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It’s Daonuea’s birthday. All of them, including Daonuea himself, has decided that the birthday celebration tonight will be done at Fadel’s restaurant. The birthday boy himself insisted to be involved in the preparation for the party. Thus, the party itself is not a surprise, only the presents, and whatever chaos that may ensue tonight.
Fadel closes the restaurant early and immediately started to cook for tonight. Style also closes his garage early and proceed to pick up all the little brothers from their respective university and college.
“P’Fadel! We’re here!”
All of them arrive carrying stuffs for tonight’s party. They divide the tasks among themselves and quickly start working on them.
Fadel: Have you guys decided the theme? So that I could match it with my drawing for the cake.
Zo: We bought fairy lights and star decorations. So maybe something like ‘Under the Stars’?
Fadel: Simple but elegant. Alright. I’ll draw with that theme in mind later.
Daonuea: Thank you, P’Fadel!
Fadel: *ruffles Daonuea’s hair* Birthday boy, you accompany me in the kitchen. I don’t really draw well and since art is your department, you can help supervise me. Before that, be my cooking assistant for a bit, ok?
Daonuea: Roger that!
While setting up the sound system, Joke finds himself struggling with the cables.
Joke: Khabkluen, can you give me a hand? This is a mess!
Khabkluen: *having fun watching his brother struggling but he helps anyway* Hahaha! I wonder how you always manage to tangle everything.
Joke: *side eye* I’m a musician, not an electrician.
Khabkluen: Alright, alright! Let’s get this sorted out so we can have some music!
Zo and Style are in charge of decoration.
Zo: *holding up a Happy Birthday Daonuea banner* P’Style, does this look straight?
Style: *tilting his head* Nah, it’s a little crooked. Just like your debate arguments sometimes.
Zo: *offended* Hey! My arguments are perfectly straight and well-constructed like a well-tuned engine.
Style: Oho~ Like an engine? At least the engine that I worked on doesn’t talk back and it certainly isn’t clumsy to trip over its own feet during debates.
Zo: That was one time! And I still won that debate, don’t I?
Style: Hahaha! Alright, let’s get this banner up before Daonuea sees it and freaks out.
After they both finish hanging the banner and decorating the place, they join Khabkluen and Joke to set up a scavenger hunt for Daonuea. They create riddles related to astronomy to match with the birthday theme.
Style: I love my adorable nong Daonuea, but let him suffer a bit tonight. If he can’t solve the riddles, no cake for him.
Joke: Aww don’t be too harsh on your brother, Phi. It’s his birthday today.
Zo: That’s why we’ll allow Khabkluen to help him later. He might not know the answers to half of these so show him how he could depend on you, Khabkluen. *winks*
Khabkluen blushes.
Style: Alright, let’s hide the clues all around the restaurant. Hide the first clue inside his sketchbook. The last one will lead to the cake.
“CHEERS!”
The celebration begins around 7pm. They have now changed into fancier clothes with colors that match “Under the Stars” – different shades of blue, white, black and purple. They start off with dinner. Fadel cook everyone’s favorite foods and everyone is pleased by the taste and the presentation.
Zo: P’Fadel is such a natural in the kitchen. Everything tastes delicious! Especially this steak! The first bite is a burst of flavors and the steak is seasoned just right!
Fadel: Thank you. Praised the salad too. Your baby brother put a lot of effort into it.
Khabkluen: *tasting the salad* Hmm! The dressing is perfect, baby! You’ve done a great job!
Daonuea: *blushing* Thanks. I want everyone to have a good time.
Style: Ohh, who prepared the music playlist?
Joke: It’s me, phi. Is there any problem?
Style: Oh no no! I was gonna say you have great taste in music.
Joke: Thanks! The genre will change throughout the night to keep the mood varied and interesting.
As planned, after the dinner, Daonuea will play the scavenger hunt with only Khabkluen as his aid and the rest are cheering from the side. Since Khabkluen was involved in the making of the riddles, he knows the answer to all of them and where the next clues will be. Surprisingly, Daonuea only needs a little of his assistance. The birthday boy snatches triumph and secured his cake in no time.
Zo: Unbelievable! I thought you’ll take more time to figure out the answers!
Daonuea: Hehehe You think you’re the only one who’s clever, is it? Astronomy is easy as pie for me. My name means North Star after all!
Zo: Yeah yeah! Whatever! Congrats! Come on, make a wish and blow the candles!
After Daonuea blow the candles, everyone burst the confetti and they all wish him “Happy birthday, Daonuea!” in unison.
