My Eyes On You

"Hey Rain, what are you doing here? Why are you alone in this park?"

Rain was stunned and his hand movements suddenly stopped. He turned around slowly and saw Forth approaching him. The man who was bigger than him sat next to him.

Rain can smell the masculine scent of cinnamon and musk from Forth.

"I thought you were in the club with your gank. Why alone here?"

Rain looked at Forth with furrowed brows. "You yourself, why are you here? Your friends are probably getting drunk at the club," Rain said bluntly.

"Well! I'm bored," replied Forth flatly. "The club's been getting crowded lately, and I just want to walking around and I saw you here. What are you doing?"

"Looking through the flyers," Rain replied, pointing to some of the pieces of paper in his hand. "I wasn't in the club mood either, and Pharm and Kit weren't there anyway. They were busy entertaining their boyfriends."

Forth caught the bitter tone in Rain's sentence and became curious about it. Since entering the beginning of their third year at Metronomia University, Forth had met Rain alone several times. At the club, at the mall, and occasionally around the medical college, as he passed it on his way home or in his spare time. Pharm and Kit are rarely seen with Rain anymore, after they had a boyfriend.

"Why don't you find yourself a girlfriend?" asked Forth half muttering.

"Hm? What did you say?" Asked Rain.

"No. What flyers is this?" Forth leaned towards Rain and took a look at the flyers in Rain's hand. His sharp nose almost touched Rain's cheek.

"Apartment? You want to move?"

Rain nodded. He didn't dare turn his head because he was aware of Forth's position which was very close to him. Forth moved away from him and he was surprised when he realized, there was a slight feeling of disappointment in his heart because of Forth's movement.

"Why, Rain? You don't feel at home in your apartment right now? Haven't you been living there since the beginning of college?"

"I just wanted to try something new. Do you have any recommendations for a suitable apartment?"

Forth laughed and tilted his head. "It's like fate. I'm also looking for a new apartment, actually."

Rain's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

Forth nodded. "Want to look it up together? We can rate each other the apartments we see," Forth said.

"Sure. Tell me, what kind of apartment do you want?"

"Not too close to campus but not too far, two rooms, with living room, kitchen and dining area and balcony if possible."

"That sounds like you're looking for a house, Forth."

"Hm, maybe, if there's a suitable house, I'll take it too. What kind of apartment do you want?"

"I don't think it's much different from what you described earlier."

"What time do you finish school tomorrow?"

"3 pm."

"I'll pick you up, then. I'll bring an extra helmet for you. Are you oke if got my bike? Its more practical."

Rain nodded and cleared the flyers on the garden table. "Uhm, Forth, you think we need this for the hunt?"

"Just keep it for a while, Beam, maybe we need some recommendation, too."

Rain nodded and he kept that flyers in his bag. Forth chuckled, find that Rain so cute, act as obidient kid to him. Well, Rain is always cute from his eyes.

"Did you have your dinner?" asked Forth. He look at his watch. "It almost 9. I am hungry."

"Not yet. I was to drowned at my work and that flyers. Want to grab something?"

"You choose."

"Pizza?"

"With meat and pineapple as topping?"

"Yummy. Let's go."

Forth and Rain walked side by side on trotoar from the park to the pizza restaurant. They decided to walked because the restaurant just near from their dorm and the park. Beside, the night is still young and the air of the night feel so fresh.

"So, how's your study lately?" askef Forth while chewwing his pizza. "You look thinner."

"Well, no more tiring than the engineering kids' schedules I guess. Sometimes I feel like professors are meant to torture students, by putting assignments on hold and deadlines getting tighter."

"Yeah, same with me. All the lab work schedule is crazy and I am so tired from the assignments."

"You are the head hazer this year, aren't you?"

"Hu uh. I hope I can say no, but ... yeah, I am."

Rain chuckles. He patted on Forth hand on the table. "Be strong, Forthie. I believe you can handle everything better than anyone."

"You do?"

"Of course. You are the Jamorhnoom by the way. Hell, who didn't know that name? The biggest and strongest taipan in Asia, and lately I heard that your bothers start their expansion in medical machine to America and Europe? Wow!"

"You mocking me, Rainy" Forth frowned hard. "You are a Vongviphan, too, king of fashion industry all over the world."

Rain laughed. "No! Its all the truth, regardless of your family background. You are the best choice, even if Metronomia had a Sotus system in all campus, not just in engineering. You were man, born with power, strenght, and ability to lead another to glory."

