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Nat feels that something is going on.
They’re on their way to another schedule but his Phi has not been himself since this morning. No affectionate good mornings, not even a tight hug to greet him.
Maybe he has become used to it.
Ever since Max revealed that he’s serious about pursuing him and it's not just about fan service anymore, he’s gotten so affectionate, so attentive - even more than how he was before. Even sweeter, and touchier. He’s still getting adjusted as it’s a relatively new development in their relationship. And this has become a routine whenever they meet up in the mornings for their schedules - sweet good morning, tight hugs, and on some days, Max even gives him a peck on his head. So how he was acting today really concerns Nat.
It’s been two days since they last saw each other and on normal days Max would be so clingy it’s borderline annoying but today seems so different. He feels so distant - as if something is bothering him.
Nat tries to recall if he’s done or said anything that might have upset the older. He scrolls through his phone to make sure he said good night the night before - and he did. Did he forget something important? He looks at his calendar - and he didn’t.
He glances over at Max and tries to read what’s on his mind.
This is so unlike them. What makes their other colleagues jealous of what they have the most is how good they are at communicating with each other - no matter what it’s about.
“Phi phi? ” he tries to initiate a conversation.
Nat gently touches Max’s hand and strokes it softly. The older male looks at their hands and looks up into Nat’s worried eyes.
“Hm?” Max tries to smile as he holds back Nat’s hand. “Is there something wrong, Nu ?”
Nu. Baby. Nat still isn’t used to Max calling him that.
“Phi , I should be the one asking you that. Are you not feeling okay? Is there something wrong?”
Max flashes him a tight smile.
I know when you fake your smile, Khun Kornthas.
Nat wants to say it out loud but he doesn’t. He’s sure that within the day Max will tell him what’s been running through his head and they’ll resolve it together.
“Everything’s okay. You should rest before we get to the P’Aof’s house.”
Max raises their hands together and gives Nat’s hand a gentle peck. He gently leans his head on Max’s shoulder and gives his hand a squeeze.
Please tell me if something’s bothering you. I’m always here to listen.
As if hearing his thoughts, Max leans down and gives his head a peck. Stroking the skin of Nat’s much smaller hand with his thumb.
“Thank you, Nu . I needed that.”
It’s a no different story once they got to P’Aof’s house. While Nat was getting his hair and make-up done, Max was distracted from reading something on his phone. He looked so intense, his expression sometimes equalling the fierceness of his Hia Yi character.
Whatever Max was reading on his phone might’ve been so horrendous that his face looks like that.
Did something bad happen?
Nat continues looking at Max through the mirror. He knew he could not confront Max right now because they were with other staff, not to mention Yim was just beside him getting his makeup done and Tutor was getting his hair styled on his other side. So, he picks up his phone and decides to send Max a Line.
[Phi, you’re looking like Hia Yi with that expression. Did something bad happen? ]
Nat looks at Max through the mirror as soon as he hits send. He hears Max’s notification and they meet eye to eye through the mirror.
[Just read something, Nong. It’s nothing serious.]
[Are you sure, Phi?]
[I am Nong.]
[Okay, then. I’m just worried.]
[Nothing to worry about, teerak. Let’s just do well today, hm? ]
Nat blushes at the pet name. Max smiles a little bit as he sees Nat become two shades redder than his blush on. Even his ears are getting redder.
[Nu, you’re blushing. So cute.]
[Stop teasing, Phi. I’m here concerned about you and you’re just flirting.]
[Alright. I’ll stop. Can I get a hug? Please, Nu?]
Max stands up as soon as he hears the notification on Nat’s phone. He walks into one of the empty rooms and stays there waiting for Nat.
Nat looks at Max’s text and he asks his stylist if he could get his charger from his bag because his phone was running out of battery. A little white lie - his phone is still at 83% - but he had to excuse himself to meet Max privately.
Sure, their colleagues are used to them being affectionate and clingy with one another but their private moments are a different story.
