Work Text:
Duang was panicking like crazy - his classes started almost an hour ago, and there was no way he would make it in time for another, if he didn't leave in the next five minutes.
The reason for his delay manifested in the form of a whining, clingy puppy, currently looking at him with sad eyes, guilt tripping him into staying home - and he would, if not for the very important test he had to take.
“Papa can’t take you to class, baby…” Duang said apologetically, as he scratched behind his puppy’s ears.
He met (and adopted) a little corgi Khonfoo two months ago, while helping Pae in his dad’s shelter. She was a small pup, barely visible in the sea of other dogs, but every time Duang came to give them meals, or to play with them, she always clung to his legs like a koala bear, demanding his whole attention. And he was openly biased towards her too, constantly letting her nap on his lap or taking her on longer walks.
Pae, seeing how fast they bonded, joked that he should think about adopting her, but for Duang it wasn’t such a bad idea. He loved animals, his apartment complex was pet-friendly, and he only had classes three times a week in the afternoon. He carefully considered every aspect before deciding though, even asking his mother if she would be able to take care of the corgi when he was at campus.
The process was surprisingly easy, and Duang suspected it had to do with him being friends with Pae since childhood, so his parents already knew he was reliable.
Could it be counted as nepotism?
When it was finally time to take the little corgi home, she was confused by the new surroundings at first - she just ran around, looking in every corner and barking at every object in sight. Nonetheless, with Duang’s friends and family bringing her an extreme amount of toys every chance they got, and spoiling her rotten with snacks, she adapted quite quickly.
There was a small problem though - she suffered from isolation distress, likely caused by so many rehoming and shelter stays in a short period of time - at least that’s what the vet said.
Duang first learned about it a week after he adopted her, when he urgently had to leave the apartment, and his mom couldn’t come look after Khonfoo like she usually did. When he returned not even an hour later, the sofa was chewed in some places, urine all over the kitchen floor and the pup was hiding under the chair, howling and shaking.
Duang got so mad at Pae and his parents for hiding this information from him, but they eventually resolved it - they also didn’t know, because she was never left alone in her box in the shelter - and now Khonfoo had a trainer helping her heal. Duang also read a lot about it, wanting to create a safe environment for his daughter.
It was getting better, but a few days ago something triggered Khonfoo on their daily walk, so they were back at square one - his puppy whining on his lap and Duang unable to move even an inch. He called Pae to let him know he would be late, but he didn’t expect how much time would pass.
Right now, only one solution came to his mind - which was still a gamble though, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
“Okay cutie,” he said calmly, trying not to cause her more distress. She gave him a curious look. “You know what? How about a little adventure?”
He was praying for everything to go smoothly and without complications.
**
Duang arrived at campus twenty minutes later with Khonfoo in her baby pink harness, and an emergency bag filled with toys and snacks. They found a place at the courtyard, and sat there waiting for his friends to finish class he missed, trying to coax the whimpering puppy.
“You can’t be serious.”
He lifted his head from the phone where he googled what could have possibly caused the trigger, and how to fix it.
He didn’t tell his friends that he planned to take Khonfoo with him, so Jamie’s shocked face wasn’t that surprising. Pae only smiled, and went to play with Khonfoo. She opened her eyes in alarm, sensing someone approaching, but seeing a familiar face she went back to nuzzle her little head on Duang’s thigh.
“What was I supposed to do, huh? Leave her to be miserable and remember her father’s betrayal for ages?” Duang exclaimed defensively.
“You could’ve just missed a day, and stayed home with her. Right, Khonfoo?” Pae spoke, not really caring about the conversation, too busy petting Khonfoo.
Duang shook his head. “I have an exam that’s 50% of the final grade. If I fail, I would have to take more elective classes. And mind you, I already finished one.”
“Sucks ass.” Jamie finally sat beside him, taking Khonfoo into his arms and cuddling her, ignoring Pae’s protests. “Hello my baby princess!”
“Shut up,” Pae whispered to him.”Can’t you see she’s sleeping? You’re always so loud for no reason.”
“You’re just jealous she loves me more!” Jamie stuck out his tongue at him. “Right, Khonfoo? You like uncle Jettana better.”
Pae swung his fist, playfully punching him in the arm. Jamie let out a fake cry, looking accusatory at his friend.
“Aow, Pae! You’re such a bully.”
Duang interrupted before they could start bickering more.
“I actually wanted to ask, if you two could look after her for… maybe an hour?” he pleaded, but already knew his friends would say yes. “Just so I can take the exam! It’s not complicated so I’ll be back before you know it.”
