Chapter 18

(Chan POV)

The Research Center Parking Lot

"Ouch! Ouch!" yelled Chan, though he didn't try - at all - to dodge Tankhun's punches on his right arm, instead he just laughed out loud as he kept shouting 'ouch' over and over between his guffaws.

"After everything I've done for you, how could you do this to me?" Tankhun grumbled. "Erica is not only a boss but also a friend."

"I'm sorry, okay?" pleaded Chan. "But, I have no idea that your boss is a huge fan of BSFC, you never tell me."

"What's the use of me telling you about it? We should meet in front of the Research Center, not inside!" yelled Tankhun, still so irritated at him. His angry face is the cutest.

"In my defense, I have waited for you in front of the center, inside my car, for 10 minutes. I even sent you a message, but no response. So, I decided to ask the receptionist to inform you."

Tankhun stopped hitting him. He instead folded his arms across his chest and pressed his body against the car seat.

"Fine, I know I'm late, but Erica hasn't finished briefing me about a new experiment for tomorrow. Besides, I left my phone in my office, so I didn't know that you messaged me."

"Okay, I'm not trying to be a jerk here, but I would say I handled the situation pretty well, didn't I?" reasoned Chan. "When we left the center, Miss Erica was in a good mood."

"She's a big fan of yours, her fav player gave her flowers, what do you think will happen? Of course she's happy!" jibed Tankhun.

"Ah…"

"I just hope she's happy enough to forgive me," said Tankhun. "I'm about to tell her more lies."

OH!

Chan only realized then, that Tankhun must have had no intention of telling his boss about this fake dating thing at all. And now because of him, Tankhun had no other choice but to tell her. Chan started to feel bad.

"Tankhun? I'm so sorry."

"Just drive, Chan. I better not be late coming back from lunch."

Chan started the car and drove. For several minutes, apart from music coming from the radio, there was no other sound inside the car.

"Someone is following us."

Chan glanced in the rear-view mirror and sure enough two motorbikes were following them. They made absolutely no attempt to cover up their intentions.

"Hold on tight."

"Chan, what are you doing?"

"To make it real, we should at least try to escape from their pursuit. Otherwise, it would appear like we deliberately set things up for them, even if it was true."

Tankhun didn't say anything, he just held on tightly to the handle above his head.

"Here we go," stated Chan as he stepped on the gas.

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(Tankhun POV)

Five minutes had passed since they had arrived at the small, rather secluded Deli on the outskirts of town, and Tankhun was still shaking a little.

He never thought that when Chan said he would try to escape papz's pursuit, Chan would turn into a racer. He was a great and steady driver - and he really succeeded in making those papz lose track of them, but still the chase made Tankhun's heart feel like it's about to explode.

Now Tankhun was sitting at one of the tables in the Deli, while Chan ordered for them on the counter, because the Deli only had a limited staff. In fact, there was only the old Auntie and her husband. The atmosphere here was quite nice, but Tankhun was still too woozy to fully enjoy it.

"Are you feeling better?" Chan asked while placing a glass of water in front of him. Tankhun didn't answer. He just took a sip of the water and then punched Chan's arm pretty hard.

"Ouch! you have quite a punch, Doctor!"

"You deserve it!"

"Ouch!"

Tankhun, who was still not satisfied, once again raised his right hand to hit Chan, but this time the captain caught it smoothly with his own right hand and stroked it gently with his left hand. He then softly kissed the back of his hand, as he stared deeply at Tankhun's dark eyes.

Tankhun didn't even have time to be stunned by Chan action because the said man immediately gave him a warning, "Smile, baby, we have company."

Fuck!

Tankhun immediately softened the way he looked at Chan, though he was still irritated by Chan, and tried his best to smile sweetly at him.

Think of a rabbit... think of a cat… I'm zen…

"Here we go, boys… enjoy your meal," said the old lady, who is the owner of the Deli.

"Thank you, Auntie," said them in unison.

Luck seemed to be on their side, as the arrival time of their food on their table couldn't have been more perfect than this. They still haven't got the hang of this fake dating thing perfectly, so the food surely is a welcome distraction, for them as well as those damn papz. Tankhun wasn't even sure if the smile and look he gave Chan earlier was convincing enough.

