Chapter Text
Once again, NuNew finds himself at a party.
And once again, it’s all because of him.
NuNew is across the room from a small group of seniors, eyes following only one of them.
Back when he was a freshman, NuNew had seen him for the first time and he had fallen hard.
Zee Pruk Panich. Handsome, sweet, funny. Everyone wanted to be with him.
Zee had been with a girl the first time NuNew noticed him. She was pretty and a very nice person. He doesn't know why they broke up a month after the school year started. They seemed to still be friends, however, and he wonders what happened.
"Why don't you at least go talk to him. Ask for advice on one of your classes or something," Nat suggests, nudging his side. They're currently in some junior's house who quite often throws parties on the weekends.
"Are you crazy?" NuNew shakes his head, "that would be weird. We're at a party, Nat. No one talks about school at parties, that's so..."
"Uncool?"
"Yes."
"So what... you're just going to sit here and stare at him the whole time? That's weird."
NuNew sticks his tongue out at him, taking another small sip of his drink. He really shouldn't drink too much, so he's been sipping slowly.
Someone coming through the door calls out to Zee and he turns his head, looking for who it is. NuNew looks up and away as he's pretty close to the door, hoping Zee didn't just catch him staring.
The newcomer crosses the room, fist-bumping Zee and there's louder laughter coming from their group.
NuNew sighs and finds himself staring once again.
"I did not ask if you wanted to come just so you could stare. I think you could land any guy here," Nat says.
"I don't want just any guy," NuNew says into his cup.
"But you could literally have any guy in this house. How many of them here have asked you out already?"
"I don't know."
"So many," Nat answers for him, "in fact, I'd be willing to bet at least half the dudes in here have their eyes on you. And that's just the guys. I'm not even going to bother counting the girls."
I'm not interested in any of them , NuNew thinks to himself.
"Will you at least play one of the games with me?" Nat complains.
"Yeah, yeah. Fine," NuNew says. He really doesn't want to. He's sure it's going to be Truth Or Dare or something close and that he'd be forced to do stuff he doesn't want to do. Be paired up with someone and have to do something with them like dance, kiss, hug.
There's only one person he would do any (all) of those things with and chances are, NuNew wouldn't be with him for it.
"Yes! Then..." Nat thinks for a few seconds, "when they play Seven Minutes in Heaven, you're playing it with me."
NuNew almost chokes on his drink, covering his mouth as his eyes bug out. "Nat!"
"You've already said you would play a game with me. That's the one I want," Nat says, smirking.
NuNew sighs, shaking his head, "you know I don't want to do that. What if I'm paired with someone who can't take 'no' for an answer?"
"You've dealt with them before."
"I never wanted to."
"Dude, you'll be fine. Besides, let me let you in on a little secret," Nat leans over, cupping his hand near NuNew's ear as he quietly says, "I know P'Zee is going to participate in this one."
NuNew blinks a couple times and leans back, "Really?"
Nat nods, "I heard his friends planning it out earlier. He can't back out. Just like you."
NuNew bites on his bottom lip, considering. The chances are so low, but... they're still there. He has to try.
Nat already knows he's won this argument, leaning back and taking a drink out of the bottle in his hands.
NuNew's eyes automatically search for Zee across the room, but he freezes when the guy is looking his way.
He's not looking at him , right?
NuNew gulps nervously and turns a little, asking Yim about where Tutor is, not that he's paying much attention to the answer. He's too nervous about checking to see if Zee is still looking over where he is.
Finally he gets impatient enough and peeks, breathing out a sigh of relief as Zee is turned back towards his friends, laughing at something they've said.
After some time has passed, NuNew has finally finished his first drink. Nat passes him another one and NuNew shakes his head.
"Come on. It's still pretty early in to this party. They won't be doing the games for a while. Relax. Sit back."
NuNew groans, taking the bottle from him. He sets it down and then someone sits next to him.
"Hey."
NuNew smiles, "hi."
This guy again.
NuNew's been friendly, but perhaps too friendly with P'Dan any time they've talked. The man has asked him out a few times just in the last month. Every time, he's been given a polite 'no,' NuNew offering friendship but no more than that.
He's been very persistent.
"Enjoying the party?"
"Sure. Just been talking with Nat and Yim," NuNew responds, Nat offering a small wave.
"Just sitting? That sounds boring. Why don't we dance?"
"Oh, I'm not really... I'm okay..." NuNew says, "I'm not really in the mood to dance right now." His eyes keep peeking across the room. He can't help it.
Zee is looking his way again and NuNew can't pay much attention to anything else. Did P'Dan say something else?
"How about we go out back and chat?"
"I just want to stay here."
"Mind if I sit with you, then?"
NuNew paints a smile on his face, "if you want to."
It was a bad idea. Why would he suggest that?!
P'Dan leans back and throws an arm behind NuNew, not so subtly sitting very close to him. Too close. Nat pats his leg and NuNew nods. They're used to this.
"You haven't even opened your drink. Let me get that for you."
"No, I-"
The guy pops the lid off and hands it to him.
"Um, thank you."
"You're welcome."
Honestly, the guy is sweet, he's just... pushy and too persistent for NuNew's liking.
NuNew tries to move away just a little, but P'Dan sticks to his side like glue. He finally gives up and leans back a little.
Fuck it . He takes a swig of his second drink, just wanting to go home.
Except...
Zee.
NuNew looks up and is yet again surprised when Zee is looking over in his area. He has a very serious expression on his face, too...
What does he keep looking at?
NuNew looks around, but he's pretty sure there's nothing of interest over here.
"I hear there's a group upstairs getting high. Someone brought some really good stuff. Wanna go check it out?"
"Nope, I'm good. You're welcome to, though," NuNew says.
"I might. Save my seat for me?"
NuNew nods, not committed in the least and P'Dan finally stands up, looking around for the stairs before disappearing.
"That guy is not going to give up, is he?" Nat says, more of a fact than a question.
"I'm not going to either," NuNew shrugs, "he has to stop some time, right?"
"Hopefully."
P'Dan never comes back, and NuNew doesn't go looking for him. He does blame that guy for half of his second drink being tossed back now, though. He feels just on the side of tipsy, his more 'laid back and giggly' side coming out.
He's finding it more and more hard to be embarrassed every time he stares at Zee. Sometimes the man is looking back at his side of the room, but NuNew is just happy to see his face when he does.
Nat is also a little more drunk than he seems to have planned to get and now they're just two friends, slightly swaying on the couch and giggling at stupid things.
His second drink is completely gone by the time they announce that the games will be starting soon.
"Oh, yay! Come on, let's go wait over there!" Nat struggles to get up and NuNew tries to help, but he's not much better himself and they laugh at each other as they clumsily make their way off the couch and across the room. They sit on the floor as a few more people get situated around them.
Nat hooks his arm with NuNew's and they wait for the game to start. NuNew hasn't even realized who's sitting where, too busy poking Nat's tummy.
