You(r) Tuber Vol 1.

20 Chop-khun and In Going to the Beach

 

In's Good Traits

 

1. In is kind, calm, and attentive:)
2. In is responsible.
3. In is great at photography.
4. In loves his family and animals.
5. In respects others.
6. In is a clean person.
7. In has dimples ><
8. In has a good personality, is harmless, and trustworthy.

 

These were the good traits Chop-khun had once written in his diary after officially seeing Intouch. And now, the one thing he thought about adding to the list was: In is an amazing kisser.'

 

Even if he didn't have much experience in this area, he could confidently say that this kiss was truly memorable. Not only because of Intouch's skill, but also because of the emotions conveyed through their first kiss. It was overwhelmingly good. He didn't feel any resistance to the touch, not even a little. On the contrary, it made him realise he had stronger feelings for Intouch than he'd thought. So strong that he was the one to initiate the kiss again. And Intouch responded immediately.

 

Chop-khun, sitting sideways with his legs draped over Intouch's broad lap, wrapped both arms around the man's strong neck. His thighs, exposed under his short sweatpants, were being gently stroked up and down. Occasionally, they were kneaded softly, sending shivers throughout his body. From being the one who started it, he could now only tilt his head to receive the sensations that Intouch led, driving his emotions further and further.

 

It felt like hundreds of butterflies were fluttering in his stomach. His body felt weightless, his heart raced as if he were on a roller coaster, and his mind went blank. He only came back to his senses when his lips were being nibbled and pressed slowly and deliberately before Intouch was gradually pulled away.

 

"You've been bitten," the deep voice teased, as a strong hand cupped Chop-khun's flushed cheek. Dark eyes scanned his reddened face before stopping at his slightly parted lips, which were trying to catch a breath. A thumb gently circled his soft lips before wiping away a clear trace of moisture. The corner of Intouch's mouth curved into a small smile as their eyes met.

 

Although his own heart was racing with joy, Intouch managed to keep his composure. In contrast, Chop-khun's face was bright red, his body stiff as his full awareness returned. The sparkling eyes staring at him made Chop-khun's face burn even hotter. But he mustered his courage and didn't look away. Slowly, he leaned closer to the handsome face before lightly biting the lower lip in front of him once.

 

"Now we're even," he said boldly before burying his face into the broad shoulder. The one who got bitten back smiled so widely that his dimples showed, affected by the gentle yet impactful gesture. Both hands moved to wrap around the smaller person's waist, and his right hand reached up to stroke the head of the person in his arms. At that moment, it wasn't just their bodies that felt warm; their hearts did too.

 

The tender touch on his head made Chop-khun feel so good that he wanted to stay like that for a while longer. But then he realised he'd been sitting on Intouch's legs for too long.

 

"Are your legs tired, In? Let me sit on the floor instead," he said as he started to lift himself up. But before he could move, his waist was gently guided into a seat with his back facing Intouch, positioned between the man's outstretched legs.

 

"Sitting like this isn't tiring," Intouch replied.

 

Hearing that, Chop-khun stretched his legs out as well. However, his back remained straight because he didn't dare lean against the chest behind him. When he glanced at the remaining red wine in the glass, he thought about finishing it. But before he could touch it, a firm voice stopped him.

 

"That's enough. You have to drive later, Khun."

 

"Oh, right. I completely forgot," Chop-khun admitted, sitting still again. Then he felt a hand slide under his left arm to wrap around his stomach, pulling him to lean back against the firm chest until his back was pressed snugly against the muscles. Before he could recover from the warmth spreading through him, his right hand, resting palm-up on his thigh, was covered by a larger hand that began to stroke it slowly.

 

"If you want to drink more, should I drive you home? Or do you want to stay here tonight?"

 

The deep voice near his ear and the touch on his hand made Chop-khun blush. But despite his embarrassment, he tried to respond as normally as possible.

 

"I still have some work to finish tonight. I have to submit it to a client tomorrow. I can't stay over today," he said, pausing for a moment before adding, "Maybe another time."

 

"Alright. Are you sure you're not drunk?"

 

"I'm sure. I only had a little. I can drive just fine. Don't worry," Chop-khun reassured him with a small smile, placing his left arm over the one wrapped around him.

 

 As for his right hand… When his round eyes looked down, his face turned bright red. Intouch's fingers were lightly tracing patterns on his palm, sending a tingling sensation from his stomach to the tips of his toes. After sitting quietly for a while, the conversation resumed.

 

"Do you still have a lot of work out of town, In?"

 

"Just one more job. After that, it's all in Bangkok."

 

"So, the next time we'll see each other is next week when we go on the trip. That's too long," Chop-khun said.

 

"Are you saying you're excited about the trip or about seeing me?" Intouch teased. "Hmm... which one is it?" Chop-khun turned to look at him, squinting cheekily as if deep in thought. His expression was both adorable and mischievous, making Intouch lean down to nibble his ear lightly, repeatedly. The ticklish sensation made Chop-khun scrunch his neck and laugh until his eyes closed.

 

"Alright, alright! I'm excited to go on the trip with you. I can't wait anymore," he admitted with a bright smile.

 

"What about you? Are you more excited about the trip or about seeing me?"

 

"Hmm... which one is it?" Intouch mimicked Chop-khun's earlier gesture, earning a scrunched-up face and laughter in return.

 

"I'm excited to go on the trip with you," Intouch said with a small smile, wrapping both arms around Chop-khun's waist. The person in his embrace felt so relaxed that he leaned fully into him. At that moment, Chop-khun felt as if he were being watched. When he scanned the room, his eyes landed on the wooden shelf on the wall, where Fancy was sitting, staring intently at them. Seeing this, he smiled and nudged Intouch to look. 

 

When the cat's owner turned to see, he shook his head fondly, patting the floor and calling out softly.

 

"Fancy, come here, my little girl."

 

Chop-khun couldn't help but smile at the gentle tone Intouch used with his cat. Even though he'd heard it many times during their phone calls, it still made him smile. The way he talks to his cat… It's so adorable.

 

The small Siamese cat walked over without hesitation. When it reached the two sitting together, it jumped onto Chop-khun's lap and sprawled out, showing its chubby belly. Chop-khun grinned widely at the sight.

 

"Can I touch her belly?"

 

"Better not. She doesn't like it. Scratch her neck instead."

 

Chop-khun nodded, taking note of this new information. Besides not liking her tail touched, Fancy also didn't like her belly touched. Unlike his dog, Kati, who loved being petted anywhere and wasn't shy about it at all. The two of them took turns petting Fancy's head and scratching her neck until the cat closed her eyes in contentment, her body relaxing completely. It didn't take long for Chop-khun, who'd never owned a cat, to be utterly charmed. Fancy hugged his arm and rubbed her face against his hand affectionately.

