Beam offered his hand toward Fourth, who had just stumbled awkwardly to the floor. For a moment, Fourth didn't move. He simply stared at the pale, elegant hand in front of him, then slowly lifted his eyes to meet Beam's calm, curious gaze.
"Handsome." Fourth thought, "You should be careful. If I hold this hand, I might never let go."
Beam's hand remained steady, patient.
But just as Beam began to pull it back, thinking Fourth wouldn't respond, Fourth suddenly gripped it tightly and stood, still not letting go.
"Ohh… I thought you enjoyed sitting there. Or do you always take two full minutes just to decide if you should stand?" Beam said with a smirk, mocking him.
"I do." Fourth replied calmly, eyes still locked on Beam. "Because when I grab something… I don't let it go easily."
Beam's eyebrows arched. "Well then, you're still holding my hand. It's time to let it go."
Fourth's lips curled into the faintest smirk. "Didn't you hear me?"
"That wasn't even a good line."
"Who said I was joking?"
Beam smiled devilishly, noticing how close Fourth had gotten. His presence was magnetic, overpowering, even. But Beam wasn't the kind to be overpowered. Taking the opportunity, he suddenly pushed Fourth back and pulled his hand free.
"Mr. Fourth Jaturapoom, right?" Beam switched into professional mode, brushing imaginary dust from his coat. "I'm your brother's doctor. He needs rest and monitoring for at least a week. You can't just take him away a few hours after surgery."
His tone sharpened. "He's undergone a serious procedure. I can only request you to let him stay. After a week, you're free to take him home."
With that, Beam walked away, his job done - on paper, at least.
Outside the hospital room, Ming approached Fourth.
"Brother, everything's settled. We can leave now, right?"
Fourth shook his head. "No. Wayo can't travel in his condition. Let him rest here for a week. We'll decide after that."
He patted Ming's shoulder and walked away with a rare, thin smile.
Ming stood still, baffled. Just half an hour ago, Wayo had been crying like a toddler, insisting that he needed to complete his treatment here. And now, Fourth - the most stubborn man Ming knew - had suddenly changed his mind? Maybe miracles did exist.
Within a week, Phana managed to win Wayo's heart completely. Wayo had already fallen hard for him during that brief encounter. Getting him to admit it wasn't difficult. The real challenge had been convincing Fourth. But somehow, even that had happened.
Six Months Later…
The Jaturapoom family had gathered for a warm, elegant dinner with the lovers. It was Phana and Wayo's big night.
Kit sulked in the corner. "Pha, I still don't get why I'm even here. Remind me again?"
Phana gave him a knowing look. "Because you're my best friend. And this is my special night where we are official." He looked at Wayo.
Across the table, Beam chuckled, sipping his wine.
"What's funny?" Kit snapped.
"I just can't believe you can't handle a 20-year-old boy." Beam said, mockingly. "Where's all your charm now, Kitty?"
"Oh really? And you?" Kit narrowed his eyes. "You're running from Fourth like he's a horror movie villain. The great Beam Bramee - afraid of a man?"
Beam choked on his wine.
"I'm not avoiding anyone." he muttered.
"Oh, please," Wayo chimed in, eyes gleaming with mischief. "You've been dodging my brother for months because you can't handle his sex appeal. Admit it."
Beam gaped at him. "What did you just say?"
Kit and Wayo high-fived.
"Phana, your fiancé is out of control." Beam said.
"You can't run from the truth, Beam." Phana said smoothly.
"Oh wow. You too?" Beam threw his hands in the air, exasperated.
Phana leaned in. "It's not about sides. But if anyone on this planet could top you, Beam Bramee - it's Fourth Jaturapoom. You know he can handle you. And yet… after that first meeting, he never even contacted you. Not once. Ego hurts.... so, it's easy to avoid the situation."
Kit added, "Maybe he's just not interested anymore. Maybe you lost your touch."
Beam's eyes flickered. He took a long sip from his glass.
"No one resists Beam Bramee," he said softly. "If I want someone… I get them."
Wayo scoffed. "Even if you did want him, my brother wouldn't give you a second glance. I'll bet on that."
Beam's lips twitched. "You think I'll fall for such a childish provocation?"
Phana nudged Wayo. "You've spoiled him too much," Wayo muttered. "I'm just showing Beam a mirror. Someone needs to."
Truth was, Wayo had always been a little jealous. Phana and Beam shared a deep, almost unspoken bond. A quiet understanding that Wayo couldn't quite crack. Deep down, he feared that Beam might be the only one capable of taking Phana away from him.
"You're such a jealous bitch, Nong Yo." Beam said, chuckling.
"And you, dear brother Beam, are the only man in this room who has lost his charm." Wayo shot back.
Beam's fingers curled around his wine glass. The words stung more than he expected.
He stood, eyes glinting.
"Fine. Challenge accepted."
He downed the last of his wine.
"You all want to see the charm of Beam Bramee? Buckle up."