Chapter 3 - Locked Hearts and Bathroom Doors

The bathroom's confines were rather snug, with minimal fixtures adorning the space—only a solitary showerhead graced the left wall. Their ears strained against the door, each footfall outside scrutinized for signs of Mew's presence. The approaching steps once more prompted them to linger within.Nib's demeanor betrayed remorse and self-reproach, his voice laden with contrition, "Oh, God, how can I face anyone now? I've managed to ensnare myself in my own scheme."Win's gaze fixed on Nib, suspicion etched across his features, "Scheme? Pray to tell, what scheme?"Nib's attempt to articulate faltered, his eyes darting around the room before he leaned against the wall, a befuddled expression claiming his features.Win's voice held an incredulous note, "I see, so you're the one who sent the professor after me, aren't you? You know, I felt a pang of sympathy for you just moments ago, but I must admit, I'm finding some pleasure in your predicament now."Nib's eyes met Win's, a mix of astonishment and chagrin on his face. He retorted, "Really? Don't tell me you're suddenly developing feelings of goodwill towards me. Sorry to disappoint, but I'm already spoken for."Win's lips curved slightly, a hint of a smile playing on his face, "Feelings of goodwill? Toward you? Let's not exaggerate. And by the way, have you ever seen yourself in a mirror? You bear a striking resemblance to a monkey from northern Thailand."Nib's finger pointed accusatorily at Win, his tone warning, "Careful now, watch your words. It's not just the ladies who are captivated by my charm; even the gentlemen are vying for my attention."Win's laughter erupted, filling the air, a genuine burst of mirth.For a moment, Nib's glower held fast, but then a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Yet, his mirth was short-lived as he turned his gaze back to Win, his voice taking on a more soulful note, "Why did your laughter abruptly cease?"Win's expression shifted, his eyes meeting the floor, a thoughtful silence settling upon them both.As Nib made another attempt at the door, his frustration boiling over, his hand inadvertently collided with the surface with a sharp exclamation, "Ouch!"Reacting swiftly, Win's concern overshadowed his irritation, his hand instinctively reaching out beneath the handle to provide support, his voice tinged with urgency, "Careful! How did you manage to hurt yourself like that?"Nib's response was agitated, his pain momentarily forgotten, "Who knows? Maybe it won't even hurt... Just shush, let me deal with this."Win's fingers continued their gentle motion, his voice hushed and reassuring, "Take it easy. We'll figure this out together."While the bathroom's constraints pressed upon them, time seemed to stretch and contract, blurring the boundaries of their predicament. Their connection deepened amidst the hushed moments, emotions left unspoken but profoundly felt.Outside the door, Nib's determination to unlock their confinement was met with frustration as the stubborn lock remained unmoved. In his impatience, he pounded his hand against the door, a mix of vexation and pain escaping his lips, "Damn it!"Win's concern flared anew, his hand reaching out instinctively to Nib's arm, his voice a soothing presence, "Are you alright? Don't let frustration get the best of you."Nib's gaze locked onto Win's, his emotions a tumultuous whirl, "How can I not be frustrated? We're stuck here, with no end in sight. I've lost track of time, and frankly, I don't even care anymore."Win's empathy emanated from his eyes, his words carrying a shared sentiment, "I understand, Nib. But we'll find a way out of this. Let's focus on staying calm and making the best of our situation."In this confined space, their connection, born from adversity, continued to evolve, deepening the bond between them in ways they hadn't anticipated.Amidst the city's labyrinth, law enforcement strained relentlessly to unearth the elusive perpetrator. A somber directive resonated through the airwaves, particularly aimed at same-sex couples, imploring them to tread cautiously under the night's shroud. An atmosphere of apprehension gripped Bangkok, casting its shadow far and wide. Inspector Thai's resolve remained unyielding, a beacon of determination amidst the turmoil. His voice resonated through the precinct, a call to action for his fellow officers, "We must canvas every corner, engage with street vendors, question the denizens of every alley, and engage the youth within our reach. Somewhere, within the tapestry of their lives, there might be a fragment, a fleeting clue that slipped through our grasp."Nib's prolonged absence had cast a pall of worry over the group. Phones went unanswered, apprehension deepening with each passing moment. Mew and the others embarked on a frantic search, their voices echoing his name through the corridors, "Nib... Nib, where are you?"Their pursuit led them back to the vicinity of the bathroom. Calls went unanswered, the weight of shame silencing the trapped duo within. Win's internal turmoil intensified, shame gnawing at him, "What if they see me like this? What judgments will they pass?"Nib's response carried an edge, his words unfiltered, "You really have a thick hide, don't you? Still preoccupied with your own feelings."Win's retort came swiftly, his tone biting, "Well, you set the bar for shamelessness."Nib's retort was swift, his voice charged, "Don't even think about lecturing me like a father."Win's playful apology followed, "My apologies, Nib sir. Slip of the tongue."A fierce glance from Nib was enough to silence him, the unspoken tension between them palpable.Win's voice softened, contrite, "No need for the daggers in your eyes. I truly am sorry."Nib maintained his stern facade for a beat before relenting, a hint of forgiveness in his tone, "I didn't quite catch that."Win seized the chance to make amends, his voice sincere, "I said I'm sorry."Nib's response carried a touch of acceptance, "Hmm, alright, apology accepted."A lingering silence hung between them, an unspoken understanding passing between their eyes.Nib's voice broke