Teach me, Touch me. 

Part 13: Single Party.

 

"Can you stay here with me?"

 

"Hmm? Which day?"

 

"Every day."

 

"I barely go back to sleep at my own condo as it is."

 

"You're not skilled enough yet. Stay close, and I can teach you more easily."

 

"Morning lessons, evening lessons." His slow, sultry voice was laced with charm, and he lightly traced the tip of the young man's nose with his finger.

 

"Am I really not skilled enough?" Gear asked, his round eyes searching, sensing a hint of mischief in Kanthi's words that made him wary.

 

"Heh." In the end, the experienced man couldn't help but laugh at his own slyness, amused by how he'd just teased the younger man.

 

"Kanthi, you've been teasing me since the beginning. I can tell now. Honestly, I'm already skilled when it comes to sex."

 

"What can I say?"

 

"..."

 

"You're just too fuckable." His deep voice whispered deliberately into Gear's ear, his fingers trailing down to caress the younger man's lower back, emphasising his words.

 

"Please, stop. My legs are still sore from yesterday. I haven't recovered yet." This time, Gear quickly buried his face away from the playful Kanthi, who seemed ready for another round of morning exercise.

 

"Heh, alright, I get it." The man chuckled at the adorable reaction, pulling the younger man into his arms, replacing the heat of passion with the warmth of an embrace.

 

The bedroom was quiet, devoid of conversation, with only their breathing filling the space. Gear lay still, basking in the warmth of the embrace. He never imagined that behind Kanthi's Playboy image, his sly demeanour, and his fiery, intense passion lay a core of warmth, gentleness, and unwavering reliability.

 

Rereer. 

"Kanthi, your phone."

 

"It's fine. I don't have anything urgent today," he replied lazily, tightening his hold on the person in his arms.

 

"But what if something urgent comes up?" 

 

At Gear's words, Kanthi sighed lightly, a hint of annoyance in his breath, before loosening his embrace to reach for the troublesome device lying face down on the bedside table. He sat up slightly, leaning against the headboard, and pulled Gear closer to rest against his chest, as if unwilling to part even for a moment.

 

"What the hell are you calling me for this early?" Kanthi glanced at the caller ID before answering gruffly, irritation evident in his tone.

 

[You still haven't told me if you're coming to the party tonight.]

 

"Why the rush? Can't your club function without me?"

 

[No way. My club can't go on without you, our number one player.]

 

"You bastard." Kanthi quickly pulled the phone away from his ear, not wanting the younger man beside him to hear his friend's words. But it was futile; Gear, resting against his chest, had heard everything from the very first sentence.

 

[So, you're coming, right? I'll reserve a table for you, complete with your type of boys.]

 

"No need!" Kanthi cut his friend off abruptly, moving the phone away for a moment to address the young man beside him.

 

"Rose Club is hosting a party tonight. Do you want to go?"

 

"Tonight?" Gear repeated, his expression thoughtful.

 

"If you want to go, I'll take you."

 

"Sure, why not? It seems like he really wants you to go too."

 

"Don't mind Porsche. Just tell me if you want to go."

 

"Alright, let's go."

 

"I'll come tonight," Kanthi said into the phone, giving his friend the answer he was waiting for.

 

[l figured you've been skipping my club because you've been busy with your boy.]

 

"You're annoying. That's enough. You're wasting my rest time." Kanthi scolded his friend with a smile, then quickly ended the call to avoid further interruptions.

together."

 

"What time do your classes end today? I'll pick you up from the university so we can head to the club.

 

"In the afternoon."

 

"Alright, I'll pick you up and drop you off at your condo first. Then I'll come get you again tonight."

 

"Isn't it a hassle for you to go back and forth? I can manage on my own."

 

"It's no trouble at all."

 

"I still feel bad. I'll head back to my condo myself and meet you at the club later."

 

"It's easier if I pick you up."

 

"Fine, I'll let you win. But if you change your mind and want me to pick you up, just call me, okay?" In the end, Kanthi had to relent, as Gear's determined gaze didn't waver.

 

"By the way, is it true that this party can't happen without you, as P'Porsche said?"

 

"P'Porsche?" Kanthi frowned, not at the question but at the name that caught his attention.

 

"Yes?"

"Since when did you two get so close?"

 

"We're not close. He just told me to call him "P'." Gear's response made Kanthi purse his lips slightly, silently cursing his friend.

 

"Then why don't you try calling me 'P' too?"

 

"...Kanthi." Gear paused, considering for a moment before looking at Kanthi, who was clearly waiting for the word. But in the end, the younger man stuck to his usual address, his stubborn tone and innocent eyes making Kanthi want to pinch his nose in playful frustration.

 

"Gear."

 

"Yes... Uncle Kanthi." The unexpected term caught Kanthi off guard, and the mischievous glint in Gear's eyes made Kanthi laugh.

 

"Wait, did you just call me 'uncle'?" Unable to resist, Kanthi pinched the tip of Gear's nose as punishment for his cheekiness, making the younger man pull back with a giggle.

 

The Rose Club was more crowded than usual. Standing amidst the throng of people outside the club, Gear still didn't know what kind of party was being held. Kanthi hadn't told him, and he hadn't asked. All he knew was that it'd attracted quite a crowd.

 

Everyone was dressed to impress-some in elegant attire, others in bold, suggestive outfits. It felt like a scene from a dating event. Fortunately, Gear had chosen an outfit that suited any occasion, ensuring he didn't stand out awkwardly among the well-dressed crowd. In fact, his striking looks and radiant complexion drew more than a few admiring glances.

