[T/N] I apologize for grammar mistakes and incoherencies
Special Chapter 3:
Merry X'mas
December 24th
Today, the studio's famous fashion team worked tirelessly all day. Although Christmas Eve is not a grand or significant celebration for Thai people as it is for Christians but during this festive season, everyone wants to take a break. It's great that today is the last working day before a long holiday until the New Year. Many people have extra energy and motivation during this special time.
Today, the famous mall in the city center closed off some areas to prepare for a fashion show starting from early morning. However, even with strict security guards, many people still managed to sneak in to take photos or simply stand and watch from afar.
Tum, standing tall according to Thai male standards, was standing in the corner separating the backstage and the red carpet. He turned to smile and wave his hand to greet the staff who passed by from time to time. When his ears caught the sound of laughter and whispers coming from the other direction, he immediately knew that the person he was waiting for had arrived.
Tum hurriedly walked towards the person, while some of the staff members came to help manage the situation.
“Why did the guest star accept the invitation today? Why are people still coming to bother and annoy us? I have a headache.”
“...”
Nubsib did not answer, but when the people surrounding them had walked away, his face suddenly changed.
“And why are you late for the appointment we scheduled, huh? I told you yesterday that you need to try on the outfit quickly because Lily is going to add a catwalk round for you.” The person continued walking away, leading them to the back where the models were preparing. In the meantime, the person kept talking without stopping, “If I were to guess, you've been fooling around with Gene since this morning. Even on days when there's work, you two should take a break apart sometimes, right? Aren't you tired of it?”
“...Um.”
“Are you even listening to what I'm saying? Hey!” When he turned to look, he couldn't help but be startled as the person following behind had sharp and charming eyes, seemingly observing and assessing everything keenly without showing much interest.
Hmm... he should be able to accept by now that he's not that author's friend. He said ten sentences and at most Nubsib would listen to one.
Tum shook his head. As he walked towards the area to change his clothes, he called out, “Lily.”
“Oh, Nong Tum, has Nong Sib arrived?”
Lily, a transgender fashion designer from a prestigious foreign institution, was just returning and decided to open her own clothing brand for teens, especially in Thailand. She started by establishing a market presence through investing in a fashion show at a popular shopping mall on Christmas Eve. She invited all the teenage actors in the industry to be her models.
All the actors who played in the TV series based on the novel “BadEngineer” were also invited. Even Nubsib had a new contract and didn't sign up to act in any movie or series with Aey, but he was still squeezed into the last schedule to help out.
“Why do you two lack energy?” Lily made a puzzled face, but then waved her hand, “Nong Nubsib, come this way. I think we'll add a suit ensemble to make the closing look. Let us and Nong Aey walk together for a bit. I'll try changing the shirt for you to see, okay?”
“Yes, ma'am.”
Tum looked at Nubsib approaching the clothes rack, then took off the Italian suit followed by a white undershirt. As the tall figure turned to grab the shirt, the onlookers were almost starstruck.
Blink!
“Ah!”
Lily raised her head again and had to blink repeatedly when the manager pulled the curtain that was almost torn up, shielding his kid and hastily pulling the curtain nearly torn.
“Uh huh.”
“Well, whatever it is, even though I'm not a real man, I don't have the habit of looking at others with lust in my eyes.” The speaker said sarcastically.
Tum made a face as if he smelled something bad at one point, but then lost interest. He switched to picking up his phone and turned to ask Lily, the brand owner.
“Why take a picture?”
“Send it to AiGene.”
“Then come this way.”
In a few minutes, a handsome man in a suit appeared in ten pictures, plus he came up to press to see if the picture was sent to his beloved self for sure or not, until he was called to go for makeup and hair set.
The personal manager had time to secretly push the child who was about to leave the industry to select two or three photos to upload on Instagram to take care of.
@gene_1418 liked your post
Among the people who pressed like, Tum knew that his beloved child had woken up. He glanced over at Nubsib sitting in front of a mirror, and saw that the other side was sleeping peacefully, not touching their phone, probably unaware.
It didn't take long for the announcer's voice to announce the start of the fashion brand catwalk show for Lily. Each male and female model came out in turn. As for Nubsib, he was also ready. Now in the first set of clothes, which was a semi-casual fashion style, his hair and face had managed to make the owner stand out more than before.
As he stepped out with the exciting music beat, he could catch people's attention easily.
“Earlier, Lily invited me to a party after the fashion show at Hotel S. Are you going to go?”
During the break before the final walk in the last outfit, Nubsib, who had changed his outfit and was waiting, Tum walked up close with a card in his hand.
“No, I want to rest.”
“Well~ Tomorrow is a long holiday so why not go? If you don’t go and I go alone, what will it be like? Just now, my sister said there will be a lot of champagne, I want it.”
“I'll buy one for you. Which year do you want?”
“If I drink alone at home, it's boring. Can I borrow AiGene to come with me?”
...Thinking that rushing back to rest actually meant to be with someone.
“Gene will drink with me.”
“Huh!?”
“You should come to my house, Phii Nueng, will be there.”
“Shit, you want me to come spend time with your father and brother. I don't need to drink any champagne anymore, I'm going back to sleep.”
As Tum finished complaining, the staff came in to call Nubsib. Just then, a tall figure rose from the chair where Tum was sitting. Seeing that, Tum placed the hotel invitation card on the table in front of the mirror before following them out.
