Chapter Text
"Where's Tong?"
Pae didn't think he'd anticipate the answer that much. Can you blame him though? It's the Loy Krathong after Duang and Qin got together, and all of their friends were supposed to be there- everyone did except for Tong. And according to his friend, he was too embarrassed about the 'Nong Cherry' issue to join them.
Really? That silly DM from Pae's fake ID? That's what upset that big guy?
"Damn, I need to make it up to him." Pae mumbled, as he genuinely felt bad.
Tong, however, wasn't mad. Well, maybe. But spending the night home alone, he couldn't but regret his decision of ditching everyone. Then again, he was too embarrassed to face stupid Pae. Earlier, he managed to play it cool. But the more he thought about it, the dumber he felt. He was all smiley and cheesy when he talked to that 'girl' over phone. Pae must have laughed so hard!
But when he thought about Pae laughing, he wasn't angry. He would end up laughing and hiding his face in the pillow at the same time.
'Fuck you, Pae Prachai'
His phone buzzed God knows after how much time he spent thinking of what an idiot he had been in front of everyone-not being able to tell he had been approached by a fake ID. He unlocked the phone and things couldn't have been worse.
He saw a notification showing two new messages from 'Nong Cherry'.
But it was Pae. He wrote,
'Still upset?'
'Sorry na kha'
Tong rolled his eyes. The audacity of that guy to still tease him.
"Upset my ass." He replied. You'd think he's not- but he was, very obviously, laughing. You can't show that to someone through a text, so, he added, "Are you done being a third wheeler?"
'What third wheeler?' Pae texted back. 'It's only Duang and Qin.'
"But they make you feel so single, right?" Tong joked.
'Uh, whatever.' Pae texted again, 'Tomorrow, have dinner with me. My treat.'
Tong knew why, so he agreed right away. "Ahh khun Prachai is taking responsibility for breaking my heart!"
'Quit with the drama!'
"I will, but you need to text me from your real ID then. This gives me nightmares."
Pae replied with a tongue out emoji. Tong giggled. He never thought he'd have that long thread of messages exchanged with his best friend's-boyfriend's- best friend. Do you even call that a thing? Nah. Pae is just Pae. He could call that cute guy a friend too, no?
Well, his time to have dinner with this 'friend' came eventually. It was ordinary, as if Tong were out with Qin and Kim. Only- he didn't know Pae that well and somehow, Pae looked cute. They ordered their usual meals- with Pae's one being a bit more than Tong had expected. I mean, Pae's a small guy. He was supposed to eat less, right?
They began small talks- which- for some weird reason, Tong couldn't initiate at first. Trying again and again, he ended up asking, "So, why did you do that?"
With curious look, Pae's gaze landed directly on Tong's and oh, Pae's eyes are pretty. Expressive. Like ocean.
Okay, what?
"Hm?" Pae, with food still in his mouth, asked.
"This whole.. Faking a girl thing."
Pae burst out laughing, struggling because he still hadn't gulped the food down. Once he did, he replied, "To help Duang of course."
Tong tilted his head to the right, frowned and asked, "How?"
"By distracting you guys. So that you leave Qin alone."
Tong laughed in disbelief, "Really?"
"Yeah. And you were stupid enough to believe me."
Tong kicked him under the table, Pae still laughed. It made him do the same. It's embarrassing and yes, stupid. But Tong didn't mind. He shook his head instead, "You guys are evil! But I have to give it to Duang. Man really knows how to stick to his goal."
"That's just how he is. A lover boy. I'm glad that he spent his time and effort for Qin though. Had it been someone else-they'd have taken advantage of him."
"I know, my friend is the gem here."
"And so is Duang." Pae insisted. "Qin's lucky that he's got my friend."
"Yeah yeah, they're both lucky. Let's not go into detail about who's luckier."
Pae agreed. Then, in the whim of the moment, asked, "How come you have no one though? You're also handsome."
