Chapter Text
3 YEARS LATER - 3 DAYS BEFORE GULF'S GRADUATION
Gulf fixed the stack of books and papers inside their room, putting them in a box. He can't believe it's almost time for him to graduate, time flies when you're enjoying yourself.
Well, not with school anyway. Being with Mew is just so easy that the years passed by without them noticing it. In 3 days, he'll be graduating. They just spent their anniversary weeks ago, with food and banter and lots of sex (love making, according to Mew.) He closed one box and straightened his posture, cracking his spine. He heard the front door open and then close, signalling Mew's arrival.
"Where's my baby?" He heard the other shout through their apartment, making him laugh. He walked out of their room and greeted his boyfriend with a kiss.
"How's work?" He asked when he pulled back, still encaged in Mew's hold.
"Hectic, the preparation for graduation started and everyone is busy."
The graduation in Gulf's school will occur earlier than Mew's, 2 whole weeks earlier. So, he'll be graduating first before Boat and Mild.
"What did you do today?" Mew continued, thumbs rubbing Gulf's hips.
"Fixed our room, my school things are everywhere and I know how you feel about the mess, Mr. Neat Freak." He teased.
Mew gave his signature laugh, the one that Gulf never gets tired of listening. Time has been kind to Mew, very kind. He gained weight in the last 3 years, converting it into muscle. He looks bulkier now, but not full on buff. Still, he looks as handsome as ever.
"We're going out tonight, wear something casual." Mew said before letting him go and walking to their room to change.
Gulf stood for a minute, taken aback, before following Mew. "Going out? For what?"
"Just to celebrate your graduation." He said as he removed his long sleeves.
"My graduation isn't in 3 days, why the rush?"
"Just to show how proud I am." Mew shrugged, stepping out of his black slacks, folding them along with the long sleeves.
"What time?" Gulf entered the room and took the clothes, waiting for the undershirt. "And where?"
Mew pulled off the wife beater, folded it neatly and handed it to Gulf, "Thanks babe- reservation is at 6:30, just at the restaurant a few blocks away."
Gulf nodded, walking out of their room and into the laundry room, dumping the clothes into the hamper for washing. He stepped out and walked to the living room, sitting on the couch. He grabbed the remote and turned the TV on, it's only 5PM, lots of time for them to waste.
Mew walked out of the bedroom wearing boxer shorts and a plain white tee, lying down on the couch with his head on Gulf's thighs. "Anything good on TV?"
As if on autopilot, Gulf's hand went to Mew's hair and started scratching his scalp, "Harry Potter is on." Gulf said.
"Can we take your car tonight? I feel like you haven't used it in a while, I'll still drive." Mew said, looking up at Gulf.
"Sure, whatever you want." His hand then stopped moving, "Nothing happened to your car, right?" He said with squinted eyes.
"What? No, it's perfectly fine." Mew assured him, "And besides, if I did do something to my car I would've told you, I know how mad you'll get if I keep secrets."
"I don't get mad."
"I dropped a piece of french fry with ketchup on my long sleeves and tried to wash it before you came home, remember how you reacted?" Mew said with a slight teasing smile.
"You almost ruined the shirt, I would've reacted like that one way or another."
"I know, that's why I tell you everything. You don't like secrets between us."
"Who even does?" Gulf said with an eyeroll.
They prepared for their date at quarter to six, and they're out of the house by 6 sharp. Like what Mew asked, they took Gulf's car to the restaurant, but not without Gulf inspecting Mew's car for a whole minute, making sure there are no damages.
"You really care for me, huh?" Mew teased him.
"No, it's the car I care about. I mean, imagine the price of that beast!"
"Thank you, sweetheart. I feel touched you care about the car so much." Mew said flatly.
Gulf laughed loudly, poking Mew's arm, "I'm kidding! Of course I care about you, stop sulking." He leaned over the center console and dropped a kiss on the other's cheek.