The queue of people walking the closing walkway was neatly arranged, as well. This time, Nubsib had to walk the closing walkway with Aey, who was currently standing waiting at the entrance across from him. When Nubsib saw him, he smiled and waved his hand in a cute manner, sending a mini-heart to him. At that moment, there was a faint giggle sound coming from the second floor of the mall, which was the open area where you could lean over the glass railing to see the red carpet below.
However, Nubsib just looked through without any reaction.
“You're a popular ship with Nong Aey. Take a lot of pictures with him.”
“...”
“Watch out for AiGene’s jealousy. He won't be drinking champagne with you tonight.”
“Staff, help him a bit.”
“Damn kid...”
After Tum could only swear that much, the staff pulled him aside to stand and wait in another direction to avoid blocking the models who had to walk the closing walkway.
The audience outside got to see the last set before the event closed. Besides the pair of Nubsib, there were also two or three young male actors from other series who came out to walk with their partners. The final set was the proud presentation of a brand, while handing out flower arrangements, Nubsib came back and stepped off the stage. He promptly turned his back to the tall long-legged girl and headed straight for the changing room.
Now he wants to go back to the room to rest, it's getting worse...
Although Nubsib was not someone who cared about festivals, tonight was the auspicious night of Christmas Eve. The crucial point was not just about Christmas Eve, but rather using it as a night for others to call for something special from his Gene.
Just as he was enjoying his thoughts, a small figure of a staff member ran in to block him first. The hurried pace turned into an urgent action, causing Nubsib to unintentionally show a hint of annoyance on his face, and just then, Miss Lily walked in with a sweet smile.
“I'm going out for a walk to say thank you, so I want to have someone to escort me, Nong Nubsib, would you honor me by being my escort?”
“...”
When the person in question wanted to respond, Miss Lily interjected, “I will have a Christmas collection outfit designed by myself given to you free tomorrow. I'll have you take it to play with your boyfriend first.”
“With pleasure.”
The other party looked at the strong arm that was lifted up to be held before moving their hand to hold it, chuckling.
“I love having such a caring boyfriend. Come, let me borrow your arm. This time, let's just relax.”
Just as the finale walkers walked back in, the host had completed his duty perfectly. He quickly announced the welcoming of Khun Lily, and as the brand owner confidently walked out, everyone joyfully joined in applauding. Walking together with the tall figure in a suit attracted everyone's gaze.
Spotlights of moderate size followed the rhythm of the couple, andLily smiled while she thanked the guests incessantly. One hand was resting on Nubsib's arm, while the other hand was raised high. Some guests invited today had already anticipated this. They had prepared gifts to give at this moment, with various gifts being extended across the red carpet.
“Um...”
As they were turning back around, a faint sound emanating from the right hand side made them both stop in their tracks.
Though the sound was soft, the person standing on stage with the item in hand stood out enough to be easily noticed.
“Can I give the model the flowers, please?”
“Huh?” Initially, the person being questioned was confused, seeing that the other party was likely not one of the invited guests today. However, upon hearing the words ‘model,' the person being asked smiled widely. “Well, even though I should be the one receiving, feel free, daddy will let you do it little reindeer.”
“...”
'Little Reindeer' smiled cutely as he thanked the designer, but when a large bouquet of roses was extended to the tall figure standing still, his face seemed to flush slightly. “Here, I give.”
“...”
Nubsib still stood still, amidst the overwhelming confusion and the fluttering feelings in his heart. Eventually, the young man smiled faintly, having to try his best not to pull the other party into a strong embrace and simply accepted the bouquet of flowers from the person.
His eyes swept over every detail of the smaller figure in front of them.
Gene, who is usually ordinary, was staring intently today. He was wearing a full suit as if he intended to give a bouquet of flowers for real. His hair was styled more formally than usual, with the soft group of hair that used to like to be petted and tucked being opened up at the back, showing his cute, round, small and lovely face... But what was unexpectedly cute and beyond belief was the reindeer hair clips on top of his head.
Although they seemed incompatible, once they were put together on that body, they strangely seemed to fit.
“You look very handsome today.”
The person listening borrowed the corner of his mouth and asked, “Do you like it?”
Gene paused for a moment, but did not respond except to turn and smile widely at Miss Lily instead, saying, “Congratulations. I hope the selling brand does very well, and if I was not too old, I would support it.”
“Yes... you are adorable.”
The most adorable in the world.
As soon as he separated from the event organizer Miss-Lily, the first thing Nubsib did was to contact the person who just appeared and then disappeared, but when he was about to make a phone call, a LINE notification popped up first.
Gene: Waiting at parking lot level 4.
It seemed urgent. After Nubsib read the message and replied, he quickly rearranged and changed back to his original suit, carrying a large bouquet of roses and gift bag to the exit with the access card connected to the parking lot, as it was quite late. There were almost no cars left in the wide open hallway. His ears caught the faint sound of an engine coming from behind a pillar.
As he walked closer, he saw a familiar sedan of someone who loved parking and keeping the engine running to stay comfortable. The unfilmed front glass allowed him to see a small head bent down, playing on the bright screen of a smartphone in the darkness.
Honk! Honk!
Nubsib tapped the glass, shrinking down to eye level with the person sitting in the back seat. The charming smile on Gene's face when he looked at him, both embarrassed and excited, was something he often used.
The bouquet of flowers and food were placed on the back seat. As soon as he sat on the adjacent seat and closed the car door, the first thing he did was to stretch closer, using his hand to guide the chin of the other person so he could lean forward softly and let him kiss gently.
Intimately close for a minute...
“Where is the hair clip?” Nubsib withdrew his lips slightly, but his nose was still close to Gene, almost whispering softly.