Tong grinned with maximum numbers of teeth showing that his mouth allowed. He leaned on the table and asked, "You think I'm handsome?" Pae was a little startled at that. He didn't think much before saying that. "Y-yeah. Aren't you?"
Satisfied, the taller guy leaned back on the chair, "That I think I am.. But, about a partner, you know, I haven't found the right one yet. So I'm just.. Searching around. Also, I'm quite busy these days."
"Hmm.." Pae nodded, "I get you. I'm also not looking for a commitment these days. Although, it's a bit.. What should I say.. Seeing Duang and Jamie, I think it'll be nice having someone too."
After giving it a light thought, Tong said, "Well, if those guys are busy, you can always call me to hang out."
If it were possible to identify both curiosity and gratitude in a flicker of people's eyes, Tong would have seen them in Pae's ones. Instead, he just saw a glint- a momentary smile. And then heard, "Thanks, man. That means a lot." And with that tone, he suddenly realised how lonely Pae must be feeling inside. Both his best friends found their lovers, so it's normal that they'd leave him out. Good hearted Pae would never say it out loud, but he definitely felt the absence. In that very moment, Tong felt a strong emotion. He'd accompany Pae. Responsibility? Pity? Goodwill? He didn't know what acted at that moment. He just didn't intend to see sadness in those beautiful ocean eyes.
They went back home after their first one-on-one dinner. Neither thought too much about it, but both of them exchanged contacts, and a few good night, see you texts that night.
Things could have ended there. But something inside Tong shifted. The next day, after classes, he interrupted Qin from going to Duang just to hand over a package to him. To a curious Qin, he said, "Just give it to Pae."
"What is it?" Qin asked
"Just some snacks and his favorite soy milk."
"His favorite?" Qin was fast to catch the hint. Tong tsked and replied, "He told me when we were having dinner last night."
"Sure." the shorter one replied. Fortunately, he didn't say anything else. That's just how their friendship is. All of them are taciturn, calm and not too nosy. On the other hand, Dunag's gang were going feral over it.
"Khun Prachai, why are you getting secret gifts now?" Jamie asked, after Qin had delivered the package to the right place.
"Secret gift, your ass. He just shared some food with me."
"And why is that?" Duang wiggled his eyebrows, "Did he really fall for nong Cherry?"
Qin watched the three creating unnecessary chaos over something very simple. He got used to it though, so he let his boyfriend enjoy for a few minutes and then dragged him close by the sleeve.
"We're going back first." He said to the group, and smiled at Pae, "Enjoy your meal."
Jamie high fived with him, despite facing Dunag's glares. He then added, "I'm also going back, got something to do."
"I'm gonna have to visit P'Mar." Pae teased him. After another round of bickering, the trio eventually separated. Pae sighed, he felt the same kind of emptiness he always does. But looking at the sandwich inside the paper bag, he felt better.
So he immediately texted Tong, saying his thanks.
It's as simple as that. Nothing too crazy to think about.
Yet, that night, they chatted about more than just good nights. They talked like two people begining to know each other.
And the night after.
More 'gifts' were exchanged. From both sides. More texts exchanged. More glances when they met as a group. But after that dinner, they weren't one-on-one again.
Until Tong made it happen.
Well, Qin acted as the bridge. He asked his friends on one afternoon, just five days after Tong and Pae's dinner, if he should agree to Duang accompanying him to Khonfoo's checkup. According to him, Dunag got a huge assignment to do, and if he doesn't do some work that night, it'd be very hard for him to finish timely.
"Why does he want to go with you?" Asked Kim, "One of us can accompany you if you need."
"That's what I told him. But he keeps insisting that it's our daughter and it's the first time we're taking her to the vet." Qin replied, "I get him, but I don't wanna hamper his academics."
"Damn, he's such a lover boy." Tong said, "Does he believe that he'll finish the work timely?"
