THENEXTPRINCE, Chapter 29: The First Date.
The Mercedes-Benz in dark gray moved along the small road before slowing down as it turned into the parking lot according to the map displayed on the screen.
Inside the silent car, no conversations were exchanged. Until the luxurious car came to a stop, Charan turned his attention to the quiet person sitting beside him throughout the journey.
Khanin wasn’t asleep, but rather absorbed in observing the pedestrian route to the store. The light from the screen illuminated his charming face as he bent down to read the map in his hands, fully focused.
After Vetis sent a message to reveal the coordinates of the candidate who caught his eyes to Khanin, he didn’t hesitate to set off on his own to this location, a small entertainment venue hidden deep in a side street and open after sunset.
Vetis note advised that a high-profile individual like Khanin shouldn’t have come here by himself, due to his appearance and appropriateness that the young man didn’t pay attention to.
His objective was Mira, the bartender. She didn’t have a main job elsewhere, so Khanin didn’t want to miss this golden opportunity. He tactfully persuaded Charan to accompany him, citing an important mission.
First and foremost, it was to inquire about the rumors regarding the purchase of swords by both factions… to recruit Mira to join the team. The venue was a small entertainment area in the city center, not conspicuous on the main road. Instead, it was hidden in a narrow alley and opened after sunset.
It was a place well-suited for spreading rumors more effectively than anywhere else. Khanin was quite confident that the words of a traveler would help the news spread wider and faster. Therefore, he had to hurry and arrive as soon as possible.
“Let’s go together.”
“In a moment…”
“I have made a decision.” Khanin interjected instantly, even though the older person hadn’t finished speaking.
Charan hesitated, not wanting to disrupt the Young Prince’s game, but safety was important. Because of this reason, the young man chose to support in his own way.
“I am not forbidding you from going, but there must be someone to watch over.”
“Watch over? Who?”
“….” Charan paused and replied, pointing to the rearview mirror, revealing the group of bodyguards from the Pitakthewa family who had prepared… four cars in total.
“You… We are going on a date. We are not marching in a procession, let’s just go together. It’s a date, not a parade.”
“…”
“Warm teamwork, like a football team.” The white-bearded host grumbled with a smile. Khanin hugged his chest, making a stubborn gesture for Charan to try to pinch his soft and plump cheeks.
“For safety, they will watch over from a distance and guard from tourists.” The commander’s order was always careful. The young man chose to have a group of guards patrol and follow without attracting attention.
Therefore, when the Young Prince got out of the car, Charan was the only one who walked side by side with the thin figure, sending a signal for the remaining ten people in the tourist group to maintain a certain distance.
The demeanor of being cautious diminished. Khanin seemed more relaxed. He walked along the paved walkway, zooming in and out of the map, and spoke more assertively than before.
“From the parking lot, it’s still a long walk. We have to pass through this alley to reach the entrance of the store. There’s a market too.”
“Really?” Charan asked in surprise because this corner didn’t seem like anything special.
“Exactly, we have to pass through the market. The map shows that it’s straight ahead.”
With their height difference, Charan couldn’t see what Khanin was pointing at. The young man hesitated, approaching cautiously, squinting his eyes while his slender legs moved slowly, accompanied by hand gestures signaling the approaching figures of guards at a shorter distance.
The long, narrow alley, about three hundred meters long, made Charan feel uneasy. The significant reason being aware that this place was a notorious spot where anyone could enter.
It was too risky. If the young lord became involved, it would surely be a big issue.
Anxiety commanded the brain to make the tall figure move closer to the small one. The handsome face leaned closer to the small head, synchronizing with another person’s gaze.
“…” Charan paused, captivated by the beautiful eyes. He hesitated, preparing to withdraw his body, but Khanin refused to cooperate. Light, attractive, his body leaned against the sturdy arm, maintaining a sincere smile while his playful eyes sparkled.
“This close is good enough.”
“But…”
“It’s getting tiring… we are here on a date. Remember, a date.” A faint whisper of warning about today’s mission, accompanied by a pause, urging Charan to look around, people passing by with curiosity and interest.
The young man stopped performing his distant pose and walked back to meet the white figure who took another step. Charan bit his lower lip, trying to maintain a calm demeanor. Although Khanin’s date comments caused a surge of warmth through his cheeks and unsettled his mind to some extent…
“This alley is too narrow. We should find another entrance, like the VIP route.” After passing the first five meters, amidst the bustling crowds, Charan started expressing his strong opinions.
