Beyond the Screen

2

Off and Gun fall into the routine of laughing and carrying on during the daytime but speaking in whispers and panting during the nighttime. They are fortunate to be scheduled together for events lately thereby allowing them to spend even more time together while at work. As long as Off has the energy to make it to the lobby of Gun's condo after bidding the GMM staff goodbye, he is going to slither into the Gun's room and Gun allows him. Gun permits Off in spaces no one has ever has the honor of occupying, allows Off to say things, very sinful yet exciting things to him, things that certainly would make others jump in their skins. They are both players in this unspoken battle of inciting all manner of feelings, setting each other's skin ablaze, trying not to engulf the entire bed in flames all while managing to fan the flames of a consuming love away from wondering eyes.

Nothing change at work. Gun remains attached to Off's hip whenever he is around as he has always been whereas Off does a great job of sharing his jovial and goofy personality. Everyone understands that they share a special relationship which the labels 'couple' and 'friends' do not exactly do not do much justice in defining exactly what they are. As a result no one suspects anything from the ordinary.

However, a bit of a change is seen in Off, in that he releases his inhibitions. Once Gun was walking out of the bathroom only to cross path with Off heading in the opposite direction. Off then quickly cornered Gun and gave him a quick kiss. Gun was so surprised that he stood motionless, hot air escaping through parted lips.

"Missed you." Off said and scampered off.

Gun couldn't help but smile to himself at Off's spontaneous show of affection. He his heart raced and his face had fell all of a sudden. So many thoughts were swirling around in his mind as the speed of light, making him feel a little light headed. Surely, if Off kept this up, Gun was bound to fall deeper into this secret love affair.

***

"Gun!" Tay shouts from across the room and runs to where Gun is sitting, breaking him free from his stupor, he was already inebriated on merely thoughts of Off. Time seems to be a scarce commodity for him these days with all his thoughts, dreams and days filled with talking to Off , talking about Off, thinking about Off and wanting to be with Off every second of every waking minute.

"Why do you have that stupid look on your face?" Tay teases before nudging Gun to slide over on the seat in order to make space for him.

"Nothing." Gun shakes his head and tries to not grin like an idiot and failing miserably. He can already feel the 'smile lines' being etched in his cheeks.

Tay, unconvinced by Gun's obvious lie, drops the subject and shows Gun his phone.

"Look at these TayGun posts." Tay laughs.

"Ohhh!! They are calling us a ghost ship." Tay does a little victory dance internally because he succeeded in. He has Gun's attention. The remaining hurdle now is to maintain Gun's attention and keep him engaged.

"Yeah! Check out these fan art, so creative."

"Yeah. I really like this one because they used a good angle to capture my dimple just right." Gun jokes and smiles as he shows Tay his dimple. Such a simple act can send Tay's heart into overdrive. He sees Gun as kind soul whom he just wants to nurture and hold and hug. They have been friends for the past five years and during that period, a switch flicked and Tay woke up one day in love with his friend. Coming to terms with the possibility of having romantic feelings for Gun was a battle in himself, a turmoil which engulfed for about three months. His sexuality was once under scrutiny of his own eyes and judgement until he finally arrived at the stage of self-acceptance.

"What are you talking about? You look great from any angle." Tay says.

"Pssh , smooth operator." Gun nudges Tay with his shoulder. "Is that what they are saying these days? I must be getting old."