Chapter 25 - Sweetheart.

The day before their trip to the beach, Akara was dragged out shopping for new clothes. Sometimes he wondered if Intha didn't know how to use a washing machine or something, considering how rarely he repeated outfits. But honestly, it wasn't a bad thing. It gave Akara the perfect excuse to slip away while Intha took forever picking out clothes. He told Intha he was going to buy flip-flops for walking on the beach, but in reality, he wandered over to the jewellery counter to pick up the couple's rings he'd ordered online.

Akara lived by the principle of reciprocation. Intha had already given him so many things, so it was only fair to give something back. A ring seemed like the perfect gesture. And they could wear them together... the ultimate cute couple moment. He discreetly tucked the small ring box into his cross-body bag, refusing a shopping bag to avoid suspicion. He planned to give it to Intha on the beach during a romantic sunset. And then… Rrrrr... Rrrr...

The vibration of his phone snapped Akara out of his daydream about a sweet, imaginary kiss scene. He glanced at the screen and saw it was Intha calling, so he answered without hesitation.

[Where are you, Eung? Done buying flip-flops yet?]

"Not yet. I'm still choosin'," Akara replied casually. Damn, I just lied to him. I haven't even gone to the flip-flop section yet. I'm busy preparing a surprise to become the perfect in-law for his family.

I ran into some friends, and we're grabbing food. Once you're done, meet us at XXX restaurant, okay? Hurry up, I miss you already.]

"Got it. I'll head over soon. Order somethin' for me," Akara replied. Hearing the name of the restaurant, he quickly made his way to the flip-flop section, picked a pair he liked, and paid for it without much thought. With the bag in hand, he headed to the restaurant where Intha was waiting. Nothing seemed suspicious. He was confident he played it off perfectly. 

At the restaurant, it wasn't hard to spot Intha. His good looks were one thing, but his outfit made him stand out even more. At first, Akara thought Intha had dressed casually in a plain t-shirt and shorts. But before leaving the house, Intha had grabbed a grey beret to complete his look.

You couldn't underestimate this guy. He looked like he was dressed for winter, even though Bangkok's weather was pushing forty degrees Celsius. Akara stopped mentally complaining about his hubby's fashion choices when he spotted the grey beret prominently displayed in a private corner of the restaurant. Across from Intha sat two young men-one dressed casually and comfortably, the other still in a university student uniform.

"Eung-eung, over here!" Intha called out coolly, raising his hand. His call drew the attention of the two men at the table, who turned to look at Akara. Akara noticed the two men looked somewhat alike. His curiosity was soon satisfied when, after sitting down, Intha introduced them.

"This is Ohyay, my boxing coach. And this is Yak, Ohyay's younger brother. And this is Eung, my wifey," Intha said with a proud smile.

Akara politely greeted Ohyay with a slight bow. Who names their kid Ohyay... Ohyay, Ohyay, Ohyay… Then he turned to smile at Yak, who seemed younger. Wow... Yak is ridiculously handsome. He's got such an aura...

"Here, take a look at the menu," Ohyay said gruffly, handing Akara the menu. His demeanour was rough and curt, but at least he was considerate enough to pass the menu. "Your boyfriend looks pretty capable. Eung, right? Interested in joining my boxing gym?"

"Ah, no thanks. I'm not into violence," Akara replied sweetly, holding back the urge to snap back with something snarky. With this princess-like demeanour, how could anyone think I'd want to be a boxer? Sure, I could kick down a banana tree, but I don't like violence, okay? Just saying. Fingers crossed...

"Really? That's a shame. What about you, Intha? Interested?"

"Nope, no time. My boyfriend and I run a bar, so we don't have time to train. Why don't you get back in the ring yourself, Ohyay?"

"I've retired," Ohyay replied nonchalantly, flexing his muscular arm to call over a waiter. He ordered, ordered, and ordered some more, then waved the waiter off to take orders from the others. His intimidating demeanour made the waiter's hands tremble as she walked over to Yak, looking nervous, before her expression softened.

"What would you like?" the waiter asked sweetly, blushing as Yak's deep voice responded.

"I'll have whatever he just ordered, but make it medium spicy," Yak said politely.

"Yak, I want it really spicy," Ohyay interjected.

"I can't handle spicy food," Yak replied calmly.

"Then order separately," Ohyay grumbled.

"I won't finish it, and the other two don't eat spicy food like you," Yak reasoned. Ohyay scowled but relented, letting Yak's medium-spicy order stand. He added another dish for himself, emphasising to the waiter that it should be extra spicy.

"So, you guys went shopping? Bought a ton of stuff," Ohyay remarked, eyeing the bags Akara and Intha had brought.

