The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink as Ming and Phana returned home from the market. The day had been full of lighthearted moments, but Phana couldn't shake the memory of Ming's possessiveness earlier. While he found it endearing, he also thought it was the perfect opportunity for a little fun.
Ming was predictable in certain ways—serious, protective, and always in control. Phana, on the other hand, thrived on spontaneity and mischief. As they stepped into their apartment, Phana's mind was already whirring with ideas.
"Ming, could you grab some water for me?" Phana asked sweetly as he kicked off his shoes.
Ming nodded, heading toward the kitchen without a second thought. Phana watched him go, a sly grin forming on his face.
By the time Ming returned, Phana was lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone. Ming handed him the glass of water and sat down beside him, his usual calm demeanor in place.
"Thanks, babe," Phana said, taking a sip. He set the glass down and turned to Ming, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know, I've been thinking about earlier."
Ming raised an eyebrow. "What about earlier?"
Phana leaned closer, resting his chin on his palm. "The way you scared off that guy at the market. So possessive, so serious. I think it's only fair that I test how much you care about me."
Ming's eyes narrowed slightly, though there was a flicker of amusement in them. "What are you up to, Phana?"
"Oh, nothing much," Phana replied innocently, leaning back against the couch. "Just... maybe I'll go out tomorrow wearing something extra cute. See how many stares I can get."
Ming's jaw tightened, and he gave Phana a pointed look. "Don't even think about it."
Phana laughed, his voice light and teasing. "Why not? Are you afraid someone might steal me away?"
"No one's stealing you away," Ming said firmly, his hand sliding to rest possessively on Phana's knee.
Phana's grin widened. "So serious," he teased, poking Ming's cheek. "Relax, I'm just messing with you."
Ming sighed, though he couldn't hide the small smile tugging at his lips. "You're impossible."
"And you love me for it," Phana shot back, sticking out his tongue.
The evening passed uneventfully, with Ming settling into his usual routine of reading while Phana browsed social media. But Phana wasn't done with his playful revenge just yet.
The next morning, Phana was up early, rummaging through his closet for the perfect outfit. He finally settled on a fitted shirt and jeans that showed off just enough to grab attention without being too obvious. He knew it would drive Ming crazy, and that was exactly what he wanted.
When Ming walked into the room, still groggy from sleep, his eyes immediately zeroed in on Phana's outfit.
"Where are you going dressed like that?" Ming asked, his voice still rough from sleep but laced with suspicion.
"Just out," Phana replied casually, running a hand through his hair.
"With who?" Ming pressed, crossing his arms.
"Just myself," Phana said, grabbing his phone and keys. "I figured I'd explore the city a bit."
Ming frowned, his protective instincts kicking in. "Phana—"
"Relax, I'll be fine," Phana interrupted, giving him a quick peck on the cheek before heading toward the door. "Don't wait up!"
Ming stared after him, his jaw tightening. He trusted Phana, but that didn't mean he liked the idea of him wandering around looking so... alluring.
Phana's "outing" was less about sightseeing and more about stirring the pot. He spent the day taking selfies in scenic spots, posting them to his social media with captions that he knew would catch Ming's attention.
By the time he returned home, it was well past dinnertime. Ming was in the living room, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable.
"Had fun?" Ming asked, his voice calm but carrying an edge.
Phana grinned, kicking off his shoes. "Tons! You should've come with me."
Ming stood, his towering presence making Phana's heart race—not with fear, but with anticipation. "You know exactly why I didn't."
"Oh, come on," Phana said, brushing past him toward the kitchen. "It was just a little fun."
Ming followed, his steps deliberate. "Fun, huh? Posting pictures for everyone to see. Drawing attention to yourself."
Phana turned to face him, his grin playful. "Are you jealous, Ming?"
Ming didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stepped closer, his hands coming to rest on either side of Phana, trapping him against the counter.
"Maybe I am," Ming said, his voice low. "What are you going to do about it?"
Phana's breath hitched, his cheeks flushing. He hadn't expected Ming to turn the tables so quickly. "I... I was just teasing," he stammered.
"Teasing, huh?" Ming leaned in, his face inches from Phana's. "Do you know how hard it was for me to sit here all day, wondering if someone else might look at you the way I do?"
Phana's teasing grin faltered, replaced by a softer expression. "Ming, you know I only have eyes for you."
Ming's intense gaze softened slightly, though his arms remained firmly in place. "Then stop trying to make me jealous. It's not fair."
Phana reached up, cupping Ming's face in his hands. "I'm sorry," he said sincerely. "I just wanted to see how much you'd react. I didn't mean to upset you."
Ming sighed, leaning into Phana's touch. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"And you love me for it," Phana replied with a small smile.
Ming couldn't help but chuckle, the tension in his shoulders easing. He wrapped his arms around Phana, pulling him into a tight embrace. "I do. But next time, just ask for attention. You don't have to go to such lengths to get it."
Phana laughed, burying his face in Ming's chest. "Deal."
The two stayed like that for a while, the earlier tension melting away. Ming pressed a kiss to the top of Phana's head, silently vowing to cherish him even in his most mischievous moments.
