Work Text:
On a fine Saturday afternoon, Fang was enjoying the breeze by the lake. Carefree and peaceful for the moment. He had models to complete but he deserves to take a break after working his butt off on the presentation. The buzz of the busy crowd of students was distant but far enough to remind him how much work he had left.
“P’Fang!!” Phum’s voice gained his attention. He turned his face and saw his brother jogging his way towards his bench. He was panting heavily when he reached and immediately slumped beside him.
“Woah woah, easy there young man. We don’t want more accidents down there,” Phum groaned at his words. Fang always finds a way to tease him about the Peem accident every-damn-time. Phum in return, lightly smacked his arm which earned a chuckle from Fang.
“Everyone forgot about it except you,” he whined to his brother. Fang just shook his head and took a sip of his ice tea, appearing unbothered by him.
“It is still the most funniest shit that has happened to you,” Fang laughed, having all the fun in the world by teasing his brother. Come to speak of brother, Fang hasn’t met his brother in months. In so honesty it’s not his fault, they are in the last year of their major and barely had time to sleep let alone meet each other.
“Why are you running like you’re being chased by a dog?” Fang inquired.
“Oh, it’s nothing really.” he offered a sheepish smile before leaning his head on Fang’s shoulders, gently. “I missed you a lot, you know”
Fang was not shocked by the action because it is Phum’s habit. He always runs up to Fang when he is overwhelmed about something or just wants to rely on someone. Fang will never mind giving his shoulder to Phum. He stared at the lake in front of them before resting his head on Phum’s as well.
“The work is hectic. I’ll try to drop by later with Tan. It has been a while since our last hangout.” Fang stated. Everyone is busy with their own work and activities. The hangout planner Tan was also pretty busy with his work to host any party.
“Don’t bring him, I see him everyday but it has been so long since we had brothers hang out,” Phum whined, holding Fang’s arms like pleading, causing Fang to chuckle and shake his head in disbelief. Not one day goes by without Tan and Phum bad mouthing one another; they are acting like typical brother-in-laws and Fang always has the best laughter at their bickering.
“It’s alright- you need to get used to it.” Phum huffed and stayed silent for a while, his heavy shoulders relaxing at the gentleness of his brother’s side. Fang has always been his anchor, support and the only family.
“How are you doing these days?” His teasing subdued. He often annoys Fang with mischievous tricks but today the gentleness in his tone reflected his worries.
“Typical, nothing changed.” Fang muttered, taking a sip of his iced tea.
“And Tan? Does he keep you happy?”
“I’ve been the happiest when I am with him.” no grand speech or beating around the bushes. That’s how Fang has always been.
Phum hummed in acknowledgement, contented by the response.
“What about Peem? Are you still annoying him?” Fang said, trying to sound threatening yet it came out teasingly. The sound of students stayed in the background, something they both were used to and found solace in. Rather than staying in the dull silence of their house.
“I’ve been feeling kind of lonely lately,” Phum admitted quietly after a beat. “Peem’s busy with his classes. I didn’t want to bother you but… I guess I needed to be around someone who gets me.”
Fang sighed, holding Phum’s hand which was holding his arm. “You’re never a bother, Phum. I mean it.”
“I know, but your Teerak always takes you away from me,” He pouted his lips, like kids complaining about school work to their parents. Fang shook his head in disbelief, and was about to reply when someone called out his name.
“Teerak!!!” Tan screamed from a distance, running in full speed with two iced coffee in his hands and a huge grin spread across his face.
“Look at him. He always comes out of nowhere, not even 5 minutes in peace,” Phum groaned and tightened his hand on his brother’s arm in brotherly possessiveness.
Tan jogged to their seat, panting “Teerak, look I brought your iced coffee-” he paused when he saw a cup already in his hands, condensing ice around the cup’s body dripping on Fang’s fingers.
“Oh you already have one,” The excitement in his voice got dull and Fang felt a pang of guilt in his heart. He quickly passed the iced coffee in Phum’s hand not even waiting for his response and flashed a foolish grin to Tan. “Oh no, I don’t have anything to drink. Can I have that Iced coffee?”
