You Belong to Me

Chapter 22

Even if Gin was jealous, he didn't show it in the slightest. Joan was so over Arthit the whole time, yet if it made anyone uncomfortable, it was the rest of the Clowns. When Joan licked off a grain of rice that got stuck on Arthit's cheeks, Bright couldn't hold back anymore.

"Are you two on a date or something? Because if we are disturbing you, I will be more than glad to leave." He snapped.

"Why so salty?" Joan asked, completely ignoring how annoyed everyone was. Arthit suspected him that he really enjoyed the act.

"Salty? Who, me? Because I don't want to see you two being lovely-dovely?" Bright asked in awe, making his voice jump an octave up.

"Why not? Is it because we're both men?" Arthit kicked Joan under the table but he didn't flinch. Joan had to start this topic. The whole purpose of the act he was putting on was to ask this question. It took him all his might to not look at Gin and continue giving Bright a hostile look. Joan even gave Arthit a side hug as a sign of protectiveness, the last cherry on top. 

"Exactly, is it because they are both men?" Prem joined the conversation with a frown. He was ready to jump at this topic as well. They have never discussed their sexuality openly before, but everyone knew how close Prem and Wad were.

Bright rolled his eyes and sighed. "What is it with you all today?" He asked in return. He failed to notice how intensely Rome was looking at him, examining every movement and expression Bright made.

Bright was indeed reluctant to respond. He didn't have any issue with same-sex relationships, it was quite the opposite. He was salty because he didn't have the guts to act this way with Rome. Bright's relationship with Rome was almost non-existent at this point. Once Bright returned from staying at Arthit's room, the silent treatment began. He was feeling depressed and exhausted. It seemed his guess about Rome was wrong and he didn't wish for them to become something more than working partners.

Bright didn't want Rome to find out his sexuality.

"With us? What's with you! You're the only one complaining the whole evening!" Prem snapped back.

"Who's complaining? I have no issue with two men being lovely-dovely but there's a time and place for everything, alright? And this isn't it! Gosh! I'm leaving, I'm too tired for this." Bright decided to back up before the whole argument got worse. He was upset beyond fixing and just stormed out of the hall.

Bright failed to notice that Rome chased after him. Tears of anger flooded Bright's eyes and all he could do was slam his fist against a wall in rage.

"Fuck!" he cursed under his breath, fighting with all his might to get it together again.

"What the hell is wrong with you today?" Bright heard a familiar voice and turned around abruptly. Rome was giving him a confused look while frowning. Great, Bright thought, this is the last thing I need right now.

"Nothing, go back," he said quietly, feeling a sudden urge to run away. He didn't want Rome to see him in such a pitiful state.

"Talk to me, will you?" Rome insisted, not willing to drop the topic.

"Hah, that's funny," Bright let out a choked laugh. "Now you want to talk to me? After weeks of ignoring me completely, NOW you want to talk?" His words cut deep, each filled with spite. Bright was a patient person, hardly worked up, but he had his boundaries. He had his limits and the cup finally overflowed.

Rome gave him a blank stare, not sure what to say.

"Yes, because I'm tired of how it is between us," he whispered at last.

"That makes us two," Bright spat out. "I've decided to change my working partner, we clearly can't cooperate anymore."

"What?! Why would you do that?" Rome couldn't believe his ears. He was losing Bright right in front of his eyes as each second passed. He got scared, this really seemed like the end.

Rome was upset about everything, so upset he could not bring himself to talk to Bright without pouring his whole heart at him. Therefore, he did what any other reasonable person would do – distance himself completely. It did more harm than good in the long run, but what else was there to do?

Now everything was about to be lost, the last piece bounding the two together – being working partners – shattered.

"Do you really have to ask?" Bright looked at Rome hopelessly. "It will be better this way," he whispered, "I can move on. I will try to move on..." Bright said more to himself than to the other boy standing in the hall.

"What about me? How am I supposed to live without you by my side?" Rome asked, being dangerously close to the point of breaking.

"Stop with the pretentious act!" Bright fumed. "You were doing just fine, ignoring me all the time! I can't do it, all right? I wanna be close to you, hell I want to... God, I want... I WANT YOU, okay? It's breaking my heart not being yours. I desperately have to move on before it kills me... before your cold behavior kills me." He couldn't hold what he longed to tell Rome all this time, all those years. Feelings that bottled up couldn't be stopped anymore and quiet sobs echoed in the hallway as Bright stopped with his talk.

Rome was dumbfounded but his body moved before his mind could. One moment, he was standing there, eyes wide open, and the next one he was hugging Bright with all his might.

"You dumbass," He muttered into Bright's shoulder, "I feel the same way."

***

"Everyone out, NOW!" May yelled as she entered the infirmary. The tone she used was not to be ignored and therefore those few people reluctantly moved.

"Put him here," she instructed while doing her best to stay calm. "Wait outside, don't let anyone in before I say so. Also, go inform Clowns."

"Don't." Kongpob breathed out. "Don't tell them." He plead.

"Seems like the bullet didn't only hit your arm but also your head," May gifted him a death glare, "if you don't want to be killed before I can even fix you up, we need their protection." She muttered and nodded towards Namtan. "Go."

Don't tell Arthit... was the last thought that crossed Kong's mind before he lost consciousness.

Hope you're all well and safe :)