Teach me, Touch me. 

Part 14: The Familiar Face.

 

It might've been the overwhelming crowd, the deafening music that nearly left his ears ringing, or the lack of involvement in the conversation among men a decade older than him. Kanthi was busy chatting with the client Porsche had introduced, so Gear quietly slipped away, not wanting to disturb anyone. Only the club owner noticed him leaving, but chose not to say anything.

 

Outside the club, Gear stood taking in the fresh air, though it was tinged with a faint smell of cigarette smoke carried by the wind. He'd grown accustomed to it and could tolerate it now.

 

"Gear," a familiar voice called out, making him turn immediately.

 

"Kim?"

 

"I messaged you yesterday, but you didn't reply. Did you fall asleep?"

 

".." Gear recalled the message he'd seen that morning but chose to ignore it, just as he had before.

 

"Never mind. So, you're out here because you're avoiding the crowd inside, right? Same as always." 

 

Kim quickly shifted the mood, speaking in a pleasant tone with a smile, as if nothing had ever happened between them.

 

"...Didn't expect to see you here," Gear replied, his tone indifferent, as if he were being stubborn.

 

"At a singles' party?"

"..."

 

"I'm single, so it's not surprising you'd see me here."

 

"Yeah." Though the word "single" stirred something inside him, Gear swallowed his emotions and remained silent.

 

"How have you been?"

 

"I'm fine," Gear replied flatly, his expression neutral and unreadable.

 

It wasn't easy for Gear to adjust to this moment. The good feelings he once had for someone who'd left him, someone who'd moved on within three days, someone who'd introduced him as just a junior to another person they were seeing-those feelings were hard to reconcile. Yet here Kim was, acting as if nothing had happened, his once-cold gaze now softened, resembling the way he used to look at Gear when they were together.

 

Gear and Kim came into view. He stopped within the haze of nicotine, not far from the pair. Pulling out a cigarette, he lit it, using the act to pass the time and cool the sudden heat rising within him.

 

He stood there, watching the scene unfold, exhaling white smoke into the air. He didn't bother hiding, and Gear noticed him watching from a distance.

 

"I really like it when you dress like this, you know," Kim said with a smile, his gaze lingering as he reached out to touch the soft skin of Gear's neck. But Gear stepped back, avoiding the touch.

 

Kanthi, who'd been watching with growing irritation, let out a small sigh before deciding to extinguish his cigarette. He approached them calmly, though his patience was wearing thin. He didn't like how Kim, Gear's ex, was trying to touch him when it was clear Gear wasn't comfortable with it.

 

"Do you want to leave this spot?" Kanthi asked softly as he stopped near them. Though he wanted to take Gear away without asking, he knew that when it came to matters of the heart between the two, he was still an outsider.

 

"..." Gear glanced at Kim briefly before nodding in response to Kanthi.

 

"Excuse me, but Gear came with me tonight, and I don't like it when someone else touches him," Kanthi said firmly, his tone unapologetic. He didn't care if his words upset anyone, especially not Kim, as he held Gear's hand tightly.

 

"Someone else? I'm not just 'someone.' I've been closer to him than you ever have. Maybe you should ask Gear first," Kim retorted.

 

"What you're referring to is just your past status, isn't it? If today you're still just 'someone else,' then I have every right to walk Gear away from you," Kanthi replied curtly, his tone sharp and unyielding. 

 

Without waiting for a response, he led Gear away from the area. Kanthi's larger frame and stronger build made his hand significantly bigger than the one he held. 

 

His grip was warm and firm, offering a sense of safety and comfort that momentarily made Gear forget his frustration at seeing his ex.

 

"You really wanted to leave, didn't you?" Kanthi asked, almost naively. Despite his life experience and worldly knowledge, he couldn't fully grasp the lingering emotions Gear might have for his ex.

 

"Yes. I don't want to see him right now."

 

"Did he say anything bad to you?"

 

"No. He just said... he's single." Gear's voice was soft, but Kanthi heard it clearly. He also noticed the thoughtful look in Gear's eyes, as if his mind had been preoccupied since seeing Kim.

 

"…Is he trying to win you back?"

 

"I don't think so. I... I just want to go home now," Gear said, cutting the conversation short. He didn't want thoughts of Kim to cloud his mind any further. But as he turned to leave, Kanthi grabbed his arm, stopping him.

 

"Is something wrong?" Gear asked, surprised by Kanthi's silence and the stern look on his face.

 

"...Do you know what I wanted to do the most just now?" Kanthi's intense gaze softened slightly as he pulled Gear to stand in front of him. He placed a warm hand on Gear's face, gently brushing his fingers across his cheek as if mesmerised.

 

"What did you want to do?"

 

"I wanted to kiss you right in front of that guy." Kanthi's voice was calm but filled with conviction.

 

The pull that mightn't have come at the right time, but calling it jealousy wouldn't be far off. Without realising it, Kanthi admitted to himself that seeing Gear close to someone who once held his heart made his temper flare.

 

He leaned in closer, their noses nearly touching, his warm breath brushing against Gear's skin. The closer he got, the stronger the urge to claim the lips just inches away. Seeing Gear reject his ex's touch but allow him this proximity only fueled Kanthis's dwindling restraint.

 

"Mmm," Gear let out a soft sound as Kanthi finally gave in to his desire. He cupped Gear's face and pressed their lips together, taking in everything he'd been holding back. Gear instinctively wrapped his arms around Kanthi's neck, responding to the kiss that was hard to resist.

 

Kanthi pulled Gear closer, his large hands cradling the smaller man's face, conveying warmth and security. The kiss was deep and consuming, their tongues tangling as Kanthi poured out the frustration and heat from earlier. It was more intense than any kiss they'd shared before, leaving Gear breathless.

 

"Mmm," Gear whimpered softly, unable to withstand the intensity of Kanthi's kisses. Every touch felt like it was draining his energy, leaving him weak and vulnerable. His quiet moans of protest finally made Kanthi pull back.

 

"Can't handle it anymore?"

 

"...No," Gear admitted, his flushed face confirming his words.

 

Kanthi gently traced Gear's lips and cheek with his fingers, his touch tender despite the fire still burning within him. He wanted to claim Gear as his, right here and now.

 

"Stay with me tonight."