"He says he'll stay up late and catch up. But it's not good for his health." Qin said, "I'm worried about him."
"And you can't push the checkup date further either?"
Qin shook his head, "Khonfoo's a bit sick. She's a puppy, so I don't wanna risk it."
"Then just listen to him." Tong said, "Duang knows what he can or cannot do. If he says he'll stay up one night, let him. He'll be fine. It's just one night."
"But.." Qin sighed, "I guess you're right." He looked at both and said, "Thanks, guys."
"No problem." Tong smiled, then immediately asked, "When do their classes end though?"
"At 8 PM. Why?"
"Uh- no reason." Tong tried. But sharp eyed Qin and Kim saw through him. Kim asked, "Dude, are you interested in Pae? Be honest."
Tong felt his heart beat at a quicker pace. He didn't know why he paid extra attention to Pae, so he never put a label on it. But now that his friends had asked, he wondered- if that's really the case.
"I don't know. He's cute."
Kim and Qin exchanged a look of 'knew it'. Then, with a smile, Kim patted his shoulder, "Well then, all the best." Tong smiled in return. He didn't think too much about it. He just knew that he had to meet Pae and wish him luck for the huge assignment Qin mentioned.
So he bought snacks for both Pae and Jamie; as Duang would leave with Qin for their dog; and went to their department to meet the cute guy who seemed to be doing fine on the outside but kinda lonely on the inside. He had to explore to locate them. When he finally found the shorter guy next to Jamie, he waved at them.
Pae looked pleasantly surprised. He made a quick walk towards Tong, and asked, "Hey! How come you're here?"
Tong gave him the famous, handsome, slanted smile, "Thought that I'll meet you."
Jamie caught up by then, so he casually teased his friend, "Ehm, people comes to meet you with gifts these days??" With that, Pae noticed the bag of snacks Tong was carrying. He felt a little shy, but recovered instantly, "Shut up, Jettana."
Jettana did not. He rather grabbed one of Tong's arms and whined, "Khun Tong, your Pae is scolding me. Can you ask him to shut up??"
"Ai Jamie!" Pae glared at his friend, but Tong took it lightly. He nodded and said, just like Jamie suggested, "My Pae, why don't you shut up?"
And oh, Pae would never admit but his cheeks went warm, his ears red. He acted as if it hadn't raised his heart rate, as if hearing 'My Pae' were something he could ignore. Even Tong, who said it playfully, skipped a beat seeing the shorter man's reaction.
Jamie can be a pain in the neck sometimes, but he knew when it was his cue to leave. Seeing the two guys blush on their own, he realised that he should let them hang out. So, making an excuse of meeting P'Mar, he grabbed his stuff and left them alone. Pae felt even more self conscious that he was about to spend time with Tong- alone.
"So, what's this assignment about?" The music major broke the silence first, "Qin told me."
"Oh, we have to draw one still life object, one landscape from around here and one illustration over the weekend."
"Huh? The weekend starts from tomorrow."
"Yes." Pae said.
"How can you finish three tasks in two days??"
"Right? The professor is taking his anger out on us. Some student offended him, that's why."
"Gosh, it's inhumane."
Pae sighed, "Can't do anything about it. This will make 20% of our grades, so.. Gotta start working on them."
"You're starting now?"
"Yep. I'll finish the still life tonight, then do the landscape tomorrow." Pae said, "I can't go home without finishing at least one task."
Tong nodded, "Okay, I'll accompany you then."
Pae interrupted, "Hey, no need. I'll be here till late. You can go back. No need to stay with me."
But Tong didn't care. He didn't consider it as a burden or something he was doing without any reason. He genuinely felt bad for Pae and wanted to be with him. So, he followed as the shorter male walked towards the studio, where, in the center stood a fruit basket on a table. Many students were already working on it. Pae found a suitable seat for himself. Next to him was a desk with a chair. He asked Tong to sit on that chair.
