Work Text:
Punlee is staring at the T-Shirt in his hands. He smiles and is satisfied with how it turns. It’s a purple shirt with a moon design on it. On the moon, a brown rabbit with almond-shaped eyes is reading a book.
It is a shirt that Lee did himself. But unlike the other shirts he did, this one isn’t for the exposition display. Actually, that shirt is unique, made specifically for one person. Tailor for him and only him.
He takes a picture of his creation before sending it to Dom, thanking him again for giving him Ghlaijai’s size. He quickly receives an answer, praising him on the shirt and telling him that Ghlaijai will love it.
A smile brightens his face. Lee truly hopes that P’Dom is right. Now he has to find the right moment to give it to the boy he likes.
~~~~
The day before the exhibition, Punlee sends a message to Ghlaijai. Inviting him to come to show his work in advance. He smiles when he receives a message of approval. Now, this will be the best moment for him to give his gift.
When, Lee and the others arrive at the exhibition hall, he takes his phone, sending a message to Ghlaijai. He smiles when the other boy answers him almost immediately. They continue to exchange a few messages, with his heart growing fonder for the other boy with each of them.
“What’s with the smile, Lee?” Type asks, making Punlee raise his head.
He sees his three friends staring at him with curious looks. A small blush appears on his face. “What? I didn’t smile. You made that up,” he says back. None of them look convinced. Another text comes in. He quickly gives his friends a glance before reading it. Ghlaijai just sends him a bunny emoji with an “on my way” bubble. His heart skips a beat at that. It’s so cute. He is so cute.
“You are smiling.” Teerak brings Lee toward earth. He looks at his friends again; they all have an amused smile on their faces.
“Just get back to your work.” Lee retorts as he puts his phone in his pocket.
“Hey, where are you going?” Teerak asks a second time.
“The toilet. Be right back,” he lies.
He could hear Joy says something to him, but he ignores her. He has something more important to do first.
Once he is out, he walks around, searching for Ghlaijai. He takes his phone and sends a message to the other boy.
“I’m here.” Lee hears as he barely sent his text.
He raises his head to see Ghlaijai. His brown eyes are sparkling with happiness. A big smile decorates his face, making his already soft features even softer.
For a second, Punlee doesn’t know how to react. He is mesmerized by the man in front of him. Ghlaijai is so pretty with the way the sun is illuminating him. Radiant, even. A smile appears on his face. “Uh… Let's go inside, shall we?” Lee says his brain is going to mesh. Barely remembering what he is supposed to do. The brown-haired boy nods and follows him.
Inside, he leads Ghlaijai directly toward his booth. Almost forgetting about his audience. Teerak, Joy and Type are regrouping together as they are watching them talk. They stare so much that Ghlaijai turns toward them and smiles.
“Lee, it seems like you’ve become close friends with Ghlai,” Joy teases. Lee can practically hear her squeal internally.
“I’m showing him my work,” he answers, trying to sound normal. And hide how his heart is beating fast in his chest.
“But,” Teerak counters, a teasing smile appearing on his face. Lee knows, he is starting to connect the dots with what he told him the other day, “Why won’t you bring him tomorrow instead? There’s nothing here today.”
“He’s definitely coming, right?” Lee asks, turning toward Ghlaijai, his voice barely above a whisper when talking to him.
“Yes, I am,” the boy answers. Lee smiles once more. Teerak is staring holes at him. He is definitely connecting the dots.
Thankfully, their seniors arrive, distracting his friends from him. First, with Teerak and his brother living their sweet romance, which makes Lee smile. Then, Teerak, Joy and Type heads turn toward Real and Hia and their relationship, with Real officially courting Hia. Successfully diverting them from him. Though, if you ask Lee, he will say these two already had sex.
He opens the bag of snacks they bring to them. He takes one of it before turning toward Ghlaijai.
“Do you want some?” he asks, his voice soft once again.
The other boy smiles, “It’s okay, it’s for you. You need it more than me. To have enough energy to install your stand.”
Lee jokingly sulks, “Aren't you helping me, Khun Ghlai?”
“Ah, so that’s why you invite me. To do work for you,” the other boy whines, his lips forming a pout, that attract Lee’s eyes.
His lips are so full, so pink, so… kissable. Punlee wonders what will they taste against his own? Would Ghlai puts his arms around his neck? Mess up with his hair? Does Lee’s hands will fit on his waist?