 

"See? Fancy isn't hard to take care of."

 

"Yeah," Chop-khun agreed, his eyes still on the cat's endearing behaviour. "She's so affectionate. Easier to care for than I thought."

 

"Just like her owner," Intouch teased.

 

Chop-khun smiled. "Really? So, does that mean I have to scratch your neck like this, too?" He turned to meet Intouch's gaze, which held a playful glint.

 

"I wouldn't mind trying that."

 

The increasing playfulness in Intouch made Chop-khun smile. He lifted his hand and lightly scratched Intouch's well-shaped chin.

 

"Are you really easy to take care of? If you stay with me, no mischief, okay?" His soft lips formed the words, his smile reaching his eyes. And that was when Chop-khun saw Intouch blush for the first time. But before he could say anything, a deep whisper near his ear interrupted him.

 

"Don't worry. I'll be your good boy."

 

"..."

 

"You can be 100 per cent sure."

 

Ah...Just how many times has he made my heart race today?

 

Buzz... Buzz... Buzz...

 

Suddenly, the vibration of a phone on the sofa broke the moment. Chop-khun, heart still pounding, handed the cat back to her owner before getting up to grab his phone. He returned and sat cross-legged on the carpet, using his free hand to pet Fancy, who was now on Intouch's lap.

 

"One moment, In. It's probably a client," Chop-khun said, not surprised to see an unknown number on the screen. It wasn't the first time a client had called late at night to discuss work.

 

"Hello, this is Khun speaking."

 

[...]

 

"Hello? Can you hear me?"

 

[Khun, it's Te.]

 

Chop-khun stilled, not expecting the voice on the other end to belong to his ex. Intouch, sitting close by, could clearly hear the voice coming from the phone.

 

[I want to apologise. Can we go back to how we were? I'm so sor-l

 

"Don't call me again," Chop-khun cut him off harshly before ending the call. He glanced at Intouch, who didn't meet his eyes but whose furrowed brows were noticeable. Silence immediately enveloped the two of them.

 

In the living room, the only sound was the hum of the air conditioner working efficiently to cool the room. It was a stark contrast to Chop-khun's rising anxiety over the situation, knowing full well that Intouch had heard everything.

 

'Answer me! Do you love me, or do you want to go back to Khun? Make a choice now. If you want to go back to him, I won't stop you.'

 

The words Intouch overheard outside the restaurant echoed in his mind once again, making it clear that the man had already made his choice. He chose to go back to Chop-khun. Intouch had never brought up Chop-khun's ex because it was a personal matter he didn't want to dig into or interfere with. But now that someone from the past had such intentions, he thought it was time to have a conversation with Chop-khun to clear things up. It was the only way their relationship could properly move forward.

 

"I know who he is," Intouch said. Chop-khun turned to him in surprise. But before he could ask, Intouch began explaining everything, how he'd found the photo in the trash and the incident outside the restaurant. He recounted it all in detail.

 

Chop-khun's first reaction after hearing the story was concern for Intouch's feelings. Intouch had kept this to himself all along, and Chop-khun had no idea. He couldn't even begin to guess how much it'd weighed on him. Maybe Intouch thought he still had feelings for Tewit. If they didn't talk it out now, it'd surely remain a burden in Intouch's heart. And that was the last thing Chop-khun wanted. He didn't want Tewit to be the reason for any problems in his relationship with Intouch.

 

"Honestly, I don't care what outsiders think. I only care about what you think right now, Khun."

 

If Chop-khun chose him, then the ex wouldn't matter at all. Intouch only cared about the person in front of him. But if Chop-khun still loved Tewit and wanted to go back, he had no choice but to accept it, even if it went against what his heart wanted. Chop-khun still has the right to choose because we haven't yet defined what we are. Even though Intouch's voice remained calm and composed as usual, the slight tremble in his eyes didn't escape Chop-khun's notice. Seeing this, Chop-khun shifted to kneel in front of him, cupping Intouch's sharp face with both hands. His clear eyes locked onto Intouch's deep black ones.

 

"I don't feel anything for my ex anymore, not even a little. There's no way, and there's no chance I'd ever go back to him," Chop-khun said firmly, his voice steady and his gaze unwavering, sending a clear message to reassure Intouch.

 

"Right now, I only have you. I only think about you, In."

 

Chop-khun gave a small smile before pressing a soft kiss on Intouch's lips. His thumbs gently stroked the dimples on Intouch's cheeks as their eyes reflected each other's image.

 

"From now on, you can ask me anything. Promise me you won't keep anything that bothers you to yourself again, especially if it's about us," Chop-khun said.

 

Intouch nodded. "You too. You can ask me anything," he replied, his dark eyes soft and captivating as always. Chop-khun's smile widened when he saw Intouch's eyes crinkle with his smile.

 

This unexpected issue led to their first heart-to-heart conversation, and it ended well, with no one feeling hurt. Since they'd started seeing each other, their relationship had been so easy. Both were direct about their feelings-no games, no one trying harder than the other, no exhausting guessing games. Every time they met, it was all about comfort and understanding. As time passed, the good feelings between them only deepened. Even for Chop-khun himself...

 

He'd vowed not to open his heart to anyone easily, not to love anyone that deeply again. That was the resolution he'd made after breaking up with Tewit. Even though he no longer had feelings for his ex, the betrayal from someone he once loved and trusted had left a deep, lingering scar. When Chop-khun loved, he loved with all his heart. It took him a long time to trust and believe in someone. But in the end, he was still hurt.

 

So, giving his all to someone again was something he thought would never happen. But after meeting Intouch, the feelings he'd held onto so firmly were shaken so easily, something no one else had ever managed to do. How can I stop myself when I feel so much for In? I know I can't stop anymore.

 

[Don't call me again.]

 

"Khun, wait! Don't hang up. Listen to me firs-" Tewit immediately redialed the same number, but there was no sign of the other person picking up again.

 

"Damn it," Tewit cursed under his breath when things didn't go as he'd hoped. He tossed his phone carelessly onto the chair by the balcony, only for it to bounce onto the floor. But even seeing that, he didn't care. His eyes turned to the pitch-black sky in front of him.

 

Wearing nothing but boxers, he brought the cigarette to his lips, exhaling a cloud of smoke into the air. His thoughts drifted to the person who'd just hung up on him. The more I hear that voice, the more I miss him.

 

It was the voice that used to wake him up when he overslept, remind him to eat during stressful work periods, call his name repeatedly in bed, and scold him for being messy, yet still help clean up with a pouty face. Tewit chuckled softly at the memory of that adorable expression. He laughed even when his heart ached from his own stupidity. He'd let someone as precious as Chop-khun slip away because he'd grown bored with their stable relationship and craved something new.

