Me and Thee & Calm down Mr Rome Special.

Wake Up Call Special #7

The interview went surprisingly smoothly. Even the photos, which they thought might need retakes, turned out nearly perfect. The crew, who had braced themselves for an exhausting day, now found themselves with unexpected free time, standing around, unsure what to do. The magazine representative, curious about the seamless process, cautiously asked how well the two men knew each other. It was unusual for them to agree to a joint interview so easily, saving the team a tremendous amount of time. Ivano offered a small smile, while Mr Thee, who hadn't cracked a single smile since the start, furrowed his brows at the question. That was enough to kill the conversation right there.

 

The interviewer exhaled quietly, relieved when Theerakit finally looked away. Internally, though, they were crying out in frustration. If you hate interviews so much, why even agree to do one?! Of course, they couldn't say that out loud. Instead, they forced a polite smile and smoothly moved on to the next question. In this industry, sometimes it was best to play dumb. Some things were better left unknown.

 

Peach, oblivious to the tension, was entirely focused on his camera. He lifted it to his eye, adjusting angles, capturing candid shots throughout the interview with full concentration. The results were stunning-every frame flawless. Not a single wasted shot. That might have had something to do with one of the interviewees constantly sneaking glances at the photographer, subtly angling his best side toward the lens to make sure he looked as sharp and striking as possible.

 

It was a little annoying, though, how he kept shifting around and blocking the view whenever Peach tried to snap a shot of Simon. Still, Peach chuckled to himself as he scrolled through the photos on his camera. Two men, both impossibly good-looking, both exuding a quiet kind of authority. Even in casual shots, they stood out. So unfair.

 

With an amused shake of his head, he glanced around for Thee. The interview team was packing up, preparing to leave. All that was left was for the photography crew to finish the final three sets, and then they'd be done for the day. Thee was still sitting on the same couch, engaged in a relaxed conversation with Ivano. Peach started toward them, intending to give a quick rundown for the next shoot, but as he got closer, he paused mid-step.

 

"Can't go any lower than that," Ivano said, shaking his head firmly. "It's rare material, you know. I've got to factor in the risk."

 

"How much do you want?" Theerakit's voice was steady, unwavering. Peach blinked a few times, then decided to slip away quietly. He wasn't about to get involved in whatever

negotiation this was. Or at least, that was the plan until Thee turned and called out to him.

 

"Where are you going?" His brows knitted together, looking more serious than he had during the entire deal.

 

"I don't think I should be interrupting this conversation," Peach replied evenly, matching the gravity of Thee's expression. "You two carry on. I'll come back later."

 

"No need. Sit down." Thee's tone was firm. Peach hesitated, exchanging a wary glance before catching the brief glint of amusement in Thee's stormy grey eyes. Something about this felt off. “Can I ask what exactly you were trying to buy just now?" he asked cautiously.

 

"Raw jade." Thee's reply was immediate. Ivano has shares in a jade mine in China. I wanted to purchase some raw pieces to use for a new jewellery collection."

 

There was a short pause before he straightened his posture, lifted his chin slightly, and declared with unmistakable pride, "I taught him Thai, myself."

 

Peach kept a straight face, glancing between the two of them. He wasn't sure how to phrase his thoughts delicately, like how that earlier conversation had sounded a lot less like a jade deal and a lot more like a black-market exchange.

 

"... Why Thai?" he asked instead, turning to Ivano, genuinely curious. The Italian businessman smiled faintly before replying, carefully enunciating each word. His accent was still rough around the edges, but it was clear he was making an effort.

 

"When you are in different places, it's only fair to use a language everyone understands," Ivano said, before his lips quivered into a wider grin. "Besides, I should practice my Thai. Paula would be happy."

 

"Paula?"

 

"My lover," the Italian man puffed out his chest, a wide smirk stretching across his lips. 

 

"She's a Thai woman. I planned this surprise just for her."

 

Peach offered a small smile, his eyes curving gently, softening his features until he almost looked delicate.

 

"Good luck with that. I'm rooting for you."

 

Ivano held his gaze, locking onto those deep, dark eyes laced with an easy warmth. His lips pressed together briefly before his voice dropped into a low, smooth timbre. "You have beautiful eyes, you know that?"

 

The young photographer blinked a few times, about to ask what he meant. But before he could get a word out, a sharp clack echoed through the room. Thee had pulled out the gun from his waistband and set it down on the table.

 

Peach flinched slightly as Thee moved in closer, his palm suddenly covering his eyes, cutting off his vision

 

"He's mine," Thee's voice was ice-cold, each syllable laced with an unspoken threat. The moment the warning left his lips, an almost tangible crackle of danger filled the air. Peach, however, had long since gotten used to this overprotective streak. He quickly reached out, lacing his fingers loosely around Thee's hand, a silent attempt to calm him down.

 

This possessiveness had been there long before they got together-and clearly, it wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

 

"Relax, I was just messing with you," Ivano chuckled, entirely unfazed. Thee didn't answer. There was a quiet rustling sound, as something was being put away. Then, after a long beat, the warm weight of his hand slowly lifted from Peach's eyes. The gun was gone. No blood was spilt. No one was hurt. Everyone was still seated, still smiling as if nothing had happened. Everyone except for Thee, his husband, who was now glued to Peach's side, one strong arm wrapped so firmly around him that there was no chance of escape.

 

"Seriously, what was that?" Peach leaned in slightly, voice dropping to a whisper. Thee shot him a sidelong glance before swiftly pressing a quick, stolen kiss to his lips, unable to resist.

 

"Ivano Simon is a notorious playboy. He never dates anyone longer than three months. Changes partners like he changes clothes." Theerakit drawled, finally putting some distance between them but keeping his tone as cool as ever.