Mew parked the car outside the restaurant, stepping out and grabbing Gulf's hand as they went inside. The waitress asked for their name and, once checking the list, led them to their table. "Why the sudden trip down memory lane?" Gulf asked as he recognized the place.
"Hmm?" Mew really had the decency to act clueless, "What's that?"
"This is where we had our first date, right?" Gulf checked the surroundings again, "And same table."
Mew gave a chuckle, reaching for Gulf's hand on the table, "I thought you won't notice."
"Of course I'll notice, it's where my forever started." Gulf winked at Mew, who laughed softly with the faintest blush on his cheeks.
They ordered once the waiter came to their table, and they ordered the same thing they did years ago. Who knew they'll be here again, strong as ever?
"Why did you pick this place, out of all the restaurants in our area?" Gulf asked as they ate.
"I just felt like it." Mew answered simply.
They ate and enjoyed the food, talking about whatever comes into their minds. They left after paying the bill, walking back to the car with their hands intertwined.
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Mew asked the other on their way back to the apartment.
"As long as I'm with you, I will." Gulf smiled, lifting Mew's hand on his and kissing it. "Thank you for tonight, I love you."
"And I love you, babe."
--
2 DAYS BEFORE GRADUATION
Gulf had to go to school for rehearsals, bored out of his mind. Also the fact that Bright and Win are far from him so he can't talk to anyone, makes him the more bored. He pulled his phone from his pocket to text Mew, hoping no one will notice.
And the fact that almost half of the students are on their phones because of how bored they are. So he shot Mew a text,
Hella bored, what are you up to?
It took Mew several minutes before he replied,
Class right now. Endure the boredom, not too long until you graduate.
Teaching right now?
No, students are answering a quiz.
Take it easy on them. Mild and Boat barely survived.
His friends- Boat and Mild -managed to pass Mew's class with minor problems. Being their friend's boyfriend, Mew is happy to teach them and give them a hand whenever they struggle. Still, he didn't give them any special treatments like test leakage or changing their scores. Gulf is proud that his friends passed because they did their best.
They didn't barely survive, so dramatic, babe.
Before Gulf can reply, Mew sent him another text saying that he has to continue with the class and he'll see him later. Fucking boyfriend being such a good professional. Then his phone vibrated again,
Go straight to our apartment when your rehearsals are done. I love you.
Mew was never controlling with Gulf, never the constricting boyfriend. He lets Gulf go out and have fun with anyone he wants, for as long as he takes care of himself and sends him updates when he can. But whenever he says things like this, asking for Gulf to do something, it usually means something urgent.
Luckily, the dreaded rehearsals are done and they were all asked to go home, and that they'll see them on graduation. He walked towards the gates after saying goodbye to Bright and Win, hopping inside his car.
Unlocking their apartment door, he stepped inside and saw the little box on the table. He's sure it wasn't there when he left, and he left before Mew so he must've put it here. Grabbing the box, there's something written at the top and Gulf can recognize Mew's handwriting anywhere,
For when you graduate, a break and a reward
He removed the lid and inside are tickets, plane tickets.
"Mew you bastard what did you do this time?" He told himself as he grabbed the tickets inside.
They are plane tickets to Maldives, a place they've wanted to visit for quite some time but their schedules never let them.
And also the fact that Gulf doesn't have enough money for his ticket, and he'll slice Mew's throat if he ever spends too much on him.
He can already hear Mew's answer, "It's a gift for your graduation!"
And he has no choice but to accept the gift.
He changed out of his clothes and into a tank top and some shorts, waiting for Mew on the couch. When he arrived hours later, Gulf turned his attention to his boyfriend, "You already took me out for dinner last night, what's this?"
Mew approached Gulf and leaned down for a kiss, "A gift." When Gulf didn't answer, Mew continued, "We never got the chance to visit Maldives, this is the perfect opportunity."
"It's expensive." Gulf pouted.