“Lee!” Ghlaijai waves his hand in front his face. Punlee blinks. “Huh, did you say something?”
Ghlaijai chuckles. Even his laugh is adorable. Such a cute melody in Punlee’s ears. “You’re pretty absent-minded, aren’t you, Lee?” he teases.
“Hm, what do you think that Ghlai?” Joy asks, as she approaches them, as well as his two other friends.
“Don’t you have your booths to prepare,” Punlee scoffs.
“You aren’t preparing yours either,” Type points out.
“Then don’t you think you should entertain our seni…ors.” Punlee turns around, searching for his brother and his best friends, but they are nowhere to be found.
“P’Fah and the others already leave,” Teerak explains. “They have things to do. Didn’t you realize?”
Ghlaijai chuckles a second time, “You really are absent-minded.” Punlee feels his face heat up. As much as he loves hearing the other man laugh, he wishes it isn’t at his expense. “I-I’m not really. I was just… distracted.”
“But aren’t you always distracted? You always go on your mind.”
“Oh, really?” Type smirks. “Funny, usually Lee is the most observant of us all.”
Ghlaijai tilts his head at that. “Really?” He turns toward him with the cutest frown Lee has ever seen. Which is saying a lot, he is best friend with Teerak, after all. But none of his friend’s pouts could beat the way Ghlaijai pursues his lips, how he furrows his eyebrows, and how his nose crunches, which make his face a bit rounder.
Suddenly, someone is pinching him. “Lee, are you listening?” Joy brings him back to reality.
“I… Huh, I didn’t…” Punlee admits, rubbing his neck.
“Don’t take it the wrong way, but if Lee is the most observant of you all, how bad are you three are?” Ghlaijai questions.
“No, Lee isn’t like that usually,” Teerak defends him.
“Really?” Ghlai repeats, raising one of his eyebrows. Punlee tries not to stare at him. Otherwise, he will be lost in his thoughts once more.
“Really, I’m just a bit stressed by the exhibition,” he lies.
“You shouldn’t,” Ghlaijai reassures him. His voice is softer than usual. Showing how kind his heart is. Instinctively, Lee’s eyes go toward him.
A big mistake. Right now, the other boy's eyes hold a warmth that makes Punlee’s heart skip a beat. His smile is reassuring. And Punlee swears, Ghlaijai is surrendered by sparkles.
“I’m sure your design is amazing. Believe in your creativity,” he continues.
“Thanks,” Punlee whispers, “But you haven't seen my creations yet.”
The other man chuckles, “Then, show me.”
Punlee smiles before taking his designs. He sees Ghlaijai’s T-shirt. He glances at his friends, who still have amused smiles on their faces. Maybe now isn’t the best moment to give it to Ghlai. His friends will definitely tease him, they are obviously waiting for that already. So he leaves it in his bag and takes his other stuff.
He puts them on his booth. His friends and his crush come to take a closer look.
“Oh, Lee, it’s so nice!” Teerak exclaims.
“Yeah, it’s pretty cool,” Type adds.
“You even designed a helmet,” Joy praises him.
As much as his friends compliments make him happy, Lee is waiting for one person’s reaction.
Ghlaijai takes one of his shirts, as Lee’s heart is beating so fast in his chest. Suddenly, he feels self-conscious. What if he doesn’t like his designs? Would he even like the one he's done purposefully for him?
Suddenly, the whole room is illuminated. Ghlaijai is smiling, brighter than any stars he adores. He turns his eyes toward Punlee. They still hold the same warmth as before, a warmth that makes butterflies fly in Lee’s stomach. “It’s really cool. Seriously, I love it! I knew you were able to do it,” he whispers.
Lee’s heart is about to explode in his chest. A sense of pride overcoming him. He never thought that Ghlaijai praising him would be this awarding. Another smile blossoms on Punlee’s face. “Thanks. I have a great source of motivation,” he says, staring straight into Ghlaijai’s eyes.
“Well, it’s obvious. I’m sure if you sell it, people will buy it. At least, know I would.”
“You buy it? Absolutely not! I would gift it to you, just ask.” He comes closer to the brown-haired boy, “After all, I would have been able to sell it thanks to you.”
Ghlaijai chuckles, yet his ears are taking a cute shade of pink. “You’re pretty shameless, you know that?”
