Chapter 37

Jes had just finished serving a customer when he heard a familiar voice call his name.

"Jes!"

He turned to see Pim standing near the counter, a bright smile on her face. She looked effortlessly put together, as always, her long hair neatly styled and her outfit carefully coordinated.

Jes offered a polite nod. "Hey, Pim."

She chuckled. "Yeah, I was in the area and thought I'd stop by. You work here often?"

Jes wiped his hands on a towel before setting it aside. "Most days, yeah."

Pim hummed, tilting her head slightly. "You never told me that back when we were at Ngern's place."

Jes merely shrugged, but before he could change the subject, Pim leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice in a more playful tone.

"You know, I was actually hoping I'd run into you again."

Jes raised a brow. "Oh?"

Pim smiled. "Yeah. I was wondering if you'd like to grab a meal sometime. Maybe a movie after? You seem like someone fun to get to know."

Jes blinked, caught off guard for a moment.

She was asking him out.

For a split second, he considered how to phrase his response, but in the end, he chose honesty.

"Pim," he said gently, "I appreciate the offer, really, but... I can't."

Pim frowned, her smile faltering slightly. "Oh. Is it because you're busy?"

Jes shook his head. "No, it's because I already have someone I like. Someone I'm with."

Pim's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh." She processed that for a moment before nodding, recovering quickly. "I see. I didn't realize you were—" She paused, then smiled. "Well, that's great for you. Lucky person."

Jes nodded, relieved that she wasn't upset. "Thanks."

Pim studied him for a second before grinning. "It's Ngern, isn't it?"

Jes stiffened for half a second, and that was all the confirmation Pim needed.

"Oh my god, it is him." She laughed, nudging his arm playfully. "Wow. You really had me fooled back at the house."

Jes sighed but couldn't help a small, amused smile. "It's... new."

"Well," Pim said, stepping back, "I hope you make him work for it. He's got that cool, mysterious vibe going on, but I bet he's completely gone for you."

Jes huffed a laugh. "I'll keep that in mind."

Pim winked. "You do that. And hey, if he ever messes up, call me. I'll scold him for you."

Jes chuckled as she grabbed her coffee and waved before heading out, leaving him standing there, shaking his head.

He hadn't planned on making anything official with words, but somehow, saying it out loud—acknowledging it without hesitation—felt good. Maybe, just maybe, he was more certain about this than he realized.

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

Later that night, Jes was sprawled across his couch, phone in hand as he scrolled absentmindedly. He had just finished showering and was debating whether to grab a late snack when his phone buzzed.

Ngern.

Jes smirked to himself before answering.

"Hey."

"Hey," Ngern's voice came through, a little lazy, a little deep, like he was already lying in bed. "What are you doing?"

"Not much," Jes said, stretching. "You?"

"Just got in. Long day."

Jes hummed. "Oh, yeah—I ran into Pim today."

There was silence on the other end.

Then—

"...Pim?"

Jes grinned at how quickly Ngern's tone had shifted. "Yeah. She stopped by the café."

A pause. "And?"

Jes decided to tease. "We talked."

"Uh-huh."

"She was really friendly."

"...Uh-huh."

Jes bit his lip, stifling a laugh at how tight Ngern's voice was getting.

"She asked me out."

Silence.

Jes could almost feel the way Ngern's jaw clenched.

"...She what?"

Jes finally let out a chuckle. "Relax. I didn't say yes."

Another pause. "What did you say?"

Jes grinned. "That I already have someone I like. That I'm with someone."

There was a beat of silence before Ngern let out a breath—one of those deep, exasperated ones. "God, Jes."

Jes laughed, enjoying this way too much. "What?"

"You did that on purpose."

Jes stretched, pretending to be oblivious. "Did what?"

"You—you dragged it out just to see me react."

Jes smirked. "So? You were cute when you got jealous."

Ngern groaned. "Jes—"

Jes laughed harder. "I mean, what were you gonna do? Storm into the café and glare at her until she left?"

"I might have."

Jes snorted. "So dramatic."

"I am dramatic. And territorial. And—"

Jes grinned, shifting into a more comfortable position. "Relax, Ngern. You don't have to be jealous. I wasn't interested, and I told her as much."

Ngern huffed. "Still."

Jes chuckled again. "I'll make it up to you. I'll let you take me out instead. How about that?"

"...Hmm."

Jes smiled. "Come on, don't be mad."

"I'm not mad."

Jes raised an eyebrow. "No?"

"No."

Jes could hear the pout in his voice.

"Okay, okay. I'll let you choose where we go," Jes offered. "Your pick."

Another beat.

Then—

"...Fine."

Jes smirked. "Knew that would work."

"You're so annoying."

"And yet you still like me."

Ngern groaned dramatically, but Jes could hear the smile in his voice now. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Just be ready this weekend."

Jes grinned. "I will. See you then, jealous boy."

Ngern grumbled something under his breath, but Jes just laughed, feeling warm all over.

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

That weekend, Jes found himself standing outside his apartment, waiting for Ngern to pick him up. He had dressed comfortably—a simple oversized sweater, jeans, sneakers—nothing too fancy, but enough that he knew Ngern would take one look at him and get that stupid, soft smile on his face.

His phone buzzed.

Ngern: [I'm downstairs.]

Jes smirked before heading down.

When he slid into the passenger seat, Ngern greeted him with exactly what Jes had predicted—a soft, stupid smile, his eyes flicking over Jes like he was committing him to memory.

Jes raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Nothing," Ngern said, but his voice was too fond.

Jes rolled his eyes but felt his ears warm up. "So? Where are we going?"

Ngern grinned, starting the car. "You'll see."

Jes did not expect to end up at an amusement park.

He turned to Ngern with a look. "Really?"

Ngern shrugged, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I figured something fun, lighthearted. You like roller coasters, right?"

Jes squinted at him. "You just wanted an excuse to hold my hand."

Ngern grinned unapologetically. "Maybe."

Jes scoffed but couldn't fight his own smile as they walked inside.

The day passed in a blur of rides, laughter, and snacks.

Jes found himself getting pulled along by Ngern's energy—dragged onto every ride, challenged to silly games at the booths, and fed pieces of cotton candy like he was some sort of spoiled prince.

But Jes wasn't complaining.

It was fun.

It was easy.

It was dangerously nice.

It wasn't until sunset that they found themselves on the Ferris wheel.

Jes leaned back, sighing as they reached the top, the whole city sprawled beneath them.

Ngern, sitting across from him, was staring.

Jes turned. "What?"

Ngern didn't say anything for a moment. Then—

"I love you," he said simply.

Jes froze.

His heart skipped.

He swallowed. "...You sure?"

Ngern let out a small, breathy laugh. "Yeah, Jes. I'm sure."

Jes looked away, biting his lip. "Good."

"...Good?"

Jes exhaled, then looked back at him. "Good, because I love you too."

Ngern's eyes softened, a slow smile spreading on his face.

The Ferris wheel began its descent.

Jes, impulsively, reached out.

Ngern took his hand without hesitation.