Tan’s invisible tail wiggled in joy and he nodded eagerly, handing the coffee to him and immediately plopped beside Fang. Without any request from Tan, Fang willingly opened his free arm, making space for Tan to settle in. Giddy, Tan placed his head on Fang's shoulder followed by giggles as they quietly sipped their coffee.
Phum just furrowed his brows at them, annoyed that his attention was taken, “Hey, you cannot just barge in the middle of our convo and Fang!! How could you do this to me??” He said referring to the iced coffee in his hands shoved by Fang earlier.
Tan bent forward sticking out his tongue and making weird noises to annoy Phum, “you can cry about somewhere else. Right now I need my Teerak time”
“ Time?? You both-practically- live together. You are always hogging him- let me stay with my brother,” Phum complained, his voice laced with frustration, pulling Fang’s arm in protest.
“Okay and?? I still missed my Teerak – stop pulling him!” Tan yelled, just playful enough and hugged Fang tightly to prevent Phum from snatching him. Fang tried to stay monotonous but Phum and Tan kept going like a tug of war was held and the rope was said to be Fang's attention.
“You have him everyday, lemme hang out with my brother,” Phum pulled him in again
“He is my boyfriend, I have the privilege to be with him too,” Tan was stubborn and kept holding Fang. The coffee lid jiggled a bit and Fang kept an eye on it to prevent the fall. His both arms were caged by the clingy kids on his side.
“Oh ho, You both are gonna break my arms like this,” Fang scolded but they refused to listen and continued to bicker.
“I had him first,”
“So??? I am his present and I’m gonna marry him in future, you labubu”
“What the hell did you just call me??!-”
“I said STOP.” Fang scolded. Phum and Tan froze but kept clinging to his arms.
“If I heard one more word I’m leaving,” Fang let out a long, deep breath when he heard them whining– still tugging on his arm.
“Sorry.” they uttered in unison as their shoulders slumped down in guilt. Fang stifled his laugh. He was incharge of two sulky puppies now.
“…Fine,” Fang muttered with a resigned sigh, but there was warmth in his voice. With one hand, he gently caressed Phum’s head, fingers threading through his little brother’s hair like he used to when they were kids. Phum leaned into the touch almost immediately.
With the other arm, Fang pulled Tan in tighter, letting his cheek rest lightly against Tan’s head. “If I have to share this love,” he murmured, lips brushing against Tan’s temple, “I’m gonna do it properly.”
Tan let out a soft, content giggle, arms wrapping around Fang’s waist. “You’re so dramatic, Teerak,” he whispered, grinning like he just won the biggest prize.
Phum rolled his eyes but didn’t move away either, instead scooting closer and mumbling, “You better not forget I was here first, though.”
Tan lifted the iced coffee carefully, tilting the straw toward Fang’s lips. “Here, Teerak. You didn’t even get a proper sip yet.”
Fang didn’t even bother lifting his head, he simply leaned forward a bit and let Tan guide the straw to his lips. He took a slow, tired sip while Tan watched him like a proud little househusband.
Phum side-eyed the scene with exaggerated judgment but said nothing. Instead, he glanced down at the iced coffee Fang had shoved into his hand earlier. It was already sweating and a little watered down, but he sighed and took a sip anyway. It wasn’t bad . Not his usual order, but drinkable.
The trio sat in silence bliss in the peace they formed. A thickness of the tension dissipated in thin air and everything stood still. After a few minutes, Phum received a text. He immediately pulled out his mobile and his face lit up.
Peem:
Hey, are you free right now?
I miss you so much :(
I completed my work early so we could have lunch together!!
Do you want to eat lunch with me? My treat
Phum immediately sprung from his seat startling the two lover birds who were busy staring at each other.
“I….uh– sorry, sorry!” Phum stammered, already fumbling with his phone as he quickly typed back. A ridiculous, lovesick smile spread across his face and his feet were nearly bouncing in place. “Peem wants to have lunch!! He finished work early!!”
