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“You kissed?” Tui asked, his tone calm and measured, though there was no hiding the spark of mischief in his eyes.
He and William were back at their usual dining spot that had, over the years, become their refuge.
William poked absently at his food, looking sheepish but not denying it. “We did.”
Tui blinked, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “So… are you together now? Like, for real?”
William didn’t answer right away. He stirred his soup slowly, watching the way the steam curled upward. “I’m not sure,” he said at last, voice quiet, thoughtful. “We never really talked about it. I was actually just… waiting for him.”
Tui tilted his head. “Waiting for him? Why?”
William’s gaze softened, his usual sharpness replaced by something tender. “The fact that he lied when he kissed me first,” he said quietly, “means he’s not ready yet. Maybe he was scared. Maybe he didn’t even understand what he was feeling at that moment. I don’t want to take that away from him. If he’s still scared, I’d rather wait until he’s not.”
Tui leaned back, folding his arms. “But you do like him, right?”
William let out a soft sigh. “I do. A lot.” His lips twitched into something almost like a smile — small, private, the kind that came from somewhere deep.
“Then why wait?” Tui asked, his tone half-exasperated, half-genuinely curious. “It’s so obvious that he likes you too.”
William smiled faintly. “I know.”
For a moment, neither spoke. The hum of the ceiling fan filled the silence.
Tui finally broke the stillness, his eyes softening with realization. “You’re serious about him.”
William smiled — small, shy, and real. “Yeah. I guess I am.”
Tui exhaled, shaking his head with a half-smile. “I hope you won’t wait too long.”
William’s lips curved into a faint grin. “Honestly? I don’t care how long it takes. I’m content with what we have now.”
Tui let out a scoff. “You’re just saying that now,” he said, leaning closer, his grin turning mischievous. “But sooner or later, you’ll want more kisses. Or probably more…”
William’s eyes widened, scandalized. “Tui!”
“What?” Tui said innocently, trying and failing to suppress his laughter. “I’m just saying, the heart wants what it wants.”
William groaned, throwing a balled-up napkin at him. “Shut up and eat.”
Tui chuckled, catching the napkin midair before tossing it back. “Fine, fine. But when you two finally make it official, don’t act all surprised when I say ‘I told you so.'”
William rolled his eyes, but there was a faint smile tugging at his lips. Beneath the teasing and the laughter, there was a quiet warmth — one that lingered even after the conversation ended. Because deep down, William knew Tui was right. He was waiting. But he didn’t mind the wait.
___
Meanwhile, on the swimming court…
“You what?! Kissed?!!” Dunk practically shouted, his voice echoing across the empty bleachers.
Est’s eyes went wide. “Shut up!” he hissed, practically launching himself at his friend to slap a hand over his mouth. “People will hear!”
Dunk pried his hand away, laughing with no sense of remorse. “So what? People already think you’re together.”
“Still!” Est glared, glancing toward the pool where a few swimmers were finishing their laps.
Dunk leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, that infuriating grin plastered on his face. “Let me guess,” he said, eyes twinkling, “you kissed him first, didn’t you?”
“N-no! Hey! How did you—” Est froze, realizing how fast he’d reacted. His cheeks went crimson. “Ugh, you’re so annoying!”
Dunk laughed so hard he almost slipped off the bench. “Please! I’ve known you for years. I bet you’ve been dying to do that for weeks.”
Est crossed his arms, pouting. “Oh please, William kissed me first. The second time.”
Dunk’s head snapped up, grin widening. “Wait. Second time?!“
Est groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Arrgh! This stupid mouth.”
Dunk smirked, clearly enjoying himself. “So you kissed twice,” he said, dragging the words out like he was savoring every syllable. “That’s basically a relationship, Est.”
“It’s not,” Est mumbled.
“What do you mean it’s not?” Dunk’s teasing faded into something softer, though his expression was still curious. “You both clearly like each other. So why not just… make it official?”
Est hesitated, his gaze falling to the floor.”Because…” He exhaled slowly. “I don’t want to ruin what we have. I don’t want William to pull away again. I finally have him close — even if it’s not official — and that’s enough for me right now.”
Dunk’s grin faded completely. For a moment, he just looked at Est. The set of his shoulders, the way his voice trembled between courage and fear. “You’re an idiot,” he said softly, though there was no malice in it. “You’re protecting something that’s already half yours.”
Est blinked, confused. “What do you mean?”
Dunk leaned back against the bleachers, his tone quiet, thoughtful. “I mean… this kind of in-between thing? It’s dangerous. Feels easy now, maybe even comforting. But over time, it starts to mess with you. You’ll start wondering if you’re the only one holding on — if he feels the same, if he’ll stay. And that uncertainty?” He sighed. “It’ll hurt more than you think.”
The words hit harder than Est expected. He stayed silent, staring at the pool. The lights reflected off the surface, scattering across the water like stars.
“Yeah,” he said finally, voice small. “I know.”
Dunk softened, giving his shoulder a squeeze. “Just… think about it, okay? Don’t let fear keep you from something real.”
Est managed a faint smile. “I will. Thanks, Dunk.”