“Yeah, that sounds more like our Lee,” Joy agrees, making Punlee sends daggers at her.
“I’m not shameless,” he pouts.
“Aw, are you sulking?” Ghlaijai teases, bringing his face closer to Lee as if he wants to see him, or the pout, better.
He instinctively takes a step back. His cheeks are heating up. Every time, Ghlaijai comes closer, Punlee’s heart is doing things in his chest. He has a hard time dealing with it.
He knows, he uses any opportunity to get closer to the other boy, yet when Ghlai is the one to initiate it, his heart starts fluttering so bad, he isn’t sure he can handle it.
He could hear his friends snicker. He glares at them.
“I’m not. Because, I’m not shameless at all. Anyway, we have to finish doing our booths,” he scowls.
“Fine, I will let you work in peace.” Ghlaijai smiles again, waving goodbye at them.
Punlee is disappointed to not spend more time with him. But he doesn't have time to dwell on it, as someone is taking his arm.
“Sooo, Lee,” Joy drags out, “What’s going on between you and Ghlai?”
“Are you guys together or what?” Type asks.
“It’s him, right? The person you’re interested in? Ooh, I can’t wait to tell Mom about it,” Teerak exclaims, bouncy off on Lee’s arm.
“Do you even have my mom’s number?” Punlee questions, rolling his eyes.
“I can ask P’Fah.” Teerak shrugs it off, “Now, tell us the whole story!”
Punlee sighs, “Okay, fine. Yes, you’re right, Khun Ghlai is the one I’m interested in.”
“Oh my god, guys, give me a break,” Joy squeals, punching Type’s arm, who tries to dodge her. “Okay, first, Shaggy Cheeks, did you just call P’Muenfah and Lee’s mother ‘Mom’?” Teerak nods, a big smile on his face. “Mom and Dad are truly nice, they adopted me almost immediately! Even if I’m a man, they accept P’Fah and I being together.”
“It’s not that surprising, though,” Lee shrugs. “Back in high school, Mom and Dad would always ask P’ and I if we had any girl or boy we liked.”
“Seriously?” Type exclaims, surprise, “My parents would have never.”
“Yeah, mine too,” Joy adds.
“Same. Honestly, I’m not sure if they would be as accepting as yours when I will tell them about P’Fah and I,” Teerak admits, sadly.
Punlee furrows his eyebrows. Is it that surprising? Aren’t every parent like that nowadays?
“I’m sure, everything will be alright,” Type reassures Teerak, who gives a small smile.
“I’m sure everything will be fine too,” Joy starts, before turning toward Punlee. “And at least, Lee knows his family will be okay with Ghlai and him. Or should I say ‘Khun Ghlai’. Seriously, you’re so polite with him, you must like him a lot.”
Lee blushes, but nods.
“So, are you guys together?” Type asks again.
“I wish,” Lee complains, putting his head into his arms. “But, no. As of now, we are just friends.” His friends nod, patting his back.
“If it will reassure you, I think Ghlai is into you too,” Joy comforts him.
Lee brightens at that. “I hope so. Well, it’s not like I will give up. Unless he tells me he doesn’t want me. Anyway, we really should finish doing our booths.”
They nod, and all go on their way.
Later that night, Punlee is laying on his bed. Reading his notes about his process for his designs. Suddenly, his phone rings. He takes a look to see he got two messages from Ghlaijai. His notes are instantly forgotten.
Ghlaijai
Good luck for tomorrow!
I’m sure you will do it well!
With it, a rabbit emoji is giving him the thumbs up. Lee smiles at that. Ghlaijai choices of emojis are always so adorable.
Punlee
Thanks Khun Ghlai
I’m sure I will if I have your encouragements
Ghlaijai
You’re not asleep, yet?
Punlee
No I was rereading my notes
Ghlaijai
Okay, I will let you to your study.
Don’t sleep too late.
Good night, Lee. Have sweet dreams.
Punlee
Thanks and you too
See you tomorrow right?
Ghlaijai
Of course, see you tomorrow.
Lee smiles, his heart flutters in his chest. Now, he has to nail his presentation. Lee looks at Ghlaijai’s T-shirt put on his desk. He thinks of giving him tomorrow. But seeing how his friends react today, better give him when they are alone.
