Chapter 17

Jes wasn't sure what felt heavier in his hands—the camera or the unspoken weight of Ngern's gesture. He wasn't used to people going out of their way for him, let alone someone like Ngern, whose world should have been too big to even notice someone like Jes.

And yet, here they were.

As they left the shop, Ngern casually nudged Jes's shoulder. "So, what do you think? Do I get extra credit for effort?"

Jes scoffed, slipping the camera strap over his shoulder. "You don't get credit for flexing your wallet."

Ngern gasped dramatically. "Excuse me? Do you know how much footwork I put into finding that exact model? I practically went on a scavenger hunt."

Jes rolled his eyes but couldn't fight the small smile tugging at his lips. "Well... thanks, I guess."

"You guess?" Ngern groaned. "Unbelievable."

Jes ignored him and kept walking, but Ngern caught up easily, falling into step beside him. The streets were livelier now, the morning rush starting to pick up. A comfortable silence stretched between them as they made their way back to the car.

Jes still had a shift to get to, but something gnawed at him.

Just as they reached the parking lot, he turned to Ngern. "Why did you do all this?"

Ngern stopped, hands in his pockets. He tilted his head, pretending to think. "Hmm... let's see. Maybe because I owed you for breaking your camera?"

Jes gave him a look. "That's not it."

Ngern sighed, lips pressing together in a small smile. "Okay, fine." He looked down for a moment before meeting Jes's gaze again. "I guess I just wanted to. No other reason."

Jes's heart did something weird in his chest.

That was worse.

Because it meant Ngern wasn't just trying to settle a debt—he genuinely wanted to do this for him.

Jes swallowed, turning away before Ngern could see whatever expression was creeping onto his face.

"Well..." Jes exhaled, adjusting the strap on his shoulder. "You're still not getting extra credit."

Ngern laughed. "Not even a little?"

Jes walked ahead, leaving Ngern to follow.

Ngern caught up quickly, and as they got into the car, Jes realized something.

For all of Ngern's talk about wanting to learn photography, Jes was starting to wonder if it had ever really been about the camera at all.

.........................................................

Ngern pulled up in front of the café, shifting the car into park but not turning off the engine. Jes reached for the door handle, hesitating for half a second before pushing it open.

"Thanks for the ride," Jes muttered as he stepped out, adjusting the camera strap on his shoulder.

Ngern leaned his arm against the steering wheel, watching him with an easy grin. "No problem. So, when's my next lesson?"

Jes huffed a small laugh, shaking his head. "You'll know when I decide."

Ngern clicked his tongue. "Cold, Jes. So cold."

Jes rolled his eyes, but before he could turn away, he found himself pausing. His fingers gripped the strap of his bag a little tighter. He wasn't the type to say things just for the sake of it, but... for some reason, it felt important.

He turned back toward Ngern, meeting his gaze. "Drive safe, be careful... and have a good day."

Ngern blinked, caught off guard for just a second before his expression softened. The usual teasing glint in his eyes dimmed into something quieter, something... fond.

Jes felt his face heat up.

Ngern leaned closer to the open window, resting his chin on his hand. "You know, you're kinda cute when you worry about me."

Jes groaned. "Forget it. I take it back."

He spun on his heel and walked straight into the café, not bothering to look back.

Behind him, Ngern let out a laugh, the sound rich and unrestrained.

Jes didn't turn around, but he did hear Ngern drive away a few moments later.

And, maybe, just maybe, he found himself smiling.