Before Dunk could respond, his phone buzzed. He checked the screen — and immediately hid it, smirking. “Umm… I gotta go. See you tomorrow, lover boy.”
“Dunk!” Est shouted, but Dunk was already halfway down the bleachers, laughing.
__
A few days later…
The group decided to have a Harry Potter movie marathon at Est’s apartment. It was Nut’s idea, but everyone jumped in right away — it had been a while since they’d all hung out without deadlines.
Before heading over, they stopped by the grocery store to pick up snacks. The aisles were filled with noise and laughter — Lego and Punch debating over chips, Nut and Hong arguing over which ice cream flavor to get. Tui wandered off to choose the drinks. Meanwhile, William and Est trailed behind, quietly sharing a basket, their shoulders brushing now and then.
“I’ll go grab pastries!” Lego announced suddenly, his voice echoing down the aisle. “Meet me outside Eric Kayser, okay?”
Inside the bakery, Lego hummed to himself as he chose croissants and cinnamon rolls. Just as he was about to pay, a familiar, warm voice called out —
“Lego?”
He turned and broke into a grin. “Mae!” he exclaimed, rushing forward to hug William’s mother.
“Oh my goodness, my Lego!” she said, holding him tight. “It’s been ages since you boys visited me.”
“Sorry, Mae! We’ll come by soon, I promise,” Lego said, laughing, eyes crinkling.
She smiled fondly. “Are you here alone?”
“Oh, no. The guys are just buying snacks. We’re having a movie marathon at Est’s place.”
Her brows lifted slightly. “Est?”
“Yeah—Est. William’s boyfriend.”
Her eyes widened. “Boyfriend?!”
Lego froze, blinking. “Oh… he didn’t tell you?”
“I knew he mentioned a friend who came by the house once,” she said slowly, trying to process it, “but he never said anything about a boyfriend.”
Lego scratched his neck, laughing nervously. “Oops. Guess the secret’s out. You know how William is—shy about personal stuff.”
William’s mom softened, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. “So, tell me—what is this Est like?”
Lego’s eyes lit up. “Mae, he’s perfect. He’s the most popular guy in school! Handsome, kind, smart, swimmer’s body — you’d love him. Everyone does.”
He then crossed his arms over his chest and let a mock scowl tighten his face, as if annoyed by William’s good fortune. “Your son is so lucky.”
William’s mom let out a delighted, soft laugh at Lego’s expression. Her face then melted into genuine delight and pride. “Oh, he sounds wonderful.”
Just then, Lego spotted the rest of the group emerging from the grocery. “Oh! There they are.”
She followed his gaze — and froze. William and Est were walking side by side, laughing at something Nut said, hands intertwined.
Her heart swelled. “Oh. My. Goodness. They’re adorable.”
“Right?!” Lego said, practically bouncing beside her.
“Come on,” she whispered, suddenly giddy. “I have to meet my son’s boyfriend.”
William, mid-laugh, nearly choked when he heard: “William!”
He turned — and his soul nearly left his body. “Mae?!”
His mother beamed and went straight for Est, who stood frozen like a deer in headlights.
“You must be Est!”
“Uh—yes, Mrs. Jakrapatr. Sawadee krap!” Est stammered, bowing politely.
“Oh, nonsense. Call me Mae,” she said, pulling him into a hug before he could react.
Est stiffened, eyes wide, before shyly hugging her back. His gaze darted helplessly to William, who looked half-amused, half-horrified.
“My son didn’t tell me he has a boyfriend,” she teased, smiling mischievously.
“Mae…” William muttered, ears pink.
“Shh.” She waved him off, then turned her bright, focused attention back to Est. “Come over for lunch tomorrow — I want to get to know you properly. And nope, you don’t get to say no.”
Est laughed nervously. “O-okay, M-mae. I’ll be there.”
“Good!” She turned to William with mock sternness. “And you, young man—we’ll talk later.”
William pouted, just a little. “Don’t be mad at me, Mae…”
Est bit his lip, trying not to laugh. Seeing William — usually composed, confident William — standing awkwardly under his mother’s affectionate scolding made something in his chest flutter. So this is the William his family knows…
William’s mom hugged William next, brushing his hair affectionately, then proceeded to hug everyone— Nut, Tui, Hong, even Punch — leaving a trail of warmth and perfume behind her.
When she finally left, the group started walking toward the parking lot, bags in hand and laughter bubbling around them again.
Est tugged on William’s hand. “Would you look at that? Our fierce William turns into baby William when he’s around his mom.”
William shot him a glare, jaw tightening. “I’m going home. Enjoy the movie.”
Est burst out laughing and pulled him closer, fingers still laced with his. “Nope. You’re coming whether you like it or not.”
William groaned but didn’t let go.
His lips curved into a faint, satisfied smile as he watched Est laugh. The fact that Est had agreed to meet his parents made a quiet, deep happiness settle over him.
___
Note:
By the way, have you seen all the WilliamEst pics from Fanival? 🤭🤭 The way they look at each other, the hug, the smiles… it’s insanely adorable!!!! I just can’t 🫠🫠
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