Chapter 9

"Thank you for last night," Kota said, breaking the silence. The atmosphere was a bit awkward so he wanted to lighten it up. "Though you broke one of the rules which means there's a punishment."

Rai chuckled then pinned Kota with his beautiful eyes. He stared intensely, biting his lower lip.

Kota's eyes zeroed on his lips in an instant. They were pink and moist. He could imagine what they would feel like on his.

"You're welcome. So..." Rai began, slowly licking his lips. "How do you want to punish me?"

Kota was stunned. What?

His gaze immediately flew to Rai's. There was a hint of mirth and excitement in them. So he was teasing. For a second there, Kota actually thought he was being serious. Well, he could also play along. For the first time in years, he felt the want to do something fun.

The butterflies in Rai's tummy went nuts with joy as Kota moved closer to him till their faces were half an inch away. He could feel Kota's breath on his face, smell his strawberry-scented lip balm.

"First of all..." Kota said in the sexiest voice he could muster. Rai was hooked, his Adam's apple bobbing as he gulped. Kota reached for something behind Rai and pulled. He then smiled. "Let's go eat. I'm starving"

Rai then heard a loud click. That was when he realized Kota had helped him fasten his seatbelt. All the confidence he had vaporized and embarrassment took over. His skin flushed pink. He wanted to just disappear. Damn it. The player got played. He fell for it.

"So...how was school?" Kota asked, starting the car. His voice had a light tone. He peeked at Rai from the corner of his eyes and smirked. The boy was so embarrassed that he kept twitching in his seat and wriggling his fingers. It was so cute. Damn. Never did he think he'll ever admit, even to himself that Rai was cute. Never.

"Fine" Rai responded and winced when his voice came out high-pitched. Damn nerves! He cleared his throat and repeated. "Fine. It was fine"

"What's your major?"

"Photography" Rai answered.

Kota knew actually. He just wanted to make small talk. When he woke up and found Rai gone, he felt slightly sad. The sweet boy had cleaned up his room and the mess in the living room. He also made breakfast before leaving. It meant a lot to Kota as it made him feel special so he wanted to do something nice for Rai too.

That morning, he realized that within the time he knew the boy, he had always either ignored his entire existence or yelled at him due to fear of getting attached.

After eating breakfast, he called Ren and asked about Rai's school schedule. He got an earful of teasing remarks from both Ren and Kyo who were listening to the conversation. Both of them were excited that Kota wanted to leave the house for something other than alcohol.

Leaving Rai with him was truly a good idea.

Turned out Rai had classes till 5 pm on Mondays, with intervals of course. Kota saw Kyo's car in the driveway so he knew Rai had taken the bus and thus decided to pick him up.

"Photography... that's cool. Do you enjoy it? I assume you chose it yourself" he said.

Rai nodded enthusiastically. His embarrassment fled, leaving behind a relaxed feeling. He couldn't believe Kota was actually initiating a nice conversation. "Yes. I've always loved taking pictures. Actually, I developed the habit at 13. I used to take tons of pictures of anything. Be it a dog, a rat, or even a snail. It didn't matter to me"

'I have lots of your pictures in a shoe box in my closet'

"Many things inspire me"

'like you'

"I want to capture moments and the beauty that resides within. It's thrilling and it gives me a sense of peace. There's just something about making a moment last forever that I find amazing"

A hint of a smile formed on Kota's face. "I'm glad you're studying something you enjoy. I'd love to see your work. How about a sample? Take a picture of us right now"

Rai was stunned. "Y-You mean a selfie?" he stuttered. "I don't have my camera with me"

He wondered what made Kota change all of a sudden. This was so unlike him.

"Then a selfie it is," Kota said. "Come on. I'm waiting"

Rai took out his phone with shaky hands. Kota acted like he kept his eyes on the road but he was actually sneezing peeks. It's funny seeing the confident Rai get so flustered. And it was over him. That's what made Kota love it more.

Rai opened the camera app and then held his phone from an angle that would make them both appear in the picture. He calmed down and slowed his breathing, making sure he got the perfect timing then click! He took the picture.

A dreamy look appeared on his face when he looked at the picture. Kota had raised his hand and did the V sign at the very last minute. But what caught Rai's attention the most was Kota's side view. Damn. The man is so damn sexy.

"Wow. You look amazing from any angle" Rai said.

Kota was surprised as he couldn'teven remember the last time he took a picture "Let me see"

Rai showed it to him but he only took a short glance and focused on the road. He wasn't sure about himself but he was definitely sure of Rai. The boy was stunning but "You look good. The picture is good" was what he said.

Kota fought back his smile. The picture wasn't just good. It was incredible and he wanted it. "I think this is my first compliment to you. Take it and don't be a brat"

Rai grumbled under his breath and Kota heard something like 'Just good my foot'. He wanted to laugh. The kid was so adorable.

"Send it to me," Kota said, partly to appease the younger.

Rai brightened up instantly. "But I don't have your number"

And that was how Rai got Kota's number.