Maybe… Maybe he could ask him to eat with him. Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. He could give him his gift and have a date with him at the same time.
The next day, Punlee got a bunch of people coming to see his designs. Each time, he searches for a certain brown-haired. When Ghlaijai finally comes, he couldn’t help but have a small smile on his face. He takes a deep breath and starts his presentation. He focuses his gaze on his professor. But once, he finishes, his eyes go toward Ghlaijai like magnets. Wanting to know his thoughts and reaction, more than his professor. The boy is smiling softly at him while clapping with everyone. As the people go toward the next booth, Ghlaijai comes to see him.
“How is it going? Is it going well?” he asks Lee.
“It’s better than I expected. Without your help, I wouldn’t have made it.”
“I didn’t do anything. All I did was give you my opinions. You made it today because of your own talent,” Ghlaijai affirms. It makes Lee’s heart fluster a bit.
“But without your opinions, I would’ve have nothing to show.”
“You’re exaggerating.” Punlee smiles at that. His heart is beating a bit faster in his chest. Now is the perfect time to ask him out. “Let me treat you to a meal as a thank you, okay? Please.”
Ghlaijai smiles at him, before nodding. A big smile blooms on Punlee’s face. A date! He is, finally, having a date with Ghlaijai! “Are you free tomorrow, at noon?”
Ghlaijai takes his phone, checking his agenda. “I am. Where do you want to go?”
“We can go to the mall center. If you want, I can get you too,” Punlee says, hoping to spend even more time with him.
Unfortunately, the brown-haired boy shakes his head. “No, it’s fine. It’s easier if we meet directly at the mall.” Lee tries to not look too disappointed. “Ah! Sorry, Lee, I have to go. I promise to meet with my best friend. I’m glad you did great. See you tomorrow.”
Punlee nods, waving goodbye at the boy. “See you tomorrow.” He tries to keep his voice steady and not show how he wishes Ghlai has stayed with him a little longer.
“I hate to admit it,” a voice starts. Lee turns around to see his brother with his best friends. “But you do are better than me at this.”
Punlee smirks, “What can I say, P’Fah, I always was the better brother.” Muenfah stares coldly at him, obviously annoyed.
“You say that, and yet the way you look at Nong Ghlaijai,” Real starts, “It’s exactly the same as how Fah is looking at Nong Teerak.”
“What? No, I don’t!”
“Trust me, you do,” Hia affirms, “Your eyes are sparkling!”
“That’s true,” Fah continues, this time, he is the one who smirk, “You like to tease me about Teerak, but the truth is… You’re not much better when it comes to Nong Ghlaijai.”
Lee whines, “I’m not as bad as you!” His seniors just laugh at him.
“If that makes you feel better, sure, you are not,” Muenfah teases.
Lee rolls his eyes, “Why are you even here, don’t you have a boyfriend to see.”
“Teerak is occupied now,” Fah points out, Lee spares a glance and Teerak is indeed making a presentation to a group of people. “So, I thought I could come see my little brother in the meantime.”
Then, his three seniors take a look at his designs. Lee watches them. He smiles as he shakes his head softly, seeing Real casually throwing himself into Hia, bumping their shoulders. He guesses this is his way of flirting. Meanwhile, Hia pushes him slightly, but a small smile is on his face.
Lee shares eye contact with his brother. He looks as much happy as he is exasperated. Much to Lee’s amusement.
“It’s pretty cool,” Real says, as he is observing his craft. Hia nods too.
“True. Very nice designs. I guess you should thank Nong Ghlaijai to share his opinions,” Muenfah adds.
“You heard that conversation!” Lee blushes. As the three old men smirk again, nodding.
“We diiid,” Hia singsongs. “Well, you, brothers, sure like to show your love with art, huh.”
“Hey, what do you mean?” Muenfah asks, glaring at Hia.
“I mean between you drawing Nong Teerak and Nong Lee having Nong Ghlaijai helping him for his designs, most likely being his inspiration. You, guys, sure are whipped,” Hia explains, smirking at both of them.
Muenfah’s ears redden at that. “You didn’t have to bring that!” he exclaims, his eyes darting toward Punlee.
Lee chuckles, “Oh, P’Fah, I already know about that.” His brother stares at him, surprised. “I found your drawings when searching your room for something, don’t remember what,” Lee explains.
