Chapter Text
Pop!
Rain felt the car jerk, and panic began to rise in his chest. “What’s wrong? Why now?” he whined as he pulled the car over, turning on his hazards. “Why does it have to be now? Damn it!” He frantically looked around for any sign of something that went wrong, but because he knew nothing about cars, it was a near impossible task. “Shit, how do I fix this? What am I gonna do?” he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
Rain was so wrapped up in trying to understand what was going on, he didn’t even notice the motorcycle that pulled up next to him until there was a gentle rap on his window. The mystery man on the bike pointed towards the back of the car, and Rain looked at him, confusion painted across his face. What was this guy trying to say?
The man gestured again, but Rain knew he still wasn’t going to understand so he rolled down his window. The man raised the visor of his helmet and spoke. “I’m going to go check the tires, stay here.”
“Really, P’?” Rain asked, thrilled for the help.
“Yeah, do you have a spare?” he asked. Rain nodded and pointed to the trunk. The stranger parked his motorcycle and walked around the car, opening the trunk and pulling out the spare and a wrench.
Rain felt guilty being the only one warm and dry, especially when this guy had decided to help him even in the rain. He looked around his passenger seat and found an umbrella he had stashed there earlier this morning when his mother warned him he would need it.
He popped it open as he stepped out of the car, standing behind the man currently screwing on his spare tire. He had taken off his helmet to work, revealing long, dark hair that was pulled back in a small bun. The bottom half of his face and neck were covered with a cloth wrap, no doubt to protect him from the weather when he was riding. But he looked like he had kind eyes.
“Nong, go wait in the car. It’s pouring, I’ll take care of things out here,” he motioned back to the car. Rain shook his head and held the umbrella further over the man’s already soaked form.
“I can’t help you change the tire, but I can shelter you from the rain.” The man adjusted the cloth covering his face, looking at Rain a bit in disbelief, but continued working anyway. “P’, can I help you with anything else?” Rain asked, eager to be of some assistance. The man handed him his helmet and Rain clutched it to his chest.
“Just hold this for me,” he said and turned his attention back to the tire.
Rain watched with interest, trying to see what he was doing. “Thank you so much, P’. I wouldn’t know what to do without you!” He smiled at the man as he stood.
“Learn the basics about cars, don’t just drive.” Rain followed him with the umbrella as he dragged the flat tire to the back and hefted it into the trunk, trying to keep the man dry. “So that you can fix it yourself next time.” Rain nodded, listening attentively. He had always meant to learn, but he had never found the time to. He did, however, make a mental note to learn the next time he was free.
“Alright, it’s done,” the stranger said, shutting the trunk. He turned to Rain and pulled down the cloth covering his face. His face…Rain’s breath caught in his throat. He stared at him with his mouth slightly open, like an idiot. How could someone be so attractive? Rain suddenly found himself retracing every movement he had made in this person's presence, trying to figure out if he had made a complete fool of himself. The man looked down at his helmet, pulling Rain out of his trance and spurring him back into action.
“Oh, here you go!” Rain held out the hand clutching the helmet as the other man placed his hand over Rain’s to grab it. He lingered there for a few seconds before Rain finally realized he hadn’t even said much to the hot guy who had saved him. Who knew, maybe he was single. “You’re so handsome!” Immediately embarrassed by his sudden outburst, Rain tried to backtrack. “Wait…um I mean–”
“Thank you for the compliment,” the stranger replied, grabbing his helmet from Rain. “Don’t go blowing out your tires again. Run along and stay out of the rain. Go on now, I wanna go home too.”
Rain nodded and walked to his car door, “Yes, I will! Thank you P’!”
The man nodded at him again, pulling his helmet on. “Get home safe, Nong!”
“You too, P’!” Rain called out, sliding into his seat.
He started up his car again and drove off, watching the stranger only pull away after he saw Rain leave. “So damn cool!” Rain muttered to himself. The man was so handsome and exactly Rain’s type. If he had a boyfriend like him, he’d be thrilled. “Damn it, Rain. Why didn't you even get his name?”