 

Initially, pursuing Pluem was just a challenge to pass the time. The more Pluem pulled away, the more he wanted to win him over. In the end, he got caught up in the thrill of the relationship and broke up with Chop-khun. He could still vividly remember the look on Chop-khun's face when he ended things. It was a mix of sadness and confusion. Chop-khun kept asking what had happened, but, out of selfishness to end things as soon as possible, Tewit said only hurtful things and blamed everything on Chop-khun.

 

That day, Chop-khun listened silently, tears streaming down his face. He didn't beg, plead, or ask anything in return, not a single word. At the time, Tewit thought it was for the best. Ending things was easier than he'd expected, and he could start a new life with someone he thought was a better match and wouldn't make life boring. 

 

At first, his relationship with Pluem seemed perfect. They were infatuated with each other, overlooking all flaws. But as the excitement faded and they truly lived together… It wasn't what he'd imagined.

 

Pluem loved him deeply, cared for him, and was always accommodating in bed. But the first major problem he couldn't ignore was Plum's jealousy. Pluem was overly suspicious, turning small issues into big ones. No matter what Tewit did, he was always under scrutiny.

 

The second problem was Kaitun. Kaitun didn't like Pluem, and vice versa. Pluem never tried to get along with his dog, making living together difficult. On top of that, there were countless minor issues that made Tewit feel they weren't compatible. As time went on, he couldn't picture a future with Pluem. Instead, memories of Chop-khun kept resurfacing, and he couldn't help but compare his new partner to his ex. 

 

Chop-khun loved Kaitun as if he were his own dog. He cared for Tewit and Kati equally, even after getting Kati, because he didn't want either of them to feel neglected. Whenever Tewit was busy, Chop-khun would take both dogs out together. ‘I'm worried Kaitun will feel neglected. He might think I don't love him as much anymore.' Chop-khun had once said that to Tewit.

 

Tewit took another drag of his cigarette, glancing at the glowing tip as it burned down. You've been smoking a lot lately, Te. Maybe you should cut back. I'm worried about your health. Is something stressing you out?

 

The words of concern came with a warm hug from behind. He could still remember that comforting touch as if it'd happened yesterday. But now, even if he smoked ten times more, there would be no voice asking him that again. Memories Tewit couldn't forget kept flooding his mind.

 

Chop-khun wasn't demanding or quick-tempered. He never invaded Tewit's personal space to the point of discomfort. But there was one time when Chop-khun seemed genuinely upset. It was when Tewit had snapped and cursed at an employee in his family's restaurant over a mistake. Chop-khun didn't say anything at the time, but later, when they were alone, he spoke seriously: "I don't like it when you're rude to others like that. You can talk to them nicely. I'm telling you now that I really don't like it. I hope you won't act like that again. If it happens again, I'll have to reconsider us. And maybe you should think about apologising to that employee'

 

A few days later, Chop-khun handed him a book about being a good leader, with several passages underlined. Tewit admitted it stung to read, but it stopped him from behaving that way again. Tewit smiled again at the memories. Looking back, Chop-khun had made him a better man. He'd been both a partner and a friend, always by his side, never letting go even on his worst days.

 

‘I don't have any dreams. I don't even know what I like.'

 

‘Why don't we try starting a YouTube channel together? I've been thinking about it for a while. You're great at talking, Te. I think you'd do really well. You might even enjoy it.'

 

It was Chop-khun who'd suggested starting a YouTube channel together. For someone like Tewit, who'd never had any dreams or aspirations, it became the first thing he truly loved and wanted to excel at. Knowing this, Chop-khun willingly sacrificed his own ideas for content to create videos that better suited Tewit, rather than pursuing the content he personally wanted to make.

 

At the time, Tewit knew well that Chop-khun wanted to try making his own videos. But because Chop-khun wasn't confident on camera and was too shy, Tewit never encouraged him to try. He thought Chop-khun wouldn't be able to do it anyway and that it'd only waste more time. Another reason was that as their channel gained more followers, Tewit wanted it to be remembered solely for him. Looking back, Tewit knew how badly he'd treated Chop-khun. 

 

If he could go back, he'd never hurt him or make him cry again. Now, he was willing to atone for everything if it meant Chop-khun would forgive him and give him another chance to prove himself. If he hadn't foolishly pursued Pluem back then, they'd still be happy and in love, just like they'd been for the past five years. The time they'd spent together was the best period of his life. And he wanted that time back.

 

Watching Chop-khun's videos and seeing someone else receive the same smiles he once had was unbearable. The small world where he'd once been a significant part was now being replaced by someone else. He couldn't let that happen. Although the man named Intouch seemed special, Tewit was confident they weren't in a relationship yet. He knew Chop-khun wasn't someone who trusted or easily opened up to others. It'd taken him nearly two years to win Chop-khun's heart and start dating him. He believed he still had a chance, at least more than someone Chop-khun had only recently met. A five-year relationship filled with so many memories couldn't be destroyed so easily.

 

"Are you staying over tonight, Te?"

 

Tewit snapped out of his thoughts at the voice from behind, accompanied by arms wrapping around him. He stubbed out his cigarette in a glass ashtray and removed the arms around his waist. Turning, he faced Pluem, whose bare body bore the marks of his kisses and bites. All of them were Tewit's doing.

 

"No, I'm not staying. We already talked about this. I won't stay over anymore," Tewit said nonchalantly, noticing how the other man's face visibly fell.

 

"But it's really late now. You could just sleep here," Pluem suggested.

 

"So what if it's late? I can still go home," Tewit replied.

 

"I'm just worried about you."

 

"We're not together anymore. These feelings aren't necessary now. You were the one who asked for us to meet occasionally, so you should know that's all this is," Tewit said, his tone emotionless. But every word hit Pluem like a dagger, making his eyes sting with tears.

 

"Okay, then. Maybe you can come see me another time," Pluem replied, his voice trembling.

 

"Actually, it's good you brought this up. I won't be seeing you anymore. I'm going back to Khun."

 

Pluem's sorrowful expression turned to shock at those words.

 

"No, Te, no! You can go back to Khun, but please don't stop seeing me. Please," Pluem pleaded, clinging to Tewit as if letting go would make him disappear. "If I lose you, I'll have no one left. Don't leave me, please. You promised you wouldn't leave me," he cried, tears streaming down his cheeks as he tightened his embrace.

 

Pluem had given up his friends and everything for Tewit, and now Tewit was choosing to leave him so easily.

 

"Pluem, listen. I don't love you. We've already broken up. If this continues, how can we truly move on? You should be with someone who loves you."

