Chapter 18

Over the next few months, Jes and Ngern continued to meet for photography lessons. At first, it was the usual setup—Jes teaching, Ngern listening, diligently taking notes in his little notebook, asking too many questions for Jes's patience. But at some point, the lessons started feeling less like lessons and more like... time spent together.

Jes found himself getting used to Ngern's presence. To the way he always texted to confirm their meetings. To the way he showed up, no matter how exhausted he looked from work. To the way he remembered Jes's offhand comments, bringing him little things like his favorite pastries from different cafés he visited for shoots.

And Ngern—he was getting better. Jes had to admit, he had doubted him at first. But with every meeting, Ngern's shots improved. His composition got more refined, his understanding of light sharper, his ability to capture moments more natural.

"You're actually not bad," Jes admitted one evening as they sat at the park, reviewing Ngern's latest photos.

Ngern gasped dramatically. "Did you just compliment me?"

Jes rolled his eyes. "Don't get used to it."

"I won't," Ngern grinned, then immediately added, "But say it again. Just once."

Jes smacked his arm.

And just like that, October arrived.

Jes had been busy with work, so they hadn't seen each other in a few weeks. But one evening, as he was editing some photos at home, his phone buzzed with a message from Ngern.

Ngern: "Hey, I know you don't like these kinds of things, but I want to invite you to something."

Jes frowned, already suspicious.

Jes: "Depends."

Ngern: "It's Mali's first birthday party. I'm doing her photoshoot that day, and I want you to be there."

Jes's fingers hovered over the screen.

A birthday party. With Ngern's family. With people he didn't know.

It should've been an immediate no.

But...

Jes exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck.

Jes: "...I'll think about it."

Seconds later, his phone vibrated again.

Ngern: "That's not a no. I'll take it."

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

The days passed quicker than Jes expected, and before he knew it, Mali's birthday was just around the corner.

Ngern didn't push him for an answer after his vague "I'll think about it," but Jes wasn't stupid. He knew Ngern was hoping he'd show up. And the worst part? Jes wasn't sure why he was thinking about it so much.

It was just a party. Just a baby's first birthday. It wasn't his scene, wasn't his kind of gathering. But every time he considered saying no, he kept picturing Ngern—excitedly setting up the camera, making sure he got everything right, looking like an idiot as he made silly faces to get Mali to smile.

Jes sighed.

He was so going to regret this.

Jes: "Fine. What time do I need to be there?"

Ngern's reply came almost instantly.

Ngern: "No way. Am I dreaming? Did you just say yes?"

Jes rolled his eyes.

Jes: "Do you want me to change my mind?"

Ngern: "No, no, no. I'll send you the details. You just made my whole day."

Jes didn't know how to reply to that. So, he left Ngern on read.

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

The day of the party arrived, and Jes regretted everything.

Standing in front of Ngern's house, he hesitated. He could still turn around, make up an excuse—say something came up, say he wasn't feeling well. But before he could act on it, the front door swung open.

"There you are!" Ngern grinned, stepping out. "I was about to call you."

Jes sighed. Too late to back out now.

He adjusted the camera bag on his shoulder. "You better appreciate this."

Ngern laughed, stepping aside to let him in. "I really do."

Inside, the house was warm and lively. Jes could hear laughter, the chatter of Ngern's family, the occasional excited squeal from Mali. He felt out of place immediately, but before he could shrink into himself, Ngern grabbed his wrist.

"Come on," he said, tugging Jes along. "I want you to meet Mali before the chaos begins."

Jes let himself be dragged inside, shaking his head at how easily Ngern could do this—pull him into his world without hesitation.

And the strangest part?

Jes didn't hate it.

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

Jes followed Ngern through the house, keeping close to him as they weaved through clusters of chatting relatives and friends. He had barely stepped in, and yet he already felt the weight of too many eyes on him. Not that they were staring, exactly—just... curious.

Who's this guy? A friend of Ngern's?

Jes didn't do well with attention, but Ngern—ever oblivious or simply used to being in the spotlight—barely seemed to notice. He led Jes straight to the living room, where a small play area had been set up.

And there, in the center of it all, sat Mali.

She was dressed in a soft pink dress, tiny fists grasping at a plush toy as she babbled to herself. Jes wasn't sure if she recognized him, but when she turned her big, curious eyes toward him, she broke into a gummy smile.

Jes blinked. Oh.

"She remembers you," Ngern said, laughing as he crouched beside her. "You've officially been approved."

Jes huffed. "She approves of anyone who holds her bottle."

"Exactly. High standards."

Jes shook his head but couldn't help crouching as well, adjusting his camera bag on his shoulder. Mali's gaze followed the movement, and she let out a small, delighted noise as she reached out toward it.

"Don't even think about it," Jes warned, but Ngern chuckled.

"Too late. She's got expensive taste."

Jes sighed, but his lips twitched despite himself. He set the bag aside and glanced at Ngern. "Alright. Show me what you've got."

Ngern straightened. "What, now?"

Jes raised an eyebrow. "You wanted to take photos of her today, right? So let's do this properly."

For a second, Ngern just stared at him. Then, his lips stretched into a slow, genuine smile.

"You're really helping me with this?"

Jes rolled his eyes. "I'm already here, aren't I?"

Ngern didn't say anything at first, but something in his expression softened before he reached for his camera.

"Okay then," he said, grin widening. "Let's do this."

And just like that, they fell into step once again. Jes guiding, Ngern listening. Ngern adjusting angles, Jes correcting his posture. Ngern clicking the shutter, Jes watching over his shoulder.

It was different this time, though. The setting, the moment, the way Ngern's family occasionally looked over at them with knowing smiles.

And maybe, just maybe—Jes was beginning to realize something.

That Ngern's world, no matter how chaotic, wasn't so hard to step into after all.