The Gossip of BL [E-book on MEB]

CHAPTER 17 : Dead Drunk 1

Kan and Book arrived at the restaurant where Poom had already gone in and was sitting waiting for them. They chose to sit at the same low table on the second floor near the balcony since it was more private than downstairs. The two of them sat down across from each other in the empty seats. A waiter came by with menus, and of course they ordered almost everything the same as last time, except Book wanted to try the cheese steamed egg in addition.

"Want anything else?" Poom asked cheerfully, seeming to be in an unusually good mood. This made both Book and Kan a bit puzzled, wondering what had put him in such high spirits.

"Why so happy?" Book decided to just ask directly since he was curious about Poom's mood.

"Oh, nothing really; I'm just glad the TV series is getting good ratings," Poom replied casually with a shrug. He looked more relaxed than when they had first met.

"We're close enough now to use informal pronouns with each other?" Book asked, noticing the switch from the formal "you" to the informal "I" in how Poom referred to himself. Before this, they had always used formal terms when talking.

"Or do you prefer formal?" Poom asked back.

"Either is fine; whatever feels natural," Book said dismissively. He wasn't the type to fuss over such things. Pronoun use depends on context and occasion. There is no need to make a big deal over it.

Kan smiled to himself as he observed the exchange between Poom and Book. The change in dynamics between the two seemed to be improving bit by bit. The atmosphere at the table tonight felt strangely relaxed compared to before. Far from the awkward tension of their first meeting. He could only hope that once the alcohol started flowing, history wouldn't repeat itself like last time.

Before long, the dishes they had ordered began arriving at the table. From one to two, then starting to fill up the surface, the main attraction of the night - several big bottles of green soju that Poom had ordered - made their appearance. This made Kan's eyes widen in surprise. Normally, just two bottles were enough to get him very drunk. But here, Poom had ordered almost a case. It looked like they were in for a wild night.

"Don't you think that's a lot?" Kan asked incredulously.

"Not at all. We're going to be here a while tonight. It's my treat," Poom replied with a wide grin. His large hand reached for the nearest soju bottle, twisted it open, and poured it into the restaurant's tall shot glass. He immediately knocked it back in one go.

"Whoa, take it easy," Kan teased as he watched Poom start drinking even before the food had entered anyone's mouth.

"Whetting my appetite," Poom said with a small smile before pouring shots of soju for Kan and Book as well.

"Thanks," Book said as he was chewing on some grilled pork. He accepted the offered glass from Poom and took a hearty swig, his expression becoming more refreshed.

"Enjoying it?" Kan couldn't help ribbing when he saw Book's face perk up after the shot of Soju.

"A bit," Book admitted.

The three of them sat chatting and drinking, losing track of time. Eventually the cute young waiter came by to inform them the restaurant would be closing in twenty minutes. They nodded in acknowledgement, but the alcohol was already swimming in their systems. Kan seemed the most drunk, with Poom slightly less so. Book still appeared the most sober, glancing at his watch and his eyes widening in surprise at how late it had gotten without them realizing.

"I gotta head back first," Book said, turning to the swaying Kan, who had slumped against the wall, cheeks flushed from intoxication. "I have an early meeting tomorrow."