Gun knew everyone was looking at him.

As an actor and a superstar, he should've been immune and used to it right now already. And he was. But this was a different case. This was Prince Off's birthday party. Everyone should be paying attention to the prince, not him. He cursed Jane in his mind for picking the most outstanding suit on her collection. He argued to wear only a black and white suit since it was the theme of the party but Jane insisted on him wearing her newly designed baby blue suit. Even his friends and manager agreed with Jane.

Mixed looks from everyone in the room but Off's eyes were focused on Gun.

He stood up from the crowd, partly because he was wearing something that wasn't exactly part of the theme of the ball but mostly because he was...stunning. His shiny, plump lips were visible even from afar. His hair was curled a little which made his eyes squint when he blinked. He had his piercings on and Off thought that it was the most attractive thing about Gun right now. He watched as the actor shyly took baby steps towards him. He felt impatient, as if time was running out so he met him halfway.

There was silence.

As the most controversial couple in Thailand met, everybody watched them with different expressions. Off knew some were judging them already. Some probably approved of their relationship and some would also be against it. But he didn't care. All he knew was he missed Gun and he'd do anything just for the actor to forgive him.

"Hi," The actor finally said and Off was beaming with joy since Gun was the first one to greet him.

"Hello," He whispered back. "You're here."

"Yeah," Gun said. "It's a long story but you should thank Tay for it."

"Tay?" He asked in wonder.

Gun nodded. "Um, Off, do you mind if we, um, it's just that...everyone's looking at us."

Off understood Gun. Even now, he also wanted to grab Gun somewhere private and talk to him, or maybe even kiss him a few times. He looked up and offered everyone the biggest smile he could muster. Then with courage, he held his arm out to Gun.

Gun stared at Off and his arm. He would've run away and hide in embarrassment if this happened months ago but the time apart from his boyfriend made him realize things- to hold on tighter to people you love. In this case, he would be doing it very literally.

He entangled his hand with his boyfriend's arm and Off smiled lovingly at him. He missed seeing his smile and tonight, he was seeing it again for the first time in days. He didn't know where they were going until he saw the king and queen ahead of them. His grip on Off's arm tightened and the prince felt it.

"Relax, it's okay," Off whispered. "I'm right here. No one's going to hurt you."

Off gestured something to his friends and Gun didn't understand what it was until the two guys ran to the stage, took the microphone and shouted, "Alright, is everyone ready to party?!"

Just like that, the judging eyes and gossiping looks were peeled away from them and the guests' attention turned towards the two gorgeous guys who were leading the start of a more non-formal type of party.

The king would've scolded Tay and Arm but he had more concerning issues facing him and the first on his list is his son and his 'boyfriend' who were both approaching him.

"Mother, father, you have met Gun Atthaphan already," Off said.

Gun let go of the prince's arm as he bowed politely. "Your majesty, King Ryan and Queen Aranya."

The king just stood there and watched him so to save them both from embarrassment, Aranya stepped forwards and giggled lovingly at Gun. "Hello, Gun! It was nice meeting you again! How have you been?"

Off mentioned to Gun how his mother was okay with their relationship but he was still overwhelmed when the queen kissed her on the cheeks and looked at him with no judgement in her eyes. "Hello, Queen Aranya. I have been fine. It's nice seeing you again, too. And you, your majesty? How have you been?"

"Oh I'm good, I'm good!" She said. "Your suit looks stunning! Where did you buy it? Or was it made especially for you?"

"He is not following the color theme," The king grunted in a low voice and Gun's eyes shifted to him for a second. The actor chose to ignore the king.

"It was made by my personal designer, Queen Aranya. Her name is Jane and she has a boutique shop," Gun responded to the queen who seemed genuine to him. "I can talk to her and maybe you can meet her later on. She makes fantastic clothes."

"I love clothes!" The queen said. "That sounds great. And I'm glad to see you, Gun. I really am. Go ahead and enjoy the ball, will you?"

"I will," Gun promised.

The king didn't even spare him a glance as he said, "Jumpol, I would like to have a word with you. He left abruptly without waiting for his son to respond.

Off looked back at Gun and the actor encouraged him to go. The queen did too.

When they were out of sight, the queen turned her attention towards him once more and said, "Please excuse my husband's attitude. He is very particular when it comes to Off's future."

"I understand, your majesty," Gun lied just to pay respect. He didn't want to tell the queen that the king was being rude to him.

The queen smiled, "You're a very good child and person, Gun. No wonder my son has fallen hard for you."

Gun blushed. "Thank you, your majesty."

"I would like some champagne," The queen said. "Would you accompany me in getting one over there by the counter?"

"I can get it for you."

The queen declined him gently. "No, let's go together."

They walked together and naturally, since the queen was with him, everyone smiled his way and cleared the path for them. The queen was constantly waving and greeting everyone, her smile never leaving her beautiful face.

"So tell me, Gun," The queen said as he thanked the waiter for the glass of champagne and handed one to Gun. "How are you and Off?"