They knew how risky it was when Max acknowledged that he doesn’t see the younger as just a colleague or a brother but as something more and Nat when he allowed Max to pursue him. Even publicly announcing where they’re at with their relationship, as well.
Maybe it came from those years that they knew each other. Three years have been a long time - too short for Max’s thinking since he spent half of those years flirting with ex-girlfriends who he stupidly introduced to Nat, too. No wonder his Nong teases him all the time about an 80 million baht dowry. But now he can admit that Nat’s the only one in his heart. He’s crazy about him.
And though it’s quite arrogant of him to have told Nat that he never failed to flirt with anyone, he doesn’t intend to end his streak. Just a little more push. A little more effort. Just a bit more and he knows Nat will see his sincerity and finally accept his heart.
As soon as Nat closes the door of the room, he is enveloped by Max’s strong arms. He lets himself be taken by the warmth as he closes his eyes and hugs Max back.
Something is definitely up.
But Nat doesn’t say anything and just lets Max hug him. He knows his clothes are getting crumpled with how tight the older man is embracing him but he feels and he knows that he should not pull away or tell the older off with how he’s holding him. Instead, he just runs his hand up and down Max’s back - hoping it’s somehow making his phi feel a little better.
After almost a minute, Max pulls away. He looks down at Nat and meets the younger one’s confused yet charming eyes.
“Nong , can I stay over at your place after our schedule?” Max says so softly that it makes Nat smile.
“I know we discussed before that I can only stay over on weekends. And only once a week but I real-”
Max’s eyes widen when Nat covers his mouth with his palm. And his heart skips a beat when he smells that strawberry hand lotion Nat always uses.
“Phi, why are you babbling when I didn’t even say anything?” Nat giggles and Max feels like he’s going to melt.
Nat removes his hand from Max’s mouth and nods.
“Yes, you can stay over.”
Max was about to give Nat another quick hug when someone knocked on the door.
“Hey, lovebirds! Enough cuddling! Natasit, we need to finish your make-up, come on now!”
Turns out their little getaways weren't so subtle at all.
________
Their schedule went smoother than expected.
Even though Max had a lot inside his mind, he was still a professional. He could not let his inner turmoil get in the way of his work especially when a lot of people are involved in the set and he feels he could be a setback to everyone.
Start of Flashback
A few days ago he was so excited to see the vlog that he and Nat worked so hard on. He was excited to share such a fun experience and he knows for sure that the fans would love to see how different his and Nat‘s relationship has become. He has not seen any of the footage nor the final video but knowing how their trip went, he is very excited about how it came out.
He lounged on his chair and played the video that was uploaded mere seconds ago and the opening clip alone puts a broad smile on his face. He grabs his phone and sends a quick text to Nat.
[Nong, I’m watching the vlog right now.]
He looks back into the screen and sees the next clip where Nat runs after him and gives him a tight back hug.
Got you! I’m never letting you go.
Then, don’t.
Max feels his heart beat faster and warmth spreads into his whole being. He can’t help but bite his lower lip, attempting to conceal another wide grin. He picks up his phone again and sends another text to his nong. His fingers typing so fast just to let out the feels he’s getting from the video.
[I’m not trying to flirt or anything. But we really look good together. Don’t you think?]
[I’m not bragging. It’s the truth.]
He continued watching the vlog and he had to continuously massage his aching cheeks from smiling too much. It gets to the scene where he and Nat went to a shrine after their fan meeting in The Mall, Korat. Something about him and Nat making merit together just makes his heart swell with happiness. He hears his phone and sees a text from his khun mae.
[Max, how are you and Nong Nat? I’m watching your new video together.]
[We’re okay, mae. Super okay. I’m really serious about him.]
[I can see that, son. You two look super cute together.]
[You really think so?]
[Of course! Look at you two! I’d love to have a son as lovely as him.]
[Mae, am I not lovely enough for you?]
[Maaaax, you know what mae means.]