Chan, who purposely still held Tankhun's hand in his, once again kissed the doctor's hand - his fingertips this time, before slowly releasing it.

"Smooth…" teased Tankhun who was grinning. "For an old guy."

"I'm only six years older than you."

"True, but the uncle's vibe is too strong with this one," taunted Tankhun.

"So what? You think I have no game, baby?" asked Chan.

Tankhun just raised his right eyebrow condescendingly, goading Chan.

"Oh, is that a challenge?" retorted Chan as he smirked. "Challenge accepted."

Tankhun again gave Chan his condescending look.

Chan just chuckled at him. "Let's eat."

One bite and the scientist realized how hungry he was, apart from the jumbo size coffee he didn't consume anything this morning. The apple that he had brought for breakfast, left untouched on his desk in the lab. So, Tankhun ate in gusto.

"Good?" Chan asked.

"Delicious. Are you sure this is healthy?" Tankhun asked back while continuing to eat.

"I can't keep on cheating if I want to be able to play in all matches this last season, Tankhun. This is healthy, trust me," answered Chan as he took a big bite of his own sandwich.

"I have to let Kim know about this place," said Tankhun happily, mouth still busy munching. He knew that he acted like an uncultured barbarian, but he didn't give a damn, the sandwich was that good.

"We can order take away for him," Chan offered. "Same order as mine?"

"Good thinking, thanks!" replied Tankhun.

All of a sudden, Chan suddenly chuckled and then smiled amusedly toward him.

"Baby, wait," Chan told Tankhun, stopping him from taking his next bite. "Raise your face and look at me."

Tankhun followed Chan's request unsuspectingly. Whatever it was, he only hoped that it wouldn't take too long, because he wanted to devour the rest of his to-die-for sandwich.

Tankhun felt it before he realized what was happening. Chan's right thumb, which is not exactly soft but rough from years of playing ball, slowly brushed his lips from one corner to the other. Tankhun realized right away what Chan was doing, but he was too blown-away to do anything.

His lips must be smudged with white sauce from the sandwich and the captain leisurely wipes it off with his thumb. And now with a motion that was so smooth and full of confidence, Chan brought his thumb that was partly covered in white sauce to his mouth, and then sucked it painstakingly slow, as his eyes stared intently at Tankhun. He effectively made the scientist unable to turn his gaze away from the show that - Tankhun 100% sure - was intentional.

Tankhun, whether he liked it or not, had to admit that whatever Chan's intentions were, he had succeeded. For he, Tankhun Theerapanyakun, had to give his all so he could refrain himself from letting out moans in front of the BSFC's Captain. Nevertheless, he couldn't stop his face from blushing or his mouth from drying out.

"Hmm… you are right, it is delicious," said Chan, deliberately cheeky.

Tankhun bit his lower lip to keep any sound out of his mouth, his eyes now avoiding Chan's.

"I'd better order for Kim now," Chan said. "So as soon as we finish eating, the order is ready for take away."

"Hn."

Chan stood up from his seat and walked towards the counter, but he abruptly stopped beside Tankhun.

"Oops, I almost forgot," he said.

Tankhun, both hands still holding the half-eaten sandwich - which was a bit neglected at the time - turned his head to where Chan was standing, then looked up at Chan with a questioning look.

Chan lowered his head until his lips almost touched Tankhun's ear and whispered, "Smooth enough for you, baby?"

Then he kissed Tankhun's earlobe delicately.

Tankhun softly moaned.

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(Chan POV)

Chan was, there's no other word to describe it except burned .

Tankhun was too exquisite, every part of him - that he could see - was perfect. Chan needed to keep his distance from him for a while, at least until he could handle himself better. Otherwise, he will do something ungentlemanly, and Chan didn't want that.

Unless you can win his heart and make him yours.

Oh, he wanted it, he wanted it so bad. But, Chan still vividly remembered Tankhun's words last night at the Moonlight. He wasn't ready for a serious long term relationship, and that meant Chan had to be careful with his actions and take this slowly. The last thing he should do is come on too strong.

"Auntie, can I have two more special Delis to go?" requested Chan.

"Of course," replied Auntie. "So, are you going to tell me about him? Someone special?"

