11. Through The Night

"Tonight, I'll send you the firefly from that day to your window. I hope you have sweet dreams."- Through The Night by IU

•••

Everybody was talking about the same topic. The familiarity was never a secret until it reached the point of anomaly, especially when they still called themselves as brothers because everyone in the company was family and they were all brothers and sisters but no one like the remarkable two, Bright and Win.

The best friends had no words to explain when others were seeking information through them. The thing was... They also did not know. The only thing they knew was both Bright and Win were close. The closest they had ever seen Bright and Win were.

Bright had told First everything. So did Win to Mix. In the crowd, Mix and First shut their mouth and conformed with other friends who understood the relationship but not the details, like Tay, Guy, Fluke, Gunsmile, Toy, and Kay. All of them were more active than Mix and First themselves to answer others' questions that Bright and Win was not in a relationship while wondering what was happening in front of their eyes every single day.

This afternoon, Bright was with First and they had to separate in the lobby because Bright finally found Win that he had been looking for since they were in 30th floor. First knew clearly about it, that's why he let Bright sticking with him.

At that time, Win was with Mix. He did not look for Bright since the only one in his mind was having lunch as soon as possible. When Bright appeared and invited him to lunch, of course Win did not reject it. Still, as a know-it-all, Mix stepped back with many reasons, so Win had no reason not to let Mix go.

Watching the back of their best friends, both First and Mix flustered. There were relief and uneasiness at the same time. As best friends, what they could do just pray for their best.

"Good luck."

First and Mix were startled because they said the same thing simultaneously.

"Oh!" First realized he was not alone.

"I thought you were gone already, Ai First." Mix said.

"I thought you would not think out loud." First counterclaimed.

Both were looking at each other for a moment before exhaling heavily.

"Let's talk about it later when it's needed." Mix suggested as he knew that First was going through the same experience as him.

"Hmm." First agreed. "Later. Take care, friend!"

"You, too, take care!"

•

It had been so many days of close relationship between Bright and Win. They understood themselves and carefully chose words when talking to each other, knowing unreadiness to have a far-reaching discussion in the immediate future.

Win had been visiting Bright's condo frequently lately, with or without Bright at home, due to the task of gardening. Bright already gave him the spare key.

These days, Win came to visit Bright's condo when Bright was not there. Not because of another periods of avoidance, but Bright was busy for almost 2 weeks now and they could not even meet in the office because Bright must shoot a movies and a reality show outside GTV building and sometimes, out of town.

Win did not stay longer than he needed when he was visiting Bright's condo because  the place was big and no one was there. He also did not switch on the lamp since he always visited in the afternoon.

Today, when Win was watering the potted plants in the balcony. He heard someone opened the door. He immediately checked it out and found Bright entering his bedroom without bothering who was inside his condo at 12.30 pm.

Win completed his task in the balcony and came inside to overlook Bright in his room.

The older one was lying on his stomach. He was holding his phone, scrolling up and down, without making any noise.

"P'Bright, I'm done watering the plants."

"Umm. Thanks."

"Did your work finish early?"

"I have not come back home since yesterday."

"Have you eaten?"

Bright pulled his blanket to cover his whole body. He put his phone away. "I have no appetite. I'm exhausted. I want to sleep. You can go home if you have done."

"Khrab. Then, I'll go to work na khrab. I have script reading schedu-"

"Umm. Take care."

Win knew that Bright could not be bothered now even though he wanted to talk more to him. After he closed the door of Bright's bedroom, Win stepped out and left Bright alone in his condo. Today was not his day.

•

Bright woke up in the dark and cold room. He checked his phone and found out that it was already 7 pm. He had slept for 6 hours and 30 minutes. He remembered that yesterday, he worked over time for shooting a movie. It was a wrap up and located out of town. He barely got to sleep because he had to catch the earliest flight.

Bright recalled a glimpse of Win this afternoon. "Was I dreaming? I probably was dreaming." Bright wondered. He got out of his room at the same time with the lamp which switched on by itself. Bright was startled and so ready to curse. His eyes widened but then he was distracted by the shadow he saw from the corner of his eyes. He turned his head to the door and there he was, Win, standing near the electric switch by the door. "Ai Win?!"

