From Frost to Flame

Part 24- Saved By The Bell

Pete stepped out of the office building, the cool evening air brushing against his face as he glanced around for a cab. His mind was still tangled with the chaos of the day, but now that the office was behind him, he was ready to head home. He tugged at his jacket collar, mentally preparing himself for the long ride back. Pete was waiting for the cab when he saw a familiar figure across the parking lot—Kinn. He was about to wave, but before he could, a car pulled up in front of him, its engine purring softly. Pete halted in his tracks, wondering if the car had simply parked nearby. But then, the window slowly rolled down, and Pete froze when he saw who was behind the wheel.

"Day Rattana"

Pete blinked in surprise. It was his manager. Day flashed him a smile that was all warmth and ease, though Pete could feel the formality that came with the position.

"Good evening, Pete," Day greeted, his tone casual yet still with a hint of authority. "What are you doing out here? You're still around this late?"

Pete straightened up a little, instinctively adjusting his posture. "Oh, just waiting for a cab, sir," he replied, his voice polite but neutral. "I didn't expect to run into you here."

Day chuckled softly, leaning out slightly from the car window. "Well, I wasn't expecting to see you standing here either. Where are you headed?"

Pete hesitated for a moment before answering. "I live in Krung Thonburi."

Day nodded, his eyes glinting as if processing the information. "Ah, that's not too far from where I'm headed," he said with a warm smile. "Why don't you let me give you a ride? I'm going that way anyway."

Pete hesitated, the offer feeling a little too personal. But he didn't want to come off as ungrateful. "I appreciate the offer, sir, but I wouldn't want to trouble you," Pete said, trying to keep it polite but firm. "I'm sure the cab will be here soon."

Day raised an eyebrow, his smile never fading but his expression shifting slightly. "It's no trouble at all, Pete. I insist," he said, his tone light, almost playful. "Besides, it's better than standing around waiting, right?"

Pete felt the pressure mounting, unsure whether to accept. "I appreciate it, really," Pete said, giving a small but respectful smile. "But I'm sure I'll be fine. I'm just waiting for my cab."

Before Day could respond, a familiar voice broke into the conversation.

"Pete!"

Pete turned just in time to see Porsche walking toward him with his usual easygoing smile. The sight of his friend brought immediate relief, and Pete breathed out a small sigh of relief.

"Hey, Porsche," Pete said, giving him a grateful look. "You saved me from an awkward situation."

Day's gaze shifted from Pete to Porsche, his expression polite but his eyes lingering for a moment longer than necessary. Pete felt a slight discomfort in the lingering silence, so he quickly added, "I'll actually be going home with Porsche. He's here to receive me."

Day's gaze moved back to Pete, and he gave a small nod, the politeness still in his tone but with a subtle shift. "Ah, I see," he said, his eyes briefly flicking back to Porsche before meeting Pete's again. "Well, good night, Pete. I'll see you tomorrow at the office."

Pete nodded quickly, a little embarrassed but thankful for Porsche's timely arrival. "Good night, sir," he said, maintaining the professionalism he thought was expected of him. "Thanks again for the offer."

With that, Day gave a final polite wave before pulling away, leaving Pete and Porsche standing together.

As the car pulled away, Pete let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"Saved by the bell, huh?" Porsche said with a smirk, clapping Pete on the back.

"What?" Pete said, confused.

Porsche raised an eyebrow, grinning mischievously. "Looks like your manager's got a thing for you, huh?"

"No way," Pete said, his voice laced with disbelief. "By the way, thank you so much for coming in at the right time. That was getting so weird."

Porsche laughed, clapping Pete on the back. "No problem, bestie."

Pete exhaled deeply, still processing the awkwardness of the moment. "You have no idea. That was... weird," he said, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Day was really gone.

"Hey, I got your back," Porsche replied, his tone light. "You're lucky I was in the area. Now, let's get out of here. I'm starving."

Pete laughed, finally feeling the tension at ease. "Lead the way."

But just as Pete took a step forward, Porsche suddenly stopped and turned to him with a sly grin.

"Before that, we've got a guest," Porsche said, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Guest?" Pete said, confused.

"Yep, guest," Porsche confirmed as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "And no, it's not a date. It's Kinn."

Pete blinked, already knowing Porsche and Kinn were a couple, but still teasing. "Wait, what? Kinn?" He raised an eyebrow, giving Porsche an exaggerated look. "Don't you two want some alone time? I don't want to be the third wheel."

Porsche laughed, completely unfazed. "Nah, you're coming with us. Let's go."

Before Pete could even protest, Porsche grabbed his arm and started dragging him toward a sleek black car parked a few spaces away.

"Come on, let's go. We're all going to have dinner together," Porsche said, practically pulling Pete toward the car.

Pete tried to pull back, confusion and uncertainty creeping in. "But I... I didn't know about this. Why didn't you tell me?"

Porsche flashed him a knowing grin. "You didn't think I was going to let you off that easily, did you?"

As they approached the car, Pete's mind was racing. He had no idea what to expect. Kinn was standing outside, waiting for them, his warm smile lighting up the space between them.

"Hey, love," Kinn greeted, reaching out to pull Porsche into a hug. Without hesitation, Kinn leaned in and planted a quick, affectionate kiss on Porsche's cheek.

"Hi, Pete," Kinn added, stepping back and giving Pete a friendly nod.

"Hey," Pete replied, returning the greeting with a polite but somewhat awkward smile.

"Porsche, looking impatient, grinned and clapped Pete on the shoulder. "I'm starving, let's go!"

Pete raised an eyebrow. "You always say that, but I swear, you could eat a whole buffet and still be hungry."

Porsche smirked, unbothered. "What can I say? I'm a man of... appetite."

With a playful smile, Kinn opened the front door for Porsche and slid into the driver's seat himself. Porsche ushered Pete toward the back seat.

"Go ahead, sit in the back, man," Porsche said, gesturing for Pete to get in.

Pete, still processing the scene, walked around the car and opened the back door. Just as he was about to slide in, his eyes froze at the unexpected sight in the back seat.

Someone was already there. A figure, familiar sat in the back seat with a knowing grin, looking at Pete like he had been waiting for him.

Pete's heart skipped a beat as the figure's eyes met his.
He blinked, unsure if he was seeing things.
The face was one he never thought he'd see again, not here, not like this. He was none other  than—

who do you think it was?????????
Drops your thoughts in the comment...