 

"But I love you. We can just meet occasionally. Please," Pluem begged, his sobs growing louder as they always did when this topic came up. But Tewit had resolved not to let Pluem’s tears sway him anymore.

 

"No, Pluem. We won't meet again," Tewit repeated firmly, his voice growing sterner.

 

"Why? What's wrong with me? I've done everything for you, everything! What did I do wrong? Why can't it be me? Why can't you love me?"

 

Tewit sighed. He'd tried to feel for Pluem the way he felt for Chop-khun, but he couldn't. The more time passed, the clearer it became. Chop-khun was the only one he loved. No matter how good Pluem was, he could never replace Chop-khun.

 

"I'm sorry for dragging you into this, Pluem. It was my mistake."

 

Mistake. That word only deepened Pluem’s pain. He knew Tewit had made a mistake, a mistake in choosing him. He'd seen it all along, even when they were together. But he'd always tried to convince himself that his love for Tewit would eventually make Tewit feel something for him. It never did. Tewit had never forgotten Chop-khun. Even though he knew this deep down, he couldn't bear to lose the person he loved. Not knowing how else to hold onto Tewit, Pluem knelt down and pulled at Tewit's boxers.

 

"Pluem, stop, stop!" Tewit tried to pull him back up, but it was no use. Desperate, Pluem continued, determined to please him. Tewit's body began to respond despite himself. The familiar touch silenced his protests. What started as resistance turned into him holding Pluem's head, succumbing to the fleeting pleasure from the tearful person. It was the only way Pluem could think of to make Tewit stay. It was all he was worth.

 

Chop-khun woke up earlier than usual today because he had so much to do. After sending Intouch a message to let him know he was awake, he prepared breakfast for Kati and ate his mom's cooking. His early morning was spent watering and fertilising the plants in the small garden in front of his house, while Kati ran around and exercised on the lawn. When the sun grew stronger, Chop-khun brought himself and the little dog back inside. That's when he heard his phone vibrating on the living room table. The caller was exactly who he'd been thinking about.

 

Mr In.

 

The name on the screen made Chop-khun beam widely as he answered. But since Intouch had work to finish filming before catching his evening flight back to Bangkok, their conversation was brief. After hanging up, Chop-khun continued cleaning every corner of the house with a smile, replaying the last words he'd heard before the call ended.

 

‘I'll get back to work now. I miss you, Khun.'

 

By the time everything was spotless, half the morning had passed. But there was still one more thing left to do.

 

"Film camera? Packed. Headphones? Packed. Sunglasses? Packed. Swim trunks-oh, right, I almost forgot that," Chop-khun said, reading his packing checklist on his phone while glancing at the items on the bed. Realising he'd forgotten something important, he walked to the wardrobe, with Kati following closely behind.

 

"Kati, P'Khun won't be home for four days, okay? Tomorrow, you'll stay at my parents' house," he said gently to the little dog, who sat on the floor, tilting his head as if trying to understand.

 

"Next time, I'll take you to a tr-" Chop-khun hurriedly covered his mouth, realising he'd almost said the word.

 

He'd almost let the word "trip' slip out. If Kati heard it, the dog would perk up, thinking he was going on an adventure for sure. Trip, snacks, food, walk, ball, swimming, playtime, Mantou, Kaitun… These were all words Kati had memorised. If any of them were spoken, Kati's ears would perk up, his eyes would sparkle, and his tail would wag excitedly. Seeing Kati's bright eyes, Chop-khun bent down to pick up the tiny dog, giving him a few kisses on the forehead.

 

"I'm sorry I can't take you this time. I have to fly and stop at several places along the way. Next time, we'll go to Khao Yai together, alright? Stay here and play with Mantou for now," he said, feeling a bit relieved when Kati seemed happy at the mention of Mantou. "Let me finish packing first," he added, placing the dog back on the floor. He wanted to finish packing quickly so he could spend more time playing with Kati. Even if he knew the young dog didn't understand everything he said, Chop-khun kept talking to Kati while packing. By the time he was done, he'd spent the entire afternoon and evening giving all his attention to Kati until bedtime.

 

[10:30 PM]

 

[You're filming the opening part when you get to Phuket, right?] Intouch's voice came through the phone.

 

"Yes, just some small footage at the airport. We'll film more once we're in Phuket," Chop-khun replied, snuggled under his blanket, his clear brown eyes glancing at the sharp profile of Intouch on the computer screen.

 

[Got it.]

 

This trip to Phuket was meant to be a vacation for Chop-khun. Even though they planned to film a video, he hadn't outlined a detailed story for it. He wanted the clip to feel as natural as possible, like capturing memories to look back on later. They only had a rough plan for each day, and that was enough.

 

For the clip's mood and tone, Chop-khun envisioned a vintage style that was easy on the eyes while still maintaining a summery vibe.

 

"Are you almost done with work, In?"

 

[Almost, you can go to bed first if you want,] Intouch replied, glancing away from his work to rest his chin on his hand, looking at the phone screen where Chop-khun lay on his side, his cheek pressed against the pillow.

 

"It's okay, I'm not sleepy yet. I'll keep you company."

 

[But I don't want you to just keep me company,] Intouch said in a flat tone.

 

"Why not?" Chop-khun asked, his voice soft with curiosity. Seeing Intouch's calm gaze made his heart sink a little.

 

[I'd rather you stay for something else]

 

Realising what Intouch meant, Chop-khun quickly pulled the blanket over his face.

 

[Why are you covering your face?] Intouch asked, clearly amused.

 

"Because of you," came the muffled reply from under the blanket.

 

[What about me?]

 

"You keep teasing me. You're not going to finish your work at this rate."

 

[Alright, I'll get back to work then]

 

When the teasing stopped, Chop-khun slowly lowered the blanket, revealing his round eyes peeking out. But when he saw Intouch still resting his chin on his hand, staring at him, he clicked his tongue and retreated back under the blanket.

 

"In, stop it."

 

A soft laugh came from the other end before Intouch spoke in a gentler tone.

 

[It's late. You have to go to the airport early tomorrow. You should sleep now.]

 

"Okay. Don't stay up too late, In. See you tomorrow," Chop-khun said, still under the blanket. He ended the call easily, wanting Intouch to focus on his work.

 

[Can I see your face before you go?]

 

Intouch smiled when Chop-khun slowly peeked out from under the blanket.

 

[Sweet dreams.]

 

"Sweet dreams, In," Chop-khun replied with a smile of his own, giving a small wave before ending the call for real.

 

For the past week, Chop-khun had been counting down the days to this trip with excitement. He'd been clearing his work each day with his mind half-absent, constantly thinking about the beach and the person he'd just hung up with. And tomorrow... He'd get to go on a trip with Intouch!

