It happened that night
Diano went downstairs and stood by the big speaker next to the DJ station. From there, he watched Norman dance with the girl. They were in each other’s arms all the time. Diano was jealous. Wasn’t Norman supposed to dance with him? Wasn’t he the one who had asked Diano out in the first place?
Norman caught sight of him and motioned him over. Left with no exciting options, Diano made his way towards the center of the crowd on the dance floor.
A tall western girl approached him and started dancing with him. Diano smiled as more girls joined in. He avoided looking at Norman. There was no point in feeling upset if Norman didn’t even care.
Sometime later, he felt someone pull him away from the girls. It was Norman.
“Tequila shots?” he asked.
“No.”
“Are you okay?”
Diano shook his head. He looked at his watch. It was well past 3 a.m.
“Do you wanna go home?”
“Yes.”
Norman held his hand and led him towards the lifts. They left without saying goodbye to the girls.
They walked out of the building and down to Queen’s Road Central, from where they got into a minibus for Mong Kok. Diano sat next to the window while Norman took the aisle side. He slid opened the aircon vent. As the minibus turned around and headed towards the Cross Harbour Tunnel, Diano held onto Norman’s arm. Norman, who had closed his eyes, turned to look at him.
“Tired?”
“A bit.” Diano rested his head on Norman’s shoulder.
Norman stuck his folded left knee against the back of the seat in front them.
“You’ll fall.” Diano warned him.
“No way. This knee lock will protect me.” Norman shut his eyes as Diano smiled. Sometimes Norman could be so silly.
Diano had wanted to go back to Causeway Bay but Norman wanted to take him to his place instead. Norman had communicated the whole message by gently pulling him by the hand.
After reaching Norman’s place, Diano headed for the bathroom. He was in the middle of a lukewarm shower when he saw Norman walk in and pick up his toothbrush.
“Hey! I’m not done yet.” Diano hadn’t felt the need to lock the door but he hadn’t expected Norman to walk in either. This was a first.
“That’s okay. I’m just brushing my teeth.”
“You’ll see me in the mirror.”
“Not really. It’s all clouded.”
Diano finished and dried himself behind the shower curtain while Norman laughed.
“Don’t be shy.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
“Only when you’re around.”
“Why?” asked Norman. “Are you afraid of me?”
“No.”
“Then?”
“Can’t tell you. It’s a feeling.”
“Come. Let me see.” Norman laughed.
“No way.” Diano hurried out to the bedroom and started looking for something to wear.
As he slid the wardrobe open, he caught sight of something hanging towards one end. Wondering what it was, he took it out. It was a silky sleeping dress for a lady! It looked new too. What was it doing there? Did Norman want him to wear it? Diano was sure it wasn’t there last time. Most straight people thought gay guys were like girls. Maybe that’s what Norman thought as well? Maybe he wanted to see Diano dressed as a girl. The thought excited him. Although he was not a big fan of role-playing games, the fantasy was difficult to resist. He put it on and went out to hang the wet towel in the balcony. Norman was in the shower, when Diano slipped into the bed and turned out the lights.
After another ten minutes, Norman joined him in bed. At first they lay quietly next to each other. Diano kept staring at the ceiling. He moved his hand slowly to touch Norman’s hand. Norman grabbed his fingers and gently drew him closer.
“What are you wearing?”
“The nightgown.”
“Huh?”
“The lady’s gown you hung for me.”
“Oh?”
“It’s for me, right?” asked Diano.
“Yes.” Norman replied after a few seconds.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Really? You bought it for me?”
“Yes lah,” said Norman. “Do you like it?”
“I wore it for you.” Diano’s heart was pounding hard. “Do you like me wearing it?”
“Yes. I want you to wear it.” Norman drew him closer and gave him a hug.
“I’m afraid,” Diano said.
“Why?”
“I’m afraid I’ll fall in love with you.”
Norman pushed him away.
“What do you mean?” He laughed. “You don’t love me yet?”
“Po Kai! Don’t play me.”
“Play what?” asked Norman.
“Don’t play games with me. You know I love you very much.”
“Everybody loves me.” Norman laughed again.
“Not that love. I mean real love. Boy girl love. Only it is boy boy love in our case.”
“So?”
“I’m afraid, you’ll go away and hurt me.”
“Silly. Don’t think so much.”
“I’m like this.”
“Yes, you’re like this. But love isn’t something you can plan. It happens when it happens. If you plan in advance, that’s not love.”
“I didn’t plan it.” Diano hugged Norman.
“I know that already, stupid.” Norman stroked his hair.
“I’m gay, you’re straight. No matter what I do for you, you may never be satisfied.”
“I’m satisfied already,” said Norman. “You’re a good friend to me.”
“I mean physical satisfaction. I’m afraid you’ll go after girls.”
“That’s natural for me. What can I do?”
“I know.” Diano thought for a minute. “Will you be my boyfriend?”
“I thought I already was?” asked Norman. “Both a boy and a friend!”
“I mean a real boyfriend.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Take care of me. Love me. And…”
“And what?”
“Please don’t bring any girls home. Okay?”
“Huh?”
“If you become my boyfriend, I don’t want you to bring any girls here. Is that okay?”
“Hmm. Okay lah.” Norman laughed. “You’re so possessive already.”
“I’m trying to find what works best for both of us.”
“What about you? Will you go to find another guy?”
“No! Stupid.”
“Why stupid?” asked Norman. “You don’t need sex?”
“I do. But if I love someone, I don’t really care about sex. I love you and I know it’s not easy for you to be physical with me. I can’t control your desire, but I can control mine.” Diano spoke slowly and deliberately, hoping Norman would get the message.
“You really love me that much?”
“Yes. I do.”
“Thanks.”
“So we have a deal?”
“Ha-ha. Now you’re talking like a businessman,” said Norman. “Yes, I’m okay.”
“Is there any condition from your side?” Diano asked.
“You need to come here every night. You have to cook, wash, clean, etc. Everyday.”
“Everyday!”
“Well, at least every weekend.”
“Okay.” Diano rolled his eyes.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I can do that every weekend. But it’s not possible for me to come every night. I have to take care of Jai Jai too.”
“Understood.”
“I’m so happy today.” Diano tightened his hug.
Norman laughed. And then he put a hand behind Diano’s head drawing him up towards his face. Diano’s heart beat so loudly he was afraid Norman would hear it. He held his breath as if by doing so he’d be able to preserve the moment forever.
And then Norman’s lips touched his.
There was a flash of lightning followed by a loud clap of thunder. Raindrops hammered the window.
Diano pulled the blanket on top of their heads as the thunderstorm lit up the harbour.