Forth looking at Rain and smiling wide. "Thank you, Raun. You praised me too much, actually, but, thank."

"Just stay safe and keep healthy, Forth." Rain patted Forth's hand softly.

Forth and Rain chatted about many things over dinner that evening. Forth ordered an extra pizza when he saw how quickly they finished the pizza on the baking sheet.

Its almost 12 when Forth escorted Rain to the lobby of his apartment and confirmed their promise to find a new apartment together tomorrow, before walking towards his own apartment which was located not far from Rain.

Forth walked while humming. It's a very bright night, Forth thought. Like Rain's bright eyes.

Meanwhile, Rain had the same thought as he lay down on the bed staring at the ceiling of his room. It's very bright night. Like Forth's wide smile.

*****

"Forth? Nice to see you again after a long time no see," said Pharm while giving Forth a bro fist. "You're a head hazer now? Wow! I've known that since I met you at the moon campus event."

"Don't embarrass me, Pha," Forth said with a laugh. He then looked at Kit. "Hi Kit, I heard you're dating my junior too? He's also being targeted as a potential head hazer later."

Kit's face was as red as a boiled shrimp. "Oi, Forth, don't make this up," Kit snapped shyly.

Rain smiled seeing his friends' interactions with Forth. His group and Forth's group had known each other since the beginning of their college days.

They often drink together or just visit each other and have lunch together in the canteen of engineering, medical colleges, or find a new place to eat together.

However, their busy schedule makes them less likely to do it anymore. Everyone is busy with their own activities.

"Hey Rain, shall we go now? Before it gets too late?" Forth asked Rain who was looking at him.

Rain snapped out of his thoughts and nodded quickly.

"Hey, I didn't know you two were dating? Since when?" asked Kit in surprise. He pointed to Rain. "Rain, why didn't you ever tell me that you two were dating?"

Rain reached out and smacked Kit's arm on the table. "Stupid! Forth and I are going to find an apartment together, Kit."

"Wow? You guys even planned to live together?" Kit continued while rubbing his arm which was hot from Rain's punch. "Pha, you know your son is dating and they're going to live together?"

Rain covered his face with both hands. Forth laughed amused at Kit and Rain's behavior.

"I met Rain accidentally and saw him looking through apartment brochures. I also happen to be looking for a new apartment, so I thought what's the harm in looking for it together," Forth explained to Kit, then he felt his arm lightly tapped by Rain.

"Don't bother explaining to him, Forth. Kitty is just making drama. He's bored because Kwan hasn't shown up for a few days and bothered him," said Rain with a smirk. "He must be missing his hot nights with Kwan."

"Rain, you want to die?" Kit snapped with a red face.

Pharm, Rain, and Forth laughed together seeing it.

"Alright, Kit, you know, no one can win against Rain for tongues," said Pharm as he patted Kit on the back. "Despite what Kit said earlier, I don't think living together is a bad idea, Forth. With how busy we are now, it's definitely more practical to rent an apartment together. We'll definitely be out a lot and it's going to be expensive paying for a place we don't live in often. I also just got permission to buy my own apartment and plan to take Wayar stay with me, if his father give permittion to."

"Well, maybe we can think about it later while we look around," Forth decided. He touched Rain's arm. "Come on."

"I'll go first, Pha, Kitty," Rain said goodbye.

Pharm and Forth form a bro fist and Forth nods to Kit. "Take care my son, Bro," said Pharm.

"You guys get along like newlyweds, Rain," Kit said as Forth and Rain walked away side by side.

Rain pointed his middle finger at Kit as he continued walking and heard Kit laughing. "That little Kitkat," Rain hissed. "He is so annoying."

"He is cute. Pharm and Kit just love you very much, Rain. You are loved."

Rain smacked Forth's shoulder and peak out his tounge. Forth laughed as he handed the helmet to Rain. Rain is very cute, adorably cute, said Forth in mind.

"Forth, is this a new helmet?" asked Rain, examining the helmet in his hand. "Why bother to buy a new one. You can just borrow from your friend."

Forth took the helmet and carefully placed it on Rain's head. He brushed off the bangs that fell on Rain's forehead so they wouldn't block his view and made sure the helmet was securely locked under Rain's chin.

"Yeah. I think we'll need it in the next few days for our apartment-hunting mission and later when we find an apartment close by, you might need it the next time I pick you up or drop you off."