"Okay. Anyone here who doesn't know the rules to Seven Minutes in Heaven?" Someone shouts to get everyone's attention.
Everyone says they know so the person sets down their now empty beer bottle and takes a seat across from NuNew.
"I'll go first!" He shouts, spinning the bottle.
It lands on a girl NuNew isn't familiar with and the crowd ' oohs ' and ' ahhs ' as the two head to the closet in the hallway. The guy's friend sets the timer and nudges him as he passes by. When the doors close, the guy says "and your time starts... now!"
Nat elbows NuNew in the side, "I've heard that that guy has been trying to ask that girl out."
"You know them?"
"A little. The guy is in my math class, but I don't talk to him much. I just heard him talking about her a lot."
NuNew hums.
As they wait for those seven minutes, NuNew has let himself relax completely. He doesn't often drink and two bottles was probably a bad idea, but he feels good.
"What do you think they're doing in there?" Nat whispers.
NuNew shrugs, "I don't know. I don't want to imagine it."
"Me neither."
They stare at each other for a second longer and then laugh.
"Hey, that guy still hasn't come back, yet," Nat points out.
"Hm? What guy?" NuNew slurs.
"The one who wanted to dance with you and has asked you out several times. Remember?"
"Oh yeah... where did he go? Eh, it doesn't matter to me, anyways." NuNew waves it off and looks around.
Should he get another drink?
The closet doors open and the two people come out. The girl is blushing red and has a hickey on her neck while the guy is smirking and nodding at his friends, proud as can be.
The room cat-calls and whistles at them and they sit back down, shy eyes peeking at each other occasionally.
"Next person, next person!" Someone hands the bottle to Nat and he takes it, setting it on the ground and spinning it. NuNew knows who Nat wants it to land on.
Nat has had his eyes on Zee's best friend, Max, for months.
When it actually lands on him, the man smiles at Nat and stands up, offering his hand to him.
Nat blushes and takes it, seeming to be unaware of the crowd going nuts for them. He sends NuNew a happy smile of disbelief and NuNew is happy for his friend, waving them off and sighing. He decides he wants to get some fresh air for the seven minutes his best friend will be gone.
"Hey, whoa! Where are you going?" Someone calls him back and he explains he needs to step out for a moment, saying he'll be back in time. He lightly stumbles outside, breathing in the cool night air.
NuNew takes his phone out and takes a selfie, holding up his fingers in a peace sign and smiling. He posts it to his Instagram, saying something like, ‘What a great night!’ And then sets his phone back in his pocket. He'll probably regret that tomorrow and delete it as he nurses the headache he will most definitely have.
He's not sure if it's been seven minutes or not, but he eventually walks back inside, sitting down where he was before and leaning back on his hands just as the closet doors open again.
He drunkenly smiles at his friend as he comes to sit next to him.
"So, how'd it go?" NuNew whispers to him.
Nat giggles and smiles, "he's such a gentleman."
"Did he kiss you?"
"On my cheek."
They do a small and quiet squeal as the bottle is picked up and then NuNew startles back as it's handed to him.
Right. It's his turn.
He takes it and sets it down, spinning it and watching as the neck of the bottle points around the crowd a few times. When it stops, NuNew follows it, looking up to the person it picked right on his other side. He gulps, suddenly a little less tipsy than he was a minute ago.
Zee.
Zee is sitting right next to him.
And the bottle is pointing at him.
Nat is shaking his arm like a rag-doll, pointing at the bottle and squawking.
"Um..." NuNew stutters, "y-you..."
"Daaaaamn!" Someone shouts and suddenly NuNew is being pushed by Nat. He lands against Zee's chest, the man's hands holding his arms to steady him. NuNew swallows and looks up.
Fuck, Zee is way more attractive up close. He's smiling, too.
Zee helps him to sit up straight again and then he stands, holding out his hand. NuNew's own shaky hand reaches up and it seems like it takes nothing at all for Zee to pull him up to his feet.
Max pats Zee's back, giving him a look that NuNew doesn't understand and then Zee is holding his hand more firmly and pulling him towards the closet.
It all happens very fast and NuNew doesn't even get to register the claps and ' whoops ' from everyone, suddenly finding himself inside the closet with Zee.
The doors start to close and NuNew looks up just in time to see Zee smiling down at him. His heart hammers in his chest and when the doors close all the way, it's completely dark except for the small panel slits on the tops of the doors, barely any light at all coming through.
NuNew can hear himself breathing fast and he's not sure what to do or say. This is the first time he's ever played this game. The first time he's ever been so close to Zee. The first time he's ever felt like this.
"Are you drunk?" Zee's voice is low and quiet and NuNew kinda feels like melting.
"N-No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes?"
Zee chuckles and then NuNew feels like Zee is leaning over him slightly. When he feels a hand on his waist, he keeps his gasp down, trying his best not to pass out on the spot. "Is this okay?"
NuNew nods and then remembers that Zee probably can't even see him, so he verbally answers with a near-silent 'yes.'
"Who was that guy you were sitting next to?"
"Hm? Nat?"
"No. The other one."
NuNew remembers and tells him his name.
"Are you going out with him?"
"No. He-he wants to, but I don't."
"So are you single?"
"Yes."
Zee hums.
NuNew's eyes are trying to adjust to the darkness, trying to find Zee's face. This is his only chance to see him so close.
"Do you not want to do anything? We can just sit here, if you want to."
"No, uh. I'm just..." NuNew doesn't know what to think. His mind is a little more clear, the adrenaline from the shock making him realize what's going on, but he still has no idea what the fuck is going on!
"I'm Zee, by the way."
"I know," NuNew answers a little too fast, "I-I'm NuNew."
"NuNew. Are you a first year?"
"Second."
"Cool."
"I guess..."
"Well, Nong NuNew. We have less than five minutes. What would you like to do?"
Kiss you. Touch you.
"Is that what you want?"
Wait, what?
In NuNew's silence, Zee chuckles, guessing that NuNew hadn't meant to say that out loud and he tells NuNew that, laughing more as the younger groans.
NuNew pouts in the dark. "You don't have to. This is probably new for you. I mean, you probably already have a girlfriend. I don't want to upset her."
"I don't."
"But still... Aren't you into girls?"
NuNew feels it when Zee leans in more, his breath hitting NuNew's face. "I'm bi."
"You're..."
"Less than four minutes, Nong NuNew."
Fuck, his name sounds so good coming from Zee.
"Yes or no?"
NuNew swallows and nods, again forgetting that Zee probably can't see him, but before he can verbally say it, the older is connecting their lips.
NuNew makes a surprised sound in the back of his throat and it ends in a hum as he lets Zee tilt his head the other way. He feels like melting onto the floor again.
Is he swaying?
Two hands wrap around his waist and suddenly he understands why he felt so unstable. His legs had started to wobble and Zee had caught him.
