Crazy Over Him

19: Getting a Taste

"She's crazy, Bam! Jennie is crazy!" Ryan exclaimed as he paced around the living room in Lisa's house. "Okay, my choice of words were a little mean... Let me think of another way to say that."

Bambam was sitting on the couch and sipping his drink. "I think everyone knows she's a little crazy. Especially after Shawn."

"I didn't mean she was mentally insane, but she keeps telling everyone that we're dating. We... We've only kissed like four times and she's acting as if we've been to bed together!"

"Well, technically you guys were in bed together at Taehyung's party so..." Bambam pursed his lips and shrugged at Ryan who face palmed himself.

"Why did I have to kiss her? Why did she kiss me? I never wanted this to happen. I hate all this attention! It's better than wearing my lunch on the way home but... no, it's just too different. I don't like it."

Ryan plopped on the couch, defeated and tired. He never thought that working out and losing weight would come these kinds of regrets, the ones that make you wish you never did anything in the first place. Attention was a repercussion, not a reward.

"Ryan, it's not that bad once you're used to it. Trust me on this. They don't call me the 'Thai Prince' for nothing," Bambam gloated proudly and pretended to dust his shoulder. "And this is a good change. Now people will respect my best friend as they should."

Bambam and Ryan have been friends since they were young, childhood friends. When Bambam first moved into town with his parents, Ryan was his first friend and Ryan never let anyone bully him. They were two years apart but they met because Bambam tripped over Ryan's sand model of the International space station.

When his parents had to leave for Thailand, Bambam moved to live with Lisa and the two were still friends, but distance goes a long way for childhood friendships. When they reunited in high school, Ryan was bullied by everyone yet Bambam didn't stand up for Ryan in the same way—not that it'd make a difference since Ryan wasn't any less of a friend.

They both understood the hierarchy but Bambam refused to lose his cherished friendship.

"It doesn't feel like a good change, Bam. I think it was better when you had the spotlight and the school didn't care so much about me. That's how it should be."

Bambam was sad that Ryan felt that way, yet he wasn't sure how he could help. Then he had one thing in mind... "How about this, I'll help you through it. I'll teach you my ways so that the attention won't bother you as much."

Ryan tilted his head in confusion, "How so?"

Bambam thought for another second then got up from his seat. He snapped his fingers after putting his thoughts in a single phrase, "Take advantage."

He stared at Ryan intensely and with a smirk on his lips. Ryan was a bit horrified by the sound of it.

"Is that what you do? Because I don't want to do that. I would never do that and you shouldn't be doing it either..." Ryan said in fear.

Bambam blinked and processed his words, "Shit, no! I didn't mean it in that way! No, Ryan, I don't do that, man. I meant using the attention to your advantage. Be confident and play along when a girl flirts with you. Try it."

"On... on you?"

They both paused for a second then instantly looked away from each other, awkwardly scratching their heads and clearing their throats.

"No... You're handsome, Ryan, but not that handsome. I'm out of your league, really," Bambam shrugged and they eventually started laughing about it.