[Hehe just kidding, mae. I’d love for Nat to be your son, too. I’ll work hard to earn that 80 million baht dowry.]
[Oyy, will mae still be alive when that happens?]
Max chuckles a bit as puts down his phone and looks at the screen again. It comes to the scene where he was showing off the lodging where he and Nat stayed in.
He can still recall that day clearly when he saw Nat climbing down the stairs from the second-floor loft.
“Khun Kornthas? Can I sleep with you? It’s kinda creepy upstairs.”
To be honest, Max loves it when Nat calls him by his first name.
“Sure, c’mere!”
He scooted over and put a pillow in between them, a practice they’ve always done on sleepovers. Nat climbed onto the bed but removed the pillow between them. He laid down beside Max and snuggled closely to the older male. Max could not deny that it made his heart do somersaults. He’s the one who usually initiates the skinship so he dies a little when Nat is the one who does that.
“Nat? Uhm..”
“Yes, phi?” Nat says softly as he hugs Max.
“N-Nothing.. Sleep well na?”
“Goodnight, Khun Kornthas.”
“Goodnight, nong.”
—
He finishes the vlog and goes to Twitter to promote and trend their hashtags. Not missing checking the reaction of their fans. He laughs a little when he gets another nickname from them.
Khun Simp. And he can’t deny it. He agrees.
He hears his phone and sees a text from Nat.
[The vlog looks so good, phi! Let’s ask P’Aof if we can shoot another one soon!]
[Here you are again with your flirting. 🙄 Prepare dowry first, Khun Kornthas.]
[But I agree. We do look good together. 💖💙]
Max could say it was the happiest he had felt in a long time. Not until he saw a thread on Twitter and went down a spiral of negative comments about his and Nat’s vlog.
Why does it seem like it’s one-sided? Is it just me? It feels like Nat doesn’t like Max.
I agree, it seems one-sided.
Does Nat even like Max? He doesn’t look like he wants to be there.
I kinda feel sorry for Max. It’s like he’s the only one giving and giving.
They don’t look good together. Max looks too old for Nat.
They really don’t fit each other lol
End of Flashback
Max tried. For two days he really tried to stop reading those comments but it’s like he’s slipped into a never-ending slide.
Spiraling and spiraling.
He even checked YouTube and saw more comments about them feeling like his affection is one-sided. That he looked too old for Nat. That they didn’t look compatible or good with each other.
He knew for a fact that Nat likes him back.
Wait.
Does he?
They never discussed nor brought this up ever again after Nat gave his permission to pursue him. He’s someone who doesn’t really doubt anything when it comes to Nat. But these negative comments are slowly eating him up.
They wrapped up their schedule at almost 7 o’clock in the evening. While waiting for their staff to pack up, they were handed out food packs but Max only played with his food while watching Nat eat his soup.
His nong looks at him and gently touches his leg, “P’Max, you’re not going to eat?”
“I’m still kinda full. I’ll eat later when we get home na.”
Nat gently smiles and then nods. Max can’t help but smile. It warms his heart when the younger man also shows his attentiveness to him. He can’t help but gently pinch Nat’s chin and then touch his lobe.
He gets an eye smile and a nose scrunch in return.
The ride home was peaceful and silent. All of the youngsters dozed off from being so active in their schedule. Max looks at the young man sleeping on his shoulder, possessive hands holding his thigh and he can’t help but smile softly. He gives Nat’s head a small peck and leans on his head, closes his eyes, and tries to nap on the trip back to Nat’s place.
As soon as they arrived in Minburi, they almost sprinted to Nat’s room to rest.
Max spent more than half an hour showering, letting the warm water run down his face and body to relax his muscles and somehow clear his mind. Once he finishes showering and Nat right after, he knows for sure his nong will be curious and ask him what has been happening with him the whole day. And he’s not sure how to say what he feels. Instead of thinking of the right words to say, he just wants to prepare himself, and get ready for the questions coming his way.