"Sawasdee, Phi. I bring foods." Win showed Bright a plastic bag in his hand.

"Oh." Bright was still confused. "You bring foods." He repeated.

Win made himself home. He placed the food in two plates.

"Didn't you say that you had a script reading schedule today?" Bright asked. "Or was I dreaming?" Bright mumbled to himself, being uncertain.

Win chuckled. "Phi, you've slept for a long time. The script reading session had finished, that's why I'm here again."

Bright watched Win preparing the food on the the table until Win noticed him. But when Win already looked back at him, Bright did not move an inch.

Win knitted his eyebrows. "Are you still sleepy?"

"No."

"Umm..." Win doubt him. "Then, how about taking a shower? You will feel fresher."

"You're right." Bright agreed and turned back to his bedroom to a set of t-shirt and shorts to change.

At the time Bright came out of the shower room, he was stupefied with Win who was sitting on the sofa, watching television. Bright left unmoved in front of the shower room for a moment until Win turned his head to him.

"What's wrong, Phi?"

Bright took a deep breath. "I'm so tired, I'm sorry. I was surprised that you were here. I forgot that you were here." He explained.

Win was aware that Bright was dazed a lot today. The older could not focus on anything. Win got up from sofa and pull the dining chair for Bright. "Let's eat now."

Bright gave in when Win grabbed his hand and pulled him to sit. He ate the food on the plate that Win prepared for him.

"Oh, Phi. May I stay overnight? It's too late and I'm sleepy." Win suddenly brought up a topic in the middle of the silent dinner time. "I have no schedule tomorrow."

"Umm. Do what you want." Bright said.

Win was tongue-tied for a second after being replied in an unemotional manner by Bright. He continued eating as he understood why Bright was frigid tonight.

Bright caught on what he just did when he did not get Win to talk again. He sighed. "I don't mean to be rude, Ai Win."

"Hmm?" Win was confused. "It's ok, Phi. You are not rude at all. I understand."

"I think, I'm not in a good mood right now. I have no appetite, too." Bright answered. "I like this food, but-"

Win moved from the chair to the cabinet in the pantry without waiting until Bright finished explaining. He took out a plastic box. He came back to Bright and gave him a medicinal tablet.

Bright looked at Win, more confused than before. "What is this for?"

"You get a fever, Phi. Take this medicine." Win said when he got back to his dining chair. "When I touched your hand earlier, I knew it. You are burning. Let's check your temperature after eating."

"Is this... the reason why you want to sleep here tonight?"

"Right. One of the reasons."

"What is the other reason?"

Win grinned. "I won't tell."

As Bright swallowed the medicine, he looked briefly at the balcony. He forgot to close the curtain so he was able to see the potted plants although the light was dim.

"How many weeks have we not met?"

"3 weeks."

"And you always come here to take care of the plants, don't you?"

"How do you know?"

"Well, they are not dead yet."

Win chuckled. "Do you seriously want them to die? If they are dead, I won't come back here anymore."

They finished eating and Win immediately checked Bright's body temperature. The thermometer showed 37.9°C after it was cited in the older one's armpit, indicating that Bright got a light fever.

Bright came back to his bedroom to have more sleep. After taking a shower, Win also went to another bedroom to take a rest.

In the middle of the night, Win woke up to check Bright in his bedroom. Bright was sleeping soundlessly. The view did not convince Win to have a good and peaceful sleep. He was worried. He lay on the bed and tried to sleep until he fell asleep by himself.

"Ai Win..."

Win was dreaming. He heard Bright's voice close to him.

"Ai Win..."

Yet, the touch of another person's skin gained Win's consciousness. Win opened his eyes and found Bright trying to slip his body under Win's blanket. It was not the problem because the real problem was... "P'Bright, you are shivering!"

Win came out of the blanket. He pulled the blanket away from Bright.

"I'm... cold..."

But Win did not reply. He re-checked the temperature and the result showed the fever now was in moderate grade. "38.5°C..." Win mumbled. He turned off the air conditioner immediately.

Bright's body was sweating a lot, so Win had to change his t-shirt. It was a difficult process because Bright kept looking for the blanket that Win put by his side.

"P'Bright, stay still for a second. Just one second. Please. I have to change your clo-"

"Give me back my blanket..."

