Chapter Text
He has time to decide. Rain knows that. But still, he is nervous about taking too long. What if Phayu doesn’t want to work with him anymore if Rain takes too long? He wonders what to do, but he goes to the class. His friends are all there.
Sky looks at him in wonder, before asking, “Rain, are you okay?”
Rain looks up at his friend, confused as to what Sky’s asking.
“What do you mean, Sky?” Rain asks, just for clarification.
“You are lost in thought, my friend,” Sky answers.
“Oh, I’ve been thinking about a new job.” Rain explains. It’s not even a lie, but it’s not really the whole truth. Sure, Rain is thinking about the job, but mostly because of the handsome, hot photographer.
It’s very easy to forget Rain’s actually in the classroom. And that any of his other friends could come there at any moment. Almost as if he’s summoned, Sig walks up to Sky and Rain.
“So, tell me, N’Fon,” Sig asks in his usual teasing voice, “have you been accepted at the job?”
Rain glares at the goofy friend of his. “Ai’Sig!”
“What?” Sig asks, smiling. “I found you a job, just like you asked. And even did the application for you. You should be more grateful, N’Fon.”
“What job did you sign me up for, Ai’Sig?” Rain almost yells. “And don’t call me Fon! My name is Rain!”
For someone Rain genuinely considers his friend, Sig is too damn annoying.
“They haven’t told you?” Sig asks. “It’s a model job.”
“A model job? But why?”
Now Rain’s genuinely confused.
“Because you look handsome enough to be a model, Rain,” Sky adds. “Even more than handsome enough. You have the beauty of Korean actors.”
Sky’s comment, along with Sig’s nods make Rain smile. They think his looks are good enough to be a model. Rain can’t believe it. He really can’t.
“I’m sorry, Rain. I thought they’d tell you when you arrive,” Sig looks apologetic. “And you are a perfect fit for the Storm’s Photo Studio.”
“I forgive you, Sig,” Rain replies, truly thankful.
“Thank you, Rain.”
The seriousness of the situation still hasn’t left them and it’s obvious in the way Sig is calling him.
“But anyway, did they offer you the job?” Sig changes the topic.
“Yes, I want to know that too,” Sky chimes in.
“P’Phayu offered me the job,” Rain admits. “I haven’t really accepted it yet.”
“Why not?” Ple who has just arrived asks. “I heard from Phan that the Storm’s Photo Studio and P’Phayu got awards for the best photography. Even for boudoir photography. She even showed me the photographs. And they are good. Very good, even. Honestly, P’Phayu is very talented in his job.”
Rain blushes. If he is honest, he has no idea what boudoir photography even is. Maybe he should ask his friends. Or maybe even Phayu, when he finally sees the man.
“Ple?” Rain asks.
“Yes, Rain?” Ple replies.
“What is boudoir photography?”
Before Ple can answer, Por joins the conversation even though he was playing the games on his phone till that moment. “Boudoir photography is like regular photography, but the point is to make it more appealing in a sensual way. There is probably a more professional way to explain, but this much I know."
Rain nods, Por explained it really well. “Thank you, Por.”
His friends are really nice and good to him. He’s still somewhat unsure if he should accept the job or not. He wanted to, of course he did, because Phayu made him feel pretty. He made him feel special, and that is undoubtedly exciting. He wanted that feeling again. But, at the same time, he was nervous. How could he accept a job where he is supposed to be someone people would consider sensual? He, a clumsy mess of a boy who everyone considers annoying. Rain doesn’t think he deserves that job. He’s not suited to be a model.
“Are you going to accept the job, Rain?” Sky asks.
Rain assumes it’s the most interesting thing in the moment, for his friends, at least.
“I don’t think so. I’m far from a good choice for the position.”
“Oh, Rain. You are just as good a choice as anyone else would be.” Ple says softly.
“But I…”
“No buts, Rain.” Sky chimes in. “You can accept it. I’m sure P’Phayu could advice how to do it best.”
Rain smiles. He really wants to work with Phayu, and maybe even something more would be a lovely idea. If only the man would agree. Well, he can hope, can’t he?
“Do you really think P’Phayu would want me?”
“Of course he would, he would be insane if he didn't,” Por comments.
“Thank you,” Rain says honestly.
He’s more confident now, ready to go and tell Phayu he agrees for the job.
“I’ll do it. I’ll call P’Phayu and tell him.”
“That’s amazing, Rain. You gotta show me the pics, when P’Phayu takes them.” Ple says and he nods.
“Won’t your girlfriend get jealous?” he teases.
“I’m pretty sure she’ll understand I’m just admiring well-taken photos of my friend. Nothing to be jealous about, Phan knows I love her.”
“Wait, you told each other? Really?”
Has he missed this? But everyone else seems just as surprised.
“We did. A few days ago,” Ple waves them all off. “Oh, and when we are at news, Sig asked P’Som out.”
“How do you know that?” Sig stands up immediately. “Ple!”