The smaller figure that was pulled in closer to increase warmth leaned slightly against each other and slightly turned their faces outward. It seemed to hesitate with that touch, so he placed his chin firmly on the strong shoulder, hiding any red marks on both cheeks.
“I took it off.”
“Too bad, I was planning to come back and play with you, reindeer.”
“...Why would I wear it for such a long time?”
Listening to the sound of whimpering seemed embarrassing, but Khun Gene pretended not to feel anything, and Nubsib resisted the urge to hug tighter Khun Gene in his arms. “Who gave it to you?”
“A fan of yours. When I walked into the event, they handed it to me.”
“Hmm...I guess you could say I'm a fan of yours too.”
“...”
“When did you get here”
“Before you came out with the brand owner. I woke up late so I thought I wouldn't make it in time, I had to dress up a bit and so arrived a little late. Plus, I had to buy two bouquets of flowers. If I didn't get Nong Aey involved, there would be news of me going out with you again.”
Upon hearing this, Nubsib pressed his nose against the other cheek, seeming to both comfort and reward him.
“You didn't have to come, you stayed up late last night.”
“At first, I was just going to pick you up, but when I saw the picture AiTum sent on LINE, I wanted to see the real thing.” The last sentence was spoken softly, causing the other to lean in closer to eavesdrop, pretending to be confused and putting a soft hand up to follow along.
“If you like it that much, I'll go ask them to make one specifically for Gene to see as well, okay?”
“It's not necessary.”
“Why, don't you like it?”
“...Not that much.”
“Cute.”
“Um...”
“I'm asking to collect the viewing fee.”
The listener made a puzzled face, “Then pay up for the flowers.”
“Not enough.”
“Then go collect from AiTum and others at the event. They all saw it.”
Nubsib tilted his head slightly as he looked into the eyes of his fan. When Gene turned to look back, he saw a mischievous grin on the other's face, replying, “Just collect from Gene of mine only, that's enough.”
“...”
The other party didn't say anything, but from the expression on his face that always honestly revealed everything he was thinking, it could be clearly read that he was cursing the person who charged the viewing fee in his heart for a long time.
It was tempting to just grab and hold his hand to make him believe more than this. The other person had to be forcibly pushed into the chest before they could retaliate with a strong shove.
“Miss Lily gave me the outfit tonight.”
“Huh!? What's that outfit for?”
“Hmm...” the person spoke in a drawn-out tone upon seeing the other person staring with wide eyes. “I heard it's an outfit for lovers...”
“Lovers? Hold on. How did she know you have a lover?”
“She saw me wearing a bear keychain.”
Listening to Nubsib’s soft voice speaking casually, Gene lowered his gaze. He looked towards the right waist because of the way they were sitting, which caused the outer layer of the suit jacket to rough up slightly. He could see the cream-colored bear keychain hanging at the belt quietly there, he glanced at it slowly but steadily.
Gene knew for himself. Ever since leaving the house several times, he had seen Nubsib carrying it often.
It was strange, but... he was glad.
Trying to hold back his smile, but finding it almost impossible, “Others might think you're not fully grown up.”
“Not cute, huh?”
The tone of voice seemed to be teasing, but the eyes when speaking and thinking turned gentle and soft.
“Well...”
“...”
“Cute.”
“...”
Nubsib's eyes widened slightly, as if not expecting to hear that, and then a small laugh followed in a good-natured tone.
“The armrest is clumsy.”
“Hm?...” Gene blinked in surprise as suddenly, a tall figure stood in front of him and leaned forward lightly.
Hugging, with car seat armrests blocking their positions, making their bodies close and intimate a struggle as each breath became laborious.
“Let's hurry home.”
“Uh.”
The enchanting smile returned once more. “ So I can charge you the viewing fee…”
Special Chapter 4:
Khun Gene is not a jealous person.
The tall, slender figure of Gene walked out of the bedroom in a blue pastel hoodie and black three-quarter warm-up pants. His light brown hair and round eyes made him look younger than his actual age.
His round, sweeping eyes looked around before locking onto the tall figure sitting on the sofa.
“It's done. Today, I'll take my car to wash it. I want to go to the mall for that.”
This month is Nubsib's last month at work. Today is part of a photoshoot.
Gene asked his friend who is a personal manager. It seems to be a famous clothing brand, with multiple concepts and sets. The shooting period may take up to two to three days.
Visiting Nubsib for work is something Gene sometimes does and sometimes doesn't. If he has a free day and feels full and lazy, without any deadlines to meet, he will easily invite him out for a special occasion.
Today, in the evening, he made plans to go out and have dinner with Nubsib. Since the other party had a photoshoot that would end in three to four hours, he decided to grab his cellphone and power bank and wait there.
The studio where they were shooting was on the top floor of a building in the center of the city. Upon reaching the top floor in the elevator, he could hear the familiar sounds of shouting orders, equipment, and the usual atmosphere that he often saw when following Nubsib.
“AiGene, are you coming with us today?”
Tum, who was ahead calling someone from a distance, greeted the staff and walked straight up to him.
“Well, I'm going to find something to eat for dinner. I slept all night, so I'm going out.”
“Alright, I'll stay in the room and change the atmosphere.”
“Do you want to go eat dinner together?”
“Huh? Are you paying for me...” Then, as Tum received a gaze from the tall figure standing near his friend, he quickly added, “No, you guys go, I don't want to be a third wheel.”
“What kind of third wheel are you talking about? Who's looking at us like that?”