"I know how you feel about me spending money on you, but I told you it's a gift." Mew sat down next to Gulf, pulling him close, "At least tell me you like it."
Gulf leaned his head on Mew's shoulder, "I love it. Thank you."
Mew smiled, "You're welcome, baby."
They spent the rest of the day planning for their trip and eating takeouts. Life can't get better than this.
--
1 DAY BEFORE GRADUATION
Mew left earlier than he's supposed to, so Gulf was left alone in their apartment at 7 in the morning. He's bored, so he asked Mild to come over. And of course, Mild being Mild, accepted.
"How are things in your school?" Mild asked him as they sat and ate food that they ordered.
"Fine, we had our last rehearsals yesterday and graduation is tomorrow so it's just about waiting and waiting."
"Lucky you, I still have to wait weeks and endure classes until then." Mild complained.
"How are things with yours?" Gulf asked, referring to Mild's school, "Seems that everyone is preparing for the graduation according to Mew."
"Yeah, your boyfriend's pretty famous with the higher ranks, so he's getting asked for help with the prepping." Mild took a bite of out a chicken leg before continuing, "There's this thing about going to Japan for a conference of some sort but I don't know its significance, really."
"Mew's going to Japan?"
"What? No, I didn't say that." Mild turned to Gulf, "There's this news about that but I don't know who'll be going and for how long. Highly unlikely for Mew to go since you have your graduation that he has to attend."
Gulf thought about it, and he still didn't feel all that assured. Mew loves his job, and it comes first. It hurts for Gulf, yes. He looked forward for this ever since he knew that him and Mew are serious with each other. Not having him at his graduation well, it sucks.
"Don't overthink, dude." Was what Mild said to him.
Mew left earlier than usual that day, and he arrived earlier as well. It's only 2PM when he arrived. Without saying anything, he removed his shoes and walked towards Gulf on the couch, crashing down and pinning Gulf under him.
"Mew, you're heavy!" He complained, wiggling to get a better position.
They settled with Mew on top of Gulf, his face on Gulf's neck as usual. Gulf can feel the tension on Mew's body, massaging his shoulder blades. "Tell me what's up, are you okay?"
Mew sighed heavily, pausing for a minute before speaking slowly, "There's this thing in Japan-"
"And you have to go to the conference." Gulf finished for Mew, making his boyfriend look at him with furrowed brows, "Mild came over, he told me about the Japan thing. I just connected the dots and- yeah, seems I'm right."
"You're not mad at me?"
"Why would I be mad?" Gulf said with a reassuring smile, it hurts to see Mew sad. "C'mon you know I understand, it's your job. I'm disappointed at the fact that you won't be there, but not at you. I know you told them you had matters already but they didn't listen."
"You know me too well. They just didn't care about my personal matters, I should really go and find a better school to teach."
"We all know you love that place too much, you can't fool anyone here."
Mew laughed, placing a kiss on Gulf's neck, "I love you."
"I love you too, baby. Don't be sad now."
Mew pulled himself up with his forearms and looked down on Gulf, "Get dressed, we have somewhere to be."
Gulf watched Mew's retreating figure as he went inside their room to change, "You're down in the dumps one minute and the next you're preppy and asking me to get dressed because we're going out?" He shouted at Mew, who he can hear laughing in their room as he approached it.
"This was planned already, not spur of the moment kind of thing. So, get dressed and we're leaving when you're done."
So Gulf chose the most simple outfit he can where to wherever and whatever Mew has planned yet again. They hopped inside Mew's car and he let his boyfriend take him wherever.
"Just tell me," Gulf whined on the way.
"No, it's a surprise." Mew responded with a chuckle, squeezing Gulf's thigh softly.
"You and your surprises." Gulf grumbled under his breath, but Mew still caught it because he gave a laugh.
The drive is not that long, they arrived in front of a house and a large gate, kind of like Mew's childhood home but a tad bigger and more accessible. They hopped out and Mew held his hand, punching in the code for the gate. It opened and he escorted Gulf inside.