"Yeah, we're heading to the beach tomorrow. A little bonding trip," Intha replied with a smile.

"Can a beach trip really help with bonding?" Yak asked, his dark eyes glimmering with curiosity.

"It can. We fell in love after a trip together," Intha said with a soft smile, knowing from Ohyay that Yak was experiencing his first love. "You should invite the person you like to go on a trip. It's a good way to get to know each other better."

"Alright, I'll give it a try," Yak said.

"Does that really work?" Ohyay asked sceptically, shaking his head.

"You won't know until you try. By the way... do you have someone, Ohyay?"

"No, but I'd like to go on a trip. Yak, I'm coming with you," Ohyay declared.

"Why would you tag along and be a third wheel?" Yak retorted.

"You little brat. What, you want me to go alone?"

"If you want company, invite Cherry. He'd definitely say yes. That way, you won't be alone," Yak suggested.

"He'd do something to me, for sure," Ohyay muttered.

"But Cherry mightn't go. Last time, you were pretty harsh with him. If I were Cherry, I'd be so mad I wouldn't even show up at your funeral," Yak teased

"I wasn't that harsh," Ohyay defended himself.

"You were. Really harsh, I saw Cherry crying on his way home," Yak said.

Ohyay clicked his tongue and stopped paying attention to his brother, who was now furiously typing on his phone. He turned back to Intha, whom he hadn't seen in a while. But when he looked, he saw Intha feeding Akara longan fruit from a glass of longan juice. Ugh, too much love in the air.

"Why is everyone in love?" Ohyay grumbled.

"If you're jealous, go find someone," Intha replied, still focused on Akara and not even glancing at Ohyay.

"It's not that easy for me," Ohyay admitted.

"Maybe you're making it hard for yourself? Love isn't hard for Eung and me, right?" Intha said, turning to Akara, who nodded in agreement. Love with Intha really wasn't hard at all. When it's the right person, it doesn't take effort. One more point for Akara in the 'best partner' category.

"It's not that. It's just that at the gym, there's this guy who acts as if he owns me. I don't have time to date someone. It's annoying," Ohyay complained.

"You mean Cherry?" Intha asked, and Ohyay immediately nodded.

"But when he's not around, you get restless and drag your brother to the mall to kill time, right?" Yak said, crunching on ice. Intha and Akara both turned to look at Ohyay. "If you feel bad about being harsh, just apologise."

"I don't feel bad," Ohyay denied, watching Akara refill his glass with ice. The way Akara's voice softened when he spoke to Intha reminded him of someone. Cherry used to talk to him like that, too...

"Well, that's good then. You'll have time to find someone. My wifey has plenty of cute friends. Right, Eung? Got any single ones to introduce to my bro?" Intha teased, nudging Akara's leg under the table. Akara, ever the quick thinker, played along immediately. "Of course! So, Ohyay, what's your type? Fair-skinned and delicate or bold and strikin'?"

"Fair-skinned, talkative, and with a high-pitched voice, I guess," Ohyay replied.

Intha and Yak both sighed simultaneously. Ohyay's type was unmistakably Cherry.

"Why are you two sighing?" Ohyay asked, confused

"Oh, nothing. Eung, introduce someone to Ohyay quickly," Intha said, brushing it off.

Akara pulled out his phone, pretending to search for someone to introduce, but Ohyay shook his head, declining the offer. Instead, he sat back and watched the lovebirds, Intha and Akara, until he felt full without even touching his food. The sweetness was so overwhelming that it made him want to gag. Meanwhile, Yak was blushing furiously, texting someone on his phone.

Maybe I'll just book a beachfront room to kill time, Ohyay thought, pulling out his phone. He updated his status to say he was going to Samet Island and waited... waited for a notification. Ding...

'Ohyay, are you going to the beach? Who are you going with? When are you going?' None of your business. You've been gone for days. I thought my life would finally be peaceful.

'Even if you're mean, I won't give up. So, when are you going?'

'I'm going on Saturday.'

'Oh, I'm going to Samed this Saturday too. Can I hitch a ride with you?'

'Gas money?'

I give you everything in my wallet, plus my love. Ohyay set his phone down on the table, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, spreading to his eyes.

"What are you packing for the beach, Intha? I'm going, too. Too lazy to make my own list," Ohyay asked casually.

"Condoms," Intha replied with a sweet smile. He'd just witnessed someone else fall in love.

"Why would I need that? I'm going alone!"