 

"Oh, and he's bi."

 

"Hey, I'm still sitting right here, you know," Ivano interjected, not sounding the least bit offended. His lips quivered into an amused smile, eyes glittering with mischief. "I can let the kiss slide, but trash-talking me to my face? A bit much, don't you think?"

 

Thee didn't so much as flinch. He tilted his chin up slightly, his expression impassive. "I'm just stating facts. And it's necessary to remind my boyfriend to stay far, far away from dangerous people like you."

 

Ivano let out a dramatic "Ohhh," the kind that signalled both amusement and intrigue. He hadn't expected this from Thee, the same cold, aloof guy who had always acted like he was above all things romantic. Yet here he was, clinging to Peach like a possessive lover, practically radiating jealousy. 

 

Peach sighed, a quiet exhale of exasperation, though the faint smile on his lips never wavered. He patted Thee's arm lightly, as if to say enough already. "Got it. But can we actually get back to work now?" There was no one else around yet. But if Thee kept up this clinginess, their relationship wouldn't stay a secret for much longer. Not that he ever expected this secret to stay hidden for long in the first place.

 

Theerakit hesitated for a moment before reluctantly letting go of the smaller man. Peach offered a soft smile and murmured a quiet "thank you" before standing up. Clearing his throat, he composed himself, his expression shifting into something more formal as he began explaining the details of the shoot with professional ease.

 

Ivano listened attentively, nodding slightly as Peach spoke. This young Asian man carried himself with a level of professionalism that contrasted with his youthful appearance. His words were concise and clear, his tone steady and pleasant to the ear. He even took the time to check on the model's comfort, his concern genuine rather than perfunctory. A faint smile ghosted across the older man's lips. A good kid, indeed. No wonder Thee was so completely taken with him.

 

Ivano's gaze flicked toward the other two men standing a short distance away, keeping a watchful eye like diligent bodyguards. Yet instead of maintaining a strict presence, they leaned in close, whispering and chuckling, playfully teasing the smaller Asian man between them. Their eyes sparkled with amusement, their easy camaraderie apparent. It seemed the Arseny brothers, once a cause for his concern, had finally found themselves a real family.

 

The preparations for the shoot proceeded smoothly. The models followed instructions without hesitation, adjusting their poses as directed and moving with practised ease, showing no hint of resistance. The crew, who had been bracing for difficulties, let out a collective sigh of relief as the session wrapped up ahead of schedule. After all, not every day did they find themselves responsible for handling two high-profile businessmen. Who wouldn't be on edge?

 

Peach bowed his head slightly, offering thanks to everyone involved. Though exhaustion tugged at him, his bright smile remained unwavering. The photo shoot had gone better than expected, and much of that success was owed to the models' cooperation.

 

Standing before the monitor, he reviewed his work meticulously. He was fully focused until the murmurs around him caught his attention. Lifting his head, he followed the hushed whispers to their source. A tall, elegant woman strode into the room, immediately drawing every eye to her. Her golden hair was swept into a refined updo, with wisps of soft curls resting against her slender neck. Ice-blue eyes flickered with an unreadable light as she took in the scene before her. Her posture was poised and effortless, exuding quiet authority that demanded attention. She was Neera Pierce-Thee's ex-girlfriend

 

Her gaze swept the room swiftly before pausing just for a fraction of a second on the towering half-Russian mafia boss. Then, as if nothing had happened, she moved on. But that fleeting moment did not escape Peach's notice. His brow furrowed slightly, a subtle flare of irritation rising in his chest. When she had casually mentioned being Thee's ex, he hadn't thought much of it. But seeing her shift, even briefly, in front of his person? That was a different story. It was annoying.

 

Peach forced himself to refocus, lowering his gaze back to the monitor. Don't overthink it, he told himself. You know him. You know this woman can't shake what you two have. Still, it was irritating. He exhaled sharply, pushing the thought aside as he concentrated on reviewing the photos. The soft rhythm of high heels against the floor broke through his focus, the sound approaching steadily until it stopped nearby. Peach lifted his head. Neera hadn't gone to Thee. She had walked straight toward him.

 

"Do you need something?"

 

Peach blinked as the question didn't come from him. Mok, ever sharp, had stepped beside him, his voice flat, devoid of warmth. His dark eyes locked onto Neera, unreadable but unwavering, as if analysing every flicker of her expression. The woman faltered for a moment, her poised exterior cracking just slightly. A brief hesitation, a fleeting shadow of unease, before she masked it with a polite, albeit shaky, smile. "Oh dear, how rude of me," she murmured lightly.

 

Peach met her gaze for a beat before offering a small, unreadable smile of his own. His slender fingers reached out, giving Mok's shoulder a reassuring pat, a silent reminder to ease up. Then, as if sensing the weight of another stare, he let his gaze drift across the room. And there he was. Thee stood on the other side, eyes locked onto them with a fire that burned cold and controlled. His expression was carefully restrained, but the tension was visible most notably in the veins pressing against the back of his hand.

 

Thee knew Peach didn't like using force, especially knowing how much he resented it. He also knew Peach wasn't fond of possessiveness taken too far. And yet, despite his self-control, despite his silence, that glare alone was enough to reduce Neera to ash if looks could kill. A small, knowing smile tugged at Peach's lips, a wordless reassurance sent in Thee's direction before he turned back to the woman in front of him. 

 

"Good afternoon, Neera." His voice was pleasant, polite. But his smile, though present, never quite reached his eyes. "Apologies for not welcoming you earlier. I was in the middle of reviewing my work. Is there something you need from me?"

 

His tone was civil, but the message beneath was clear. She was intruding. And if she wasn't here as a friend, he had no intention of playing one either.