The gang play some board games and card games after eating the cake. When the games aren’t holding their attention anymore, the couples spread out doing their own things. Khabkluen and Daonuea escape outside to gaze at the stars. Joke and Zo taking turns karaoke-ing. Fadel and Style experimenting with cocktails.
Daonuea: *takes a deep breath of fresh air* Finally! It’s peaceful out here. Away from all the chaos. Look at all the stars! They remind me of how vast the world is. Each one is like a tiny promise of forever.
Khabkluen: And my favorite star is right here beside me.
Daonuea: *shyly lower his gaze* I’m…glad that we are together. I feel like I can face anything with you by my side.
Khabkluen: *put his arms around Daonuea then lead Daonuea’s head to rest on his shoulder* I feel the same, Daonuea. You always bring out the best in me.
Daonuea: *leaning closer* Just like the waves continuously move towards the shore, almost as if guarding the ocean; you make me feel safe.
Khabkluen: *smiles at the thought of his lover finding a sentence referencing his name* I’ll always be here for you, baby.
Joke and Zo are watching the interaction from the windows inside the restaurant.
Joke: Look at our youngest. Too sweet I could get diabetes! Think we could outdo them?
Zo: *giggles* Of course! So, what’s the plan?
Joke smirks. He turns up the speaker volume to the max to ensure the two outside can hear him clearly. He holds the mic closer and clears his throat.
Joke: Oh Zo! Nobody could ever make me feel such an electric spark. The moment I look into your eyes, I instantly knew, that I will follow you to the end of earth!
That certainly attracts the attention of the other 4 while Zo covers his face with both of his hands in embarrassment. The couple outside both swing their head to look back at the restaurant while Fadel and Style stop whatever they were doing at the bar.
Daonuea: Umm… Your brother is looking at us, Khabkluen.
Khabkluen: It’s a challenge, baby. Joke always came up with unhinged ideas like this. I won’t back down though. Watch me!
Khabkluen brings out his phone and dials Fadel’s number.
Fadel is confused why his brother who is just outside would call him on his phone but he picks up anyway.
Khabkluen: Phi, put it on loud speaker please.
Fadel does as his brother asked.
Khabkluen caresses Daonuea’s cheeks, making the smaller lover blush.
Khabkluen: The way your eyes smile at mine. The way your hands fit in mine. The way your voice gives me butterflies. The way I’m stupefied every time you walk into a room. Everything about you. I’m in love with your entire being.
Khabkluen turns his head back to look at Joke, raising his eyebrows. Interesting, Joke thought. He makes his way to sit on one of the chairs facing the window, bringing Zo along with him. Then he pats his lap, signaling Zo to sit on him. He holds Zo’s waist and with the mic still in his hand, he delivers his next line.
Joke: As long as the sun burns in the sky, as long as the moon shines its light into the dark night, I will love you until the end of time!
The two couples aggressively deliver romantic lines back and forth while Style is observing everything in amusement.
Fadel: Actually…What are they doing?
Style: Fufufu! They’re in the middle of love-off!
Fadel: …What should we do?
Style: *looks at his lover in mischief* Don’t you want to join them?
Fadel: *in a warning tone* Style, I don’t like that look in your eyes. Whatever you’re thinking right now, don’t do it.
Style: Ohh come on! Don’t be a party pooper! Come, I’ll show you how to do it!
Style climbs onto the bar counter and positioned himself in a suggestive manner in front of Fadel. The younger couples turn their attention to the new challenger.
Style: *in a seductive tone* I want you to want me as desperately as I want you. I want to make you shiver from my touch. I want to hear your breathless, shaky voice. I want your lips on my neck. I want you to hold me down while I claw your back. I. Want. To. Be. Spanked. Hard. Ahh~~~
The space is silent now. Everyone’s faces are red too.
Fadel: *clears his throat and trying to keep composure* Sorry you had to listen to that nong nong. Please excuse us.
Fadel hangs up the call and drags his lover into the kitchen.
Joke scratches his head and yell into the kitchen: Make it quick, Phi! We still need to clean up after this!
Zo takes a little while to recover but once he does, he reminds Joke: P’Style is wild! Don’t ever do this kind of challenge in front of him ever again!