Jamie and Pae exchanged glances.
“Sure. Go before she wakes up and realize you’re gone.” Pae said, taking Khonfoo’s bag from Duang’s hand.
“Thanks.” He got up swiftly, making his way to the class.”Love you Jettana, love you Prachai!”
And he was gone.
“One round of Clash royale?” Jamie asked, taking his phone out, without disturbing a sleeping Khonfoo on his lap.
“Hell yeah.”
It was only twenty minutes later that Khonfoo stirred on Jamie’s lap, and discovered Duang was gone. At once, she jumped on the grass, desperately trying to find her owner. Jamie and Pae were so surprised by the sudden outburst, they were too late to react in time. They only looked at each other in silent terror.
“Duang will kill us both.”
“Don’t talk, Pae! Run after her!”
**
Qin was in the middle of lazily sweeping the floor before the cafe’s entrance, when he felt something hit his legs. Looking down, he was surprised to see a little corgi in a pink harness clinging to him, and whining softly.
“Oh, hello there.” He crouched to her level, hesitant about what to do. “Are you lost?” The dog only whined louder, making him even more concerned.
Qin thought for a second, and after sending a quick text to his manager explaining the situation, he took the puppy inside, away from the sun. There, he poured water in a cup and placed it on the floor, encouraging the puppy to take a sip, gently stroking her back as she drank. Lost in thoughts, he didn’t hear the little “DING!” informing about someone's arrival.
“Qin?”
He got up, greeting his manager P’Muenfah. “Hello, P’Fah. Sorry you had to come, but there’s a dog here.”
“I can see that.” Looking over the counter, and at the intruder, his boss was clearly amused, even though his face didn’t show much. “Did she just run into you?”
“Yes, Phi.”
P’Muenfah nodded. “Okay, she has a collar on - so not a stray. Have you checked if there is any information about the owner on it?”
“Yes, there isn’t any, Phi. Not even her name.” Qin glanced at the puppy, who was now curiously looking at him with a slightly angled head. “You’re a little trouble, aren’t you?” He bent down to pat her.
“Okay, I’ll post on Instagram about her. Can you pick her up for the photo?”
He bowed his head, signaling his agreement. “Sure, Phi.”
Qin rose with the puppy in his hands cozily snuggling to him. P’Muenfah jokingly told him to pose for the picture, but he turned his head to the side, which earned him his boss’ quiet sigh.
“Done.” P’Fah stated. For a moment, they stood in awkward silence, neither of them really a talker. With a nod, P’Fah went to sit at one of the tables to post on the story, and Qin put the puppy down on the ground, because two customers just came in (no, he didn’t forget to wash hands before serving them).
He liked P’Muenfah. As a boss, he was dependable and competent. He never forced them to do anything they weren’t comfortable with, and made sure to remind them that customers are, in fact, not always right. He also paid well.
And most importantly, he understood Qin’s reluctance to be overly friendly with customers. That’s why his shifts were mostly scheduled in the mornings, as it was too early in the day to converse. Just a quick ‘one Americano’ or ‘can i just charge my phone for 5 minutes?’ and they went their way, leaving Qin alone.
Today however, his coworker had an exam colliding with her shift, and asked Qin if he could stay a little longer. He agreed and here he was. With a clingy puppy glued to his legs.
P’Muenfah left the shop shortly after, telling him he would text if anyone recognized the dog.
Qin tried to keep an eye for potential customers, but after that pair earlier, nobody even walked near the cafe, and the puppy was too cute to resist, so he just sat beside her, observing how she ran around sniffing everything. He regretted not having anything here that could be used as a toy substitute to play with her.
Seeing how lively she was, he wondered who was her owner, and why did she run away from them, hoping she wasn’t mercilessly abandoned.
**
It took more than an hour for Duang to finish the exam. He left the room mentally exhausted more than he was before, the questions turning his brain into a fried dumpling. Evidently, he was also getting hungry.
He stretched carefully, aware of other students walking alongside, and took his phone out to text his friends.
For the whole duration of the exam he anxiously thought about Khonfoo, and how she was doing. Even though she was familiar with Jamie and Pae, and her trainer said it’s important she stayed with people she trusts, Duang couldn’t help but worry - she was still in the unfamiliar environment, and that could cause another trigger. He made a mental note to call her trainer in the evening to consult with him.
→ Duang: where are you!!! i already left the exam
how's my child?
??
delivered.
