Parallel Love

13.

Unexpectedly a drizzle set in the beach the other day. Though it was just a drizzle it was heavy enough for the lazy cats staying in the Resort to keep indoors and glue themselves to their chairs. The view of these four lazy men became such a horrendous sight to New that he retreated to do some important work that required his attention as the owner of the place.

The ice cream  was melting in Gun's hand and when he finally took the effort to take it close to his mouth to have a hungry bite, he smeared it around his mouth; an action that reflected his 'I don't care if I'm an adult' attitude.

It looked amusing to Off. Even a kid could do better than this. He was laughing his heart out because he found a trace of mischievousness similar to that of Rome stirred in Gun as well.

Since Off was indulging in a mocking laughter and keeping his thoughts to himself, Gun pouted and gave a piercing glance demanding an explaination.

"It's all over your face '' Off with his bare hand wiped Gun's mouth clean with tenderness as if not wanting to hurt Gun even by mistake.

Gun loved this side of Off and he smiled in response giving way to the  two dimples in his cheeks.

Off's tenderness turned into admiration.
Now this stimulated Off's mind to go astray. He had lived practically like a sage for the past few months. That was long enough. It looked like his self-restraint was being tested and the proximity he had with Gun was not helping him either.

His eyes were glued to those plump lips and it seemed that his hand was an entity that worked on its own. But still...
He quickly pulled his hand away from Gun's lips which somehow found its way to such a sacred place, as soon as he heard a cough.

Arthit was wearing a smug face as a mischievous  intruder as he was thoroughly enjoying the scene before him.
It wasn't his intention to intrude but he was getting bored of napping and arguing with Kongpob. He wanted to have a small talk with the most precious guests of New.

"P'Off, you have such a nice voice.. it is so good like that of P..''
Before Arthit could finish, Kongbob interrupted reminding him to be careful.

"It seems you already got yourself a fan here, P'Off.'' Kongpob tried to dispel the awkwardness of the situation.

Off smiled as for him it was a genuine compliment.

"That reminds me.. if Gun is a fan of Off too?'' Arthit loved this kind of conversation which if his opinion would invariably lead to a sudden but sweet love- confession.

Gun nods without answering but suddenly he became a bit courageous ''but I was a stalker first, right?''

Off was taken back by surprise. There was mockery in Gun's tone. All of a sudden Off was reminded of their first meeting.

Flashback

Off was staggering in the night streets, he was weary of that night's performance.

But he was tired than usual as he had caught a cold and had a risk of fever.

He didn't want  to disappoint Tay and others. Before others could suspect his condition, he slipped away from the dressing room without anyone noticing.

His knees shook that he had to sit in the pavement and curled himself like a cat longing for warmth.

"Are you ok?'' A hand was directed at him. He shook it away as if to say he doesn't need any help.

"I'll help you get home.'' The little hand touched his shoulders with an apparent concern.

"Are you a stalker by any chance?'' Even in his condition, Off managed to spill out the words to scare the little one away. He didn't want to bother anyone because he knew he could get to his place on his own, especially since it wasn't that far away.

The little one blinked several times not knowing what to say, a little offended at the same time a little worried.

"I'll help you...walk home....I'm not a stalker but I'm your neighbour'' He managed to formulate a response.

Off gaped his mouth. Perhaps there was someone who can make him- the most talkative man in the world- go speechless. And that someone was his neighbour that he didn't even know existed. How unaware of his surroundings has he lived?

Before he could refuse once again, the little one helped him get on his feet and helped him walk a little. It looked rather absurd to Off, he could just sweep this little one off his leg and carry him all the way effortlessly. 

But instead he leaned against his warm neighbour and let him guide Off to their destination.

Flashback end.

Their destination! Off laughed at that thought. Back then, it even sounded romantic to him as he put on various excuses just to arrange coincidental meetings with Gun.

Too much coincidences for his own good that Gun would wear a ''I don't believe you for a second'' face.
Those were the days.

He even wished Gun remained his neighbour a little longer despite putting on that fake distance between them.

As if to break him free of his worrisome thoughts,  he heard Gun giggling over something Arthit said.  It made Off's heart lighter. He just wanted this vacation to go on forever.