#*fic23

Tae rose gracefully from the couch and crossed to stand in front of Big, who tried to keep his face respectfully neutral even while he longed to breathe deeply and lose himself in the heady scent of Tae’s perfume.

“I’m sorry about him,” Tae said, rolling his eyes in Tankhun’s direction before smiling at Big as if they were sharing a secret. As if they were the sort of friends who could share a secret. “What he meant to say was - do you remember last month, you came with Kinn and I to that art gallery?”

“Of course, Khun Tae,” Big replied politely. He wouldn’t have phrased it that way - he’d been working that evening, not accompanying them like a friend or guest, but he did remember the gallery. The exhibition hadn’t been to his taste, but he’d enjoyed the evening anyway. 

Big always did, when Tae was there.

“Well, I was showing a friend some of the photos I took that night, and they saw you in them - just, you know, hanging around the artworks, it wasn’t - I didn’t take pictures of you - anyway, the thing is, they’re a fashion designer and they’ve got a launch coming up, and they - well, we - thought you would be the most perfect model for their new line.”

“I see,” Big said carefully. He shot Tankhun a look over the top of Tae’s head, in case he had an Opinion(™) about that, but he just looked bored.

“I said I’d ask you, anyway, and of course you can say no if you don’t want to, only you’d be saving their skin if you said yes.” Tae paused and looked up at him; he looked happier than Big had seen him in a long time. Certainly happier than he’d looked since he’d finally shaken Khun Time loose. “They’re a good friend of mine, so I’d consider it a personal favour.”

“Yes?” Big said. It was closer to a question than he’d meant it to be, but Tae didn’t seem to mind.

“I - oh! Yes?” Tae asked, looking at him eagerly. “Yes, for real? Oh, Big, thank you, I owe you such a massive favour! Whatever you want, just let me know.”

Big thought about the favour he’d really like to ask for, and bit his tongue, and smiled politely. And that was how, with a calm and respectful nod, and his true feelings locked tightly away where no one would ever find them, he became a runway model.

***

The show was packed, Big was alarmed to discover, peeking around the curtains that hid the manic, messy, chaotic backstage area. He hastily tugged the curtain back into place and turned to see Tae watching him carefully.

“Are you ok?” Tae asked kindly. “If you have stage fright, you know, you can just look at me. I’ll be in the front row, near the end of the catwalk. Just pretend I’m the only person there. After all, you’re not scared of me, are you?”

“No, who could be scared of you, Khun Tae,” Big said nervously. “You’re too kind to be scary.” He didn’t add that fear was so far from how he felt about Tae that it might as well be another country. 

“Oh, that’s sweet of you,” Tae said with a smile. Like so many of his smiles, it didn’t quite reach his eyes, but Big thought he looked a little less sad than usual, today. “Ok, off you go and get changed. I have to find my seat. Good luck, and remember, I’ll be the only person out there.” He patted Big on the arm and left; the touch of his hand lingered on Big’s skin as long as the scent of his perfume lingered in the air.

Big changed into his first outfit mechanically. He’d spent a long and frankly boring day at Kamon’s atelier earlier in the week, being fitted for the three outfits he’d be wearing at the show today, and at the time he’d been annoyed at giving up so much of his time for such a seemingly useless cause. Now, though, he was glad of the practice run; his hands shook slightly and the silk belt he was trying to fasten kept slipping loose. 

The first walk was the worst. Big had practised everything, but he hadn’t remembered about the noise; the show had loud, thumping music playing at a volume that made it impossible to hear his own thoughts.

Maybe that was for the best though, as the moment he stepped out from behind the curtain, all he could see was Tae. And for all that Tae had told him to look at him and him alone, it didn’t feel right. Big was sure that he would never have suggested it - would never have given Big permission! - if he knew how Big felt when he looked at Tae. 

In any case, it certainly wasn’t the cure for stage fright that Tae had thought it would be. Big could feel his heart pounding, far faster than it ought to have been for such a simple walk. As he reached the end of the catwalk and paused, dropping a hip diligently the way Kamon had shown him, the sound of his own blood rushing in his ears finally blocked out the terrible music and Big risked a glance at Tae.

Looking directly at him was a mistake. Tae was the sun, shining brightly as though he were the one under the spotlights, as though he were the one in the bejewelled silk dress that glittered like a galaxy when he moved even the tiniest fraction. Big stared at him, pretty and lovely and everything that he wanted and could never have, and wondered how it could be possible that all the eyes in the room were on Big when Tae was right there.

Tae gave him an encouraging smile, sweet and hopeful, and then gestured discreetly with his chin. Big shook his head to clear his thoughts and turned on his heel. The walk back down the runway felt longer, somehow.