Zee chuckles into their kiss and then he's licking at the seam of NuNew's lips.
NuNew isn't going to deny him. Why the fuck would he? He opens his mouth and welcomes the warm muscle asking for entrance.
He whines when Zee lets his waist go and then almost whines again when Zee sets a hand over his mouth. "They'll hear you, you know."
Who?
Oh yeah.
They're at a party. Shit.
NuNew still isn't done kissing him, but before he can (quietly) whine for him to come back, Zee's mouth finds his neck.
NuNew moans into Zee's hand, tilting his head back so Zee has more access. He swallows roughly as Zee licks up to his ear.
"You can touch me, too," Zee whispers and NuNew's hands are already lifting from his sides to find Zee's body, feeling his over-shirt and searching for his waist, hands curling into the shirt there.
Zee lightly nips under his jaw and he gasps.
"Drove me crazy to see that guy all over you," Zee says, but NuNew can't quite make it out, too distracted with the lips and tongue exploring his neck.
Zee keeps his hand clasped over NuNew's mouth, his other hand on his lower back, keeping him close.
NuNew moans again as Zee starts to nip lower. When he bites at NuNew's collarbone, he actually does lose all strength in his legs and Zee follows him down the wall, settling himself between NuNew's thighs.
It's pretty cramped in this closet, but NuNew isn't complaining. It just means Zee can't move away from him.
NuNew's mouth is uncovered and his lips are attacked again. Zee licks inside instantly, hands now seeking the bottom of NuNew's shirt to worm underneath it.
When his warm fingers graze up his sides, NuNew shivers, feeling them climb higher and finding his nipples. He arches into the touch, gasping.
"Hmm, someone's sensitive here," Zee hums. NuNew can practically hear the smirk in his voice. Zee pecks his lips again and then his hand is back over NuNew's mouth.
NuNew wants to complain but then his shirt is lifted and something warm and wet encloses over a nipple. He nearly loses it, his moan cut off as Zee teases it with his teeth.
Fuck, the fact that Zee keeps having to cover his mouth to keep him quiet only makes him want more. His cock is growing harder by the second with how Zee is licking and touching him everywhere. He feels too warm and he's hard, panting and squeezing his eyes shut.
"Thirty seconds!" Someone shouts from outside.
Only thirty?
Zee's mouth disappears and then NuNew's jaw is cupped as Zee gives him one last deep kiss.
"I'll find you later, NuNew Chawarin."
Zee stands up and pulls NuNew to his unstable feet just before the closet doors burst open.
With no strength in his legs, NuNew is forced to lean heavily on the side wall of the closet, breathing harshly as he holds a hand over his chest.
What the fuck.
The bright light of the room hurts his eyes and he stares outside the closet for a moment before he realizes he needs to get out.
His legs are slightly wobbly as he walks out and he knows his face must be bright red. Nat pulls him down and tries to talk to him, but he's still out of it.
Zee is beside him again, smiling proudly as NuNew daydreams.
"NuNew... Earth to NuNew! Hey!" Nat yells and NuNew jolts.
"Huh?"
Nat is looking at him expectantly but he just shakes his head. He can not speak right now. He's hardly paying attention to the game anymore, not even realizing they've skipped Zee's turn.
The bottle never lands on either of them and NuNew is still trying to come to terms with what just happened.
Soon enough, people start to walk away, deciding to either go home for the night or find something else to do.
NuNew and Nat are still sitting on the floor and Nat has found another bottle of beer while NuNew's heart is still pounding in his chest.
"When are you gonna tell me what happened in there?" Nat whines, very drunk.
"I... I don't know," NuNew admits.
He's not sure where Zee went. He's not even sure if what happened actually happened. And did Zee really tell him he'd find him later?
Was that all a dream? Is he asleep right now?
His hand rubs unconsciously over his chest and he gasps as he feels the super sensitive skin where Zee's mouth was.
No, no. This isn't a dream. That actually happened.
NuNew grabs his shirt and opens the top, looking in.
There's a red mark over that nipple.
He slaps his shirt back over his chest and looks around.
Zee is nowhere to be found.
"I think... I'm gonna go lay down. That couch just looks so comfy..." Nat says, trying to stand up.
"Should we just go home?" NuNew asks.
"No! We can't! I have to talk to P'Max first! I'm just gonna rest for a minute. Okay? Don't leave without me!" Nat is way too loud, whining as NuNew helps him to the couch.
"Fine, fine. Here... lay down first. Slowly." NuNew helps his friend to lie down across the couch and then he stands up, looking down at him, hands on his hips.
What does he do now?
"Let me take care of him."
NuNew turns around to find Max coming over to them.
"Um... P'Max..."
"You're Nong NuNew, correct?"
"Yes..."
"You're Nong Nat's best friend."
"I am."
"I told him not to go home, but it seems like he's too drunk to do anything. I'll take care of him."
"But..."
"Trust me. I won't do anything to him. But he can't just stay here all night."
"Do you want our address?"
"I have it already, don't worry. Zee is waiting for you."
NuNew's eyes widen. "M-Me?"
Max smiles and nods, gesturing to the back door, "he's outside."
Nat whines in his sleep, mumbling random words and Max snorts, "I've got this."
"How do you know where we live?" NuNew asks.
Max's smile is fond as he looks down at Nat. "I've been very interested in him for a while, but never knew how to make the first move. I guess Seven Minutes in Heaven was what I needed to push me."
NuNew smiles at him, "that's very sweet."
"I promise I'm not going to hurt him. I want to take care of him."
NuNew believes him and nods.
There had been a few instances where they'd run in to Max in the halls or outside. Nat had once run full force into him, and Max made sure he was okay, had even walked Nat to his class where Nunew had been waiting for him.
Max always seemed like a good person so NuNew had always hoped that he and Nat would end up together.
"I'll take him home and make sure he's comfortable. I'll leave right after," Max promises.
"Thank you."
"Don't keep Zee waiting for too long."
NuNew's heart picks up and he looks at the back door. He can vaguely make out a shadow and he nods at Max. "Thank you, again."
Max nods and NuNew turns around. He trusts Max and hopes Nat won't have too bad of a headache in the morning.
NuNew no longer feels so tipsy. Everything is much more clear but he still can't believe what happened in that closet.
With the alcohol in his system having mostly worked through, he's starting to overthink what Zee meant. He can't not go see him, though. He grabs the doorknob and turns it, taking a deep breath as he pulls it open.
It's dark out, but the porch light shines across the backyard's lawn. Zee is standing over by the pool, hands in his pockets as he looks up at the night sky. NuNew stops in his tracks to watch for a moment.
The man is just standing there, but he's still so damn hot.
When he takes a few more steps towards him, Zee hears him and turns his head, smiling. "You didn't run," he says.
"No..." NuNew says, giving them a decent amount of space between them as he steps up to the pool as well.
"Are you still drunk?"
"I wasn't that drunk..."