“My brother tells me things. But anyway, Rain wins this round for sure. He managed to get P’Phayu.”
“Ple, we’re not dating. We’ll just work together,” Rain blushes. “Your stories are more important.”
Sky turns to him. “Rain, P’Phayu is a well-requested photographer, and he works with only the best models. And he chose you. That is a big deal.”
“And not to mention how handsome he is,” Ple says.
“Someone could say you are in love with the man, Ple,” Por comments.
“I’m just admiring him,” she laughs. “Anyway, let me know how it goes, Rain.”
“I will, Ple.”
*****
Phayu has a regular client in his studio now. Not something he enjoys, but it’s paying well. And it is his job. He can’t spend all his time waiting for Rain’s call that might never happen. Even if he really wants that to happen.
He instructs the woman who is on the chair. She follows his instructions impeccably, but she’s not the person he wants to see there now. She’s not Rain. And he doesn’t want other people anymore, not that he ever did.
“We’re done for the day, Khun Aya,” Phayu informs the model.
“Already, Khun Phayu?” Aya asks.
“Yes. You can change in the same changing room as when you got here. Your pictures will be sent to your company who will pay you then, as usual procedure,” Phayu confirms.
“Thank you, Khun,” Aya adds.
She goes to change her photoshoot clothes, and Phayu feels relief. It’s nothing on Aya, he has an amicable relationship with her. But he wants Rain here.
His phone rings, and it’s an unknown number. He won’t let himself get his hopes up, since it might just be a call from a company to send him their clients. It would be normal, and is something he would usually expect in this situation.
“Hello, P’Phayu.” the person says. That voice. It’s Rain.
Phayu tries to contain the excitement he feels because Rain called.
“Hello, Rain. How can I help you?” Phayu asks.
“I was wondering if you might want to meet,” Rain responds.
“Yes, I would be happy to meet with you. When does it work for you?”
Phayu has to keep it all professional. He can’t be too happy for the call. Even though he is. Rain can’t know that though. Not yet.
“Are you free tomorrow?” Rain asks.
“I am. I’ll text you the time,” Phayu says with a nod.
“Thank you, Phi.”
The call ends, and Phayu is smiling from ear to ear. That’s how Saifah finds him.
“What in the world made you this happy?” his brother teases him.
“Nothing.” he denies.
Saifah gives him a knowing look. “There must be someone new. You look happier than me, and I’m in a happy relationship.”
Sometimes, Phayu forgets how well Saifah knows him.
“There’s no one new.” he keeps denying.
“Really? So no pretty blonde boys? Ones that perhaps got photographed for free? And ones that, by the looks of it, are university students?”
“Saifah. If there was anything to tell, you’d know.”
“If you say so, Phayu,” Saifah shrugs. “Oh, and by the way, Mae called. She and Phor will come to visit in two days.”
“I didn’t know they were planning to come.”
“They miss us, phi chaai. You know that. We don’t really come often. And it might have something to do with certain pretty blonde boys. I’m sure you’d know what I’m talking about.”
His brother, the gremlin. He can’t believe Saifah is just leaving with a smug face. Sometimes, just sometimes, he really hates his brother. Not really, but in the way everyone does when a sibling is annoying them.
Luckily for Saifah, since Phayu was very close to calling Heam on him, his brother leaves him alone. He honestly has no idea how she can handle him, but he really doesn’t need to know that.
He sits at the desk, and checks the schedule on his laptop. His whole day is busy, the only break he gets is lunch break, and that is barely enough time to meet with Rain. Why didn’t he think it through? Why didn’t he check the schedule before he agreed to meet with Rain? Would Rain agree to meet after he’s done with work?
He’s more nervous than he thought he would ever be. With shaky hands, he takes the phone and opens the LINE app. Rain’s picture is right there, along with his LINE ID. Phayu clicks on it, and he starts typing the message. A simple message that’s just a question asking if the evening, when he is done with work, is suitable for Rain. Why is this so hard? He has never had a problem with having to send a message to someone. Why is Rain different?
Finally, he manages to type the whole message, his hands no longer shaking as much. Rain starts typing as soon as he sends it, and the reply is okay with a smiling emoji. Phayu finds himself smiling widely at the screen.
*****
Rain doesn’t know what to wear. That is the biggest problem he has now. What is he supposed to wear for this meeting? Should he ask someone for help? Who could he ask? Rain needs fashion advice — there is only one of his friends who has some better idea about this. Ple. Rain takes his phone to call her. Ple answers Rain’s call right away and she agrees to come to help. He could hear a bit of complaint from Phan, Ple’s girlfriend, because she is loud enough for Rain to hear, but Ple tells him to ignore Phan. Rain laughs at the two and their antics. They are both so silly, but he knows Ple and Phan love each other.
Ple arrives and Rain feels relieved. This is good. Ple takes a look at his clothes.
“What did you plan on wearing?” she asks.
“Something nice,” Rain says.
Ple rolls her eyes. “I’ll choose something for you. How much time do we have?”