"You really don't have to. But you can stay here, if you want you can also take a nap."
"Hm." The other one nodded. He gave Pae the snacks and watched as he took out his stuff one by one, preparing to draw. Soon, his eyes landed on the shorter man's profile. Pae had such nice, baby like skin. His jaw was defined, lips pretty. Honestly, why was he still single? People must fall in love with that innocent and sweet face, right?
Pae didn't know how much time had passed, but as he looked at Tong to check on him, a smile formed on his lips. Just as he expected, Tong had fallen asleep. His plump lips were parted just a little. His thick eyelashes rested calmly on his skin. He looked exhausted, but also peaceful in his sleep.
'If you're this sleepy, why are you wasting time here?' Pae wondered, 'Do you really find it interesting?'
He went back to drawing though, determined to finish as quickly as he can so that Tong can go home fast. He felt bad, honestly. Tong literally had no business sleeping like that. Pae himself was exhausted, but he pushed his limits and by the time he was done, it was 12:30 am. He packed all his stuff and gently called Tong.
'Not only is he handsome, but very pretty.'
"Tong. Ai Tong. Tong, wake up. I'm done with the task."
The taller male slowly opened his eyes. He probably had been in deep sleep because his eyes were red. But seeing Pae, he smiled. "Hey." He said in a soft tone. It alone gave butterflies to the other male.
"I've finished already. Let's go home." He replied with equal softness. Tong lifted his head and made a quick stretch. He then stood up and grabbed Pae's bag.
"What are you doing?" Pae asked, confused.
"Hm?"
"Why are you holding my bag?"
"Why not?" Tong took it and swung it across his back, "Let's go home."
"No, but my bag-"
"Let me carry it for you. You had a long day today."
"But I'm fine, really." Pae insisted. Tong didn't intend to, but brought his face closer to the man, stared deep into his eyes and replied, "Let me spoil you, hm? That's the least I can do for someone I'm trying to hit on."
Huh? What?? Pae was speechless. Numb. Outwitted. What did Tong say? Trying to hit on??
"Huh?" he managed to say, "What do you mean?"
Tong who figured that he had spilled the beans unknowingly, decided to own up to it. "I meant what I said. I like you, Pae Prachai."
"B-but..how? We only began talking for like.. A week."
"But we know each other for over a year, right?" Tong smiled, "And I always found you cute."
Pae couldn't help smiling. He was too shocked to reply. So he silently walked out of the room, leaving Tong grinning on his own. The latter quickly followed him though. He found it amusing. Teasing the one you're interested in is so fun, especially if the reaction is so freaking adorable. They left the building in silence, until Tong spoke again.
"So what are you planning for the next task? Where do you wanna go?"
"I don't know." Pae who had regained his composure, replied, "He siad it should have something to do with nature, but I don't wanna draw a typical field and sky setting."
"Then, what about the ocean?"
"He said it should be green." Pae replied, "Besides, the beach is far away from here. I don't have much time."
"Hm.. Okay. Dont worry about it then. We'll figure something out."
Pae wanted to stress that there was no 'we', it was his job. But he didn't wanna get teased again, so he stayed silent. He would have walked home, but Tong didn't let him. So, they walked all the way to the parking lot, got on Tong's car and for the first time, Tong dropped him in front of his condo.
Pae waved goodbye to the man who came in his life from a misunderstanding. And he felt good about it. Being pampered by someone this handsome- it's a win.
But he didn't know what Tong was planning to do. And he absolutely had no idea how serious that man was about pursuing him. Because the next morning, he woke up because of a call from the same man.
"Hello?" He spoke in his groggy morning voice.
"You just woke up? Get your stuff and get ready. I'm waiting outside."
Pae jumped and sat on his bed, checking the contact just to be sure. It's Tong. Tong was calling him early morning. Did he say he was waiting outside?
"You're where?"
A laugh was heard through the phone, "I'm outside. We're going for your landscape drawing, remember?"