"But you're more clear-headed now."
"Yes."
"Good," Zee turns towards him, "how are you feeling?"
NuNew is a little set back by that.
It's an odd question out of the blue for strangers who were randomly picked to make out in a closet for seven minutes.
Seven heavenly minutes that NuNew will never forget, but he doesn't expect anything more to happen.
"I'm fine," he answers, eyes finding the way the moon reflects in the pool water. He looks up and finds that the view of the moon shining down on Zee is much more beautiful to look at.
He's caught staring and he snaps his head forward as Zee smiles at him knowingly.
"Has Max gone home with Nong Nat?" Zee asks.
"Yeah."
"Then are you done with this party?"
NuNew bites his lip, "yes."
"Let's get out of here."
NuNew looks up at that, "h-huh?"
Zee smiles and walks up to him and NuNew is unable to back away, too mesmerized by the handsome guy in front of him.
"Let's go," Zee says.
"Where?"
Zee hums, shrugging, "anywhere."
Any other guy and NuNew would have had a bad feeling about it and would have politely said 'no'.
But Zee is the one asking him to go somewhere with him.
"So?" Zee tilts his head.
Fuck.
"Okay."
Zee's hands are still in his pockets and he starts to walk back to the house, nodding for NuNew to follow him.
He doesn't know why they aren't just going around the side of the house. Is it necessary to go back inside when they're just planning to leave? Maybe Zee forgot something?
Zee holds the door for him and as NuNew steps inside, P'Dan stumbles down the stairs, body unstable. NuNew looks around, looking for a place to hide, but Zee curls a hand around his waist.
P'Dan spots NuNew and is about to say something, but when his eyes land on Zee's hand, he freezes. It looks like he's about to start a fight but then he looks up and sees who that hand belongs to.
When he realizes that it's Zee, his eyes widen and he slowly backs away before he turns too fast and trips over the back of the couch, landing on the other side.
NuNew watches on with wide eyes, but then Zee is pulling him through the house. "Come on," he says and NuNew can see the faintest smirk on his lips.
As they near the street, Zee takes his keys out of his pocket and one of the cars beeps.
"Didn't you drink?" NuNew asks and Zee shakes his head.
"I'm here for two reasons. One, my friends are a bunch of assholes and wouldn't stop nagging me."
"And two?"
Zee opens the passenger side door for him so he sits and watches as Zee closes it, walking around the front of his car before getting in on the driver's side. NuNew is still waiting for the answer as Zee puts his seat belt on and tells NuNew to do the same. He then drives away from the house.
"So... what was the other reason?" NuNew asks again.
Zee smiles and looks at him, "not telling you."
NuNew pouts, looking ahead. That's not fair. "Are you hungry?"
He is a little hungry...
"Yeah..."
"What do you want to eat?"
"Anything is fine with me."
Zee nods and turns down a street, seeming to know just where he'd like to go.
As Zee parks the car, NuNew looks around to see where they've gone. He knows this restaurant. It's actually one of his favorites.
He's still staring out the window when his door opens suddenly and Zee holds out his hand. NuNew looks at it and then back up at Zee's face, shyly smiling and taking his hand. He doesn't expect it when Zee keeps holding it as they walk up to the restaurant. He's definitely smiling like an idiot.
When they've been seated, NuNew feels self-conscious again. The light in the room is bright and now he can see Zee's face so clearly as he sits right across from him.
NuNew swallows nervously and hides his face behind the menu, trying to even out his breathing.
Holy shit. He's sitting with Zee in a restaurant!
"Order anything you want. I'm buying," he hears Zee say.
NuNew wants to argue, setting his menu down, "you don't have to-"
"I want to."
The waitress comes back over and asks them for their orders, and after they've placed them, the waitress takes their menus and NuNew no longer has a hiding spot.
His hands and fingers twist and twirl under the table, wiping the sweat from his palms on his pants.
"I hear you like to sing."
"Uh... yeah," he responds.
"That's cool."
NuNew smiles, nodding a little. He feels so awkward. He has no idea what to say or do. He never thought something like this would ever happen.
"Tell me about Nong Nat," Zee says, "Max keeps talking about him, but I want to know about you two."
"Nat? Um, well... we've been friends since middle school."
"That's how it is for me and Max, too."
"Really?"
Zee nods.
"He's my best friend. We do everything together," NuNew smiles fondly as he thinks about Nat. They've been through a lot of shit together.
"Cute." It's quiet and when NuNew looks up, Zee's eyes are soft as they look at him.
NuNew feels his face warm up. "S-So... how about P'Max?"
Zee leans back in his seat, "he's a good guy. Saved my ass more than a couple times. He's quite fond of your little friend."
"I could tell," NuNew nods.
"And it seems Nong Nat likes him back, if what Max told me what happened in that closet is anything to go by."
"Hm?" NuNew hums in question. As far as he knows, Max kissed Nat's cheek but that's it.
Zee snorts, "Max wasn't the only one who initiated something in there."
NuNew's eyes widen, "that little..."
Zee chuckles.
Their drinks come by first and NuNew realizes just how thirsty he was. He downs his drink fast and the waitress asks if he wants another.
When he nods, Zee smiles at him. "You don't drink alcohol often, do you?"
NuNew shakes his head, "I don't even really like parties all that much."
"Why did you go?"
NuNew bites his lip, "Nat made me."
"That's the only reason?"
NuNew neither nods nor shakes his head, blushing furiously.
The waitress brings NuNew's drink and then their food and he is so thankful. He starts to eat, stuffing his mouth with it, hoping Zee doesn't push the subject and ask again.
He doesn't, but NuNew still feels like Zee knows something.
NuNew has always been a big eater, so the plate of food in front of him doesn't last long and Zee is watching him with an amazed expression on his face.
The last bite down the hatch and NuNew freezes.
"Oh... um..." he quietly says, embarrassed.
"You like food."
"Yeah..."
Zee chuckles and offers what little food he has left, but NuNew shakes his head. He waits patiently for Zee to finish his food, and then Zee asks if he wants dessert.
He does. He really does. But he shakes his head. He shouldn't ask for that.
"You sure? They have really good chocolate cake here."
Oh, he knows. It's delicious, but he can't.
"What if I got one, too?" Zee suggests.
NuNew glances up at him. The look alone has Zee ordering two slices of chocolate cake as he stifles his laughter.
In no time at all, two small plates come by and NuNew is quick to dig in. Zee takes two bites of his own by the time NuNew has finished his.
NuNew sighs happily and leans back in his seat, a hand on his tummy. He hears the sound of a plate being pushed across the table and when he opens his eyes, Zee's plate is in front of him. "I'm full. You can have it."
"Really?"
Zee nods and watches as NuNew happily finishes off his cake, too.
"Full?" Zee asks and NuNew nods. "Tell me about your classes," Zee then says.
NuNew, tummy full, relaxes and he starts to talk.
