Arrange Marriage

Ch 43 /Fear/

Despite all the traffic, they reached Pavel's apartment by the afternoon. They had agreed to stop there first to gather the materials they needed. With so much to move, they planned to shift everything to the new apartment the next day. Together, they packed nearly everything, from Pavel's art collection to the essentials he would need. They tossed out some unwanted items, and for the larger pieces like the cupboard and table, they sold them at a second-hand shop.

Pooh: I already informed them we have a lot of stuff to sell. They’ll be coming tomorrow morning to pick it up.

Pavel: Yeah, it’d be better if we wrapped this up quickly.

Pooh: Are you tired? Do you want me to make something for you?

Pavel: You must be tired too. Let’s go out to eat today.

Pooh, leaning against the wall for support, moved towards Pavel and wrapped him in a tight hug.

Pavel (blushing): I’m all sweaty.

Pooh (sniffing his neck): I don’t care. Even your neck smells good to me.

Pavel: Don’t exaggerate. I’m going to shower.

As Pavel tried to pull away, Pooh held him even tighter, not wanting to let go.

Pooh: What's the rush, baby? I just want to recharge for a bit.

Pooh buried his face deeper into Pavel's neck, planting soft kisses along the way.

Pavel: P'tinnnnnnnnnn...

Pooh: Let’s shower together, baby.

With a playful grin, Pooh scooped Pavel up, tossing him over his shoulder, and dashed toward the bathroom.

Pavel’s shyness was obvious, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Even though Pooh had seen him naked before, he still couldn’t shake the feeling of being self-conscious.

Pooh: Strip down, baby.

Pavel hesitated for a moment but eventually followed Pooh’s instruction.

Pooh: Come on, hurry up. That underwear too. Or do you want me to take it off for you?

Pooh moved closer to Pavel, locking eyes with him—no, not just his eyes, but staring right into his soul.

Pavel (in a soft voice): But P'tinn...

Pooh: Don’t worry, baby. I won’t do anything. Just take that off already.

Still shy, Pavel slowly slipped off his underwear, unable to meet Pooh’s gaze as he kept his head down.

Pooh: Look at me, baby.

Pavel didn’t say anything, just shook his head in refusal. Pooh took off his own clothes, standing before him. Pavel, forgetting his shyness for a moment, lifted his head and gazed at Pooh’s body, his embarrassment momentarily replaced by awe.

Pooh: You like what you see, baby?

Pooh’s teasing voice snapped Pavel back to reality. Overcome with embarrassment, he lowered his head again. Pooh stepped closer, gently lifting Pavel’s chin to make him look into his eyes, while turning on the shower. As the water cascaded over their bodies, Pooh took the soap and scrubbed Pavel’s back, washing every part of him. Once Pavel’s body was fully cleaned, Pooh told him to wait outside. Pavel, like a shy kitten, went to his room, still dripping wet.

After Pooh finished bathing and dressed up, Pavel was already ready to go.

Pooh: Let’s go, baby.

Pooh intertwined his hand with Pavel’s as they stepped out. The night view of Bangkok was stunning, with city lights illuminating every corner. As they walked through the street, a sudden notification buzzed on Pavel’s phone.

Unknown: I know where you are and who you're with. Since you didn’t listen to me, you’ll have to face the consequences. Don’t tell your husband, or you’ll regret it. I can easily make it look like an accident.

The message from an unknown number sent a wave of panic through Pavel. His face turned red, and sweat formed on his forehead. Pooh, noticing through the rearview mirror, grabbed Pavel’s hand.

Pooh (worried): What’s wrong, baby? Are you okay?

Pavel: I—I'm fine. It’s just hot today. Can you open the window? It feels suffocating with it closed.

Pooh did as he asked, opening the window. Pavel leaned against it, his hand supporting his head as he looked outside, lost in thought.

Pooh: Do you want to go to the hospital, baby? I don’t think you’re okay.

Pavel: Trust me, I’m fine. Probably just feeling dizzy after all the work today.

Pooh: Let me know if you start feeling worse, okay?

Pavel offered a small smile, meeting Pooh’s eyes and nodding in reassurance. After a few more minutes of driving, they arrived at a cozy restaurant filled with beautiful white and red flower arrangements and lush indoor plants that added to its aesthetic appeal. Seated in the VIP room, a waiter approached for their order. Pavel had been craving mango sticky rice and mango juice, so Pooh ordered it for him, along with noodles for them to share for a bit of spice.