BCJ 18 • together

***

"Congratulations, Mr First Class Honors," Pete raised a brow as he approached Kao.

Kao immediately rolled his eyes to hide the smile that was starting to creep across his face, "Congratulations as well, Mr. I Didn't expect you to finish university without getting another community service."

"Well, I'm a changed man. Don't you have trust in me?"

"Actually, no," he laughed mockingly before heading towards the exit where their loved ones were waiting.

***

"Where the hell are you taking me?" Kao hissed as he was still trying to process what was happening.

Pete chuckled as he watched Kao wipe the sides of his mouth. It was still dark when he dragged Kao out of his house and pushed him into the car, not even giving Kao the chance to protest.

"Just wait and see, okay? You're gonna like this," Pete replied as he eyed Kao who leaned the seat back before closing his eyes.

"Whatever. Just don't wake me up when we get there," Kao said before dozing off to sleep, earning a soft chuckle from Pete.

***

"Kao, we're here," Pete nudged Kao lightly to wake him up but the latter just mumbled in his sleep.

Pete gulped, his gaze trailed down from Kao's eyes to his lips before unconsciously biting his own.

He'd admit. Kao certainly messed up his system. He was certain he hated Kao the moment he met him but for some reason, a part of him wanted to be Kao's. And that part certainly did its job as he found himself leaning towards the man who made him sleepless countless times.

The moment his lips touched Kao's, something exploded in his chest. His stomach churned and his heartbeat raced as he closed his eyes and stopped breathing for a moment, hoping Kao wouldn't wake up.

He knew what he was doing was wrong, but for some reason it felt right.

It lasted for seconds, as he couldn't bring himself to stop that moment, but he immediately moved back when he saw Kao staring widely at him the moment he opened his eyes.

"I- I am so sorry. I wasn't thinking properly," he immediately apologized and jumped out of the car.

***

Pete heard his glass crack as he slammed it on the table. The sight in front of him irked him to the core that he didn't even bother wiping the water that was already dripping on his pants.

Several tables before him were Kao and John Kavine who were having breakfast together. The sight alone was enough to ruin his entire day but what irked him the most was when John Kavine wiped the smudge on Kao's lips.

1 message from Celeste: I already talked to your secretary. She already moved your appointments.

He cleared his throat as a staff member approached him and started cleaning his table.

"Are you okay, Sir? Would you want to move to another table?"

He just shook his head and proceeded to leave the table. He intended to approach the two but he didn't want to create a scene as he was sure he wouldn't leave without giving John Kavine a punch on the face.

***

What are your plans then? Stay there for as long as they do? There's a parents' conference tomorrow. You can't just let me attend that again, Pete. You're Peter's parent, not me!

Pete frowned as he listened to Celeste's frustrated voice over the phone, his gaze not leaving Kao who was sitting by the pool.

"Lest," he sighed. "Fine, fine. I'm coming home tomorrow," he finally surrendered. It was already two days since he met Kao.

Yes, he hates him for leaving so suddenly but he can't deny the excitement he felt upon seeing his face again after so many years.

"Kao?" his voice faltered as he stared wide-eyed at the man in front of him.

But to his disappointment, Kao just smiled at him. No traces of resentment or guilt was seen on his face. Instead, he just smiled and nodded at him like he was some stranger he just met.

"Let's go?" Kao asked John Kavine before dragging the latter away. He didn't even bother greeting Peter who was excitingly looking at him.

"Doesn't he remember me anymore?" Peter asked, his voice filled with sadness and his face painted with confusion.

***

He did one last glance at the hotel resort he was staying before boarding the plane that would take him home. He didn't wanna actually leave yet but he figured staying would do him no good, especially after witnessing Kao's odd behavior.

He mindlessly took his seat, slightly glancing at the person beside him all covered in blanket.

He was minding his own business when the person beside him twisted in his seat and accidentally hit him.

"K-Kao?" his voice faltered as he looked at Kao who was also looking at him with gaping mouth. Kao then immediately closed his mouth and adjusted his seat.

"Pete," Kao replied in a low voice.

Pete huffed, "So you still know me, huh."

Kao eye sided him.

"What? After treating me like a total stranger at the hotel days ago? I even thought you're Kao's evil twin!"

Kao didn't respond and just continued to raise a brow at him.

"And by the way, where's your bodyguard? Why is he letting you get home alone?"

"Who the hell are you referring to?"

"Duh, who else? John Kavine."

"First, he's not my bodyguard and second it's none of your business so can you just get off my ass and let me be in peace?"

Pete was supposed to fire back but the pilot announced their departure. He slightly glanced at Kao who was looking out the window, his lips pouting as he mouthed words Pete could not decipher.

"It's good to see you again....Kao," he murmured to himself, totally ignoring the hatred that he once harbored for the guy beside him.

***

They were both silent the entire ride back home.

Pete felt so guilty about ruining what was supposed to be a great start of the day for them. He had always wanted to see the sunrise with Kao but he just ruined it by kissing Kao without his consent.

He didn't even dare to say a word. It was not the first time they kissed but it was definitely the first time that he kissed Kao with a clear mind. It was the first time that he was sure that he wanted to kiss Kao and not just to test his own feelings.

He attempted to turn the radio on to drown the silence but he couldn't even bring himself to move other than hold the steering wheel. He would glance at Kao once in a while and caught him touching his lips several times but Kao remained silent.

The silence went on for several minutes before Pete finally decided to suddenly stop the car by the side of the road.

"Can-can you say something? Your silence is stressing me out," Pete uttered, his hands tightly gripping the steering wheel.

But Kao remained silent. All Pete could hear was his own heavy breathing.

"Do you hate me?" Pete asked but got no response. "Of course, you hate me. And why wouldn't you? A guy just kissed you out of nowhere while you're asleep, without your consent, without your knowledge, of-of course... of course you hate me."

Pete could feel his heartbeat on his throat as he waited for Kao's response.

"I-I'm not angry," Kao finally replied in a low voice.

"You're not? Are you sure?"

Kao slightly nodded, his eyes evading Pete's and his ears flushed red.

Pete felt relieved as he leaned back on his seat.

"Then, would you be mad if...if I do it again?"

Pete immediately regretted what he said.

"I-I'm sorry. Oh, geez! What am I thinking," he frustratingly rummaged his hair. "Let's just get back home."

Pete was about to start the car running when he felt a hand on his arm.

"I'd be more than mad if you start this car and leave me hanging," Kao said without looking at him but Pete could see how red his cheeks and neck were.

Pete couldn't believe what he heard and tried to shake his head as he might just be imagining things.

But the moment Kao turned his face to him, his face blushing and his eyes soft, he forgot whatever thoughts he had at the back of his mind and grabbed Kao towards him for a kiss.

And all his hesitations went out the window when a moan slipped out of Kao's lips as he pulled him closer to deepen the kiss.

He felt Kao's hand gripping his arm tightly as his kisses went down his neck.

He knew that he wouldn't be able to control himself if they continued so he immediately planted a soft kiss on Kao's cheek and moved away from him.

"Pete?" Kao complained.

He immediately cupped Kao's cheek, "I don't even know what I'd be able to do to you if we don't stop. So if you don't want strangers knocking on our window asking what's wrong with our car, we better be on our way."

Kao just nodded while a smile creeped on Pete's face as he glanced at the mark on Kao's neck.

***