Duang guessed they were probably too busy with Khonfoo to reply, so he headed towards the courtyard where he left them earlier. Upon arriving and seeing no one around, he furrowed his brows and pressed Jamie’s contact.
[“What’s up, Duang?” Jamie’s voice greeted him cheerfully, but a little out of breath.
“I just left the class, where are you?” Duang asked, straight to the point.
“Oh! Well, we’re just…” There was a commotion on the other end of the call. “Fuck Pae, slow down! No, it’s Duang.”
“What are you doing? Are you running with Khonfoo? Be careful, please!” Duang’s worries quickly dissolved when he realized they must’ve just taken her somewhere else to burn the energy.
“Haha! Yes! We’ll be back soon, wait for us, bye!” ]
And he hung up, not letting him say anything else. Duang shrugged to himself, ignoring his friend's weird behavior as usual, and sat on the grass. The weather was pleasant today - the afternoon sun wrapped around his body, warming him after an hour spent in a cold classroom. He closed his eyes for a second, enjoying the tingling sensation on his face, but the moment was quickly broken by a notification popping up on his phone.
Thinking it was Jamie, he hurriedly checked it out.
[MY MOON CAFE recently added to their story.]
Duang smiled.
‘My Moon’ was one of the on campus cafes, opened not that long ago by an alumni P’Muenfah. Duang was familiar with him, as he was dating one of his friend from another department, Teerak. They met exactly once, Duang and P’Muenfah, at the opening of ‘My Moon’ but he seemed like a cool guy.
The cafe itself was small, but cozy, and their coffee was to die for, so for an addict like Duang, it was a perfect place to become a regular at. He started going frequently some time ago, after his afternoon class ended, making friends with a barista named Pie, who happened to coincidentally share one class with him. There was also another boy Duang didn’t know scheduled for the afternoon, and then Qin.
Qin, the cute barista Duang definitely didn’t have a crush on (his friends would tell otherwise).
Duang saw him only once, when his 4pm. class was switched to 9am., because the professor had an urgent meeting in the evening. He remembered looking like a rat, all wrinkled clothes and sleepy eyes, because he stayed late into the night to study the material needed for a test. And when he saw Qin, looking like the walking definition of breathtaking, behind the counter, his knees literally gave out.
In retrospect, it was probably from the lack of sleep the night before, and not eating a proper breakfast, but he liked to imagine it was because of Qin’s unreal beauty.
They never talked, Duang too embarrassed to face him after landing on the floor, and quickly fleeing the cafe after, but thankfully he saw the name tag on his work shirt.
They also never passed each other on campus (Duang would notice if they did, he would remember that pretty face), so Qin was probably a graduate student already, just working there.
Fortunately, P’Muenfah was a marketing genius, and he often uploaded reels to promote the cafe more. Even though Qin was never the main character in them, he was always in the back, calmly making orders.
Thinking it’s yet another reel, the boy excitedly clicked on the story, but his face quickly fell.
“IS THAT MY DAUGHTER?!”
**
“Mm. Thanks, P’Fah. Bye.” Qin ended the call, and turned to Pie - the coworker who’s shift he covered. “P’Fah said the puppy’s owner is on the way, and should be here in 5 minutes. I’m going to change.”
Pie nodded, and went back to scroll on her phone. When she returned from class, looking like her soul was sucked out of her body, all she said was ‘I need a drink’, then slammed her head on the counter, and stayed like that for a minute. Qin felt that in his soul.
Making his way to the backroom, where their lockers were placed, Qin gestured at the puppy to follow, and she happily ran to him on her little paws. Since P’Fah left, the puppy stayed beside Qin, whining for pets and belly rubs, which made Qin melt inside (not that he would ever admit it). He even gave her a little bit of his dinner, and hoped the owner didn’t mind.
Inside, he changed into his trusted white long sleeve that had black straps peaking out, and tossed his work shit inside his locker, slamming the door shut. He was about to leave, when he heard a panicked screech in the main room.
“PIE!! IS MY DAUGHTER HERE???”
Qin mentally cringed at how loud that guy’s voice was, but he had to admit that calling the puppy ‘his daughter’ was kinda cute. The boy looked down at the corgi, seeing how her little body shook from excitement at recognizing her owner's voice. He bent down to pick her up, and left the storage room.
He couldn’t even take two steps in, before having to suddenly halt to a stop because somebody nearly collided with him.
“Oh, Khonfoo!” The stranger said, yanking the puppy, Khonfoo, from his hands. “Papa’s sorry! You will never ever again stay with uncle Jettana, I swear.”
“Woof!”