He dresses in a muscle tee and loose drawstring pants. He doesn’t even need to bring an overnight bag when he stays over because he already has a small section in Nat’s cabinet full of his clothes.
He walks out of the bath and sits down on Nat’s bed while drying his hair. Nat stands up from his desk and smiles at his phi.
“You took your sweet time in the bath, phi. I finished my homework already.”
“Sorry. The warm water was too nice.”
Nat chuckles, “No need to say sorry. I’ll be quick so we can sleep soon.” And he enters the bath.
Max settles on his usual position on the bed and he hears the shower turn on. He tries to distract himself with his phone, randomly scrolling through Twitter while drying his hair. He doesn’t know how long he’s been looking through his feed as hears the bathroom door unlock and open.
Max looks up at Nat as soon as he steps out of the bath. He immediately sits up, leans on the headboards, and reaches for the towel Nat gives to him. His nong sits on the space between his legs and he starts rubbing the towel on the younger’s dripping hair. This has been a routine for them whenever he sleeps over at Nat’s. He grabs the hair dryer and starts to blow dry the younger man’s hair.
A few noisy minutes pass by because of the hair dryer then a comfortable silence falls between them but Max knew Nat wanted to break the silence so badly and ask what had been going on.
“P’Max?”
“Hm?”
“Was everything okay today? Did we do well?”
Max briefly pauses from ruffling his hair. He figures Nat wanted to start talking to him using their usual “after-schedule talk”.
“You did well today, nong. Really well.”
“You did too, phi. But I noticed you were kind of distracted.”
“Was I?”
“Yes. And that hug earlier, then you asked if you can stay over.”
Nat turns his head around and looks at him with concerned eyes. Max had to swallow an invisible lump in his throat, overwhelmed by the attention the younger man was giving him. He looks into those sparkly, wandering eyes and raises his hand to stroke Nat’s cheek so so gently as if he was going to break. His heart hammers through his chest when Nat leans into his touch.
“Phi, please tell me what’s wrong. Please?”
Max sighs. He strokes Nat’s cheekbone with his thumb then puts it down.
“Okay. I’ll tell you.”
Nat turns his body over and sits cross-legged in front of him. He gently holds Max’s hands and looks at him so sweetly.
“I’m all ears, phi phi.”
“Remember a few days ago, our vlog came out.” Max starts and the younger nods.
“I really enjoyed every minute of it. To be honest, when you asked me if it was a date or a trip, I really wanted to say it was a date. Not a phi-nong date, Nat. Just a date between, y’know.”
Max can’t really say faen because they are not there yet, he can’t say phi-nong either since they’re already more than that.
“It felt like that to me. I treated it as one, too. My mom also said we looked really good together and is wishing our relationship well.” Max continues.
He smiles when Nat visibility gets shy. He rubs Nat’s knuckles with his thumbs, raises them up gently, and pecks Nat’s fingers.
“But after the vlog, I went into Twitter and found a bunch of comments about the video. About me. About you. About us in general. And it affected me. To be honest, I felt a bit insecure, teerak .”
Nat looks up into his eyes.
“What did you see, phi ?”
“That I looked too old for you. That my affection seemed one-sided and that you look like you don’t like me that much. That they feel sorry fo-”
Max gets startled when soft lips meet his own. His eyes widen at Nat as the younger pulls away. They have kissed before while acting, they kissed each other off-screen too but mostly on the cheeks and they haven’t been really physical after they leveled up their relationship to the flirting and courting stage.
Nat is looking at him with doe eyes and he can only stare at the younger’s orbs that he fell in love with.
The younger moves closer to him and he stiffens when Nat gets onto his lap, hugs his shoulder tightly, and buries his face by the side of his neck. He can only wrap his hands around his nong’s petite body and give his ear a light peck.
“I’m sorry, phi. I know we usually ignore comments like that thrown at us but I know you also felt that way because I don’t know how to accept your affection and don’t know how to handle myself when you flirt with me and it’s making you question if the comments are true.”
“Nat, it’s not your fault.”
