Rome's pov.
I love it here. With p'kian and mother around,i feel like that little boy again. Not that living in hong kong is difficult, but the feel here is something different around them. I was looking for my brother, and I'm halfway down the corridor when I spot him.
He was looking at his mobile and smiling without meaning to. I raised my eyebrows.
Interesting.
I slow down my steps. As soon as i neared him, his smile faded, he put up on his fake angry face and pocketed his mobile, clearing his throat.
I chuckled at that.
" I saw that p'kian. You don't have to put up and act. " his expression changed but he still continues to put on act.
Oh, this is too good.
His shoulders stiffen. He looks at me, unimpressed. "Saw what?"
"That smile"
"I wasn't smiling."
I grin. "Liar."
He huffs and starts walking away. "You're imagining things."
"Mm," I hum, following him. "Who were you texting?"
"No one."
"That's what people say when it's someone.. okay.. where are you going? To the office? "
He rolls his eyes. "I'm going out."
"Where?"
"Out."
I laugh. "Very specific."
He ignores me and walks past. At the door, he pauses just long enough to look over his shoulder.
"Tell anyone who asks, that I'm busy," he says. Then he leaves.
I stare at the closed door for a second, amused.
Busy. Sure.
I turn and nearly bump into Mhok.
He's standing a few steps away, posture straight, expression neutral, glasses perched perfectly like always. If he heard any of that, he doesn't show it.
"Mhok," I say. "Where's P'Kian going?"
He adjusts his glasses then he looks at me.
"I don't know," he says.
Liar.
"Oh," I reply, smiling. "Alright."
He nods once and walks away.
I watch him go, my smile widening.
They really think they're subtle. I smirked, I know where they will go.
_____
The moment I step inside, my chest loosens, like my body recognizes the place before my mind catches up. The sea air drifts in through open windows, salt and warmth mixing together. I grin to myself, already relaxed. I love this place.
"P'Kian?" I call out.
No answer.
I'm about to head further in when something stops me. Someone!
Mhok is standing at the door blocking it.
He looks...prepared. Like he's been standing there longer than necessary.
I raise an eyebrow. "are you guarding something?"
"No," he says calmly adjusting his glasses.
"Then why are you standing like that?"
He doesn't answer. I step forward anyway, slipping past him before he can react.
"khun rome," he warns quietly.
Too late. I already stepped into the living area and walked into the garden.
P'Kian is there.
But what surprised me is that the new person.
They're close. Too close. And just as I register what's happening, I interrupt their kiss.
"Whoa," I say, genuinely surprised. "Am I early or late?"
P'Kian jerks back like he's been burned. The new guy turns, eyes wide.
I blink once.
Twice.
"...Who is this?" I ask, already walking toward Peach, hand extended. "Hi. I'm Rome. P'kian's brother
He hesitates, then shakes my hand politely. "im Peach."
"Nice to meet you," I say sincerely. "Sorry for interrupting."
P'Kian looks like he wants to disappear into the floor.
Behind me, I feel Mhok's presence. He steps in, quiet as always, gaze flicking between all three of us.
I glance back at him, amused. "So this is why you were standing."
He doesn't respond.
P'Kian exhales sharply. "Rome-"
"I'll give you space," I say easily. "I just didn't expect company."
Peach smiles awkwardly. "I should probably go."
"Yes," P'Kian says too quickly.
Peach leaves, brushing past Mhok, who steps aside without a word. Mhok looked like a guy who just got into a trouble.
I look at P'Kian, then at Mhok, then back again.
"Well," I say lightly. "That was interesting."
P'Kian groans and glares at me deadly.
I grin. "You love me."
He doesn't answer but went inside after peach.
Mhok also turns to leave.
" mhok ! Wait" I stopped him. He looks like he would go all blast mode on me if given a chance. But, he won't and I know that. I smiled internally.
" that peach! Is he p'kian ' s boyfriend? " mhok looks like he is arguing in his mind whether to say me or not. But at end he just nodded
I gasped.
" p'kian has a lover? " I placed my hand on my mouth in shock. Mhok just rolls his eyes and tries to escape me but i hold his hands.
" look mhok. Even p'kian has a lover now. Im the only one who is left out. Dont you think my time to shine will come soon ?" I asked him teasingly.
" I don't think so khun rome. Considering madam always thinks of you as a baby, I don't think you will be in the list" with that he leaves.
I stare at Mhok's retreating back, offended on a spiritual level.
"Hey," I call after him. "That was unnecessarily honest."
He doesn't even pause. Just walks away like he didn't just assassinate my dignity in broad daylight.
I scoff, hands on my hips. "Baby? Really?"
I stand there for a moment, letting the sea breeze cool my ego.
I stroll inside, whistling softly.
I find P'Kian in the living room, pacing. He stops the second he sees me.
"Don't," he says immediately.
I raise both hands in surrender. "I haven't said anything."
"You're thinking it," he snaps.
"Of course I am," I reply cheerfully.
"You were about to peach in the garden. That's not exactly background noise. That i should just ignore."
He drags a hand down his face. "You weren't supposed to be there."
"And yet," I say, dropping onto the sofa, "life is full of little surprises."
He shoots me a glare sharp enough to cut glass. "If you tell mother-"
"I won't," I interrupt, suddenly serious. "Relax. It's your life."
That makes him pause. He looks at me then, really looks, like he's checking for a punchline.
"...You're not going to tease me?" he asks cautiously.
I tilt my head. "Oh, I absolutely am. Just not about that."
He exhales, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "Peach didn't want to meet anyone yet."
"Well," I shrug, "he met me. I'm charming. He'll survive."
"i don't know him. But you looked... happy. That's new."
P'Kian snorts. "I'm always happy."
I gave him a look.
"...Fine," he mutters. "I looked happy."
I grin. "That's all I need to know."
He shakes his head, lips twitching despite himself.
Later, I find Mhok in the kitchen, methodically cutting fruit like it personally wronged him. I lean against the counter.
"So," I say casually. "How long have you known?"
He doesn't look up. "Long enough."
"And you didn't think to tell me?"
"That wasn't my place."
I hum. "You're very loyal."
"Yes," he agrees flatly.
I watch him for a second, then smile slowly. "You know, for someone who claims I'll be single forever, you're very invested in my love life."
He finally looks at me, unimpressed.
"You don't have one, khun rome."
"Ouch," I say, clutching my chest. "Straight to the heart."
He returns to slicing fruit. "If you're done interrogating me, I have work."
I push off the counter. "Alright, alright. I'll leave you to your... aggressive apples."
As I walk away, I glance back once more. Why am I getting drawn to him? Like a moth to the fire?
I smile to myself.