Qin had time to properly look at the newcomer, since he was too busy cuddling and babbling nonsense to his pup. The boy was dressed in a blue shirt and creamy pants, and a massive green bag slung over his shoulder. His hair looked like a mess - like he repeatedly ran his hands through them. Qin couldn’t really see his face, because the boy kept pressing small kisses all over Khonfoo’s tiny head.
Apparently, he stared too intensely because the strangers' eyes suddenly met his, and he instantly gave Qin a radiant smile. Caught like a deer in headlights, the barista quickly looked away, being hit with an unexplainable sensation of heat on his face.
Why is he so handsome?! Qin thought to himself, subtly playing with his fingers to distract himself from the man’s beautiful face.
Qin was rarely attracted to people at first glance, but this guy had something in him that screamed ‘GET TO KNOW ME, I’M HOT AND A SINGLE DAD!’
Wait, was he single? WHY DO I EVEN THINK ABOUT THAT?!
Qin had to close his eyes for a second to compose himself, shutting his unwanted thoughts before they could make him more flustered. He was sure his ears were already turning red though.
Turns out opening them again wasn’t a good idea either, seeing as the other seemed to never stray his gaze away from Qin. If that was possible, his eyes were even more focused, taking in every detail.
“Are you the one who found Khonfoo?” the guy asked, never stopping his hand from stroking the puppy's back. Qin gave him a curt nod. “Thank you for taking care of her! I had to take an exam, and left her with my friends, but those idiots lost her and…”
He talked a lot, Qin noticed.
“She ran into me,” the barista cut him. “Clung to my feet like a bear.”
The other guy furrowed his brows, looked at the puppy confused, and then back at Qin.
“Hm.” Was all he said before Qin’s hands were at once full of a little corgi, who wasn’t really phased by the tossing.
“What-”
“Interesting.” The guy mumbled to himself. “Was she like this from the start, or did you bribe her with something?”
Now it was Qin’s turn to frown.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Your pardon is begged.”He waved it off.
He’s such a weird guy. What does that even mean? Qin thought.
“It’s weird because Khonfoo doesn’t really trust new people,” The guy explained, seeing Qin’s confused face. ”And you’re telling me she just hopped into your arms like that.”
“Mhm. Why would I lie?”
“Woah. Papa can’t even recognize you, Khonfoo.” He spoke in a gentle, baby voice, petting her head exactly twice. “You’re turning into an extrovert like Papa!”
Qin snorted. For a moment they stood just looking at Khonfoo in his arms.
“Sorry,” Qin broke the silence, because something was bugging him a lot about this guy. “Do we know each other from somewhere?”
The barista noticed his eyes widening slightly, and his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink, but he didn’t look away from Qin’s eyes.
“Kind of. I’m a regular here, but only after 3pm. My name’s Duang.”
Duang. Cute name.
“Like a beetle.”
Oops. Qin wasn’t supposed to say that out loud.
Before he could get self-conscious though, Duang’s boisterous laughter filled the entire cafe, making both Qin and Khonfoo jump at the sudden sound.
“Oops, forgive me, cutie.” Duang made a wai with his hands, quickly apologizing.
The pet name made Qin feel weird, but he quickly realized it wasn’t directed at him, but Khonfoo. Of course.
He cleared his throat awkwardly, looking around the cafe for a way out. He felt like that one emoji of a standing man Pie liked to send in the group chat.
“Oh, let me take her from you! She’s a little heavy.”
Qin remained silent, watching Duang get Khonfoo back on the floor, and staying with here there.
“My little Princess.” He cooed, bopping her nose, and lightly patting her butt.
Qin felt the corner of his lips move upward. Duang was too distracted to notice.
“So, I’ll get goi-” Qin started to say goodbye, but Duang abruptly interrupted him before he could finish the sentence.
“Do you want to get dinner with us?” He asked, eyes round and very puppy-like. His lips formed a pout.
Qin swore internally, too easy for Duang’s pretty, shiny eyes looking up at him. It didn’t help that Khonfoo somehow understood the situation, and joined her dad in a silent pleading, like a little traitor.
I only know the guy for 15 minutes, why am I so affected? Am I that easy? Pie would probably call me a whore.
Qin had to seriously quit talking to himself in his head.
“As a thank you!” Duang clarified, when Qin was taking too long to answer. “I already said that, but I’m grateful you took care of her. So, I would like to invite you for dinner.”
At the same time, Qin’s stomach rumbled, embarrassing him. He could almost hear the smug smile Duang had on his face, when he said:
“Mhm, let’s eat, Qin.”