“Can I also tell you something?”
“Sure.”
“I also saw comments and they were talking about how I’m not a fit with you, that my body looked too petite, that I looked too much like a kid for you. My feelings for you, you don’t need to doubt it, phi. I’ve liked you for a long time. Even when you were teasing me so much and were sometimes mean to me when I just got into Domundi, I still liked you. That’s why I can’t handle myself when you flirt with me. I mean, I’ve had a crush on you for over two years so how would you feel if your crush suddenly reciprocated?”
This is not news to Max. Zee did warn him about Nat liking him way before. But it felt much different hearing and getting it confirmed by Nat himself. His train of thought stops when he hears Nat speak again.
“But the comments about me, how do I change my body, P’Max? How do I make myself look more mature or more like an adult and less like a child like how people view me?”
Max gently pulls away from Nat, only enough that he can get a good look at his precious Nong’s face. His heart almost breaks seeing his beloved’s eyes glazed with unshed tears. He glances at Nat’s perfect lips, feeling scared about his urge to dive in and test the waters.
Max cancels out his fear.
And he cannonballs.
He closes the gap between himself and Nat and gives him the gentlest kiss. He feels his nong stiffen but immediately relaxes and snakes his arms over his nape and shoulders. He gently tilts his head as he cups the back of Nat’s head, his heart hammers on his chest when he feels the younger suck on his lower lip gently.
Max pulls away abruptly from the kiss.
“Nat…”
“Yes, P’Max?” Nat replies with a breathy voice.
“You’re perfect in my eyes, tua-lek (small one). I love our height difference, it makes me feel like it’s the perfect height for me to hold an umbrella over your head, the perfect height to give you forehead kisses, too. I love the difference in our body sizes, it makes me feel like I can protect you and I also think you fit perfectly in my arms when we hug. I even love our age difference even if you tease me a lot about it because I’m older I can guide you through a lot of things and I can even help you with your uni homework.”
Nat smiles and visibly blushes. Max slides his hand from the younger’s nape to the side of his neck, just enough for his thumb to reach Nat’s jawline and softly rub them, then he continues,
“But even though you’re shorter than me, I love how you always drape your arm over my shoulders or wrap them around my waist, it makes me feel safe. Even with your small physique, I love how strong and reliable you are. And even though you’re younger, I love that you’re very mature and independent. But when it’s just the two of us, I love how you became soft, fragile, needy, clingy, and extra sweet and affectionate.
You make me feel needed, Nat.
I’m sorry if I doubted how you felt just because of a bunch of stupid comments. They know nothing about you or me. About us and I let it affect me, teerak.”
Max’s brows furrow in worry, worried about what Nat is currently thinking of.
“I get very shy when you flirt with me and it’s making me malfunction, phi. I can’t handle myself and it affects the way I show my affection for you. It’s too much sometimes. I don’t know how you do it.”
Max smiles a bit, he did notice Nat has a tendency to lower and shake his head when he gets shy.
“I just let it flow out of me, Nat. Sometimes I even forget that we’re in a very public setting when I flirt with you. I just say what comes into my mind whenever I can’t handle how cute, handsome, and beautiful you are.”
Nat blushes.
“Sorry for being a bit fragile because of those comments, Nat. Because of it, I questioned how you felt about me and I’ve forgotten what matters the most. What matters most is us. No opinion about our feelings should matter other than ours.”
“I love you, P’Max. ”
The words struck Max like lightning. It doesn’t help that Nat leans in again to give his lips a light peck.
“I’ll get better at showing my affection. It’s my first time feeling this way about someone so I don’t know how to show it properly. I don’t know if I should be very transparent and honest about my feelings. Sometimes I even want to kiss you in front of our friends to show them you’re mine so we don’t have to keep it a secret anymore. I feel too possessive of you sometimes, phi. I only want you holding my hands. I want you to look only at me but I also like it when you look away because your side profile is really handsome. I like it when I’m the only one you smile and look at with that look and that smile .”
