Chapter Text
In the South Tech University library, all the way to the back, someone finally snapped and put on a sign, hoping the message was clear enough : No dick sucking in the library!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[ Six months ago ]
Pran was annoyed. Why couldn’t they just go to the faculty library? At least there, Pran had his favourite armchair, near the windows. That spot was always perfectly lit and also near the AC, but not too close, just the perfect distance.
“Can you tell me why you’re dragging me all the way here when we have a perfect library in our faculty?” Pran asked Wai for the third time because his best friend still hadn’t given him an answer.
Wai simply grabbed him by the wrist and walked them through the large glass doors.
Once inside, Pran looked around. It was a nice library, looked well organised and welcoming. But he was still too annoyed at Wai to truly appreciate it.
“Hello, welcome to STU main library.” A young man, probably their age, greeted them from the front desk.
Pran had definitely seen this guy somewhere before.
“My name is Chang, I’m here if you need any information or have questions.” The guy, Chang, told them with a smile.
‘Engineering, that’s where I know him from.’ Pran realised. Architecture and Engineering shared a few lectures this semester. Pran must have seen Chang in one of their common classes.
“Hi, the name’s Wai and my friend here is called Pran.” Wai introduced them, smiling back at Chang.
Pran waved with a smile. He might have not been pleased with Wai, but he still had manners.
“Over there by the main row, is Korn. He’s in charge of re-shelving.” Chang explained. “And over there, all the way to the back,” he pointed in that direction, “you’ll find Pat, he’ll help you looking for any book you need.”
Pran looked where Chang was pointing but he couldn’t see anyone. Not that he would need any help. He’d only come here with Wai because they had an assignment to work on together. Due date was in two days and they’d barely started. Wai was always procrastinating. Pran had only followed Wai here because they really couldn’t afford wasting more time not working on the assignment.
After Chang explained the general rules, Pran and Wai found a table near the main rows. Pran took his laptop out of his bag and opened the file, groaning internally at how empty it still was...
They’d been working for an hour when Pran noticed that Wai wasn’t paying attention to what he was typing. Pran pointed out a few spelling mistakes in the main outline but Wai wasn’t even looking at his laptop screen. No, his friend’s gaze was locked on the guy currently busy shelving books from his cart, the guy’s head was bobbing to the music he was listening to.
Pran narrowed his eyes at Wai. So that’s the reason Wai dragged him here. He snapped his fingers in front of his best friend’s face.
“Don’t tell me you wanted to come here because cute ponytail guy works here.” Pran hissed in a harsh whisper, glaring at Wai.
Wai avoided his gaze but the light flush on his cheeks was answer enough for Pran.
“Unbelievable.” He muttered, shaking his head. “Can you at least pay attention to our work before daydreaming about your new crush?” Pran said in a clipped tone.
Wai at least had the decency to focus back on his laptop and their assignment.
Half an hour later, they had progressed on their assignment and Pran finally felt more comfortable about the whole thing. Stress always made him quite prickly. They had a bit of time to kill while the software rendered the first draft.
“So, are you at least going to to talk to him?” Pran asked after Wai had resumed staring at his crush.
Wai turned to him, his cheeks red. Pran gave him a slight smirk. “You dragged me here after all, better not waste this opportunity.”
Wai remained silent, looking at anywhere but Pran. Seeing his best friend so nervous, Pran decided to help out. He took a post-it note and scribbled down Wai’s phone number on it. He then reached for one of the books and slipped it inside. He pushed across the table, winking at Wai.
“Go, bring him this book to re-shelve.”
Wai looked down at the book as if it might attack him. Pran chuckled. His best friend was hopeless when it came to approach anyone he liked. Wai always opted for admiring them from afar, hoping they might notice him and make the first move. But Pran had to admit that Wai dragging him to the guy’s work place was a definite improvement. Perhaps, Wai could go a step further and actually talk to his crush for once.
“Go ahead.” Pran encouraged him. “He doesn’t look too busy.”
“Fine.” Wai finally stopped staring at cute ponytail guy and reached for the book.
Pran suppressed a smile when Wai seemed to give himself a mental pep talk before standing up and slowly walking to where Korn was.
