Chapter 42
In Focus
The night of the event arrived faster than Jes expected. He stood in front of his mirror, tugging at the cuffs of his blazer, exhaling slowly. He looked goodâNgern had made sure of that, even dragging him out shopping for something that fit the "gala" theme. Jes hadn't fought too hard; he figured if he was going to be introduced as Ngern's boyfriend, he might as well look the part.
A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts. When he opened it, Ngern stood there, looking effortlessly handsome in a sleek, black suit that fit him like it was made for him. Jes stared for half a second before he caught himself.
"Wow," Ngern said, stepping in and giving Jes a once-over. "You clean up real nice."
Jes scoffed. "You sound surprised."
"No, no." Ngern grinned, reaching out to fix Jes's lapel. "Just impressed."
Jes rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched. "You ready?"
"Yeah," Ngern said, then tilted his head, considering. "Are you?"
Jes exhaled. "I think so."
Ngern's smile softened, and he laced their fingers together for a brief squeeze before letting go. "Then let's go."
.........................................................
The venue was grand, shimmering lights bouncing off the chandeliers, the murmur of conversations mixing with soft music in the background. Ngern greeted people with ease, introducing Jes to a few colleagues and industry friends. Jes kept up, though he didn't talk much, just nodded where necessary and shook hands when offered.
It wasn't until they were approached by a well-known director that things started to shift.
"Ngern!" The director grinned. "And who's this?"
Jes started to answer, but Ngern beat him to it, placing a warm hand at Jes's back.
"My boyfriend," he said simply.
Jes didn't react outwardly, but inside, something jolted. The director blinked, then smiled, nodding approvingly.
"Oh? Well, it's nice to meet you," he said, shaking Jes's hand.
Jes took it, offering a small smile. "Likewise."
The conversation continued, but Jes barely processed it, too aware of the lingering warmth of Ngern's hand against his back. It didn't move, didn't waver, like it belonged there.
As the night went on, Ngern continued the introductions, always with that same easy confidenceâmy boyfriend. The words never lost their effect, each time sending a quiet thrill through Jes's chest.
And when they finally found a quiet corner, Jes turned to Ngern with an amused expression.
"You really committed to that, huh?"
Ngern just grinned, leaning in slightly. "Well, you didn't object."
Jes rolled his eyes, but when Ngern took his hand, threading their fingers together and giving a light squeeze, Jes squeezed back.
Yeah. He wasn't objecting at all.