While capturing a shot of a group deep in lively conversation, Prem's gaze wandered across the room. The hall was bathed in a warm, golden glow from ornate chandeliers hanging high above. The guests were dressed to perfection, exuding wealth and sophistication. Women in floor-length designer gowns, shimmering with sequins and beads, glided gracefully across the room, their jewelry sparkling as brightly as the chandeliers above. Men in impeccably tailored suits and polished leather shoes stood in small groups, sipping champagne and exchanging words with easy confidence. Every detail spoke of opulence: the servers moving silently among the crowd, balancing silver trays laden with hors d'oeuvres so delicately arranged they looked like edible art; the soft scent of expensive perfume mingling with the faint aroma of fresh flowers. Prem was mesmerized by what he saw and adjusted his camera, ready to capture not just the luxury but also the stories hidden in the glimmering facade.

Prem moved silently through the bustling crowd, his camera clicking softly as he captured the opulent scene around him. The soft golden light, the delicate floral arrangements, the shimmering gowns-everything exuded luxury.

As he scanned the room, his lens settled on a man standing near the edge of the crowd. Tall, poised, and effortlessly elegant, he seemed out of place, as if his mind was elsewhere. His sharp features were illuminated by the warm glow of the chandeliers. Prem felt a flutter of fascination-a strange pull he couldn't quite explain. The man was captivating.

Prem didn't know why, but something in him told him, that he needed to frame this moment and the beauty within it. He instinctively raised his camera, framing Boun in the viewfinder. The way the warm light fell across his sharp features, the faint hint of restlessness in his eyes-it was the kind of authenticity Prem always sought but rarely found in these events. Without thinking, he pressed the shutter.

The soft click of the camera broke the moment. Boun's head turned, his sharp gaze locking onto Prem's. Their eyes met, and for a heartbeat, the room seemed to still. Prem's breath hitched, and he froze, his camera lowering slightly.

Boun tilted his head, a mix of curiosity and amusement flickering across his face. Then, to Prem's surprise, he began to move toward him. Prem's heart thudded in his chest. He felt a rush of warmth flood his cheeks, and he gripped his camera a little tighter, suddenly hyperaware of every inch of space between them-and how quickly it was disappearing.

As Boun drew closer, the light seemed to follow him, catching the subtle angles of his face and making his dark eyes gleam. Prem couldn't look away, his pulse quickening with every step Boun took. Was it the intensity in Boun's gaze, or the faint, teasing smile playing on his lips? Whatever it was, it sent a shiver of anticipation down Prem's spine.

When Boun finally stopped, just a few feet away, Prem's breath caught. "Are you observing me or something like that?", he asked, his tone light and teasing. The playful glint in his eyes made it clear he wasn't being serious. The corner of his mouth curved into a smirk, softening the question and giving it an air of mischievous charm. "I-no, I mean-I..I am sorry. You just looked.." He trailed off, feeling his cheeks flush hot, the warmth creeping up to his ears. Boun tilted his head again, this time with a deeper curiosity, the smirk fading into something softer, more thoughtful. "I looked what?" he asked, the playful edge in his voice still there, but now tinged with genuine interest. For a moment, Prem stood there, fumbling for the right words, his pulse quickening in his throat. He wasn't sure if it was the question itself or the way Boun was looking at him now, so intently, that made his thoughts scatter.

"I... I mean, you looked like you want to be somewhere else right now," Prem finally managed to say, the words tumbling out before he could second-guess himself. His heart was pounding, but the truth of it felt oddly freeing. "Like... your heart is not really..in it. I could see it in your eyes." Boun's lips parted, in surprise. He didn't think anyone would notice. But Prem did - without even knowing him. It was as if, in that moment, this stranger had read something deep within him, something nobody else saw. They were just staring into each other's eyes for what felt like too long and too short all at once.

"Interesting. What else can you see in my eyes?", Boun asked curiously, his gaze remained steady, as though he were searching for answers. He leaned forward slightly, his features soft yet unreadable, as though daring the other person to truly look beyond the surface. His dark eyes seemed to shimmer, catching the faintest glint of light. Prem swallowed nervously, his throat dry. He tried to meet that piercing gaze, but the strength emanating from the man before him was too much to bear.

„Well, shouldn't you at least tell me your name, since you're studying me like I'm some kind of textbook, Mr. Photographer?" Boun asked mischievously, his voice dipping into a whisper for the last part, a spark of curiosity in his eyes. He raised an eyebrow and examined Prem from head to toe.

Prem blinked, feeling his heart race at the sudden shift in the conversation. Boun's words, soft yet commanding, brought him back to reality. He cleared his throat, suddenly self-conscious, and lowered his camera, realizing he had been holding it too tightly.

"Right... sorry," Prem said, trying to regain his composure. "I'm Prem," he added, offering a sheepish smile, feeling the heat in his cheeks. "I guess I got carried away." "Carried away? By what?", Boun asked softly, with a smirk, his eyes still locked onto Prem's with an intensity that made it hard to look away. Prem didn't answer. "I am Boun, by the way." "I... I know," Prem replied, his voice shaking with nervousness, betraying him before he could even try to hide it. Boun's lips quirked into a knowing smile, clearly amused by the reaction. "You know?" he repeated, his voice rich with curiosity. "How's that?" Prem shifted uncomfortably, the warmth in his cheeks intensifying. He cleared his throat, trying to steady his voice. "Well, I mean... you're, uh, kind of a big deal in the industry, right?" He glanced away, his eyes flicking briefly to the floor before quickly darting back to Boun. "Your family's... famous." He forced himself to meet Boun's gaze again, though it felt like the room had suddenly gotten smaller. "I guess I just... never thought I'd actually meet you."

"Are you disappointed by what you saw?" Boun asked, his voice low and teasing, his eyes still holding Prem's with that same unnerving intensity.

Prem swallowed hard, his cheeks flushed deeper and his heart raced as he tried to find the right words. "No... I mean, I... I didn't mean it like that."

Boun's smile lingered for a moment longer, soft and knowing, as he took a step back and surveyed Prem's flushed face. He let the silence stretch for a beat, sensing the nervous energy that still hung in the air between them.

"Relax," Boun said, his voice gentle now, with just a hint of amusement. "I'm not as intimidating as I probably look." "Sorry," Prem said quietly, looking down for a moment to collect himself. "I didn't mean to make it weird." Boun chuckled, the sound rich and light, and a flicker of something softer crossed his eyes. "It's not weird," he said, voice warm. "It's just... unexpected. But I'm not offended." He paused, a mischievous glint returning. "I'm just curious." "About what?" Prem asked, a shiver running down his spine. Boun's voice dropped to a lower, almost teasing murmur, just enough to make Prem's heart race and his breath shallow. The man leaned forward until Prem could feel the warmth of his breath against his ear. His voice dropped to a low, almost teasing murmur, just enough to make Prem's pulse quicken and his breath shallow.

"About you."