The young man worried about the overcrowding of tourists on a Friday night, which clashed with the small Young Prince’s seemingly unaffected demeanor.
“I understand your concern, but we have brought ten people. Walking like this is nothing. Let’s be normal… If we use the VIP route, it won’t look normal.” “…”
“…”
“By the way… I want to go to the market. What do they call it here? Is it a flea market?” A long, rattling whisper accompanied by a gentle squeeze on the strong bicep.
Charan tried hard not to let the younger one worry too much, but the words inadvertently escaped, influencing the atmosphere…
“Yes, it’s a flea market.”
“Let’s go to the market first… We might get to the bar before the bartender arrives, almost ten minutes, please… Please. Please. Let’s just go to the market for a while.”
The sweet voice and the way of intertwining gazes, along with frequent blinking, were like unknown, playful beings since their acquaintanceship. Charan inadvertently stopped considering, realizing that this approach seemed easy, but the unexpected results were incredible.
“Wow…” It took a while to realize what his job really was, he seemed to be slow in response. Charan paused, responding to people, raising his age-less face with a good-natured expression.
“Yeah!”
“But don’t go anywhere alone, be careful.” A slight noise was heard when Khanin made a satisfied gesture. Charan turned away in haste. Partly because at the same time, he suddenly felt an urge to raise his head up.
He wanted to smile but didn’t quite understand why… It happened when he caught sight of the beautiful eyes of the person in front, sparkling with freshness, amidst the glow of the lamps lining the path, as if there were magical spells woven into it…
It’s a spell that the mind doesn’t have enough power to control.
“It’s certain. Today, I won’t stay away from you at all, we’ll be together all the time… Are you satisfied?”
“Uh-huh.” A slightly shy smile was held back, calling for a wide smile from the slim figure.
Khanin coughed, extending his hand slightly and then quickly retracting it, touching his own cheek with the edge of his hand.
“Well… Can I have your hand, let’s hold hands.”
Charan stood still for a moment, looking around, but his actions seemed to be not catching up with the Young Prince’s intentions in time, so the other side reached out and grabbed his hand without hesitation.
“Don’t look so puzzled, it’s not smooth… When dating, we have to hold hands, like other couples.” The warm touch of the tightly clenched hand became firmer, pulling him along.
The warmth from every nerve in his body seemed to flow and gather at the fingertips, which were grasped tightly by a small hand. Charan looked at the back of the person leading him, surrounded by a crowd, but his attention didn’t waver at all.
He noticed that Khanin seemed to be particularly cheerful and, on his invitation, he looked here and there, sometimes stopping to buy snacks along the way, and his eyes in this night reminded him of that child who came from London…
When he was in London, Khanin had the same expression. Although he had only seen it a few times, Charan remembered it deeply in his memory.
The young men held each other’s hands tightly, walking side by side on the long street. Charan let the young man enter and leave this store. Until he realized again when the movement stopped in front of a small jewelry store.
“When we were walking, I saw another couple holding hands, and when I looked at their hands, do you know what I saw?” It seemed like a question that didn’t require an answer. Khanin raised a charming smile before moving away to the front of a cheap jewelry store, squinting and looking at the various jewelry displayed in front for a moment, and then picking up a pair of earrings.
“What’s this?”
“An item for couples.” He said while holding the earrings, ready to take the other person’s wrist to put them on, before offering his own belongings to someone else.
Charan was puzzled, but in the end, he accepted them to wear. He looked at the person who gave him a radiant smile, full of pride in the chosen item.
“I was thinking about what was missing when we were walking, why we don’t look like a real couple, but now I have an answer. Every couple wears earrings like this, it’s a popular expression of love here.”
“…” The information received made Charan raise his hand to examine the new and peculiar thing.
In fact, the young man knew a little bit about the trend of wearing couples’ earrings from some art students. He had heard that most couples usually choose carvings that are suitable for their relationship.
“There’s also an engraved text. It reads…”
“Destiny is far away, but we’ll meet anyway…” A sentence full of sweetness was read aloud from the earring.
They looked at each other before Khanin burst into laughter with delight.
“They continue to meet no matter the vastness of the sky… Wow, how romantic!” The young applause applauding and sticking will certainly charm Charan, leaving him chuckling softly.
They continue to meet in different spheres. So it seems.
That’s right… between them, it might be true.