Muenfah frowns, sending him daggers, “You search into my stuff!” Lee shrugs.
Real and Hia laugh at him. Fah rolls his eyes. “You guys are annoying,” he turns his heels, leaving them.
“Oi, Fah, wait for us!” Real and Hia follow him.
Lee shakes his head. His brother is so easy to tease. He continues to look over him. Lee grins when he sees his brother’s frown change into a bright smile the second his eyes meet Teerak’s. Rak isn’t much better, his eyes sparkling at the sight of Muenfah. Meanwhile, Real and Hia are quietly flirting with one another while observing his best friend’s project. Punlee is glad all of them finally got their shit together. And are now living their best romance. Hopefully, he would be like them soon.
The next day, Lee is watching himself into the mirror for one last time. He is wearing a long-sleeve red shirt, with his brown jacket. He puts on some slim black pants. He hopes Ghlaijai will like this look.
Once he is satisfied, he takes the bag where he puts Ghlaijai’s shirt, and he leaves his home to the mall. He walks around, taking his phone out to text Ghlaijai.
“Lee, I’m here.”
Punlee raises his face. His breath is now caught in his lungs. Ghlaijai is wearing a pair of jeans, along with a black cardigan and a white V-neck shirt. The neckline isn’t going too deep, but since Lee isn’t used to see Ghlaijai in that kind of clothes, it surprises him. He isn’t used to Ghlaijai’s collarbone being this visible. And as if his mind isn’t enough of a mess, this is when he sees it. A necklace. Not a simple necklace, but a moon necklace. He has a silver crescent moon pendant with a small diamond on it. Almost like a star. His grip on his bag tightens.
“Lee?” Punlee snaps from his thoughts. The other man is looking confusedly at him, tilting his head. So adorable. “Something wrong? Did you get distracted again?” he jokes, his eyes shinning.
“Ah, yeah. It’s just.” He looks at Ghlaijai’s again. “It’s just your outfit is different from usual. I thought it suits you well. You’re pretty in it.”
Ghlaijai seems pleased at that, his lips forming a thin smile, ears going pink. “Thank you, Lee.” His eyes roam over Lee’s body. Looking from head to toe. Making Lee blush slightly. “You’re really handsome, too.”
“Thanks.” His eyes go back to his necklace. “Your necklace is particularly pretty. You must really like the moon, huh?”
Ghlaijai’s hand brushes his pendant. “Yes, I adore the moon,” he murmurs, a gentle smile on his face.
Lee blinks, his brain repeating his words. He adores the moon. He adores Sasin. He adores him. He loves him?
A smile spreads on his lips. As he blinks even more. A warm feeling is spreading all over his heart.
“Lee?” the brown-haired boy brings him back. He chuckles at Punlee’s face. “You must really like the moon too, right? You are always please when I say I like it.” Punlee nods, as his cheeks fire up.
He knows, Ghlaijai probably means nothing by that. But he can’t help himself to believe, to hope, he likes him.
Lee clears his throat, “Do you want to eat something in particular?”
Ghlaijai thinks, “I think I would like to eat at a Korean BBQ.” Punlee nods, as the two start walking toward the restaurant.
After commending, Lee notices that Ghlaijai’s eyes sparkle at the shrimp's plate. “Khun Ghlai, do you like shrimps?”
Ghlaijai turns his eyes toward him, his ears becoming pink. “Oh, yeah. I always liked it.” Lee nods, noting this information in the corner of his head.
“By the way, Lee… I wanted to ask. What’s in the bag?” the other boy asks, looking curiously at his bag.
Lee’s heart skips a beat. Now, it’s the moment. He takes a breath and hands it to him. “Well, it’s actually a gift for you…”
“A gift for me?” Ghlai repeats, his eyes a bit wider, staring, and his mouth a bit agape. “For what reason?”
“To thank you for helping me with my project.”
The other boy shakes his head. “You didn’t need to. I didn’t do anything, really.”
“I still want to thank you,” Lee insists. “Please, accept it, pretty please.”
Ghlaijai giggles, but finally takes the bag. Punlee feels the time starts running slow. Like he is in a slow motion sequence in a movie. As he watches, Ghlaijai opens the bag and takes the T-shirt out. The way his hands open the bag, delicately. How his eyebrows furrow so slightly as he takes the shirt.