Pran allowed himself a short break, the software wasn’t done rendering yet. He sat back in his chair and watched as Wai finally gathered his courage and put the book on Korn’s cart.
----
Wai stood still for a long minute, too entranced by Korn wiggling his hips slowly to the beats of whatever song he was listening to. Wai took a few deep breaths, psyching himself up. When the song seemed to come to an end, Wai finally stepped closer and placed the book on top of the pile in Korn’s cart. The movement caught Korn’s attention who turned to look at Wai.
Wai’s breath got stuck at the back of his throat. It was the first time Korn was so close. He looked so much better close up than from across a lecture hall.
“Hi there.” Korn said, removing one of his earbuds.
Wai swallowed, his hands were starting to sweat.
“Can I help you?” Korn asked softly, stepping closer.
“Erm... I...” Wai stuttered, He inwardly cursed Pran for making him do this.
Korn raised one of his eyebrows , waiting.
“Just came to return this book.” Wai eventually managed to find the ability to speak again. He pointed at the book on top of the pile.
Korn looked down at it and nodded in thanks.
Wai quickly turned around, hoping the ground would open up and swallow him whole.
“Wait.” Korn gently put his hand on Wai’s shoulder making him stop immediately.
Wai felt his entire body react to that simple touch. ‘How does he know my name?’
“Wai, did you put your number inside that book?” Korn asked him.
Wai’s face flushed. He’d hoped Korn wouldn’t notice the post-it note right away. Wai was going to kill Pran...
“Are you trying to hit on me or something ?” Korn said, his tone slightly amused.
Wai turned, his eyes wide and cheeks redder than the library carpets.
“I...” He stammered.
Korn was smiling, holding up the blue post-it. On it was written ‘My name’s Wai. I have a crush on you. Call me <3’
‘You’re a dead man, Pran!’ Wai thought as he read the note. He could still feel Korn’s curious gaze on him.
“You have a crush on me?” Korn asked when it was clear Wai had lost his ability to talk again.
Wai frowned down at the note still in Korn’s hand, searching for anything to say that might not make him sound like a complete, pathetic idiot.
“It’s cool if you do by the way.” Korn said with a wide smile.
Wai was going to melt like a big puddle on the floor if Korn kept looking at him like that.
“Just so you know, I’m not a big fan of these kinds of gestures though.” Korn continued, since Wai was still keeping quiet. “I’m much more a direct approach kind of guy, no beating around the bush.” He patted Wai on his shoulder.
Wai didn’t know what to reply to that. He willed himself to finally say something.
“I’d like to date you.” He blurted a little louder than what he had anticipated. He pressed his hand to his mouth, his cheeks red with embarrassment.
Korn grinned in response.
“Okay, that’s much better.” Korn said approvingly. He then took out his phone and typed in Wai’s number to save it in his contacts.
Wai’s eyes grew huge as saucers when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket with an incoming text.
“I’ll call you.” Korn leaned close and winked at him.
Wai blinked rapidly, still not quite sure if what had just happened was real or part of his vivid imagination. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d imagined a full scenario in his head when in truth it had just been him staring at his crush and not moving for several minutes.
“I have to get back to this now.” Korn’s voice broke his thoughts spiral, he pointed at the cart filled with books.
Wai nodded. “Of course.” He managed to blurt out. “See you.” He turned around and bolted back to the table where Pran was.
“Definitely.” Korn said with a light chuckle before returning to his task.
----
A few minutes earlier
“That was pretty cool what you did for your friend there.”
Pran nearly jumped in his seat. He turned to glare at the guy, intent on telling him to go away and not bother him. His words got caught in his throat when he looked at the guy. ‘Wow, he’s gorgeous !’
The guy smiled wide at Pran, his big doe eyes sparkling. Pran schooled his face and narrowed his eyes at the newcomer.
“Go somewhere else, this table is taken.” Pran muttered.
“But I’m on my break and this is my favourite table.” The handsome guy pouted.
Pran stopped himself from smiling. Instead, he focused back on his laptop, checking the rendered file.
“Just stay quiet, I need to concentrate.” Pran warned him with a slight glare.