Time passes and NuNew hasn't realized just how much fun he's having or how easy it is to talk to Zee about everything.
Zee is sweet, just like he knew he would be. He's funny and asks questions and listens. He gives his own comments and NuNew asks him about his life, too.
They have more in common than he thought and he feels so happy just talking to him, getting to know him better.
They sit for over an hour, conversations about the teachers or their friends and their families passed between them.
NuNew's face hurts from all the smiling and laughing he's been doing and Zee's smile shines so bright, warming his heart.
When NuNew looks at the clock, he gasps. "It's 2?"
"I guess it is. Did you need to go back home?"
"Well, no... Nat is my roommate and I'm sure he's fine, I just... hadn't realized how long we've been here."
"I'm having fun."
NuNew smiles at him, "me too."
"Should we go somewhere else?"
They're pretty much the only people in the restaurant and he's sure the waitress is tired of looking after them. "Yeah, we should."
Zee snatches the bill before NuNew can even see it and when he whines, Zee shakes his head. "I told you I was buying."
NuNew pouts as Zee pays and then Zee is helping him into his car again.
NuNew really doesn't want to go home. He's tired, but he's afraid that after this night, he'll never get to do this with Zee ever again.
"Want to come to my place?" Zee suggests, watching NuNew closely.
"Your... place?"
"We don't have to. Just... since you live with someone else, we wouldn't be able to chat more."
"That's true..."
"Unless you'd like to call it a night, I can take you back to your pla-"
"No!" NuNew freezes, "I-I mean... we can go to your place. That's fine," he smiles.
Zee smiles back, turning his car on and soon, NuNew is looking out the window, watching the scenery go by as he wonders what Zee's place is like.
"I like to keep my place clean, but there might be some papers or a book here and there," Zee says.
"It's okay. That's kinda how my room is right now, too."
"So you have a cat?" Zee brings up again.
"Yes. July."
"You have pictures?"
"Of course."
"Show me when we get there."
"Okay!"
There are a few other random questions they pass between each other and then Zee is parking his car.
"You live in a condo?" NuNew asks as he stares up at the tall building.
Zee nods and NuNew follows him to the elevator. There's another couple with them and NuNew tries to give them space. He feels Zee's hand on his lower back and he tries not to freak out, tries not to blush furiously.
When the couple smiles at them politely and they exit the elevator, NuNew attempts to give Zee space, but the older man keeps his hand on him. "Is this alright?" He asks and NuNew nods.
He's not used to it... but he absolutely has no problems with it.
Zee guides him down the corridor and then stops at a door before unlocking it. He lets NuNew go inside first and as they take their shoes off, NuNew looks around.
It's very tidy inside, modern looking and like Zee said, there are a few textbooks and papers scattered on the coffee table and a few on the couch.
Zee quickly rounds the couch and starts to stack them all together, gathering everything before putting them on a bookshelf nearby. "Have a seat. Do you want some water?"
"Yes, please."
NuNew pokes the soft-looking couch and smiles before he falls back on to it, sighing as he sinks in. "This couch is nice," he hums.
Zee laughs from his kitchen, "it is." He brings two glasses of water over and sets them on the coffee table. He then sits down a few feet from NuNew and leans back.
Now NuNew feels nervous again.
He's realizing now that he's at Zee's place and that they're alone. The first time he's been here and Zee is sitting so close to him.
His hand trembles slightly as he reaches for his water, taking small sips as he tries to calm down and think of what to do.
"Show me July," Zee says, setting his own glass down.
"Oh. Yeah." NuNew fishes his phone from his pocket and opens his gallery. He has hundreds of pictures of July and he giggles as he opens his favorite one up first, showing Zee.
"So cute!" Zee says.
NuNew nods, "he's petty, though. Whenever I'm gone for too long, he completely ignores me when I visit." He pouts, "he doesn't like me."
"Impossible," Zee says and when NuNew looks at him questioningly, he says, "it's impossible not to like you."
NuNew is frozen, blinking slowly at Zee in shock.
He sees a light blush on Zee's cheeks and the man clears his throat, "let me show you my family's dogs." He takes out his own phone and shows NuNew.
"Aw," NuNew coos, still not over what Zee just said.
"Yeah. They're good dogs," Zee says.
They show each other pictures of their families and friends, all the while, NuNew is still so incredibly nervous. He doesn't know what they'll talk about next, but Zee is much closer now. He's so tense, trying his best to remain calm.
They had to scoot closer to share their pictures, but now what do they do?
"S-so, um..." NuNew starts, though he doesn't know how to continue.
"Have you ever played that game before?" Zee decides to ask after the full minute of silence.
"What?"
"Seven Minutes in Heaven," Zee explains.
"Oh. No. That was my first..."
"Wait... you've never played it, but have you ever, uh..." Zee trails off and there's a look of concern in his eyes.
"Have I ever..." NuNew shakes his head when he doesn't know where he's going with this.
Zee scratches the back of his neck, "um. So... you know... kiss... have you ever..."
NuNew's mind blanks.
He indeed has never kissed anyone else in his life, except for the cute kisses he shares with his family. They're big on hugs and cheek kisses, but this...
"M-My first," he stutters. "You're my first..."
"Fuck..."
NuNew startles.
Is that bad?
"When I asked, you nodded in that closet, so I just..."
"I did... I meant it..." NuNew says.
"And those other things I did to you?"
NuNew feels the phantom feeling of Zee's mouth on his chest, his hands on his skin. He shivers.
"I wanted it," he says quietly.
Zee watches him for a moment. "You really did?"
NuNew nods, "I did."
"So you're okay that I stole your first kiss?"
More than just okay.
NuNew nods his head again, face red. Zee is staring at him still and he unconsciously licks his lips when the man's eyes glance down to them.
"What if I stole your second?" His voice lowers and NuNew feels his face redden more. "And your third?" He leans in and NuNew swallows, eyes watching Zee's lips come closer and then at his eyes as they look into his own.
"What if I want more than seven minutes?" He whispers next.
And NuNew can't take it anymore.
This time, he grabs the back of Zee's neck and pulls him in, connecting their lips. They don't tease each other's lips, going straight for the other's tongue.
NuNew moans immediately and this time, Zee doesn't try to muffle it.
He gasps as two hands find his waist and pull him up, one of his legs brought over on to the other side of Zee's thighs. He sits on Zee's lap as he breathes into the older's mouth, learning more how to kiss back this time.
His hands find Zee's shoulders and the older's hands try to find his bare skin again, his fingers pushing into his sides when they do.
NuNew hums as Zee tilts his head the other way, finding a new angle for their lips to meet again and again. When NuNew needs air, he leans back, Zee nipping his bottom lip before letting it snap back in place.
Zee smiles up at him, "do I need to spin a bottle for this?"
NuNew giggles breathlessly and shakes his head.
