Chapter Text
CHAPTER 1: VOWS AND FIREWORKS
Smart didn’t know what was worse - the fact that his fiancée had eloped with a mechanic, or the fact that her older brother was now standing across from him in a white, tailored suit.
Smart would kill to be anywhere else, even a funeral. Maybe even his own.
“Ugh,” he muttered under his breath, adjusting the stiff collar of his designer suit, “Why does he look like he’s hosting a gala and I look like I’m being sentenced?”
Boom didn’t glance at him. Of course he didn’t. The man had barely said ten words to him since the news broke three days ago. He just stood there, cool and composed, like his secretary had pencilled ‘emergency wedding’ into his diary and he was dutifully checking it off.
It had all started with a promise made long before either of them were even born.
Boom’s father and Smart’s father were best friends, the kind of old-money tycoons who played golf with politicians and made life-altering decisions over cigars and single malt. Somewhere between the fourth hole and the fifth whiskey, they’d decided their families would become one.
Originally, that meant Smart was supposed to marry Boom’s younger sister, Linh - sweet, soft-spoken, and about as memorable to him as a warm glass of water. They’d been on a handful of awkward dinner dates. Once, she spilled boba tea on his white pants and looked like she might cry. That was the most intense emotion either of them had shared.
It didn’t matter. The marriage wasn’t for romance. It was for mergers and headlines.
Smart wasn’t exactly in love, but his ego was sorely bruised when Linh ran off with a man who wore oily overalls and fixed cars for a living.
Now here he was, bridegroom to her brother , because Boom’s father only had two children and “a promise is a promise.”
Because that made absolute sense.
Sure, of course.
The officiant cleared his throat. “Shall we begin?”
Smart glanced sideways at Boom.
The man was calm. Too calm. Poised, elegant, his expression unreadable…like a very expensive cat that might tolerate your presence but also might claw you if you tried to pet it.
Smart glanced sideways.
Boom was smiling. It wasn’t a real smile, not one of warmth or joy. It was the kind Smart had seen in boardroom press releases and glossy annual reports: polite, perfect, and completely unreadable. A mask that said, I am in control, and you will not ruffle me.
“Careful,” Smart muttered. “If you look any more delighted, someone might think you actually want this.”
Boom didn’t even glance at him. “Appearances matter. You should remember that.”
Smart huffed softly, adjusting his collar. “You think this is a product launch?”
Boom’s eyes flicked toward him briefly, that smile never wavering. “People are watching. Don’t slouch.”
Smart jerked his spine upright before he could stop himself, and immediately hated that he'd followed the order.
Damn it.
Why was he taking orders from this man?!
“Wow…” Smart said under his breath, dry as toast. “Should I call you boss now or wait for the honeymoon?”
Boom didn’t miss a beat. “You can try. But I don’t plan to hear much from you on the honeymoon.”
Smart blinked. Was that a joke? A warning?
Hard to tell with that damn smile still in place.
The ceremony continued - swift, rehearsed, and not particularly moving. Smart delivered his vows monotonously from a piece of paper his father’s assistant prepared for him. Boom, naturally, sounded like he’d practiced his delivery with a public speaking coach.
When they exchanged rings, Boom’s hand brushed his lightly - his movement sure and graceful at the same time. Smart’s hands were slightly clammy. He blamed the lights. And the panic.
The cameras flashed.
Boom looked pristine.
Smart smiled, sharp at the corners, stiff in the jaw. If Boom could fake it, so could he. He just didn’t have as much practice.
During the photo ops, Boom’s hand found Smart’s waist with a confidence that felt rehearsed. Smart was sure he didn’t imagine the slight tightening when he tried to shuffle a step away.
Boom leaned in just close enough to whisper, “Chin up. Eyes here. Don’t fidget.”
Ugh, all these instructions! Try as he might, Smart could not help but look at Boom. “You do realize I’m not a prop, right?”
Boom’s smile twitched, his perfect white teeth showing. “Could’ve fooled me.” Boom leaned closer to Smart. So close Smart could feel his warm breath on his neck.
Click. Flash. Another perfect shot.
Smart gave a smile but deep sarcasm laced his words. “You really know how to make a guy feel special.”
Boom hummed softly, like a man not the least bit threatened. His hand stayed where it was, firm and polite and just controlling enough to make Smart wonder if he was being subtly puppeteered.
And Smart?
He was already taking mental notes. Not for revenge exactly — not yet — but maybe just... a slight redistribution of power.
He had no idea how yet.
But he’d find a way.
The wedding was a dream come true for anyone who wanted fairy-tale grandeur—crystal chandeliers, red roses everywhere, and guests dressed to perfection, mingling in a ballroom that sparkled like a palace. Perfect, polished, utterly flawless. A dream wedding for many girls.
The reception blurred past in a haze of champagne, canapés, and forced smiles. The guest list was impressive—politicians, conglomerates, celebrities, everyone in Bangkok’s high society—all pretending they’d always supported same-sex marriage.
Boom did most of the talking, of course. He was good at that too. The charming host, privileged, competent son of a tycoon - he played the role well. Boom moved like he’d been born under chandeliers(he probably was…). Smooth, efficient, always on point.
Smart? Smart drifted. Between toasts and to-do lists. Between irritation and awe.
Until he cornered Boom near the dessert table.
“So, Mr. Husband,” he drawled, picking at a piece of cake he wasn’t eating, “should I expect a goodnight kiss, or are you the type who waits three to five business days before engaging in physical affection?”
Boom sipped his champagne. “You’re not as funny as you think you are.”
Smart grinned, unfazed. “Maybe not. It takes someone with a sense of humour to appreciate me.”
Boom studied him for a moment, then set his glass down with calm finality.
“You’re just a boy playing at a man’s game.”
Smart blinked. Then smirked as he watched the older man join the crowd.
“Okay, husband ,” he murmured. “Game on.”
END OF CHAPTER 1
Thank you for reading! Chapter 2 is ready~