— — —
“And then, when he saw I got back on the road, he drove off! I thought I was gonna get stabbed to death by some rando, but it was just him! Not only was he kind, but he’s also got great skills,” Rain rambled excitedly to Sky, who looked less than thrilled to be there. They were sitting in class, waiting for the professor to show up. Rain blushed and looked down, “Plus he’s so-”
“Drop-dead gorgeous that he puts even idols and angels to shame, right?” Sky finished for him, his tone rising at the end to tease Rain.
“How did you know?” Rain asked, pouting that his story got interrupted.
Sky plastered a wide smile on his face for about half a second before dropping it. “This is the third time you’re telling me.”
“I just want to tell you! Can’t you hear me out?” Rain pleaded with his best friend, tugging at his arm.
Sky pulled his arm away and pointed at Rain. “Hey, do you realize that you’re very annoying?”
“And you? Don’t you realize you’re heartless? You won’t even listen to me,” Rain pouted.
“What was I doing the past two times you told me then, hm?” Sky said, returning to the article he was reading on his phone. Rain continued to tug at his friend’s arm, practically begging for his attention.
“Sky…come on, listen to me please!” Rain continued to try to regain Sky’s attention, but he just shrugged Rain off. Rain sat back in his chair and muttered under his breath, “Fine if that’s how you wanna play it.” He narrowed his eyes as if he were challenging someone to a fight and hesitated for a moment before lunging for Sky’s phone. He was no match for Sky’s reflexes, however, and ended up grasping at air. The two smiled and tittered lightly as Rain pulled back in defeat.
“Trying to snatch my phone?” Sky said under his breath as Rain bit his lip and looked away. Why did it seem like Sky always had eyes in the back of his head? Sky sighed and gave his friend the attention he was seeking.
“You’re a meanie,” Rain said, sticking his tongue out in retaliation.
“Yes, I absolutely am. And you know what I’m wondering?” Sky asked, and Rain leaned towards him, intrigued as to what his friend was going to say. “I now understand why such a good looking man who looks like a Korean actor…” Rain smiled and ran his fingers over his jawline, nodding along to Sky’s praise. “Can’t find a single partner.”
“Fuck, don’t add insult to injury.” Rain said, his face returning to a sullen expression. Ever since he had come out to Sky as bisexual, his friend teased him relentlessly that despite being attracted to guys and girls, he still didn’t have a significant other. It wasn’t Rain’s fault that no one he liked returned his affections.
Sky shrugged. “I’m telling the truth, aren’t I?”
“Hey!” Someone tapped Rain’s arm, drawing their attention away. It was Ple. “What are you guys talking about?” Rain perked up immediately. Ple had been a crush of his ever since they met at freshman orientation. Thoughts of the handsome motorcyclist left his head as soon as she showed up. He turned sideways, straightened out his clothes, and checked himself for bad breath before turning back to Ple.
“Can I do anything for you, Ple?” he said, looking at her with bated breath.
“No,” she shook her head and pointed to Sky. “But Sky can.” Rain whipped his head to face Sky and scowled at him. Sky struggled to contain his laughter, but a stifled chuckle escaped his lips.
“Did you hook up behind my back? Why the hell is she asking for you?” Rain whispered.
“I did no such thing, are you crazy?” Sky whispered back before looking back to Ple. “Sorry, how can I help you?”
“It’s about the class activity next month. Do you have the senior’s document forms?”
“Document forms…” Sky tapped his pencil against his notebook, his face scrunched as he tried to remember. “Oh! I do! I met P’Payu last month and asked him for them.”
Ple’s mouth dropped and she quickly ran to Sky, questioning him rapid fire. “You met P’Payu? How? Didn’t he already graduate?” As she questioned him, she leaned in more eagerly, invading Sky’s personal space. “Did he come to the facility? How did you meet him?”