“About two hours. A little less than that,” Rain answers.
She nods, sending him to take a shower.
Rain enjoys the touch of the hot water all over his body. The effect is instantly relaxing and he lets his imagination run wild. He wonders how this meeting will go — he wants it to go well. He’s still nervous, what if Phayu found someone else to model for him.
Phayu. Rain touches himself and moans lightly because of the images of Phayu touching him instead. Rain doesn’t dare think about the implications. He can’t be jerking off thinking of his soon-to-be boss. That has nothing to do with his sexuality — Rain knows he’s into men. But the fact that he is supposed to start working for Phayu, yes, that can’t happen. That’s why he will simply ignore this ever happening.
Once Rain is out of the shower, Ple is waiting for him. The clothes she chose for him are on the bed. Rain is just in a towel and he blushes seeing Ple in the same room. She just giggles. Rain dresses up quickly, when Ple leaves the room.
It’s time to go. Rain takes a deep breath, how bad can this be? He’s just going to meet with Phayu, they are just going to talk. Nothing more than that.
Rain sits in his BMW, ready to drive. He has everything he needs, and it’s time to leave. The drive isn’t long, since Phayu and he would meet at the studio. Rain felt it was the most comfortable place for them to meet. Phayu agreed, which made Rain smile.
When Rain walks into the studio, he freezes. He’s not the only one here now. There are three other people that he can see in the waiting room. Did plans change suddenly?
Rain really thought this meeting was supposed to be after Phayu is done with work. Maybe Rain miscalculated the time, it wouldn’t be the first time.
Phayu comes to the waiting room followed by a gorgeous woman. Rain lowers his eyes in shame, he had such naughty thoughts about Phayu, and the man is obviously taken.
“Thank you again, Phayu. I know this isn’t something you’d normally do,” the gorgeous woman speaks in a melodic voice.
Rain would be ashamed to admit, but he’s jealous of her. He shouldn’t be.
“It was a pleasure, Heam,” Phayu replies.
“Yes, I’m sure it was. Still, I’m thankful,” the woman, Heam, says. “I have to go now.”
“See you soon, Heam,” Phayu says.
Maybe Rain should go. After all, there are some more people here, waiting.
“Khun, we wanted to make an appointment for pictures,” one of the men says.
“My working hours are over, but you can always call my assistant and schedule an appointment. P’Nui would make sure you get the most suitable one for your needs, Khun,” Phayu answers.
The three people thank Phayu for his kindness and they leave. Phayu and Rain are alone now.
“You came, Rain,” Phayu smiles.
“I did, Phi. We agreed this is the best time to meet,” Rain replies.
“It’s the only time I can manage, but I hope I am not keeping you from your studies.”
“Not at all, Phi. I finished the urgent assignments, and have started the new ones.”
Phayu takes Rain upstairs, into a cozy looking apartment. Rain gets a bit confused about the location.
“This is my apartment. I would stay here on days when I’m too tired to drive back home,” Phayu explains.
“That seems very useful, Phi,” Rain says.
“It can be,” Phayu replies. “Would you like something to drink?”
Rain nods lightly. “Just some water, Phi.”
Phayu hands Rain a glass of water, putting one for himself as well. Then the man sits down, looking at Rain. Rain gulps nervously, what is going to happen now.
“Are you ready for our conversation, Rain?” Phayu asks.
“Yes, Phi,” Rain replies. “Can you tell me what boudoir photography is?”
Phayu smiles. “You researched, I see. Of course I can, Rain.”
That leads into the detailed explanation about the boudoir photography. Rain learned so many things, like the origin of the word boudoir, which is French language. Phayu told him about the poses that are always sensual, and can include the different clothes that enhance the sexuality of the person.
Rain was honestly nervous. How is he supposed to be a model for something like this? He would be lying to himself if he said he doesn’t want to try, if he said he doesn’t want the feeling of being so beautiful, like all those beautiful people whose pictures Phayu showed him.
“What do you think?” Phayu asks.
“Those pictures look amazing,” Rain answers, still somewhat in a daze.
“I’m glad you like them, Rain,” Phayu says.
There is silence now, while Rain considers whether he should accept the job. He’s leaning towards yes. The only thing making him nervous now is the gorgeous woman who left the studio just an hour ago. Rain is interested in Phayu, the man making his body react in a way no one ever has, but what would make Phayu interested in someone like Rain?
“You have so much talent, Phi,” Rain says.
“Thank you, Rain. It took a lot of practice to get where I am now,” Phayu explains. “Have you decided whether or not you will accept the job?”
Rain has, he wants to take the job. Working with Phayu is something he wants. It feels so right to work with Phayu.
“I did, Phi,” Rain replies. “I want to accept the job.”
Phayu smiles. “Then you can come to do a photoshoot this Saturday.”
Rain nods. “See you on Saturday, Phi.”
Rain is excited. It will be amazing to work with someone as amazing as Phayu.