His and Mine / ZNN

5. Under the Bangkok Moon

Zee held the door for Nunew as they went out of the café. The slight breeze that greeted them felt good. It will be a good evening Nunew thought. He was sure of it.

They walked through the pathway that circled the chain of shops from the café. NuNew pointed at quaint stores that sell different items which he usually found funny when he discusses it with his friends. He then remembered that Zee was older than him. What he found funny might not be so to Zee, so he sneaked a glance at the man's face and was happy when he looked quite interested in what NuNew was saying.

"Please, just tell me if I'm talking too much. I get carried away sometimes that I forget, and tend to babble on and on" Nunew told Zee.

"But I love hearing you talk...I mean, it's nice hearing you describe everything like this. I really need to get re-acquainted with this area. You see when I left, I remember that this district was more of buildings and factories. In eight years, there's so much that changed that I get lost while walking" Zee laughingly told NuNew, who was closely paying attention to what the other was saying.

"You've been away that long?" NuNew blurted, which he immediately apologized for. "I'm sorry! I seem to be forgetting my manners. I didn't mean to sound so casual."

"It's not a problem, Nunew. Be as casual as you please with me, it's fine. And yes, to answer your question. I left for eight years, having been assigned to different countries. In that period, I think I was able to visit Thailand just four times? All of which I went back to Chiang Rai where my family still lives. The last time, my mom threatened to disown me if I didn't come. I was home three days after her threat. I wouldn't want to be disowned! Zee amusedly told NuNew which had the boy laughing at his story.

Nunew can see that Zee loved his family. As they continued their walk, he told stories of his sisters, his niece, and his nephew. He told him of how his mom kept tabs on him twice a week, all the time while he was away, and how his peers, would tease him that he was a Mama's boy. He seemed to not mind because he knows it to be true. Zee was about to say something more about his mom when his attention was caught by a husky taking a break, with its owner on one of the benches.

Zee took off and petted the dog after asking permission from its owner. Nunew was mesmerized as a grown man, was sitting on the grass playing kissy poo with a dog. Zee was laughing, and talking to the dog like it was a kid. His eyes shone with mischief and his stance took a youthful vibe. At this sight, NuNew's heart started hammering in his chest. Why is Zee like this? Why is his heart beating so? NuNew thought. He was not able to think much as he wanted to because Zee called out to him.

"Come here, Nunew. You have to see him closely." So Nunew walked to them. Bruce meet my friend Nunew. Friend? Are we friends? Nunew thought about it. Was the man really comfortable enough with him to be regarded as a friend? Before he can continue with this line of thought, Zee pulled his hand to pet the husky while laughing. The touch was electric. It's freaky how he felt a jolt when their hands touched. NuNew was so amazed that he stared at Zee's eyes, which earned him the smile that he loved. Yep! I do have a crush on Zee. NuNew heard clearly in his head.They were almost to the next block of stores when NuNew saw an ice cream shop. Zee noticed when his companion's eyes lit up.

"Let's get cones while we walk," Zee said.

"We don't have to. It might get messy when we eat it while walking. Let's just continue with our walk." Nunew was hesitant. The man just saw him finish eating dinner. He had macarons in his hand while walking. And now he wants to get ice cream! What impression will Zee get of him?

"Nah! I think ice cream is a great idea!" Zee said while pushing Nunew from the back to the ice cream shop.

Nunew can't help but laugh. The guy talking animatedly while eating ice cream by his side felt really comfortable to him. The banter was easy, there was always something to talk about but the few times that they would get quiet weren't awkward, it was comfortable, it was nice.