Rain shot out of his chair and shoved his arms between Sky and Ple, putting distance between them. “Too close, too close. Split up.”
“Sorry,” Ple said embarrassed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Rain was just confused. Who the heck was this guy that made his crush go so crazy she nearly pinned Sky to his desk?
“Who’s P’Payu?” Sky and Ple both looked at him like he was a hermit who had been living under a rock his whole life.
“You don’t know him?” Sky asked.
“You don't know P’Payu? The P’Payu?”
“P’Payu who?” Rain asked slowly, afraid to be assaulted with their questions and disbelief.
“He’s the one the professors talk about. Every senior knows him. He’s won many design awards and he got the second prize in the World Star Contest too. But, most importantly…”
Rain listened earnestly, trying to gain intel on the man who he supposed would be his rival if Ple admired him this much. “Most importantly?”
“P’Payu is extremely handsome!”
Rain opened his mouth to say something, but Sky cleared his throat. Rain turned around to see the teacher had appeared behind them. “Sawadee krub, Ajarn,” Rain put his hands together in front of his chest and bowed slightly in a wai .
“How many assignments would you like today?” she asked, looking displeased with their chatter.
“Umm…two, Ajarn!” Rain said quickly. Sky gave him a glare before casting pleading eyes to their teacher.
“So four then?”
“But…” Rain tried to argue as Sky looked at him, placing a finger over his own mouth, begging him to shut up.
“Five.”
Sky slid over in his desk, clamping his hand over Rain’s mouth before he could get them in even more trouble. He grinned nervously at their teacher. “Five it is, Ajarn.”
As the teacher walked away, Rain pushed Sky’s hand off his face. So now apart from massive homework, I have to listen to my crush talk about another guy too? Damn you, P’Payu.”
— — —
The rain pattered hard against the windows of the restaurant, accompanied by a flash of lightning and the rumble of thunder. Great, Rain thought. The storm just has to follow me everywhere, doesn’t it? He had tried all week, to no avail, to get Ple’s attention. She always brushed him off when all P’Payu had to do was have his name mentioned and she would light up and immediately drop everything else. Rain poked at his food in annoyance, sipping his Coke.
“Aren’t you gonna drink?” asked one of the seniors sitting across the table, addressing Rain and the girl sitting next to him.
“I don’t drink P’,” she said timidly, folding her hands in her lap.
“But this is a frat party! What about you, Rain?”
“I drove here,” Rain said, pointing to his car in the parking lot.
The two seniors across from him grinned at each other and offered him a drink anyways. “Just a sip then, it won’t hurt you,” said the one in front of Rain.
The other tapped at his friend’s arm and gestured to Rain with his head. “Come on, don’t bully him, or the kid will curse you out.”
Rain threw up his hands and shook his head. “No, I wouldn’t do that,” Rain hurried to reassure them.
“Not you,” one said, rolling his eyes. “I’m talking about that cocky guy.”
At that, a girl from the table behind Rain stood up and joined their conversation. “Well, you say he’s cocky,” she started in a teasing tone. “But didn’t you guys fight to recruit him when he graduated?”
“Ow, well everyone knows he’s a diamond in the rough, but he rejected every offer.”
“I wonder why,” another senior chimed in. “I heard he was offered incredibly high salaries. If I were him, I’d jump at the chance.”
“Well I heard he didn’t want to rely on connections.”
“Oh come on, if he has any connections, it's obviously because of his talent.”
Rain watched his seniors argue back and forth, confused about who they were speaking about. The only person who Rain had heard praised this much was Payu. Shit! Rain realized. They’re really talking about that asshole again? Don’t they have anything better to do? Rain tuned his seniors out, not interested in listening to them go on and on about this guy.
“Hey! Everyone, give it up for Khun Payu, who came in with the storm!” Everyone started clapping, and Rain whipped around, anxious to see the face of the person who’d been plaguing him all week. The last thing he expected was to see the guy who helped him when his car broke down. A wide grin stretched across his face and confusion swarmed his head. This was the guy that Ple had been obsessed with? If that was the case, Rain really couldn’t blame her. Payu walked towards Rain’s table, carrying an air of confidence and the same helmet Rain had held about a week ago.