After strolling around for a while, Khanin brings the new prince to the crowded and smoky XXX bar.
Edgy voices from the group of travelers compete against the music, but they can’t distract Khanin.
Dozens of eyes gaze upon them, perhaps because the noble lad shouldn’t be here, and so does Charan…
“Why did the new Young Prince and Khun Charan come here?”
“Are they really dating?”
“They’ve announced the affectionate-relation, so they might as well introduce themselves.”
Criticizing voices rise loudly, as if the insects in the midnight forest. But Khanin doesn’t care. This is for the best, the more people talk about them, the better.
With slender legs, they move through the crowd. Their dual-layered gaze sweeps, searching for their goal in this night. One woman with a fierce gaze in a black fitted dress, red lips like blood, responds to the enchanting glance.
Mira, the bartender, a beautiful girl in tonight’s command, stands juggling shakers with graceful gestures. The space is overcrowded with people.
Khanin thinks it’s because she is beautiful and skilled at mixology, but most importantly, she has an unparalleled charm, filling every seat in front of her with customers.
“And what’s the next plan?” Charan plays the role of a brainless human, fully devoted to making Khanin the leader in this game. As for himself, he will lower his status to become a subordinate.
“I need to find an opportunity to talk… I saw the guy sitting in front of Mira pick up his phone and look twice, then glance at his wristwatch. He probably won’t stay there for long.” The owner grins, urging Charan to pay attention.
Although Charan didn’t witness the man’s behavior mentioned since the beginning, the restless movements make him perceive the same direction. He then adds points to the child’s keenness in his mind.
Khanin is sharp, quick-witted, and observant.
“If that’s the case, we need to approach a little closer; otherwise, someone else will take the seat.”
“I think the same… we’re irresistible. We can even read each other’s thoughts…” Khanin glances and winks to divert attention to an older person.
Charan acts confident and cool.
The cheerful person turns to focus on his task of securing an arm for the older person to walk, failing to see Charan’s facial expression when caught with an endearing glance.
Well… this caption could possibly capture all of his feelings.
“Young Prince, Khanin here.”
“Yes, Young-Prince Khanin.”
“Can we go to say hi to him?”
“Don’t talk about him.”
It seems that Khanin’s presence is effective. People around are starting to pay attention to his arrival. Even though he simply inserted himself into the vacant seat at the bar.
“You can talk, I’m glad, let’s chat. I’m okay.” Opening the opportunity for immediate conversation, as soon as there is a chance to sit down, the young man turns to engage in cheerful conversation with the stranger, causing the surrounding voices of excitement to grow louder.
Charan says nothing, just discreetly observing Khanin’s movements and subtly signaling his people to approach and limit the proximity of the newcomers.
The majority of the surrounding people are bodyguards in the tourist group. As for himself, he simply sketches his hand and places it behind the small person’s chair, a simple gesture that outwardly resembles an ordinary lover’s display of ownership.
But in reality, Charan has more reasons than that. He doesn’t want anyone to get too close to Young-Prince Khanin, in order to maintain distance and security, and most importantly… to be able to handle any dangerous situations promptly.
“Maybe it’s an imposition, but I’m curious when Young-Prince will form a team… if I may ask.” A young woman sitting at the bar nearby, boldly speaks up, seemingly representing the curiosity of many in this establishment.
Khanin knows well because his team is the only one that has not yet allocated funds for forming a team, so it’s not surprising that people would ask.
“No need to use such formalities, everyone can talk to me casually. I’m okay with informalities… because, honestly, I’m not good at using those words either.” Khanin skillfully creates an atmosphere, easily releasing the tension and receiving a resounding response, then he turns and sends a heartfelt smile to his conversation partner. “I’m in the process of forming a team. I’m currently looking for suitable individuals.”
“Will we make it in time? We’re just waiting to see when Young Prince will form a team. Because the other two teams already have players.” The topic of conversation draws the attention of listeners, many of whom are crammed together behind the bodyguards, but they can’t get closer because the guards stand firmly in place.
“Definitely, because I already have someone in mind.”
“Who are you choosing? Can you give us a hint? I bet with my friends, I want to know if we’ll win or not.” Excitement fills the voice coming from someone not far from him, and when he looks in the direction of the voice, he finds the person asking standing just behind the entourage of bodyguards.
“I can tell you, it’s not a secret at all… Me. I have my eye on two people in
Atsawathewathin’s big club, both are very skilled, and they have experience competing for the national team.” Khanin raises his voice even louder to ensure the person asking can hear the answer and then shares his thoughts before closing his statement with a pretended embrace, expressing confidence and sincerity.
