[Kengkla x Techno] Unfinished Business (Love by Chance Fanfic)

Chapter 12 - Part 2

"What are you going to order, P'No?"

Kengkla asks the question from his seat across from Techno where he's practically leaning over the table with the booth seats pushed in so close together. It's close enough that Techno's foot brushes up against Kengkla's with every movement he makes under the table. Techno's thankful Kengkla randomly had clothes in his car so he doesn't smell, but Kengkla's father's button-up and slacks are a bit too dressed up for the typical Thai restaurant.

"I don't know," Techno offers in response, staring down at the menu in front of them in self-consciousness. "Maybe the Gang Som Pak Ruam?"

When Techno looks up from the menu, Kengkla is smiling at him, reaching for the paper to write down his order. "Sounds good. I'm having Tom Yum Gung," Kengkla tells Techno while he puts in the order and holds up the paper, waiting for the waitress.

She is over at the booth quickly, smiling at Kengkla with flushed cheeks while she takes the paper from his hand. Always polite, Kengkla nods and grins at her until she leaves, turning back to Techno. It's the same smile Kengkla gave Dawn, and something prickles over Techno's skin, something he doesn't understand. It feels like he needs to say something, and he doesn't understand why.

"So, did you like Ai' Dawn? How long were you two talking before I walked over? I haven't seen her in such a damn long time," Techno babbles, playing with the napkin on the table to keep his hands busy. "She's a good family friend. Her dad worked with mine."

Kengkla blinks with a smile but otherwise gives nothing away with his expression. "Only a few minutes, P'No," He states. "Does P'No like P'Dawn?"

Techno's eyebrows jump up, his expression opening under a burst of shock. "Like her? Well, yeah, P'Dawn is a good friend. I've known her since - damn, I don't know when. Anyway, I don't hang out with people I don't like," He explains honestly.

There's complete silence for a breath, no motion but Techno's fingers playing the napkin while Kengkla stares at him. Then, "No, P'No," He says, his voice taunt on some unreadable strain. "Do you like P'Dawn more than a friend?"

Techno's finger clench the napkin in his hand, and his heart speeds under Kengkla's stare. He's not exactly sure what Kengkla is asking, but he can guess. "Uh," He considers for a second then shrugs. "Not really. I've known her a long time, and she's always been just a junior to me, kinda like you were. Uh- I mean she is pretty and smart. Plus, she already knows all my bad habits, and she's damn rich." Kengkla's shoulders stiffen but otherwise says nothing, and it makes Techno think back to Dawn.

"Actually, she just told me she's even going into pharmaceutical science. Isn't that what your parents do, Ai' Kla? Honestly, she's more suited for you than me."

As soon as the words fall from Techno's lips, his heart clenches, but he doesn't understand why it bothers him that Kengkla and Dawn are so similar. Maybe it's because they're both intelligent, good looking, and rich, and he isn't. It has to be. But Techno realizes the pressure in his chest he's feeling now is the same as when Kengkla smiled at the waitress a few minutes ago. It feels like something gnawing at him, and Techno reaches up to scratch his chest out of instinct.

However, Kengkla looks at him as if he's speaking Spanish with a raised brow and tilt of his head. He really resembles a puppy at this moment. It would be almost cute if Techno wasn't so worried. "I disagree," Kengkla purrs, reaching out to brush his fingers across the back of Techno's hand holding the napkin, and he stills his hand under Kengkla's touch. "P'No is most suitable for me."

Kengklas words send a shiver up Techno's spine. "W-what?" Techno blurts as his cheeks glow to heat under Kengklas gaze. "But Ai' Kla, I'm not rich or even good looking! Don't you hear Ai' Type make fun of me for my grades? Honestly, I'm not as cool as Ai' Dawn and you."