Waking up early was a monumental challenge for Akara-or to put it more bluntly, waking up early was an absolute nightmare for him. He'd been dragged out of bed to shower and get dressed at the crack of dawn. Naturally, the lack of sleep led him to doze off again in the car. It wasn't until Intha shook him awake mid-morning that he realised they'd left the bustling city of Bangkok and arrived at the ferry terminal.

"The sea!!!" Akara shouted, clutching his plush doll, Eun, tightly to his chest. Soon, though, Eun would be left behind in the car because Intha refused to let their daughter board the ferry to the island

They weren't going far-just to a nearby island, KohLarn. Both Intha and Akara were worried about their bar, so they decided a short one-or two-day getaway would suffice before returning to oversee the ongoing renovations.

"Out of the car!" Intha shouted back at Akara, snatching Eun to plant kisses on her cheeks. 

"Stay in the car, sweetie. Mommy and Daddy will be back tomorrow. Be a good girl, okay?"

"Why do you have to make me scared of such a cute doll?" Akara muttered, feeling like Eun resembled one of those creepy possessed dolls more than the soft, cuddly plush he usually hugged. It was all because of the weird things Intha said. And when he noticed that I was scared, "Eun, guard the car for Daddy, okay?"

"If she answers, I'm runnin' for my life," Akara quipped. Intha shrugged and stepped out of the car first. He walked to the trunk, pulled out two large backpacks, and slung them over his shoulders-one for Akara and one for himself.

"I can carry mine," Akara offered.

"No need. Just carry the camera bag," Intha replied, brushing off Akara's offer as he approached. Akara quickly checked to make sure they hadn't forgotten anything important before telling his beloved Intha to lock the car.

They walked together to buy ferry tickets, snapped a quick photo with the Pattaya sign, and then boarded the ferry. They were among the last to board, as the ferry began moving shortly after they found their seats. The smell of exhaust mixed with the faint scent of the sea, and the warm, humid breeze blowing steadily against them was oddly relaxing.

Intha pulled out his camera to take pictures of Akara, while Akara took the camera to snap photos of him. By the time they stopped playing around, they realised the ferry was already drifting in the middle of the sea.

"Not many people, huh?" Intha said, draping an arm around Akara's shoulders and crossing his legs comfortably.

"Well, it's a weekday. It's always quieter. What made you think of bringin' me to Koh Larn?"

"I haven't been here in a while," Intha replied.

"The last time I came was in my third year of university. Not that long ago," Akara said.

"For me, it was back in high school. The first time I lost my virginity was here," Intha said with a grin.

"Eww! How can you talk about that with such a happy face?" Akara exclaimed.

"Why not? Sex feels good," Intha said nonchalantly.

"Keep your voice down," Akara hissed, pressing a finger to Intha's lips. They weren't the only ones on the ferry, after all. Intha never seemed to care about embarrassing himself in front of others.

"Fine. Are you gonna swim as soon as we get there?"

"Of course! I'm puttin' on my mermaid tail by the beach. I've already planned the poses for the photos. You'll take them for me, right?"

"What's in it for me?"

"You'll see," Akara said, winking twice at Intha, who responded by pinching his cheek hard.

"You're so adorable.

"That's just how it is when you're this cute," Akara replied smugly.

After about an hour, they arrived on the island. The sun was blazing, and the wind was calm-perfect weather for lounging in an air-conditioned room rather than heading out to swim. Maybe they'd wait until the sun wasn't so harsh before going out to the water.

Akara was ready to lie down and relax, but Intha, ever the hungry one, dragged him onto a motorbike and sped off to a cosy café that Intha had listed as a must-visit the day before.

Once inside, they ordered food. While waiting for their meals, Akara noticed the café, which had been relatively empty when they arrived, was starting to fill up. Most of the customers were foreigners, with only a few Thais scattered throughout. Akara couldn't help but notice that some of the women were glancing at Intha repeatedly. Maybe it was his strikingly fair skin, or perhaps it was the way he tied his hair up in a bun and sat there looking like a puppy... Akara wasn't sure. But one thing was certain… Intha was handsome. And cute, too. Thank you for this space to gush about my boyfriend.

"What's wrong? You look tense," Intha asked

"Nothin'. I'm not tense," Akara replied.

"You are. Did I order something you don't like?" Intha asked, rubbing his hands on his knees and blinking innocently at Akara, who seemed annoyed.

"No, I like it," Akara said.

"Then why the grumpy face?"

"I'm not grumpy. I just don't want that table over there lookin' this way," Akara admitted softly, focusing on choosing a drink. Intha had ordered the main dishes, leaving the desserts and drinks for Akara to decide.

"Are you jealous?"

"If you're gonna look at them, at least be subtle about it. And look! You even smiled at them!"