Tan leaned toward Fang and whispered with a smirk, “Someone’s whipped.”
Fang chuckled under his breath. “I’ve seen worse than this.”
“I heard that!” Phum glared but didn’t stop smiling. “I’m going. Right now. I gotta go look cute– wait, do I look okay? Never mind, no time– BYE!”
Phum immediately bolted out of the scene, almost comically like some wheels were attached to his feet.
The breeze brushed by once more, gentle and warm. The lake shimmered in the sun, and Fang let his cheek rest on Tan’s head, finally at peace.
"Uhm- Teerak?" Tan called.
Fang turned to him, giving him all the attention. Tan's voice was hesitant as if he was trying to be careful. "I want to tell you something,"
Fang was getting worried, what could be so serious that made Tan fumble? "What's the matter Tan?" Tan fiddled his fingers before speaking "I- I got enrolled in university's Dance club. More like seniors asked me for it. It is for a month and since my work will be complete in a few days. I thought I could try dancing again." Tan paused, waiting for Fang’s reaction.
Fang blinked, "That's it?" Tan nodded
"I just want to dance again to relieve myself. All the projects and presentations sucked my soul out. So I filled the form. Although it's at the same time as regular lectures so sometimes I might not be able to meet you at lunch time, will that be okay?"
Fang’s expression softened the second Tan finished speaking.“That’s what had you so nervous?” Fang asked with a tiny smile. “Tan… of course that’s okay.”
Tan blinked, still fidgeting with his fingers. “Really? You’re not upset?”
Fang leaned in, gently brushing a strand of hair from Tan’s forehead. “No. I’m proud of you. You’re doing something for yourself. You should dance if it makes you happy.”
“But we won’t get to have lunch together every day,” Tan mumbled.
Fang leaned back with a light chuckle. “So? That just means we’ll have to plan dinner dates instead.”
Tan’s ears tinged pink, a quiet laugh slipping out. “You’re not mad I didn’t tell you earlier?”
“I’m mad you looked so worried about telling me,” Fang said, flicking his forehead softly. “You’re allowed to do your own thing, Tan. I love spending time with you, yeah. But I also love watching you light up when you’re doing what you enjoy. Plus I won’t feel guilt for not spending enough quality time.”
Tan finally smiled in understanding and leaned in to hug Fang tightly, burying his face into his neck.
“Aw, Teerak, don’t feel guilty. I completely understand that your work is stressful. I’m always here for you, hmm” He pressed a kiss on his shoulder. “Thank you, Teerak,” he murmured. “I just… needed to hear that.”
A week went by and Tan was finally free from his studies, he was still looking for an internship from time to time while joining the dance club he mentioned earlier. Now Fang had something more to look forward to. Their comforting bond was growing gradually and Fang was overjoyed.
As soon as Tan joined the club he was beaming brightly, all the exhaustion and tired eyes full of sleep were brightly burning with passion and excitement. Fang could see it in his footsteps, in his smile, how everytime Tan would come to pick up in the evening.
Tan would always shove the phone in his hands and show the recording of his classes. All the juniors were super thrilled to have Tan as their teacher and followed his instructions carefully. Fang always wore a wide grin on his face when he saw Tan dancing with precise movements, his body control was strong and steps effortlessly smooth and sharp which made everyone speechless- including Fang.
“Oh my god! You always told me you have back pain but look at you- doing double backflips.” Fang exclaimed in the passenger seat. His voice had a bit of betrayal, asking why Tan hid it all this time.
Tan chuckled, his eyes still sparkling with energy from the day’s practice. “I wasn't hiding it, I just didn't think you'd want to know the details. Besides, if I told you, you might've worried too much."
Fang shook his head, leaning back into the seat with a half-amused, half-exasperated sigh. "You’ve gotta stop keeping these things from me, Tan. I want to see more of this ‘Tan’”
Tan laughed loudly, the sound filling the car. The car halted at the red light traffic signal, giving Tan time to talk. “I didn’t think it would matter to you honestly. But I was wrong, you look pretty excited.”
