Velvet Dreams and Secret Schemes

After some time, Nil stepped into the bathroom, anticipating a shower. As he reached for the door to close it behind him, he was abruptly halted by the forceful entry of Stranger, who swiftly shut the door behind them. Nil's eyes widened in alarm."Stranger... this isn't your Bangkok," Nil exclaimed a tinge of urgency in his voice.Stranger fixed a penetrating gaze upon him, advancing with purpose. "You must realize, it's not Bangkok. Then why provoke me?" Nil's voice quivered as he instinctively retreated, his eyelids drooping in an attempt to shield his vulnerability. "I was merely jesting..."A sultry smile played across Stranger's lips, betraying an intensity that sent shivers down Nil's spine. "But I'm not jesting," And banged Nil firmly against the cool tiles of the bathroom wall.Leaning in close, Stranger's voice was a low whisper. "I only seek to assist you in your shower."With a deft flick, Stranger ignited the cascade of water from the showerhead above, its torrential downpour immediately engulfing them both. Nil found themselves drenched within seconds, rivulets of water tracing trails down their skin, the droplets pooling and eventually falling from their lashes.Though their gazes remained locked, the intimacy was veiled by the curtain of water, rendering their connection more tactile than visual. As Stranger's hands met Nil's cheeks, they felt the rough texture of mud being wiped away with gentle precision, the sensation a stark contrast to the cold embrace of the shower's spray.Amidst the chill, however, a warmth blossomed between them, an inexplicable heat that seemed to emanate from their closeness alone. Nil could feel the rhythm of Stranger's breaths mingling with their own, each exhales a silent testament to the burgeoning desire that simmered beneath the surface.And then, with a fervent hunger, Stranger pressed his lips to Nil's muddy shoulder, eliciting a soft gasp of pleasure from their lips. "Strangerrr..." Nil's voice quivered with anticipation.As Stranger's lips brushed against Nil's neck with a tender touch, a fleeting sense of anticipation swirled within Nil. Expectation hung heavy in the air as their proximity intensified, their lips almost meeting in a tantalizing dance. Nil's heart quickened, convinced that Stranger would bridge the gap with a kiss.Closing his eyes and puckering his lips in anticipation, Nil awaited the sweet embrace, only to be met with silence. Bewilderment crept into his thoughts as he wondered why Stranger hadn't made a move yet.Slowly, Nil blinked his eyes open, only to be greeted by the sight of Stranger standing naked, nonchalantly dousing himself with water. Embarrassment flushed Nil's cheeks crimson as he stammered, questioning Stranger's actions.With a mischievous smirk playing on his lips, Stranger quipped, "What else does one do in the bathroom?"Nil's expression hardened, his gaze sharp as he struggled to mask his discomfort. Without another word, he hastily retreated from the bathroom, a mutter escaping his lips as he lamented Stranger's lack of initiative."He didn't kiss me," Nil muttered to himself, a mixture of disappointment and frustration coloring his tone. "No wonder I won't even talk to him."In the bustling online realm, amidst the flurry of trending topics in Thailand, one particular thread sparked intrigue and curiosity. Under the banner of 'Four more shorts,' a cascade of comments flooded the discussion, each laden with its own blend of concern, curiosity, and sometimes, regrettable candor."Has anyone heard from Nil? I've been eager for his input," one user inquired, reflecting a genuine longing for connection in the digital ether.In stark contrast, another comment bore the weight of disappointment and betrayal: "Such a shame. Nil's actions toward Kao Neptune were nothing short of despicable. To think he'd take advantage and abscond with his funds."Among the sea of opinions, there lingered a disconcerting tone, with one individual's brazen query standing out: "What's the going rate for a night with Nil?" Such crass inquiries hinted at a darker underbelly within the virtual realm, where anonymity often emboldens the impertinent.Yet, amidst the tumult, glimpses of genuine affection surfaced, underscoring the complexities of human connection even in the digital realm. "Kao and Nil—a dynamic duo. How I yearn for their presence once more,"As the countdown to the trailer release ticked closer, Director Kim exuded confidence. Despite any potential negative publicity, he knew "Four More Short" had secured its place as one of the top five most anticipated series of the year. With all eyes eagerly awaiting its debut, he was determined not to let this attention slip away, hastening the release of the series.In the midst of this anticipation, a moment unfolded on the terrace where Stranger found himself lost in thought. The evening had cloaked the sky in darkness, punctuated only by a scattering of stars amidst the gathering clouds. Yet, amidst this tranquil scene, there was a sense of peace in the air—a tranquility that seemed to seep into Stranger's being. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Nil had relented, agreeing to join him.It was precisely 10:17 when Stranger stood on the terrace, his gaze fixed upon the heavens. With a quiet sigh, he exhaled a breath that hung in the air, folding his hands as a small smile graced his lips. Lost in the serenity of the moment, he was interrupted by the gentle call of his name from behind.Turning, Stranger met Lata's gaze, her presence accompanied by a jug of milk. With a warm smile, he addressed her, "Aunt..."Lata spoke softly, "I went to find you in the room, but only found Babu there. I asked about you, but he didn't speak. I assumed you might be here.""Aunt, I was feeling weighed down, so I came out for some fresh air," replied Stranger.Lata nodded understandingly, her concern evident. "Alright... But is everything alright between you and Babu?""Yes, nothing serious," assured Stranger.Lata handed him a glass of milk, her gesture maternal. "Son, drink this milk. You must be tired."Though Stranger wasn't particularly fond of milk, he didn't refuse, as per Nil's mother's request. His lips pursed, struggling with the taste, but Lata discerned his discomfort. "Son, you can't refuse..."Stranger hastily interjected, "No, no, I wasn't going to refuse."Stranger hurriedly took a sip of the milk, its rich flavor dancing on his taste buds like a symphony. His amazement spilled into words as he turned to his Aunt, unable to contain his wonder."Aunt, what enchantment have you woven into this milk? I've never tasted anything quite like it," he exclaimed before taking another sip, savoring the moment.Lata, sensing an opportune moment, ventured to ask a favor."Can I ask you for one favor?" she inquired.Stranger nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Just name it," he replied.Lata leaned in, her expression serious. "What happened in Thailand... with him? He appeared so troubled and despondent afterward."Stranger's heart skipped a beat. He didn't want to deceive Lata, yet revealing the truth about his relationship with Nil seemed inappropriate at the moment."Nothing significant," he replied after a pause, his voice tinged with reluctance. "He merely had a disagreement with a colleague."Stranger averted his gaze, deliberately avoiding meeting Lata's eyes as she spoke once more. "Are you sure?" Her tone held a hint of uncertainty, a subtle plea for reassurance.With a solemn nod, Stranger confirmed his certainty, though his expression remained guarded.Lata hesitated briefly before broaching another topic, her voice tinged with a blend of hope and apprehension. "And son, could you perhaps assist in finding a suitable match for Babu?"As Stranger brought the glass to his lips, the sound of her voice struck him like a sudden gust of wind, causing him to choke on his drink. "What girl...?" he managed to sputter between coughs.Lata, noticing his distress, hurried to his side, concern etched on her features. "Son, are you alright?" she inquired, gently rubbing his back.Stranger, still recovering from his coughing fit, nodded weakly. "Yeah, Aunt, I'll be fine," he assured her, though his voice wavered slightly."But you didn't seem alright," Lata persisted, her worry deepening.Stranger sighed, his head throbbing with a dull ache. "My head feels unusually heavy today," he admitted, his tone strained."Then let me massage your head. It might help you feel better," Lata suggested, her motherly instincts kicking in.Stranger hesitated, not wanting to impose, but Lata was already reaching out to soothe his discomfort. "No, Aunt, there's really no need," he protested weakly.Aunt remained steadfast in her refusal. She settled onto the solitary bed, motioning for Stranger to rest his head upon her lap. Despite his initial hesitation, Stranger complied, sinking into the comforting embrace of her presence. Time ebbed away as they lingered in silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.In that intimate moment, a profound sense of solace enveloped Stranger, washing away the turmoil that had plagued him. Tears glistened in his eyes as he struggled to find the words, his voice barely a whisper as he uttered, "I'm sorry, Aunt, but I can't bring myself to confide in you just yet."Lata's gentle hands continued their soothing motion, tenderly stroking Stranger's unruly locks. The night stretched on, suffused with a rare tranquility that seemed to wrap around them like a comforting blanket. For Stranger, who had known little of a mother's love, this simple gesture spoke volumes, offering a glimpse into a world he had long yearned to know.Nil sat at the study table, his gaze fixed upon the door, his mind consumed with thoughts of Stranger. With a furrowed brow, he pondered aloud, "Where could Stranger be at this late hour?"A fleeting doubt crossed his mind, prompting him to consider reaching out to Stranger. Yet, before he could act upon this impulse, a soft knock resonated through the room, heralding Stranger's arrival. Despite the telltale sign of his presence, Nil remained outwardly indifferent, feigning absorption in his task.Stranger slipped away without so much as a glance in his direction, heading off to the washroom. Nil's gaze wandered around the room, a flicker of uncertainty shadowing his features. "Is he deliberately avoiding me?" he wondered silently.Just as he pondered, a notification chimed on his phone. It was Sonali, his sister. Her message sent a shiver of concern down his spine, "Babu came into my room..."Without a second thought, Nil made his way to Sonali's room. There she sat, engrossed in the action-packed scenes of "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol," a bowl of steaming noodles resting on her lap. Nil's mood dampened slightly as he took a seat beside her, absently picking at the noodles."Are you and Kaohaving a spat?" Sonali's question pulled him from his thoughts."I'm not sure," Nil confessed, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "He's