“...Your husband, how are you going to handle that?”
“You son of a bitch.” Gene raised his hand to pat his friend's back powerfully.
“You've been dating for almost half a year now. If you could get married, you would have already. If you won't call him a 'husband' what else can you call him?”
The listener raised his eyebrows, “Husband is fine, but I'm also Nubsib's husband.”
“If you're the bottom, then Ai’Sib have to be your husband.” Gene retorted.
“What about other couples where the woman is on top?”
“Let them be on top, but in that case, she's the one who's getting served.” Gene fired back.
“So if both can't be on top, who will be the husband and who will be the wife?”
Tum started to look stressed, “Enough already. What are we arguing about here? Others will hear everything.”
Gene didn't say anything, just made a confused face.
In reality, even though he did not directly tell anyone what their relationship was, most people who had seen them together could probably guess, because Nubsib was well-known in the modeling and acting industry and wanted Gene to join him in his work. Seeing Gene with Nubsib all the time made it evident that they were a couple. Certainly, Tum had also been asked to bring his friend to work together with Nubsib.
It's a shame that Gene is shy. His boyfriend is also too jealous.
“Nong Nubsib!”
The loud call of the staff interrupted the conversation. Everyone turned to see.
The person walking in was a small, slender man with a name tag, and behind him was a tall, slim woman, who appeared to be a model based on her aura, posture, and overall presence. Gene guessed that she must be a model.
“Thank you very much. I'm glad to be working with you. This is Nong Mint here. I will be responsible for shooting couples' photos throughout the event. As for the group photo shoot, that will be tomorrow. Today's schedule includes only Nong Nubsib and Nong Mint.” the staff said. After speaking about the job with Nubsib, he turned to the woman behind him. “Nong Mint, this is Nubsib. You need to go do your makeup and hair together.”
“I know that I have wanted to meet Sib for a long time. I'm happy to be working with you.” the model smiled sweetly.
While the model today kept a neutral face and responded calmly like always.
Gene secretly glanced at the beautiful woman in front of him, observing her carefully.
She was already tall as a model. When she put on high heels, she was even taller than Gene and Tum who were standing nearby. Her sharp eyes, oval face, and long flowing hair styled in waves made her look older than her actual age with the subtle dark makeup adding to her mature appearance.
“Then please follow me this way. In about an hour or so, after everything is ready, we will start shooting.” the staff gestured.
“Wait right here with Tum.” the tall man said.
Gene nodded and said, “Alright, good luck.”
Blinking round eyes instantly charming from the front, but when he turned around he saw the model looking at them before, with a curious and knowing pose.
The male model walked in another direction to do makeup, hair, and change clothes, glancing back a little at Tum before sitting on the old small sofa, positioned in the corner.
They talk a little bit, but after a few minutes they are busy with their phones, whose phone is it?
“Ai’Tum, look at the picture Ai’Jim sent...”
“Huh? Where?”
Gene’s voice had not finished, disappearing back into his throat casually when he raises his face from the screen and his gaze meets the image of work that is several meters away in front.
He held the phone in hand.
“Where is the damn picture, turn the screen here, can I see it?”
“...”
Gene still not listening, arching his eyebrows with interest as he watches the model photoshooting process.
The scene is set to come out street style with various sized and layered male models, positioned here and there, a large car tire placed on the floor being stepped on by canvas shoes.
Mr-Nubsib wore the brand's clothing, the left side of his hair was swept back, showing off a pair of charming eyes and half of his forehead, making him look both charming, attractive and a bit mysterious. The model's pretty hips, the model herself is wearing a matching shirt, the denim skirt riding up slightly along her legs that are raised at the knees in the model's lap.
The two of them huddled close to each other, Mr-Nubsib's handsome face was almost crushed into his large chest, Nong Mint's thin hand slipped into the placket of his shirt.
“This...do they have to pose this close?”
“Huh?” Tum, who is already distracted by his friend's call and hasn't looked at the picture on the phone, turns to look, “It seems to be a concept they are going for, not just Ai’Sib and Nong Mint couple. There are other pairs queuing to shoot on different days.”
Hearing that, the listener nodded in agreement but still kept his gaze.
“Oh!”
“But...they seem to be closer together than what they mentioned. Ai Sib is already making a profit as his face is about to rub against Nong Mint’s breasts. Oh, I envy her. The model also seems to be serving him with a slender waist embraced by his hand. There probably will be a camera zooming in for a close up, judging from the conversation it seems like they are shooting in a street style with a touch of passion and sensuality, like a drift car in the middle of a sandstorm or something.”
“...”
Tum continued to speak freely following the stream of thoughts.
When the person sitting next to him didn't respond to Tum's question, he tilted his head and looked at his friend's tense face before giving a little frown, “What's wrong? Are you jealous?”
“Nothing.” the other side replied casually, “Sib is working, I'm going out. What about you?”
Gene wasn't really bothered by anything at first. Some things didn't sit well with him initially, but when he asked his friend who was the manager and understood that it was a work concept, he didn't think much about it.
“This job is much closer than you think, so it's not strange to be jealous.”
“Damn it, I'm not jealous.”
“You say you're not jealous, but your cheeks are puffed up like you're holding in air.”
“I'm holding my breath because of you.” he said as he angrily kicked the person's leg next to him.
“Oops, my bad again.”
Tum was about to interject, but seeing his friend's starting to frown, he stopped and turned back to look at his phone as before.