“Do you realize what time it is? Everyone’s about to leave.”
Payu smiled, amused, and looked over everyone before his eyes landed on Rain, and his face scrunched in recognition. Rain shot up at the chance and stood in front of him. “Wait, so you’re P’Payu!” Rain could barely contain his excitement. Payu just chuckled and nodded.
“Yes, I’m Payu. You’re Rain, right?” he asked, tilting his head a bit to the side.
Rain nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! How did you know?”
“A senior sent me your photo introducing the newest members of our frat. I knew I recognized you,” Payu said, setting his helmet down on the table. Rain smiled shyly and ducked his head.
“I was worried you wouldn’t remember me,” he said, a blush creeping up his neck at the full attention Payu was giving him. Now that they were out of the rain and in better lighting, Rain could see the features of his face much clearer, and he was even more attractive than Rain previously thought. “Thank you again for fixing my car.”
Payu smiled and gave Rain’s head a gentle pat. “It’s no problem, Nong Rain. Excuse me now, I need to go talk to those seniors.” Rain nodded and waved goodbye in a daze as Payu walked away.
— — —
Rain left after saying goodbye to his seniors. He didn’t get a chance to talk to Payu for the rest of the evening, but he couldn’t help but stare. He thought the likelihood of meeting his savior again was next to none, so Rain could barely believe he was someone he might actually get to see frequently. Unfortunately, he left before Rain could do anything, like get his number or talk to him more. Rushing to his car as he also left, Rain quickly climbed in to avoid getting soaked. But as he tried to start the car, the engine wouldn’t turn over and instead made a horrible stuttering noise.
“Don’t tell me…” Rain sighed. “Let’s try again, maybe it’s just stuck.” Rain tried again, turning his key and trying to start his car, but the engine kept making the same horrible scratching sound. “Shit! Just my luck, why am I so unlucky with cars,” Rain whined, throwing his head forward, accidentally hitting his car horn. “God damn it! Ow!” Rain’s hands came to his forehead, clutching at the tender spot developing. Rain panicked trying to figure out what to do, as different people to call swirled in his head. “Who am I supposed to call in a situation like this? I don’t have anyone’s number.”
Rain heard a knock against his door and turned to see Payu standing there, almost the same as he had when he rescued him the other night. Rain quickly rolled down his window, smiling at the man. “P’Payu!”
“Are you okay?” he asked, leaning down so his face was level with Rain’s. “I heard the car horn.”
“My car broke down,” Rain said, gesturing to his dash. “It was fine earlier, but now it won’t start.” Rain grasped at Payu’s arms and clung tightly. “P’Payu, can you help me? Naaa, P’Payu?” Rain asked, smiling sweetly at his senior. Payu let out a short chuckle, looking him up and down with a slight glimmer in his eye.
“Sure, go ahead and pop your hood,” Payu directed, making his way to the front of the car.
Once again Rain found himself shielding the hot biker from the rain. Maybe this time he could get his number before they parted ways.
"The boiler is leaking. The dynamo starter's sound shows that there's a problem. You have to leave the car here overnight. No garage is going to get through the rain to tow your car. You need to wait until the morning."
Rain nodded, taking in the information Payu provided him, even though not all of it made sense to him.
“If that’s all, I’m leaving now.” Payu turned to walk away and Rain pulled him back frantically, clasping his arm tightly.
“Oi, don’t leave me like this! Can you recommend a garage for me?” Rain slid his hand further down Payu’s arm till he was holding his hand, desperate to keep him from leaving. “I just need to tow my car right now. Do you have any in mind?”
“I do know one, but it’s expensive. Can you pay?”
Rain nodded eagerly. “Yes, I can! How much would it be?” He smiled widely, thankful for Payu’s suggestion.