"Let's just say, I hope he will be soon."

"Good, that woman is totally wrong for you."

"I should have listened to you."

"Now go back to your young man, your order will be finished when you two are ready to go back."

"Thanks, Auntie," said Chan as he kissed her right cheek.

By the time Chan returned to their table, Tankhun had finished his sandwich.

"I ordered two servings, for Kim and for your father too."

"That's so thoughtful of you, thank you."

"You're welcome," Chan replied as he continued eating his lunch.

Tankhun lifted his glass of iced tea and took a sip of his drink while glancing at Chan over and over.

"What? Just say it. Usually you always say what's on your mind."

"Okay, I admit it, you have game."

Chan smiled smugly.

"But that doesn't mean you won."

"O~h?"

"Just wait for my revenge," Tankhun threatened. "It's going to be epic."

"Bring it on, baby."

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(Tankhun POV)

After Chan drove him back to the lab, Tankhun had no time to do anything but work. He also had a teaching session that afternoon, as several final year students majoring in microbiology were interning at the Research Center. Moreover, he and his assistants had to do preparation for tomorrow's new experiment.

Tankhun got home later than usual. Pa seemed to have finished dinner and had gone into his room. Tankhun didn't know where Kim was, but he simply didn't have the energy to check on his youngest brother's whereabouts. He just wanted to take a shower and lay down on his bed. But before that, he went into the kitchen to put the sandwiches that Chan bought for Kim and Pa in the fridge. They could eat it tomorrow for breakfast.

He thought about soaking in the bathtub for a while, but in the end decided to take a shower. He just wanted to be able to lie down as quickly as possible.

"So~~~ tired," cried Tankhun softly as he lay down on the bed and hugged one of the pillows tightly. Not even a minute after that, a new message notification sound was heard from his phone.

Oh my God, I haven't checked my phone at all since noon.

When he finally checked his phone, Tankhun gasped… his inbox like… exploded. Eighty eight new messages! Madness!

What the hell!?

Tankhun glanced at the row of names of people who messaged him, and not gonna lie he felt a little dizzy. He decided to check messages from the people who matter most to him.

Porsche ❤️

So, it's started... Please be careful, P'

Tankhun then checked the message from Kinn.

Kinn ❤️

I guess congratulations are in order? Or too soon?

Tankhun T

What do you mean?

Kinn's reply came sooner than expected.

Kinn ❤️

You and Chan. It's all over the internet.

Stupid, stupid, how could I forget?

Kinn was not exaggerating when he said photos of him and Chan are all over the internet. There were photos of him in front of the Hattrick this morning - his Naomi was epic! There were photos of them leaving the Research Center, and also photos of them at the Deli. Chan kissed the back of his hand, kissed his fingertips… earlobe…

Suddenly Tankhun was attacked by something that was still foreign to him but whatever it is, it made him feel warm all over. He held his face with his palm and it felt warm too. Without having to look in the mirror he knew for sure that he was blushing hard at that moment. His heart didn't want to compromise either, beating faster for no reason. Madness... this was madness…

Am I…

No, no, you weren't… and you couldn't …

"Be honest with me, P'Chan, you really don't feel any attraction at all to my P'!?"

"I think I've already told you once that I'm not blind, Porsche. Tankhun is a very attractive and charming man, but it's still too soon for me to get into another relationship."

Neither Chan nor Porsche realized that he had arrived earlier than they thought that night. But it was good for him, because he could hear Chan's particular statement clearly.

Too soon … and Tankhun Theerapanyakul refused to be anyone's rebound.

Tankhun T

It's too soon.

Kinn ❤️

I wish the best for you two.

Well, at least someone was happy.

Tankhun then checked the last message he wanted to read.

Kim ❤️

P' P' P'! YOU'RE DATING MY CAPTAIN!? OMG!

Tankhun smiled. Make that, two happy people.

Tankhun T

You mean MY captain?

A moment later, there was a loud knock on his bedroom door, Tankhun laughed.

"P! Open the door! Pleaseee~" wailed Kim, who apparently was home.

Tankhun replied to Porsche's message before opening the door for Kim.

Tankhun T

I will take care, sweetie... I promise. Luv u ❤️

"Coming~!"

TBC