Chapter 5 - The Jealous Nib

The window fractured, allowing the crisp night air to seep into the car. Nib's attention shifted to Inspector Thai, whose unwavering gaze remained fixed on Win through the rearview mirror. Perplexed, Nib turned to Win, who stared ahead, oblivious to the scrutiny. An escalating curiosity prompted Nib's eyes to dart between Win and the reflective surface. Succumbing to the mounting tension, he couldn't hold back any longer and blurted, "Winn, lean your head on my shoulder."Win, taken aback, retorted, "I'm not your boyfriend."Nib's voice softened, "I sensed your unease and thought you could use some comfort."Win hesitated.Meanwhile, Inspector Thai's intense scrutiny endured.Driven by impulse, Nib delicately guided Win's head to his shoulder. After a brief struggle, Win relented, closing his eyes with a subtle, enigmatic smile.Inspector Thai sighed and rolled his eyes. Echoes of foxes' cries occasionally pierced the silence. Win, in sleep, clung tighter to Nib's arm. Nib smiled, resting his head on Win's.As they reached the ice cream shop, Inspector Thai halted the car. Nib suggested they disembark, citing Win's affinity for ice cream. He thanked Inspector Thai, who noted Nib's familiarity with Win.Inspector Thai extended a hand to help Win exit, but Nib intervened, "Allow me, he's still asleep."He woke Win gently, and they alighted. Win leaned against the car window, suggesting Inspector Thai join them. Nib pretended to be bothered, dissuading him with a sound. Inspector Thai began to drive away.Nib and Win strolled into the quaint ice cream parlor, finding their way to comfortable seats. As Win contemplated the enticing options on the menu, Nib inquired casually, "Any particular flavor catching your fancy?"A momentary pause lingered in the air as Win deliberated.Clarifying with a warm smile, Nib added, "I mean, which ice cream flavor are you in the mood for?"With a subtle gesture, Win pointed to menu item number three. Nib mirrored the choice with a playful grin, declaring, "I'll have the same.""Great minds think alike," they chimed in unison.A waitress approached, standing behind Nib with a smile. Win prepared to speak, but she signaled him not to. Nib beckoned the waiter, and the waitress brushed Nib's neck, a knowing smile on her lips. Nib turned, surprised, then exchanged a look with Win. The waitress offered a handkerchief, her tone suggestive, "Left this in my room yesterday."Nib hid his face, Win's anger palpable. The waitress leaned close, whispering in a lustful tone, "Bringing your favorite milky chocolate flavor."Embarrassment washed over Nib. Win giggled, a smile lighting his face. Win teased, "I'm envious of your colorful life."A sense of loss clouded Win's gaze, "Boundless freedom and love, devoid of regrets or barriers."Nib reached for Win's hand, but the waitress returned, serving their ice cream. Nib tried to clarify Win, "She's mistaken me for someone else."Win's laughter returned, Nib puzzled. They finished their ice cream. At 'Kimsy Villa,' Nib dropped Win. As Win hesitated, Nib grasped his hand, "Sorry about the waitress."Win replied, "Don't be. It's your personal life. Overall, I enjoyed tonight."Nib dropped his head, Win's inquiry prompted Nib to raise it. Win grinned, inviting Nib inside. Nib joked, drawing laughter. Win invited him, but Nib declined, citing another engagement.Win playfully teased, "With your girlfriend?"Nib replied with a twinkle in his eye, "Maybe! And if your curiosity knows no bounds, you could always accompany me..."Win's response was a wry smile, "Spare me!"''By the way,'' Nib continued with a casual air, ''the waitress, 'Hom,' wasn't as dreadful as you suggested."Inquisitive, Nib questioned, "Who's she?"Win, maintaining an air of mystery, clarified, "The waitress."Nib, in a light-hearted jest, responded, "Ah, the not-so-impressive one."Undeterred, Win insisted, "Give her a chance."A subtle shift occurred as Nib, now serious, met Win's gaze with gentle sincerity, "You're not that bad either."In that charged moment, Win's smile disappeared, and a silence hung between them. Their eyes locked in a silent exchange of unspoken sentiments. After a poignant pause, Nib reluctantly broke the silence, making his way back to the car. Win remained, standing stoically. As he entered his darkened home, fear clung to Win. He called out, footsteps echoing. A doll struck his leg, panic causing him to cry out. He gathered his courage, muttering for his mom. Heart racing, he approached the switch box, sensing a presence, breath echoing in the silence. His heart pounded. In the darkness, he groped for an object and illuminated the room.Almost striking the object, his heart still racing.