With a landslide victory over the engineering team, the sports science players celebrate on the field in high spirits, clapping each other on the back. Kengkla lingers near the locker rooms underneath the bleachers, smiling good-naturedly as he offers encouraging words to the engineers as they walk past.

"At least try not to look so suspicious," Technic mutters under his breath at his side while Kengkla bows to another player who smiles back approvingly.

"I am being genuine," Kengkla replies, glancing back at his friend with a grin. "I'm happy because P'No's team won."

Technic rolls his eyes. "Right," He sighs heavily and reaches out to grab Kengkla's shoulder. "Are you happy now? Get what you wanted from my stupid brother?" He asks, looking at Kengkla who turns away from him when the remainder of the team passes.

The two stop chatting to bow and greet the rest of the team, and it's only when the line stops that Kengkla turns to him with a satisfied grin. "He's mine now," He answers, eyes narrowed and voice heavy with sincerity. "That's all you need to know."

Technic closes his eyes tightly and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Dammit, Ai Kla. I never should've left you alone with P'No," He groans, and Kengkla offers him a heated glare.

"I gave you what you wanted," He says slowly, raising his brows. "And you said it was a deal." Kengkla's voice is calm, but the image of Techno that floods his memory burns through him like fire.

It's only been a week, but he hasn't seen Techno since that night. The elder ran out of his own house after Kengkla gave him a little convincing that morning, and with no confirmation from Techno about their relationship, it's been eating at Kengkla.

He notes Technic's amused expression and frowns. "If P'No's yours, then why did you need me to bring you? Wouldn't he want his boyfriend to come alone?" His friend inquires.

Just as Kengkla is about to retort, he sees the sports science team walking through the entrance. Happy chatter and loud cheers fill the hallway, as it would after any victory, and Kengkla waits.

His expression must be blatantly obvious because Technic jostles him and mutters, "What are you up to now?"

But then Techno walks through the entrance and looks where he and Technic are standing. They stare at each other for a brief moment before Techno tears his gaze away and turns to his teammates. Kengkla watches Techno say something to the juniors before rushing toward the washroom on the far end of the hallway.

The tall, muscular teammate watches Techno retreating with concern all over his face, and for a moment, Kengkla feels a moment of panic until a junior suddenly exclaims something to draw his attention elsewhere.

As Techno disappears into the restroom, Kengkla thinks back to the match. He knew Techno must've felt his presence. He acted as the supportive junior, cheering for his senior and clapping for the team. But Techno refused to meet his gaze. There was no doubt it affected his performance, but he knew his future wife was an excellent player.

But he must be feeling especially anxious now, and if Kengkla were a better person, he'd leave Techno to celebrate with his teammates. But seeing as he's never been one for missed opportunities-

"I'll be back, Ai Nic," Kengkla says, giving a brief wave as he moves to follow Techno.

A hand on his shirt stops him. Kengkla turns back to glare at Technic and is surprised to see his friend frowning, voice heavy with meaning when he says, "Don't take too long, Ai Kla. We need to leave soon." Kengkla narrows his eyes and grabs Technic's wrist, pulling the other's hand off his shirt with a shove. Then Kengkla rushes down the hall.

When he walks through the bathroom door, he sees Techno splashing water over his face. Kengkla strides toward him, glancing around and wrinkling his nose in distaste. It's clearly doesn't get cleaned often, and the light is dim, flickering every so often. There's a better set of toilets closer to the change rooms, so it's doubtful anyone would come to this one.

Techno turns around at Kengkla's approach, alarm rolling off him in waves. "Oh, Ai Kla, I t-think I saw Ai Nic out in the hallway," He says with a fake smile and moves toward the door. But Kengkla catches his wrist, tugging him back, and it's clear Techno was not expecting it. He stumbles back, brow drawn in confusion as he finds himself face to face with a hungry wolf.

Kengkla notes, with a measure of delight, that Techno's skin practically shines with sweat, and though it would normally be revolting, Kengkla finds himself practically drooling. Techno stares at him with wide eyes. There's a tense pout to his lips, replacing Techno's usual smile.

"Ai Kla, what are—what's going on?" It's obvious their previous encounter must be weighing on Techno's mind by the tone of his voice. It's not a surprise really, but it was a hurdle he has to overcome. How confusing this must be for poor Techno, Kengkla thinks. If he's a little smug about it, well, that's not his fault. After all these years, Techno was a high shelf Kengkla couldn't quite reach.

(He knows deep down that Techno may find out the truth, but he sees it as a possible future setback. Of course, he plans to make the Techno fall for him so deeply by then. There's no way he could stay away. Kengkla won't let him anyway.)

For a long moment, Kengkla doesn't answer and stares at Techno. It's the first time they've been so close since that night, and he can see the discomfort in Techno's face.

"You did great out there," Kengkla praises. He slides his hand up Techno's forearm, and he feels the other jolt. "The team won thanks to you. You're an amazing captain, P'No."

For all he does that makes Techno uncomfortable, Kengkla knows which buttons to press to make him happy. He knows more than anyone that Techno feels inadequate as a captain. Technic has kept him plenty up to date.

But the captain doesn't react. Just drops his gaze to where Kengkla grips his arm, raising an eyebrow. "Uh, t-thanks, but it's really a team effort," He stutters.

Kengkla pushes Techno back gently and feels a tiny thrill up his spine as the other stumbles back a step. "Ai Kla, I need to go back—" Techno starts, but Kengkla nudges him until he's up against the tiled wall. He catches realization in Techno's eyes, the way his hands move to the wall behind him, and Kengkla's heart is thudding with excitement.

"Uh, they're going to be looking for me. I mean—I think it's best if we catch up some other time," Techno pleads quietly, looking at the door, and Kengkla is only a little surprised he's not trying harder to move away.

Kengkla leans one arm against the wall, crowding Techno in as he brushes the back of his other hand down Techno's cheek. He can sense Techno shifting uncomfortably, and he catches Techno's jaw and turns it. The moment their eyes lock, Techno freezes and his face twists into something reminiscent of that morning.

"Your boyfriend just wants to congratulate you," Kengkla says with a grin as he leans in closer.

----

Let me know what you thought! Yes, this has been posted on ao3 but posting it here now!