Outfit two was more of the same; Big’s palms sweated a little less and his heart rate dropped out of a worrying range, but otherwise it was loud and awkward and he felt ridiculous in the oversized suit Kamon put him in. (Why, he wanted to ask, did you spend so long measuring me, just to dress me in a shapeless tent? But he bit his lip and did his little walk for them, and pretended Tae’s soft smile meant things it didn’t, just to fortify himself for the walk back.)

It wasn’t until Big was halfway down the catwalk in his third outfit that he realised how he felt. This look, with its miniskirt and long leather boots, and tightly-laced leather corset to match, had been his favourite when trying them on; moving in it was something else altogether. He felt almost drunk on the feeling of power the added height gave him, the way the heels made him change his posture to keep his balance, the way that even the people in the front who had eyed him with disinterest a few moments earlier were now leaning forward in their seats to get a better look. 

As he approached the end of the runway, Big prepared to turn one last time. He took one last step, dropped his hip, looked down at Tae and nearly fell on his face. Instead of his encouraging smile, Tae was staring at him with his mouth agape, the corner of his tongue poking out to one side, and his hands were gripping his knees, bunching up the fabric so tightly Big was sure he must be giving himself bruises. Big almost opened his mouth to ask if he was ok, before he remembered that he was currently occupied, and he didn’t think Tae would thank him for fucking up his friend’s important show.

Frowning, Big turned on his heel and headed backstage for the last time. As his head snapped round, he saw Tae standing up and walking away out of the corner of his eye. The sight distracted him and he nearly missed his step, only just catching himself in time to avoid tumbling to the floor.

“Was that ok?” Big asked Kamon the second the curtains cut off the sight of the audience. “I thought - it felt ok, but then Khun Tae left, was something wrong?” 

“I don’t think he left because anything was wrong,” Kamon said, in a tone of voice that suggested Big was being very dense. “But why don’t you ask him yourself?”

“Ask me what?” Tae said, behind Big. He spun around on his heel - he was good at that now, he noticed, but then he’d always been a quick study - and found Tae staring at him again, with that same shocked intensity. “You wanted to ask me something?”

“I just wondered if something looked weird,” Big mumbled. “You were staring at me, that’s all. I mean, everyone was, it’s not… it doesn’t matter. It’s fine.”

“I’m sorry, Big,” Tae said quickly. “I, um. This outfit looked even better on the runway than I expected, that’s all.”

“Ah, Tae, I meant to ask you,” Kamon interjected. “I have to check on the rest of the models, but Big mentioned he has to get back to Kinn soon. Could you give him a hand changing out of this outfit? The corset can be tricky to unlace alone, and I don’t want to risk scratching the leather.” 

“Oh, I don’t need -” Big started to say, but Tae was already nodding and giving his friend solemn assurances that the corset would be in the best, most careful hands. Big felt a small, warm hand on his wrist, and before he knew it, he was being dragged into another room.

“That,” Tae said quietly, once they were alone, “was amazing. You looked amazing, Big - oh, you still do, of course. You look - I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable, but I just… oh my god.” Tae’s hand was still clasped gently around his wrist; Big hoped he couldn’t feel how fast his heart was beating, a frantic rhythm that gave the lie to his cool demeanour.

There were so many things Big wanted to say to him. He settled on part of the truth, if he couldn’t give him the whole thing. “You never make me uncomfortable, Khun Tae,” he said quietly. “I was just worried something was wrong with the outfit, or… I don’t know. I didn’t want to ruin Khun Kamon’s show, I know it’s important to you.”

“It is,” Tae said distractedly. He couldn’t seem to meet Big’s eyes; instead, his gaze hovered over the corset, darting back and forth between the tightly-cinched waist and the top of the leather, where two straps stretched past his collarbones to wrap around his neck. “It’s - thank you, I should say that now, in case Kamon forgets later, it’s so busy in there.” 

“It’s been a pleasure,” Big said. He almost stopped there, kept silent still, but the lust in Tae’s gaze was as clear as the best gin and twice as strong, and it made him bolder than he would normally dare to be. “I’d do anything for you, you know.”

That was enough to win back Tae’s attention. His eyes snapped up, meeting Big’s gaze with shock and desire writ clear on his face. “Big?”

“I don’t mean to overstep. I hope that wasn’t too much,” Bug murmured. “But you’re so - so lovely, and I thought you should know. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Tae took a step towards him and reached up, sliding a finger across the edge of the corset, tracing the shoreline between leather and skin. “I thought you didn’t notice me at all. You’re so cold, and the way you look at me… I thought I’d never hear you say anything half as nice to me.”

“You really don’t mind? Because there are so many other things I could tell you, I could say how pretty you are, or how kind,” Big said, feeling flush with bravery, as though Tae’s touch was filling him with courage and quelling the part of him that always held himself back. “I could tell you how I’ve seen you for years, and wished I could make things better for you, or how I - mmmph!”

