No Strings Attached

Compulsive

The guy sported just a shirt and slacks.

The top buttons of his shirt were undone, giving a glimpse of his toned chest. His sun-kissed skin peeked through the fabric, tempting fingers to reach out and feel its warmth. With messy damp hair and a rugged five o'clock shadow, his strong jawline added to his allure.

He glanced upwards and their eyes locked. "Coffee?"

He gave a slight nod. Placing a plate of sandwiches in front of him, he stared at it in disbelief.

His mouth hung open. "How did you-"

"You have a severe case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, don't you?" He gestured towards the list stuck on the fridge. It detailed his menu for the week.

It lists breakfast and dinner as well as what he drinks to the smallest details such as the amount of sugar and the amount of salt to be put into the food.

He was taken aback and frustrated with the man. "I have many preferences, so I like to plan ahead. As a health-conscious eater, I pay attention to every detail in my meals, including the sugar and salt quantities."

"Absolutely. That's why even the water temperature for coffee matters, doesn't it?"

"Whatever. Did you prepare my coffee correctly?"

His mouth was buzzing and it felt as if a surge of energy was coursing through him. It definitely shouldn't be grinning. It had the potential to be a devastating weapon. It posed a serious threat to both men and women alike.

"I couldn't find your thermometer. You should also place your notes in the designated area for tools to ensure they are more organized and comprehensive."

He shifted his focus elsewhere and brewed a cup of coffee.

He didn't have a moment to spare for his infrared thermometer. He urgently required caffeine.

"Why didn't you mention your lack of experience?" He kept on preparing the coffee.

"I wasn't sure how to bring it up. I couldn't just blurt out, 'Hey, by the way, I'm a virgin, is that cool?'"

"Don't make light of this, you should have-"

"I didn't have any ulterior motive for not telling you. It just didn't seem important to me."

Just like a cup of water but the liquid was burning. He didn't waver on drinking the hot coffee and yet he felt cold in his stomach.

He put down the mug and turned towards Forth. "I apologize if you think I've betrayed your trust. That was never my intention. I don't want to make you feel guilty for being my first, nor do I want to force you into a relationship because of it. It's not that kind of situation, honestly."

"You've had dozens of boyfriends before." His sensual mouth looked hard and unforgiving. But she knew how soft they could be, how firm and...

He nodded to himself.

"Yes, but as you can see, we never got too far. Look, I really don't want to talk about this. I can't just tell you, I'm not going to use my virginity to blackmail you into anything. And giving my virginity to you doesn't mean I have some sentimental attachment to you. It's not like that. . You were just at the right time at the right place, and in that moment, you were the right person. Not the right guy in the sense that you're Mr. Right for me or anything like that. You're just the right guy in that moment. Does that make sense?"

The piercing intensity of Forth's gaze felt like it was delving deep into his very being, unraveling all his fears, aspirations, and innocent fantasies. Has anyone else been captivated and moved by the power of Forth's stare? It would be a pity if he was the only one. He was certain that would be the case if he dared to shut his eyes. With a heavy heart, he rose from his seat and averted his gaze.

"So I guess this ends-"

"I'll pick you up at five-thirty this afternoon.".

He almost let go of his mug as he lowered it to the counter, he strengthened the hold on his mug.

"I can't. We're going to finish something today and I'm going to be out late."

"I'd still pick you up. What time will you get off work?"

"Forth, I don't think-"

"I said what time?" The man's voice was very hard.

"Look, there's no need-"

"Fine. I'll find out about it anyway."

Beam made a face and glared intensely. He appeared prepared to engage in a brawl too. Every part of his body seemed as if it were crafted from solid stone. Even his eyes and lips were intricately carved out of luxurious marble. He confidently claimed that if he were to strike the metal rod, it would shatter without causing any harm.

"Tomorrow, let's go out," he said.

"I can't. I'll do something tomorrow."

"What is it?"

"Work."

A vein popped into Forth's jaw. "It's a holiday tomorrow."

"So?" he asked stiffly.

It carefully pulls the wind. "How about Monday next week-"

"I'm sorry, I have something to-"

"Then, when the f*ck are you free?" It's like an exploded pressure cooker. But his legs were short.

"Not today, not tomorrow, and not on Monday next week either. Look, I have a schedule. I can't throw away my plans just because you want to f*ck. If that's what the f*ck buddy system means, then forget it. I'm not your sex slave. I don't run to you whenever you curl your damned fingers and-"

"Who the hell said anything about sex?" he shouted, his features so tight and so hard he could have been carved from granite. "Are you listening? I'm asking you out to a f*cking dinner."

"The last time I checked, f*ck buddies don't go out to have dinner." He passed it, but the man grabbed his arm.

"Don't turn melodramatic on me. It's just dinner, don't make a big deal out of this."

"Look, Forth-"

"It's just dinner, Beam."

"I'm busy! I'm not trying to be a bitch, I really am busy!"

"Monday," it insisted. "At least make time for me on Monday. I need a date for a charity event. If I ask someone else, they'll think too much of it. You're the only one I can ask to come with me."

In other words, it needs someone who doesn't think there's a deep reason for including it in that event. Maybe that's part of their unwritten duties as f*ck buddies. He felt very tired.

"I'm really on a tight schedule, Forth. I need to get groceries on Thursday and clean some stuff-"

"Are you f*cking kidding me? That's the only reason you can't join me?"

The young man's body was warm again. "My groceries are as important as your charity event-"

"Fine! Let's get your groceries tomorrow. Or just give me the damn list, I'll have someone buy them for you."

"I don't think-"

He let out another groan as his mouth parted once more.

"I'll consider it!" he interjected, trying to hush himself.

The atmosphere was far from pleasant, and he aggressively ran his fingers through his hair. Despite his anger, he still looked stunning, and she despised herself for acknowledging it. Delicately, he tugged at the wind and took hold of her from behind. He guided her towards the living room. "Hurry up, you're going to be late."

*** to be continued ***

How's this update? Catch up with you all later. :)