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Pangi was having the time of his life! His new suit was something he had always wanted. After having his dreams come true and being nominated for the Streamer Awards, he thought it was time to finally get a suit of his own rather than rent one from a store. The choice of suit started as a joke, but now that he was wearing it, it looked so damn good on him. His suit, inspired by his Minecraft suit, was brought to life in its brown-burgundy colour, classy and flattering on his body. The red carpet, while not extravagant, carried an air of exceptional achievement that made his heart pound and his stomach flip with excitement. The photos from this were going to make him look so good that he had to get something professional after all of this.
The best part was getting to experience all of this with his best friend and day one Zam, who probably outdid Pangi as best dressed. The suit was simple and clean, but Zam wore it exceptionally well. Pangi had to convince Zam to wear the crown pin featured in the 2023 streamer awards suit. Zam needed at least a few solo shots alongside the fun poses they took together. Couldn't let Zam's good looks go to waste.
Still, something was missing. Deep in his stomach, Pangi felt someone else should have joined him in all of this. Zam was included without hesitation or question, but if he could have invited just one more person, the night would have felt complete. Lukey should have been nominated in at least one category. He had worked so hard this year and accomplished so much in the few short months that he deserved the recognition. It would have been so easy, too. Lukey was literally in Hollywood right now. Just not here… Not with him.
In some messed-up twist of fate, Lukey had his own event tonight anyway, making it impossible for him to be here tonight. It didn't ruin Pangi's night. He was still having the time of his life, and that wasn't about to change, even if he didn't win the award.
After they finished on the red carpet, they moved on to the next part of the event. This felt like a good time, as any, to use the toilet, so he left Zam to freshen up.
Pangi looked in the mirror and ran his fingers through his hair.
Buzz! Buzz!
Pangi fished his phone from his pocket. The name on the notification made his face light up, and he didn't miss a beat to swipe up and read:
LUCAS OSBORN
"Best of luck today, mate. Looking good as always ;)"
Pangi's fingers started typing out a message.
"Thanks m"-
He froze.
His fingers stopped immediately.
Wait. He didn't post anything today to show his fit. He hadn't appeared in anyone's stream. He hadn't even sent a picture to Lukey yet. He was about to post a mirror selfie to his story and take another Pangi exclusive one just for Lukey, but that was still in the works.
How the hell had he seen him to know he looked good?
Maybe it was a guess. Pangi decided to ignore it for the moment. He took his mirror selfie, posted it, and left.
Still, in the back of his head, his mind couldn't settle. Always the cryptic Lucas. Pangi couldn't help but keep his head on a swivel, scanning the crowd to look for the tall (not as tall as him) British man. Part of him wished he could see Lukey somewhere, but the other part knew it was too good to be true.
"You good, buddy?"
Zam appeared in front of him. It startled Pangi to see his friend pop out of nowhere, but it was a welcome interruption. Far better than the other one that sent his senses spinning.
"Yeah, sorry. Got distracted." Pangi tried his best to compose himself.
"Nerves can do that. But you got this. I think you'll win, Pangi." Zam's face was so sincere, so bright, that Pangi almost believed the sentiment himself.
"Thanks, Zam. You ready to get our seats?" Pangi wanted to move on and lock in for the event.
"Not without taking advantage of the free drinks. You in?" Zam's spark of joy was always infectious.
Then something caught his eye. Maybe he was seeing things.
"Pangi?" Zam's voice snapped his attention back again.
"I'll get what you're having. Meet me at our table. I want to check on something." Pangi heard Zam, but he didn't want to lose sight of what got his attention. It was already somewhere else.
Did he go through that hallway? How did he even get in here?
Just as easy as he saw the brown hair and stupid, unforgettable face, it was gone. Stupid.
There was no way he was here. It was his imagination playing tricks on him. How could he possibly-
A door creaked open behind him. Something tugged him back. His legs stumbled and he almost lost his balance. Before he could even process it, he found himself face-to-face with Lucas.
"Lukey! How did you-"
Lukey's hand covered Pangi's mouth, silencing him immediately. He then slowly let go and dropped his hand to his side.
"You can get into pretty much anywhere with a camera and some confidence," Lukey whispered. A camera hung around his neck. He slipped it off and set it down on a stack of boxes.
Only then did they seem to realise they were in a broom closet. How cliché. Pangi then finally took in what Lukey was wearing. It was his classic black suit. The one he had already gotten to know countless times. It always looked good on him.
"You don't even have a badge! You stuck in?" Pangi giggled, impressed by the man's side questing abilities. "You have a whole other thing tonight."
Lukey brushed it off with a shrug and a wave of his hand, "Not for another hour. I had to at least try to see you. Didn't know if I'd get a chance to this whole trip."
"By trespassing," Pangi teased. The serious crime was not taken so seriously by the smile on Pangi's face.
"Not the worst I've done," a smile plastered on Lukey's face. He was loving the thrill of it. And Pangi hoped part of that smile was because of him.
Pangi couldn't help but giggle again. "And that's all you wanted to do."
Lukey stepped closer to him. It wasn't uncomfortable. Personal space was not a thing between them, not for a long while. The tension instantly skyrocketed.
"Well… not all."
Lukey crashed his lips to Pangi's, and Pangi melted instantly. The heat of Lukey's lips became the warmth of his mouth. Heat, but also comfort. A thrill in his stomach that burned like glittering sparks turning into a dazzling blaze. He wanted more, desperately, but he knew he couldn't get more. The warmth vanished far too soon as Lukey pulled away, leaving only a tingling echo that kept him in a daze.
"You got this, man. Rooting for you, as always." Lukey slipped out the door, taking his camera with him. But in classic Lukey fashion, he couldn't leave without some final remark.
"I was right, the suit does look good on you."
He gave a wink, then closed the door behind him.
Fuck…
Pangi ran his fingers through his hair. One thing was for sure: Nothing could ruin his night now. Not even losing the award.