LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH

Chapter 12: Kevin gets drunk

The evening unfolds at a cozy restaurant, its soft ambient lighting and the warm hum of chatter providing the perfect backdrop for dinner. The three of them settle into a corner booth, laughter spilling out as the evening progresses. Kevin is at the center of attention, cracking jokes and flirting shamelessly with the women at a nearby table. His charm earns giggles and playful responses, and his confidence only grows as the drinks flow freely.

Alex, sitting across from Kevin, can't help but roll his eyes. "Typical Kevin," he thinks, though a small smile plays at his lips. Beside him, Wiyan chuckles at Kevin's antics, shaking his head.

"He's something, isn't he?" Wiyan says, his voice warm and laced with amusement.

"Yeah, something," Alex replies, smirking. "Mostly a headache."

They exchange a laugh before turning back to their quieter conversation about trading. Alex, sipping his drink thoughtfully, leans in slightly. "So, the key to understanding market trends isn't just about numbers," he says, his voice gaining enthusiasm. "It's about predicting human behavior knowing how fear and greed drive decisions."

Wiyan listens intently, his eyes never leaving Alex. "That's fascinating," he says, his tone sincere. "You really know your stuff."

Alex shrugs modestly but can't hide the slight grin that creeps onto his face. "It's nice to be appreciated for something I'm passionate about," he thinks, surprised by how much he enjoys talking to Wiyan.

As the conversation deepens, Alex's usual guarded demeanor begins to crack. He smiles more openly, his gestures more animated, and Wiyan notices every detail. His heart skips as he sees Alex's face light up, his features softening in a way Wiyan hasn't seen before. "That smile... God, it's dangerous," Wiyan thinks, feeling a flush rise to his cheeks.

"You should teach this stuff," Wiyan says suddenly, his voice a little rushed.

Alex pauses, caught off guard. "Teach?"

"Yeah," Wiyan says, his cheeks still slightly red. "You're great at explaining it. You make it sound... exciting."

Alex blinks, the compliment settling over him like a warm blanket. "Exciting? No one's ever called it that before," he thinks, a strange flutter in his chest.

Before Alex can respond, their moment is interrupted by Kevin stumbling back to their table, visibly drunk. "My friends!" Kevin slurs, his words loud and unsteady. "I love you guys!"

Alex and Wiyan exchange a glance, both suppressing laughs. "Alright, Kevin," Alex says, standing to steady him. "Maybe it's time to call it a night."

Kevin, however, is far from finished. He throws his arms around Alex in a bear hug, nearly knocking him off balance. "Don't leave me!" Kevin cries, pressing a sloppy kiss to Alex's cheek. "You're my world, Alex! My world!"

For a moment, Alex is frozen, his face a mixture of shock and embarrassment. "Oh, for the love of this guy is unbelievable," he thinks, glancing around to see if anyone is watching.

"Kevin, you're drunk," Alex says firmly, gently trying to pry Kevin off. "Come on, man. Let's get you out of here."

Wiyan watches the scene unfold, his chest tightening at the sight of Kevin clinging to Alex so intimately. He quickly stands, stepping in to help. "I'll hold him," Wiyan offers, his voice calm but his jaw slightly clenched. He takes Kevin's arm from Alex, supporting his weight with ease.

Alex exhales in relief. "Thanks, Wiyan. I owe you one."

Wiyan shakes his head, giving a small smile. "No problem. Let's just get him home." "I'd do anything to make this easier for you," Wiyan thinks, though he keeps the thought to himself.

They make their way out of the restaurant, Alex carrying Kevin's bag and Wiyan's as well. The cool night air greets them as they step onto the quiet street, the distant hum of traffic their only company. Kevin, now muttering incoherently, leans heavily on Wiyan, who handles him with surprising patience.

As they walk, Alex steals a glance at Wiyan. "He didn't have to do this," he thinks, a pang of gratitude washing over him. "Most people would've bailed by now. But he's still here. Why does that... mean so much?"

"You okay over there?" Alex asks softly, noticing Wiyan shifting Kevin's weight.

"Yeah," Wiyan replies, glancing at Alex with a reassuring smile. "I've handled worse."

Alex chuckles, his tension easing slightly. "You're a lifesaver, man."

Wiyan's smile widens, but he says nothing, his focus shifting back to Kevin. "I'd carry both of you if I had to," he thinks, his admiration for Alex only growing.

When they reach Kevin's dorm, Alex unlocks the door and helps Wiyan guide Kevin inside. They settle him onto the couch, where he promptly passes out, snoring loudly.

Alex sighs, running a hand through his hair. "What a night," he mutters.

Wiyan chuckles, leaning against the doorway. "Never a dull moment with Kevin, huh?"

Alex smiles, shaking his head. "Nope. Thanks again for helping. I don't think I could've handled him alone."

Wiyan shrugs, his voice soft. "I wanted to help." He hesitates for a moment before adding, "I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Alex's heart skips at the sincerity in Wiyan's tone. He looks up, meeting Wiyan's gaze, and for a brief moment, the world seems to fall away. "Why do you care so much?" Alex wonders, a mix of confusion and warmth flooding his chest.

Breaking the silence, Alex clears his throat and looks away. "Well, I appreciate it," he says, his voice quieter now.

Wiyan smiles, a small, almost shy smile, and nods. "Anytime," he replies.

As Wiyan leaves, Alex closes the door and leans against it, his mind racing. "What is this feeling?" he wonders, his hand brushing the spot where Kevin had kissed his cheek. But it's not Kevin he's thinking about. It's Wiyan his kindness, his patience, the way his eyes seemed to see straight through Alex's walls.

"This is dangerous," Alex thinks, a strange mix of excitement and fear swirling inside him. "But maybe... it's worth the risk."