Shortly after, the camera clicked as a signal to pause before setting up for the next session. The models had about twenty minutes before the stylist would come back, so Nubsib decided to walk straight towards the sofa where his familiar and beloved figure was already sitting. In his hand was an orange juice with a plastic straw in a cup.
“Are you bored?”
The orange juice was handed over to Gene, who took it and sucked on it, “It's fine, will you need to go again soon?”
“Maybe two more sets, are you hungry?”
“Not much, it's not time yet.”
“So have you thought about what you want to eat?”
As they talked about other things, Gene's face began to brighten up a bit. He softly smiled, “How about steak? I also want a salad.”
“Sure.”
“And let's also stop by and buy some cake.”
“Okay.”
Following the other's lead, the conversation flowed smoothly as they sipped on the orange juice. That cute gesture made for an engaging conversation without breaking eye contact.
“Sib.” a sweet and slightly higher tone voice called out.
She was the most beautiful model in the studio today. Gene turned to look at her immediately. Even Tum, who was silent while on his phone, raised his head to look.
“Earlier, you changed a little gesture, and didn't tell me beforehand. Thank you so much for helping out.”
“No problem.” Nubsib replied briefly, behaving the same towards everyone.
“When I touched your chest earlier, Sib, you responded so well. I first thought that if you held my hand back, it would look really nice. Before I could whisper it to you, you did it. I really like taking photos with talented people like you.”
“Hmm.”
“...”
Sib clasped his hands together and turned back...
The person sitting and listening beside him widened their eyes and their brows furrowed together without realizing it. The smile and good mood disappeared. It's good to focus on work, but it's necessary to focus so intensely like that, isn't it? Or what?
With a curious glance, he immediately looked at the handsome face of the model who was looking straight at the beautiful woman.
What does it mean that she looks like that? Find out!?
“Then I'll take a moment to go to the bathroom first, let's continue later.” the lady smiled sweetly, waved her hand, and walked away.
Gene looked after her, from her expression, it was clear that she was interested in the model who worked with her today. No need to secretly observe, it was obvious from her confident and explicit attitude. She was a sexy and attractive woman, but certainly not interested in Nubsib for sure.
He pulled his gaze back, then turned to his left.
“Oh! Here.”
“Yes?”
“Do you have to look that closely?”
“Look that closely?” The listener stopped frowning, but when he understood what was meant, he smiled slightly and nodded his head. “With the model just now, right...talking to someone, you have to look at their face, right?”
“Hmm, that's true...”
“...”
“Are you sulking?”
“Then I'll take a moment to go to the bathroom first, let's continue the fight later.” the lady smiled sweetly, waved her hand, and walked away.
Gene looked after her, from her expression, it was clear that she was interested in the model who worked with her today. No need to secretly observe, it was obvious from her confident and explicit attitude. She was a sexy and attractive woman, but certainly not interested in Nubsib for sure.
He pulled his gaze back, then turned to his left.
“Oh! Here.”
“Yes?”
“Do you have to look that closely?”
“Look that closely?” The listener stopped frowning, but when he understood what was meant, he smiled slightly and nodded his head. “With the model just now, right...talking to someone, you have to look at their face, right?”
“Hmm, that's true...”
“...”
“...”
“Are you mad?”
The person sitting on the sofa straightened up immediately. “Mad again... “I'm not mad, I never leave anything meaningless.”
“...”
“You work, she's a model, why would I be mad?”
“Your innocent face still says otherwise.” A thick hand was raised and placed on the head covered with soft light-colored hair.
“I'm not narrow-minded like that.” Had already left, but the other side was still looking at him. He pulled his hand away from his head. “What are you looking at? You can continue shooting. Finish quickly and we can go eat.”
The white hand lifted the tall figure and faced the staff who was responsible for taking care of the model. The gaze was casual, as if nothing had happened, but when he looked back, he had to meet the eyes under the lenses of his friend who had been watching him before.
“What are you looking at?”
“Nothing, friend.”
Tum smiled, turned back to look at the screen holding himself as if nothing had happened, but a glance was stolen. He saw the person next to him still looking at the model without blinking. Their eyebrows furrowed but the model wouldn't know or would try not to care too much.
He was clearly unhappy.
Gene was a shy person. Sometimes putting things off, he would be stubborn and not admit it if asked.
As for the one being stared at by a friend like that, in his heart, he was still struggling. Trying to suppress the feeling of dissatisfaction that gradually disappeared, saying it was the work of the other side. How could he narrow his mind?
Work, work, work, work, work.
Gene could only sit and wrestle with himself until he lost track of everything.
Finally, today's shoot was completed.
The person waiting almost wanted to jump for joy. As soon as he saw Nubsib leaving the scene and preparing himself, he quickly walked over.
“Are you done? Can I leave now?”
“Why are you in such a hurry today?”
“I'm hungry.”
The tall figure smiled and nodded. “Okay.”
Gene tried to push away the feeling of satisfaction he felt from the idea of going to eat, using his hand to pull his thick arm slightly as he walked, but he hadn't quite left the studio yet. Suddenly, someone;s voice rang out.
“Are you going back now?” The beautiful model walked closer to them.
Nong Mint again...
After changing from a photo shoot outfit to a pale pink dress with white flower patterns, she transformed from a sexy look to a sweet girl but still appeared confident. The sweet smile still adorned her face. The question about who is special did not get an answer, but Nubsib's sharp gaze focused on the tall figure of Sib alone.
“I heard you are going to eat together. Can I come along?”
Nubsib still showed no expression, but the person standing next to him raised an eyebrow again.