Fang huffed, sulking at his words, “‘iT wOuLdN’t MaTtEr tO yOu’ of course it matters to me. Don’t hide your amazing talent from me. I want to see all of it.” his lips jutted into a pout which Tan cannot help but lean in to kiss.
“Okay. No more secrets. Even if it’s about something small like how flexible I actually am.”
There was a pause, as the light turned green and the car began to move again. The music played softly in the background, and Tan reached out, letting his pinky finger hook around Fang’s.
Fang looked down at their hands, then up at Tan, cheeks just slightly pink. “Exactly. Even though I exactly know how flexible you are.”
Tan laughed again, eyes full of fondness. And Fang couldn’t help but join in and share the laughter of teasing and love.
One day Fang was sitting in the architecture building, again building the damn model with precision when Phum came running out of nowhere, startling Fang to almost dropping his pencil.
"Phum, is this your new style of greeting me? What's the matter? goodness"
"Fang, have you seen this??" Phum let out in one breath, grunting as he sat beside him.
"What?"
"Tan's dance partner is trying to hit on him" Fang's eyes darkened at the sentence. The whole campus knows about how overly loving Tan is for his nonchalant swoon boyfriend Fang. Who would dare to hit on Tan?
Fang had stopped himself countless times to be lunatic and cause a scene whenever Tan is with someone who is not Fang. so he didn’t want to think much about it.
Obviously he trusts Tan but- Tan is sometimes too polite for his own good. Even if something made him uncomfortable he might not speak about it immediately. That’s what worries him more.
Fang immediately snatched Phum's mobile. Phum already opened an ig account of a girl, someone clearly not from their university. "She is Coco from all girls uni. She started to come here yesterday. I talked a bit with her and she seemed nice and all but she was trying to flirt with Tan this morning."
Fang’s finger shook in anger but his face remained neutral. He clicked on her ig stories and they were nearly 23 hours ago.
First story: Boomerang of Tan and Coco where Tan winked at the camera holding the peace sign. But the captions caught his eye “My motivation to come to class,” while pointing at Tan “I love dancing with him.”
Hmm, that’s alright. He thought to himself, trying to stay sane.
Second story: A mirror selfie of Coco and Tan with captions “My day feels brighter by your side,”
A bit risky he bit his tongue, trying hard to not cuss but it was triggering him.
Third story: it was a very recent video where Tan was learning to use ribbons in his performance, like some contemporary dance. But the captions made his eyes twitch. “Watching you dance is my favourite part of my day.”
Unacceptable
Fang stood up slowly, brushing model dust off his lap, eyes unreadable. Phum gulped nervously, looking at his brother’s jaw clenching.
“Hey, don’t do anything crazy,” Phum said quickly “Tan doesn’t even like her! He probably doesn’t even realize she’s trying to flirt.”
“I’m not doing anything,” Fang replied, grabbing his phone and sliding it into his pocket. “I’m just going to politely show up at his next practice.”
“With a gun?” Phum joked, half-laughing, half-worried.
Fang smiled sweetly but Phum could sense the taunt behind it. “Of course not. Just my presence. That should be enough.”
Phum snorted, mumbling, “Poor girl doesn’t know what’s coming.”
Fang quietly entered the dance room with a bag full of Tan's favourite snacks, tiptoeing his way to not catch anyone's attention but few students eventually saw him and cooed. They all knew why All-time-busy Fang would come to visit the dance club but they were oblivious to his simmering tension. His eyes immediately scanned the room, looking for his boyfriend.
And then saw them.
Saw Coco and Tan on the other side of the room. She was trying to feed something to Tan which looked like a chocolate protein bar but Tan politely rejected it, protesting with his arms shielding himself.
Yet Coco kept pushing it which was clearly making Tan uncomfortable.
Fang poked his tongue on his cheeks at the sight before shouting Tan's name across the room. Tan being Tan, his ears perked and he immediately ran up to Fang.
“Teerak!!” Tan beamed, jogging to him like a golden retriever being called home. He almost jumped in Fang’s arms, looking breathless and sweaty, eyes bright with joy. “What are you doing here? I thought you had meeting today!”