"Huh.. Oh oh, yes." Pae scratched his head, "But you didn't have to."
"Tsk. Just hurry up, or you won't be able to finish on time. I'm waiting." He cut the call. Pae stared at his phone for a few seconds, trying to process what had just happened. He then realized that he really didn't have much time. So he grabbed whatever outfit he could find, took the quickest shower, gathered all his stuff and walked out. It took him fifteen minutes in total, less than Tong had expected.
"Wow, you're quick." He said, looking at a messy haired Pae. He, on the other hand, looked poised. Sleeveless denim top, ashy blue pants, beaded bracelets and a silver chain around his neck- he looked even more handsome. Pae stuttered a bit when Tong stepped closer and fixed a few strands of his messed up hair.
"You didn't have to rush this much." Tong said, and looked at him. The distance between them was thin, so little that Pae pushed him lightly, "Ah, I didn't wanna keep you waiting."
Tong gave him a smug smile, then took his bag and opened the car door for him. Gulping the nervousness down, Pae hopped on. Tong took the driver's seat after keeping the bag on the backseat. He looked at Pae once, smiled and said, "I have a place in mind."
"Really?"
"Yes, you told me yesterday, what kind of landscape your professor wanted. So I looked it up and found a place you might like."
Pae's face lit up, "Oh my, Thanks a lot, man!"
Tong didn't like to be called that way, but he accepted it. "Okay, off we go then." He started driving. The sun was up, but not that strong yet as they were up early. He played some music and figured that Pae liked it because those damn eyes closed a little as he smiled.
"You have really beautiful eyes." He suddenly spoke. It took the other one off guard.
"Oh really? T-thanks."
Tong chuckled, "You're most welcome."
They fell silent again. It wasn't uncomfortable like before. Pae started singing along at one point, so Tong joined him. They had fun- not that loud kinda fun, just simple, close to heart. They reached the destination eventually. Pae realised that it was a picnic spot.
"Wow. It looks nice." He said, stepping on the meadow.
"I have a better spot in mind. Come here, follow me." He casually took Pae's hand, while Pae's bag was on his other one. It looked natural, as if they had been on a date. Pae felt tingles down his spine. Had things always been this easy? This comfortable?
"Tada!" Tong stopped under a tree. With surprised eyes, Pae saw the perfect view in front. Tall buildings spreading all the way to the horizon. Blue sky with groups of white cloud, a green land with pretty, small wild flowers spanning the entire region.
"Hey! This is awesome!" He exclaimed.
"You said you didn't wanna draw a plain field and sky. So I thought these buildings can be a little twist." Tong clarified, "But if you don't like it, we can go where there's a lake, it's not far, I-"
"Tong." Pae stopped him, then softly squeezed his palm, "Thanks. It'll work just fine."
That soft touch, gentle voice and mesmerising gaze could melt the taller male then and there. He smiled, nodded and said, "Let's get to work then."
He handed over Pae's stuff, then fetched a picnic mat and food basket he carried along. Surprised, Pae asked, "You've come prepared?"
"Yep! I also got this." He showed a book. Pae acknowledged his effort, thanked him again and began sketching. Tong gave him some food and drinks from time to time, watched his effortless strokes and made small talks every now and then. He also took candid pictures of the guy, and posted them on his ig, unbeknownst to Pae. He then focused on the book as the day progressed, and eventually fell asleep. Pae was yawning too. Drawing nonstop was tiring.
He glanced back at Tong, and a smile of adoration spread through his lips. Just like the night before, he was sleeping peacefully. His muscular arms contrasted his soft personality. Pae wondered why someone as handsome as Tong would spend so much time with him. Was he really serious? Did Tong really wanna date him?
He took a picture of the sleeping man. As he opened ig to post it, he noticed that Tong had already posted his picture and the comments were going wild. Both from their friends and other followers of Tong. Everyone cheered and speculated that they might be dating. Pae giggled and replied to his friends. He didn't mind at all. If anything, he felt giddy. He liked the attention. He liked that Tong took a liking towards him.
