Forget Me Not

Mixed Signals

Before finalizing a date with Mil, Tine decided to spend some time with Sarawat. He was contemplating whether to tell him about his plans to go out with his long-time admirer and co-worker. However, a part of him resisted, reasoning that there was no real need to inform Sarawat. After all, Sarawat wasn't his boyfriend. It wouldn't be considered cheating, right?

As expected, Sarawat took Tine by surprise by bringing him to a casino, dressed up in a tuxedo like James Bond. Tine, in a casual business outfit, still looked effortlessly stylish. With his pale complexion, he stood out even more in the glitzy environment of the casino.

Sarawat had picked him up in a limo, and they drove to a hotel and casino located in the neutral zone near the Cambodian border. Since gambling was illegal in Thailand's cities, including Bangkok, people often drove three hours to this area. While these gambling houses weren't exactly Casino Royale or Monte Carlo, they served the purpose.

Inside, Sarawat and Tine joined some older women and truckers playing Texas Hold 'Em. It was here that Sarawat taught Tine how to play.

"The secret to poker is all about the read," Sarawat explained. "Reading them and not letting them read you."

"Got it," Tine replied eagerly.

"Okay, so you get your cards and you have four aces---let me see your face."

Tine's eyes lit up, and he smiled broadly. Sarawat laughed, finding him irresistibly adorable, like a little white bunny with button eyes and a twitching nose.

"No?" Tine was still smiling. "No good?"

"No good. Watch me."

Sarawat pretended to look at his cards and then shut off any emotion. Tine was amazed at how naturally Sarawat could switch from his usual demeanor to an intimidating presence. Admiring him, Tine tried to mimic Sarawat's steely expression.

"I'm going to look like this from now on," Tine said with a hardened face. "No more smiles or emotion. Only this face."

He scowled at Sarawat, who stared back impassively---until he couldn't hold it any longer and burst out laughing. "Why do you look like an angry rabbit?"

"What? You're so mean! That's what my brother used to call me."

"Really?"

"Yeah! Because of my teeth," Tine showed Sarawat his two front teeth, making Sarawat laugh again. "But I never wanted to fix them. They're my charming point."

"I believe that. They make you even cuter."

Tine's cheeks turned bright pink. Suddenly, a group of Japanese tourists joined their table. Sarawat, unfazed, coolly played his hand and won easily, prompting the tourists to swear angrily in Japanese.

Looking up, Sarawat addressed them, "By the way, I understood that, and my mother and I don't appreciate it."

The tourists, embarrassed, bowed in apology. Sarawat and Tine bowed back, then sniggered as they watched the tourists quickly leave the casino.

Next, an old woman gambled over a huge pot. Sarawat leaned in and urged, "Wanna try?"

Determined, Tine nodded eagerly. They both went all in. The old woman narrowed her gaze, studying Tine intently, but his poker face held strong. He won! Overjoyed, he threw his arms around Sarawat, who smiled back at him. At that moment, Sarawat was convinced he had found his equal.

◇─◇──◇─◇

After their fun time at the casino, Sarawat and Tine headed to the pier where people were playing carnival games. Although Sarawat never enjoyed carnivals, he couldn't say no to Tine's request, and they ended up exploring the area.