The grand drama has begun, making it easier to convey emotions, add color to the plot. Khanin believes that these exaggerated gestures are somewhat necessary for creating a buzz.
“But we heard news that Young-Prince Ramil seems to have hired those two already.” This time it’s a voice from someone not sitting far from him, a man sitting next to Sroh, who curiously raises his eyebrows.
“Is that so? But it’s no problem. If I want someone to join my team, I’ll just buy the whole club.” It can be called good luck. When the question he wanted to answer comes earlier than expected, Khanin doesn’t hesitate to reply. He playfully shrugs to make it seem like he’s not pondering anything complex about the competition, even just a little.
“But what about money? Isn’t budgeting part of the scoring as well?” A voice from a few people raises a question from a corner.
“It’s okay. If I exchange it for getting two highly skilled people to stay with me, I agree to pay… I don’t mind paying until I’m broke, having talented people around is reassuring, right, everyone?” This sentence seemed to leave many people puzzled.
Khanin politely chatted with the people who surrounded him before asking for some time alone with his close friend to enjoy a serene evening together, filled with newfound tranquility.
After hearing that Young-Prince from Atsawathewathin wished for some personal time, the people around gradually distanced themselves from his table with courtesy. Though in truth, all eyes in the room continued to steal glances at the famous young nobleman, as before.
“Young-Prince Khanin… What would you like to drink?”
Perhaps because Khanin had already found common ground with the previous group and allowed himself to be the center of attention for a considerable amount of time, the person who was the target of his visit seemed visibly relaxed.
Mira, the friendly bartender, approached with a smile and, naturally, Khanin returned the smile in kind.
“Um… Could you recommend something, please? Something easy to drink.
I’m not well-versed in alcoholic beverages.”
Charan, who had been quietly observing the drama unfolding between the two, raised an eyebrow slightly upon hearing the sentence spoken by the other party. He chuckled to himself, recalling a similar situation he had experienced before.
He had witnessed this small person wrestling with a large beer bottle alongside a friend named Paul. Khanin’s friends even humorously dubbed him as a barrel and filled it with beer excessively. Hence, the sentence ‘I’m not wellversed in alcoholic beverages’ felt like a scene from a play once again.
“Certainly. How about something refreshing, Young Prince? Are drinks with a main ingredient of lime suitable?”
“That’s fine… but could it be slightly less sour, please?” He didn’t particularly enjoy food or beverages that were excessively sour, as it caused a twitch in his temple. He considered his attempts to engage Mira in conversation to dissolve these behaviors before finding an opportune moment to discuss what he wanted quite successful.
“Orange is better, right? He likes everything with an orange flavor.” Charan agreed that if they waited any longer, there wouldn’t be an opportunity to enter the conversation smoothly. So, he smiled back and suggested they get straight to the point.
Khanin and Mira exchanged glances before anyone who had been patiently listening spoke up.
“Orange is fine. He likes everything with an orange flavor…” Charan didn’t intend to lose his manners, but he could see that if they waited much longer, they would no longer be able to enter the conversation smoothly. So, he smiled and gestured for them to continue.
“Yes… Yes, orange… Anything that has orange flavor is good.” Khanin immediately turned to Charan and expressed his approval of the things he liked.
The young man agreed that he should express his preferences to allow Mira to create the ideal cocktail with the taste he liked. Then, he could compliment her and smoothly invite her to join their team.
The plan was concise and harmonious. Charan sympathized with his friend’s intentions.
“In that case, may I suggest a Screwdriver?” He concluded his sentence, and Mira promptly went to grab a round fruit, squeezing fresh orange juice out of it.
Mira skillfully mixed and shook the cocktail, doing everything swiftly and gracefully, before serving the refreshing, orange-infused alcoholic beverage directly in front of Young Prince in a matter of minutes.
“Delicious…” Khanin assumed the role of a taster immediately, playfully speaking to himself before raising the cocktail glass to his lips. His expressive eyes widened, impressed, before sincerely complimenting, ‘It’s really delicious.’
“Thank you.” Mira responded with a polite smile, not showing much excitement from that compliment. When she noticed that the customer in front of her seemed content and satisfied, she turned to attend to other customers.
“You seem very agile, as someone recommended me.” A simple narrative sentence, but it can trap enchanting women.