 

"Everyone, I've just arrived in Phuket. For this trip, I'll be here for four days and three nights. But before checking into the hotel and settling in, I'll be stopping for some authentic southern Thai food and taking a stroll around the Old Town."

 

Sitting in the passenger seat of the car, Chop-khun continued, "Right now, I'm in the rental car heading to a restaurant called Mor Mu Dong. It's a famous local spot here with tons of great reviews. It even received a mention in the Michelin Guide in 2019. From what I've seen in the reviews, there are so many dishes that look delicious. Let's go to the restaurant now. I'm starving!"

 

Wearing an oversized white short-sleeved shirt and cream-coloured shorts, Chop-khun rubbed his stomach before turning the camera toward the road to capture additional footage.

 

"Are you hungry, In?" he asked, looking at Intouch, who was driving with sunglasses on, having volunteered to take the wheel since they landed at the airport.

 

"A little. Are you? I packed some bread and strawberry milk in the bag if you want to snack."

 

"Thanks," Chop-khun said, turning off the camera and reaching for Intouch's backpack in the back seat. Seeing his favourite raisin bread and strawberry milk inside made him smile. After wiping his hands with a wet tissue, he unwrapped the bread, tore off a small piece, and held it up to Intouch's mouth.

 

"Let's share," he said. Intouch opened his mouth to take the bread, and at the same time, Chop-khun felt a light nibble on his fingertip. His heart skipped a beat as he looked at Intouch's lips, unable to stop thinking about their last kiss.

 

"Is something wrong?" Intouch asked, noticing the stare.

 

"N-No, I was just lost in thought," Chop-khun stammered, quickly turning his gaze back to the road, missing the small smirk on Intouch's face. Chop-khun alternated between eating the bread and feeding Intouch until it was gone. Afterwards, he helped navigate using the GPS and read out recommended dishes from the restaurant's menu. Occasionally, he explained the appearance of some local dishes they weren't familiar with.

 

After a thirty-minute drive, they arrived at the restaurant, which was situated by a canal and surrounded by lush greenery. Inside, there were multiple seating areas, all fully occupied, a testament to the restaurant's popularity. They took a queue number and pre-ordered their food. Once a table became available, they were seated on the floor in a bamboo hut by the canal.

 

"All the food is here now. Let's start with the first dish. This is squid in black ink soup, a signature dish here. Next, we have stuffed mackerel, followed by stir-fried melinjo leaves with egg, which is In's favourite. Then there's salted pork stir-fry, a must-try according to many reviews. And finally, we have fried eggplant with spices, which is something I wanted to try. Everything looks so good. Let's dig in!"

 

Before reviewing each dish, Chop-khun shifted his focus from the camera in Intouch's hand to the one set up on the side, so Intouch could eat with him.

 

"The first dish is stuffed mackerel. It might look like regular fried mackerel, but the bones have been removed, and the dish is filled with a curry paste, similar to that used in a steamed fish curry. It's really delicious but quite spicy," Chop-khun said, moving the next dish in front of him before taking a bite.

 

"This one is fried eggplant with spices. It's amazing! Normally, I don't like eggplant, but here they grill it until it's tender and top it with a crispy, fried curry paste. The combination is perfect. But I have to say, it's spicy again. I'd give this dish a slogan: 'Super spicy but impossible to stop eating.' This one gets a perfect ten from me," he said, holding up ten fingers for emphasis.

 

Intouch glanced up at Chop-khun, who spoke naturally to the camera, showing no signs of nervousness anymore. Seeing Chop-khun's flushed face and red lips from the spicy food, Intouch slid a glass of cold water toward him. Chop-khun smiled in thanks and took several gulps.

 

"Next is the squid in black ink soup," Chop-khun said, scooping some squid and the dark broth onto his plate before serving the same to Intouch. "This one isn't spicy. You can eat it, In."

 

"Thank you," Intouch replied.

 

"Let's try it together and see how it tastes. Neither of us has had this dish before," Chop-khun said, chewing on the squid and widening his eyes slightly at the unexpectedly delicious flavour. "Wow, this is so good! The squid is fresh and not fishy at all. The broth is slightly sweet and salty. I really like this one. What about you, In?" he asked, looking up from the camera to meet Intouch's gaze.

 

“It's delicious. I like it," Intouch replied, pausing briefly, mirroring Chop-khun's reaction.

 

"Your mouth / Your mouth," they said simultaneously, pointing at each other before bursting into laughter. Their teeth and lips were stained black from the squid ink. They quickly drank water and used tissues to clean their mouths.

 

"If you order this dish, don't forget to check your mouth before leaving the restaurant," Chop-khun said with a smile to the camera before tasting every dish and turning off the camera.

 

"You did great," the cameraman praised sincerely.

 

"It's because of you," Chop-khun replied.

 

Intouch had always helped him with speaking tips and camera angles. Sometimes, they'd video call so Chop-khun could practice talking about various topics, and Intouch would give honest feedback. Chop-khun believed his progress was thanks to Intouch's guidance.

 

"It's not because of me. It's because you're determined."

 

"But if you hadn't guided me, I'd still be awkward," Chop-khun pointed out, scooping some stir-fried melinjo leaves onto Intouch's plate before meeting his gaze. "Thank you for everything. You've helped me so much."

 

"It's nothing. I'm happy to help."

 

Chop-khun smiled back before they turned their focus to the food. They chatted and joked as they ate. Once they were full and had finished filming at the restaurant, they set off for their next destination.

 

"Now we're in the Old Town. It's pretty hot, but there aren't many people around, probably because it's a weekday," Chop-khun remarked, fanning himself with his shirt as he walked along a street lined with colourful old buildings and shops on both sides.

 

"As soon as you step onto this street, you'll feel like you've arrived in the historical area. Most of the buildings here are very unique. The architecture you see now is influenced by both Asian and European styles, known as Sino-European. But it's not just about the beautiful old buildings. There are also local restaurants serving rare Phuket dishes, souvenir shops, street art, and plenty of charming cafes. Let's go explore!"

 

Both Chop-khun and Intouch held cameras, capturing footage at various spots. Along the way, Intouch, a professional, gave Chop-khun photography tips. Intouch let the amateur cameraman try using a gimbal, a tool for stabilising video footage for smoother shots. Chop-khun found learning something new exciting, but after a while, he realised how tiring it was to hold the gimbal for extended periods.

 

"There's so much delicious food around here. There's no way we could try it all in one day," Chop-khun said, turning to Intouch before suddenly changing the subject. "Hey, In, look! That's the A Pong dessert cart!" His slender finger pointed toward a street cart with five or six charcoal stoves lined up in a row, each topped with a small pan.

 

"I used to eat this when I was a kid. It was so good. Have you tried it before?"

 

"I have," Intouch replied.