been distant."Sonali's eyes remained fixed on the screen as she pointed out, "But you haven't exactly reached out to him either."Nil sighed, realizing the truth in her words. "I suppose you're right," he conceded. "But still, he should be the one to extend an olive branch."Sonali set the bowl of noodles down gently on the bed, her gaze fixed unwaveringly on Nil. "My dear brother, love is a precious gift indeed. You're incredibly fortunate to have found it, though I understand it may not always feel that way to you. Kao traveled all the way from Thailand to Bangladesh for your sake. He's extraordinarily wealthy, Nil, capable of being with anyone he chooses, yet he has chosen you. His love for you is profound, almost palpable. I can sense it in the air around you both."Nil continued to shovel forkfuls of noodles into his mouth, his expression inscrutable.Sonali pressed on, her voice gentle yet insistent. "And you know, even Mother seems to recognize the depth of his affection for you."At the mention of their mother, Nil halted in mid-chew, his eyes widening in surprise. Sonali reached out to pat his back reassuringly as he coughed and spluttered, finally managing to swallow his mouthful of noodles. "What...?" he managed to croak out."She asked me about the two of you," Sonali explained calmly, "inquiring how you came to meet Stranger. I assumed she was merely curious about your relationship."Nil rolled his eyes in exasperation, setting his bowl aside on the bed. "Now what?" he muttered.Sonali smiled softly, her eyes reflecting understanding. "Nothing, dear brother. Just thought you should savor the moment, and enjoy the love that surrounds you.""And sometimes," she added, her tone turning thoughtful, "you might find it in yourself to soothe him, to indulge him from time to time...""I suppose he's deserving of that," Nil conceded, his features softening slightly at the thought.Nil nodded in understanding, but his curiosity was piqued as Sonali abruptly checked her phone and asked him to leave. Confusion flickered across Nil's face as he glanced at her, but he didn't press further. Instead, he scooped up a bowl of noodles for Stranger, a gesture of hospitality.However, Sonali's voice cut through the air, sharp with admonishment. "Nil, don't offer him your leftovers. I've made plenty in the kitchen."With a faint smile tugging at his lips, Nil made his way to the kitchen. There, he seized a brimming pan of noodles, eager to share the bounty with Stranger.Balancing the pan carefully, Nil returned to the room, only to find it enveloped in darkness. He hesitated for a moment, then called out into the blackness, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "Stranger..."As Nil flicked on the light switch, the room flooded with a soft glow, revealing a wall adorned with numerous photographs capturing moments shared between him and Stranger. A bouquet of roses adorned a nearby table, casting a delicate fragrance into the air, while the strains of slow music drifted through the room.A smile graced Nil's lips as he took in the scene, still clutching the pan in his hand. Suddenly, arms wrapped around him from behind, causing his heart to quicken its pace. "You didn't have to go through all this trouble," he murmured.Stranger's voice, warm and close, whispered back, "But don't you like it?"Nil let out a sigh, his lashes sweeping low. "Thank you, it's... it's beautiful. But I should be the one doing this for you."The embrace tightened, Stranger's presence comforting and reassuring. "It doesn't matter," he insisted softly.With a tender kiss on Stranger's hand resting upon his chest, Nil whispered, "I'm sorry...""Save your apologies for later," Stranger interjected, a hint of playful hunger in their voice. "Right now, I'm famished."Nil chuckled softly. "You should have mentioned that earlier..."Seated side by side on the bed, they both tucked their legs beneath them. Suddenly, Nil's eyes widened with realization. "Oh, I forgot to bring spoons..."Stranger's response was swift and tender. "But you have your hands. Feed me with your hands."A gentle smile played on Nil's lips as he complied, offering noodles to Stranger with his fingers. In return, Stranger reciprocated the gesture, and as they shared this intimate meal, their gaze wandered over the photographs adorning the walls, evoking cherished memories.Amidst laughter and tender moments, they savored each bite.At precisely 2:30 pm, Nil reclined against Stranger's chest, enveloped in the hushed tranquility of the moment. Breaking the serene stillness, Nil's voice sliced through the quiet, carrying an air of playful anticipation."Stranger, let's indulge in a game of 'Rapid Answers'," Nil proposed, a grin dancing on their lips. "It's been too long since we last shared our thoughts. What better way to unravel the layers of our souls?""An excellent suggestion," Stranger agreed, their interest piqued."Love..." Nil began the word hanging in the air."Nil..." Stranger reciprocated, their voice tinged with intrigue.Their exchange commenced each question and answer painting a vivid tapestry of their shared history."First crush?" Stranger inquired, their tone nostalgic."Rupa..." Nil replied swiftly, tinged with a hint of fondness.Curiosity sparked within Stranger. "Who is she? You've never mentioned her before."A playful smirk curved Nil's lips. "You never thought to inquire."Their game continued, a dance of inquiry and revelation, as they delved deeper into the recesses of their shared past.