Zee smiles at him, the small laugh filling his heart with warm gooey emotions, making him lean in again to kiss the boy in his lap. This one isn't deep or long. It's small and sweet and has NuNew's body thrum with the feeling of comfort and safety.
He's not sure how the few hours they've spent together is enough for him to be feeling like this. But it feels right.
NuNew tilts his head again, wanting more, needing Zee to kiss him deeply again, needing his hands to squeeze his waist more and to touch him everywhere.
When Zee uses his hands on his waist to push NuNew away, the younger whines, looking at him almost betrayed.
Zee sees his pout and shakes his head, the small smile on his lips looking different than before.
"We should stop."
One second.
It took one second for NuNew to feel his heart drop to his stomach.
His sharp intake of breath is inaudible, the slight tensed action in his body the only thing giving his shock away.
Has he done something wrong?
Is this all Zee wanted? To kiss him and build his hopes up for nothing? To get just a little more out of him after playing that game? Was this a game?
NuNew isn't breathing, on the verge of breaking down right here or fleeing the scene as fast as he can.
But his body won't budge.
"Don't get me wrong," Zee sees the panic take over the boy in his lap, eyes widening and a hand quickly reaching up to cup NuNew's face. "Hey, wait a minute. It's alright. What I mean is, we should stop for today," he explains more calmly and quietly.
When NuNew doesn't do or say anything, processing that, Zee takes both of his hands and holds them between their bodies.
"Let me explain. What happened at the party obviously wasn't planned. I don't know that anyone could rig the bottle for it to pair us up, but whatever made that happen, I'm very thankful for it," he says, thumbs rubbing over NuNew's knuckles. He continues, "I have a confession to make..."
NuNew keeps watching him closely, still a little unsure of this. It never seemed like Zee was the type to play with people's hearts, but then why did they stop?
He listens to his heartbeat and the sound of Zee's voice as he continues on.
"I've been watching you for a while now..." Zee is blushing now, eyes nervously glancing around NuNew's face until the boy realizes what he's just said. When he does, NuNew blushes, too.
Zee bites his lip and then sighs, "the first time I saw you, you had just gotten to school. I remember you setting your helmet down on your motorcycle."
It's not like NuNew would know exactly which day that was, seeing as how he uses his motorcycle more than half the time.
"After that, Max told me a little bit about you. This was some time after he'd decided to try and pursue your friend."
That still doesn't really help NuNew in figuring out what day that was.
"I saw you again when I was in the gym," Zee's eyes seem to get a little darker. Maybe NuNew is just imagining things. "I saw a few guys following you. I was told that they'd been trying to ask you out."
NuNew remembers that day.
Well, something similar has happened to him multiple times, but he remembers that day specifically because one of those guys had been particularly annoying. He remembers passing by the gym and wondering if Zee was in there only to have that guy call out to him and ruining his secret mission in finding out.
So Zee saw him...
"The third time I saw you, you were outside sitting with a group of girls and Nong Nat." Zee's eyes soften and he smiles, "I couldn't look away from you."
NuNew feels the blood filling his cheeks and the tips of his ears.
"This is going to sound awfully cheesy, but I remember the sun shining on you and you had this big smile on your face. You were beautiful and happy and it made me smile, too," Zee cups his cheek.
NuNew is speechless, mouth slightly parted and eyes wide in shock.
"My point is, I've been interested in you for a while, but it goes beyond that. I've realized that I want to do this right. I want to go out with you. I want to date you, Nong NuNew."
NuNew can't quite believe what he's hearing.
"I wanted to do that before anything else..." Zee sighs, "but then that party happened and I saw that guy near you, touching you, and I couldn't quite keep my jealousy down. When you had spun that bottle and it landed on me, I was so ready to claim you as mine," his eyes darken again, and NuNew doesn't think he's imagining it this time. "I wasn't sure if that was your first kiss or not. I couldn't believe that it was because so many people try to pursue you and there was no way you hadn't been in a relationship before." Zee looks guilty again, "had I known, I wouldn't have done that yet."
"I told you I wanted it," NuNew suddenly finds his voice again. He absolutely doesn't want Zee to feel bad about it.
Zee huffs out a small laugh, "so you've said. Still. I wanted to take you out first."
NuNew thinks back to their little dinner at the restaurant. What does Zee consider that as?
He can't help but to consider it as a date, but that's him... What does Zee think?
"Before you ask and before I make a mistake in trying to explain this right, we did just go out for dinner, but I want to ask you out properly. That wasn't planned before that party happened. I want to actually plan a date out with you," Zee seems to have read his mind.
"D-Do you regret kissing me?"
"I regret the place and time. I wish your first kiss was more special. Not in some shabby closet and definitely not because of a game."
NuNew feels warmth spread in his chest from his words. Maybe his first kiss wasn't in some special place. Not over a candle-lit dinner or while they were stargazing. But it was with Zee. That's all he really wanted.
NuNew finds a little more courage and turns his hands to hold Zee's.
"I don't regret it," he says, peeking up at Zee. The older has already confessed, he should, too. "I... I've also been watching you."
It's quiet and Zee almost doesn't hear it.
But he does and his eyes show it when NuNew looks into them again.
"I thought you were only interested in girls, because the first time I saw you, you were dating a girl."
"We broke up a long time ago."
"I know, but I never knew you were bi until you told me in the closet."
Zee hums and NuNew blushes more. Like Zee said, it's been a while since he was dating that girl. A long time since NuNew fell hard for the older man.
"I have a question," Zee says and NuNew hums, eyes still glued to their hands. "Max told me that you've been refusing to date anyone who asks you out. Is that true?"
NuNew gulps nervously. It is true.
Ever since he saw Zee, it was hard for him to be interested in anyone else.
Before he saw him, NuNew had had many people ask him out. High school was a disaster and when he graduated and started university, he still was never interested.
It was all because of Zee.
He nods once, refusing to look up until he's forced to when Zee tips his head up, a finger lifting his chin.
"Will you go out with me?"
NuNew's eyes widen again and he nods, bringing a smile to Zee's face.
"Will you go out with me tomorrow?" He asks next.
NuNew nods once more and Zee shakes his head, "can I get a verbal answer? Please?"
"I-I'll go. Out with you," NuNew stutters.
Zee chuckles, his smile wide. He brings NuNew in closer to hug him. "Thank you. I'm very excited for tomorrow."
NuNew smiles into Zee's shoulder. He's also really excited.
"I guess... technically it's today," Zee snorts.
He doesn't care. NuNew doesn't care at all. Tomorrow, today, whenever Zee asks him out, he wants to.
"I know I said I want to do this properly, but I'd hate to send you home this... early?" Zee says confused, making NuNew giggle. "How about you sleep here? I'll sleep on the couch and you can have my bed."
NuNew pouts. He shouldn't ask, but...
"Can w-we um..."
"What is it?"
"I don't mind..."
Zee leans back to look in his eyes, "are you sure?"
NuNew blushes red, but he nods, "if you're okay with it."
