Chasing Moonlight

''Nibbb, Khuṇ kảlạng thả xarị xyū̀ (What are you doing). C̄hạn mị̀ pị kạb khuṇ thuk thī̀ (I'm not going with you anywhere)'' Win shrieked and puffed. Nib gently closed the taxi door, a faint frustration lingering in his voice, "Why such ceaseless chatter, even when unwarranted!"Unexpectedly, the driver interjected, "Sir, your destination?"Win seethed, choosing silence, his arms folding as he gazed out the window. Nib reflected, then directed the taxi to Ghignoni Gelato, a forlorn place. The driver hesitated, fear tainting his response, "That area's off-limits, even by police order!"Nib retorted, "Money holds more sway than police or life itself!"Win turned, his expression quizzical. The driver, perplexed, inquired, "Meaning?"Nib's grin turned sly, "What if I doubled your fare?"Stubborn resistance clung to the driver. Win's smile faded. Nib glanced at Win, a wry grin surfacing, "Triple it then..."The driver's eyes darted around nervously. Nib persisted, "Triple and a half, that's substantial!"The driver finally relented, steering onward. Nib sighed, triumphantly remarking, "See, that's persuasion."Win quipped, "In my tongue, it's 'Korṭh'—mad."Nib's smile wavered, his head bowing. Gusts of wind tousled his hair, and he looked up, meeting Win's gaze through the lowered window. Concern laced Nib's voice, "Are you genuinely upset with me?"Win mused, "I have a demanding hostess; she expects me by 8:30."Nib countered, "So? I'm a demanding guest too. Join me, no charge."Win, incredulous, challenged, "What's your ulterior motive? We're no friends. You saved me, but now you want me to move in and fund ice cream?"After a weighted silence, Nib offered a faint smile, "I know it sounds trite, but when I first saw you, I..."Before Nib could finish, a jolt interrupted. Concerned, both asked, "What happened?"The driver sighed, "Flat tire.""Crap," Nib muttered. Win's hand found Nib's, their connection lingering. They shared a meaningful glance as the driver examined the flat tire, his demeanor reflecting a hint of disappointment. "You might have to wait or take a short walk—it's not too far," he suggested.Win started to respond, "We'll..."But Nib interrupted, asserting, "No, the ice cream shop is nearby."Win raised concerns, "It might be unsafe at night, I've heard..."With a playful tease, Nib countered, "Or perhaps you just want more time in my company?"Win ventured into the dimly lit darkness, the world around him a hazy abstraction. Occasional rustles in the leaves punctuated the prevailing stillness. After a beat, Nib emerged, their presence accompanied by a teasing comment, "You're always cute, Win."Annoyance etched across Win's features, he retorted, "Enough with the jokes. Let's just walk."As Nib settled with the driver, Win subtly offered money, initiating an unspoken standoff. Confronting the driver together, an impasse unfolded. Nib urged, "Let me take care of this."Unyielding, Win responded, "Can I handle it myself?"Nib sighed, reluctantly relenting. The driver, breaking the silence, inquired, "Who's covering the fare?"An exchange of glances between Nib and Win followed. Nib asserted, "I'll handle it."Win persisted, "No, let me."Nib conceded, "I was in the cab first."Win pressed, "But I flagged it down."Exasperated, Nib groaned, "You're making this unnecessarily complicated!"Win argued, "I may have come later, but I won't let you foot the bill."With a frustrated cry, Nib clutched his head, locking eyes with Win. In a surprising turn of events, Nib leaned in, initiating an unexpected kiss.It transpired swiftly, leaving Win powerless. The driver averted his gaze after a moment. Nib withdrew, his lips curving into a smile, Win's heart racing. Nib settled the fare, prompting Win to move, still reeling. Nib held his hand, leading him forward. After a distance, Win jerked his hand away, confronting Nib, "Why? How dare you kiss me before the driver!"Nib couldn't suppress a smirk, watching Win wince before bursting into laughter."What's amusing?" Win snapped, irritation evident in his voice.Nib's smirk widened, finding immense joy in Win's reaction. "Your response," Nib replied with a nonchalant tone.Win, now frustrated, demanded, "What's your motive here?"Nib retorted with a playful glint in their eyes, "Why does it matter where I kissed you?"Win seethed, "You can't just kiss me without reason!"Nib grinned mischievously, "Just curious, what lip balm do you use?"Win, visibly confused, questioned, "Why do you want to know?"Nib teased, "Your lips taste sweet."Win scoffed, "It feels like someone poured sugar in my mouth."Driven by irritation, Win moved forward, and Nib followed, maintaining a playful tone. "Come on, Win, your lips are genuinely sweet."A sudden ominous presence hung in the air, a knife catching a glint of moonlight. The wind whispered, foretelling danger. Nib sighed, "Isn't this setting just romantic?"Win retorted, "I don't understand why I'm even walking with you."As they halted, Win glanced back in alarm, sensing an unseen presence. Nib inquired casually, "What's wrong?"Win admitted hesitantly, "Felt like someone was following us."Nib dismissed it with a smirk, "Just imagination. From now on, I'll be the one following you."The relentless shadow persisted in its pursuit, trailing them closely. Just as it lunged, knife poised for an attack, a sudden interruption occurred—a car pulled up, revealing Inspector Thai. His gaze swept over them, pausing particularly on Win. Nib inquired, "Is there an issue?"Inspector Thai grumbled, "Deserted roads aren't safe. Get in."Win apologized, explaining the flat tire. Inspector Thai softened, offering a ride.Win hesitated, and Nib grabbed his hand. Win sat with Nib in the back. Inspector Thai watched Win, then asked, "You two a couple?"Win denied, "Not even friends."Nib, "..."