Twelve

•DEMI•

(POV)

"I'll just put this on a vase. Help yourself." As i gesture him in the living room.

He nod and walk towards the coffee table in the living area, placing the pizza box on top. As i went to the kitchen, open one of my cupboard to get my clear round vase to put the flowers near the kitchen sink.

"Is it okay if i looked around?" he asked from the living room

I closed the cupboard and answered "Sure. Just don't touch the painting. It's still wet"

"Okay"

I breathe in. And went to the sink.

Okay. Relax Demi.

This is not a big deal. It's just Bright.

The one who always on your mind, lately.

Here in your house! In the living room!

This is normal! Bright Vachirawit in your house normal!

Breath out slowly to calm my nerves.

"What do you like to drink? I only have water, tomato juice and a can of light beer." Opening the fridge to get us something to drink.

"A water will do." I grab two as i looked around to where he was.

He is standing in front of my easel with his one hand on his side pocket and the other one on his chin scratching an invincible stubble. Focusing on the huge canvas.

Lost with his own thoughts.

He looked like a picture from a one of the magazines hidden under my bed. Literally.

I walk towards him. Place the cold water in his left cheek as he flinched and made him looked at me.

" A penny for your thoughts?" I smile at him teasingly and gave him the beer.

" thanks." Grab the bottle of water and open it.

"Is this piece part of your exhibit?" He asked

I nod at him. "Yes. This is the last one of it."

"This is amazing." As if he was mesmerized by it. Bright's eyes is shining brightly as he stares to the painting again. Absorbing it fully.

There's a splash of red, black, white with a touch of the bewitching bit and pieces gold details in this painting. It's a huge portrait of a elderly couple.

I got inspired by a sweet couple of elderly men arm to arm, when i was walking in a park a month ago.

It was breathtaking to watch. Showing their genuine love for each other as their eyes sparkles intimately as they talked. They were sitting on the wooden bench, lost with their own world in the warmth of morning sun.

I want to capture it in my memory. I took a photo secretly then talk with them briefly, curious by their story. They were kind enough to share their love story and allow me to paint them in my canvas.

I was blown away on how they fight for their love against all odds. Growing old together, In a society who believes their judgement are far more superior than the others and cruelty to those they think less deserving. It's a pity that it still exist in this world.

"How can you come up with something great as this?"

It made me skip a beat. It warms my heart. Nothing beats the feeling of satisfaction when someone or your bias (you didn't expect) appreciate your work that you work hard for.

I got lost in the moment. I didn't notice my eyes are getting moist, a little tear from my left eye swell.

He glanced at me.

"Why are you crying? Did i said something wrong?"

With his worrying eyes and move closer as he wipes my little tear from his sleeve-end of sweater coming from my left eye.

I step back a little, embarrassed and wiped it fully with my own hand. Slowly scratches my eyebrow not looking at him. I gulped for air nervously.

"No. I–i'm relieved and thankful you appreciate this piece. This is the center piece for the show." I smile fully at him nervously. To escape this awkward situation

"Shall we eat? I'm really must be hungry"

He chuckled "I've noticed."

Walk behind me as we sat on the couch.

The smell of the pizza surrounds the place. Making me salivate more. As I bite a huge portion of the pizza slice. I almost forgot i have a company beside me.

"So what brings you here?" I face him still chewing a little piece of pizza left in my mouth. He diverted his eyes as if he was caught doing something he shouldn't supposed to do. Take a sip of the water i gave him.

He sighed.

Sitting comfortably on the couch with his ears turning red "I called you and you didn't reply to all my messages. I got a little bit worried you'll ignore me for good."

I was taken back.

At first glance, he looks aloof and mysterious but Bright right now looked cuddly and sweet.

I sip the can of light beer from the coffee table and half smile at him.

"You're so cute!" I pinched his right cheek as I forgot who he is.

He eyes went wide. I remove my hand, looked away. Leaning forward toward the coffee table, grabbing another slice of pizza to eat.

"Uhm i'm sorry. I left my phone inside my room"

As i look at him shyly

"I got lost painting earlier today. I usually don't have it with me when I'm painting"

He grabs my wrist. He smirk at me mischievously as he bites the slice of pizza from my hand.

I pause from my seat and dazed in every move his making.

What a cheeky giant he is.

He knows how to dazzle me with his presence. How can I survive this without falling from his trap.

He chew it as he stares at me intensely with his captivating eyes and I can feel my face burning.

Why is he doing this?!

He's making my imagination wild.

Is it me or It's getting hot in here?

Lost my own thoughts as my heart beats so fast while staring back at him.

He tap my middle forehead that cut my wild imagination to progress.

"What are you thinking about now, babe?" Teasing me.

Babe?

I blushed harder as i fan my flannel blouse looking away and drinking the can of light beer.

I should have lower the temperature more.

He laughed heartily covering his mouth with his hand then he hug the small pillow from behind him.

I'm starting to regret being his fan now.

He's secretly a impudent devil.

I think he's worst than Sarawat.

—

We talk for hours. We didn't notice it was midnight. If he didn't got a called from someone, I'm starting to think he wants to stay here all night.

He has a lot interesting topics that make you talk to him more. It's intriguing and beguile. He's the guy i want to stay away from. I guy you can't escape.

"I want to stay longer with you. but they want me back in the office." He said as we walk towards my front door.

"You should be. You're disturbing my peace here" I tease him.

He chuckled and said "I'll call you okay? Don't ignore me."

Do i even have a right to ignore you?

"I didn't intend to. It was an unexpected situation" giving him a cheeky answer.

He cupped my left cheek then pinched it

"Smarty pants"

"Ahw!"

What a  psychopath!

What's with him with my cheeks?

He laughed me then smile.

"I have to go"

I nod while staring at him with a half smile.

"Okay.

Drive safely"

He nodded as I open the door for him.