 

"Do you want some? I'll order it for you."

 

When Intouch shook his head, Chop-khun walked over to order some for himself. But when the vendor said they were sold out for the day, he returned to Intouch, his shoulders slumped and a disappointed look on his face.

 

"They're already sold out. We came too late."

 

Intouch glanced at Chop-khun's slightly pursed lips while Chop-khun suggested they keep walking.

 

They strolled leisurely until Chop-khun stopped in front of a shop selling local fabrics. Inside, the store was filled with various patterned fabrics and traditional outfits hanging on display.

 

"Does your mom like to sew her own clothes, or does she prefer ready-made ones?" Chop-khun asked, turning to Intouch.

 

"A bit of both."

 

"Perfect! I'll buy some fabric for my mom. She loves sewing pants and skirts. I'll get some for your mom, too. Can you help me pick a pattern?"

 

"Sure," Intouch said with a small smile, not refusing Chop-khun's thoughtful gesture.

 

"What kind of style does your mom like?"

 

"She prefers subtle colours and simple patterns."

 

"That's similar to my mom! She also likes soft colours and minimal designs."

 

Chop-khun walked into the shop and asked the owner for recommendations. Eventually, he decided on batik fabric, which came in a variety of patterns and colours. As someone who appreciated art, Chop-khun couldn't help but admire the intricate designs, knowing how much skill it took to weave cultural stories into the fabric.

 

"This one's beautiful. Do you think your mom will like it?" Chop-khun held up a white fabric with an elegant swan design surrounded by flowers for Intouch to see.

 

"It's lovely. I think she'll like it."

 

"Okay, let's go with this one. I'll pick one more pattern."

 

"Alright," Intouch said, his dark eyes watching Chop-khun with fondness. But Chop-khun didn't notice, too focused on choosing the fabric.

 

After they finished picking out the fabric, they continued walking until hunger struck again. They decided to stop at an old local restaurant they passed by.

 

"This is Hokkien Mee, a local dish here. It smells amazing because they cook it over charcoal. It looks a bit like stir-fried yellow noodles with soy sauce, but it has a bit of broth, along with shrimp, pork, and a soft egg on top, kind of like an onsen egg," Chop-khun explained, using a fork to pierce the egg on top. "Look at that runny yolk, like lava! Let me taste it first to tell you how it is."

 

He used chopsticks to pick up the soft noodles and took a bite. His round eyes widened slightly.

 

"It's so good..! And you can add crispy pork rinds to it, too. If you're in Phuket, you have to try this," he said, showing the pork rinds to the camera. Intouch smiled at how many times Chop-khun had exclaimed 'delicious' today.

 

After finishing their savoury meal, they moved on to dessert at Torry's Ice Cream Boutique, located in a pastel pink heritage building. The place was decorated in a vintage style. The café had so many tempting desserts that Chop-khun couldn't decide what to order. Everything looked delicious, but since he was still full, he couldn't order too much. In the end, he chose the dish he wanted to try the most.

 

Chop-khun ordered a dessert called Bigo Moi, which was black sticky rice topped with coconut cream and butterfly pea ice cream. Intouch ordered a dish called Apong, which came with two pieces of the Arpong dessert served alongside Arpong-flavoured ice cream.

 

"Everyone, look at this dessert." Chop-khun picked up the Arpong from Intouch's dish. I asked around what this dessert is actually called because the previous shop spelt it as 'A Pong,' but this café spells it as 'Arpong.' Some people even call it 'Arpongg.' And the final answer is that they're all the same thing."

 

Intouch smiled to himself as he watched Chop-khun's animated face repeating the dessert's name. Chop-khun is so adorable, he thought, feeling like he could watch him talk all day.

 

"In."

 

"Yes?" Intouch looked up from his camera, meeting Chop-khun's gaze.

 

"Do you want a name like this little yummy thing?" Chop-khun gestured toward the Arpong in his hand.

 

"What?" Intouch raised an eyebrow slightly.

 

"In."

 

"..."

 

"In."

 

"..."

 

"Inne," Chop-khun said, shaking his head and furrowing his brows slightly as he realised he used the wrong tone. "Inne."

 

Intouch couldn't help but smile at the childlike side of the person in front of him.

 

"It's too hard. I'll just stick with calling you In," Chop-khun said with a laugh before taking a bite of the dessert, his cheeks puffing up as he chewed with a satisfied expression.

 

"The outer part of the dessert is crispy, like a crispy coconut roll, but the centre is soft and tender. It's fragrant with coconut and slightly sweet. It's really good. And you shouldn't miss the ice cream. I highly recommend it," Chop-khun said, scooping some ice cream and holding it out to Intouch. 

 

"Here, try it." After Intouch took a bite, Chop-khun asked, "How is it? Is it good?" "It's delicious.

 

"Right? Should we order another one to share? I want to try other things, too," Chop-khun said, his eyes sparkling like Fancy's when she wanted a treat. Intouch nodded. He knew Chop-khun had a big appetite, but he didn't realise just how much until now.

 

Even though they ordered different desserts, they ended up sharing everything until it was all gone. Chop-khun learned that when Intouch was on vacation, he didn't take dieting too seriously. He saw it as a time to relax and reward himself.

 

After spending enough time in the Old Town, they decided to head to their hotel. On the way to the car, Chop-khun stopped to buy souvenirs for everyone at home, his grandparents, parents, Teerak, and even the four house staff, until his hands were full. Intouch didn't buy anything since he'd be returning to Phuket with his family the following week. Once everything was settled, it was time to head to the hotel.

 

"Finally, we've arrived at the hotel. We're waiting to check in at the lobby. And this is a chilled fresh coconut welcome drink from the hotel," Chop-khun said, holding up a tall glass for the camera. "What you see in the glass isn't our normal coconut jelly, but 'O-aew,' a local jelly. It's super refreshing and makes a great first impression."

 

After taking a sip of the coconut drink, Chop-khun continued, "I really love the design of this place. It feels so relaxing as soon as you walk in because it's so open and airy. Once we check in, I'll show you the room."

 

The five-star hotel was designed in a modern tropical style, blending simplicity and modernity with natural materials. The hotel was surrounded by tropical plants, creating a lively yet luxurious atmosphere. When it was their turn to check in, Chop-khun put his camera away and handed his ID card to the receptionist.

 

"May I have the other gentleman's ID as well?" the receptionist asked.

 

"Here you go," Intouch said, handing over his card.

 

"Thank you," the receptionist said, pausing briefly before entering the information into the system. Her mind raced as she recognised the surname on the card; it was the same as the hotel owner's. It wasn't hard to guess who was standing in front of her, as she'd heard of the owner's children before.

