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The group of six friends was at Win's family home for a sleepover. Like expected, Pharm was cooking. How could he not be? All his friends loved his cooking and to say he was talented, would be an understatement. Especially if you asked Team. He was the biggest fan of Pharm’s cooking, something which could get on Win’s nerves at times, not that the blond would admit it.
Dean was standing next to Pharm, staring at his boyfriend, clearly lost in thought. And who could blame him? Pharm was a beauty.
Their four friends were setting up the dining table for dinner. The sound of plates being put down and silverware being distributed could be heard in the kitchen.
Dean looked at the vegetables on the counter.
"Hey Pharm," he said.
"Yes, phi?" Pharm answered, looking at Dean for a second before looking down at the vegetables again. He smiled softly, loving the comforting atmosphere that hung in the air.
"If you were a vegetable. Do you know which one you would be?" Dean asked.
Pharm stopped cutting the vegetables, put the knife down and looked at Dean. His mouth opened slightly as the young man was lost in thought.
"I have no idea. This is a pretty weird question, phi." Pharm let out a nervous chuckle.
Dean gave him a reassuring smile. Pharm melted a little at the sight.
“I genuinely wouldn’t know,” Pharm continued.
Dean hummed. “That’s okay. It’s a random question,” he chuckled, “I’m not expecting you to immediately have an answer. I, on the other hand, do have one.”
“You do?” Pharm’s eyes went wide. He hadn’t expected Dean to have an answer to what vegetable he would be. Wasn’t it just a question to start a conversation?
“I do.” The swim club captain nodded.
“Are you going to tell me or should I guess?” Pharm teased. He turned to Dean, leaning on the counter with his hip. He maintained the distance between them.
Dean raised his eyebrow, surprised by Pharm’s sudden boldness. He quickly recollected himself before leaning closer.
The sudden closeness sent shivers down Pharm’s spine. He flushed red and took a step back. Pharm looked at the ground, too nervous to look the older in the eyes.
He heard a warm chuckle. “You’re cute, nong Pharm.”
“T-thank you,” he stuttered.
Dean breathed in heavily. “But to give you an answer, if you were a vegetable, you would be a cute-cumber.”
A smirk decorated the taller’s face as he took in Pharm’s reaction.
It only took the younger a second before he registered the pickup-line. He started looking around shyly with red cheeks. Not sure what to do with his hand, he ended up playing with his fingers.
“Cute,” Dean mumbled. His eyes shone with affection for the boy in front of him.
A chuckle followed. “That’s why you would be a cute-cumber. It’s a good way to describe you.”
“Really?” Pharm asked shyly, meeting Dean’s eyes.
“Yes,” He nods, “I’m sure of it.”
They stared at each other. Momentarily forgetting all the pain they went through while simultaneously thanking Korn and Intouch.
“What are you love birds doing over there?” Win’s voice cut through. The smile on his face was clearly heard in his voice.
“Nothing,” Pharm blurred out, turning back to the counter. He continued cutting the vegetables, trying to act nonchalant and failing miserably.
Dean cleared his throat, making his way towards Win. “Why do you care?”
“We care because we do want to eat tonight, if you don’t mind,” Manaow answered.
“I’m on it. It will be done before you know it.” Pharm answered from the kitchen, smiling to himself. He loved spending time with his friends. Nights like this were extra special to him. He almost didn’t want to think about having to return to the states after college. He shook his head. His mind shouldn’t wander there. Thankfully, a distraction from his own thoughts came quickly.
“Hurry up please. I need food,” Team whined from the couch, holding onto his stomach for added effect.
“Just a little longer,” the cook reassured.
Team pouted, looking at Win with puppy eyes.
“I know, baby. You heard our friend. It’ll be done soon.” Win sat down next to his boyfriend.
Team instinctively leaned onto Win’s shoulder. The older man placed a gentle kiss on top of his hair.
“Don’t try to think about food too much right now.” Win played with Team’s hair, trying to distract his lover.
“Get a room,” Dean joked, walking towards Pharm.
“You’re not allowed to talk!” Win screamed at him. It caused everyone to burst into a heart warming laughter.
Manaow turned from the boys to Pruk. He laughed, immediately understanding the girl’s needs.
“Come here.” He opened his arms, inviting Manaow for a hug.
She wasted no time and hugged him tightly.
“How about we stop complaining about wanting food and simply let Pharm do his magic? The table is done now. Let’s just try to relax and have fun,” Pruk spoke.
“Sounds like a plan,” Win agreed.
Manaow and Pruk joined the two swimmers on the couch, starting some small talk while waiting for the food.
In the kitchen, Dean asked Pharm questions about the food and how he was preparing it.
Before they knew it, their food was finally ready. The group moved to the dining table, sharing a few words of thanks to Pharm before digging in. The sound of cutlery hitting plates filled the room. Everyone got a few bites in before Manaow started sharing a story she had seen online.
The friends continued their dinner with laughter and jokes.
As their hang out progressed so did the evening. By the time they were finished with dinner it was dark outside. The group moved as one, helping clean up before heading upstairs to get ready for bed, each person going their own way.
“Thank you for letting us stay here,” Dean said in the hallway when the group gathered again.
Teeth were already brushed and everyone was dressed for bed. It was only a matter of time before someone ended up falling asleep in their place.
“It’s nothing,” Win laughed, "good night.”
The others followed with their own good night’s before the group split up for the last time.
Pruk and Manaow left first, leaving Dean, Pharm, Win and Team behind.
“Don’t be too loud.” Dean slapped Win’s arm.
“Oh please,” Win rolled his eyes, “We’re tired too, believe me.” He laughed.
“We can say the same thing about you,” Team threw back, genuinely offended by Dean’s suggestion.
“Team!” Pharm said through greeted teeth, cheeks heating up.
The three laughed at Pharm’s reaction.
“Don’t worry. It’s just a stupid joke,” Dean clarified to no one in particular.
“Hmm. Good night guys,” Win ended their conversation, waving his friends goodbye before guiding Team to his bedroom. Team let Win take him there, too tired to put up a mock fight.
“Well, today was good,” Dean concluded when it was just the two of them left.
“It was,” Pharm smiled, “but I can use some sleep.”
“Me too. I love them, but they can be exhausting.”
“You shouldn’t say that about your friends,” Pharm gently corrected.
Dean nodded in agreement. “I guess that’s true.”
Without another word, Dean and Pharm headed towards their room. Ready to fall asleep in each other’s arms.