He marched to one of the tables, taking a pink leash Qin hadn’t noticed earlier, and came back to attach it to the puppy’s harness. “Come on, Khonfoo! You must be so hungry already, my poor girl.”
“I fed her some of my lunch,” Qin casually said. “I hope that’s okay?”
Duang turned to him with his ever-present smile. “Depends. What did you have?”
“Pork with rice.”
“Yum. I’m kinda jealous of my dog.”
Qin rolled his eyes. “Don’t make this weird.”
Duang sulked. “Hey! We just met, and you’re already insulting me. I’m fragile, you know?”
“Stop being weird then.” Qin deadpanned, face straight.
“Stop being cute~”
Qin pressed his lips into a tight line, fixing Duang with his glare. The boy didn’t really care though, just smiled brightly, and passed him to open the door.
Qin hated how that stupid smile moved something inside him.
Or maybe he just had gastritis?
“Bye, Pie! Have an easy shift~” Duang waved at the barista girl and left the cafe.
Pie waved back, and her eyes met Qin’s, mischief curling behind them. The boy groaned, mentally preparing himself for a series of questions tomorrow. He just nodded, and went to grab his bag, and white headphones from her outstretched hand.
“Don’t ask.”
“I didn’t even say anything!” She laughed.
“I know you wanted to. Your face had a look.”
“Well, sorry for being nosy.” Pie shrugged, and with a smirk went back to her phone. “Duang, huh?”
Qin rolled his eyes one last time, and walked out the cafe to join Duang near the big tree outside.
Khonfoo was trying to lick the tree bark, the student trinf to pull her out of it, but for a puppy her size, she for sure was strong as hell.
“Don’t lick that! There are ants and other things, be smarter girl!”
It was evident he was panicking, but Qin found his struggle hilarious. Not moving from his spot, he just observed the pair, trying not to laugh.
Duang eventually noticed him, and sent him a desperate look. “Qin! Don’t laugh and help me! She’s a demon. KHONFOO IT’S NOT GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH!”
His voice came out so comically whiny, that Qin took mercy and with a shaking head, approached his side slowly, keeping an eye for Khonfoo to not scare her out.
“Woah, has anyone ever told you, you walk like a model?” Duang said in awe, switching his demeanor from frantic to almost like he was in a trance.
It was almost funny how fast he switched, until Qin looked at him, and realized he was bluntly staring at his legs.
“Has anyone ever told you, you sound like a pervert? And what’s with that tone of your voice?” the barista crossed his arms, his face visibly annoyed.
Duang just smiled foolishly at his question. “A few times. And this is just my normal voice, I don’t know what you mean.”
Qin huffed, clearly seeing through Duang’s bullshit. “Yeah, right. Next time I catch you glaring at my legs, you’ll get beaten up.”
Duang wasn’t really phased, and judging by the look on his face he knew Qin’s threat wasn’t serious, but he didn’t say anything else.
Khonfoo eventually left the tree alone, and with a ‘woof!’ ran to Qin to bite at his shoes. Duang let out a mortified squeak when he noticed.
“Are you kidding me?!” he hurriedly tried to lift her up, at which she barked at him, but otherwise went willingly. “You’re such an evil child! House arrest until you’re old, Miss.”
“I’m so sorry, she isn’t usually like this.” Duang apologized with an awkward smile, visibly worried she ruined his shoes.
“Don’t worry,” Qin reassured in his usual calm tone. “She’s just a puppy. And she’s cute, so it’s all forgiven.” His lips lifted, not quite in a smile yet, but close to it.
That seemed to do the trick, because Duang stopped scolding Khonfoo, and instead cast a grateful look at him.
Qin felt as if spellbound - he couldn’t stop his eyes from studying the others face. Duang was drop dead gorgeous. His whole face was handsome, but it were his eyes that left him asking for air - so sincere and open, nothing malicious hidden behind them.
Qin also noticed earlier they had a slight height difference, Duang towering over him. Qin’s eyes were in a perfect line with his lips. He had such a pretty smile…
Okay, enough before I embarrass myself. He looked away from Duang, his cheeks feeling hot again. He clearly wasn’t being himself today. Maybe he caught a cold or something?
Duang wasn’t doing any better though. Inside, his heart did cartwheels, beating like crazy at having his crush finally talk to him, and be this close.
When they get home, he had to give Khonfoo a big, fat snack prize, for bagging this man for him. Papa’s smart girl.
“What do you want to eat, Qin?” he asked, after letting Khonfoo down, and making sure she wasn’t gonna chew Qin’s shoes again.
