Beam stepped out of the bathroom, wearing only a loose shirt. The dim lights highlighted the sharp lines of his face as his gaze landed on the open window. The breeze kissed his damp skin, and for a moment, everything else faded.
The click of the door made him turn.
Forth stood there - shirtless, jeans unbuttoned, his gaze dark and unreadable. He took a few slow steps toward Beam. The distance between them crackled with a strange electricity.
Beam froze, his heart pounding. This can't be happening. You're straight as an arrow… so why does his touch make you tremble? he thought as Forth's hand grazed his waist, sending goosebumps down his spine.
Forth leaned close, his voice brushing Beam's ear like a secret. "If the touch is by Forth Jaturapoom, even a straight line will bend."
Their eyes met. The air around them thickened.
Forth moved in without hesitation. His lips found Beam's, and in that instant, something snapped inside Beam. The resistance melted. The kiss grew intense - hungry, heated, and entirely unexpected.
Forth's kiss was confident, overwhelming. Beam tried to fight the pull, but every nerve betrayed him. He gave in, letting Forth dominate the moment.
Forth pulled away briefly, eyes searching Beam's face. "You want this," he whispered.
Beam said nothing, but the answer was written across his flushed cheeks and parted lips.
Forth moved lower, his lips pressing to Beam's neck in a lingering kiss. Beam closed his eyes, fingers tightening in Forth's hair, a soft sound escaping his lips. It was all too much - intense, new, and terrifyingly good.
And just when the moment threatened to tip into something deeper, more dangerous - Forth paused.
He pressed a hidden button on his watch.
A knock on the door shattered the silence.
Forth straightened up and stepped back, reaching for his shirt. His voice was composed, almost cold. "Sorry for the interruption. I have an urgent meeting."
He looked at Beam, his gaze softer now. "Get dressed and join the others for dinner."
Beam nodded, unable to speak.
As he turned to leave, he hesitated - wanting to say something, anything - but Forth had already turned his back.
The Days After
Wayo may have won his bet, but Beam? Beam had lost something else entirely - his calm, his clarity, maybe even a part of himself.
He wasn't smiling anymore.
Because Beam had never imagined himself this way. Never wanted this. Yet he couldn't shake Forth's touch from his mind. It haunted him.
And across the city, Forth was just as distracted.
No more casual flings. No more games. His thoughts always drifted to Beam.
After a week, he made a decision - and walked into Beam's hospital.
The Reunion
Beam looked up from his computer, smiling in surprise. "You?"
"Hey," Forth said. "Felt a little off lately, thought I should see a doctor."
Beam raised an eyebrow. "Really? What symptoms?"
"No sleep. No appetite. Thinking about someone constantly," Forth replied, eyes locked on Beam. "Can't feel anything when others touch me. Since, one night."
Beam's hands froze on the keyboard.
Forth leaned in slightly. "Thought maybe… I should see a neurologist. Or maybe... a heart specialist?"
Beam fought a smile. "In that case, I'll refer you to cardiothoracic. I'm only neurology."
Forth laughed. "You're one of a kind, Dr. Beam." He rested his head on his arm, looking up at Beam with a mischievous smile. "Lunch?"
Beam hesitated, then nodded. "I'd like that."
The Lunch Date
They were midway through their meal when Forth's phone rang. His smile faded as he listened. "I see... Right now? I'm busy. Can't this wait?" He hung up and turned to Beam, regret in his eyes.
"I'm really sorry. I have to go. Something came up."
Beam nodded. "It's okay. Happens."
"I'll make it up to you," Forth promised, but before Beam could reply, his face changed.
Without warning, Forth turn the table and cover himself and Beam.
Gunshots rang out.
"What's happening?" Beam whispered, panic rising in his chest.
Forth pulled a gun from his waistband, eyes sharp. "It's my rivals. I was warned… They found me."
Beam's breath caught.
"Stay with me," Forth said fiercely. "I'll protect you. No matter what."
And then, just before he rose to fire again, Forth turned back to Beam - kissed him, quick and hard - and whispered:
"I like you."