 

"Hmm, you look adorable tonight, N'Gear," the owner of the Rose Club remarked, his gaze lingering briefly before offering the compliment.

 

Gear smiled politely, a bit surprised, as this was just his usual style. He was a simple dresser, often opting for oversized t-shirts paired with jeans or long, depending on the occasion. Sometimes, he'd choose light-coloured shirts, never fixating on brands. As long as it looked good, he didn't care much about the price.

 

Tonight, Gear wore a light blue oversized shirt with a slightly wider neckline than usual. The front hem was tucked into dark jeans, paired with plain white sneakers.

 

"This look is perfect. After tonight's party, you could go on a date."

 

"A date?"

 

"Don't tell me you didn't know. Didn't Kan tell you this is a singles' party? If you fancy someone, you can ask them out."

 

"Who's going on a date?" Kanthi's indifferent voice cut in as he approached, having overheard his friend's words to Gear.

 

"N'Gear, of course." Porsche dropped the bombshell before walking away with a grin.

 

"So, someone's already asked you out? Who is it?" Kanthi asked calmly, his hands in his pockets, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd briefly.

 

"No one. P'Porsche was just teasing."

 

"..." Kanthi hid a smirk behind his charmingly wicked face, his gaze lingering on the young man before him amidst the bustling crowd and flashing lights.

 

The soft tones of his outfit stood out in the sea of people. His smile and those eyes...

 

"What are you looking at? Did I do something wrong?"

 

"No."

..."

 

"You're just adorable." Unable to resist, Kanthi leaned in to whisper the compliment, sneaking a quick brush of his nose against Gear's cheek.

 

"But isn't your neckline a bit too wide?"

 

"What about you, Kanthi? What brand is your shirt? Why doesn't it have any buttons?" Gear's gaze shifted to the broad chest before him.

 

Kanthi's tall, lean frame was dressed in a simple yet striking outfit. Nonetheless, within that simplicity lay an undeniable charm and allure that made it impossible to look away.

 

His navy blue fitted shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealed a luxury watch on his left wrist. Tucked into tailored black slacks that accentuated his long legs. And aside from his handsome face, what truly caught the eye was his broad, muscular chest.

 

Kanthi was the man who always considered the fourth button on his shirt to be the first, as he never bothered to fasten the top three.

 

"Not only are you stubborn, but you've got quite the knack for comebacks," Kanthi teased, though his face was alight with a smile. He then slipped an arm around the younger man's waist and guided him to the table the club owner had reserved for them.

 

"It's really crowded tonight," Gear remarked, sipping his drink as he took in the lively atmosphere around them. They were seated in their usual corner, prepared by the party's host.

 

"Is it too much? It's pretty loud. If you're bored, just let me know, and I'll take you home."

 

"No, it's fine." Gear quickly shook his head. While he used to dislike crowded and noisy places, he'd recently started to open up to new experiences. It wasn't so bad, especially with Kanthi by his side. Even though he didn't enjoy the music as much as others, the company made the night far from dull.

 

"So, how's the party? Is everything good? N'Gear, feel free to order whatever you'd like," the owner of Rose Club said as he approached their table, having finished overseeing the club's operations for the night.

 

"Thank you," Gear replied politely. The three of them chatted about general topics, although most of the conversation centred on Kanthi and Porsche discussing business, cars, and drinks. 

 

Gear, being the youngest and least involved, mostly stayed quiet, soaking in the party's atmosphere. That was until a new guest joined their table, a luxury car enthusiast whom the club owner had introduced to Kanthi. 

 

The newcomer took the opportunity to discuss cars that interested him. Seeing that he had little to contribute to the conversation, Gear quietly excused himself without Kanthi noticing. It wasn't until the lively discussion about cars had wrapped up that Kanthi realised Gear was no longer at the table.

 

"Where's Gear?"

"Probably went to the restroom."

 

".." Kanthi's eyes began scanning the room, his concern growing.

 

"But he's been gone for a while now."

 

"And you're just telling me this now?" Kanthi snapped, irritation evident in his tone.

 

"What the hell is your problem? He just stepped out. Maybe he got bored."

 

"He didn't even take his phone," Kanthi grumbled, picking up Gear's phone from the sofa and keeping it with him. His growing frustration was clear, and Porsche, being his close friend, quickly picked up on the reason behind it.

 

"You're acting weird. How special is this kid to you?"

 

"It's crowded tonight. Gear's the type to accept any drink handed to him. He's not great at looking out for himself."

 

"That's it?"

 

"..." Kanthi sighed, avoiding the question by shaking his head.

 

"So, can I make a move on him? Honestly, N' Gear's not your type, but he's totally mine."

 

"I'm already seeing him. Are you blind?" Kanthi replied in a calm yet firm tone, his sharp gaze making Porsche smirk knowingly.

 

"You're always seeing someone. It's not like you're serious. Besides, I don't mind. Just let me know when you're done with him, and I'll take my shot."

 

"I'm not letting him get to you, Porsche."

"Heh. You're so possessive, yet you won't make it official. You're just playing around with someone this good?"

 

"I haven't thought that far ahead."

 

"You've changed so much, and you're still saying you haven't thought about it?"

 

"Changed how?"

 

"You've stopped sleeping around." Porsche's blunt response made Kanthi turn away, uncomfortable with his friend's impoliteness.

 

Porsche wasn't wrong at all with what he said so straightforwardly. Kanthi had stopped those habits completely ever since he met Gear. There were moments when familiar faces came over to flirt and greet him, and there were times when he unintentionally responded to the gazes of others. However, Kanthi had entirely ceased any deeper actions with anyone else.

 

"A playboy like you won't realise what you've got until someone else snatches it away."