Ugh!!! How could he smile at those women at that table? I get that he likes to keep a soft smile on his face… But still... I'm not okay with it. I'm possessive, okay?!

"I smiled because I was laughing at you, not at anyone else," Intha explained.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. I'd swear to god with my life."

"Did you ask god if he wants your life?" Akara teased.

"He seemed not to mind when I screamed his name," Intha shot back.

"Not talkin' to you anymore. Ugh," Akara said, turning away.

"Don't run away. I just found out you can get jealous too," Intha teased further.

"I'm super jealous, okay?" Akara admitted, shaking his head and rolling up his t-shirt sleeves to vent his frustration.

"Really? Back at the bar, way more people were looking at me, and you didn't seem to care. You acted jealous for two minutes and then moved on."

"Well, I was busy with work at the bar. Now that I'm not workin', I can be extra jealous," Akara explained

"Oh, I thought I didn't matter to you anymore," Intha said, feigning a hurt tone.

"You matter. You're my sweetheart," Akara said.

"Whose sweetheart?"

"Akara's one and only," Akara replied.

"My heart isn't mine anymore. It belongs to Akara alone," Intha said, burying his face in the table, blushing from Akara's sweet words. It's rare for Akara to say something so sweet. Intha's heart felt like it wasn't his own anymore.

"Stop bein' so dramatic. Now get up and deal with the situation you caused," Akara said

"What situation?" Intha asked, lifting his head just in time to see one of the women he'd accidentally smiled at walking toward their table. Oh crap. Will I get thrown into the sea? No, please... I don't want to die yet. I haven't even spent all my savings.

"Excuse me. My friend likes you. We saw you smile earlier. Could we get your LINE ID?" the woman asked.

Oh no. Akara turned his face away, glaring out the window with a menacing smile aimed at the vast ocean. murderous. Am I going to die? Am I?

"Uh... I'm not single," Intha quickly clarified, hoping to diffuse the situation and stop Akara from looking so

"That's okay. She isn't here, right?"

"Uh..." Intha stammered, trying to think of a polite way to decline, but Akara beat him to it.

"Do people these days just take who they want without caring if someone's already taken? Don't you care that he's not single?" Akara said, his voice calm but sharp. Oh, sweet girl, you probably think Intha and I aren't a couple. Sorry to disappoint, but the guy whose LINE ID you're asking for is my hubby.

"We could just hang out or talk while we're here. Once we leave, we won't contact each other again. Your girlfriend won't know. You could let your friend hang out with my friend, and you could come with me," the woman Suggested

"Nope. I don't date chicks. And the guy your friend likes? He's mine," Akara said bluntly.

"..." The young woman froze, glancing back and forth between Intha and Akara.

"Eung-eung, you're so straightforward," Intha said, clapping for his wife's decisiveness. One point for Intha in the 'praising the boyfriend' category. The score was now tied with Akara.

"Uh, sorry about that. I didn't realise," the woman said awkwardly before retreating to her group of friends, who had been watching the interaction with anticipation. The group quickly paid their bill and left the café, but not before the woman stole one last glance at the two handsome men at the table.

Embarrassed, the woman left, but the instigator of the situation sat there laughing, only to get smacked on the forehead with a menu by Akara.

"What's so funny?" Akara asked.

"Why do you call women 'chicks'?" Intha asked, still laughing.

"I don't know. Everyone else calls them that. What should I call them? Snakes with forked tongues?" Akara said, frowning as Intha laughed even harder, doubling over.

"Stop laughin' already," Akara said.

"I just find you so endearing. Have you decided what dessert you want yet?" Intha asked, trying to stifle his laughter and change the subject.

"Yes, I'll have this one and this one," Akara said, pointing at the menu.

"Okay, I'll order for you," Intha said.

"Stop laughin'. It's not funny. Having some chicks try to steal my boyfriend isn't funny," Akara grumbled.

"If she could even come close to being as dorky as you, I might let her try," Intha teased.

"Oh, so just 'cause I love you, you think you can call me words, huh?!" Akara snapped.

"Don't be upset. Fine, it's my fault. I won't tease you anymore," Intha said, trying to placate him.

"Too late. You're sleepin' on the balcony tonight," Akara declared.

"No," Intha replied firmly.

"Then sleep on the floor," Akara said.

"Not doing that either," Intha said, just as stubbornly. Intha shook his head at Akara's antics, then offered a broad smile before heading to the counter to order some dessert. On his way back, he made a point to sit on the same side of the table as Akara. This time, he attracted even more curious glances, but naturally, no one dared to intrude on their relationship.

Akara will always be Intha's one and only sweetheart. Remember that!