Phana adjusted his pastel silk shirt nervously as he entered the grand banquet hall with his parents. The event, an arranged meeting organized by their families, was supposed to be an informal gathering, but the Magnificent decorations and the hovering relatives made it feel anything but casual. Chandeliers glistened overhead, and the scent of jasmine lingered in the air. Phana rolled his eyes internally. Another family-approved "candidate" to meet? He'd perfected the art of enduring these setups with charm and wit, but they rarely led to anything meaningful.
"Phana, darling, don't slouch," his mother whispered as she smoothed down his sleeve. He straightened reluctantly and flashed a winning smile at an approaching group. His father, ever the diplomat, greeted the newcomers warmly.
Among them stood a tall figure in a dark blue suit-broad shoulders, perfect posture, and an unreadable expression. Ming exuded calm authority, a stark contrast to Phana's animated presence. His dark eyes scanned the room before settling on Phana, their gazes locking for a brief moment. Phana felt a jolt of something he couldn't quite place. He looked away quickly, choosing instead to focus on greeting the elders. Ming, however, had already taken note of his sharp features, the subtle mischief dancing in his brown eyes, and the dimple that appeared when he smiled.
As the families exchanged pleasantries, Phana's mind wandered. He's handsome, sure, but does he have a personality? Ming, standing quietly beside his parents, radiated an air of seriousness that bordered on intimidating. Phana decided to test him.
"So, Ming," he said brightly, stepping closer. "Do you always attend these things looking like you're guarding a national secret, or is it just today?"
There was a beat of silence as everyone turned to look at them. Phana's parents looked horrified, but Ming's expression remained neutral, his dark eyes fixed on Phana. Then, to everyone's surprise, the corner of his mouth twitched upward into the faintest of smirks.
"And do you always speak before thinking, or is it just today?" Ming replied smoothly, his voice calm yet laced with dry humor.
Phana blinked, momentarily caught off guard. He wasn't used to people sparring back, especially with such composure. Recovering quickly, he shot him a playful grin. "Touche. But you'll have to do better than that if you want to keep up with me."
Ming's smirk deepened ever so slightly. "I don't think keeping up will be a problem."
The elders exchanged delighted glances, interpreting the exchange as the beginning of a harmonious match. Phana, meanwhile, felt his curiosity piqued. Finally, someone who doesn't bore me to tears.
As the evening wore on, Phana and Ming found themselves seated next to each other during dinner. Phana took it upon himself to fill the silence with chatter, regaling Ming with stories about his mischievous childhood escapades. Ming listened attentively, occasionally offering a dry comment that made Phana laugh. He noticed how Ming's seriousness wasn't arrogance-it was more of a quiet confidence.
When Phana teased him again, calling him "Mr. Stone Face," Ming leaned in slightly and said, "You seem very invested in figuring me out. Should I be flattered?"
Phana's cheeks warmed, but he covered it with a laugh. "Flattered? Oh no, I'm just trying to find the 'on' switch for your personality."
"Keep trying," Ming replied, his voice low but amused. "You might surprise yourself."
As the evening drew to a close, their parents were already discussing future plans, oblivious to the growing tension between the two. Phana, though outwardly relaxed, felt the weight of Ming's gaze on him as they exchanged polite goodbyes.
Just as Phana turned to leave, Ming's voice stopped him. "Phana."
He turned, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, Mr. Serious?"
Ming's smirk returned, subtle but undeniable. "You're not what I expected."
Phana tilted his head, intrigued. "Good unexpected or bad unexpected?"
Ming paused, his gaze steady. "I'll let you know."
Phana walked away with a grin tugging at his lips. Ming was different-reserved yet engaging, serious but with hidden layers of humor. For the first time, Phana felt a genuine spark. This arranged meeting might not be as boring as he'd thought.