Everyone spread out with different tasks of cleaning after the party. When they finished cleaning, everybody should gather at the dining hall. Daonuea deposits his presents into Style’s car and on his way back to the restaurant, he comes across who he thought was his boyfriend. There is a part of the restaurant outside, particularly at the side, that is quite dark so Daonuea can't see clearly, and had mistaken Joke for his boyfriend. Daonuea, who is feeling especially affectionate tonight, sneaks up behind “his boyfriend” to give him a kiss.
Daonuea: Khabkluen~ Surprise~
Joke: *turns around as Daonuea leans in* Wait, what—
Their lips met. But mid-kiss, Daonuea realizes he’s kissing the wrong person. He quickly pulls his head back.
Daonuea: *embarrass* I’m sorry, P’Joke! I thought you were Khabkluen!
Joke: *raises both his hands up in a surrender pose* Hey! It’s ok! No harm done. We are brothers after all and we look alike. It happens. Come, let’s go back inside.
Joke takes Daonuea’s hand and walks them both inside. Khabkluen, seeing Daonuea’s red face, rushes to his lover’s side. Daonuea keeps his head down.
Khabkluen: Baby? What happened?
Daonuea: *covers his face with his hands* I accidentally kissed P’Joke! I thought he was you!
Zo: *spits out his drink* HAHAHA! Looks like we’ve got a case of mistaken identity! Don’t worry about it, lil bro. Consider it another birthday present from this clown. HAHAHA!
Style: *chuckling* This is too good. I wish I was there so I could record the moment.
Fadel: Don’t worry, Daonuea. It happens.
Khabkluen: *brings Daonuea into his embrace* It’s ok, baby. I know you meant well. *laughs softly*
Daonuea: *hugs Khabkluen tight* But really! You guys look very similar from the back! Huhu I’m never gonna live this down, am I?
Joke: Probably not. But it’s a great story to tell for the future.
Style: Exactly! Another funny memory to share.
Zo: Look, if you’re feeling that bad about it, should I kiss Khabkluen too to make it even? *cups Khabkluen’s chin*
Daonuea: NO! *slaps Zo’s hand* Khabkluen is mine! Get away from him!
Everybody laughs.
Fadel: *smiles* It’s all in good fun.
The final activity of the night is a slow dance. Fadel just installed a new aesthetic light which could be used for special occasions. The lighting is dim, but not too dark, creating an intimate and cozy ambiance. Jazz music blaring from the sound system, setting a romantic mood. Fadel suggested a slow dance because he believes it’s a timeless way to celebrate love and connection, which can also create lasting memories. The accompanying heartfelt music may also evoke strong emotions, allowing each couple to connect on a deeper level, both emotionally and physically. It takes only a few seconds before every pair is lost in their own world.
Daonuea: This is perfect, Khabkluen. Tonight is perfect. Thank you for everything, na.
Khabkluen: Anything for you, my star.
Daonuea: *breathes in Khabkluen’s scent* I could stay in your arms forever.
Khabkluen: *tightens his hold on his lover’s waist* I’m so grateful to have you by my side. Here’s to many more dances together.
Joke: Hmm… You’re not bad at this Zo.
Zo: *grins* I think you might be stepping on my toes. But I don’t mind.
Joke: Well… I must be really enchanted by you to lose my step like that.
Zo: *laughs softly* Do you know how much I adore you?
Joke: I think I have a clue, but I’d love to hear you say it.
Zo: *bring their foreheads together* You’re my favorite person in the world.
Fadel: I’ve waited all night for this moment with you.
Style: Well… Never have I ever thought that I’d be dancing in a restaurant.
Fadel: *chuckles* Life’s full of surprises. I’m glad we’re sharing this one.
Style: *moves his hands to feel Fadel’s pectoral muscles* Imagine us dancing like this at our wedding…
Fadel: *grabs Style’s hands* Style, you’ve brought so much light into my life. I can’t imagine a life without you.
Style: *wrapping his arms around Fadel’s neck* I’m not going anywhere, Fadel. I love you.
Style drawing Fadel closer, then pulling the elder for a kiss.
Before they call it a night and go back to their respective homes, Daonuea requests for a group hug. They all gather in a big, warm embrace, feeling grateful for the love and friendship they share.
Daonuea: We should do this more often. Hang out together like this or go on triple date. It’ll be super fun!
Khabkluen: Agreed! We’re a pretty great team!
Zo: We’ve got each other’s backs, no matter what!
Joke: It’s good to remind each other how much we care!
Fadel: To love, friendship and unexpected surprises!
Style: Cheers!
With laughter and sense of closeness, each couple ends up feeling more connected and grateful for the time spent together.
===THE END===