Max’s lips twitch trying to conceal a smile and Nat shrinks in his arms as he buries his face in that broad chest.
“Oh, Natasitt. Look at you acting like my boyfriend when you haven’t made it official yet.”
“We’ve been acting like boyfriends already, P’Max. What do you mean?”
“That’s true. I’ve been treating you like my boyfriend, too. But you haven’t officially said that we’re together. Like real boyfriends.”
“Why is it up to me?”
“Because I was the one who decided to level up our relationship, Nat. When I told you months ago that I’m seriously flirting with you, that I don’t see you as my little brother anymore but something more, and when I asked you if I can start courting you, the ball’s always been at your side of the court.”
Nat looks up and smiles, then giggles at his phi.
“I love that you used a basketball metaphor.”
Max smiles back and gently cups Nat’s jaw.
“But I can always wait. No matter how long, Nat. Just let me be by your side to take care of you and love you. You’ve waited for two years for me to finally reciprocate your feelings. I can also wait. You’re still young, tua-lek. I always remind myself that when I get a little too impatient. The ball can stay in your court for years, I’ll just be on the other side waiting.”
Nat hugs him tightly again. Max gets comfortable and slowly lays down, Nat on top of him cuddling like a baby koala.
“I know you can wait, phi. But I don’t think I can.”
Max’s heart skips a beat. He hugs Nat back and gently cups the back of his head, playing with the younger’s hair. A comfortable silence falls upon them and warmth spreads to Max’s whole being. Nat’s words just synced in and he doesn’t know if he should ask again right now.
But Nat beats him to it. He speaks so softly, barely a whisper.
“Ask me. Right now, P’Max. ”
Max musters up the courage and tries to clear his throat before speaking. The words are so simple but he doesn’t want to mess them up.
“Do you want to be my boyfriend, Nat?”
“Yes, P’Max. Yes.”
Max smiles and hugs Nat tightly. He buries his nose on top of the brunette mop of hair and plants a small peck there. He knows this new step in their relationship is a big risk. They’re booked and busy with Cutie Pie’s success, their fanbase is growing and they are more and more exposed to the public eye. Being briefed on a main project makes their careers more important and critical than ever, too. Max has projects of his own and Nat is starting his master's. Being in a relationship can damage a lot of things if they are not careful.
Eventually, they would need to tell Nat’s parents, his parents, P’Aof, and the other DMD boys but right now Max can only think of the young man enveloped inside his arms and the overwhelming love he feels for him.
Never in a million years would Max have imagined being in this situation a couple of years back. Being in a relationship with a man, a man almost ten years younger than he is. Someone he only viewed as an adorable and teasable nong.
He feels Nat gently move on top of him, raising himself up just enough so he has a good look at him. Max smiles up at his boyfriend, getting shivers thinking about the word, and he falls even more when Nat smiles back.
He sighs and gently cups Nat’s cheek, “Gosh, Natasit. What have you done to me, hm?”
Nat chuckles and pinches his cheeks slightly.
“Let me get a good look at my boyfriend.”
It was Max’s turn to blush at the younger’s words. He feels his ears heat up. He gently raises himself and gives Nat a peck on his lips. Gently rubbing his nong’s cheek with his thumb as he lays back down.
“I’m so in love with you, Nat.”
Nat smiles, “Me too. I’m so in love with you, too. A year ago I told you I didn’t know the feeling of love but now it’s clear as day to me.”
The younger leans down and pecks his lips. Something tells him that they’re gonna be addicted to feeling each other’s lips.
Max slowly lays sideways and he gently holds onto Nat, carefully laying him down on the bed. He extends his arm, Nat using it as a pillow, and his other arm possessively wrapped over the petite waist. Nat has his arm draped over his body too, his big brown eyes looking at him. Nat raises his hand up, touching every part of his boyfriend’s face, and Max just lets him.