"Huh? Why? I have a car," said Rain surprised. "No need to pick or drop me."

Forth laughed. "Sometimes, if we wake up late and need to hurry to campus, or are too tired to drive a car, motorbikes are the best option. You can just hop in my bike."

"Ah, that's right," Rain muttered, hiding his blushing face. Why did he feel embarrassed because he thought Forth would pick him up and drop him off on purpose? He must be too thougtfull.

Forth pulled Rain's hand gently to help him get onto the motorbike. He wrapped Rain's arms around his waist.

"Hold on tight, Rain, you're so light. I was worried you'd be blown away by the wind and I didn't notice."

Forth laughed at his own joke but then flinched. "Aww, Rain, what are you doing? Why bite me?"

Rain chuckled as he managed to stop Forth from teasing him. He bit Forth's shoulder lightly, but managed to startle Forth. "I'm going to bite you again if you don't want to get on your bike, Forth and this time it will be harder."

"Well, actually I don't mind you biting me again, but this time I'll make sure you bite in the right place," Forth said, pointing to his pursing lips.

"Forth!"

"Ay ay ay, my Queen, let's go."

Forth smiled feeling Rain's chin on his shoulder and Rain's hands wrapped around his waist and then intertwined in the middle of his stomach.

Rain smelled so good as if he had just taken a shower, even though it was already evening. Warm and sweet vanilla scent. Forth will never forget this scent, which he had loved since the first time he met Rain and sat next to him as he and Kit accompanied him to wait for Pharm to talk to the coach at their batch's campus moon event.

Rain hoped that Forth's leather jacket was thick enough that he couldn't feel how fast Rain's heart was beating. He inhaled the masculine scent of cinnamon and musk from the body in front of him as he rested his chin on Forth's shoulder and wrapped his arms around his waist.

He could feel how Forth's muscles tightened and fkexed with each move and it made Rain tempted to look that again, like when they first met at a campus moon practice event when Forth took off his shirt from the heat after a dance practice session.

The roads were jammed, but Forth and Rain were thinking the same thing. Hopefully this traffic jam doesn't end soon.

*****

"No. I'm not the kind of person to get attached to just anyone," sighed Rain as he stirred the red beans in his bowl. "No one has ever made it this far. Just like Pharm and Kit said, no one is mentally strong enough to accept my madness and overcome my weirdness."

Ford laughed. He looked at the man in front of him, tilting his head. Rain's white skin, turned out to be not only white, but also shiny and smooth like porcelain, and now there was a pink hue to it. Rain's thick and curly eyelashes trembled as he laughed.

Forth gripped the edge of the table. He suddenly felt nervous. The sound of Rain's laughter and the way he laughed--his eyes were crescent-shaped and his nose slightly wrinkled and his voice sounded like Christmas Eve bells, Forth felt his heart beat twice as fast.

"Forth, hey, Forth." Rain shook Forth's hand that gripped the edge of the table. "What are you doing? Are you sick? You're holding onto the table so hard."

Forth came to his senses and shook his head quickly. "No, Rain, I just remembered something a little ... Uhm ... disturbing."

"Hm? Ah, okay. So which apartment appeals to you?"

Ford sighed. "I don't know. Nothing really fits me. How about you?"

"I guess so do I," Rain sighed. "Are we going to keep looking?"

"You want do it?"

Rain looked at Forth. He admired Forth's large eyes, with brown eyes that could change from fierce and cold when he was upset or angry, to gentle and friendly when he smiled or laughed. His gaze fell on his sharp nose, matching his crooked cheekbones and jawline and lips that were shaped like a perfect arc. Rain feeling something hot burn his brain, imagine a wild passion about that lips.

He knew that Forth smoked occasionally, but his lips were pink and looked soft. Rain cleared his throat before answering, hoping his voice didn't sound shaky. "Of course, F-Forth."

Forth nodded quickly with a big smile on his lips. "I'll pick you up again tomorrow. What time do you finish?"

"There's only one class tomorrow morning, after that I'm free. You?"

"Uh, I have lab work until before lunch. Do you mind waiting until I'm done?"

"Of course not. I'll be home first to change and prepare lunch for us. We can go as soon as you're done. I'll take you to engineering. Do you mind?"

"You will do that?"

Rain nodded. He felt like touching the lips of Forth who was smiling broadly. "I'll wait for you then."