“Since we worked together. Let's get along well.”
“...”
Gene stared at the other party, who seemed to know that she was being watched, so she turned to meet eyes and smiled back.
“We still have to shoot together for two more days. It would be nice to share the work while eating. Bringing another woman along when you eat together won't be a problem right?”
“...”
It was already not okay when there were three people, Gene and Nubsib wanted to just go with two of them alone. Doesn't she notice that AiTum is talking to someone else over there!
In his mind, Gene shouted loudly, thinking of grabbing Nubsib's arm and dragging him out without caring, but the words that Nong Mint said seemed to be a reason to hold back. When she turned her face towards the person sitting next to her, she saw that Nubsib was silent and not saying anything at all.
He waited for the person next to him to refuse, because the person that Nong Mint was talking to seemed to be Nubsib, but the other side only turned to him.
Why didn't Nubsib refuse? Why did he look at him like that...
Silence lingered for almost a minute. Finally, Gene had to force a smile, “Okay then, but will you be okay if only men are around?”
“Oh, it's okay. Eating with many people can be fun. I am not someone who cares much about gender stuff. Just having a good time, being friends without any pressure is enough.”
“Then it's okay.”
Saying just that, Gene immediately walked away, from walking beside Nubsib to leading the way to grab Tum’s arm, who was walking in the other direction, pulling him along.
Tum looked dazed, by the time he realized what was happening he was being pulled up into a car and taken to the shopping mall nearby.
Arrived at the destination. While standing in the middle of the mall's corridor, the group of four of them stood out so much, if a single good-looking person walked by, it might not attract any attention. But when a group consisting of two or more people approached, all eyes turned immediately. The group, which Gene, thought that he did not really fit in together because of the tall, well-proportioned physique of Nubsib, and the way Nong Mint fit with the tall man seemed to get along very well.
The tall man, 173 centimeters, with his toes gently touching the floor, felt weightless without realizing it.
“What should we eat? How about noodles? It won't make us fat.”
Gene immersed himself in his own thoughts for a moment, but when he looked up and saw NongMint staring at him with a longing gaze, hoping for a response, he turned his face towards Nubsib. Seeing that the other party was silent, looking at Gene, he gritted his teeth, “Noodles...”
Damn, steak!
He wanted to eat meat in a medium rare style, the kind where the knife cuts down and you can see the trapped oil oozing out...
But in the end, all four of them had to walk to the nearby noodle shop. Gene didn't get to eat what he wanted, so his face fell as he turned his gaze towards his own loved one. If Nubsib had rejected Nong Mint from the beginning, I wouldn't have had the steak.
“You go sit with Tum, consult on work. Sitting on the opposite side would make it easier to talk.”
Arriving at the table, Tum sat down first. Gene saw No ngMint walking to the other side. He hesitated, preparing to call Nubsib to sit together on his side. He could only resentfully watch as AiTum chose to sit first and quickly occupy the spot next to his boyfriend’s manager. He pushed Nubsib to sit next to the manager. As for himself, he sat close to a beautiful woman.
How did it come to this...
“Phii Gene, you are friends with Phii Tum, right? I have followed the news closely. You are close with Nubsib.”
“Yes...”
“When the news came out that you were dating Sib, Mint was shocked too, but didn't think it was possible. In this industry, you can believe some things and not believe others.”
I smiled slightly and picked up a piece from the tray to put it in the pot, “Yes, but it's been a long time.”
He smiled lightly and turned to chat sweetly with Nubsib.
“So Sib really is resigning and not working anymore. If true, it's a pity.”
“Hmm.”
“Why though? A director that I know said he wanted Sib to come act in a movie, but Nubsib’s queue was full before he resigned. Actually, I want to ask for your number, a LINE ID, can we talk a little? We can continue talking.”
“...” Nubsib remained silent for a moment, but in the end, he smiled.
“Username and ID, right?”
The beautiful model reached out her hand to hand over the mobile phone passing Gene. The moment he looked, he noticed Nubsib's thick hand receiving it and pressing the ID.
... even though it may be for work talk, or whatever, do I really have to add you, or maybe Nubsib himself wants to have a female friend to chat with sometimes?
The small mind of another person starts to think and ponder.
Finally, not knowing what to do, he sprinkled some green crushed pepper, mixed in with garlic, into the dipping sauce of the person who made him angry, ready to smile widely, “I remember that you like to eat, so I'll share mine with AiTum, give yours to Sib too.”
“Huh!?” the person who was eating quietly raised her head quietly from the bowl, “Pepper... really?”
“Um, you know that Sib likes to eat. If I don't eat, I would be forfeiting it to him.”
“Uh, um, here you go AiSib, pepper.”
“...” Nubsib.
A single glance in Nubsib's dipping sauce bowl revealed green crushed pepper with a scent that only by inhaling it would make your mouth burn like a volcanic mountain. “Someone likes to eat pepper.” She used sharp eyes to scan, before moving to look at Gene, who was sitting on the opposite side.
Seeing a smirk of amusement in his eyes and an expression of approval, as if saying that once he got his revenge, made him feel less irritated; an adorable and affectionate posture that made him want to reach out and hold him tightly in a warm embrace and take care of him affectionately. Start the car and take him back to the room to let him rest.
Hummm, things were indignant like this, Nubsib only smiled a little, accepting to dip and eat, but it turned out that Gene also offered to pull out the pepper-filled dipping sauce first, taking what he had, which he had nothing of, to replace it.
The corner of Nubsib's mouth pressed deeper than before...
