Chapter 21

Jes wasn't sure why he said yes.

He had stood in his apartment, staring at the message for a full five minutes before finally typing out, Fine. What time?

Now, as he stood outside Ngern's family home again, camera bag slung over his shoulder, he wondered if he had lost his mind.

The front door swung open before he could knock.

"You're here!" Ngern's sister, Nan, greeted with a grin. "Come in, come in. Grandma has been asking about you all morning."

Jes blinked. "She... has?"

Nan nodded, ushering him inside. "She really liked you, you know. You left an impression."

Jes didn't know what to say to that, so he just stepped inside, already spotting Ngern in the living room, fiddling with his camera.

Ngern looked up and grinned. "Didn't think you'd actually come."

Jes rolled his eyes. "I said I would, didn't I?"

Ngern patted the spot next to him on the couch. "Good. Because you're gonna help me make Grandma look like a celebrity in these pictures."

Jes snorted, setting his bag down as he sat. "You just want to show off your new skills, don't you?"

Ngern grinned shamelessly. "Obviously."

Before Jes could retort, a soft voice called out from behind them.

"There you are, dear."

Jes turned to see Ngern's grandmother approaching, a warm smile on her face.

Jes stood immediately. "Sawad dee krap, Khun Yai." He dipped his head politely.

"Oh, such manners," she chuckled, patting his arm gently. "No wonder you're the reason my grandson is suddenly so interested in photography."

Jes shot a glance at Ngern, who just shrugged, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

Jes sighed. "I just... helped a little."

"You helped a lot," Ngern corrected.

His grandmother gave them both a knowing look before settling into the armchair.

Jes turned back to her, more comfortable now that he had something to focus on. "How do you want to do this? We could take some candid shots while you sit and talk, or if you want something more styled—"

"Oh, whatever you think is best, dear," she said easily. "I trust you."

Jes blinked.

It was such a simple statement, but it caught him off guard.

Not many people said that to him.

He took a breath, nodding before kneeling down to adjust the camera settings. "Alright, let's get started then."

As he worked, he could feel Ngern watching him, that quiet warmth still lingering between them.

Jes tried to ignore it.

But somehow, it felt like every time he crossed paths with Ngern, he was stepping deeper into his world.

And against all logic—he wasn't sure he wanted to step back out.

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

Jes took a few test shots, adjusting the lighting and angles as he worked. Ngern hovered nearby, watching closely, as if memorizing every little move Jes made.

"You're staring," Jes muttered, not looking away from his camera.

Ngern didn't even try to deny it. "I'm trying to learn."

Jes sighed, shaking his head. "It's not just about the technical stuff. You have to make sure the person in front of the camera feels at ease. That's how you get the best shots."

Ngern's grandmother chuckled. "Oh, don't worry, dear. I feel very comfortable."

Jes smiled a little, then glanced at Ngern. "Maybe you should try taking some."

Ngern blinked. "Me?"

"You're the one who wanted to get better, right?" Jes handed him the camera. "Let's see what you've got."

Ngern took the camera hesitantly. He adjusted the settings just as Jes had taught him, then lifted it to take a few shots. His brows furrowed in concentration, and Jes couldn't help but watch him.

Ngern looked different when he was focused—quieter, more serious. It was a stark contrast to his usual easygoing nature, and Jes found himself intrigued.

After a few shots, Ngern lowered the camera and turned to Jes. "How did I do?"

Jes leaned in to check the screen, their shoulders brushing. He ignored the way Ngern didn't move away.

The shots weren't perfect, but they weren't bad either.

Jes nodded. "Not terrible."

Ngern gasped dramatically. "Not terrible? That's it?"

Jes smirked. "You need better composition, but you're getting there."

Ngern huffed. "So harsh."

His grandmother watched them with a knowing smile. "You two make a good team."

Jes opened his mouth to deny it, but Ngern beat him to it.

"I think so too," he said easily, shooting Jes a grin.

Jes rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched.

As they continued with the photos, Jes found himself relaxing more, getting drawn into the easy atmosphere of the house, the warmth of Ngern's family.

By the time they wrapped up, Jes almost didn't want to leave.

Ngern must have noticed because he suddenly said, "Stay for dinner."

Jes hesitated. "I don't want to intrude."

His grandmother reached out and patted his hand. "Nonsense. You're always welcome here, dear."

Jes felt something unfamiliar settle in his chest.

Home.

It wasn't his home.

But somehow, it felt like it could be.

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

Dinner was a lively affair, filled with chatter, laughter, and the warm clinking of utensils against porcelain. Jes, at first, felt like an outsider watching from the sidelines, but Ngern's family had a way of pulling him in without him realizing it.

Ngern's grandmother made sure his plate was never empty, his sister engaged him in casual conversation, and his parents were kind, never pressing too much but always making sure he felt welcome.

And then there was Ngern.

Jes wasn't sure when it started, but at some point, he found himself naturally looking after him—passing him dishes he seemed to like, refilling his glass of water before he could reach for it, subtly nudging the bowl of rice closer when he saw Ngern stretching to get to it.

He didn't even notice he was doing it until Ngern caught his wrist mid-movement, right as Jes was about to pass him the fish dish.

"You okay?" Ngern asked, amusement dancing in his eyes. "You've been fussing over me all night."

Jes blinked, suddenly aware of how close they were. He scowled and pulled his hand back. "I'm not fussing."

Ngern laughed, but instead of teasing further, he took the dish from Jes's hands anyway, serving himself before placing it back. "Well, thanks anyway."

Jes huffed, focusing on his food instead. But the warmth that settled in his chest was undeniable.

"Jes, dear," Ngern's mother spoke up, smiling gently at him. "You should come by more often."

Jes paused mid-bite, glancing at Ngern, who was already looking at him.

"Yeah," Ngern said easily. "You should."

Jes swallowed, feeling a little too seen, a little too comfortable. He had no idea why, but for some reason, he found himself nodding.

"...Okay."

Ngern grinned, pleased, and Jes quickly turned back to his food, pretending not to notice the way his own heart stuttered at the sight.