Nat gets to his lips and he fights the urge to just kiss the younger man senseless. Nat traced the shape of his lips oh-so-slowly and gently dragged his lower lip down. Nat was staring at his lips intently, looks up into his eyes, and smiles innocently, eyes turning into the most beautiful crescents.
“You have pretty lips, P’Max.” Nat giggles.
Max smiles, “Well, yours are perfect, Nat.”
He gently raises his hand, touching the swell of Nat’s cupid’s bow, sliding down to his plump bottom lip and then to the charming corner of his lips.
“Can I kiss you, Nat?” His intrusive thoughts unknowingly come out.
“We’ve been kissing since earlier. Why are you acting soft now?”
Nat’s thumb still hasn’t left his lips so he gently pecks the finger. The younger man glances at his lips and looks back up into his eyes. He puts his hand back on Nat’s slightly curved waist.
“I mean a real kiss, Nat.”
Nat is suddenly hyper-aware of the arm draped over his waist and the thumb rubbing his hips softly. Max is looking at him so intently that he can’t help but feel his cheeks and ears heat up.
“Dai si kha, phi.” (Definitely kha, phi.)
As soon as Max gets consent, he lowers his head and kisses Nat. He slowly moves his lips, savoring the feeling of his nong’s jelly-like lips, the scent of mint filling his nose. He slowly pulls away and chuckles when Nat chases after his lips. He cups the younger man’s jaw, tilts his head, and dives in again. He feels his pulse get stronger as the seconds go by, his skin erupting with a thousand goosebumps from Nat’s hand sliding up and down his chest.
He feels Nat’s little tongue lick at his bottom lip and he welcomes the advance. He opens his lips and their tongues sway to a dangerous dance. He feels dizzy from the addicting taste that is Nat and he plans on getting constantly high from it.
Max knows if they don’t stop soon it’s going to cause big problems for both of them. Nat’s hand has reached his stomach, running his palms on the firm bumps of his abs. He gently pulls away, giving Nat’s upper lip one last kiss and Nat moans into his mouth.
He feels goosebumps all over his body and his heart drums hard inside his chest. He looks at the younger male and he almost gets a stiffy from how blown up with lust Nat’s doll eyes are. Max’s eyes widen when Nat leans forward and starts kissing his neck.
“Fu -, Nat. Wait.”
He had to bite his lip to stifle a groan. He gently pulls Nat away by holding his arm.
Nat looks up at him and he almost gives in but this is not the right time.
“Krub, phi?”
“I love you but… let’s not get ahead of things. I don’t want to rush you.”
“You’re not rushing me, phi .”
Nat almost dives in for another kiss but he holds onto Nat’s arm again. He looks at his tiny boyfriend and gives him a peck on his forehead.
“Nat, you have no idea how much I want this, too. But not now.” He cradles his nong’s face and gently pecks the tip of his cute nose.
“Not until you’re twenty.” Max continues.
Nat looks up at him, purses his lips, and nods. The younger male smiles softly and nods again. He can wait. Just a few more months.
“I understand. Sorry if I was a bit hasty, phi. It’s your fault for giving such good kisses.”
Max chuckles. He settles comfortably on the bed, ready to sleep, and Nat cuddles closely to him.
“P’Max?”
“Yes, teerak?”
“Can I ask for one more kiss before we sleep? Please?”
Max looks at him and drops a gentle peck on his nong’s perfect lips.
Peck.
Peck.
Peck.
Peck.
Giggle.
Chuckle.
Peck.
Peck.
“Is that enough now, Natasit?”
“Dai, phi. Rak na krub.” (Yes, phi. I love you krub.)
“Rak na. Fan dee na.” (Love you. Sweet dreams na.)
“Fan dee krub, phi.” (Sweet dreams krub, phi.)
That night, Max could not be more thankful for the things that happened that led them to this moment. He confirmed Nat’s feelings and he can finally call Nat his faen.
No more counting the streak. He’s at his endpoint.
Nat is his endpoint.
And as it turns out he REALLY never fails at flirting.