The Right Number

5. First Meet

As Nanon walked into the pub, he looked for a guy in a black shirt and blue khaki denims, as that's what Ohm told him in the text.

When he couldn't find anyone of that attire on any of the tables, he looked around, and his eyes paused at the said descriptive outfit near the bar. And then he saw the guy sitting happily, chatting with the bartender.

The guy looked somehow familiar.

Oh Sorry

It's ok.

Nanon recalled seeing the same guy in the mall that day when he had gone to meet Oat. A smile appeared on his lips, recalling that he must be there because Nanon called him, thinking he was Oat.

Ohm seemed the same, like how his personality is over the texts. Lively and cheerful.

Nanon took a breath, calming himself, because it was the first time that he was meeting someone whom he had befriended on the phone.

It feels like a blind date. That was what he thought while walking towards the bar.

Then he paused midway through the way his mind spoke to him so outrageously.

Blind date? Says a guy who has never dated before. A guy who knows he is bisexual but has never been able to date either a boy or a girl tells his whole lie because of his stupid urge to build his career first.

"Hey" As Nanon was lost in cursing himself in his mind, Ohm, who recognized him in his denim shirt, white t-shirt, and black denims, walked to him with a broad grin.

Nanon was startled.

This application developer looks intimidatingly good-looking from up close. He gulped and looked at him wide-eyed.

"Oh... Did I scare you?" Ohm asked again. "I hope you recognized me from the outfit." He said this, raising the collar of his shirt and smiling wide at Nanon.

His smile, though, is very comforting, which is what Nanon thought as he responded with his wide grin. "Yeah. Sorry, I was just thinking something." He shook his head and smiled. "Nanon." He extended his hand towards Ohm while deciding to stay calm.

All the while, during the drinks and dinner, Ohm and Nanon laughed about the unfortunate Wrong Number incident and then discussed the project and startup plans. Nanon talked about Ryu and said that he was impressed with Ohm's work.

Ohm told him about how his friend Rob is impressed with him for doing something in life without any selfish interest.

"There has to be some reason, though." Nanon asked. "Why did you decide to help us out of the blue?"

"I am thinking the same," Ohm responded almost immediately. "I never once did any such thing before. I hate extra work. But that day, your tone was like pleading for help."

Both of them chuckled.

"If I knew you were this arrogant, I wouldn't have asked you to help me." Nanon eyed him teasingly.

Ohm chuckled. "Sorry, I was just pulling your leg. By the way, did you ever get to meet the real despicable O after that?"

"Oat. Did I tell you that he was our classmate and well known for being despicable?" Nanon said, pressing his lips while he gulped his beer. "Thankfully, I found you; otherwise, along with myself, I would have ruined Ryu's dreams as well."

Ohm paused for a second before smiling wide again immediately. "But you found me." He raised his brows.

"Cocky!" Nanon shook his head and threw his napkin on Ohm, who ducked on time.

The drinks were sinking in, making them both chuckle and giggle stupidly. Ohm less, Nanon more. It was Ohm's charm that made Nanon forget to recall when he should stop drinking.

As they both reached the parking lot, Ohm started to look for a taxi. "I'll call a cab for you."

"How will you go home then?" Nanon asked, pouting, and stumbled on his own foot.

Ohm held him by his arm and straightened him. He chuckled. "You need to go home first."

"I'll manage my own taxi." Nanon said he was trying to find his phone in his pocket. But despite the phone that Ohm could see popping out of his pocket, Nanon was still unable to find it. "Did I forget my phone in there?"

"It's there." Ohm pointed. "I think you should call Ryu."

"He is on a date, remember?" Nanon replied, still trying to find the phone in the direction Ohm was pointing. He took a 360-degree turn just to look for it. "I can't find it. You are teasing me." He pouted and slapped Ohm's chest.

"What are you doing?" Ohm shook his head and had to hold Nanon, who was about to fall. He held him by his elbow and pulled him towards himself. "Stand still, Nanon."

"I am standing still. You are moving too much." Nanon said, and then he started crying.

"Wh... Why are you crying?" Ohm asked, concerned.

"I can never do anything right. I am such a loser. I can't find Oat, I can't... Hic... I can't find a date... I can't come out to my friends and family... Hic... I can't find my phone either. I mean... Hic... that's the easiest thing to do. Still... Hic... I can't..."

Ohm frowned and grinned at the same time, shaking his head. "You know what? I am dropping you off at your place." He confirmed the booking for the cab.