When the elaborate meal passed, Nong Mint was the one to engage in conversation with Nubsib alone, occasionally turning to ask for opinions from Gene and Tum, but it seemed like she didn't really want any response from them. Although Nubsib mostly made the effort, not really giving much response as he was already a person like that. Surely... the dissatisfaction searching for another person was suddenly within reach.
Sending both Tum and the beautiful model back home safely, returning to Gene's room he said he was going to take a bath. Walking in, sipping a drink, grabbing a towel and entering the bathroom immediately. Upon coming out, it was Nubsib's turn to go in.
“...”
Gene walked over and stopped at the bedside phone placed near the pillow.
His gaze was fixed.
He knows the unlock code, and really wants to reach out and unlock the phone to see which Nong Mint's account is. At that moment, he sees that Sib has not picked up the phone yet, so he should delete it immediately before the other party accepts it.
Although he wants to do it... but if he really can, Gene hesitates.
Even though he is the love of Nubsib, this seems to be moving a bit too far. Even though it is clear that Nong Mint is interested in Nubsib, looking confident that she is already pursuing him confidently, she still does not know that he and Sib are really dating. Nubsib is true to their LINE exchanges, but he has nothing special with that party.
Knowing how Nubsib is, how confident he is in himself, his facial expression may relax a bit, but his eyes are still fixed on the phone, not showing any doubt. He is confident that Nubsib does not think otherwise, but he will be heartbroken if his LINE account has that girl Mint in it.
Therefore, when the owner of the phone walks out of the bathroom silently in his pajamas, seeing his lover sitting there staring at the phone with narrowed eyes, hand reaching out to snatch it back like that.
The urge to tease and play immediately takes over.
“What are you doing?”
“...”
The other party was startled as the hand that was raised suddenly changed to pull the switch, turning on the light quickly. “Ah...what? The room is dark.”
“Is there a problem with my phone or something?”
“What does it have to do with your phone?”
Seeing the surprised look in Nubsib's eyes, he just smiled, not knowing how to make his stiff mouth look cute like this. “Actually, I've been standing here for a while and I want to see why you're not telling me about my phone. I'm not hiding anything.”
“I don't want to see anything, why do you want to see it? What's in your phone?”
“That's right. I think I should be the one asking this question more than you.”
The person listening began to look more confused than before, maybe because he was being teased too much. The person who was lying down turned and lay down on the bed immediately. In between, the lips said, “So stop talking, I'm going to sleep.”
If you want to LINE her, then just do it, just have your own LINE.
The person lying down frowned heavily, arguing with himself quietly but had to force himself up as he felt the bed springs sink. Before he could think of anything, the side cheek that protruded out was gently pressed down by a warm and soft rim of the mouth.
The person who was smooched on the cheeks raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing?”
“Kissing a cheek, how about that.”
“Huh!?”
“Cute.” The whispered faint voice leaned down to the ear, making Gene startled and flipped over, using his elbow to push himself up to turn and stare with clear eyes, pulling the blanket that had been tucked high over his body as a form of protest.
“If you're going to annoy me, I'm moving to another room. Oh wait, I'll go back to sleep in my own condo.”
“...”
“I'm serious, you know!”
Judging from the faint smile and the tall stature. Having been together for almost six months, Gene felt he was being teased.
The face frowned, not letting him tease back.
“I didn't add the Line ID for that woman.” Before making his boyfriend angrier than this, Nubsib decided to come clean.
“Huh?”
“The Line ID I gave her is Phii Tum’s LINE, completely different.”
“Ai'Tum?” Mr.Gene repeated the strange words. Although his brows were still focused, his blinking eyelids did not indicate that he was interested in this matter. On the contrary, it was the opposite of the words saying he was going to sleep or the price before that, they went separate ways.
“Did you text her Mr.AiTum's Line ID at that time?”.
“Yep.”
“Are you serious?”
Nubsib shifted slightly, reaching out to grab the latest iPhone to open the Line app before handing it over to the other party to see.
Seeing that, Gene also looked at the thick phone in his hand, squinting his eyes. When he saw that there was no hint of any deception, he reached out to grab it and checked it. He didn't need to check every single page like that, just sliding it to know that what Nubsib said wasn't a lie was enough to satisfy him.
After all, this wasn't his own phone. Gene didn't want to act too disgustingly.
Handing back the phone, “Then why did you let her come with us when Nong Mint asked you to, even though you could have refused?”
“I was waiting for you to speak and say no.”
“Why wait? He asked you clearly.”
“I go with your flow.”
Because previously, his Khun Gene always said that he wasn't jealous. Seeing the other party show such a broad-minded attitude, he didn't want to ruin the image of his lover. Because no matter what, Gene didn't think about caring for anyone other than himself, even though he knew that Gene was saying things that didn't match his heart, it made him want to tease and provoke him a bit, as well as wanted him to speak out with his own mouth.
“I was planning to eat steak.”
“Then tomorrow, can I take you to Hotel V?”
The listener opened their eyes wide, but their mouth cut decisively, “Tha hotel is expensive.”
“If you want to eat, I can pay.”
Seeing the smile and the demeanor that was different from his initial words and gestures, Gene relaxed until almost no worry was left. He looked directly at the beautiful face in front of him for a moment. Finally, he lowered his head to hide his own smile.
“Hmm, thank you.” Turning back to the center of the bed, as usual, but what wasn't usual was Gene grabbing the thick arm and pulling Nubsib to lay down behind him, then leaning in softly and speaking in a normal tone, “Can we sleep now?”