Qin thought for a second. “Anything’s fine, really.”
“Okay! I know a place~” Duang sing-songed, pulling the corgi to walk with them.
As they walked, the conversations between them flowed smoothly, jumping from one topic to another. Mostly it was Duang asking questions and Qin answering at first, but the more he get to know Duang, the easier it was to open up. He was a tease, but Qin could easily make him flustered too. They went back and forth annoying each other for the whole 20 minutes of their stroll.
“I’m curious…” Qin started when there was a lull in the conversation.
“Hi curious,” Qin rolled his eyes at Duang’s lame joke. “Sorry, continue.”
“How do you know my name? I never introduced myself properly.”
Duang blushed, words coming out of his mouth without filter. “Okay, this is going to sound super humiliating, but we’ve actually met before - or I saw you, more specifically. I visited your cafe one morning, but I was so sleep deprived, I nearly fainted when I looked at you then. So I left, and only had time to read your name tag.”
He laughed awkwardly. Qin couldn’t remember that situation.
“Yeah, you wouldn’t know,” Duang read the confusion on his face perfectly. “There were a lot of people in front of me in the queue. Thankfully!”
“Mm, I don’t know,” Qin couldn’t help but tease him a little. “I would pay to see you that day.”
“I know you’re making fun of me, but all I hear is that you wanted to see me~”
“Aren’t you a little full of yourself?” Qin felt his lips twitching in an amused smile.
They kept walking facing each other, Duang backwards not looking anywhere but at Qin.
“I’m confident,” he emphasized.”There’s a difference.”
“Confident in what exactly?” The barista studied him curiously.
Duang thought he looked like a cat.
“Myself,” the student shrugged with a blinding smile, sending him a playful wink. “And my skills.”
Before Qin got the chance to ask what he meant again, Duang announced they reached their destination.
“Oh, we’re already here.”
Qin stopped walking, letting Duang open the door for him, Khonfoo in his arms for easier transfer. The interior was very simple, mostly in beige and browns, with comfortable seating arrangements. They picked the table next to the window, so Khonfoo could lay beside them without getting bored.
“You can pick whatever you’d like,” Duang said, giving him the menu. “It’s my treat.”
Qin nodded, and focusing on the menu, said: “I eat a lot.”
“So order a lot.” The student said without missing a beat. “I have money, we have time. Let’s enjoy.”
“Don’t flaunt your money like that.” Qin scolded him, frowning lightly.
Duang immediately went to explain himself, shaking his hands. “It’s not like that! I wasn’t trying to sound like I’m spoiled, I swear, but since Khonfoo is expensive, and I need to have money to raise her, I started doing commissions and sold some of my old paintings. It’s not much but it’s enough for me and Khonfoo.”
Qin nodded, relieved Duang wasn’t another pretentious rich kid. He didn’t look like one at all, but Qin had his fair share of “not looking like” people in his life. He was glad Duang wasn’t one of them. He kind of started to enjoy his company, and that was a lot coming from Qin.
“Still, I don’t want to take advantage of you, especially now that I know how expensive this restaurant is.” Qin sent a meaningful look at the menu, and then at Duang.
“And I said, don’t worry about it.” Duang hasn't stopped smiling even for a minute. “Seriously, Qin. You’re overthinking this. I invited you, because I’m thankful. Now, order whatever you want.”
For a moment neither of them spoke, both of them squinting their eyes to see who would give up first. Qin did, ostentatiously rolling his eyes, making Duang smile victoriously.
They studied the menu together, but it didn’t take long - two of them ordering basically the same dish with some alterations, and the food came soon after they ordered, as it was not that busy inside the restaurant. They even got Khonfoo a little something.
“So, you paint?” Qin suddenly asked, feeling the need to get to know Duang better.
“Yes, I’m a creative arts major.” He beamed, pausing stuffing his mouth with rice to answer him. “I actually should’ve graduated a year ago but I took a gap year to decide what I wanted to do.”
Qin bobbed his head. “Interesting.”
“Are you a student, Qin?”
“No, I graduated last year. I was in a music program.” Qin said.
“That’s so cool. I always wanted to play an instrument!” Duang exclaimed with shining eyes.”What can you play?”
Qin pretended to think. “Should I brag or be humble?”
“Brag.”
He started counting on his fingers. “Alright - piano, guitar, bass, a little bit of flute and violin.”
Duang’s eyes were wide, his mouth open in a silent awe. “You’re so fucking cool Qin. Are you a prodigy or what?”