Payu smirked, his eyes wandering leisurely over Rain. “What if what I want isn’t money, can you still pay?”
Rain cocked his head, raising his eyebrows in curiosity. “What do you mean?”
“Well…” Payu said in a teasing drawl. He took a step closer, “To be honest, I’ve been thinking about you since the first time I helped you with your car. You’ve caught my attention.”
“Oh.” Rain could feel heat spreading over his cheeks in surprise. He had not been expecting Payu to have been thinking about him too. “In what way?”
“You’re cute.” Payu leaned in, his eyes locked on Rain’s. “Go out with me.”
Rain sputtered. “What?” His jaw dropped slightly, unsure if he even heard Payu correctly.
“You can pay me by going out with me.”
“Umm, I don’t-”
Payu pulled away, smiling. “Don’t worry, I’m only joking. The garage is owned by my family, I can have someone here in about 10 minutes.”
He pulled out his phone and stepped away, saying, “Hello, P’Aon, I have a car for you to tow,” before promptly hanging up. “They’re on their way; it won’t take long.”
Payu was already halfway to his motorcycle before Rain found his voice. “Wait, where are you going?”
Payu paused, looking at Rain over his shoulder. “I’m getting my bike.”
— — —
Rain entered Payu’s room, lazily drying his hair. “Thanks again for letting me use the bathroom.”
“No problem,” Payu said, looking up from his phone. “I figured you would want a dry change of clothes.”
“I mentioned downstairs I wanted to talk about the fee. Is now a good time?”
Payu nodded and patted the bed next to him. “Come sit.”
Rain took a seat at a distance where he could easily look at Payu. “Were you really joking earlier?”
“Well, I do want to go out with you–”
“I’ll do it!”
Payu studied Rain’s face. “There’s more to it than you might think.”
“Like what?”
Payu took a slow breath before responding. “Do you know what a dom/sub relationship is?”
“I’ve heard of it. Is that what you're into?”
Payu nodded.
“So, what are you then? Are you a sub or–”
“I’m a dom. And a relationship with me means you would be my sub.”
Rain thought it over, fidgeting with his towel. “And that means?”
“It means you would give control to me, and trust me to make decisions. I’ll have rules and expectations for you to meet and if they aren’t met, there will be punishments. I would also encourage you to do some research and see if anything interests you. We can always talk about what you find and decide if it’s something that would be a good fit for us.”
Rain nodded slowly. “What sort of rules would you expect me to follow?” Payu’s normally composed features looked a little surprised at Rain’s response. Payu’s eyes softened and glowed.
“For one, I don’t like rude language. If you speak impolitely after I warn you not to, that would warrant a punishment.”
“Which would be what?” Rain questioned, biting his lip nervously.
“It can vary with what you’re comfortable with. Some people prefer pain, others embarrassment, and some just need a verbal reprimand. I personally base it on the severity of the rule that was broken.”
Rain paused. He did have a tendency to be a little all over the place and having someone there to care for him and give him some structure wouldn’t be a bad thing. “Is it all rules and punishments though?”
Payu smiled. “No, there are rewards too, if you’re a good boy.”
Rain sucked in his lips and suddenly found it hard to look at Payu.
Payu tilted his head and raised his eyebrows, noting Rain’s reaction. “What do you think?”
“So is this just like a power thing? I thought you wanted to go out with me,” Rain pouted.
“I do. I simply like merging the romantic and power dynamics. I like you, Rain, and would love if you wanted to be with me, I just wanted you to be prepared for what that entails.”
Rain’s frown evaporated at Payu’s reassurance. He gave a quick nod and a small smile curled the corners of his lips. He would be lying if he said he didn’t like the sound of what Payu had explained to him. That kind of dynamic would be new to him, but he couldn’t ignore the appeal of giving control to Payu. It was intriguing and a little thrilling to think about.
“Think it over,” Payu said, rising from the bed.
Rain scurried up after him. “Where should I sleep?”