“I finished early,” Fang lied, smiling thinly as his eyes scanned the room– locking onto Choco like a sniper. She froze, protein bar halfway in the air, blinking at them like she’d seen the final boss unlock.
“Oh, that’s nice!” Tan grinned, pulling back from the hug. He can feel something was off with the way a wrinkle formed on Fang's forehead. “Do you want to watch our routine? We’re almost done with today’s session.”
Fang’s arm slid around Tan’s waist as he leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek– soft, slow, very visible. “I’d love to,” he said, eyes still fixed on Coco. “I wouldn't miss the opportunity to watch my boyfriend's live dance.”
Tan blushed crimson but melted into the affection like usual, his hand resting easily over Fang’s waist. “I missed you today,” he mumbled, grinning.
“I miss you too. Do you want some snacks? I thought you must be hungry.” Fang lifted the bag of snacks in front of him and Tan’s eyes sparkled, he eagerly nodded before grabbing the bag. It had his favourite chocolate bars, seaweed chips, some mango smoothies and jellies. Fang was spoiling him.
“Oh Teerak, you brought so many snacks for me. You are so adorable!!!” Fang grinned, his cheeks started hurt by how much he was smiling.
“Come on sit here" before Tan could listen Fang was quick to pull him on his lap. Tan let out a small squeak, flailing for a second before settling in Fang’s lap, arms instinctively wrapping around his boyfriend’s neck. “Teerak!” he whisper-yelled, giggling, “There are people watching!”
“I know,” Fang replied smugly, tightening his hold on Tan’s waist. “Let them.” His eyes flicked over briefly to where Choco sat with her friends– their hushed whispers suddenly cutting short the moment his gaze met theirs.
Tan, meanwhile, popped open a mango smoothie and took a long sip, clearly unfazed by the attention. “Mmm, so good,” he said, voice a little sing-songy. “You really are the best boyfriend ever.” Fang just stared at his cute boyfriend happily humming while munching on a snack that he didn’t notice the person walking up to them.
Coco walked up to them, arms crossed on her chest as she scanned Fang head to toe. "Oh Coco, this is my boyfriend Fang. Fang, she is Coco, my co-dancer from an all girls academy. She is the mentor of their dance club." Tan introduced and Fang held back his eye roll, maintaining his cool.
"Nice to meet you. I hope my love is making everything comfortable for you" He offered a handshake. Be polite Fang
Coco reciprocated his smile and accepted the hand shake “Nice to meet you Fang, I've never heard about you before–”
“Huh? But P'Tan talks about him all the time. Yesterday he said he is learning this dance for P'Fang–” the students of the club announced from behind- they were probably eavesdropping on their conversation. But Tan was quick to shush them and let out an awkward laugh.
“HAHA!!!! I think I'm getting a call. Girls, your break will be over soon. Why don't you wander outside? Yeah?” Tan immediately respectfully pushed the girls outside with him who just spoiled his surprise.
Fang stood proud and amusement twinkled in his eyes, of course it’s for him. Tan had always found his way to mingle Fang into everything he does. Like one time he went to pottery class with Toey because Q was not available and he made a floral cup saucer hibiscus shaped for him. It was a bit tacky and sometimes not stable but everything he does it is unknowingly for Fang.
As soon as Tan disappeared through the studio doors, still chattering into his phone, Fang slowly turned toward Coco, the warmth draining from his expression like a dimmed light.
“I’ll keep it simple,” he said, voice low and clear which caught Coco off guard. “Tan is kind. Oblivious, too forgiving sometimes but kind. That’s not a weakness. That’s just who he is.”
Coco shrugged, feigning innocence. “I’m just his co-dancer. We get along well. That’s all.”
Fang's lips pressed in think line “See, I’d love to believe that. But offering him things repeatedly after he said no? Pressing into his space? That’s not what I’d call co-dancer things. And I don’t care how good of a mentor you must be, that doesn’t mean you get to cross that line.”
