Teach me, Touch me.
Part 28: Special 7.
The owner of a luxury car showroom carefully planned a special holiday for someone dear to him. He took a newly graduated student, who had only a few free days left before stepping into the working world, on a trip. After much discussion, they settled on a simple plan: a trip to the Andaman Sea within the country.
Although Kanthi had suggested several other countries for the young man to choose from, Gear, being naturally simple and considerate, opted for the beach. He didn't want his new boyfriend to sacrifice too much time and energy on a potentially exhausting journey. Ultimately, the beach became an equally appealing alternative. Going to the beach means you must play in the sea!
That was Gear's thought, but not Kanthi's at all. Gear, playful, adorable, and always eager to try new things, was quite the opposite of Kanthi. Kanthi preferred peace, relaxation, and an escape from the city's chaos. Most importantly, seeing his young boyfriend smile and laugh was one of the successes of this getaway
"Kanthi, you look so handsome."
"You're flattering me again," Kanthi replied with a smile, gently placing his large hand on Gear's soft cheek in an endearing gesture.
Gear didn't often compliment Kanthi's good looks as Kanthi frequently praised his young boyfriend's cuteness. Despite Kanthi's composed and reserved nature, he couldn't help but blush every time he heard such compliments.
Kanthi removed his sunglasses, which had been shielding his sharp eyes, and tucked them into the collar of his dark Hawaiian shirt. The wind pressed the thin fabric against his well-toned body, revealing his sculpted physique.
Paired with simple black shorts, his outfit was perfect for the beach, exuding effortless charm from head to toe. As the evening sun began to soften, the white sandy beach stretched out in front of their luxurious five-star hotel. The setting sun cast a gentle glow, creating shadows of the two as they walked hand in hand along the shore.
Gear tilted his head slightly, making their shadows on the sand appear as if the young man was leaning on the taller man's shoulder. He smiled, clearly pleased with the sight.
"Look, Kanthi! It looks like I'm leaning on your shoulder," Gear said, tugging at the hand holding his to draw attention to the shadow on the sand as they walked. In reality, his head wasn't touching Kanthi's broad shoulder at all.
"It really does," Kanthi replied, stopping to observe what Gear had pointed out. He was enjoying every moment of what Gear did and was ready to laugh along with anything that made the young man happy.
"Watch this," Kanthi said, turning to face his young boyfriend and instructing him to keep his eyes on the shadow. He was about to do something.
Smooch....
"Huh? Kanthi!" Gear exclaimed, his face turning bright red. He'd been tricked into looking at the shadow on the sand, only to have a big peck stolen. Kanthi simply smiled in satisfaction, holding Gear's hand as they continued walking as if nothing had happened.
Kanthi's playful charm always surfaced, even after their relationship status had changed to lovers. The two walked to the end of the beach. Gear took off his shoes and left them near a rock, then tugged Kanthi's hand, ready to run into the sea like an excited child. However, the taller man stood firm, unmoved by the pull, prompting Gear to turn back in confusion.
"Why not? Let's go play in the water," Gear urged.
"You go ahead. I'll wait here."
"Kanthi, but you said you'd take me to play in the water."
"And here we are."
".." Gear fell silent, his bright eyes dimming noticeably. His adorable face turned into a pout, clearly disappointed after mistakenly believing his boyfriend would join him in the water.
"Do you want me to join you?" Kanthi inquired.
"It's fine. You can wait here. I'll play by myself," Gear replied with a serious tone. But Kanthi, knowing his young boyfriend well, could see the rare hint of sulking in him.
Gear scrunched his nose at Kanthi before turning to walk along the shore toward the waves. As the small waves lapped at his feet, soaking them more and more, Kanthi watched his boyfriend's retreating figure with an amused smile. Even when sulking, Gear never acted out childishly. How could Kanthi bear to be unkind to someone so endearing?
Kanthi removed his sunglasses from his shirt collar and unbuttoned his Hawaiian shirt completely, taking it off to reveal his sculpted upper body. He placed all his belongings on the rock near Gear's shoes, leaving his own shoes beside them, and quietly followed Gear into the water.
"Oh! Kanthi!" Gear yelped in surprise as his boyfriend suddenly scooped him up. One arm supported his back while the other cradled his knees. Gear quickly wrapped his arms around Kanthi's neck, holding on tightly. Kanthi smirked, showing no sign of strain as he carried Gear deeper into the sea, the water rising higher with each step.
"Don't squirm, or I might drop you."
"You're going to drop me on purpose! Put me down!" Gear demanded, his tone firm as the water reached Kanthi's waist, and the waves began to soak him thoroughly.
"You want me to let go?" Kanthi asked with a mischievous grin.
"W-wait! Kanthi!" The younger man quickly tightened his hold around Kanthi's neck as he pretended to toss Gear into the sea.
"Heh, what's wrong? You just told me to let go."
"The water will get in my mouth! It's salty! Can't you put me down gently?" Gear's once stern tone softened into a pleading one, making Kanthi smile even more.
".." Kanthi nodded, feigning compliance. But then...Splash!!
In the end, Gear was dropped into the sea. The young man surfaced quickly, his soaked white shirt clinging to his body, and his brown hair dripping wet like a kitten that had fallen into water. Seeing this, Kanthi immediately approached, using his hand to brush Gear's damp hair back and wipe the salty water from his face, all while smiling and laughing.