“...”
Normally, his lover didn't show affection through hugging, kissing, or approaching first, unless he decided to do it himself or had consumed a lot of alcohol.
But now, he was lying flat on the bed, with a smaller figure lying directly above him. Both arms wrapped around his waist.
As they locked eyes, they both smiled cutely. Just exchanging smiles brightened the whole scene in the eyes of those who saw it.
“...”
In the intense gaze of the familiar black eyes, it seemed like a large dark whirlpool expanded from the center. If observed carefully, within it, there was a hint of fascination carried by a single beam.
Nubsib was looking like that, his hand gently lifting to touch the soft cheek, leaning in close to press his lips against the person in front of him.
As the lips moved, a gentle suction sensation arose, feeling as if there was some kind of spark dancing around. Sharp teeth nibbled against Gene's lower lip lightly as the tongue intertwined, the other person willingly accepting the kiss easily.
Both tongues entwined slowly, hearing the sound of kissing growing louder and more intense.
The person who usually felt timid with their tongue suddenly became more daring, causing Nubsib to stop raising his eyebrows high, as if he was being teased until the temperature started to rise.
Something in between their bodies started to react, as Nubsib ran his hand under Gene's shirt he was wearing. A soft rustling sound could be heard by the ear.
“Not tonight.”
“...”
“I'm tired. This is how I'm going to sleep.”
“Can't we have one round, then go to sleep.” Nubsib's voice slightly muffled. He shifted his hips to make the middle part of his body rub against the person lying on top of him, in order to let the other party know what it had become.
“Not going to happen.”
“One round please...”Without any shame. Normally, Khun Gene would have to blush and quickly move away, but this time, besides gently closing his cheeks against Nubsib's bare chest, he did not do anything else.
“No.”
“...”
“I'm going to hug you to sleep. If you do anything tomorrow, I'll pack up and leave the room for sure.” The tone of voice and the sparkle in the eyes clearly showed seriousness.
...he was revenged back by the little hamster, and everything was returned to normal.
…
“Oh, you came back again today.”
Today, Tum went about his own business, but he came to the studio where Nubsib was doing a modeling photoshoot nearly an hour later than scheduled. He greeted and greeted people he knew, then sat down on the sofa alone with his iPad as he did yesterday. However, his gaze then met the person sitting there already.
“Hmm, today I'm going out to eat outside.”
“Oh...the rich kids are enviable.” he said, but then shrugged. “Whatever, yesterday I had a feast and ate noodles.”
Looking behind his glasses, observing his quiet friend, he noticed that there was no sign of annoyance today as there was yesterday, so he turned to look at the person working next to him and saw that Nong Mint was still trying to befriend Nubsib like yesterday.
Handsome, wealthy, and smart are indeed advantages, but that cold attitude towards everyone in the world with not much care...how is a girl supposed to like that?
Tum shook his head as if only yesterday he had just noticed the list of new friends added to Line, he was suspecting that Nubsib gave Nong Mint his LINE ID. Quietly thinking while at the same time considering Nubsib was asked for numbers and LINE IDs of those kids in his agency, but they didn’t allow it. While Bameu was accepting his phone, he was still confused in his heart.
“You...are you no longer upset?”
“Huh? Upset about what?”
“Well, I mean...”
Gene turned to look, blinking as if confused, but seemed to remember something and suddenly changed to a mischievous tone. “Um, no, not anymore. I’m in a good mood today, feeling full.”
“Huh!?”
While Tum was still confused, his conversation partner turned back to look at his phone, thinking that he probably wouldn’t get an answer. Then Gene spoke softly as if feeling hesitant, “Actually...”
“...?”
“I don’t want to be upset about anything, but it just happens.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I mean everything.”
Tum almost burst out laughing, raising his hand to pat his friend on the back. “You are AiSib’s boyfriend. It’s normal to feel upset when someone else flirts with your boyfriend. Also...you have more privileges than others.”
“I know that, but I don’t want to do it. It will turn into something trivial. Sib doesn’t seem to be very jealous of me. If I get jealous alone, it will only make things worse.”
“You still care about others just like before.” someone laughed, but then paused as if lost in little intelligence, “But the thing about Sib not being jealous...you should reconsider.”
“Huh?”
“AiGene, you probably don’t realize that what you being jealous about Sib isn’t even half of what it seems.”
“...”
“In his IG. If someone comments that they like you, that you’re cute and they want to talk to you especially if they are men. He will block the fuckers”. Just as he said that, Tum drew his arm around, “If you don’t believe me, I’ll sacrifice myself, but you will pay for me to eat three meals a day.”
The other person still looked confused and hadn’t responded, his friend pushed his body closer, pressing his face against his own and rubbing his cheek against his neck so that Gene could feel the cool frame of glasses pressing against his skin.
“Oh, damn it, Tum, you...”
Gene did not finish speaking before his eyes noticed a familiar figure standing in front of them. The cameraman signaled to take a brief break, but Gene and TTum had not paid attention to their surroundings as they were engrossed in conversation.
Tum felt like he had a lump of ice in his throat from head to toe. When he turned to make eye contact with Nubsib, he felt that the three meals were not worth it.
“Um... are you taking a break?”
“...”
“Just now, I was just checking if AiGene sprayed cologne today or not. It smells good, hahah.”
The person listening remained calm, “Whoever said that even if my boyfriend is wearing cologne that is your job to check?”
That statement seemed to provoke Nong Mint, who had been following along, hoping to engage in conversation with a stern expression that suddenly changed...