She blinked, caught off guard by the sharp edge in his voice beneath the civility.
“I’m not accusing you of anything,” Fang added with a huff “Just giving you a friendly reminder– boundaries matter. Especially when someone says no and already belongs to someone else.”
There was silence. Coco looked like she wanted to say something, to defend herself, but Fang was already turning away.
“Oh,” he paused, glancing over his shoulder, voice sugar-sweet, “Just so you know,everyone on this campus knows who we are. So unless you’re trying to embarrass yourself by being ‘just friendly’ , I’d suggest you think twice.”
Coco stood like a wax statue, Fang’s words were like cold water at minus temperature. She was about to mutter something but Tan stepped in, hopping his way to Fang. “Teerak~ oh you two are chatting, that's cool.”
“Yeah, I had a nice chat with your co-dancer. She is truly nice and self-aware.” Tan slugged his arm on Fang’s shoulder just out of habit but Coco was starting to digest everything gradually.
“Yea- Yeah. had a nice chat…” she paused for a bit, red in face before excusing herself out.
“Well that was weird,” Tan questioned but Fang remained quiet. He did what he had to and now Tan needs to learn preservation too. He pulled Tan outside of the studio, wanting some privacy for them
Fang took Tan’s hands in his, gently caressing with his thumb. He was carefully constructing his words, Tan looked at him with concern but stood patiently still.
Fang took a deep breath, his eyes softer now, less icy than they were when Coco was around. “Tan,” he began, voice low and even, “there is something we need to talk about.”
Tan tilted his head, frowning slightly. “What do you mean?”
Fang gave a small smile, more tired than teasing this time. “You don’t always notice when people overstep. You treat everyone with the same smile, and while I love that about you…” He looked down at their intertwined hands. “It also makes it really easy for people to misunderstand you and they try to take advantage of your friendliness”
Tan’s frown deepened, but he still didn’t interrupt.
“You know Coco was bothering you yet you didn’t speak against it- Look I don’t want to change you. I love you exactly as you are,” Fang continued. “But I need you to be aware. To protect your own boundaries… and mine too. I won’t always be there to push away those people. You need to let them know when they are overstepping, hm?”
Tan exhaled quietly, squeezing Fang’s hands lightly. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t know it bothered you this much.”
Fang offered a smile to him. “I don’t want to make you feel guilty. Just… promise me you’ll be more careful, yeah?”
Tan nodded, their fingers lacing tighter. “I will. I promise. And next time, if anyone tries flirting again– ” he puffed his cheeks, trying to look menacing, “I’ll throw one of your iced coffees at them.”
“That won’t be necessary but suit yourself,” Fang chuckled in relief, happy that at least Tan understood and was willing to change.
Tan laughed, leaned in to bump their noses together. “Thanks for telling me, Teerak. I’ll do better. I promise.”
“I know you will,” Fang murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Tan’s forehead.
The lovers stayed in the warmth of one another for a while before the seniors came looking for Tan, calling his name from a distance.
“Looks like I gotta go. I will pick you up at the usual time, okay?” He quickly pressed a lingering kiss on his lips before jogging inside the studio.
“I’ll miss you. BYE BYE!!!” Fang waved back.
After that day things were pretty stable in their lives. Fang was again busy with his model, missing Tan, and just working all the time. Nothing changed
But something changed for Tan. Every day, without fail, Tan strolled into the studio with his duffle bag slung over one shoulder, a fresh bite mark peeking out from under his loose collar or his shirt’s slightly widened neckline. No scarves. No concealer. Nothing to hide it. He carried it proudly and showed off to everyone.
Fang doesn’t get jealous often but when he does Tan is extra scared of him. Nonetheless the conclusion is Tan loves it too.
The bite marks. The possessiveness. In fact, he starts wearing shirts with wider necklines on purpose .
And when the girls in the studio giggle or when his guy friends ask about the marks, Tan just shrugs with a lazy grin and says, “My boyfriend’s a little intense. Isn’t he the cutest?”
It’s just Fang’s own way of ownership and love which Tan absolutely adored.