"Oh!"
"Ughhhhk!"
"No...No No No!"
"Shit! Oh fuck it."
He placed the frying pan on the stove and poured in a little cooking oil. As he fried the frozen fish, the hot oil sizzled and splattered, burning his skin. Fighter cursed, having picked up foul words from television and Saint's occasional slips.
Turning off the stove in frustration, he noticed the fish had turned black as charcoal.
"Ramen for lunch, again," he sighed in disbelief.
It had been four weeks since Fighter started practicing how to cook with the help of the cooking channel on television. Saint allowed him to do whatever he wanted, with the strict instruction not to burn down the apartment. Cooking had become Fighter's favorite pastime while waiting for Saint to return from work. Despite his best efforts, all his dishes ended up as culinary disasters. He was a fast learner and excelled at almost everything, but cooking seemed to be an exception. Still, he kept trying, hoping to impress Saint one day.
Fighter plopped down on the sofa, feeling sluggish and disappointed by his lack of progress in cooking. As he watched TV, he heard an audible 'click' from the door. Instantly, he sprang up and rushed to the doorway, eager to welcome his gorgeous Saint like an excited puppy wagging its tail.
When Saint opened the door, he was greeted by Fighter's beaming smile and open arms, ready for a hug. Saint returned the smile but hesitated, his heart pounding uncontrollably. Fighter didn't wait, stepping forward to envelop him in the warmest hug. Saint, his hands full with his leather handbag in one hand and a plastic bag of food in the other, wrapped his arms around Fighter, feeling the day's stress melt away in the embrace.
"What's for dinner, Saint?" Fighter asked as he broke free from the hug.
"I bet your menu was a total failure again."
"Disaster, Saint. My poor fish." Downhearted, Fighter covered his face. Saint quickly set down his handbag and the plastic bag of food, then gently removed Fighter's hands from his face.
"Hey, it's alright. You have all the time in the world to make it perfect," Saint coaxed.
"But I want to feed you. I feel useless," Fighter pouted, looking down at the floor. Seeing a discouraged Fighter, Saint felt a churn of pain in his heart. He quickly cupped Fighter's face with both hands.
"Fight, you're the one who washes the dishes, cleans the house, does the laundry, and takes care of almost everything. And with your best hugs and cuddles, I feel alive again after a tiring day. You're not useless, Fight," Saint encouraged him. Fighter smiled and enveloped his arms around Saint again. Saint giggled in his embrace.
"I bought Tom Saap (Isaan Soup). C'mon, let's eat." Saint picked up his handbag and the plastic bag of food from the floor.
"Are we heading out again tonight, Saint?" Fighter asked while he shoved the pork into his mouth.
"You sure love to go out," Saint teased, then Fighter nodded enthusiastically.
"Alright, where to this time?" Saint asked with a smile.
"Anywhere with you is fun," Fighter replied with a grin, making Saint's heart flutter.
"Okay, finish your dinner first, then we'll decide."
They leisurely walked side by side in the streets of Bangkok. The bright neon lights of the buildings, the sounds of honks and passing cars, the chitchat of people passing by, and the streetlights made Fighter excited. They were heading to a place where Saint usually hung out before Fighter came.
They crossed a small bridge connecting the streets of Bangkok to a fountain park and flower garden. They headed towards a huge fountain in the middle of the park and sat down on an empty bench not too far from it. There were also people and some couples sitting on the benches encircling the fountain, which was illuminated with glowing blue and red lights.
"This is magnificent!" Fighter lifted his eyes in awe at the alluring fountain on display in front of him.
Saint smiled, watching Fighter's delight. "I thought you might like it. It's my favorite spot to unwind."
Saint's eyes twinkled with happiness as he looked at Fighter. He used to hang out alone in this area, finding solace in solitude. People often thought he was lonely, stressed, or feeling empty, but the truth was, he felt at peace when he was alone. Despite having a best friend during his college years, Saint limited their hangouts to avoid emotional attachment. They still kept in touch, but Saint always maintained his distance.
When Fighter entered his life, Saint was initially worried. Could he handle living with someone? Could he cope with Fighter's presence and energy? But Fighter quickly eased his worries. He was different from anyone Saint had ever known. With Fighter, Saint felt a comfort and connection he had never experienced before. He allowed Fighter to hug him and be touchy, something he would have never tolerated from anyone else.
Who could resist an adorable, sexy, and carefree angel in disguise like Fighter? Saint knew he had to protect and take care of him. Despite Fighter's extraordinary powers, he was now Saint's responsibility. It wasn't a coincidence that Fighter landed on his rooftop and entered his life. There was a reason for all this, even if they didn't know it yet. And together, they would find out.
"Thank you, Saint," Fighter said, eyes still fixed on the fountain.
"You always say that every time," Saint replied.
"I will never get tired of saying it." Fighter then extended his hand towards Saint. Saint was startled and confused by the sudden action. "Let me hold your hand," Fighter added.
"W..why?" Saint stuttered. Fighter's bluntness never failed to impress and surprise him. His poor heart was beating crazily. He slowly took Fighter's waiting hand, and Fighter gave him his eye smile that made Saint catch his breath for a second.
'You're really screwed, Saint,' he cursed in his mind.
"Because you're warm," Fighter shared.
They stayed like that for a longer time and headed back home soon after.
