Work Text:
Jeff is practically running through the crowded sidewalk in Siam as he tries to make it to his next schedule, silently cursing himself for booking 2 gigs so close to each other, when the strumming of a guitar catches his attention.
Stopping, he looks around and sees a small crowd forming in the center of the sidewalk. Curiosity getting the better of him he approaches the crowd to see what’s going on.
Once close enough he is a little surprised to see a young guy, a cute guy, if he’s being honest, standing in the middle of the crowd, singing some songs with a box next to him.
‘EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN’ the open flap reads.
He is just about to step away leave, already behind schedule, when their eyes met. Something about his eyes and wide smile has him walking over and putting money in the box. He looks almost ethereal.
The guy pauses in his singing to bow slightly. “Thank you. I wish you a lot of happiness and success.”
Jeff wants to say something. He isn’t sure what, but something. In the end he just nods and resumes his run to get to his next event. He silently hopes they meet again and he can actually get a word out.
Apparently, luck isn’t on his side though. It’s been a week since that happened and no matter how many times he wanders around Siam trying to find a glimpse of him, nothing. Why he is trying so hard to find him again he has no idea, but he feels the need to building inside him as the days pass by.
He decides that if he doesn’t find him today he will give up and just let it go. Moving around the general area he saw him last time he doesn’t see him and figures it’s enough. Shoulders drooping slightly in defeat he accepts that they just aren’t meant to meet again.
He greets some fans that approach him and takes pictures and chats a bit while keeping an eye out just in case, since he is still around.
“Are you looking for someone, Khun Jeff?” One of the girls he is chatting with asks.
A little startled and embarrassed at having been caught being distracted he hums a little. “Mm. I was just curious if that guy that was singing here last week was around.”
Their eyes lit up. “Oh! That cutie that was collecting donations for children’s education?!”
He nods and their next words have him perking up a bit. “He said he would be back this Friday. Did you see he was wearing Chula’s uniform? He must be really smart!”
He listens quietly as they proceed to gush about the guys looks, singing, and kindness.
Glancing at his watch he sees it is getting close to the time for his event. “Well, it was nice meeting you ladies! I have to go now.”
“Are you going over for the castify event?”
“Yeah, are you ladies going?” He asks.
“Yes!” They say excitedly and they part ways to go to the event.
Ok, Friday. Just 2 days away.
He makes sure to keep his afternoon free to avoid any time restraints. He is still a student, so most likely he will show up some time after classes end. The only problem is he doesn’t know what time that would be. Whatever, he’ll estimate.
Once 4 hits he heads out. When he arrives he sees there is already a small group beginning to form around the same spot as last time. He stays a little further away, not wanting to draw attention to himself, texting on his phone.
Hearing the sudden excited chatter and squeals he looks up and sees him, wearing his uniform with his hair neatly combed, box in his hands, guitar on his back and a big smile spread across his face.
The way he is looking at everyone he walks by as if he remembers them and knows them all personally has Jeff smiling, it’s a very warm and welcoming gaze.
Once he reaches the spot he stood last time he sets the box down beside him and starts to take out his guitar. Jeff notes he doesn’t have a mic stand or anything to sing into. He also notices the guitar looks a little shabby, but doesn’t dwell on it for the moment.
“Hi everyone, my name is Barcode.” Jeff is caught off guard by his soft, sweet tone. It definitely didn’t sound like that last time. “Thank you all for coming to support my cause.” He bows deeply and when he stands up straight he beams happily at the small crowd.
As he starts to strum the guitar and sing Jeff can’t help but become mesmerized by his voice and the sweetness behind it. He frowns though when he hears that the guitar is not helping to do the boys (Barcode, his mind reminds) voice justice. He definitely needs something better to support his beautiful voice.
“Oh!” He is drawn out of his musing by gasps and sounds of dismay. Focusing again he sees him examining his finger and there is blood. There is a lot of concerned chatter around them.
“I’m ok, I’m ok.” Barcode assures while rummaging through his bag.
As he looks through his bag people in the small group also look through their belongings. He usually carries band-aids around just to be safe, so he pulls one out of his wallet and approaches.
