Chapter Text
It was a typical Monday morning, the sun was already high up in the cloudless sky, a glaring fireball of light and heat making everyone in the busy city sweat like crazy. Smack in the middle of central Bangkok, Pat and Pran were preparing for another day of legal warfare. In the pristine marbled floor of the supreme court, the two lawyers stood across the aisle from each other, Pran in a simple crisp suit and tie, and Pat in a fitted patterned blazer and a smart pants.
"Ready to lose again, Pat?" Pran sneered, his voice dripping with condescension.
Pat rolled his eyes. "You wish, Pran. I'm going to wipe the floor with you today."
"I keep hearing that. But I don't see you do it."
"Must I remind you of Toyota case?"
Pran pretended he didn't hear it. Pat snorted at the non-comeback.
As they entered the courtroom, they took their places at opposing tables, ready to do battle. The judge entered and the case began.
The case was a complicated one, involving a high-profile corporate dispute over intellectual property rights. Both Pat and Pran were well-versed in the legal issues at stake, and they battled fiercely with each other. They were both already senior partners in their firms; young, hungry, ambitious. Their clients fought tooth and nail, spending thousands, sometimes millions to get either one to represent them in court.
At one point, Pat made an objection that Pran vehemently opposed, leading to a heated exchange.
"Objection, Your Honor. Counsel is badgering my witness," Pat said firmly.
Pran shot up from his chair. "That's ridiculous, Your Honor. I'm simply asking for clarification."
The judge sighed for the umpteenth time that day. "Gentlemen, please keep your objections and arguments to the legal issues at hand."
The trial continued, with both sides making strong arguments and presenting compelling evidence. It was clear that this was a case that could go either way.
As the day wore on, the tension between Pat and Pran grew. They knew they were evenly matched, and they were both determined to come out on top.
Finally, after hours of intense legal wrangling, the trial came to a close. The judge announced that he would need some time to review the evidence and make a decision.
Pat and Pran left the courtroom, both feeling drained and exhausted. They walked down the hallway in silence, lost in their own thoughts.
But as they turned the corner where they were sure that no one could see them, Pran reached out and grabbed Pat's hand. He looked at him in surprise, but didn't pull away.
"I'm sorry about earlier," he said, his voice softening. "You know I get so worked up during a case that I sort of zone out."
"It's fine. We know what we were getting into when we became lawyers," said Pran sluggishly.
:):)
Pat and Pran sat in the courthouse cafeteria, their trays of food pushed aside as they leaned in to talk quietly.
"I can't believe you pulled that move in there," Pat said, shaking his head.
"What move?" Pran asked innocently, knowing exactly what Pat was referring to.
"That last-minute objection on the witness testimony. You knew I didn't have time to prepare a rebuttal," Pat said, his eyes narrowing.
Pran shrugged. "It's not my fault you weren't prepared for that line of questioning."
Pat sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're impossible, you know that?"
Pran chuckled. "Please, you love it."
Despite their intense rivalry in the courthouse, Pat and Pran had been secretly married for two years. They had met in law school and had quickly fallen in love, despite their competitive natures. They had decided to keep their marriage a secret, not wanting anyone to think their personal relationship could influence their professional work.
But as the years went on, it became harder and harder to keep up the façade. They were constantly arguing in court, and their colleagues had begun to take notice. They had started to suspect there was more to their rivalry than just professional competition.
Pat and Pran had to be careful, always aware of who was watching and listening. But they couldn't help the way they felt about each other. Even in the midst of a heated argument, they couldn't ignore the chemistry between them.
As they finished their conversation, Pat and Pran both stood up to leave the cafeteria. They walked in opposite directions, heading to their separate courtrooms.
The day dragged on, filled with intense arguments and heated debates. Pat and Pran found themselves facing off against each other in multiple cases throughout the day. Their colleagues watched them closely, trying to detect any sign of the tension they had noticed between the two lawyers.
Finally, the day came to an end, and Pat and Pran found themselves in the same elevator. The air was thick with unspoken words as they rode down to the lobby.
As they stepped out of the elevator, Pat turned to Pran. "Let's go home," he said softly.
Pran nodded, knowing they both needed a break from their intense rivalry. They walked out of the courthouse and hailed a cab, neither of them speaking.
As they arrived at their apartment, Pat and Pran wordlessly entered, shedding their professional attire in favor of more comfortable clothes. They sat on the couch, not touching, but their closeness was palpable.
Finally, Pran broke the silence. "I know we have to keep our marriage a secret, but sometimes I wish we could just be open about it."
Pat nodded. "I know. But we can't risk our professional reputations. It's just too important."
They sat in silence for a moment, both lost in their own thoughts.
"I hate fighting with you in court," Pat said suddenly. "But I also love the challenge. You make me a better lawyer. Not to mention I cannot get over how hot you looked in your suit."
Pran snorted at the compliment. "That's what got you distracted in there. I was wearing my court suit, unlike you. You like the way everyone was starring at you when you entered the court house. Who goes to court wearing a tailored Tom Ford jacket and Armani pants. You knew what you were doing."
"I can neither deny nor confirm what you said," smirked Pat.
Pran chuckled.
"Please, no more lawyer talk."
"Agree."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few more moments, simply enjoying each other's presence.
"I love you," Pran said, breaking the silence.
Pat smiled. "I love you too."
They leaned in to kiss each other, their lips meeting in a sweet, tender moment. As they pulled away, they both knew that no matter how intense their rivalry became, their love for each other would always prevail.