The guy mimicked sawing his lips before smiling at him.
After a few minutes, Pran was disturbed by a light tap on his shoulder.
“What?” Pran turned to the guy with a real glare this time.
“Your calculations are wrong in this part.” The guy leaned closer, pointing at the screen.
Pran tried not to stare at the guy’s perfect jawline and his tempting golden skin. He turned to look at the screen and see where this supposed mistake was.
Of course, the guy was right. Pran blamed Wai having been so distracted for not paying attention to his calculations. Could this day get any more bothersome ?
“Let me...” the guy pulled the laptop to him and started to type the right data to correct the formula.
Pran stared, his jaw dropped at the sight of protruding veins on the guy’s muscular forearms. Fortunately for Pran, the guy seemed too focused on what he was typing to even notice Pran ogling him.
“There, now your results are correct. Render it again.” The guy said with a smile, pushing the laptop back.
“Thanks.” Pran said, not meeting the other’s gaze.
“I’m Pat, by the way.” The guy, Pat, introduced himself with a smile. “I’m sure Chang mentioned me if he gave you his speech for every newcomers to this library.”
Pran nodded and resumed working.
A short silence followed with Pat looking at Pran with anticipation.
“You’re not going to tell me your name?” Pat asked him, his pout returning.
Pran huffed, annoyed at being interrupted once more. That was the second time he had to start his proofreading from the start. He didn’t bother replying to Pat.
“Oh come on, please tell me your name?” Pat insisted.
Pran looked up from his screen to glare at Pat again. “No.” He simply said, ignoring the pout and the puppy eyes. They had absolutely no effect on him, none at all, Pran told himself.
Pat sighed, disappointed. He stopped bothering Pran after it was clear he wouldn’t get an answer from him.
Shortly after, Wai returned to the table, he looked like he was going to burst from excitement.
“Oh my god, Pran.” Wai whispered yelled. “I don’t know if I should kiss you or kill you.”
Pran chuckled. “It worked ?”
Wai’s cheeks were still flushed despite the cool water he’d thrown in his face. He’d stopped by the bathroom after his interaction with Korn. He’d needed to cool off.
In response to Pran’s question, Wai showed him his phone with Korn’s number saved in his contacts.
Pran smiled. He couldn’t help feeling proud of his best friend.
Wai pocketed his phone and looked around the table, noticing Pat’s presence.
“Hi, who are you?” Wai asked.
“Hi, I’m Pat, Korn’s best friend.” Pat winked at Wai.
“Oh.” Wai’s cheeks flushed again.
“Okay, as much I’d like to stay and hang out with you guys, I have to get back to work.” Pat said, sounding a little sad. “I’ll see you around, Pran.” He added leaning closer to Pran before getting up and walking away.
Pran turned around to stare at Pat heading to the back of the library. Pran bit his lower lip as his eyes strayed to Pat’s broad shoulders, his well defined back and his ass. Yeah, he was definitely Pran’s type.
***
Pran cleaned up after Wai had left. They’d returned to Pran’s place to finalise their project. Wai had paid for their take-outs to make up for being such a bother to his best friend all day. Pran hadn’t even been annoyed anymore, but he would never refuse a free meal.
After finishing up with the dishes, Pran settled comfortably on his couch, his laptop in his lap. He opened his browser and searched through his bookmarks until he found what he was looking for. He let the video load before setting the laptop on his coffee table and reaching for his tote bag next to him on the couch. He looked for his earphone case, searching the inside pockets. When they turned out empty, he frowned, looking at the bottom of the bag. No earphone case. ‘Shit.’
Did he forget his earphones again? Why did this always happen to him?
He looked at his laptop, debating watching the video on low volume. The walls in his dorm building were thin and he wasn’t sure he’d want his neighbours to hear what kind of porn Pran was into. That was also why he always opted for his partners’ places for hook ups.
Pran sighed, he was so keyed up and needed some release after today. And if he wanted to truly enjoy himself, he’d need to hear every moans, groans, kissing and sucking sounds as loud as possible. And he’d definitely need to listen to the rattle of the bookshelf as the two leads fucked against it, the thud sounds of the books falling on the carpeted floor as the two lost control near the climax scene.