"It's my blanket. I won't give it to you." Win reasoned for the sake of Bright did not aim for the blanket anymore. "Calm down a bit, please. Help me wi-"

"Lend it to me... I'm cold..." Bright whimpered.

Win smiled. He should not had this thought but Bright was cute by behaving like this. He knew Bright could be clingy and childlike when he was with his someone special, like back then when he was still with his ex. That was also the reason why Win found that couple perfect. Now that he was encountering the cat-like Bright, Win could not help but wanted to give him what he asked.

Fortunately, Win succeeded in changing Bright's clothes without giving the blanket to him. Did Bright stop? Of course not. Win was still struggling to keep Bright away from the blanket.

"Phi..." Win blocked Bright up from his access to blanket. "Phi. Stop. P'Bright. No. Stop." Win tried to lock Bright's hands with his hands but Bright was so keen about the blanket, it exhausted Win.

Win threw the blanket to the floor, hoping Bright stop asking for it, but the action just made Bright get up from the bed to pick it up. Win hurriedly kicked the blanket further and caught Bright's waist with his arm. "Come back to the bed, Phi. I know you are cold. Let me help you. You don't need the blanket."

Bright, who was not in his best condition, could easily being dragged by Win to get back on the bed. Now that he was back, he complained at Win with the hoarse voice. "You know how hard it is for me now and you left me uncovered here. You even threw it away and kick-"

Bright was interrupted by Win who suddenly threw his body at Bright and made Bright lying down. Win hugged Bright tightly.

"Am I warm enough?"

Bright sighed. "Why are you so mean?"

"But am I warm?"

"You are."

"Then, you don't need the blanket anymore." Win said as he fixed his position on the bed. He lay on his side and hugged Bright.

Both had manly body so Win giggled as he imagined how not adorable this view was if someone saw them hugging like this.

Bright fell asleep after a moment. He was still restless and now added by the fever. Win stroked the older hair gently until he heard a light snore as Bright slept more soundly.

"Get better soon. Don't make me worry."

•

On the next day, the fever came down but Bright had zero desire for food. Win was in a panic but he did not say it. He did not want go against Bright yet he kept trying to feed him. When he assured Bright to eat, he was scolded and even forced to leave the room. That's why, now, Win stayed in Bright's bedroom and Bright was in the guest bedroom.

Win looked around the bedroom. He had never come inside this private room. Ok, he lied. He had come but never for long. The room smelled like Bright's perfume mixed with his natural body odor. He started enjoying his alone time in Bright's room until the owner came inside and lay on the bed.

Win checked Bright's forehead with his hand. The fever was still there. "You are not feeling cold anymore?"

"Umm. I just feel anemic."

"Will you eat now?"

Bright stared at Win for a moment before giving Win a nod. He smiled at how relieved Win was when Bright finally agreed to eat.

Win fed Bright even without the older one asking him. As he spooned the food to Bright's mouth, Win talked about his schedule. "I have to go tomorrow, early in the morning. I have two interviews and one photoshoot, so I might not come back here."

"Umm." Bright understood but could not speak because he was munching his food.

"I really want Phi to get better today, so I can leave with no worry." Win said.

Bright exhaled heavily. "Do your job well. You can come back here anytime. When you come back, you will see me already in normal condition." Bright cool Win off. "Being sick is not bad, neither it's good."

"If I finish early, I will come to visit you tomorrow, Phi."

Bright leaned his head on Win's shoulder. He appreciated Win's concern about his health. "You don't need to. What you are doing now is more than enough." Bright forbade him. "Don't make me want you to do more than this."

•

Win left Bright's place on 6 AM. Bright did not respond when he said good bye because Bright could finally sleep well around 2 AM after many rounds of waking up even though Win tucked him into bed at 9 PM. He had checked Bright's temperature before he left. Bright still had light fever in 37.6°C, but it was better than yesterday.

When his last schedule finished at 5 PM, Win was happy. He planned to buy dinner on the way to Bright's condo yet he cancelled it. He would like to ask Bright what he wanted to eat first.

The second Win opened the door of Bright's condo, he was welcomed with a wide smile by someone who was sitting on the sofa and noticed that Win was coming in. By that time, Win knew he should not be there.

Not now.

Not when Bright was with his ex girlfriend.

•••

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