in the murder scene. Kom would spare a glance at him, worried whenever he flinched.
As for the bodyguard, he recognized the movie; having first seen it when it aired years ago. He felt Baiboon jerk again when the character on screen let out a shriek.
This was the exact reason Kim and Baiboon agreed to go together: in case one got scared and the other had to hold them.
Kom felt bad; not knowing what to do. Did Baiboon want to leave?
“Baiboon,” Kom lifts his arm away from Baiboon, only for it to be grabbed again, “if you’re scared we can leave.”
Baiboon held his hand tightly, letting their fingers intertwine, “That’ll be a waste of a ticket, no,” he can’t rip his eyes away from the screen still.
The movie’s goriest scene was nothing scary to Kom, he’s seen it all after being a bodyguard for more than 6 years. He gave Baiboon’s hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze and kept his eyes on him. The terrified look in his eyes hurt.
A loud shriek erupts from the character on screen again, disgusting squelches and gurgling noise. Baiboon gagged, finally looking away.
Slowly, Kom reaches with his other hand and places it on the young man’s face. He doesn’t expect him to lean into the touch. It comforted Baiboon immensely. The thumb grazing his cheek felt loving and Kom could feel his face grow warm under his palm.
“The movie’s almost over, we can go do something after,” Kom was close to him. They would’ve been pressed to each other's sides if the arm of the chair wasn’t there. Baiboon nods. Maybe they could go somewhere to get his mind off of it.
Kom slowly lets go of Baiboon’s cheek, but Baiboon frowned the slightest.
Throughout the rest of the movie, Baiboon would feel Kom squeeze his hand in an attempt to calm him down.
___
Kom was extremely surprised; Baiboon was able to power through that entire movie. He couldn’t blame him, Kom got scared the first time he saw it with friends. They were teenagers: dumb and couragous.
Baiboon was about ready to collapse onto the movie theatre floor. He clasped the bodyguard’s hand tightly and took small, slow steps out of the place.
He couldn’t wait to tell Kim about this…and leave out the fact he was a giant coward. Out of all the things he’s witnessed, this is what scared him?
It was nighttime and dark outside. The stars weren’t visible just yet. Maybe he could stargaze for a little bit to calm down.
Kom let go of Baiboon’s hand to open the car door for him. He slowly got in and let the door close.
Before Kom got into the car, he took those three seconds to inhale deeply and throw his head against the seat in front of him.
“Do you want to do anything else, Baiboon?”
“Uh- no, I think I’m okay,”
Kom knew he wasn’t, “I can’t blame you for being scared,” he said, glancing at Baiboon through the mirror.
“I was just startled a few times, Mr. Kom,” Baiboon’s lie was not bought at all. He didn’t sound upset, just a bit embarrassed.
“I was scared of that movie, too,” Kom confessed, “I saw it when it first came out.”
“You huh , that- that was over ten years ago!” Baiboon stuttered, lifting his head. He could see the smile on Kom’s face.
“It’s one of the scariest movies to date, did you not know?”
Baiboon tucked his face back into his knees, groaning. He could laugh at the image of scared, younger Kom, though. It was a little funny.
___
The interested, “ooo” sound Baiboon made while pressing his face against the car window made Kom stop.
“Is there something you wanted, Baiboon?” He was amazed Baiboon could see anything in the dark.
“No,” Baiboon lied once more, “I didn’t realize an ice cream shop opened there.”
Kom didn’t know either, but with the way Baiboon had his face pressed against the window, he definitely wanted something.
“Let’s get ice cream,” He said. They made another stop and Baiboon frowned.
“I don’t want to bother you again, let’s just go home,” he replied. Kom says nothing, getting out and opening the door for Baiboon, who also got out-despite saying he didn’t want anything from the place.
Kom took his hand again, but there was no crowd. Neither commented on it.
As they went over to it, Baiboon saw the poster on the front window: a large bowl of vanilla ice cream with strawberries. He hummed in thought. They stood there since Baiboon looked captivated by the store’s front.
“I’ve never had strawberries before,” he mainly said to himself, “they look good.”