Mira stopped raising her eyebrows before placing the joker in her hand, curiously asking because she wasn’t sure what she had heard.
“Do you mean recommending a drink?” The female bartender locked eyes with Young Prince, a famous person, who was sitting chin-in-hand, and their gaze seemed different from just a few minutes ago, as if it could read each other transparently.
“It means anything that can be exchanged and mutually beneficial… You give me, and I give you the same.” It was almost a whisper, so light. Khanin raised a suggestive smile, revealing his intention for Mira to see.
She understood that the other party didn’t mean a drink, but the true purpose was still unclear. Their intriguing gazes locked onto the cute face to analyze the information received and assess the desires of the person in front of them.
Mira intended to reject any offer she didn’t want to know, a stubborn woman. However, the prominent nobleman reached out and handed her a folded triangular banknote, one thousand, extending it for her to accept.
“If you have free time, don’t forget to use the tip I gave you… because I want to see you again.” The soft voice owner left casually with the banknote in Mira’s hand, getting up and walking away with the familiar person who came with him.
Mira was puzzled… She didn’t understand Khanin and was filled with doubts. She wanted to talk and approach the other party, but she didn’t follow as easily as other men. Therefore, the young nobleman didn’t think that he would approach her with a marriage proposal.
The other party’s gaze wasn’t like that, so what could it be…
Their intriguing gazes followed the figure of the famous artist who walked hand in hand with the young celebrity through the center of the dance floor, avoiding the attention of the curious crowd. They briefly glanced back at her before turning their attention back to the person in front of themselves.
Mira used her fingertips to touch the tip left by someone else and realized that the money handed by the nobleman didn’t just consist of one thousand baht, it also contained a folded triangular paper hidden inside.
Khanin stirred up human curiosity… and, of course, it succeeded.
The beautiful eyes of the Minister’s son glanced at two people who became the highlight of tonight, attracting attention. Petai sat in another corner of the restaurant, in the area with high tables for solo customers who didn’t want to mingle with anyone.
He swirled his finger along the rim of the glass, pretending not to gaze directly at the unfolding event, discreetly engulfed by the extravagant sights and sounds of the tourists reveling in the atmosphere.
However, the reality was different. The reason Petai came here wasn’t for relaxation or entertainment like anyone else, but for entirely different and important reasons.
The news of the appointment of Young Prince Khanin Asawathawatin’s new fiance. With such anticipation circulating, it was difficult to suppress the curiosity brewing behind the veiled glance when they caught a glimpse of each other in the middle of the floor.
Since sitting at the bar was ordinary, the Young Prince conversed with the people around him. Then, the female bartender took the opportunity to pull Charan out to dance.
There was nothing abnormal, but it felt strange…
It was unusual for a young girl to approach Charan so closely, not to mention the behavior that was outside the norm, different from before.
Charan wasn’t one to be swayed by petty relationships, nor was he someone who could be controlled by money or power. Petai had thought of that reason.
Or it could be he agreed… because of true love.
Beautiful mouth corner twitched a smile for just a split second. He suppressed a laugh in his throat, knowing well that love can make people strange.
But someone agreeing to act like this… why did he have a soft spot for that boy?
And why did the Atsawathewathin agree to let a child tarnish the family’s reputation like this. With many locked doors still waiting to be opened, and Petai needing time to find answers?
It’s true that Khanin’s depths are intriguing… it’s curious, and that’s why Petai came here.
A gentle tremor. The communication device drew Petai’s attention away from the immediate surroundings, the names of certain individuals on the screen causing the pale-bodied owner to unintentionally hold his breath.
RM: Where are you?
A short message, but it made Petai realize something was amiss. He came here without informing Ramil, and for that reason. Beautiful dark eyes began to sweep around. With caution, coupled with the following text, having just enough clarity.
RM: Call. Can you call me?
A warm breath escaped. Petai told himself he was just overthinking. Ramil asked to call. It was just that, nothing more.
PT: Going to sleep now.
A concise decision to respond with sincere feelings, a slender finger pressed to close the screen, feeling a little uneasy about lying, but thinking it shouldn’t be revealed.
Ramil shouldn’t be here… this place is too different from his position.
“Hi.” The greeting came with the sound of a glass being placed on the table, calling for the attention of the pale-bodied host to turn, towards a person with familiar height and a familiar fragrance entering the visual range.