The gate has a stone path leading to the front doors, big oak and carved with intricate designs that, upon closer inspection, were roses intertwined with each other, all over the door. He watched as Mew pulled a key from his pocket and unlocked the doors, walking inside with Gulf.
If the outside is beautiful, the inside is magnificent. A large sitting area, marble staircase, a glass chandelier, even a fireplace.
"What do you think?" Mew stood behind him and placed his arms on Gulf's waist, carressing his stomach.
"What?"
Mew laughed, "What do you think? Of this place?"
"It's beautiful, obviously. How many floors are there?"
"Three, with 4 rooms; a master, guest, and 2 extra rooms. Each floor has two."
"Wow," Gulf whistled, "Who owns this place?"
"We do."
Gulf froze, slowly turning around and looking at Mew. "What did you say?"
"I said we own this house," He cupped Gulf's face with his hands, "This is our place."
Gulf furrowed his brows and pulled away from Mew, "You seriously went and bought a whole house?! With whose money?"
"Mine, of course. It's my savings."
"Mew! Goddamnit, what did I tell you about buying stuff like this? It's a fucking house!"
Mew slowly approached Gulf, cautious because of his reaction, "Hey, calm down. I'm sorry for not telling you, like I said it's a surprise."
"Yeah, it's a hell of a surprise." Gulf said, voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Why are you mad? Is it the house? I can sell it as easy as I bought it."
"It's not that."
"The money? I told you I don't care, and this is our home, where we'll build our family one day. It's not just some expensive knick knack I saw while strolling in the mall." Mew explained, arms once again going around Gulf, "I'm sorry okay? For not telling you. But I really want this place for us."
Gulf sighed, forehead bumping with Mew, "I want it, too."
"So, you'll accept it? This can be our home?"
Gulf laughed, "Yes, you crazy man." He laughed, "Our home."
--
GRADUATION DAY
Gulf woke up to an empty bed, still feeling sad that his boyfriend wouldn't be here for his big day. Arriving yesterday after thoroughly inspecting the house, he helped Mew pack the things he'll need for Japan. He left a few hours later, and it turns out that it was his idea to go as soon as possible so they can come back as quick.
Now, Gulf stood under the shower as he thought of how special it'll be once Mew comes home. It'll probably last to 3 days and up to a week, so it's still quite a wait for Gulf. His parents will arrive in a few minutes, so he has to speed up his movements.
There was a knock on the door half an hour later while Gulf was busy drying his hair. He opened the door and was squeezed by his mother, kissing his cheeks. "There's the man of the hour!"
He laughed, kissing his mother back, and greeting his dad as well.
"Where's Mew?" His dad asked.
"He has to attend a conference in Japan, so he won't be able to make it."
He can see his mom's sad expression, a bit from his dad as well, "Oh honey, that's too bad."
"It's his job, I can't demand him to neglect it or what."
His dad laughed, "Who knew you only needed Mew to mature." He glared at his father.
He finished preparing and stepped out of their room wearing a neatly pressed long sleeve shirt and some slacks. He's sure Mew ironed this before he left.
"Ready?" His mom asked, his toga hanging from her arm.
"Yeah, let's go."
They took Gulf's car to the school, his father driving this time. They arrived in no time, finding a parking space.
They kissed each other goodbye at the entrance of the auditorium, because the entrance for the graduates and the entrance for the parents are different. He took a seat on his designated place, sighing.
This is it, in a few hours he'll be finished with his studies. He really can't believe it. The ceremony started a few minutes later, where Gulf did his best to participate even if, let's face it, graduation rites are boring until it's time for you to go up the stage and take your diploma.
They started calling the names one by one, and Gulf still has a lot of time until he's called. His phone vibrated, a message from Mew,
I'm really sorry I can't be there, baby. I'm so proud of you and I love you, see you when I get home.