Qin laughed, the warm feeling in his chest suddenly coming back.”More like my parents expected a lot from a seven year old kid.”
The art student nodded in sympathy. “I hate when parents are projecting their unfulfilled fantasies onto their children. It only ends up in the kids resenting them, in most cases. Or the kids getting burned out in their 20s.”
“Well, guess which one am I?” Qin responded sarcastically, but without any real venom. He already got used to the feeling.
Duang opened his mouth to respond, but the ringing of his phone made him pause. Seeing Jamie’s name on display, he picked up with a sigh.
[“Yes, Jettana?”
“Duang, swear on the bro codex you won’t kill us.”
“Why would I kill you?” Duang rolled his eyes again, already knowing what’s this about. Maybe he should troll his friends a little?”Oh, and since you’re already with Khonfoo, I decided to get lunch, is that okay?”
Duang saw Qin’s confused face, so he just shook his head and mumbled ‘later’.
“Uh… you know what? Sure! Enjoy!”]
“Sorry about that.” Duang apologized to Qin, after Jamie ended the call.
“Was that your friend who lost Khonfoo?”
Qin was looking at him with head slightly tilted to the side, eyes round, curiosity in his tone very noticeable. Duang cursed in his head at how adorable he looked right there.
“Yes, they didn’t tell me they lost my dog, so I’m gonna fuck with them until they come clean.” he shrugged. “Where were we? I lost track.”
Qin still watched him intensely. Duang had to shift in his seat, trying not to give out how his eyes alone made him affected. He was probably failing, judging by Qin’s faint smile. He felt like those insects under a microscope being studied thoroughly, the only difference between them was that Duang felt very much alive under Qin’s gaze.
The art student cleared his throat. “Are you enjoying the food?”
Qin bowed his head in agreement. Duang beamed, scooping two shrimps on his spoon and placing it gently on Qin’s plate.
“Eat a lot then.”
**
They left the place an hour later, when Duang got another call from Jamie to meet at the courtyard. As they passed a vendor selling fresh fruits, Duang stopped to buy them some to snack on, because they didn’t get to enjoy the dessert earlier.
“Another time,” Qin said, popping a piece of watermelon into his mouth.
“Ugh Qin, you want to see me again so bad?” Duang feigned annoyance, playfully rolling his eyes, but his lips were pulled into a grin. “I feel shy~”
Qin raised his eyebrows at him, chewing watermelon slices nonstop, and once he swallowed, he said in a dead serious tone. “I want to see Khonfoo again. You’re just an immovable object.”
“Qiiiiiiin!” the artist whined, stopping in his tracks to stomp his foot like a child. “Don’t use my daughter against me.”
“What? We bonded, right Khonfoo? Tell your Papa.”
While Qin baby talked to the puppy, Duang’s heart was doing somersaults inside his chest. He never felt so greedy in his entire life like in that exact moment, trying to keep the picture of Qin gently pulling Khonfoo’s cheeks with a biggest smile on his face, all for himself.
It was rather silly - properly knowing Qin for maybe two hours, and already experiencing such a strong connection.
Duang’s mother used to tell he had a strong intuition, and he should listen where it leads him. When he was a child, he had a hard time sticking to one activity, everything feeling somehow wrong, until he learned how to draw. Picking friends was even harder for him, so he often played alone, until Pae moved a few blocks away and they clicked immediately. Then Jamie joined them, and all three were inseparable ever since. Duang never had to worry ever again.
They even took a year off with him, just so they could study together. They helped him find something he loved doing, and never bored him. That’s why he trusted them with his life, and even now he wasn’t seriously mad about them losing Khonfoo, because if it wasn’t for Qin, he was sure they would find her together later.
When it comes to Qin though, the feeling was different, but not in a negative way - ever since he saw him for the first time, something inside him kept pulling him towards the barista. He couldn’t explain what it was exactly, just that it felt a thousand times stronger than with Jamie and Pae. Shame they haven’t met earlier.
His mom would say that was fate, but Duang didn’t believe in fate. He created his own path, thoroughly chose and kept caring about every single person entering his life, making their relationships grow and bloom.
But maybe this time, just once, he could agree with his mother. He wondered if Qin felt that pulling too.
“Duang.”
Qin’s voice brought him back to the present. When Duang realized Qin and Khonfoo weren’t following him, he quickly moved back to their spot.
“Do you have a plastic bag or something? She just…” Qin didn’t finish, just pointed at the big, fat shit on the grass. “Yeah.”