Big’s confession was interrupted, but he didn’t care at all, because Tae was kissing him and it was everything he’d dreamt it would be, and more. He wanted to stop and tell him, but the thought of breaking away, of ending such a magical moment by choice, of voluntarily letting his lips leave Tae’s, was unthinkable.

The decision was made for him by Tae, who pulled back but then immediately came close again and kissed him in the centre of his chest, halfway between the straps that had so entranced him. Looking up at him with eyes blown wide with lust, he traced their path with stuttering fingers, beside the straps, up the side of Big’s neck, along his jaw. 

“Can I take this off you?” Tae asked. 

Big didn’t trust himself to speak; he nodded roughly and turned around, bracing himself against the wall, and shuddered when he felt Tae step up behind him. With gentle hands on his hips, Tae nudged him into position, and then reached up to unbuckle the strap around his neck, fingers moving achingly slowly. When that fell loose, he untied the laces knotted at the base of his spine. It wasn’t until he exhaled that Big realised he could feel Tae’s breath on the back of his neck, gusting shakily over his skin as nimble fingers loosened the cords cinching him in tight, caging him in Kamon’s leather shell. As Tae freed him, Big felt he was shaking off a second skin, or bursting forth from a cocoon, born anew under Tae’s tender touch. 

Big nearly jolted out of his skin again when Tae kissed his back, a hot press of his mouth to the nape of his neck. He worked his way down, kissing along Big’s spine and stroking along his ribs. It wasn’t until he stepped away and turned him around that Big realised what he was doing; kissing down the centre of Big’s torso, his fingers traced up and down the lines the corset’s boning had left on him, light red depressions that stood out starkly on his pale skin. 

“You like them?” Big asked, covering Tae’s hand with his own and dragging them together from his nipple down to his waist. 

“I do,” Tae whispered, intrigued and sounding almost ashamed of his fascination. “Do they hurt?”

“Not even a little bit,” Big told him. Tae nodded thoughtfully and kissed his chest again.

Cupping Tae’s chin, Big tipped his face up gently and kissed his mouth, savouring the taste of him as much as the eagerness with which he opened up for Big. His desire made him soft and pliable, until it was easy to imagine that he wanted this as much as Big did, that this was more than a convenient if unexpected encounter that he’d forget about as soon as it was done. 

With a low, short growl, Big spun them round so Tae was pressed up against the wall, pinned by the weight of Big’s body. He wrapped an arm around Tae’s waist and slid his hand down the small of his back to rest there, just where his spine began to curve away into the swell of plump and perfect cheeks. With their bodies flush, he could feel Tae’s cock, firming up and pressing against his thigh; with his free hand, he tugged up his skirt and then jammed a leg between Tae’s thighs so he was grinding against bare skin. 

“Do you want to take these off?” Big asked, hooking a finger into the waistband of Tae’s leather trousers. 

Tae shook his head quickly, looping his arms around Big’s neck. “No, no, they take forever to get on and I can’t - I don’t want to wait, I just want - here, let me -” He undid the button on his flies and yanked the zipper down, giving Big just enough room to slip a hand into his pants. 

Big curled his fingers around Tae’s cock, his grip gentle at first, but firmer as Tae gasped and ground his hips into the touch. His eyes closed slowly and he tipped his head back, so that Big had the most perfect view imaginable of his pretty face with its gorgeous cheekbones and soft pink lips, glossy and slightly parted.

“Ahh, fuck,” Tae whispered, and then Big felt fingers dig into his shoulders as he clung on to him. “That’s - yes, yeah, yes, that’s it, I - fuck, Big, I can’t believe you want me, you want this. Tell me you do? Tell me you want me?”

Big inhaled sharply; he understood the words, but their meaning felt unbelievable still. “I do, or course I do. I want you so much. I told you already, anything for you. Anything you want.” 

Tae’s eyes flew open and he stared up at Big, something deep and charged in his gaze. “Do you - ah! Do you mean that?” he asked, voice catching halfway through when Big ran a thumb over his head.  

Big thought of the years spent in Tae’s orbit, shadowing Kinn and feeling like his heart was being torn this way and that with the two of them, both so bright to him, and himself so invisible to them both. He thought of the casual cruelty in Time’s disregard and the looks of unbearable sadness that occasionally flashed on Tae’s face, before he plastered an unconvincing smile over top of them. He thought of the way Tae had lit up when Big agreed to do him a favour, and the naked lust on his face when Big had walked out onto the runway in his now-discarded corset. 

“I did,” Big told him. “I do.” 