"Forth, have you ever had a girlfriend or boyfriend?" asked Rain suddenly. "I know you swing both way."

Forth was stunned. "Never, but I was in love once, long time ago. That was silly story. When I was in high school I had a crush on a junior. We were quite close and I thought she liked me too. We spent a lot of time together and all our friends thought we were dating. I mustered up the courage to say I had feelings for her, but then I heard she was going out with my cousin."

Rain gasped. He knew that Forth is bisexual. Women and men adore him. He cupped Forth's hands on the table and leaned across the table. "You think that he...."

"Using me to approach my cousin," Forth cut in quickly with a laugh. "That is how it is."

"You can laugh now. Have you forgotten it?"

"I was angry and hurt at her for a while but then I realized that my feelings for her weren't that deep. I just liked her more than the rest of my friends because she was fun and being around her made me feel good. She was a bit weak and I wanted to make her happy, feel safe, like protecting my own sister I guess--if I have one."

"Hm, you're fast to moved on."

"That's why I realized that I didn't have deep feelings for her. I liked her, but it wasn't... love. I realized that after meeting someone earlier. Someone special. "

"Hm? Are you in love again?"

"Deeply in love this time, actually. With that person, I just realized what it's like to be in love, different than before. I want to be with him even its just for the friendship matter. I love him too deep till I scare to make a move because it maybe will make a mess on our friendship."

"Did you tell her how you feel?"

"No. Never. And its him, this time."

"Him? Owh. Why don't you tell him?"

"Because I don't want to lose him. He's not like anyone else. He's... special and I feel good enough to be his friend. I don't want our relationship to be awkward because I'm sure he doesn't like me the way I like him."

"Wow, Forth, I didn't expect you to have such a romantic side," Rain said in amazement. "I don't think I know you very well all this time."

Forth laughed amused seeing Rain roll his eyes. "Neither of us are easy people, are we, Rain?" said Forth, raising an eyebrow. "Relationship isn't exist for people like us."

"Perhaps, that's why, it's also not easy for us to choose someone as a companion or at least someone we trust enough to be with us for a long time." Rain nodded slowly. "That's my real problem. Trust. I... don't trust other people easily. Until now, only three people I could really trust."

"I think I know. Pharm, Kit, and...?"

"Phi Bian, my brother."

"I didn't know you had a brother."

"Well, he's my only family after my parents died. Well, actually, I have him and his father with me. Uncle Bone is my father's younger brother and Phi Bian is my only cousin I have. His mother passed away when he was 6."

"You... an orphan?" Forth swallowed hard, surprised to hear Rain's words.

"Since I was 12 years old. Since then I've only lived with Phi Bian and Uncle Bone. They takes good care of me. I love them more than myself. After graduate from high school, Uncle Bone passed away, too and now I just have Phi Bian as a family."

"Did he forbid you to have a lover before you graduated from college?"

"No, of course not," Rain laughed crisply. "I just choose not to be with anyone, because I want to make him proud of me. I have to repay him first, before giving my heart to others. Uncle Bone and him really love me and I want repay them with my own work."

Forth was fascinated by the serious looking Rain. "What will you specialize in?"

"Neurosurgery."

"It was very difficult, right?"

"Hm. I'm ambitious, Forth. You? What do you want to do after you graduate?"

"Worked at the Golden Time Corps and raised my money to build my own company."

"Golden Time? It's a very large and influential company. Why don't you work for your own company?"

"The JF Corps belonged to my family since great great grandparent built it. I couldn't just go in there. We had rules. My three brothers also started from scratch, building their own companies before being allowed to join under the JF Corps name. So did my great grandfather, my grandfather and my father."

"So that's why you guys are called octopuses in the business world? A kraken indeed."

Forth just shrugged. "Its your Phi Bian to continued your family bussiness now, after your parents dan Uncle Bone passed away?"

"Yes. He sacrified his dream and ran the company our parent left to us by himself. He worked really hard on it and didn't even have much time for himself. He never dated anyone."

"He is a great brother. He love you very much and look at you now. You soon to be a great neurosurgeon."

Rain smile shyly when Forth patted his head softly.

The night was getting late when they finally decided to go back to their respective dormitories.

Forth escorted Rain to the lobby of his apartment. Rain waved his hand with a big smile. He discovered new facts about Forth and it made him happy.

Forth continued his way to his dorm while whistling. He also got new facts about Rain and it made him happy.

*****