Fires of Possession

After 1 month,On March 30th, 8:30 PM, the university campus came alive with a grand soirée. A gathering of faces, familiar and new, painted the scene—including Nib and Win. Despite the internal struggle, they stood amidst the crowd, a stark contrast to Jian, Pit, and the rest who reveled freely. Laughter and conversation flowed, the atmosphere animated by a shared sense of camaraderie, everyone indulging in refreshments to complete the festive ambiance.Win, observing Nib, couldn't help but voice his thoughts, "Nib, (Gazing at him)... Have you noticed the subtle shift in your behavior lately?"Nib, a playful grin forming, countered, "Your Highness, might I inquire as to the catalyst behind this profound observation?"Win's retort carried a hint of annoyance, "Address me as 'Majesty,' not 'Highness.'"Nib, breaking into laughter, teased, "Apologies, my indignant Majesty."Win remained silent.Nib relented, coaxing, "Alright, tell me what's bothering you."Win, his voice tinged with frustration, confessed, "Do you genuinely want to know? The way you've altered your demeanor, your conversations, your gazes—don't you remember how you used to care for me? How you used to talk to me? How you used to look at me? Recently, the intimate gestures, the lustful glances—you've forgotten?"Nib, understanding Win's unease, countered flirtatiously, "Oh, that's what's been troubling my sweetheart? Perhaps he desires a bit of the naughty, the lustful?" He reached for Win's hand, leading him to a secluded corner of the university washroom. The door clicked shut behind them.Win's words held a soft yet resolute tone, "I've never expressed those thoughts."Undeterred, Nib drew near, his lips tracing Win's neck, his senses overwhelmed by the intoxicating aroma. With a plea laced in his voice, he implored, "Win, please grant me this."Caught in the fervor of the moment, Win's apprehensions gave way, their lips meeting in a passionate embrace. The world around them faded as Nib's touch grew more insistent, lifting Win onto a table beside the basin. Amidst the vibrant soirée, curious eyes began to search for the absent pair, whispers of intrigue fluttering through the crowd.Jian, his curiosity piqued, wondered aloud, "Where could they have gone?"Pit, a knowing glint in his eyes, ventured, "I have a suspicion."As they approached the washroom, the closed door held a tantalizing secret within its confines. Muffled sounds, an alluring symphony of desire, seeped through the cracks, and Jian and Pit exchanged a knowing look, acknowledging the fervent intimacy unfolding on the other side.Laughter echoed! Jian's firm knock reverberated, "If you guys are done, could you please join us?" The laughter subsided, replaced by a sudden awareness that left Nib and Win momentarily still, their previous amusement giving way to a subtle sense of self-consciousness.Nib, breaking the silence, inquired with a hoarse tone, "Feeling awkward, are you?"Win, his own voice carrying a husky undertone, responded, "Nope."A shared smile passed between them as they instinctively adjusted their attire. The anticipation hung in the air as they opened the door, revealing the presence of almost everyone outside. Despite their initial shyness, Nib boldly took hold of Win's wrist, addressing the gathering with a newfound confidence."I am proud to introduce him as my boyfriend, and I am his. We have the freedom to express our affection openly," Nib declared, a note of defiance underlying his words.With that proclamation, they sealed their love with a kiss.Applause rippled through the room in their honor.Back at the gathering, Jian and Pit playfully teased, "Always lost in your own world, huh? Can't you spare a moment from your love escapades for the rest of us?"Nib retorted, "Enough with the nonsense. If it pleases you, Win and I can vanish from your sight. Satisfied now?"Turning to Win, Nib inquired, "Are you alright with this?"Win hesitated before replying, "Well..."Unexpectedly, Mew graced the event, her entrance timed around 10:11. A vision of elegance, she wore a ravishing red dress complemented by scarlet lipstick.All eyes were drawn to her, Nib's unwavering gaze included. As she moved closer to Nib, Win instinctively tightened his grip on Nib's arm. Nib questioned, "What's this?"Win's response was assertive, "I have a claim on you."The spark of jealousy in Win's eyes wasn't lost on Nib, who reveled in it. He responded by entwining their fingers more securely.Approaching them, Mew inquired, "How are you, Nib?"Win looked to Nib, who answered with a smile, "Well, and..."Mew's curiosity persisted, "Are you two still together?"Win's retort was sharp, "You're far from naive. Our bond is unmistakable to anyone who cares to see."Nib's smile widened, delighted by Win's show of possessiveness.Mew playfully remarked, "Nib, that smile hints at something deeper. Are you truly content with his response?"Nib's retort was swift, "Indeed, and yet not. My joy springs from witnessing the flicker of jealousy in his eyes – a testament to our connection."Win's grip remained steadfast on Nib's hand.Mew's jest continued, "Can't you release him, even for a moment? Rest assured, I won't abscond with your boyfriend."Win's reply held conviction, "It's not what it seems. We've grown accustomed to this touch. Surprising as it may be, even when Nib visits the toilet, he leaves not my grasp."With a nod, Mew departed, leaving Nib questioning, "What was that?"Nib being awkward, "...''Win sought clarification, "Does my action displease you?"Nib's response was tender, his fingers caressing Win's cheek, "Any inkling of displeasure dissipates when I look upon your face. Your presence has this remarkable power to melt even my sternest feelings. The jealousy I glimpsed in your eyes, unspoken yet profound, is an admission that you've allowed me into your heart's inner sanctum. In the truest sense, I am an integral part of you."Their gazes locked, a world of unspoken sentiments passing between them.Among the attendees, a pair of familiar faces emerged - Pillow and Shine, two lovers graced the event.Upon catching sight of Win and Nib entwined, Pillow and Shine approached, their curiosity evident.Pillow inquired, "Are you two a couple?"Win, intrigued, responded, "Yes, but how did you discern that, even without being acquainted with our college?"Shine chimed in, "Indeed, we're from Bangkok Thonburi University."Nib observed, "Your closeness is palpable, evident even from a distance."Pillow affirmed, "Absolutely. Shine and I are a couple – bound by a profound love."Shine's gaze turned introspective, "I never thought I'd encounter someone like him."Win inquired playfully, "Who proposed first?"Pillow hesitated, "It's quite the tale. I believe Shine can elucidate."Shine recounted, "I was once a playboy. When he called me, his voice held tears, a plea for solace. I rushed to his side, only to find him crying in agony. As I tried to be intimate, he cried out in pain, evoking an unexpected empathy within me. At that moment, almost unconsciously, I confessed 'I love you.' He fainted on my chest, bloodied. The following day, he awoke and clung to me, beseeching me not to depart. From then on, we've remained together. Nearly a year has passed."Nib empathized, "A tale fraught with pain, yet I commend your enduring commitment."Win added, "Indeed, a unique journey. May fortune smile upon both of you."They embraced one another before making their way to the dining area. Mew, her gaze fixed on Win and Nib, drowned her turmoil in alcohol, a fire ignited within her.