 

What should I do? Should I inform the manager? Should I provide regular service or offer special privileges? Questions swirled in her mind, but seeing that the owner's son, who'd come as a guest, didn't say anything and waited quietly, she decided to proceed as usual. She returned their ID cards along with the room keycards.

 

"Thank you," Intouch said with a small smile, taking the cards.

 

After spending a bit more time in the lobby, they were ready to head to their private villa. They walked to the hotel's golf cart, which would take them to their room. 

 

The receptionist watched them leave, smiling as she noticed the taller man gently patting the other man's head, who had a cute face. The two walked hand in hand the entire way. It was clear that the person accompanying the owner's son was someone special. She decided not to mention this to anyone, out of respect for their privacy.

 

"And now, we're standing in front of the villa. The room we booked is the Oceanfront Pool Villa, a private villa right by the sea. You can walk straight to the beach from the room. Let's go check it out."

 

Chop-khun opened the large wooden door and led Intouch into the elevated villa. The first thing that caught their attention was the panoramic view of the blue sea through the large glass windows. Chop-khun walked to the sliding glass door in the living room, opened it, and stepped onto the wooden deck by the pool to take in the view.

 

He took a deep breath of fresh air, his eyes scanning the endless stretch of sand and sea before him. Though the weather was still a bit warm, a gentle breeze blew constantly. When his gaze shifted to the large pool in front of him, he felt an urge to jump in immediately. But when he noticed the camera in Intouch's hand, he remembered they were still filming.

 

"The villa you're staying in offers a full sea view from every corner," Chop-khun explained. 

 

"Every room is lined with glass and faces the ocean. But don't worry about privacy; there are lush trees and fences between the villas. Let's take a look inside."

 

Chop-khun kept his explanation brief, knowing that during editing, he'd overlay the footage with relaxing music and scenic shots. As soon as they stepped inside, the cool air-conditioning greeted them, instantly relieving the heat. Chop-khun walked straight to the foot of the king-sized bed in the centre of the room and began speaking again.

 

"This place has all the amenities you'd expect from a five-star hotel. You don't even need to leave the villa, as there are plenty of activities to enjoy here. It's perfect for a relaxing getaway. The highlight here is that every room lets you watch the sunset from your bed. It's incredibly romantic and ideal for couples looking to spend quality time together."

 

He paused mid-sentence, suddenly aware of the quiet gaze from the cameraman. Intouch was looking at him with a subtle smirk. Flustered, Chop-khun cleared his throat and quickly moved to the next room.

 

"The bathroom here is also very spacious. There's a large bathtub where you can soak while watching the sunset." Intouch panned the camera to the tub. It was an oversized white circular tub positioned by a floor-to-ceiling glass window, offering the same stunning view of the sea and pool as the other rooms. 

 

Then, the camera returned to Chop-khun as he spoke again. "There's a light, pleasant scent from the reed diffusers. It's a soft, relaxing, and soothing aroma. The hotel also provides bath bombs and body scrubs, and you can choose the scent and colour at check-in. It's such a thoughtful touch."

 

".." Intouch silently followed as Chop-khun exited the bathroom and headed toward the kitchen area.

 

"Another thing I really love about this hotel is that they dedicate a space for artists to showcase their work for a month. It includes crafts, paintings, photographs, sculptures, and various other art forms. They regularly update the concept, and if guests are interested in any piece, they can purchase it. Sometimes, they even organise activities where guests can create their own art. I think it's a fantastic idea as it provides opportunities and income for artists. I really love the idea."

 

The filming continued until they wrapped up in the living room. Chop-khun immediately sank into the large sofa bed, looking up at Intouch, who'd stopped in front of him. They exchanged quiet glances before Intouch opened his arms wide, a gentle smile on his face. Seeing this, Chop-khun smiled back, stood up, and embraced the taller man. Feeling the warmth of Intouch's hug, he tightened his arms around him even more. 

 

Since meeting at the airport, they'd been busy travelling and filming footage. This was the first moment they truly had to themselves in a week, making this hug their first in days. Chop-khun rested his head against Intouch's chest, looking up into his gentle eyes. "I missed you so much."

 

"I missed you, too," Intouch replied, pressing a kiss to Chop-khun's forehead. He brushed aside the bangs that had fallen over Chop-khun's beautiful eyes. "Are you tired today?"

 

"Not at all. What about you? You've been carrying the camera almost all day. My arms got tired just holding it for a little while," Chop-khun said, concern evident in his voice as his arms remained wrapped around Intouch's waist.

 

"Just a little, but hugging you like this makes all the tiredness go away," Intouch said sincerely. Spending time together like this melted away all the fatigue from work. The embrace only made him feel better. Chop-khun blushed slightly as he smiled, then buried his face in Intouch's chest. "Then let's hug for a long time, okay?"

 

The soft voice and the way Chop-khun nuzzled against his chest like a cat seeking affection made Intouch's heart flutter. His arms tightened around Chop-khun, and he gently stroked his soft hair. "What do you want to do next?"

 

"The sun's about to set. I want to take a walk on the beach. Shall we go?"

 

"Okay. Let me set up the camera by the pool first so we can capture the sunset," Intouch said.

 

Chop-khun pulled away slightly, looking up at Intouch's sharp features. "Right now?" he asked, his voice tinged with disappointment.

 

"Why? Did you want to do something else first?" Intouch raised an eyebrow.

 

"Hug you, of course. I still want to hug you," Chop-khun said, his pout turning into a mischievous grin as he raised an eyebrow playfully. Intouch, caught off guard by the rare teasing, chuckled softly before delivering a line that made Chop-khun's cheeks flush instantly.

 

"We'll be hugging all night anyway."

 

The soft glow of the evening sun reflected off the blue sea, creating a shimmering effect. The long stretch of beach in front of their villa was quiet, with no crowds, allowing the sound of waves crashing against the shore to be heard clearly. A gentle breeze carried the warm sunlight and the salty scent of the ocean, brushing against their skin. The atmosphere was serene, perfect for a leisurely walk.

 

Intouch watched as Chop-khun's slender figure ran ahead toward the shoreline, leaving footprints behind on the light brown sand. He lifted the camera hanging around his neck and captured the moment before following the trail of footprints. Slowly, he panned the camera up to Chop-khun, who was stepping repeatedly on the soft sand, his feet sinking slightly into the ground.

 

Chop-khun looked down at his feet as the white foam of the waves gently lapped against them before retreating back into the sea. When he noticed Intouch's feet stopping beside his, he looked up at the sharp features of the man standing next to him.

 

"I have someone I want to introduce you to. I just met them earlier," Chop-khun said.

 

"Who?" Intouch asked.