the quiet, a trace of mischief seeping in, "Speaking of which, I've got a plan."Win's impatience echoed, his words laced with eagerness, "Well then, no time like the present. Share it."Nib's response held a touch of reprimand, "Patience, my friend. First, drop the bossy act. Your boyfriend must have nerves of steel."Win's playful push was met with a challenge, "Be careful where you prod, Nib."Emotions surged like an unstoppable tide, and Nib found himself unable to contain the torrent any longer. With a force he hadn't realized he possessed, Nib pressed Win against the cool tiles beneath the showerhead, trapping his hands against the wall. A palpable tension hung in the air, an electric current charging the space between them. Their eyes locked, a profound connection forming in the silence.Inches apart, their proximity was both exhilarating and unnerving, their heartbeats syncing like a secret rhythm only they could hear. The sound of rushing water cascading from the showerhead joined the symphony of their breaths.Nib's voice carried a mixture of frustration and sincerity, "I've tried countless times to bridge the gap between us, to break through your ego's fortress. Yet, despite it all, here I am, still reaching out to help you. Because, unlike you, I'm not bound by stubborn pride, Win Vichayawannakul."Win's eyes remained closed, the intensity of the moment hanging heavy in the air around them.The sound of rushing water seemed to swell, a metaphorical tide washing away pretenses and barriers. The deluge quickly enveloped them, drenching every inch of their beings. Win's meticulously arranged hair now clung to his forehead, his lips glistening and curled in a way that was both disheveled and breathtakingly alluring. The arrogance that once defined his expression now appeared as a mere facade, revealing a vulnerability that Nib couldn't help but be drawn to.As Nib's gaze traced the contours of Win's face, he felt an irresistible pull, a magnetic force drawing him closer. The desire to bridge the remaining gap between their lips was nearly overwhelming, a tempestuous whirlpool of emotions threatening to consume them both. Yet, during this turmoil, Nib hesitated, his inner tempest stilled by a sudden surge of self-awareness.Win's struggle to free his hands from Nib's grasp went unnoticed as Nib's thoughts raced, a storm of introspection churning within him. His grip remained unyielding, his thoughts in disarray, "Why can't I tear my gaze away from him? Why does my heart race as if in a desperate sprint? Why does his once-arrogant countenance now hold an inexplicable allure? His unruly hair carries an intoxicating scent, and his long, untamed eyebrows... They beckon me, draw me in... And why, amidst this maelstrom, do I yearn to taste his lips?"A thousand questions swirled in Nib's mind, a tempest of uncertainty and longing. The moment hung suspended in time, a fragile thread poised to unravel or tighten with the weight of their unspoken desires.The stillness between them was finally broken by Win's voice, a hint of amusement touching his tone, "You really are being quite dense, aren't you? Now we're both fully drenched."Nib's response was tinged with vulnerability, his words wavering, "I'd rather stay half-drenched and be here with you. Enduring a week of my friends' jests is a thousand times more bearable."Outside the closed door, the sound of knocking echoed, followed by Jian's inquiry, "Is anyone in there?"Their silence persisted, prompting more forceful knocks and the escalating concern of their friends. Jian and Pit were poised to break the door down, but before they could make a move, Nib unexpectedly opened the door, causing both of them to stumble and fall into the bathroom. Amidst their cries of pain, an exasperated chorus arose, blaming Win and Nib for their mishap.Pit groaned, "My waist is practically broken, thanks to you guys!"Jian's pained voice joined in, "And mine too!"Mew's fury reached its peak as she beheld the sight before her, Win and Nib together in the bathroom. Her accusatory words cut through the air like a blade, "You freak, what the hell are you doing with my boyfriend?"Win's attempt to explain faltered, his embarrassment and unease evident, "Well, you see, Mew..."Before Win could interject, just as his words veered into awkward territory, Nib hurriedly covered his mouth. In that brief yet shared moment of discomfort, the two found themselves entangled in a symphony of mutual awkwardness.Observing their proximity, Mew couldn't resist the impulse to raise her hand, intending to slap Win. However, Nib swiftly intercepted, catching her hand in a gesture that was both protective and pleading. His gaze pierced hers as he spoke, his voice laced with frustration, "Mew, you're overreacting."A sense of unease settled over the group, witnessing Nib's defense of Win. Even Win himself was taken aback by Nib's unexpected support. A weary smile tugged at Win's lips, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.Mew's anger raged, her words sharp and accusing, "So, you're stopping me from slapping him? I get it now. Your heart must be full of guilt. Were you trying to hit on this little slut?"In a moment of impulse, Nib's restraint wavered, his anger flaring, but he managed to control himself before any physical altercation could occur. Mew fled, tears streaming down her face, leaving Nib conflicted and torn.Nib's pursuit of Mew was swift, but she had already sped away in her car, leaving him in the wake of their argument. Jian's disapproval hung heavy in the air, "Your antics have set the lovebirds off on a fight."Win's head remained lowered as the group dispersed, a heavy sigh escaping him. These unforeseen complications had cast a shadow over the day, and dusk had descended upon them.Hailing a taxi, Win moved to take a seat, only to find Nib sliding into the taxi alongside him. Confusion laced Win's words, "What's your deal? Are you back in my taxi again?"This time, Nib's actions held a surprising intensity as he grabbed Win's hand, tugging him into the taxi. Win's surprise mingled with curiosity, "What are you doing, Nib?"