“Here.” He unintentionally uses his low voice, startling the boy and causing him to flinch. When he looks up Jeff is on the receiving end of his gaze and suddenly feels nervous. He can see the sweat on his forehead that had formed from the intense heat.
Jeff suddenly feels awkward like he is doing something unnecessary, even though it wasn’t, and would have just left if so many people weren’t watching, but he forces himself to stay. Finally, Barcode stood, taking the offered band-aid and smiles at him. The warm smile he receives helps Jeff relax.
“Thank you.” He bows slightly.
Still using his low tone so no one else can hear him he spoke. “You’re welcome, but you might want to consider stopping for today. It will hurt more to continue.” He advises.
Barcode looks at him for a moment before nodding slowly. “Ok, thank you for your concern.”
Nodding a little he walks back to where he had stood before.
Grabbing his guitar he starts strumming again and finishes the last verse of the song.
Setting the guitar aside he picks up his box and just chats along with everyone as he collects from anyone willing to give.
As Jeff watches he can’t help but admire how nice, pleasant, and charming is. He listens attentively, responds thoughtfully, and looks genuinely grateful for their support.
They spent their time there chatting, making jokes, and teasing him gently. He looks to enjoy it albeit more shyly when the compliments are rolling out. Still, he looks pleased by those, too.
“I have to go now.” He announces, while gathering his stuff.
There are sounds of disappointment and playful insistence he stay a little longer, but people slowly leave.
Jeff figures he did what he came for and is about to leave before remembering he didn’t offer anything for his cause. Pulling his wallet out he approaches as he stands up.
Barcode turned quickly and they were face to face, a surprised expression on his face. “Oh! Hi again.”
“Hi.” Jeff smiles a little. He waves the money in his hand a little. “I forgot.”
He opens the box with a smile and then closes it once he puts the money in. “Thank you!”
They stand in silence just looking at each other. Jeff isn’t sure why he isn’t just walking away by now, and from the curious look on his face Barcode is wondering the same.
“You have a really great voice.” He blurts out and wants to smack himself for the abruptness, but then Barcode looks at him with his bright sparkling Bambi-like eyes and beaming smile and he feels hypnotized, breathless because Barcode looks enchanting in this moment.
“Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
That snapped Jeff out of his trance. He shifts his weight from foot to foot indecisively. He should go now, he should really be walking away by now, but he can’t seem to make himself go.
“Well, I have go now, my bus will be here soon.” Barcode says and after a slight bow starts walking away.
Jeff’s hand shoots out and grabs his wrist before he can stop himself.
What the fuck, what the fuck, what the fuck are you doing?! His mind screams at him, and he quickly let’s go.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” He apologizes when Barcode turns to him in surprise.
“It’s ok.” He responds, an uncertain smile on his face.
Jeff both appreciates and dislikes how easily and nicely Barcode accepted his apology. He shouldn’t be ok with people randomly grabbing him like that.
He shakes his head slightly to clear his thoughts. “I was just curious if you are coming again.” He asks “I’d like to donate more next time.” He quickly adds.
Barcode’s smile becomes more comfortable. “Yes! I usually come around the same time every other Friday. Oh! I also post on my sm when I won’t be able to make it.” He rattles off his username and Jeff makes a mental note of it.
“I really do have to go now or I’ll miss my bus.” He says apologetically.
“Oh, yeah.” Jeff says. “I’m Jeff, by the way. Nice to meet you and be safe on the way home.” He finishes lamely.
“Nice meeting you, too, Khun Jeff and thank you again.” He wiggles his bandaged finger, shakes the box a little, and then he’s off after a wave.
Wandering back to his car he buries his face in his hands and groans into them once inside. He can’t believe he just grabbed him like that. “Why did I do that?” He mutters. “So embarrassing.”
Something about Barcode just made Jeff want to spend even a second longer with him. His aura seemed to attract and pull him in. Shaking his head with a sigh he started his car and drove home.
Now that he has his social media handle he won’t have to venture out in hopes of seeing him again. So he can donate more in the future, he reasons with himself.