The actor almost choked on his champagne. "Pardon, Queen Aranya? "

The queen laughed. "It's alright. It's just that, from what I know, Off has never been in a serious relationship. He has introduced...girls before, but the king has always been particular when it comes to who Off is in a relationship with so my son always ended up breaking up with them. You're the first one that he really fought for."

"Oh," Gun said, his voice small as he started to realize how special he was to Off. Off told him he loved him, of course, but hearing from other people the things he didn't do for others...He felt like he was on cloud nine.

"Yes, and I've never seen him this smitten. So, I wanna know. Am I intruding on your privacy?"

Gun's eyes wide. "Oh no, no, it's alright. I'm just taken aback, your majesty."

"Well, then..." The queen pressed.

"Off is amazing," He said. "He's sweet and smart. He's very caring and he pays attention to small details. He's magnificent, your majesty. Your son..." He wanted to say that Off was everything to him but he felt awkward telling his boyfriend's mother what Off was to him considering that they were in a complicated situation. "...is a big charmer."

The queen laughed. "Yes, he is."

There was a moment of awkward silence as Gun watched the people in the room dance to a pop song that was popular these days. It was weird since everyone was in tuxedos and long gowns but they jumped and danced as if this was the last night of their life. He could see his friends on stage and was leading the chaotic crowd.

"Gun, I am glad Off has you for a partner," The queen said after a moment. "I don't like seeing him argue with his father. I don't like forcing him into this marriage either. Please do know that whatever happens, I approve of you."

Gun was surprised. "You're not bothered by my...sexuality, your majesty?"

The queen smiled and shook her head. "Gender is just another label that society has given us. I am a mother, Gun, and I know what's best for my son. But my son knows what's best for himself too. Him loving someone of the same gender... As long as he's not hurting anyone, I will support him with all my heart."

Gun began to feel warm inside him despite the blasting aircon in the ballroom. The queen reminded him of his mother and how supportive she was when Gun told her that he liked boys too. There was no judgement in her voice and there was only adoration in her eyes. The queen was beautiful, but she was even more gorgeous when Gun knew she was an open minded person with a heart of gold.

Gun gave the queen a big, loving hug. "Thank you."

"Just take care of my son," The queen said as she hugged back. "He could be hard headed sometimes."

Gun laughed, agreeing to what the queen was saying. "I will. I won't let you down."

***

Off followed his father to a deserted room just right next to the ballroom. He knew his father was enraged. He wanted to be with Gun but if he didn't follow him, he might burst out inside the ball room and ruin everyone's mood. The last thing he needed for his birthday was for him to be featured in a tabloid again.

"What do you think you're doing?" His father whispered harshly despite the lack of audience. "Why is he here?"

Off faked a surprise. "Father, don't you remember? You invited him."

"Don't use that sarcasm on me, boy," King Ryan growled. "Yes, I did. Back when I thought he was a good influence on you. Now, he is not welcome here."

"Father, this is my birthday party," He said. "I can invite anyone I want and my guests are all welcome here."

"You are getting more stupid every single day, Jumpol," His father said. "Lai is here! What are you thinking? Everybody knows you're getting married to her!"

"I told you, father, I am never going to marry Lai," Off said. "And isn't it your fault that everybody knew about this whole fixed marriage thing? You practically announced it on national television!"

"Are you even thinking about what the other people will say? How will Lai's parents react? Or the king of Indonesia? How about-"

"Enough!" Off half shouted as he clenched his jaws. "You care so much about them, father, but what about me? What about your son? Are they more important to you than I am?"

His father gave him a hard stare. "This country is important to me."

"It is for me, too," Off said. "But this is ridiculous! All of this is ridiculous!"

"Jumpol-"

"Father, I don't want to ruin my mood and being here alone with you is making it sour," He said. "You can't change my mind. Please excuse me, King Ryan."

He exited the deserted room and went back to the ballroom where everybody was. The blasting music greeted him and he involuntarily laughed when he saw his best friend, Tay and Arm, dancing on the middle of the dance floor. He walked to them, his eyes searching for the guy in a baby blue suit.

"Off, happy birthday, man!" Tay said when he noticed the prince. Arm continued to dance his way towards Off.

"Thank you! You guys seemed to be enjoying the party!" Off shouted over the loud music.

"Yes we are!" Arm agreed.

"Did you like my present?" Tay asked.

"What present?"

"The DJ over there," Tay said and pointed to a big, bulky guy who was manning the sounds. "I'm the one who brought him here!"

"Dude, he sucks," Off commented and both of them laughed. "I'm just kidding!"

"I am too," Tay said. "I actually meant Gun."

"Yeah, Gun said you're the one responsible for his appearance," Off said.

"I talked to him," Tay said. "I can't stand seeing you mopping around my house. You're my best friend, Off."

"You did me a great favor," Off said. "Thank you, really. I owe you one."

"Nah, I did it because I want to. You don't need to do something in exchange."

"How about me?" Arm interrupted. "I helped him bring Gun too!"