Tae came with a cut-off gasp, slapping a hand across his mouth to muffle his moans as Big jerked him through his orgasm. He wanted to keep talking, to heap on some of the praise he’d been storing up for years, but the set of Tae’s shoulders, the shaking of his frame, suggested it might be too heavy a burden to bear. 

“Oh fuck, Big, that was - wow,” Tae murmured a moment later, face still buried in Big’s neck. “Can I… will you tell me what you like?”

“Anything, anything,” Big muttered; if he’d been less turned on he might have been embarrassed of his answer, but he was so far gone already and he thought Tae ought to know how close he was. 

Tae bit his lip, then licked one of his palms before running his spit-slick hand up under Big’s skirt. “Oh,” he whispered when he realised Big was wearing nothing underneath. “Oh, were you - the whole time, on the catwalk?”

“Kamon said it would ruin the lines,” Big bit out, wrapping his hand around Tae’s and encouraging him to a faster pace. “I didn’t want to ruin anything with bad lines. I don’t even know what they are - yes, please, that, please! - but I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted you to be pleased with me.””

“Astonishing,” Tae murmured, stroking him faster, hand curling tighter under Big’s grip. “You’re something else, Big.” 

“Mm, please,” Big gasped, rocking his hips forwards to try and get a little extra friction. “Please, take pity on me, have mercy…”

“Oh my god,” Tae said in breathless English. “Oh, fuck, you sound so pretty when you whine. Oh, will you let me do this again some time? When we could take it slow? I want to drag it out, see how long I can make you whine before you can’t even speak. Would you like that, Big, darling? Would you let me tease until I’d fucked all the words out of your head?”

Tae’s words killed him, in the best way; the Big who had got dressed up a few moments before was well and truly ended, making space for a whole new person to inhabit his skin. He came silently, the hand wrapped around Tae’s clutching tight as he spilled over their tangled fingers. Tae turned them around one last time so he could slump against the wall when his shaky legs threatened to turn to jelly completely, and then he carded a hand gently through Big’s hair. 

“Oh my god,” Big said eventually, echoing Tae. “I didn’t - where did you learn to talk like that, fuck.”

“Did you like it?” Tae asked him, not quite meeting his eyes, but not pulling away either. Big swallowed and nodded, and waited for the warm press of his body to disappear. “Because I… I meant it. If you wanted to do this again… that would be ok.”

Big wished he were better with words, that he could somehow find a way to explain to Tae that the last few minutes of his life had been the most extraordinary thing possible, and that even if he never got to experience Tae’s touch again, he’d die a happy man. The thought that it would be ok to see him again… his heart was beating a quick, angry rhythm in his chest. 

“I, uh. I would - that would be ok with me, too.” A thought occurred to him, and Big reached up to stroke Tae’s hair gently, in case he ruined everything and didn’t get another chance. “Do you think,” he asked carefully, trying not to jostle Tae where he was leant against him, “do you think your friend would let us borrow the corset again, another time?”

  He had to act as soon as he was sure about the facts. As soon as it was clear that the seemingly kind woman was only there to spy on him. It had taken him days to figure it out once he began suspecting that his actions were being reported back to the tower from someone in a position to closely monitor him. Things like his schedule as well as his ties in the industry were being leaked. He couldn't help that he had put the clues together just before an event.

  Kim tried to pull himself together. He reminded himself that had faced far worse things in his life than his manager's frustration. But Yok’s disappointed face left him far more unsettled than his father’s cold and impassive one. It made him think of Khun’s beseeching eyes or Kinn’s glances of quiet desperation. They could barely see eye to eye anymore, especially after-  

  He mentally shook himself, not wanting to linger in thoughts of his family. He did not like that those were the first comparisons he could think of with regards to Yok.

Thankfully no one was around to see his mask slip and reveal his maudlin thoughts. He vowed to himself to not let himself think these things ever again, especially not in his Yok's office with its full glass walls.

  He took a deep breath, ignoring the voice that sounded like Khun instructing him on the process. He slowly counted all the exits on the floor that were visible to him, then the ones which were not visible but he was still aware of, finishing with all the weapons he carried on him. 

  When that wasn’t enough of a distraction, He mapped out the building in his head, all in-order to keep himself from feeling too many things in a place that was not his.

  Yok stormed back in just as he was completing his little ritual, already mid-rant and holding out her phone to him.

  “You should consider yourself lucky that I remembered someone who could save your ass. But it is now your problem to talk to him and get him on board especially on such a short notice. Here, talk to him yourself and know that I'll be quitting soon because of your antics! Honestly, you won't even tell me what was wrong with the previous girl. What am I supposed to think? But here, this is your responsibility now and so make sure to not fumble it as well, okay?” she thrust the phone at him and without stopping her tirade backed out of the room once again. “Now I have to go tell the rest of the team about this and prepare them for all the antics you have saved up for tomorrow! Talk to him, Okay? He is truly the only option left.”

