HEMP ROPE

11.

At Pharm's restaurant after hours. Now it was time for the owner to invite his university friends for a meal.

 

"Holy cow, these are all my favs" Team cheered. "Here you go, Hia. You like stir-fried crab with curry powder, don't you? This one's meaty." He scooped a spoonful for Win, sitting next to him.

 

"Here's Tom Yum. Pharm got two bowls ready for his friend and his senior. Before he could hand them over, Team got two bowls in front of him to exchange mushrooms with prawns, from one bowl to another.

 

"Hia doesn't like mushrooms." Team explained to the confused Pharm before handing Win a bowl of non-mushroom Tom Yum. Pharm blinked, then glanced at his lover, who grinned at him knowingly.

 

Team liked taking care of people. Back in university, Team helped him and Manow with lots of things, but Pharm never thought...

 

"It's hot!" Win cried as he happened to chew on chilli.

 

"Dumbass." Team handed him a cup of water in an instant. Then he grabbed Win's bowl to pick out a chilli. "Here."

 

"Was that on purpose, Nong Pharm?" Win joked at Pharm, whose eyes widened in puzzlement.

 

"Don't blame my boyfriend." Dean pointed at Win's face with his fork, making everyone laugh. Up until they finished dinner and everyone was going home, Pharm had been staring at Win until the senior smiled at him. "Do you have any questions?"

 

Pharm looked left and right. Team was in the bathroom.

"P' Win is the middle child, aren't you?" Win nodded.

 

"P' Dean said you like taking care of your bigger and little brother."

"Yeah, they're affectionate."

 

"..then wh..." Pharm glanced at Team walking in. He was curious

 

Why did Win let Team look after him when it wasn't Win's behaviour? Win patted his boyfriend's friend affectionately. "Sometimes...we all want someone to look after us too."

 

No need to be capable all the time, no need to be perfect. He could be weak at times and wished to be looked after.

 

The car revved from the restaurant, leaving the owner and his lover.

 

"P'Win loves Team so much."

 

Dean arched his brow. He clicked his tongue and wrapped his arms around the little man's shoulders, veering them back into their house.

 

"He's wicked. He knows Team'd give in if he's affectionate enough."

 

Amidst the open road, the former vice president of the swimming club leaned comfortably on the passenger seat. He glanced at Team with a faint smile.

Before he knew it, Team never dared let Win out of his sight. Just like his friend said...