“I’ll get it for you,”
“But what if I don’t like it?”
“Then I’ll eat it, it’s not something to worry about,”
“I don’t want to bother you anymore, Mr Kom,”
“You aren’t bothering me, Baiboon,” Kom never understood why that was Baiboon’s main concern. It was ridiculous. His voice was stern and he brought the man inside the store, insisting on getting him what he wanted. Childishly, Baiboon held Kom’s blazer and stood behind him as he was greeted by someone.
The order was the strawberry sundae and a small coffee. Baiboon muttered a “thank you” and they found somewhere to sit. The booth was comfortable and they sat across from each other.
It was oddly tranquil, Baiboon awkwardly folded a napkin in front of him.
“So,” Kom started, “why have you never had a strawberry before?”
He didn’t expect the question to make Baiboon sad. His shoulders slumped and he kept his head down.
Before he could apologize, Baiboon answered, “Whenever we saw strawberries at the flea market…my mom would say no.”
Kom’s eyebrows drew together. He remembered when he brought Baiboon to the house because his mother abandoned him. Only him and his grandma were there, then Kom, now Kim. He came here when he was fifteen and they bonded ever since then. It was something he was happy about; getting to see Baiboon grow and gain more close friends.
Once more, before he could talk, their items came. The ice cream was placed in front of Baiboon. He lifted his head.
Kom thanks the waitress and watches Baiboon turn the glass bowl. He takes a spoon and cautiously pushes it into the ice cream. He took the strawberry slice and a bit of ice cream. Kom sipped at the coffee, it was warm and not scalding his taste buds. He was thankful for that.
Baiboon knew Kom was staring at him, but took a bite of the ice cream and he immediately grinned, “Strawberries taste good!” The way his eyes became brighter was proof enough.
“Mhm, nice to know you like them,” Kom smiled and Baiboon tried to calm down. It felt weird being this excited over something so small. Fruit, it was just fruit. With Kom, it felt okay and he didn’t mind.
As much as he tried to suppress the smile on his face, it didn’t work. He took some of the ice cream on the spoon and pushed it toward Kom.
“Have some,” he said, putting the spoon directly on Koms lips. He couldn’t refuse it.
It tasted like regular vanilla ice cream and sweet strawberries. He had to agree; it did taste good.
Baiboon screamed on the inside after what he did. He had already put his mouth on the spoon and then fed the other with it. What’s done is done.
Since his freaking out was internal they were eating in peace. Ice cream close to midnight and the comforting presence of one another.
___
After spamming Kim’s phone again, Baiboon had dozed off in the backseat. He was unaware they were home now.
Since it wasn’t the first time Kom carried him to his room, he decided to do it again.
Gathering Baiboon in his arms, he’s picked up and the car door is shut by foot.
What Kom didn’t expect was Baiboon to push his face closer to his chest. His breath smelled like sweet strawberries.
It’s late, I should get him to bed.
And so, Kom did just that. It didn’t take too long. He laid him down, left Baiboon’s shoes by the bedside, and put the covers over him. Kom left his phone on the nightstand next to him.
His phone chimed and lit up, a message from Kim that Kom couldn’t help but glance at.
Aww you guys went on a date :) I’m so happy for you, goodni… [12:03 AM]
Kom was curious. Was he telling Kim everything? Was he calling it a date?
Baiboon shifted, bringing the covers up to his nose and curling up. Kom reached over to brush the hair out of his face, watching him simper.
That was it for the night, Kom left so he could go to his own room.
___e x t r a
“So… why are there so many strawberries on the…counter…?” Kim asked, looking at the two women who just entered to prepare breakfast. Kim, Baiboon, both aunties, and Kom were in the room after Kim shouted, “ what the hell? ”
Baiboon found the situation funny, waking up to a bunch of fresh, bright looking strawberries in cartons on the kitchen counter. There were over 10 cartons filled to the top.
He laughs, reaching to take one of said cartons, “I wonder who got them?” He didn’t have to guess, he knew, looking over at a certain bodyguard in the kitchen.
The bashful and guilty half-smile on Kom’s face gave it away.