Cute Boy [PhayuRain] [Love In The Air]

13: STORM SHELTER

"Rain!"
He turns back around when he hears his name being called.

"Rain, what are you doing here?"
Saifah's concerned voice matches the concern on his face as he takes in the rain-soaked boy.

Rain looks up, unsure whether to leave or stay.

"Is P'Phayu here?" He asks softly.

Saifah's gaze turns from worry to alarm when he sees how miserable Rain looks.

"Never mind. It's nothing," Rain says, swallowing back tears.

Saifah puts the umbrella over his head, shielding him from the downpour.

"Come inside," he says gently as he bundles Rain out of the rain.

Saifah leads him upstairs to Phayu's apartment and tells him to rest.

Once he leaves, Rain drops his backpack and storage tube on the table and flops wearily to the floor by the foot of the bed.

Saifah had not turned on the main lights, only a table lamp, so the room is bathed in a soft amber glow.

He leans back and looks around to distract himself from his misery. He hasn't been in this apartment since the morning after the mixer.

If someone had told him then that he would willingly come running to this apartment when he was hurting and needed comfort, he would have laughed in their face.

He had spent a lot of time at the garage over the past few days and had grown comfortable here. But he knows deep down that it's not the place but the person who owns it that draws him.

The Rain from that day would never have believed that the man who shocked, tried to seduce, and bullied him would be the one his heart sought out in a moment like this. 

***

Phayu gets so engrossed in work that he usually ends up staying late. He hates leaving things undone and likes to tie loose ends before heading home.

His brother teases him about being a workaholic, but he enjoys his job and sometimes forgets the time.

His cell phone rings.⚡️ Saifah

....Speak of the devil. Likely calling to remind him to pick up something for dinner or to ask him what he should order. A little smile lightens his lips.

"Hey, what's up?"

[⚡️] Ai Phayu, when are you coming back?

He sounds frazzled.

[⚡️] Your boy was standing outside in the pouring rain, waiting for you. He looks really upset.

Phayu doesn't even bother responding.
He hangs up the phone and scoops up all his belongings. The workaholic doesn't think twice about leaving the office with work undone.

***

Phayu enters the apartment, unsure what is happening or what he will find.

The sight of Rain huddled on the floor, looking so lost, wet, and miserable, batters his heart.

Big brown eyes look at him, instantly welling with tears he's been holding back all day, not having wanted anyone else to see.

Phayu drops down and beckons him with open arms, "Come here."

"P'Phayu..." Rain mewls miserably as he launches himself into his body.
Strong arms close around him, and he finally feels sheltered.