Yeah, Pran couldn’t watch without earphones.
He sighed, annoyed at himself for being so forgetful. He knew where he’d forgotten his earphones. The library.
He searched the university website, hoping he’d find the opening hours to the university libraries. He browsed for a few minutes before finally finding the ones for the main library. Closing time on weekdays was 10:30 pm. Pran looked at his watch, it was nearly 10 already. ‘Shit!’ He’d have to run to the library if he wanted to get there before closing. Fortunately, he hadn’t changed yet. He got up, grabbed his keys and phone and dashed outside.
----
Pran was out of breath from running across campus. He skidded at the bottom of the stairs of the library. The lights were already out.
“Are you fucking kidding me?!” He let out in a desperate out of breath yell. No way did he run all this way for nothing!
“Pran?”
Pran looked up at the top of the stairs. There stood Pat, near the door, the keys dangling from his hand.
“What are you doing here?” Pat asked as he jogged down the steps to join Pran.
Pran was still trying to catch his breath. The sight of Pat in his oversized tank top was not helping...
“You okay?” Pat stepped closer, looking worried.
Pran avoided looking at Pat. He really needed for Pat to take a step back. He was really distracting.
“Pran?” Pat shook him gently.
That seemed to work getting Pran out of his momentary daze.
“I forgot my earphones.” Pran eventually managed to say. “Can you let me in so I can look for them?” He asked, still not looking at Pat.
“Oh. I’m sorry Pran, I can’t. I already put the alarm.” Pat scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
“Please, I really need my earphones.” Pran said in a pleading tone. “I can’t get to bed without my ASMR playlist.” He added, of course watching porn wasn’t exactly ASMR but it wasn’t a complete lie. He really wouldn’t be able to sleep if he didn’t take the edge off.
“I could get fired if I remove the alarm after closing time.” Pat explained. “Wait...” He took his bag off his shoulder and pulled his headphones and handed them to Pran with a smile.
Pran held up his hand to refuse them. “Sorry, I’m just really particular about my earphones.”
Pat sighed. Pran tried to look pleading, his eyes big and showing off his dimples. “Please Pat, just let me in.”
“Fine.” Pat deflated.
Pran gave him a wide smile and started to jog up the stairs.
“So cute and he even has dimples. Not fair.” Pran heard Pat say behind him. He tried not to show his smug smile when Pat stood next to him to open the door.
After Pat deactivated the alarm, he pushed Pran inside, his hand on Pran’s lower back, the other holding his phone with the flashlight activated.
“Your earphones should be in the lost and found box, just wait here.” Pat said as he walked towards the main desk.
Pran looked around while he was waiting for Pat to return. His senses were on fire. Maybe he should have waited for Pat outside. Being in a library at night, alone with the guy he’d been fantasising about before coming here, this wasn’t good for Pran.
“Libraries at night always creep me out.” Pat’s loud voice startled Pran out of his thoughts.
“Huh?” Pran asked, his mouth had gone a little dry.
“I always feel like spirits will jump out from the rows and attack me.” Pat says with a full body shiver.
“You could have turned on the lights if you were this scared.” Pran mocked him.
Pat shook his head. “Bad enough that I removed the alarm. I’m not risking anyone seeing the lights still on after closing time.”
“You’re ridiculous.” Pran chuckled.
Pat pouted. “Here you go, Khun Parakul.” Pat handed him the earphone case with a smug smile, his finger pointing the label with Pran’s full name.
It was Pran’s turn to shiver, but for a complete different reason than fear of ghosts. ‘Khun Parakul.’ That sounded really good falling from Pat’s lips.
Pat leaned closer, Pran felt the flush on his cheeks and was thankful for the darkness of the room.
“You could say thank you.” Pat whispered, his breath hot between them, Pran had to fight every instincts in him to not close the gap and suck on Pat’s lips.
Instead, he took a step back and headed for the door.
“Thank you!” He said over his shoulder before rushing outside without another glance.
Pat stood in his spot for a few minutes, still staring at the door where Pran had just walked through.
A big dopey smile was stuck on his face. There was no possible doubt about it. Pat was in love.