The newcomer wore a black cap to obscure the face, yet couldn’t completely hide the true identity, Petai’s heart raced, his palms became damp and he suddenly couldn’t find words, no different from someone forgetting how to speak for a moment.
“So you just found out that your bedroom is here.” The voice sounded muffled, but without seeking an answer.
Petai surreptitiously glanced at the person of high lineage. Ramil didn’t look his way. He chose to keep his gaze fixed on the figure in the center of the floor.
“…”
“Did you have to come and see it for yourself?”
“You shouldn’t be here.” Despite being caught off guard by Ramil’s sudden appearance, Petai remained composed. He didn’t answer the question he knew didn’t require an answer, instead substituting it with the most important subject.
Petai didn’t know how Ramil came, whether alone or with followers, but it was a risky move.
“….” Sharp gazes locked in a moment of darkness and fear.
Petai saw a flicker of annoyance in those eyes. Ramil remained silent, the tall figure raised a hand to remove the black hat, as if to let out the warmth, and the smaller person quickly grasped the wrist forcefully.
“No.”
“Then let’s go back..” Ramil ordered calmly, gently guiding the hand to hold a smaller wrist, lowering his face slightly to avoid drawing attention, and silently led the smaller figure away.
This time, Petai did not protest. He believes that Charan’s issue is not as important as Ramil’s appropriateness. The slim figure reluctantly follows the crowd and walks away.
They slip out through the back of the shop onto a street corner that connects to a less frequented road. It is not used much, and there is an unfamiliar darkcolored car.
They keep their eyes hidden in that spot.
If I had to guess, Ramil probably used someone else’s car and secretly brought his father here. Petai doesn’t say anything until they’re close to their final destination, his figure finally breaking the silence.
“Don’t do this again, it’s too risky.”
“Are you also interested?”
“I’m sorry…” Sorry is easy to ask for. Because I know that this time I am in the wrong, having even a little sinful appearance might help reduce the punishment… Petai knows.
Ramil hates it when he does things without telling him, and what he dislikes the most is lying, whether it’s a small matter or a big one.
“Do you know what liars deserve?”
“You can’t start that here.” Not denying, but warning the person behind the wheel of what situation they’re in. The atmosphere in the car is quiet, intimate, one anxious footstep is echoed when the engine suddenly revs up as the car changes direction.
“Ramil…”
“Go back to sleep with me, tonight you have to stay with me.”
“What are you looking for?” The song in the shop continues to blast. Khanin finishes dancing to one of the songs but continues to move in rhythm, looking curiously at the person who keeps glancing towards the back door.
“Nothing, really…” Charan denies, not thinking about telling Khanin that he feels like he saw Petai and Ramil here, partly because the evidence is not clear, Ginger whores look in another direction, secondly, because he doesn’t think those people have any reason to be here.
Let go of the idea of going somewhere, someone like Ramil wouldn’t just disappear like this, or if he wanted to investigate, he wouldn’t hide so quickly, maybe it’s him who is looking around…
…
“Stop caring about anything else, are you ready or not?”
The question that came too late was asked by Young-Prince while the beat of the song switched to a slow tempo. Khanin smiled, his enchanting charm shining on his cute face.
“Ready for what?”
“Ready for our next plan.” His charming smile brightened.
Charan hesitates. His sharp eyes flicker slightly as a taller person leans in close enough for him to catch a whiff of their clean scent.
“A plan?”
“There are people who want to know and see more of our story a lot..” Khanin speaks softly, touches the side of his earlobe wearing an earring, and moves slightly back and forth matching the rhythm of the song while glancing at the person he’s talking to. Charan’s body also begins to sway slowly to the beat.
“And then?..” Khanin doesn’t need to tell Charan, he knows. At the far left corner of the shop, two people take out their phones and secretly take pictures, on the right side there are three more, behind, countless others, increasing as the other party’s face approaches closer, the people around seem to react.
“Earlier, I sent the paper with the appointment message to Mira. From now on, we need to wait and see if she will come as planned. But we have to help each other, and pay attention.”
“How so?” This question arose not because Charan did not understand the initial plan. He knows very well that directing the attention of the people in the shop to this specific spot will make it easier for Mira to slip away unnoticed.
However, the second plan is quite different.
He wants to know what Khanin has in mind, considering how he managed to make such an enthusiastic act.
“How can we make everyone in the pub turn to look at us?” Khanin immediately began to sketch intricate patterns, while the young man slowly moved his body in sync with the music, before creating a diversion by moving closer to Charan.
