COMBUSTION: A YokRay Story 🔥

Chapter 5: Blurred Lines

Note from the author: This is the first thing chap with no smut for this fic. No worries for those who came here for that. Next chap will also be uploaded & will make up for this chap. Enjoy! 😅
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RAY

"Ray, look! Isn't that your friend? The art guy who brought you here a few weeks ago?" Cheum pointed at her iPad.

Confused, I glanced at Mew, who was also looking at the screen. "Ray, it's true! It's that guy!"

I rushed over to see what they were looking at, confirming that it was indeed Yok and his friends protesting. Wait... ROL?

"Cheum, do you remember a while back, I think it was last year, there was a gang of rebel protesters involved in the downfall of some politician or was it a businessman?" I struggled to recall the details we had discussed previously.

"Businessman. Tawi, I think," Mew replied.

"It's coming back to me now! They were even kidnapped, right?" I recalled.

Cheum had found old articles online and showed me pictures. Among them, Yok was pictured in a hospital gown clutching his sides.

"Isn't that Yok? Was he injured when they were kidnapped?" I pointed the picture out to Mew.

"That's right, Ray. The article says he was shot!" Mew exclaimed, leaving me shocked. That explained the scar on Yok's left hip; I had thought it was from an accident.

"Ray, listen to this! The kidnapping was controversial because it was revealed that the boyfriend of one of the victims had betrayed the gang to Tawi, leading to the abduction," Mew read aloud.

Oh God! No wonder Yok had talked about needing therapy. What a mess. I wonder which one of them it is. The spoon I was holding, about to eat my food cluttered. Fuck! Wasn't Yok talking about needing to get away from a relationship that wasn't good for him anymore? Is the boyfriend who was betrayed, Yok?

"Ray, are you alright?" Mew tapped the table as I drifted away in thought.

"Ummm... yeah..." I tried to reassure Mew.

I messaged Yok asking where he was, and he promptly replied: Art Building, room 214.

Hurriedly, I informed Cheum and Mew that I had to meet a friend, leaving them puzzled.

"Who else are your friends, Ray?" Cheum inquired.

Without answering, I darted off. As I navigated my way to the art building, my lack of direction skills made me wonder why I was so concerned and if it was any of my business. Maybe I should not have come.

My change of heart came too late; a cheerful art student had already pointed Yok out as he glanced outside the door.

Walking inside, I felt uncertain about what to say.

"Hey! What's up?" Yok smiled while painting a portrait. I did a double take.

"Wait... isn't that Boston?" I pointed at the painting of him in the nude, sitting on a rock, showcasing his well-defined physique.

Knowing Boston's pride in his physique after a summer spent in the gym, He smiled. "Yes! Didn't I tell you? I agreed to Boston's shoot so he could return the favor."

"Oh... honestly, I thought you were kidding, and your arrangement was a bit kinkier than that!" I pointed at the painting.

"Lord, Ray, give me some credit. There's no way I'm involved with that loudmouth!" Yok chuckled.

Approaching closer, I complimented, "It's beautiful. You're extremely talented."

Grinning, Yok replied, "Thank you. Now, are you going to keep evading? Why are you here, Khun No? You've never come looking for me before."