Chapter 6

Jes wasn't used to people sticking around-especially not people like Ngern, who belonged to a world of flashing lights, constant movement, and temporary connections.

But as Ngern fiddled with his new camera, brows furrowed in concentration, Jes realized something: the actor wasn't here to impress anyone. He wasn't performing. He wasn't hiding behind charm or playing a role.

He was just... there.

Jes sighed, dragging a hand through his hair. "Alright, let me see."

Ngern handed over the camera without hesitation, watching as Jes scrolled through the images. They were-well, bad. Crooked angles, blown-out highlights, some weirdly tilted shot of a pigeon mid-flight.

Jes bit back a grimace. "You're terrible at this."

Ngern laughed, completely unbothered. "Hey, I never said I was a natural."

Jes shook his head, adjusting the settings before handing the camera back. "Try again. Slower this time. Don't just snap for the sake of it-look at what you're capturing."

Ngern lifted the camera, his expression shifting as he focused. This time, he didn't rush. He took his time, angling the shot, waiting for the right moment before pressing the shutter.

Jes watched him, arms crossed.

It was strange-how easy it was to slip into this dynamic. How Ngern, despite being famous, didn't act like he was above learning.

And, even stranger, how Jes didn't mind teaching him.

As the sun dipped lower, Ngern glanced at Jes with a satisfied grin. "Alright, what do I get if I finally take a good picture?"

Jes scoffed. "A basic sense of accomplishment?"

Ngern hummed, pretending to think. "No, I want something better."

Jes rolled his eyes. "Like what?"

Ngern turned the camera toward him again. "One picture of you."

Jes tensed. "No."

Ngern pouted. "Come on. It's only fair. You took pictures of me."

Jes shook his head firmly. "Not happening."

But Ngern only smirked, raising the camera.

Jes barely had time to react before the shutter clicked.

Ngern grinned triumphantly, showing him the screen. The image was slightly blurry, a little off-center-but Jes was in it, mid-protest, caught in an unguarded moment.

Jes groaned. "Delete it."

Ngern chuckled, tucking the camera away. "Not a chance."

Jes glared at him, but Ngern just grinned, his expression softening in a way that made Jes's stomach twist.

"Looks like I finally got a good shot," Ngern said, voice quieter this time.

Jes looked away, heart pounding for reasons he didn't want to examine.

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

The evening air had cooled by the time they made their way back to the main road. The market, which had been lively earlier, had quieted down, the food stalls now packing up, their warm lights flickering out one by one.

They stood near the curb, neither making a move to leave just yet.

Ngern stretched his arms above his head, sighing. "Not bad for a first lesson, huh?"

Jes hummed noncommittally, adjusting the strap of his bag.

Ngern eyed him for a moment before casually tilting his head toward the street. "I can drop you off."

Jes shook his head immediately. "I'll walk."

Ngern frowned. "You sure?"

Jes nodded. "It's not far."

Ngern hesitated, clearly wanting to insist, but then he sighed, relenting. "Alright."

A beat of silence passed between them, the city lights casting a soft glow over their faces.

Then, Ngern scratched the back of his head. "So... we should do this again sometime."

Jes glanced at him. "Do what?"

Ngern grinned. "Photography practice."

Jes didn't respond. He just exhaled, turning slightly as if to leave. But then, at the last second, he lifted a hand in a small, effortless wave-an acknowledgment, but nothing more.

Ngern watched him for a moment before chuckling under his breath.

"See you, photographer."

Jes didn't turn around, didn't say anything.

But Ngern watched as he walked away, hands in his pockets, posture relaxed.

And despite Jes's silence, Ngern had a feeling this wasn't going to be their last meeting.