  Kim blinked at her retreating from, thinking that by now he should be used to how loquacious Yok gets when she feels stressed. But somehow it still blindsides him with how similar her rants sound to Khun’s regular speech. He groaned, noticing that he was back on his sentimental thoughts despite vowing only seconds ago to cut it out.

  He looked down at his hand for a distraction and groaned again when he realised he had to talk to a complete stranger on top of all this, that too asking for help of all things.

  Kim did not let himself feel too pathetic about it, as he knew this was also Yok’s way of letting him feel out the new person. She would have been well within her rights to just hire somebody that fit the requirements, especially with what he did without informing her.

  He took another breath to gather himself and looked at who he was supposed to call. He was surprised on seeing that this person was apparently close to Yok. The filled call log and far too many emojis present on the contact name were any indication enough of the fact.

  Bracing himself with the knowledge that Yok wouldn't just saddle him with someone she didn't trust and know as well, given  the evidence, he hit the call button.

  The call rang, and then rang some more. Just as he was about to hit ‘end call’ out of sheer anxiety, it connected. The voice came through was sleep-gruff yet somehow still perky and excited.

  “Hi, P’Yok! Didn't expect you to call this early, But ah its past 10, must be a normal work hour for you. Speaking of, why did you call me now? If it's to confirm about Saturday, you should know I'm still in. I tried to convince Hia again but he, like the scaredy cat he is, completely refused to listen to me. But you, me and P’B-”

  “This is not Yok!” Kim managed to get out, cutting into the deluge pouring from the phone. He was in awe of how fast the stranger was speaking. The stranger made a confused sound that should not have sounded as cute as it did and Kim rushed to explain himself. “She gave me your number because I need a makeup artist for a photoshoot tomorrow and we were hoping you would be interested.”

  A little ‘oh’ was the only reply punctuating a drawn out silence. Kim desperately wanted to know what the stranger was thinking but he dared not say anything that might come out rougher than he intended. So he was stuck agonising over what he could do to convince this stranger. He felt completely out of his element and tried his best not to show it in his voice when he asked, “What would convince you to take up the offer?”

  “What are you giving?” asked the stranger immediately.

  “Well…. I can ask Yok to double the usual pay for you and there is a chance this could become permanent, if you would be interested in that.” Kim cringed while offering that. He did not like the idea of taking on a permanent staff member just like that but he also didn't know what else he could do in this situation.

  Just as Kim was working up more things to negotiate with, the stranger replied.

   “Okay then, I’ll work with you as long as you promise to not be mean as well.” He said.

  “Wha-What?!” Kim stuttered, completely thrown off.

  “Yup, you can’t be mean to me. I've heard stories about you, that you can be pretty rude to people. Yok likes you well enough, but I can't work with that. I can and will leave you with half your face done up and not look back, okay?”

  Kim had a lot of things to say to that, particularly that he was not a rude person…just maybe a bit distant. But he didn’t think that would go over well with this stranger so he just said, “Okay, I’ll try not to offend you.”

  He made to cut the call, before realising escaping like that would definitely come off as rude. Now he was stuck, one hand awkwardly holding the phone and the other poised to jab it, completely clueless on what more to do.

   The stranger cut into the silence that Kim was sure only he felt lasting for aeons by saying, “You better not.”

  Was this person laughing at him?!

  Kim bit his tongue, having the presence of mind to say a hurried thanks before cutting the call, figuring Yok could text and figure out the rest of the details. He left the phone at her table and disappeared into his studio, done with people for the day.

Chapter 2: Chay

  If anyone asked, Chay would vehemently deny being anxious. This was just another job he reminded himself, just like any other. And he had trained hard for this course as well.  It was in order to support their little household alongside Porsche after all. They did what they had to after they lost their mother’s house to Uncle Arthee’s gambling. It wasn’t fair, him learning to work and working while his classmates hung out in cafes and movies without second thought. But he didn’t let it make him resentful. He understood things quickly and did a good job no matter the circumstance.

  But he was anxious, and despite everything he couldn't get rid of the uneasy feeling in his stomach. He couldn’t help thinking that he would make a serious mistake somehow, that would let down not only Yok but also Wik. And Chay could not handle that thought, it made him want to throw up.

  Porsche was being helpful but also simultaneously making it worse, in the way that only older siblings seem to be capable of doing. He relentlessly teased Chay about his budding crush but then turned around and said the most comforting and encouraging things.

  “Chay, I know you've only been officially working your part time job for a few months, and have always done an amazing job. Why, didn’t you tell me the people from that play were raving about you? Didn’t they already ask you to work with them for their next season? You’re amazing Chay. You take the care to do things well. You're gonna be fine.” Porsche said, putting down a bowl of hot soup for breakfast.