Gulf smiled at the message, typing out his reply,
I love you, too. And thank you. See you soon!!
He pocketed his phone and waited for his name to be called, which came minutes later. He went up the stage and took his diploma, feeling accomplished now that he's finally done it. He graduated!
After the ceremony concluded, he went to his parents and gave them a hug each. They stood closely together, which is a rare occurence but they show affection from time to time so Gulf didn't think much of it.
"Where to now? Where do you guys want to eat?" He asked.
His parents looked at each other with a smile, "Well, before we go, someone wants to talk to you urgently."
"What? Who?" Gulf tried to remember the names of his aunts and uncles in case they're referring to one of them.
But it's not one of his uncles, or aunts. Stepping aside, his parents smiled brightly before Mew fucking Suppasit stood from behind them, smiling brightly.
"Hi, baby." He said.
Gulf felt like crying, felt so emotional he can't help but bolt towards Mew and hug the life out of him. He's here, he's really here.
"Congratulations, you did it." Mew whispered close to his hair, which Gulf responded with a 'shut up', making Mew and his parents laugh.
"I thought- how are you- explain, please."
Mew laughed at his adorable boyfriend, "We took the quickest flight to Japan. Didn't get any sleep, proceeded with the conference as early as possible. Then I asked them to reschedule everything, just to let me come home."
"And they let you?"
"They did, I think they saw how desperate I am to come home."
Gulf laughed, still hugging Mew tightly. "I love you so much."
"I love you, too." Mew said. "Are you ready for your last gift?"
Gulf groaned loudly, "Not with another gift, Mew! You already gave me enough!"
"This is different, I promise." Mew kissed his temple, before pulling away from Gulf,
And dropping to one knee.
"Gulf, my sweet baby boy, from the moment you stepped into my classroom looking frantic, I knew that you'll be in it for me. You made me the person I am today, stood by me when times are tough. You made me smile when I feel like the world is weighing down on my shoulders.
You loved me when not even myself could. You're the most important person to my life and I want you forever, and I'm hoping that forever starts now." He reached in his pocket and pulled a small velvet box. If Gulf felt like crying when he saw Mew, he felt like sobbing right now.
"Gulf Kanawut, my love, my soulmate, will you marry me?"
Gulf bit his lip hard, drawing blood. He can see his parents in his periphery, holding each other with smiles on their faces. The whole auditorium is quiet, and Gulf would've felt self conscious and shy if it weren't for his fucking boyfriend proposing to him. And he remembered he still has to answer, he took a deep breath and uttered the word,
"Yes."
The whole auditorium erupted in cheers, as Mew smiled and laughed wetly as he removed the ring from its box, placing it on his boyfriend- no, fiancé's ring finger.
He stood and pulled Gulf towards him, kissing him in front of everyone, not caring about anything because Gulf accepted, he said yes. They're going to be married soon.
He pulled away from the kiss, staring at Gulf's eyes with so much love. "I have to tell you something, about all the things I gave you as graduation gifts." Mew said with a smile, he just can't stop smiling!
"Our dinner a few days ago? In the restaurant we had our first date? I didn't just choose that randomly, I wanted to eat there with you to look back on how far we come together, before I propose." He said, kissing Gulf on the nose.
"The tickets to Maldives? Those are for our honeymoon, baby."
Gulf laughed, "So you planned our honeymoon even before you asked for my hand in marriage?"
Mew laughed, "Yeah, I'm confident like that." He winked at Gulf before continuing, "And the house? I wasn't kidding when I told you I want to start a family there, with you." He kissed Gulf softly, quickly, "And now this," He raised Gulf's hand and kissed the newly placed engagement ring, "The last gift, the beginning of our forever."
Gulf smiled so much that he can feel his cheeks straining, but he's just so happy.
"I love you so much, Mew. So fucking much."
Mew smiled and pulled Gulf closer, "I love you too, forever?"
Gulf nodded, "Forever."