He sees his eyes blink several times as he looks at the shirt. His mouth forming a small o. Punlee has to try really hard to not stare at his lips.
Finally, Ghlaijai puts the shirt down, his eyes turn toward him. They hold a glint, that Lee isn’t sure how to interpret. The only thing he knows, is that glint makes his stomach into knots.
“It’s so pretty, Lee.” His voice is barely above a whisper, as if those words are only meant for Lee. They probably are, if Lee thinks about it. “Did you…” he pauses, his ears pink, while his grip on the shirt tightens As if he is scared to say what he is about to say. “Did you make the T-shirt yourself?” he asks, his voice so low that if Lee isn’t so concentrated on everything he says or does, he wouldn’t have heard it.
“I did,” he answers, his voice matching Ghlaijai’s volume.
“I see,” he says, yet he blinks rapidly, as if he is embarrassed, before looking down. Honestly, Punlee finds him even more adorable with this little quirk.
“You like it, right?” Lee questions, his reaction making his heart trouble. It isn’t fully negative, but not fully positive either.
Ghlaijai turns his face toward him. Punlee can see his ears are bright red now, but he has a shy smile on his lips and his eyes… His eyes are full of emotions, if Lee lets himself believe, he would say they hold love in them.
“I love it,” he answers, his voice again barely above a whisper. Almost tender.
Suddenly, the atmosphere between the two of them changes. It’s heavy, charged with an unnamed tension. Or maybe, it’s Lee who is scared to name it. Scare to get it wrong.
The two of them never stop staring at each other. Ghlaijai’s eyes holding a glimmer, the same as earlier, when he saw the shirt. The only difference is the glimmer is even stronger this time.
Punlee’s heart is beating so hard in his chest, he thinks he might die. Honestly, dying because of Ghlaijai doesn’t sound so bad.
His eyes go from Ghlaijai’s eyes to his mouth. The other boy licks his lips. A pink tongue glossing over some pink lips. Lee wonders if he could just lean over the table and capture those lips.
“Here your orders.”
They both jolt. They turn toward the waitress who puts their meal, not caring about breaking the atmosphere.
“Oh, thank you. It’s look amazing,” Ghlaijai says, smiling at the girl. But his voice is a bit higher than usual. Still overwhelmed by the previous mood.
The waitress gives a small nod, before continuing her work. Without giving them much more thoughts.
“Well, let’s dig in,” Ghlaijai exclaims, taking the shrimps and some meats and putting them on the grill.
Lee is searching for his eyes, but he keeps avoiding him. A wave of deception is washing over him. Why did they have to be interrupted?! The ambiance was perfect! Just a few more minutes and they might have their first kiss!
“Khun Ghlai…” Lee starts.
“Come on, Lee, take a piece,” Ghlaijai cuts him off. He puts some meat on his plate. “Here, one.”
Lee sighs but takes the meat. If Khun Ghlai isn’t comfortable talking about it, he won’t insist. Fearing to scare him away.
The rest of the lunch is spent in a much lighter mood. Yet, an awkward tension continues to linger. Their eyes never fully meet again. Every time Lee catches Ghlai’s eyes, he quickly averts his. But besides that, their conversation is still fluid. Just like usual. So, Lee guesses it’s not that bad? He isn’t sure how to interpret it.
“Ah, it was really good,” Ghlaijai exclaims, stretching, as they quit the restaurant.
“Yeah, it’s such a good place,” Lee agrees. “Do you have things to do?”
“Hm, I have to study for my upcoming test. So, I have to return home.”
“Oh. Do you want me to bring you back?” Lee asks, not wanting their moment to end.
For a second time, Ghlaijai breaks his hopes, “No, it’s fine. I took my car. Catch you later, Lee.” He waves at Punlee.
He leaves Lee behind before he could even answer. The boy stands alone, his heart still troubled. It almost feels like the brown-haired is avoiding him. Questions start forming in Lee’s head.
Does Ghlaijai actually return his feelings? Or was it just a spurt of the moment thing? Does he avert his eyes, because he was flustered? Or was it because he regretted it? Did he really don’t want to bother Lee, and it’s why he refuses to spend more time with him? Or did he feel uncomfortable now and he is avoiding Lee?
The questions are stuck in his mind for the rest of the day. No matter what he is doing, they still linger in the back of it.
