Po had just returned to town, standing at the airport with a restless heart. He had missed an important day—Thame's birthday. He missed his friends, sure, but what weighed on him most was Thame. Being away made him realize just how much he loved the younger man. Today, he was determined to confess.
Nut came to pick him up, smirking the moment he spotted Po's expression.
"You're blushing so hard. Hide that before people think we're together," Nut teased with a wink.
Po rolled his eyes. "I'm not blushing for you."
Nut raised a brow. "Then who? Don't tell me… I thought you had a crush on me."
"Don't flatter yourself," Po muttered, a little sharper this time.
"Really? Only idiots blush for no reason," Nut shot back, grabbing Po's luggage with ease.
"I told you, I wasn't blushing."
"Keep lying," Nut chuckled as they got into the car. He started the engine, then glanced sideways. "I know you like Thame."
Po stiffened, his hand pausing on his seatbelt.
Nut grinned at his silence. "You don't even need to answer. Your face says it all."
Po exhaled and rubbed his jaw, choosing not to respond. The rest of the drive was quiet.
Finally, Nut pulled up in front of Thame's café.
"You're not coming in?" Po asked.
"Nope. I'm not ruining your moment."
Po gave him a flat look. "You're too much." He grabbed his bag, thanked Nut with a nod, and stepped out.
Inside, the café was nearly empty—just one boy working on a laptop in the corner. Thame was behind the counter, sleeves rolled up as he washed dishes.
"Thame!" Po called out, striding over and pulling him into a firm hug.
Thame laughed and hugged him back tightly. "Phi Po! I missed you so much."
"I missed you too, nong," Po said, patting his back before they broke apart. "Sorry I wasn't here for your birthday."
"It's fine," Thame said with a smile.
"Not fine for me. That's why I brought you something." Po set down the gift box, letting Thame unwrap it.
Inside were two plush dolls—one of Po, one of Thame.
Thame's eyes widened in delight. "Khob khun, phi! These are us, right? They're so cute. I love it!" He hugged Po again, nearly lifting him off balance.
"Careful, nong, I still need to breathe," Po chuckled.
"Ah—sorry." Thame let go, grinning sheepishly.
Po hesitated for a moment, then said, "Thame… try squeezing the one that looks like me."
Thame tilted his head. "Why?"
"Just do it." Po's voice was low, steady.
Thame, curious, squeezed the plushie. It chirped: "I love you."
His breath caught. His face turned crimson as he looked up at Po, stunned into silence.
Po turned slightly away, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah… that's what I wanted to say. I love you, nong."
For a moment, Thame just stared, speechless. Then he stepped forward, grabbed Po's wrist, and turned him so they were face to face. Without hesitation, Thame pressed his lips to Po's.
Po's eyes widened, but then he melted into it, his heart hammering. The kiss was long, warm, and full of all the feelings they had never put into words.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them were flushed, breathing hard, too shy to meet each other's eyes.