2gether AU: Be You, be Mine

Chapter 6: I Don't Care What People Want to Think About Us

PRESENT

Tine ended his story quietly as he finished the second glass of coconut juice for tonight. Sarawat remained silent as Tine spoke, drawing soothing circles on the back of Tine's palms occasionally when Tine sounded like he was going to break down anytime soon. Tine wasn't expecting Sarawat to understand him on an emotional level, he just needed a pair of listening ears tonight. He shouldn't have bad-mouthed about Mil, Mil is still Sarawat's supervisor, after all.

Sarawat now understood why Sergeant Mil was acting so nice to Tine, it was out of his guilt towards Tine. He sighed, realising that he might have gotten himself into big trouble. Maybe, just maybe, Sergeant Mil had turned over a new leaf. He just needed an opportunity to talk to Tine. But something wasn't adding up, if Sergeant Mil wanted to ask for Tine's forgiveness, there were ample opportunities. If Sergeant Mil really wanted Tine to forgive him, Sarawat supposed that Sergeant Mil didn't need to wait till when Tine was alone.

"Would you give Sergeant Mil another chance to redeem himself then? Assuming that he is sincere about making things right between the both of you."

Tine shook his head determinedly, the best he could offer to Mil now, is to talk to him respectfully and civilly during working hours. He didn't want Mil to be anywhere near him after work. Yes, Time admitted that he is a soft-hearted person, but he isn't a saint. It wasn't his obligation to forgive an asshole like Mil.

"You wouldn't want to be reminded of your unworthiness over and over again. Even after all these years, I don't know if I'm capable of falling in love with someone again. And that's okay, I've learned how to make peace with my own flaws. I just want to meet that stranger again, even if it's just a glance among the crowd."

The hopeful glance in Sarawat's eyes shifted when Tine looked at Sarawat with his puffy eyes. Tine didn't recognise him, sadly. Sarawat saw the same pair of hurtful eyes from his memory. Tine deserved all the good things in life, Sarawat didn't want Tine to carry his insecurities by himself anymore. Tine had been putting on a good fight against his demons. Sarawat took a sip of his drink and caressed Tine's palm lightly as he exhaled. This too, shall pass, Tine. Su su!

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"So, someone is dating already huh? What happened to 'my only aim now is to work hard' in less than one week's time?"

Fong placed his plate of chicken rice on the empty space next to Tine. He smiled teasingly as he looked at Tine intently. Ohm and Phuak, on the other hand, whistled and entwined their fingers together, as if they were Sarawat and Tine. Tine rolled his eyes at his seniors' antiques. Mae Godji was right about the lab wasn't exactly a place for secrets, rumours were already spreading and he didn't know if Sarawat had heard anything about it.

"We weren't, we just went out for dinner together after work that day."

"Sarawat doesn't even go to his department's weekly dinner. He doesn't care about socialising with his colleagues, he only talks to Earn. So, what changed him into socialising with his junior?"

"Fine, I bought him dinner that night because Mil was cornering me and Sarawat saved my ass. Happy?"

Tine pouted and frowned cutely, all three of his seniors cooed in unison. Fong patted Tine's head comfortingly. Mil's name was like a permanent prick in their hearts, they would never forgive Mil for what he had done. If Tine decided that it was best for him to stay away from Mil, then they would stand by Tine. Otherwise, they would treat Mil respectfully. Forgiveness was something only God could grant Mil, in this case.

Sarawat walked into the cafeteria and saw Fong, Ohm and Phuak wrapping Tine in their arms, he smiled fondly as he saw Tine being pampered by the seniors in the lab. Tine was cute, irresistible, everyone would fall for his charm. His personality was also a big bonus. Earn was right when she said that Tine was going to be the long-needed fresh breath of air for the crime lab. Even the ice-cold prince was warming up to Tine slowly. He thought of joining Tine's table, but shook his thoughts away immediately, wanting to give Tine the space he much needed. He didn't want to scare Tine away with his overwhelming feelings. He didn't know if he should reveal his identity. Maybe, staying as colleagues would be the best option for both of them, as for now.