"Helped?" Tay asked. "You didn't do anything! You arrived when all of us were ready to go!"

"Hey! I was the one who asked your father if we could borrow his limousine since he couldn't trust you because you've wrecked hundreds of cars!"

"No, I didn't!"

"Yes, you did!"

Off just shook his head in amusement as his best friends argued. He was thankful for their help. He knew he could always count on them and they could count on him too. But he needed to talk to someone else and it wasn't his best friend.

He spotted the guy wearing the baby blue suit.

He was in one corner with a glass of champagne in his hand but he didn't look lonely. He actually looked like he was in a lighter mood as he laughed at his friends who were also on the dance floor.

When Off left to follow his father a while ago, he looked back only to see Gun talking with his mother. He knew his mother was a kind person which made him wonder what they had talked about and did it have to do anything with Gun's change of mood.

He walked his way to the actor. He was aware of the flirtatious looks the girls on the ball were giving him but his eyes were already set on one person. Gun finally noticed him and stopped laughing. He recomposed himself and gave Off a small smile.

"Do you mind if we go somewhere private?" Off asked as he took the glass of champagne away from him and gave it to a waiter. Gun could simply nod and follow Off as the prince held his hand. Gun didn't know where they were going but he couldn't care less. He was dreading to be with Off ever since this morning.

Off stopped in the middle of their maze garden. Gun was too nervous to admire the beautiful flowers and the large vines that were hanging above them.

Off, without letting go of his hand, turned towards him and said, "We are finally alone."

Gun chuckled and hesitated before saying, "I missed you."

Gun saw relief flash on Off's eyes followed by a wide smile. The prince enveloped him in a tight hug and whispered on his neck, "Oh Gun, I missed you too. so much."

Much to Gun's disappointment, the prince let go of him too soon. He guided Gun to a marble bench and they both sat on it.

"I don't know where to start," Off said. "But I'm sorry, Gun. I really am. I was-"

Gun put a finger on the prince's lips. "Hey, it's okay. Tay told me everything."

Off nodded and took the actor's small hand in his. "You don't deserve the things that are happening to you, Gun."

"Neither do you," Gun said. "Our life is just complicated, that's why. If we were normal people, less famous and all, I bet you no one would even care about us."

Off laughed. "That sounds like paradise to me. You and me, alone, just the two of us in our little bubble of happiness."

"It was my fault too, when I didn't listen to you," Gun said. "And I'm sorry. I let my emotions take over."

"Your reaction was totally understandable."

"But it was wrong," Gun insisted. "I don't...I don't want to see you ever walking away from me again."

"I'm not going anywhere," Off promised. "I'm all yours."

Gun laughed gently as he watched their entangled hands. They've held hands quite a lot of times already but he still couldn't get over how perfectly they fit.

Off suddenly stood up and said, "There is this traditional ball dance we have. I didn't get to dance with you since you weren't here yet but now...I don't want to miss the opportunity."

The prince bowed and held out his hand as he said, "Can you give this prince his pleasure of being able to dance with you, Mr. Gun Atthaphan?"

Gun bit back a giggle as he accepted Off's hand as he said, "It will be my pleasure, your majesty."

As if on cue, the deafening, pop music inside the mansion turned into slow dance music which was loud enough to be heard in the garden. Off and Gun's bodies were gently pressed against each other under the moonlight as they swayed to the slow, sweet music in their background. Gun, whose face was on Off's chest, inhaled his favorite smell-Off's cologne. Off pressed his cheeks against Gun's hair as he constantly turned his face and placed a soft kiss on his boyfriend's head. Both of them had their eyes closed as they savored the moment.

This night is sparkling, don't you let it go

I'm wonderstruck, flashing all the way home

I'll spend forever, wondering if you know

I was enchanted to meet you

As they continue to sway while enveloping each other in a soft embrace, Off couldn't help but feel devastated regarding a possible future he has that didn't involve Gun. He had deeply fallen in love with his boyfriend and imagining a future without him was pure torture. His father has always told him that he was born with a responsibility but he knew he was the captain of his own ship.

Please don't be in love with someone else,

Please don't have somebody waiting on you.

He knew what he needed to do and he himself thinks it's a crazy idea but Gun was worth it and he was willing to fight for him. What they have right now brought him happiness more than any experience he had for the past twenty seven years of his life.

"Happy birthday, Off," Gun whispered as he looked up to his boyfriend who couldn't resist his tempting eyes. The prince leaned in and they shared a soft, romantic kiss under the moonlight in the middle of the royal family's maze garden.

"I'm sorry if I didn't bring anything," Gun apologized.

"You are my greatest gift, Gun," Off said. "And I don't want to be ever without you ever again. I love you so much."

"Off..." Was only Gun's response as he caressed his boyfriend's cheeks and tiptoed for a kiss once more.

When they broke apart, Gun saw something different flash in his boyfriend's eyes. He'd seen adoration, affection, lust and everything else in Off's eyes but this one was vaguely familiar but rare.

He saw certainty.

"Marry me, Gun Atthaphan."