“You can sleep in my bed; I’ll take the couch.”
“That’s okay, we can share the bed,” Rain offered, not wanting Payu to be uncomfortable. The look Payu gave him made him stutter. “If-if you want.” It felt like Payu could see right through him.
Payu smiled, returning to the bed and crawling under the covers. He pulled back the sheets in invitation and Rain hurried next to him, keeping a few inches of space between them. In a matter of minutes, despite his pounding heart next to Payu, Rain drifted off. Payu was nearly asleep himself when he felt Rain snuggle into his side and immediately after, throw his arm over Payu. He couldn’t contain his smile.
“I really am starting to like you a lot,” he murmured, placing his arm over Rain’s and falling into contented sleep.
— — —
Rain awoke to sunlight against his eyelids, stretching out his arms in front of him. He looked over and to his delight, his sight fell on a still slumbering Payu. Their conversation last night had not been a dream after all. Rain propped his chin on his hand and smiled at Payu’s sleeping face. His hair had become disheveled and several strands had fallen out of his bun, draping over the side of his face.
How does he seriously look so good, even when he’s asleep?
“What’s wrong, Rain?” Payu mumbled in a low drowsy tone. “I can feel you staring at me.”
“I wanna do it!” Rain abruptly exclaimed, his volume much too loud for the early morning. But it didn't bother Payu at all.
He opened his eyes, to see an enthusiastic Rain looking down at him. He chuckled softly, letting a burst of air through his nostrils. “Do what?”
“I wanna be your sub,” Rain said, determination evident on his face. “I know I still have things to learn, and I can’t promise I’ll be perfect, but I want to try.”
Payu raised his hand and gently patted Rain’s hair. “That’s all I can ask of you.” A soft smile lit his face. “I’m glad you want to try. I’m excited to begin, I think we will be a good match.”
Rain closed his eyes, leaning into Payu’s touch and letting out a satisfied hum.
Payu sat up, Rain following him. He looked over Rain’s face as he absently stroked his hair. “We’re going to need a safe word then.”
Rain opened his eyes, confusion coloring his face. “Why?”
“If a scene makes you uncomfortable or you want to stop what I’m doing at any time, using a safeword will inform me that I need to stop immediately.”
“Why can’t I just say ‘stop’?”
Payu paused as if pondering his next words. “As a dom, I enjoy pushing you. I might do things where your natural response would be to tell me to stop, but mentally, you trust me as your dom and you trust my judgement. You might get pleasantly overwhelmed at times and ask for me to stop without meaning it, so a safeword guarantees, in all circumstances, that I know you want to stop. Also during punishments, I won’t stop unless you say the safeword. Essentially it’s there for your own protection, so that you still have a say in what happens. Submission is something you give to me, but also something you still have the power to take back if I push past your limits.”
Rain nodded slowly. He wondered if he should be scared, but although there was a tinge of nervousness in his belly, he felt relatively calm and safe as Payu thoroughly and patiently answered every question. “Do you have one in mind?”
“I think the standard stoplight system works pretty well. Green means continue, yellow means you want us to dial it down a notch, and red means stop. During a scene, I would do color checks to make sure we’re on the same page and you’re comfortable.”
Rain thought for a moment before agreeing. “Okay, I think that works for me.”
— — —
Rain showed up to the garage as soon as he could, but classes had taken longer than usual. He hoped Payu was still around. P’Aon met him at the entrance and took him to his car.
“The boiler was leaking and the dynamo starter was broken. So we replaced both parts for you.”
Rain nodded along, feigning that he understood what P’Aon was saying to him.
“We also changed the battery, the previous one was very old. Oh, and all the tires were worn out so we replaced those too!” Rain’s eyes widened as P’Aon’s list continued. He remembered Payu saying that he didn’t have to pay, but was this really okay? It was starting to sound expensive.
“You’ve never checked your car’s health at all, right?”