He has to ask for clarifications, but he isn’t sure how. He stares at his phone, his chat with Ghlaijai open. Thinking really hard about what he could say, as he lies on his bed. He doesn’t want to press Ghlaijai, but he doesn’t want to end on that note either. He wants to know if they can continue like before. Continue to flirt with him.
A notification stops his thoughts. He sees a new bubble is added in his chat with Ghlaijai. His heart beating so fast in his chest, Ghlai is texting him first.
Ghlaijai
Are you asleep?
Punlee
Not yet. Is something wrong?
Ghlaijai
I wanted to apologize for earlier.
I realized I leave you too quickly.
I hope I didn’t worry you or anything.
Punlee
No no it’s fine I understand you are busy
Lee feels bad for lying, but he also feels relieved that Ghlaijai continues to talk to him. And wants to talk about what happened, at least to some extent.
Ghlaijai
Thank you for understanding.
But I still want to apologize. So, I'm sorry.
I was… distracted.
Lee stares at this. Distracted. Could it be… Lee takes a breath and dives in. Maybe it’s his chance.
Punlee
By what? Me? Or something else?
Ghlaijai
I think you know the answer already.
Lee’s heart skips a beat. It’s him. He is the one distracting Ghlaijai. He is the one flustering him. A smile appears on his lips. So things are indeed going well.
Punlee
Well I should apologize too then
For distracting you
Ghlaijai
There is no reason for you to apologize.
You did nothing wrong. More like the opposite.
Punlee
So I did something good? That’s what you mean?
Lee never felt more relieved than now. He is grinning from ear to ear. Glad, at the end, everything is going great.
Another message comes in. What Lee sees almost makes him drop his phone.
Ghlaijai
With that? Of course, you did.
With that text, there is a photo. Ghlaijai sends him a selfie of him. He stands in front of his mirror, winking, while wearing the shirt Lee made for him. A towel around his shoulders, his hair still a bit wet. He probably stepped out of the shower not so long ago. And with all of that, he wears shorts that barely reach his knees.
Lee swallows. Not only, the T-shirt suits him even more than he thought it would. The bunny in it, matching perfectly Ghlaijai’s feature. But the amount of skin Lee is able to witness drives him crazy. His eyes are staring at Ghlai’s long legs. His fair skin. So hot.
Ghlaijai
Your shirt is truly comfortable. And the bunny is so cute.
Thanks for it.
Lee is about to answer when he got an idea. He sits more comfortably on his bed. His back is leaning against his bed frame. He straightens his shirt and messes his hair a little in hopes of looking more handsome. He stares at his camera, giving his best look, a smirk on his face, hoping to look seductive. And he takes a photo. And sends it along with a message.
Punlee
I’m glad you like it. I did my best for you.
For a few minutes, Ghlaijai doesn’t respond. Lee wonders if he falls asleep. But he finally receives a message.
Ghlaijai
You’re lucky I’m not in your room.
You make me want to pull your sleeve up.
Lee stares at the message. His eyes turn toward his shoulder. Where his sleeve is indeed down. Showing off his skin. He puts it up, as he reread Ghlaijai text.
His heart is beating so fast in his chest. He knows, tonight, his dreams will be filled with Ghlaijai in his room, in the shirt he made for him and his short, pulling his sleeve up. Or better yet, taking his whole shirt off.
He shakes his head, he can fantasize about it later. Right now, he has to answer to Ghlai. He bites his lips. He isn’t sure if he should go all out or tame things a little.
Punlee
Well I won’t mind if you do
Here, he sends it. The nerves start hitting him. Praying this won’t scare the other boy away.
Ghlaijai
Good to know. I’ll remember it.
Lee blinks, a grin spreading on his face. Ghlaijai is definitely flirting back now.
Punlee
I hope you do 😉
Ghlaijai
😊
Punlee is grinning even harder at the smiley to the point his cheeks start to hurt. Their relationship is developing further. If everything continues like that, Lee can confess his feelings for Ghlai soon. The two continue to talk until late at night.
Lee stares at the last message Ghlaijai has sent him, for way too long. Especially the emoji. A bunny emoji saying “sleep well ❤️”. The heart makes him want to bounce of happiness. Making him braver than before and sending a heart on his own.
He puts his phone down, a smile on his face. Happy for the moon to be able to get closer to his star’s heart.