Shorter Than You

Chapter 1

Rain stood on tiptoe in front of the mirror, brushing through his soft blond hair as it brushed the nape of his neck. The oversized hoodie he wore nearly swallowed him whole, the sleeves hiding his hands. He was pouting slightly-partly because his bangs kept falling into his eyes, and partly because he'd just gotten off a call with his mom, who still thought he was sixteen.

"Need help, shortcake?" came a voice behind him.
Rain jumped, turning to see Phayu leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed over his massive chest. He wore a tight black tank top that showed off every curve of muscle on his broad frame. Rain narrowed his eyes, which only made Phayu grin wider.

"You're not even that tall," Rain muttered, crossing his arms.
Phayu pushed off the frame and walked over, towering over Rain until they were only inches apart. "I'm 6'1. You're 5'4. That's a whole head, Rain." "I'm not that small," Rain huffed.
"You are," Phayu said, reaching over to ruffle his hair. "But it's cute. You're cute." Rain's pout deepened, which only made Phayu chuckle. "See? That little pout. Dangerous."
"You're annoying." "Maybe. But you love it." Rain turned back to the mirror to hide the blush creeping up his cheeks. "Go away, P'Phayu."

"Nope." Phayu slid his arms around Rain's waist from behind, resting his chin gently on top of Rain's head. "You know, sometimes I think the only reason you're so pouty is because you know it drives me crazy."

Rain's reflection met Phayu's eyes in the mirror, his big doe eyes wide and soft. "Maybe," he whispered.
Phayu tightened his hold, heart thudding. He had always teased, always flirted-but right now, it didn't feel like a joke anymore. "Rain..." "Yes?" Rain asked, still watching him through the mirror. "I'm completely gone for you," he said quietly. "Even if you're pocket-sized."

Rain laughed softly, turning in his arms. "Then you better be ready to carry me around forever, big guy." Phayu smiled, dipping his head to gently kiss those irresistible pouty lips. "Happily."

Rain's breath hitched as Phayu's lips brushed his. It started soft-tentative, like he was still testing the waters-but Rain leaned in, closed the space between them, and kissed him back with more confidence than Phayu had ever seen from him.

That pouty mouth-God, Phayu had dreamed of it. But nothing compared to the real thing. Plush, warm, and yielding. He tasted sweet, like strawberry lip balm and something uniquely Rain.

Phayu backed him toward the dresser, crowding him with his larger frame until Rain's lower back bumped the edge. One hand slid under the hem of Rain's hoodie, splaying wide against his bare waist.

"You really are so small," Phayu murmured, dragging his lips down to the corner of Rain's mouth, then to his jaw. "I could pick you up with one arm." "Then do it," Rain dared, breathless. Phayu grinned, and before Rain could blink, his feet left the floor. Strong arms wrapped under his thighs and lifted him onto the dresser with ease. Rain let out a surprised sound, gripping Phayu's shoulders.

"Show-off," he mumbled, but his cheeks were flushed, his legs spreading just enough for Phayu to fit between them.
"You like it," Phayu said, voice low. His hands slid under the hoodie, roaming Rain's sides, memorizing every curve and dip of his small frame.

Rain leaned forward, pressing kisses along Phayu's neck, slow and deliberate. "Maybe I do." Phayu groaned softly, hands gripping Rain's hips. "If you keep doing that, Rain, I won't stop." Rain met his gaze, doe eyes wide and shimmering-but this time, there was something wicked behind the innocence. "Then don't."