  Chay hummed, drinking the soup hot and letting it wash over him along with his brother’s words to calm him. Porsche looked mildly concerned just like every other time he drank hot stuff without care but Chay ignored him.

  “Though I would have paid in gold to see your face when Yok sprung that on you like that, tell me what did you think when you heard him on the phone huh?” Porsche could not take mischief out of his blood even if he tried, but thankfully his concern over Chay already voluntarily burning his mouth meant that he at least didn't tease as Chay was drinking the soup.

  “Hiaa” Chay wailed, thoroughly distracted now.

  “I bet you recognized his voice right away, with how much you play the same handful of songs he has and stalk him everywhere on the internet.”

  “Nobody calls it ‘The Internet’ anymore, Hia”

  “ My point stands. Though tell me now, what did you say to him when you realised?”

  Chay pursed his lips and refused to answer. Porsche continued needling him regardless of that and was convinced that Chay had in fact fanboyed all over Wik. Chay blushing furiously only fueled his suspicions. But Chay did not want to admit how he had panicked at hearing Wik’s voice right in his own ears, just as Porsche suspected. However instead of acting like a fan, he had definitely been something of a hypocrite, asking Wik not to be rude while he was himself being very rude while saying that. But Porsche did not need to know all that. 

  Chay took a moment to appreciate that their flatmate had left early for work and was not there to tease him as well. He had always been particularly amused whenever Wik came up in conversation, even when the context was not

particularly funny.

  “Hia aren't you late for Uni?” He asked innocently. Porsche raised an eyebrow at him, knowing exactly what he was doing. But he was indeed late for his classes and so let it slide.

  “Okay okay, I won't tease you about your precious Wik anymore. Shall we leave if you're done and ready with everything?”, he asked, ruffing Chay’s hair..

  “Hia, you're already late. And I have some more things

to cross check as well. So you leave, I'll be okay.”

  “Will you be taking the bus then?”

  “Yes, Hia.”

  Porsche looked like he wanted to argue and Chay knew what he would say. He would likely argue about how Chay would have to change buses thrice to reach the set location and that the bike would just be more convenient. And it would be, usually. But Chay had spotted the bills that Porsche had hidden away and knew that they did not have enough to meet the costs. He also knew that Porsche was likely already cutting corners with his needs, if not taking on new menial jobs on top of that.

               But he would never begrudge Chay any comfort. He would rather drop Chay in a direction completely different from where he needs to go and have twice the petrol cost. He would not listen if Chay tried to point out that with his student pass, the bus was much cheaper. He didn't like knowing that Chay worried about expenses. He would rather be the loving self-sacrificing idiot and not listen to reason than acknowledge that Chay wanted to help as well. It had taken much to convince him that the makeup gig would be a good experience for Chay and not just an extra means of income.

               Luckily for Chay, Porsche got a call from Jom at that very moment. It saved him from trying to deter Porsche’s very well meaning, but ultimately very dumb big brother instincts with the flimsy counter of Porsche being extremely late by now.

  Jom was practically wailing for Porsche to help him out with something. Porsche looked between the phone and Chay, looking as if he would just cut the call on poor Jom so he could focus on his brother. Chay wanted to facepalm.

  He grabbed Porsche’s suspiciously light bag, he was right about the extra jobs then, as well as his helmet.He all but pushed Porsche out of the apartment, telling him to try for once to be as good of a friend as he is a good brother. Porsche of course tried to resist but Chay was not having it. He slammed the door shut and did not open it until he heard his Hia’s footsteps fading away.

  Stubborn brother dealt with, he quickly finished his breakfast and grabbed his makeup bag. It was second hand, but he maintained it with a near religious fervour. He checked through the eccentric collection of various makeup and skincare products that he had collected from what he was given by Yok and other seniors in the field. Chay also had a few precious tools that were of good quality and he was confident in his ability to work with them.

  As he sorted through it all, he reviewed and set aside the things that he knew for sure that would favour and work well with Wik’s skin tone and would suit his skin type. He supposed it was the added benefit of following every single little thing about the idol. 

  He never would have thought that signing up for a work skills course on makeup entirely on a whim would lead to him actually meeting Wik. He just wanted to do something to help around. And now he would not just meet Wik, Chay would get to work with him up and close in just a few hours. Chay shook his head, clearing his thoughts before they could take a turn for something more unprofessional and fanfiction inspired. 

  Chay had promised himself to be entirely professional. Yok and Wik depended on him after all. He busied himself by cleaning up the flat and putting the remnants of the breakfast away. By the time he packed everything up and locked the door behind him, he felt more collected and sure that he had done all that he could. Now all that remained was for him to do his best.

