Chapter 33

For a second, Jes thought Ngern wouldn't answer.

That he would laugh it off, deflect like he always did. That he would act like it didn't matter.

But instead—

Ngern exhaled, sharp and shaky.

Jes watched as his fingers twitched, like he wanted to reach out but wasn't sure if he should.

Then, finally—softly, carefully—Ngern asked, "Then what does it mean?"

Jes felt his throat tighten.

He wasn't good with words. He was better with actions, with little things—checking if Ngern had eaten, fussing over him when he was hurt, showing up even when Ngern never asked.

But this—this—was different.

It was new. It was terrifying.

Jes licked his lips, trying to steady his breathing.

"I don't know," he admitted, voice hoarse. "But I know I don't want to take it back."

The words hung between them, fragile and unspoken.

Ngern's breath hitched.

And then, with a sudden kind of certainty, he reached out.

Fingers curled lightly around Jes's wrist—warm, grounding.

Jes inhaled sharply.

"Ngern—"

But before he could finish, Ngern moved.

Not hesitant. Not rushed. Just sure.

Jes barely had time to react before Ngern kissed him.

It wasn't like the first one.

This one was deliberate.

Soft, lingering, just enough pressure to make Jes forget how to breathe.

Jes stiffened for a half-second, heart stuttering—then he melted.

Before he knew it, his hands were gripping Ngern's shirt, pulling him closer.

And Ngern let him.

Jes could feel the slight tremble in Ngern's hands where they rested against his skin. Could feel the warmth, the quiet desperation neither of them had put into words yet.

When they finally pulled away, breathless, Jes blinked at him, dazed.

Ngern let out a small, breathy laugh. "Still don't want to take it back?"

Jes didn't even hesitate.

"No."

He let out a breath, shaky but sure.

"Not even a little."

Ngern didn't say anything at first. He just looked at Jes—really looked at him.

Like he was committing this moment to memory, like he was afraid it might disappear if he blinked.

Jes felt his chest tighten.

He wasn't used to being looked at like that.

Like he was important. Like he was wanted.

It was overwhelming. It was terrifying.

But he didn't want to run.

Ngern swallowed, his thumb unconsciously brushing over Jes's wrist where he was still holding it.

Jes swore he could feel his pulse beneath Ngern's fingertips—racing.

Then, softly, Ngern said, "Good."

Jes let out a shaky breath. He was about to say something—maybe crack a joke, maybe tell Ngern to let go because he was way too close—but then Ngern squeezed his wrist gently, and the words died in his throat.

A beat of silence passed between them.

Then—

"I should eat," Ngern murmured, almost like he was reminding himself.

Jes blinked, still struggling to process what just happened. "Yeah. You should."

Another pause.

"...You're not gonna let me do it alone, are you?"

Jes exhaled through his nose, running a hand down his face. "You can barely move your arm."

Ngern huffed, a lazy grin creeping onto his face. "So you're offering to help again?"

Jes scowled, cheeks burning. "Shut up and come on."

Ngern grinned.

Jes didn't let go of his wrist.

..............................................................

After breakfast, Jes cleared the plates while Ngern sat back on the couch, watching him with a lazy sort of ease. He was still a little stiff from his injury, but he was clearly enjoying having Jes fuss over him.

Jes shot him a look as he wiped his hands on a towel. "What?"

Ngern smirked. "Nothing. Just thinking."

Jes raised a brow. "That's dangerous."

Ngern laughed, eyes crinkling at the corners. Jes pretended not to notice how warm that made his chest feel.

"I was just thinking," Ngern continued, stretching a little, "that I could get used to this."

Jes rolled his eyes. "What, getting injured and having me look after you?"

Ngern grinned. "Exactly."

Jes threw the dish towel at him.

Ngern laughed as it hit his chest and slid onto his lap. He picked it up, playing with the edges, before looking up at Jes again, this time with a quieter expression.

"Hey."

Jes hummed, wiping down the table.

"Stay a little longer?"

Jes paused, glancing at him. "I already stayed the night."

Ngern shrugged. "So stay the day, too."

Jes hesitated.

He should probably go. He had things to do, photos to edit, a shift later in the evening—

But Ngern was looking at him like that again.

Like he wanted him there.

Like he wasn't ready to let him go just yet.

Jes swallowed. Then, against all better judgment, he sighed and sat down next to him on the couch.

"Fine," he muttered. "But only for a bit."

Ngern's smile softened.

Jes looked away. He was in trouble.