Zee smiles, "then, let's go to bed... at 3 in the morning."
NuNew giggles more and nods, Zee helping him off his lap to stand up.
Zee offers him some clean clothes, a matching set of pajamas, and shows him to the bathroom.
Once they've both taken a quick shower, NuNew feels nervous as he looks down at Zee's massive bed. It looks so comfortable and he's so tired, but the thought of sleeping next to Zee has his heart speeding up.
Zee climbs in first, finding NuNew fidgeting on the other side. "Have you changed your mind? I'm really okay with sleeping on the couch. I've done that a lot, especially during exams."
"No! No, it's okay..." NuNew smiles and then not so gracefully climbs in, too, taking up the smallest amount of space he possibly can. He stares up at the ceiling, body tense.
Zee turns the lamp on his bedside table off and then it's dark in the room.
NuNew feels the bed move a little. He's nervous about looking to the side. How is he going to sleep knowing Zee is sleeping right next to him?
"How are you going to sleep when you're so tense?" Zee's voice is closer than he was expecting and NuNew startles. Zee chuckles and NuNew feels him grab his hand. "Relax. You don't have to worry about anything. As I said before, I want to do this right, however..."
Zee is quiet for a second and NuNew turns his head, eyes adjusting. "Can I get a goodnight kiss?"
NuNew can just barely see him.
He can see that Zee is turned his way and can see the outline of his face.
He's far away from NuNew, giving him space, giving him the option to close that space.
"Unless... I'm a terrible kisser-"
"You're not!" NuNew quickly says.
Well, it's not like NuNew has any other kiss to compare with Zee's, but he's one hundred percent sure no one could kiss him like Zee does.
Zee chuckles in the dark, "then come over here."
NuNew hesitates for a second and then slowly scoots across the bed. When he's close enough, Zee's hand takes his arm and pulls him in even closer and NuNew finds himself tucked up against him.
NuNew can see better by now and his heart skips a beat as he looks up slowly to find Zee looking down at him.
"May I kiss you?"
With an almost audible gulp, NuNew nods once and then Zee takes his chin between two fingers and tilts his head up just a little more.
NuNew watches as Zee's eyes focus in on his lips before he's leaning the rest of the way down. He prepares to feel it on his lips, but then there’s a soft touch to his cheek, instead. The gesture is a little surprising to NuNew, but it's so soft and warm and comfortable.
It’s just a simple cheek kiss, and yet… he still loses his breath.
"Goodnight," Zee whispers.
"Goodnight," NuNew breathes out, watching as Zee's lips stretch with a small smile and then an arm wraps over his waist, keeping him close, keeping him from moving across the bed where he was before.
"Is this okay?" Zee asks and it's more than okay with NuNew so he nods.
Soon, any leftover tension in his body dissipates and all the tiredness from the day and half a night catches up to him. His eyes struggle to keep open and it's not long before he falls asleep.
When NuNew feels something move next to him, he doesn't think much of it. Quite often, Nat will find his way to NuNew's bed in the middle of the night, or vice-versa.
So to have the bed dip without him doing the moving doesn't faze his sleeping at all.
It's when the bed dips again later on, paired with a low chuckle, that doesn't sound at all like Nat, that he finally lets his mind wake up more.
Fingers part his bangs out of his face lightly and then they poke at his cheeks. He grumbles, voice not quite there yet, and makes to turn over before his mind is aware enough to realize who it is that's currently laying down next to him.
"Are you gonna sleep in my bed all day? I don't mind, but..."
NuNew's body freezes.
That sleepy voice... so low, so sexy.
NuNew's eyes flutter open slowly, the sun coming in through the curtain a little too bright. What time is it?
When they adjust enough, NuNew's first thought is, I'm in Heaven .
Zee is laying on the bed, but he's leaning up on his elbow, just short of hovering completely over NuNew.
But it gets so much better than that.
A very shirtless, very toned, muscles-on-display and smooth skinned Zee, is very close to him. And this time, the sun shines on it all, lighting it up for him to see better than he had ever seen it before. NuNew can't quite look up from the sight and Zee chuckles again.
"Good morning."
NuNew makes an indescribable noise. A squeak? A whimper? A little bit of a moan mixed in?
Whatever it was, it has Zee snorting.
"You okay?"
NuNew swallows dryly and nods, forcing his eyes up.
"I don't want you to think I'm trying to get rid of you, but... it's noon. Would you like me to take you home so you can check up on your friend and get ready for tonight? Unless you've changed your mind?"
NuNew shakes his head, eyes widening when he remembers that Zee asked him out.
"Good. Then, I'll give you a ride back to your place when you're ready." Zee stands up and holds his hands out for NuNew to take.
As NuNew sits up, he wonders how long Zee has been awake. He really hopes he wasn't doing anything weird or drooling in his sleep. That would be the worst.
Zee pulls him up and he finds his clothes, stepping lightly into the bathroom to change and then Zee is driving him home.
NuNew is in a bit of a daze all day.
Nat woke up when he entered their shared room and had questioned him where he'd been.
Instead of answering that, NuNew had questioned him back on his progress with Max.
It seemed like Nat wasn't conscious enough yet to remember all of last night and he was silent for a while until it all came back to him.
NuNew gave him medicine for his headache and then softly accused him of not telling him about whatever he did in that closet.
Nat remembered and blushed, telling him about how Max brought him home and then something NuNew was only mildly shocked about.
"He stayed the night..." Nat had said.
Well, NuNew wasn't much better. How could he judge?
He'll ask about their closet escapades later.
Right now, he has a few things to do before Zee comes back to pick him up.
Nat all but falls back asleep after he's had his medicine and some food, so NuNew moves about their shared room quietly.
Zee told him he'd be there at about 5:00, so NuNew has a bit of time to prepare.
He's so nervous.
He's actually going to go out with Zee...
NuNew is questioned later when Nat wakes up, groggily shuffling around and then watching NuNew as he gets ready.
"Wait wait... so... you spent the night at his place. He kissed you. He asked you out."
"Yes," NuNew answers.
"And you guys didn't do it?"
NuNew's eyes widen, "no! We did not do it."
"Why not?"
"Becau-" NuNew sighs. It's not that he's disappointed. That's not it at all.
He's just so surprised that Zee was insistent on doing things right.
He's still trying to get it all through his head that Zee kissed him and felt bad for taking his first kiss. Then there's his confession that he's been interested in NuNew for a while. Now he's asked NuNew out and wants to date him first before they do anything else.
NuNew sighs again and sits down next to Nat, telling him everything Zee said in detail.
There's a knock on their door at 4:55 p.m.
NuNew checks himself once more and slaps Nat's hand out of the way when he teases opening the door first.
"Date. Do it. Deal." Nat winks and NuNew shoves him back down the hall before he opens the door.
Zee is...
Well he's handsome, that's no surprise, but he really knows how to dress well.
"Hey," the older man greets.