Chapter 3: Meeting

  Chay ended up being pretty late despite his best efforts. It started making him nervous all over again. But when he actually got to the set, it turned out that it didn't actually matter as much. Because he found out that the man of the hour himself was not there yet. Practically no one noticed him being late compared to that.

  Yok was busy placating various people so he quietly asked his way around instead of disturbing her. He figured out where he was supposed to be and went to set up his work station. He had been directed to a private little nook that

seemed like it would be undisturbed despite the bustle on set.

  Just as he was finishing up, there was a commotion up front. Chay looked up to see what it was all about but couldn't make sense of anything amidst the crowd. Most of the people on set were clustered around one side of the entrance. Chay could only hear raised voices arguing unintelligibly among themselves.

  But due to the vantage point he had, Chay was just in the right place to see Wik sneaking in through the periphery of the crowd, unnoticed by everyone around him. He watched as a dazed looking Wik tried to find a quiet spot away from the noise. The shape of the room meant that there were rarely any secluded spots and Wik headed toward the closest one to him, which was directly toward Chay.

  However Wik did not notice the space already being occupied until he and Chay were only  a few feet apart. He stopped in his tracks and Chay noticed how worn out Wik looked. He awkwardly shifted in place, probably deciding to find somewhere else. 

  But before he could move away, Chay put the chair into the shadow formed by a large mirror kept to the side. He managed to hold a pointed eye contact with Wik as he moved away from the spot and back to his table, nodding his head towards it when Wik still stood frozen in place, looking a bit like a deer caught in headlights. Wik shakes himself from the stupor and throws himself onto the chair, nicely hidden from everyone in the room but Chay. 

  Chay waited until Wik calmed down to quietly hand him some water. Wik jumped when his hand got in his line of sight, but he accepted the bottle. Chay considered that as a point won in his books. He was quietly given the bottle back with nothing but a nod for a thank-you .Chay found he didn't mind it as much as he would have. Wik got up from the chair but remained behind the mirror, monitoring everyone on set. 

  He seemed to withdraw into himself somehow, the longer he watched. Like he expected someone to catch him unawares. Chay watched his eyes sweep back and forth, catching on various details before the eyes turned to him. It is only then he realised he's been staring at Wik for the past ten minutes and has been caught red handed. 

  Wik smirked coldly, expression completely changed from what he'd looked like when he came in. “And you are?”, he asked.

  Chay wai’ed politely despite the sudden change in Wik’s demeanour. “Hello Phi, I’m Chay. We talked over the phone yesterday.”

   Wik nodded, And Chay fancied he saw his expression change. But he was back to staring at the people so Chay couldn't tell for sure. 

  “Do you know when will we get started?”’ Wik asked, still not looking at him.

  “As far as I know they were only waiting for you. So once they have dealt with whatever that fight was about, we’d be good to go.” Wik had turned around to face him again and was staring at him without blinking. It was rather unnerving, but Chay stood steadfast. It didn't feel like he was being sized up, didn't feel like what the rest of the room had been subject to.

  Wik dropped back onto the chair suddenly, still looking at him. Chay uncharacteristically didn't know what else to say and simply blinked at his idol. He was very pretty. Chay realised he had actually said that out loud when Wik started in surprise and was now looking at him with wide eyes. Chay slammed his hands on his mouth, mumbling apologies and bowing awkwardly. He could feel his face burning  and wished the ground would swallow him up. 

  He looked up when he heard Wik laughing. Mortifying ordeal or not, he couldn't imagine missing out on seeing that in person. Wik’s smile was different here. Chay did not know if it was only because he was not looking at a picture or if there was something else different. Second point to me, a voice in the back of Chay’s head counted.

  The bubble which Chay had not realised had formed between them was broken when Yok appeared at his side. 

  “Oh so you have already met each other.” She seemed delighted at that, despite having tired looking eyes. She gave Chay a big hug. Chay squeezed her a bit harder than usual, offering his support . Wik ducked away when she tried to hug him, but allowed her to ruffle his hair. Chay giggled at Wik’s resemblance to a grumpy cat that was barely tolerating being petted. 

  Yok introduced Chay to the hairdresser, called Ice, who was on their team. She then whisked Wik away to get his outfit checked and finalised. P’Ice was a jovial and easygoing person. They headed to the where the photographer and creative director were talking about the fit Wik had on. Once it was decided, they talked to Ice and Chay about what they wanted from the shoot. Chay had not worked in the style they were describing but he could easily visualise it.

  Ice and Chay worked efficiently together, turning Wik from pretty to outright ethereal. Chay was surprised when Ice started including a wound up wik in their banter, the idol had looked like he would gladly kill with his glares. But by the time they were done, Wik looked all the more better for having sniped with them. All the while the voice in the back of his head kept up counting each half-smile or snarking remake directed toward him.

