third time's a charm

03

Off's smile died. Gun's mouth dropped open. Pia shrieked. Everyone was dumbfounded.

There was a teasing hint of passion as Bright deepened the kiss, seeking the answer. Win knew he was in trouble the first time he laid eyes on the man. But whatever fueled Bright's aggressiveness was his own doing. Win must admit that he was consumed with an all-to-rare fire of emotion that flared through him. Shocked, he pushed the man. But Bright's arm was still around his waistline as if he needed to hold Win's flattering body against him now, in need of support.

"Ehem," the wedding organizer cleared her throat a little louder than intended. "I didn't say, you may kiss the groom."

"Oh," Bright's only response coupled with a wide grin. "I thought Off and Gun needed some pointers on that part too."

Dew, Nani, and New laughed boisterously while Win's eyes were wide, lips ravaged from the kiss. He stared at Bright in bewilderment. But if he was going to be honest with himself, the kiss was world-class. A kiss that could certainly change everything and could never be taken back. It was a kiss that one could only get once in their life.

Off pulled them apart and smiled at the organizer. "That was perfect, we'll do exactly JUST that." He turned his gaze on Bright, "What the hell are you doing?"

Bright's eyes were on Win. "I'm sorry, bro. He kissed me back."

"Yeah, I caught that. Look, can you please behave until today? Good! Shall we continue, Pia?"

The organizer was still confused but she did revert to her usual self. Win didn't know what to say. He couldn't move away from Bright since he didn't want to make a big deal about the kiss. Not like he hasn't been kissed before. But thanks to that interruption, Gun was able to settle his nerves and the rehearsal proceeded as normal.

"Can't you believe the venue is in Cancun?" Bright started again, leaning very close to Win's ear.

"It's where they met," said Win. He couldn't understand why was he responding to this man. Bright was completely unapologetic about the scene he caused earlier.

"Yes, and they will have a Hawaiian beach wedding in Cancun," Win beamed at him this time and Bright returned the gesture, cheerful that he was able to make the young man smile. "Why not have a wedding in Hawaii, right?"

Win laughed again. "Because it's where they met," he repeated. "Please tell me your best friend is a good man."

"He is a saint. Gun?"

"He is an angel."

"A saint and an angel..." Bright pondered for a moment, "I'll give it a year."

The flow of their conversation warmed Win's heart and he couldn't help giggling once more. "This wedding is heading for a disaster."

"You don't say..."

"I mean, they barely know each other. They decided to get married two weeks after they met, that wasn't even long enough for a---"

"---a credit check," Bright finished and smiled. Win peered at him, completely stunned and yet attracted. His humor was the same as his friends. The same as his. "But who knows? I do believe in love at first sight."

Win blushed. "Are you really this---"

"Handsome?"

"I meant to say weird."

Bright gave him a lopsided grin. "Because I kissed you?"

"Because you kissed a random person."

"But you're not a random person," he argued. "And you did not resist my kiss either." When Win just stared at him, speechless and flushed, he took a chance. "Are you doing anything else after this?"