“Just kill me already.” He mumbled, as he took one poop pouch and tissues from his green bag, and went to pick the poop to throw in the bin as soon as possible. He was lucky he always carried some, in case of emergency like this one.
“Don’t be dramatic, at least she’s healthy.” Qin said, matter of fact, throwing away the empty paper tray after his eaten watermelon.
Duang couldn’t help but tease him. “Are you one of those people keeping track of their pets pooping schedule?”
“Yes, you got a problem with that?”
With an eyebrow raised and serious face, Qin looked so hot (and adorable), Duang almost tripped over his own feet.
“Absolutely not.” Duang raised his arms in mock surrender, his cheeks hurting from how much he smiled in the others company. “I just never imagined my date would see my dog shit out in the open. It feels more like a second date hassle.” he said without really thinking, mortification hitting him right away as he finished the sentence.
He wanted to apologize, but then Qin’s eyes crinkled and his lips stretched in a lovely smile, and Duang was a victim of it all. Qin didn't even realize the effect he had on him.
“A date, huh? Wasn’t this just a ‘thankful dinner for saving your dog’?” He said, amused, looking him up and down.
“Is it okay with you?” Duang quietly asked, suddenly self-conscious. “That I called it a date.”
Qin sighed. “Duang, you have to know I don’t go out with just anyone, let alone strangers. I rarely even go out with my friends, because I simply enjoy the quiet of my room better.” The barista looked directly into his eyes, leaving Duang breathless.
He was insanely gorgeous, and the afternoon sun made him look even more divine. Duang swallowed hard, feeling lightheaded.
“So you don’t mind…?”
Qin rolled his eyes exasperatedly. “No stupid, and don’t ask me another dumb question again before kissing me first.”
“I get to kiss you?!” Duang almost dropped on his knees. Right in the middle of campus.
Qin took Khonfoo’s leash from the ground, and started to slowly walk towards the yard ahead of them, looking behind on a dumbstruck Duang only once.
“Not now. I don’t kiss on first dates.” He said casually, smirking to himself.
Qin would be the death of him.
“You’re so cruel,” Duang pouted, when he finally got out of the trance, and fall into step with him. “Getting my hopes up like that.”
“Not my fault you’re a pervert”
“I’m not!”
“You so are, Duang.”
“You know me for a day, don’t be a Duangpedia all of a sudden.” the artist stuck his tongue out at him.
“Whatever.” Qin said suspiciously fondly, looking at the ground.
Taking the opportunity, Duang took out his phone with an intention to snap a quick photo of Qin and Khonfoo together, but he was (once again) interrupted by his dear friend Jamie.
“Duang!”
One day, he will pay for all of this.
Duang stopped walking, and Qin picked the puppy up, waiting for two boys to catch up to them. They appeared out of breath, sweating and Pae without… one shoe?
“Duang, we’re so sorry,”Jamie said, panting and fanning his face. “You can kill us, it’s alright. We already know what we’ll write in our last Will, so just kill us.”
“Yeah, it’s the only right punishment for the crime we committed.” Pae added, and Duang couldn’t help but laugh at their foolishness.
They were so absorbed in apologizing to Duang, that they haven’t even noticed Qin with Khonfoo snuggling in his arms, who now looked at them all with a slight confusion.
Jamie was the first to register.
“You stole our dog!” He yelled, pointing an accusatory finger at Qin, who had a bored expression back on his face. Duang already missed his smile.
“No, he didn’t you idiot.”Duang sighed, crossing his arms. “He took care of her while she ran away from you. Why didn’t you tell me? And Pae where the fuck is your shoe?”
Jamie and Pae dropped their heads, looking at their feet.
“Somewhere at campus… Don’t ask. But we’re sorry, Duang. Really.” Pae replied.
“Yeah, we thought we could find her before you noticed.” Jamie added, glancing at him with sad eyes. “It’s our fault, so sorry again.”
Duang sighed again, moving to stand beside his friends, and then enveloping them in a tight hug.
“I admit, I was scared for her, but it’s already in the past.”Duang exclaimed, and quieter so only the three of them could hear, blurted.”Besides, look who she helped me bag.”
Qin suddenly felt all three pairs of eyes on him, a mix of confusion and nerves clear on his face.
Jamie smiled broadly, showing teeth. “And who do we have here?”
Duang slapped the back of his head, going back to stand beside Qin. “My future boyfriend.”
He put his arm around Qin, to which the boy only raised his eyebrows at.
“And who said that?”
“You’re delusional.”
Qin and Jamie said at the same time while Duang only cackled loudly.