 

"Mr Sebastian." Seeing Intouch's puzzled expression, Chop-khun smiled and took his hand, leading him along the beach for a short distance. When they reached their destination, Chop-khun crouched down and looked at the ground.

 

"Here's Mr Sebastian," he said, pointing to a hermit crab in a beautifully patterned shell. Then he looked up at Intouch. "Have you ever watched The Little Mermaid?"

 

"I have," Intouch replied, crouching down beside Chop-khun. He chuckled internally when he realised who 'Mr Sebastian' was.

 

"Exactly. When we were kids, Teerak loved that movie. There's a crab in it named Sebastian, remember?"

 

When Intouch nodded, Chop-khun continued, "Ever since then, whenever Teerak went to the beach, he'd call every crab he saw 'Sebastian.' I guess the habit stuck with me."

 

Chop-khun smiled as he recalled his five-year-old brother. Back then, Teerak had found a hermit crab and wanted to take it home to live with his mermaid doll. But their father didn't allow it, leading to a tearful tantrum.

 

"I want to take Sebastian home! He has to take care of Ariel! Waaah!"

 

Fifteen-year-old Chop-khun, seeing his brother crying, knelt down and tried to explain. "We can't. It's a sea creature, so it needs to stay in its natural habitat."

 

"But it's so cute! I want to take it with me!" The little boy, arms crossed, sobbed uncontrollably, his teary eyes glancing at their father, who stood firm in his decision.

 

"But our house doesn't have a sea for it to live in," Chop-khun said, gently wiping his brother's tears with his thumb. When Teerak quieted down, he continued, "And... if we take Sebastian with us, he'll be really lonely. Look, he has so many friends here. Mr Shell, Mr Fish, Mr Crab. And did you know? Sebastian has to change homes as he grows. When he gets bigger, he'll need a new shell."

 

The little boy stopped crying, thinking about what his brother had said.

 

"Sebastian isn't a pet. If he comes with us, he might even die. If you want to see Sebastian, just ask Dad and Mom to bring you back here, okay?" Chop-khun said, patting his brother's head.

 

"Why can't you bring me yourself?" the boy asked, confused.

 

"Because I'm still a kid too."

 

"Then, when you grow up, will you bring me?"

 

Chop-khun smiled as he saw his brother wipe his own tears, looking at him with hopeful eyes. "Of course I will. "

 

"Promise?"

 

"I promise," Chop-khun said, unable to resist planting a kiss on his brother's chubby cheek.

 

"Pinky swear!" The little boy held out his tiny pinky, and the two brothers made their promise. Both smiled widely when their mom returned with their favourite- chocolate ice cream cones. Their dad, who'd been taking photos of the moment, couldn't stop smiling either after overhearing the entire conversation.

 

Chop-khun shook his head with a faint smile as he reminisced. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and recorded a video of the hermit crab slowly crawling across the sand to send to his brother. After finishing, he turned to Intouch.

 

"Shall we take a photo together?"

 

"Sure, I'll take it for you," Intouch said, standing up and offering his hand to Chop-khun. When Chop-khun placed his hand in Intouch's, Intouch gently pulled him to his feet.

 

"I meant, let's take a photo together," Chop-khun clarified.

 

Fluffy clouds floated across the sky, painted in shades of orange and golden yellow. The waves of the sea shimmered with warm hues as the sun neared the horizon. Chop-khun gazed at the breathtaking scenery before him, unable to tear his eyes away.

 

"It's so beautiful," he murmured softly, his voice drawing Intouch's sharp eyes to him. Intouch froze for a moment, captivated by the sight of Chop-khun's smooth, radiant face bathed in the golden-orange glow of the setting sun. His brown eyes sparkled in the light, his hair swayed gently in the breeze, and the smile gracing his lips made him look even more endearing than usual. Intouch released the hand he'd been holding, taking Chop-khun's left hand to slide a small hair tie off his wrist.

 

"Let me tie your hair for you," he offered.

 

'Thank you," Chop-khun replied, standing still as the taller man tied back his bangs. He glanced up at Intouch's focused face. "Did you know I love drawing landscapes during the golden hour the most?"

 

"You love it during sunrise too, don't you?"

 

"Yes! How did you know?"

 

"Hmm, how did I know? Maybe I've taken pictures of you sketching the sunrise before."

 

"How could that be? We hadn't even met before," Chop-khun said, his brown eyes fixed on Intouch's face as he tied his hair. When Intouch didn't respond, only smiling faintly, Chop-khun continued, "You know, I could stare at a beautiful sky like this all day."

 

Intouch finished tying the small ponytail and met Chop-khun's clear, round eyes. "I could stare at something beautiful all day, too."

 

"Right? Between sunrise and sunset, which do you like more?"

 

"So?"

 

"I like you more."

 

Chop-khun froze, staring at him with wide eyes. His face flushed as his heart raced uncontrollably. He bit his lips together, trying to suppress a smile, before burying his face in Intouch's broad chest, unsure of how to respond.

 

In's heartbeat is loud, but I'm not sure if it's as loud as mine. Even the simplest words and gestures from Intouch could make  Chop-khun's heart flutter and fill him with excitement, as if he were a teenager experiencing love for the first time. And with such a direct confession, Chop-khun was completely overwhelmed.

 

Intouch wrapped an arm around Chop-khun's waist, and Chop-khun instinctively returned the embrace. Intouch didn't expect Chop-khun to respond right away, so he stayed silent. They stood there quietly, holding each other, until Intouch gently ran his hand through Chop-khun's soft brown hair.

 

"Can you take a picture of the sunset for me?" Chop-khun asked, looking up at Intouch after regaining his composure. When Intouch raised his camera to capture the moment, Chop-khun slowly stepped away. Some time passed.

 

After finishing the photos, Intouch turned around and noticed Chop-khun crouched in the distance, drawing something in the sand with a stick. Curious, he walked closer, only for Chop-khun to look startled and quickly walk away. Intrigued, Intouch approached the spot where Chop-khun had been. I like you too, In.

 

Intouch's heart pounded as he read the words etched into the sand. A smile spread across his face, and he couldn't help but take a picture of the message. Looking up, he saw Chop-khun standing a short distance away, sneaking glances at him. Without hesitation, Intouch strode toward the person who'd just made his heart race.

 

Chop-khun rubbed the back of his neck nervously as Intouch stopped in front of him. His eyes remained fixed on the ground, and he shuffled his feet in the sand to hide his shyness. Intouch smiled warmly at the endearing sight and gently lifted Chop-khun's chin, guiding their eyes to meet. Though neither of them spoke, the emotions conveyed through their gaze were unmistakable.

 

On the long stretch of beach, under the fading light of the setting sun, the silhouettes of two figures stood facing each other. Slowly, the taller one leaned down and pressed a kiss to the other's lips.