As they arrived at the luxurious restaurant, First, Khao, and Earth were greeted by Samruan, who was already seated at the table.
"Ah, perfect timing," Samruan said, his eyes scanning the trio, his gaze lingering on Khao with disapproval.
Mr. Lee from Lee Industries smiled warmly, standing up to shake hands. "Welcome, gentlemen. It's a pleasure to do business with you."
First's charm kicked in as he exchanged pleasantries with Mr. Lee. Khao observed, his expression neutral, but his eyes lingering on First.
Throughout the dinner, the conversation flowed smoothly, with First and Earth expertly navigating business discussions. Khao contributed occasionally, his insights sharp and valuable.
Samruan watched with a keen eye, his expression unreadable, his disdain for Khao palpable.
As the main course was served, Mr. Lee turned to Khao. "Khao, I hear you're doing exceptional work. Your expertise is invaluable to our partnership."
Khao smiled graciously, "Thank you, sir. I'm glad to contribute."
First's gaze flickered to Khao, a hint of pride flashing across his face. But it was quickly replaced by his usual impassive expression.
As the evening wore on, the tension between First and Khao remained palpable. Samruan's presence seemed to amplify the strain.
Over dessert, Samruan spoke up, "First, I've been reviewing the quarterly reports. Impressive work."
First's eyes narrowed slightly. "Thank you."
Samruan's gaze shifted to Khao. "Khao, your dedication is... notable."
"Thank you, sir", Khao's eyes met First's briefly before responding.
First's expression darkened, his jaw clenched. The dinner concluded with handshakes and promises of future collaborations.
As they left the restaurant, Earth beamed. "That went smoothly! Great teamwork, guys."
Khao nodded, his eyes scanning the parking lot. First strode ahead, his silence speaking volumes.
Samruan's gaze followed First, his expression disapproving. Khao sensed the tension and quickened his pace. Earth fell back, walking beside Khao.
"What's going on with First and his dad?" Khao whispered.
Earth's smile faded. "They had a disagreement recently. First's still upset."
Khao's eyes met Earth's. "About me?"
Earth's expression turned sympathetic. "Partly. Samruan doesn't approve of your relationship with First."
"I see." Khao's face fell.
As they reached the car, Samruan called out. "Earth, a word."
Earth said. "You can leave me, guys. I'll request my car."
First agreed, "Okay, Phi, I'll see you tomorrow."
Earth then followed Samruan, leaving First and Khao alone. Khao watched them go, feeling rather nervous about being left alone with First.
"Let's go," First said curtly.
Khao slid into the passenger seat. The drive was silent, tension hanging heavy.
◕◕◕
Earth followed Samruan, sensing the tension.
"Earth, I'm worried about First," Samruan said, his expression concerned.
Earth's eyes narrowed. "What's bothering you, uncle?"
Samruan's gaze intensified. "First's distractions are affecting his work. I fear Khao's influence is clouding his judgment."
"You care about First's well-being." Earth's tone turned empathetic.
Samruan nodded. "I do. He's my son. Watch over him, Earth. Ensure he doesn't get hurt."
Earth's expression softened. "I'll keep an eye on him."
"Thank you. I trust your discretion." Samruan's eyes lingered on Earth.
Earth nodded and left.
◕◕◕
The car ride home had been uncomfortably silent, the only sound being the soft music playing in the background. Khao squirmed in his seat beside First, who drove with an uncharacteristic coldness.
Finally unable to take the tension any longer, Khao broke the silence. "Hey, uhm, First, how was the dinner meeting?"
"Fine," First replied curtly, not even glancing Khao's way as he kept his eyes fixed on the road.
"Okay," Khao said, trying to hide his frustration at the short answer. "I think the deal with Mr. Lee is gonna take the company to the next level. What do you think?"
"I think the same," was First's unenthusiastic response as he continued to focus solely on driving.
Khao let out an audible sigh, his frustration growing at First's bitchy attitude. It seemed so out of character afterall they had been perfectly fine at Mix's gathering.
"First, are we still fine?" Khao asked, trying to keep his voice even despite his rising irritation.
"Yeah, why are you asking?" First replied, still not bothering to look at Khao.
Khao's frustration was now evident in his tone as he retorted, "Well you've been acting all cold to me ever since I got back."
"Khao, firstly you went to Podd's place," First began, finally glancing at Khao briefly as he drove. "And that's fine, he's your boyfriend and I understand. But why didn't you tell me if you weren't gonna come back?"
Khao's voice took on a slightly sassy tone as he replied, "Well I didn't know I should report to you. Besides, you could've told me if that bothered you, but don't worry, next time I'll surely tell you."
First chuckled dryly at Khao's response, before letting out a soft laugh tinged with a hint of pain as he stared at Khao. "Wow, so there is a next time?"
"Duh, obviously. Podd's my boyfriend, I should visit him sometimes," Khao said, raising his voice a little at the ridiculousness of First's question.
"Okay, but whenever I want you, be there," First said with an entitled air, narrowing his eyes at Khao.
"Sure, so are we fine now?" Khao asked, his tone slightly softer.
First's face relaxed into a small smile at hearing Khao's willingness for them to make amends. "Yeah, we are. But did Podd really have to mark you so much?"
Khao glanced down at the hickeys littering his neck before responding with a smirk, "I could say the same about your marks."
First lifted up his shirt a bit to reveal his own set of hickeys, letting out a soft chuckle at the sight. "I guess we're even."
"Yep," Khao agreed, his eyes still locked on First's body.
Khao couldn't help but think how cute First looked with his round big eyes and the way his lips curved into a smile.
First seemed to notice Khao's intense staring, quirking an eyebrow at him. "Take a picture, it'll last longer," he teased.
Khao let out an embarrassed laugh at being caught. "Fuck off," he said, playfully shoving First's shoulder.
They continued to banter and flirt back and forth, their earlier tension noticeably dissipated as they made their way home.
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