Our Stories After Sunset~A BKPP Snippet Collection

Sunset 32-Safe Zone

BKPP Snippet

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Safe Zone

Something is wrong with Teh. 

That was the first thing Oh-Aew noticed when Teh came home. He was not talkative today. In his usual mood, Teh was the chatterbox of the pair. The contrast was apparent.

"I am fine," 

That was Teh's answer when Oh-Aew asked if there was anything wrong with him. Oh-Aew started to eat his rice. Today, Oh-Aew  cooked some light dishes for dinner in attempt to help them both finish their left-over fried chicken from yesterday. Oh-Aew insisted on eating fried chicken but as usual, ordered so much even Teh could not finish them. He took a piece of chicken for himself and then another for Teh. It was left over microwaved fried chicken. The skin of the chicken pieces were no longer crunchy. In his usual self, Teh would have started the fried chicken~to wave or not to wave debate again. 

But not today. 

Oh-Aew watched as Teh quietly tore apart the chicken with his cutlery and started eating without any complaints. Oh-Aew said nothing. He scooped some vegetables onto Teh's plate. Again, Teh continued eating without saying anything, his focus was definitely elsewhere and not on his food. Oh-Aew chewed his food as he thought of how he could start any conversation.

Something is bothering Teh. 

When Oh-Aew came out of the shower, he happened to see Teh scrolling his phone. His finger lingered on the same page repeatedly. Whatever was bothering Teh must be related to whatever on that page screen. Oh-Aew decided to find out. 

"Ok," 

Teh answered he walked sluggishly zombie-like to their bathroom to shower. Only after he heard the bathroom door closed that he picked up Teh's phone on the table. Yup, he could access Teh's phone. Mutually, Oh-Aew and Teh agreed that they would put this level of trust and transparency with each other when it comes to their communication. That including each other checking each other's phones. Weird to most people but not to Oh-Aew and Teh. 

Something did happen to Teh. 

Oh-Aew scrolled the name list on the phone screen. Teh's name was not on it. It was the candidate announcement of a performing art project audition affiliated with Teh's university. It was one of the projects Teh put the most effort in to prepare for the audition. Oh-Aew understood the disappointment Teh must be feeling. 

After all, it was something Teh really wanted. Oh-Aew recalled the sleepless nights he went through because Teh would not stop practicing until past midnight and the sleepless nights Teh went through practicing and practicing for the role he auditioned for. 

Something. 

Oh-Aew wanted to do something for Teh. Teh took his time in the showers. Oh-Aew tried not to give much notice to Teh's slightly cracked and nasal voice as he joined Oh-Aew in bed. 

"Thanks for the food na," 

"You are welcome," 

Oh-Aew replied. Their usual routine would be to catch a movie before bed but not tonight. 

"I am a little sleepy. You could go ahead and watch, I don't mind," 

Teh encouraged Oh-Aew to proceed with their normal routine. 

Of course not, Oh-Aew thought as he switched off the TV. 

"Oh-Aew? Are you ok?" 

Teh asked. Oh-Aew was wondering why was Teh asking him that. 

Without answering, Oh-Aew pulled him into a hug. 

A tight hug. He soothed Teh's back, not saying anything. 

They exchanged nothing. Just hugged.

After some while, Oh-Aew thought his shoulder Teh was resting his chin on was getting moist.

Then some noise. 

Sobbing noise. 

Crying was something Teh usually tried controlling but he hardly ever succeed. 

The sobbing got louder. 

Oh-Aew hugged him harder, soothing his back. 

"It's ok...," Oh-Aew felt himself being hugged tighter. 

"Just let it go. It's ok. I'm here," 

Was all Oh-Aew could say at that moment.

Oh-Aew will always be the safe zone Teh let himself go.

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Yukichi's Note: Inspired by a scene in the MV which I thought a nice touch.