Khanin allowed their bodies to touch, the warm breath they exchanged made the tall figure straighten up again, more than just holding hands, it was more than that.
Enough to make a man like Charan, who was usually in control, unable to resist, momentarily losing himself.
Charan turned into a stone sculpture. He remained silent and tried to match the rhythm of the music as much as possible, not knowing where to place his wooden hands, completely unlike the fluidity of the young man’s movements.
Khanin ran his fingers along broad shoulders, then slid down to the wrists to guide and support each other, the younger man’s grip became firm, shifting to a position around the waist and neck, intimately closing the remaining distance between them.
There was no room for the breeze to pass through smoothly anymore. Charan gritted his teeth as the young man’s hair brushed against his nose, as if testing the endurance of his mind.
The young man nestled against the strong shoulder, moving only slightly but captivatingly, making Charan want to retract his previously tempting words, the dancing party wasn’t so skilled. Now, Charan no longer felt that way.
“We are a dancing couple, aren’t we? Can we play smoothly?” A sentence he had heard before once resurfaced to remind him, another nudge.
“…”
“Show that we are in love a bit…” Khanin drew his arms around the firm neck. Their two-layered eyes avoided each other and then met, radiating a mischievousness that was no different from an impish little cub trying to provoke a lion.
And, of course, it worked…
“How smooth do you want it?” This time, Charan leaned down to whisper in the young man’s ear, an intimate image that brought laughter and cheers from the surrounding people.
It’s not just because he is a high-class person, but it is widely known that Charan Phitakthewa, has never had any sexual rumors or relations involving anyone, and he appears to focus on his work, not interested in relationships.
It was different this time, in a profound way…
“Make it even smoother. Being as hard as a stone like this, who would believe you are so in love?”
“A stone?”
“Yes. I want it with an overwhelming burst of affection, with eyes… that anyone who sees would think you’ve lost your mind, like… oh.” The person who had been speaking incessantly in the beginning paused slightly when Charan’s warm palm landed on his waist.
“Like this?”
“No… too little.”
“Done.” When the conversation ended, the posture changed from being nonchalant to a protective embrace of the waist, pulling the white figure closer. The sharp eyes moved to a cute face, before performing something unexpected, beyond anyone’s expectations. Even Khanin himself.
“Ah…” Charan lowered his forehead to touch, reducing the distance, causing their noses to lightly brush against each other in a gaze that reflected something beyond the shadow of Khanin alone.
Khanin’s mind went blank, feeling a momentary sensation. A thumping sound in his chest couldn’t determine whether it was from the melody… or from the actions of someone taller.
The blushing young man’s ears were muffled, but he still heard the faint murmurs clearly.
“Like this… Do I look loving enough to you, Nin?”
The stone shifted, and it seemed to move with such force that it caused a slight abnormal twitching in the white figure’s chest, different from before…
“Enough… That’s enough.”
“If you wants more than this… I’ll make it happen.”
If it wasn’t his own fleeting thought, Khanin was confident that he saw a smile at the corner of the tall figure’s mouth.
The royal court young man didn’t want to be affected. He tried to maintain a normal composure, but when he brought it closer, it was Atsawathewathin who was defeated, leaving behind only the protectorate.
“M… Mira…Mira, she’s already left.” The person who left pulled came back to his sense reported to what he had seen.
Khanin glanced around to find the bartender girl, making sure that the other party was no longer in the same place, and quickly prepared for the next plan.
“What should we do next?”
“I’ll pretend to be drunk and fall. When I fall, please take me to the back of the shop immediately.”
“Wait…”
Khanin spoke truthfully and seriously, the sweet voice gently whispered, and Charan leaned his face closer, not hesitating to listen.
The slender and tight arms hugged tightly around the neck, tilting the face slightly closer… Closer than ever before, until the people around them unintentionally held their breaths.
The sound of cheers competed with the music.Kissing was a big deal to the Emmaly people … Khanin understood. He didn’t really intend to do it, but the drama had to have some surprises for the audience, just like now.
Swipe
Before their lips touched, the royal court young man dropped to his knees, causing his affectionate companion to quickly tighten his arms to hold the body of the pretending drunk person.
Khanin raised his eyebrows and smiled sweetly, ending with a few words that made Charan have to score the naughtiness of the younger man and keep it in his heart, almost completely….
“I can’t handle being drunk. Ung-ung will help take you back to the palace.”