Chapter 41

Jes stood stiffly in Ngern's embrace, his heart hammering in his chest. Ngern's arms were firm yet relaxed around him, his breath slow and warm against the curve of Jes's shoulder.

Jes swallowed hard. This was dangerous.

"You're really something, you know that?" Jes finally muttered, trying for nonchalance, but his voice came out softer than he intended.

Ngern hummed sleepily in response, not letting go.

Jes sighed, running a hand through his own messy hair. "You're impossible."

Still, he didn't push Ngern away.

Instead, he let himself sink into it—just for a moment.

After a few beats, Jes finally cleared his throat. "Come on. Let me go so I can make breakfast. You're practically sleepwalking."

Ngern grumbled but loosened his grip, stepping back with a dramatic sigh. "Fine, fine. But I expect something good."

Jes rolled his eyes, shaking his head as he grabbed the eggs from the fridge. "You're so high maintenance."

Ngern only smirked, hopping onto the counter like it was his own kitchen, watching Jes move around.

And just like that, the warmth in Jes's chest settled—a quiet, steady thrum.

Like maybe—just maybe—he was already home.

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

Jes walked Ngern to the door, his arms loosely crossed as he leaned against the frame. "Drive safe," he said, voice casual, though there was a weight behind it that Ngern easily picked up on.

Ngern grinned, adjusting his bag over his shoulder. "You worry too much."

Jes scoffed. "And you don't worry enough."

Ngern chuckled, stepping closer. "If you miss me, just say so."

Jes rolled his eyes but didn't move away. "Get out of here before I take back the breakfast."

Ngern laughed, finally stepping out, but he lingered for a moment outside Jes's door. His gaze softened, something unspoken hanging between them.

"I'll text you when I get home," Ngern finally said.

Jes nodded, feigning nonchalance, but the way his fingers tapped against his arm betrayed him. "Good."

Ngern smirked. "You're cute when you pretend not to care."

Jes opened his mouth to retort, but Ngern was already walking off, grinning like he'd won something.

Jes exhaled, shaking his head before shutting the door.

Only when he was alone did he allow himself a small, foolish smile.

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

One evening, as they sat on Jes's couch with a shared bowl of fruit between them, Ngern scrolled through his messages and sighed.

"I have a work event coming up in a few weeks," he started, glancing at Jes, who was lazily picking at the fruit.

Jes hummed in response, eyes still on the TV. "Mhm. Big one?"

"Yeah, some gala thing. Lots of media, industry people. Everyone's bringing a plus one."

Jes finally looked at him, eyebrow raised. "Are you asking me to go?"

Ngern smirked, leaning in slightly. "Would you?"

Jes leaned back into the couch, considering it. "I mean, I could."

"That's not a real answer," Ngern pointed out, nudging Jes's thigh with his knee.

Jes smirked. "Fine. Yeah, I'll go."

Ngern's grin widened, but before he could say anything, Jes added, "But don't expect me to be all dressed up and charming."

"That's okay," Ngern said, a teasing glint in his eyes. "I already think you're charming, even when you're grumpy."

Jes scoffed, but his lips twitched upward. "And what's the catch?"

Ngern hesitated, a rare moment of nervousness flickering across his face before he met Jes's gaze again. "I was thinking of introducing you properly this time."

Jes blinked. "Properly?"

"As my boyfriend," Ngern clarified, voice softer now. "If you're okay with that."

Jes's heart did a slow, deliberate thump against his ribs. He wasn't sure why he was surprised—things between them had been moving steadily in that direction, after all. And yet, hearing Ngern say it out loud made something inside him tighten, something warm and terrifying all at once.

He didn't answer immediately, just stared at Ngern, who waited patiently, eyes searching his face.

Jes exhaled, setting the fruit bowl aside. "You sure?"

"Yeah." No hesitation.

Jes swallowed, then nodded. "Okay."

Ngern's grin stretched wide before he leaned in, pressing a quick, affectionate kiss to Jes's cheek. "Good. I was gonna introduce you like that anyway, so at least now you're prepared."

Jes groaned, shoving at him. "Unbelievable."

Ngern just laughed, latching onto Jes's hand before he could pull away. "But you like me like this."

Jes sighed, letting their fingers stay intertwined. "...Unfortunately."