"Kanthi, you're pranking me!"
"Go ahead, hit me," Kanthi said with an unbothered smile, even grabbing Gear's hand and placing it on his bare chest, inviting him to punish him as he pleased.
"You're always teasing me," Gear scolded, his tone more cute than intimidating. He repeatedly slapped Kanthi's bare chest, leaving faint red marks, his face adorably scrunched up in frustration.
"It's because you're so tease-worthy. You're adorable," Kanthi said, his sweet words and gaze always making Gear flustered. The compliment seemed to tame the feisty kitten.
".."
"Not hitting me anymore?"
"If you tease me again, I'll go back to the hotel."
"Shall we go back now? I was just thinking about lying down with you," Kanthi replied playfully, earning a glare from his pouting boyfriend
"Alright, I won't tease you anymore," Kanthi said, his tone softening as he pressed a kiss to Gear's forehead. That simple gesture made Gear smile shyly, his earlier annoyance disappearing instantly.
"Why did you come into the water? You didn't want to play," Gear asked.
"When my boyfriend sulks and walks into the sea alone, how could I just stand by?" Kanthi replied.
"I wasn't sulking."
"You were feeling a little down."
"Not that much."
"Whether it's a lot or a little, it doesn't matter. As your lover, I won't let you feel bad, not even a bit."
"Then... Why did you take off your shirt? Showing off to someone?"
"..Showing off to my wife," Kanthi replied with a sly smile, leaning in to whisper the words into Gear's ear.
"I don't want to look," Gear said, pretending to be uninterested and averting his gaze from Kanthi's toned chest.
"Do you want to touch it then?" Kanthi teased, grabbing Gear's soft hand and placing it on his chest. Gear glared at him but didn't pull his hand away.
"Or maybe you want to touch here," Kanthi said, moving Gear's hand down to his abs.
".."
"Or maybe here," Kanthi continued, guiding Gear's hand lower, under the water, to touch a certain area through his thin shorts.
"Kanthi!" Gear immediately scolded his boyfriend, his voice sharp as he quickly pulled his hand away.
"Why so surprised? It's not like you've never touched it before."
"..."
"You've even had it in your mouth," Kanthi added bluntly, his mischievous smile growing wider. Gear's eyes widened in shock, his face turning crimson all the way to his ears. Unable to respond, he splashed water at Kanthi before turning and running away in bashfulness.
"What's wrong, good boy? Are you so embarrassed you can't even listen?" Even though Gear had run away, Kanthi quickly caught up and wrapped him in a hug from behind, lifting him off the ground. His toes barely touched the sand as he laughed uncontrollably, trying to escape his boyfriend, who never missed a chance to tease him with words.
"Kanthi, put me down!"
"Heh, you're just too adorable. I don't know why you're so fun to tease," Kanthi said, complying easily. He set Gear back down on the sandy seabed, then placed his wet, salty hand gently on Gear's cheek before brushing it against his lips. Gear scrunched his face in mock disgust and retaliated by splashing water at Kanthi, soaking him all the way to his head.
The salty sea might've unknowingly turned sweet, thanks to the atmosphere and the warmth they shared. Gear got to enjoy playing in the water as much as he wanted, while Kanthi, as his boyfriend, willingly took on the role of his playmate.
"Want a piggyback ride? I'll swim us over there."
"Sure!" Gear exclaimed, immediately jumping onto Kanthi's broad back, causing ripples in the water. Luckily, the man was strong enough to keep them both steady, preventing Gear from falling into the sea.
With his arms wrapped around Kanthi's neck, Gear held on tightly as his lover slowly swam toward a rocky area of the beach.
Along the short journey, Gear's cheerful chatter filled the air. Today, Gear seemed especially happy and lively, enjoying the trip and being indulged by his boyfriend in every way.
"Your cheek tastes salty, Kanthi."
"Well, someone naughty splashed water at me until I was soaked, even my head."
"..." Gear burst into laughter, clearly pleased with himself for getting back at Kanthi. As the sun began to set, casting a twilight glow, Kanthi let Gear climb off his back and sit on one of the rocks while he remained standing in the water, which reached up to his waist.
"How about we head back to the hotel, clean up, and then you can kiss me again?" Kanthi suggested.
"Okay," Gear agreed easily. As a reward for being so agreeable, Kanthi leaned in and planted a soft kiss on the same spot on Gear's cheek.
Kanthi climbed up to sit on the rock as well, positioning Gear between his legs. He pulled Gear's back against his chest, letting him lean into his warmth. In front of them stretched the vast, endless sea, with the large sun slowly sinking into the water, painting the horizon in hues of orange and pink.
"It's so beautiful. I've never seen anything like this before," Gear said, his voice filled with awe.
"Are you happy?" Kanthi asked.
"Very," Gear replied firmly, turning to look at the side profile of his boyfriend, who was holding him close.
"Me too," Kanthi said, pressing a series of kisses to the top of Gear's head, trailing down to his cheek. Gear squirmed and pulled his head away, giggling as Kanthis's stubble tickled him.
"When we get back to the hotel, do you want to soak in a warm bath? I'll prepare it for you," Gear offered.
"I'd love that," Kanthi replied eagerly.
"And can I do you while we're at it?"
"Kanthi!" Gear exclaimed, his voice a mix of shock and embarrassment.