His small giggles must have woken Tong up, because he asked, "What makes you so happy?"
Pae locked his phone as if he were guilty. "Huh? Nothing! I was just.. Scrolling."
Tong smirked, "You saw my post, didn't you?"
"Why did you post my picture?"
Tong frowned, "You don't like it? I'm sorry, I'll delete it right away."
Pae grabbed his hand that was about to grab the phone, "I didn't mean that. It's just.. People are assuming things."
"What things?"
"That you and I are together." Gosh, did Pae blush saying that? So lame!
Tong smiled this time, "And? I wanna make it true someday. So there's no problem, right."
Shy, Pae tsked, "Whatever." Then turned back to drawing. Tong found it as adorable as possible. He scooted closer to the other and looked at the half colored painting.
"You draw so well, you know?"
"Thanks." Pae replied.
"If one day, you decide to date me, can you draw a picture of us?"
Pae stopped functioning for a while, then slowly nodded. Tong grinned, "Does that mean you're agreeing to date me someday?"
"I don't know!" Pae almost instantly said, then regretted for being so worked up. Tong understood. So with a stupid smile, he got back to reading, leaving the poor, flustered man to finish the painting.
The sun had set by the time he was done. But the time spent was totally worth it, because the painting came out stunning. Tong called dibs on that, after the professor finishes evaluating that. They drove back to Pae's condo after having dinner at a nearby restaurant. Pae kept thanking Tong, along with treating him with that dinner. The latter kept insisting that he wanted to do all that, and he genuinely wanted to be with Pae all along.
Still, it was new to Pae. So, as a final act of thank you, he stopped after getting out of the car. He walked all the way to the driver's window and asked Tong to lower it. Curious, the latter did. And as soon as there was enough space to duck his head in, Pae landed a swift peck on Tong's exposed cheek.
He stepped back even faster, bowed and said a final thank you before dashing inside the building. Tong sat there in total silence, struggling to believe what had just happened to him.
Pae kissed him on the cheek.
Pae fucking Prachai kissed him.
On. The. Cheek.
And he was nowhere to be seen.
"What- that's cheating." Tong mumbled, then took out his phone and texted the other, "Pae, that's cheating!"
He got no reply. For a while. And then a text came.
"Drive back safely. Text me when you're home."
Aish. This guy. Tong turned the steering wheel with a heart full of excitement. His cheek could still feel the soft lips and the sudden flicker of touch. He didn't know how he got back home. But the moment he did, he called Pae.
No text. Just a call. A video call that is.
The other side picked up soon. Pae had already taken a shower. He was wearing his casual night attire.
"What was that for?" Tong aksed. Pae, only smiled, "Yah, aren't you gonna take a shower?"
"First tell me, what did that mean?"
"Nothing?" Pae replied, "I just wanted to say thank you."
Tong frowned, "Do you thank everyone this way?"
"No..."
"Then?"
"Ugh, fine!" Pae said, "I think I'm interested in you too."
Tong's face glowed, "Really!?"
"Yeah.."
"Yess!! So can we-"
"But, I'm not ready for a commitment yet. I think, I need to know you better before deciding to be with you. So, will it be okay if we don't start dating right away?"
Although a bit bummed, Tong got his point. It's better to go for a serious relationship once they spend enough time together. Otherwise, they might not work out, and he didn't want that to happen. "Alright. We can be whatever you want."
Pae beamed, "Really!? Thanks a lot for understanding, Tong." He smiled, "So... We can say that we're in the talking stage, right?"
Tong smiled, "Yeah. Talking stage it is."
And well, it literally was a talking stage because these two love birds kept talking over that video call until Pae's body physically couldn't stay awake anymore. And Tong probably caught a cold for taking a late night shower afterwards.