Rain shook his head and checked out his car. It looked nicer than the day Rain’s parents had given it to him. “It looks so new!”
P’Aon chuckled and pointed to the hood of Rain’s car. “See this? Shiny like you just bought it off a stage floor. Khun Payu told us to polish and wax it.”
Rain giggled in excitement and smiled back at P’Aon. “It’s sparkling.” He moved closer, nervous that someone was about to pull a prank on him and suddenly Rain would have to pay for the whole bill. Payu had them do too much extra work, there was no way all of it was for free. “So, how much does it cost?”
P’Aon looked confused. “Khun Payu didn’t tell you that it was free?”
Rain nodded, “Well, he did, it just seems like a lot.”
P’Aon shook his head and gave Rain a teasing look. “No, Khun Payu did all the work on your car himself. That’s why everyone here knows you’re his boy.”
Redness filled Rain’s cheeks as he cast his eyes down. “Wait, P’Payu did everything on my car?”
“Oh, you didn’t know?” P’Aon seemed surprised.
“Know what?”
“See over there?” P’Aon pointed to several luxury sports motorcycles parked next to each other towards the back of the garage. “Those bikes belong to a big shot, and Khun Payu is the only one he lets touch them. Let me tell you this, Khun Payu always works his magic on every vehicle he touches. I don’t want to brag but I can’t help it,” P’Aon said cheerfully, crossing his hands in front of his body. “Because my boss is a real expert. He works full time and on top of that, he has to finish tuning these bikes before next Friday’s race.”
Rain nodded along as P’Aon gushed about his boss. That seemed to align with what Rain knew of P’Payu, though he was curious what races P’Aon was talking about.
“So how about it?” P’Aon snapped Rain out of his train of thought and leaned in. “Are you interested in becoming Khun Payu’s boy?” he playfully jibed. Rain just chuckled nervously and scratched the back of his head. P’Aon laughed at him and clapped a hand on his back, handing him a clipboard with paperwork and a pen. “Here, just sign this, and then you’re free to go!”
Rain took the paperwork and filled it out before handing it back to P’Aon. “Um, so where is P’Payu right now?” Rain asked, anxious to see Payu again before he left. P’Aon directed him to a bay across from the building they were currently standing in.
“He’s working on a car over there in our regular bay. This here is the VIP bay,” P’Aon teased, before going back inside to file the paperwork. Rain flushed and attempted to calm himself as he flattened his hair, making sure he looked presentable.
“P’Payu!” Rain bounded over to the car Payu was working under, failing to contain his excitement at seeing him again. He had been buzzing to hear from the shop since the last time he and Payu were together. It had only occurred to him when he went home that they still hadn’t exchanged numbers.
Payu rolled out from under the car and stood up, wiping his hands on his coveralls. “Hey, Rain. How are you doing?”
Rain looked absolutely giddy. “I’m good! P’Aon told me you did all the work on my car, so I just wanted to say thanks before I left.”
A warm smile graced Payu’s lips. “Of course, glad I could help.” Somehow, even though he was always watching Rain intently, his gaze never felt threatening. It was more like Rain was some equation that Payu couldn’t figure out but wanted to. It made warmth flood Rain’s chest. He liked it. But he quickly schooled his expression as Payu continued speaking. “I know you need to leave, but I need your number first.”
Rain blinked at him. “You could just get it from the paperwork I signed.”
“I’m not that kind of guy.” He handed Rain his phone. “I’d prefer to ask you directly.”
Rain smiled, feeling his heartbeat quicken. He was glad Payu was so thoughtful and upfront; it made him feel like Payu respected him and cared about him. Shortly after handing Payu’s phone back, a notification chimed from Rain’s pocket. Rain pulled out his own phone, a shy grin spreading across his face as he read the text on the screen.
Hi, good boy.
“There, now you have mine too.”
Rain beamed. and in a sudden wave of boldness, tilted his head up and kissed Payu on the cheek before running hurriedly towards his car. “Bye, I’ll see you later!”