COLD RAIN

CHAPTER 14

On the way to the Art Association the next day to receive the award, Pon still sneezed a lot.

"Did I snatch away your quilt last night?" Aonn asked worriedly, "You had a dose of medicine, how is it possible that you are not only not getting better but getting worse?"

Pon stuffed the tissue that he used to wipe his nose into the plastic bag he carried and said in a deep nasal voice, "No, I just catch colds like this and it won't get better for a while."

When he arrived at the pre-booked hotel last night, Aonn decided to stay with Pon on a whim, saying that he was worried he might be afraid of being alone.

Originally, they wanted to replace the large bedroom with a standard room, but the front desk said that there were no rooms available, so the two boys squeezed into one bed for a night.

Even though Pon said it was not his fault, Aonn was still a little apologetic.

He scratched his head and said, "I invite you to stay at my house tonight, I will sleep on the sofa and you can monopolize my bed!"

This time it was Pon's turn to feel apologetic.

He kept refusing and Aonn who invited him again and again, saying that his parents were very kind and amiable, until Pon was persuaded, "Really... I won't bother you?"

Aonn patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, I've been messing around at your house for so long, my Mom asked me to take you home on the phone yesterday. She'll make you sweet and sour tenderloin, vinegar-slipped prawns and shredded apples!"

Pon was addicted to sweetness and these dishes firmly sealed his fate.

He swallowed and nodded, "Then... thank you."

The award ceremony was arranged in the compound of the Arts Association and the two found seats in the back row.

Aonn also won an award and hopped like a rabbit when he came back from the stage with the certificate of excellence.

When it was Pon's turn, he was even more excited, jumping up and down like a monkey, taking pictures of the stage with his mobile phone.

Pon was afraid of being seen by his former acquaintances and didn't want to take pictures.

He covered his face with his certificate throughout the process.

When he was offered to say a few words of acceptance speech, he also shook his head and said nothing.

When he finally moved off the stage at the end of the ceremony, Aonn cried out in regret and escorted him to take a photo next to the plaque at the entrance.

"The only imperfection is these clothes," on the way back, Aonn looked at the photos on his mobile phone and said regretfully, "You are a good artist, what are you wearing?"

Pon smiled and said, "Mom bought it for me, as long as it is comfortable, it's fine."

After arriving at Aonn's house and saying hello to his parents, he was dragged into the bedroom. Aonn closed the door, drew the curtains and... opened the wardrobe door.

Aonn's wardrobe was very large, occupying two entire walls.

He took something out of it and threw it into Pon's arms, "I'm about the same size as you. Try this one. Try this one again. This one is also good. The pink colour matches your skin tone. Quickly, show it to me."

Pon didn't expect him to have a penchant for dressing up. He was fiddled with like a puppet for a long time.

Finally, he changed into a shirt and a vest. Aonn happily took a bow tie to tie it around his neck. Ponsaid helplessly, "We're going to eat later, don't blame me if it gets dirty."