"Hi," NuNew can already feel his face heating up.
Zee is dressed up in a black, almost sheer button up shirt, a white denim jacket covering it with the sleeves pulled up to his elbows. He's also wearing long white loose pants.
He looks really good and NuNew has to remind himself not to stare, so when he looks up, he finds Zee's eyes on him, looking down at what he's wearing.
"You look beautiful," Zee says, smiling up at NuNew.
Returning the smile, NuNew blushes, "thank you. You look very handsome."
Zee's smile widens, "thank you. Are you ready to go?"
"He is!" Nat manifests behind NuNew, not so subtly pushing him forward.
This time, NuNew is prepared and he pushes back, sending a glare towards his best friend. It seems Nat's headache is gone. Well, NuNew can take care of that.
Zee chuckles, "let's go. We don't want to be late."
"Late?" NuNew tilts his head.
"For the movie. Bye, Nong Nat!" Zee waves.
"Bye! Have fun! Keep him as long as you want!" Nat dodges NuNew's swatting hand and pushes him out the door successfully this time.
NuNew almost grumbles about it, but then Zee is smiling down at him and it completely de-rails him from considering excusing himself to smack Nat real quick.
Zee takes him to a restaurant down the street from his condo. It's a little fancier than the one they went to the previous night. NuNew worries about the bill, insists that he at least pays for half.
"But I'm the one who asked you out," Zee says. He keeps fighting NuNew about it and again snatches up the bill before it's even been set down on the table.
NuNew promises himself he's going to pay for the popcorn and snacks at the theater. Zee lets him, thankfully, hands in the air in surrender while he gets their tickets.
The movie is a rom-com. It's cute and ends well and time flies by faster than he wanted it to.
When the movie ends, he can't keep the pout off his face, standing up and following Zee out of the theater and to his car.
"Are you tired?" Zee asks him when they're buckled in.
"No. Are you?"
"Nope."
Now what? NuNew doesn't want to go back home yet.
"Do you want to go for some ice cream?"
NuNew looks up, excited, and Zee only laughs, "I'll take that as a 'yes.'"
Zee parks the car and they walk down to the ice cream shop not far from the theater. They decide to take their treat to the park across the street and find a bench there. It's quiet, no one around, and NuNew settles back, enjoying his ice cream.
"We match today," Zee points out.
It's true. They're both wearing black and white, and NuNew smiles at that. It wasn't planned, but it does bring a ticklish sensation to his tummy. He almost wore something else, but decided to go with a white shirt that had black marbling designs all around, a black cropped denim jacket, and white jeans.
"Are you cold?" Zee asks him and he shakes his head. "Let me know. We can go back to the car if you are."
"Thank you. I'm okay, but are you cold?"
"I'm fine," Zee smiles.
They look and sound so domestic and NuNew can't get enough of it.
"Is your friend feeling well today?"
NuNew nods, "good enough to pester me about our date."
Zee chuckles, "and did he tell you what he did to Max?"
"Not yet. Don't worry, I'll get it out of him."
They both laugh and then finish their ice cream, sitting in the silent park.
"What's your schedule like?" Zee turns towards him more, "this week, I mean."
NuNew hums as he thinks. "Unfortunately, it's busy for me. I have a few tests to study for and take and then I have to work on a project."
Zee hums, "what's your weekend looking like?"
"If I can get everything done, it's pretty clear."
"Can I change that?"
NuNew tries and fails to stop his smile. He nods, "sure."
Zee leans back and throws an arm behind NuNew's shoulder on the back of the bench. "Then it's another date."
NuNew bites his lip to keep his smile from completely taking over, but again fails, feeling like it couldn't get any better than this.
His eyes wander around the park as he thinks about what to say or ask next.
"Max wants to go on a double date, too..." Zee says a few minutes later. "I don't know when, but..."
"Are they together, then?" NuNew's eyes widen as he looks up. Nat didn't say a word about it.
Zee scoffs, "no. Max was going to ask him out at the party but he was too drunk, so... but he does want to ask him out and then, you know... go out. With us."
NuNew nods but he looks up at him again quickly when Zee chuckles. Zee's eyes are focused on his lips and he can't help but lick them, finding some ice cream on them and attempting to clean it off, but before he can, Zee is reaching up, wiping it off with a finger.
NuNew stares wide-eyed as Zee proceeds to lick that finger, eyes now watching for NuNew's reaction.
Momentarily stunned and speechless, NuNew just continues to stare.
He stares back at Zee's lips, remembering what they felt like on his own. How they moved and how those lips pried his own open to let a tongue explore inside.
The very thought of kissing Zee is already more important than breathing and he has to remember to give his lungs some air.
"Can I ask you something again?" Zee says, stealing NuNew's attention, waiting for him to look up.
NuNew nods, trying his best to pay attention, though now his ears listen to the deep voice going through them.
"You said that was your first kiss..." Zee starts and NuNew nods again, waiting. "But you kissed me back like you've done it before."
Because it was you. Because it felt so good and natural , NuNew thinks.
Because once Zee was kissing him, it was like NuNew's body knew what to do.
How many times had he just imagined kissing Zee before? NuNew had lost count. Maybe it was wrong for him to put himself in those imaginary scenarios, especially because it would just hurt him in the end if he never even got to date or kiss Zee, let alone talk to him.
Because he's been wanting it and waiting for it to happen for so long. Because it was a once in a life-time opportunity, his only chance, he put his all into it...
"You what?" Zee asks, and NuNew is so close to digging a hole in the ground to bury himself because he just admitted all of that out loud. Again.
NuNew's mouth is open in shock as well as his eyes.
What is wrong with him?!
In the next moment, Zee is leaning over him, a hand on the bench on NuNew's other side. He must have seen NuNew's obvious choice between fight or flight.
NuNew leans back, startled, gasping as Zee's face appears right in front of him.
"And you're not even drunk this time," Zee chuckles.
"I-I... um..." NuNew is only barely able to take a breath before Zee kisses him.
All too quickly, Zee is leaning back, his eyes shining, and he smirks. NuNew watches him lean back more, sitting back down as if he didn't just kiss NuNew in the middle of the park.
Soon, Zee is standing up and pulling him up, too.
"W-Where are we going?" NuNew asks as he's pulled down the street.
"Will you go out with me tomorrow?" Zee asks instead of answering.
NuNew is silent for a few seconds and then he answers, "yes."
Zee takes him back to his and Nat's room, much to NuNew's surprise. He kisses NuNew on his cheek and once on his knuckles before bidding him a goodnight and telling him to wear something comfortable to walk around outside in for tomorrow's date.
NuNew is still standing in his doorway when Nat shows up a few minutes later. His friend looks around, back down the hallway, and then up to NuNew.
"Okay... you're back... it's not even that late... what happened?" He pulls NuNew to his bed and sits him down.
"He... well he..." what does he say? How does he explain when he doesn't even know what happened himself?