     Being under the camera seemed to irritate Wik all over again, though it was obvious to anyone he was trying his best to be professional under his blank look. Soon Chay was also included into the system Ice and Yok apparently had to deal with this. Evreytime Wik visibly looked uncomfortable one of them would sneak to him to distract him from all the eyes on him.  

  Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when it was over. 

  Wik predictably looked like he wanted to escape, but unfortunately for him a few crazy fans had guessed their way into the location and were apparently raving at the entrance.

  “What do we do now?” asked Ice. “ Both Yok and me are known members Wik’s team, We cant be seen here or it would just fuel their behaviour.”

  “What if I stay with Wik and keep a lookout, she won't recognise me.” Chay piped up.

  “Okay” Yok said slowly, looking at Wik who nodded. “Okay then, I'll go and talk to security. Ice, come with me. Chay, keep him safe.”

  Wik looks faintly amused at Yok’s parting comment. “Come with me” he said, and led Chay to a spot under a staircase that had decorative ventilation openings they could see the main lobby from. But the group of fanatics were just out of their sight. 

  Wik gave out a frustrated groan and kicked a box closed so he could sit on it. Chay strained to hear what was going on in the lobby and wondered if he should just go give those girls a piece of his mind. He was pulled from his thoughts by Wik.

  “Did I pass your expectations then?” he asked.

“Huh- What, P’Wik?”

“You asked me to be polite, did I be polite enough for you?”

  Chay flushed red at the reminder of how their first conversion had gone. “I-I’m sorry I said all that to you. I was unnecessarily rude to you. P’Wik you should know I didn't mean all that- I don't think that of you.”   

  Wik was frowning, “ Then why say it?”

Chay’s ears burned even more. “ I-I panicked. I’ve been a fan of you since Yok first mentioned you and- Well I was half asleep and hearing you without warning made me panic. I clung to the first thing I knew about you which wasn't from anywhere online. Between that, my panic and trying to come off cool and collected, I ended up talking the way I did.”

  Wik was staring up at him with a mix of emotions but eventually amusement won over. 

“Don't laugh at me P’Wik”, Chay whined. Which of course made him actually laugh out loud instead of keeping it to himself. Eighth point to me, Chay thought to himself, smiling goofily back.

  -“You are something else Chay”, Wik said, looking him over again.

“Could say that about yourself as well,” Chay remarked back, raising an eyebrow.

  “Oh, So what do you actually think of me then, Porchay?” Wik was now leaning forward, far too close in the small space.

  “Well I already told you that I think you are very beautiful.”

“ Oh, is that it then,” Wik said tilting his head to the side. “Is there anything else or am I just another pretty face?” His tone was still playful and teasing but Chay could not let Wik think that of himself, even in play. 

  “Oh no, there is so much more. I think you are an amazing person, phi. I think you are incredibly committed to what you care about. And you care a lot about your art, about your music. I'm speaking as someone who has heard it, phi, it shines through even in your older songs and covers. Crazy fans aside, people do mean it when they say your work speaks to them. And undoubtedly, you are gorgeous, but the reason you have become so popular in such a short time is not just because of that P’Wik. Don't ever think that.”

  Chay had gotten even closer during his rant, and that was the only reason he saw the wetness gathering in Wik’s eyes. Wik ducked his head down quickly, but Chay had already seen it. Wik grabbed Chay’s arm, silently asking for quiet. Chay obliged. He didn't know how long they remained there like that. Eventually Wik looked back up at him with a full and genuine smile and the rest of the world rushed back in with full colour. 

  Wik let go of Chay’s hand just as he realised that he actually knew one of the voices screaming her ardent devotion to the man in front of him. He immediately went to the fandom tag and sure enough, there she was, streaming her crazy live to the whole world. 

Chay sighed, feeling some sort of misplaced responsibility. He texted his saner fandom friends, who luckily were also online and talking about what was happening. It didn't take much to convince them to help divert the fanatics. One of his friends agreed to come up and talk to them about having seen Wik move to another set and luring them away.

Chay immediately texted his plan to Yok and got to hear her ranting that the security was hesitating to do anything because they were being filmed. He closed the phone, letting her get it out of her system in peace. He recounts all that happened to Wik while they watch Chay’s friend arrive and work their magic. 

  “My hero” Wik whispers from where he is watching with his mouth near Chay’s ear. 

“ Oh I did nothing Phi” Chay replied, blushing.

“ I know, that's why I meant your friend”

Chay shoved lighty at Wik walking away, “Okay I'll leave then.”

 “ Wait for me as well” Wik followed him, giggling freely.

  Wik became more subdued when they left their hiding spot and went to meet up with Yok and Ice. But the moments Chay got to spend kept replaying in his mind as he started on his long journey home.