Unrequited

8

Despite Pavel's firm words, Pooh couldn't let go of his infatuation. He found himself constantly thinking about the captain, fantasizing about him, and with the help of his loyal friend Thanapon, even keeping tabs on Pavel's whereabouts. Thanapon, though a bit skeptical, supported Pooh in his quest.

"Do you really think the captain will like you?" Thanapon asked one day, concern evident in his voice.

"You wait and watch," Pooh replied confidently, almost as if chanting a prayer. He was determined to meet Pavel again, even if only from a distance.

One evening, Pooh and Thanapon went out to a local food stall to have some fried noodles. As they enjoyed their meal, a familiar figure caught Thanapon's eye. "Pooh, it's the captain," he whispered, nudging his friend.

Pooh's heart skipped a beat as he quickly looked over. Sure enough, Captain Pavel was sitting a few tables away, struggling to rip the meat from a fried crab. Without a second thought, Pooh stood up and approached Pavel's table, his heart racing.

Pavel looked up, surprised to see Pooh standing there with a soft smile. "Pooh?" he said, unsure how to react.

Pooh didn't hesitate. He pulled up a chair, sat down beside Pavel, and gently took the crab from his hands. "Let me help you with that," Pooh said, his voice calm and reassuring.

Pavel was silent, feeling a mix of awkwardness and confusion. Pooh meticulously removed the crab meat, wrapped it in a perilla leaf, and held it up to Pavel's mouth, encouraging him to eat. "Captain, here, take this bite," Pooh said softly.

Avoiding eye contact, Pavel hesitated for a moment but eventually took the offered bite. Thanapon, watching from their original table, blushed at the intimate scene unfolding before him.

As Pooh continued to feed Pavel, the tension slowly eased. Pavel couldn't help but appreciate Pooh's determination and kindness, even if the situation felt strange. "You didn't have to do this," Pavel murmured, finally meeting Pooh's eyes.

"I wanted to," Pooh replied simply, his gaze steady and sincere. "I care about you, Captain."

Pavel sighed, feeling a mixture of warmth and discomfort. "Pooh, I appreciate your feelings, but you have to understand..."

Pooh cut him off gently. "I understand, Captain. I just wanted to help you and see you happy, even if it's just for a moment."

Pavel nodded, finally allowing himself to smile. "Thank you, Pooh. That means a lot."

The rest of the meal passed in a comfortable silence, with Pooh helping Pavel with his food and Thanapon occasionally glancing over, still blushing at the sight of his friend with the captain. As the evening came to a close, Pavel stood up, ready to leave.

"Take care, Pooh," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "And remember what I said. Focus on your studies and your future."

Pooh nodded, his heart full despite the bittersweet feeling. "I will, Captain. Thank you for tonight."

As Pavel walked away, Pooh watched him go, knowing that this moment, fleeting as it was, would stay with him forever. And while his feelings for the captain remained strong, Pooh understood that some things were not meant to be at least not in the way he had imagined. But for now, he was content with the small victories and the moments of connection he had shared with his hero.