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Peat looked out of his room window, it’s a breathtakingly beautiful night. The full moon hangs low over the sea, casting a pale, almost ethereal glow on the waves as they roll gently onto the shore. A few distant stars pepper the sky, but the moon dominates, illuminating the beach with its silver light. The beach is quiet, save for the soft lapping of the waves and the occasional whisper of the wind through the dunes. He got up from the couch beside the window, took the room key card, slid into his sliders and went out. It was too late to be awake but for some unknown reason he couldn’t sleep. Just restless for no reason.
It was all dark, no, a small ray of light was there in front of him. He tried to catch it but the more he went towards it the more it went away. He ran, ran like crazy after it but he couldn’t. He felt like his heart was wrenched from the warmth that light had which he lost, his surroundings got cold and wet. He felt like his heart would freeze without the warmth and he would turn into ice. He needed that warmth to keep himself afloat from the deep ocean he was gasping for breath.
Fort jolted awake from his sleep, drenched in sweat. He dreamt about that again. His subconscious mind is giving him signals on something he is unable to catch on. He got out of bed and went to the washroom to freshen up. He was too drenched in sweat to go back to sleep in his current state. He took a hot bath and changed into fresh clothes. He looked at the clock. 2:47am. He slowly moved the curtain of the window to look outside. The silver orb was evoking its shimmering silver glow on the lapping waves as it traverses the night sky. He took his phone out and opened his messaging app. Stared at the chat which was pinned on the top. “ P’Peat”. His co-partner, his best friend but sometimes he wanted him to be more than just that. Like he wanted to capture him and lock him in his heart forever.
Last few days on the island had been the best time of his life. He had everything he ever wanted, a new show to again work on, same partner as his last show and the location. He was enjoying his life to the fullest until someone, he couldn’t remember who it was, said jokingly “we can’t wait for the perfect opportunity to express our love for the person we desire. We need to make it.” Since that night the dream had been haunting him. He knew the connection but his brain was stopping him from all this. What if, to Peat, he was just a nong? He brushed off his unsettling thoughts and dropped a msg to Peat
“Are you awake? I can’t sleep. If you are, let's go to the beach. It’s beautiful under the full moon night.”
He went out of the room and walked towards Peat’s cottage. It was dark. He was probably sleeping. He turned around to go alone to the beach when he saw a few engraved footsteps on the sands leading to the beach. He looked back to look at Peat’s door. His slider’s were missing. He walked towards the beach following the footsteps and found Peat sitting on the beach staring at the nothingness of the tranquil sea. He took out his phone again, called Peat this time but no reaction. ‘Did he leave his phone in the room?’ He thought. He slowly went near Peat and softly called his name. He was careful of startling him but she he was shocked.
“Oh Jum, what are you doing here? Gosh you scared me.”
“Why did you leave your phone in the room?”
“What will I do with a phone here in the middle of the night. I just wanted to sit here taking in the beauty of the night.”
“Can I sit beside you?”
Peat patted the empty space beside him beckoning him and he did.
After spending a long time in silence Peat suddenly stood up confusing Fort. “Let’s walk a bit” He said while stretching his hands towards Fort and he took it. They are walking side by side, their shoes slung in their hands, feet sinking slightly into the cool sand. They’re both exhausted from a long day of shooting, but neither seems eager to leave. There’s an almost tangible energy between them, one that’s been building over weeks of stolen glances, lingering touches, and late-night conversations on set.
Fort glances over at Peat, who’s looking out at the water, lost in thought. The moonlight catches on Peat’s face, highlighting the curve of his jaw, the softness in his eyes as he watches the waves. Fort takes a steadying breath, his heart pounding.
Fort
(quietly)
It’s beautiful out here tonight, isn’t it?
Peat looks over at him, a small smile playing on his lips.
Peat
Yeah. (pauses, then chuckles softly) You know, I didn’t think you’d actually come out here. I thought you’d be asleep by now.
Fort
(smirks)
Well, I didn’t want you getting lost out here alone. Someone has to keep an eye on you. My heart said you are roaming here and I didn’t want you to get lost in the forest beside.
Peat laughs, the sound light and warm. They fall into a comfortable silence, just walking, letting the night settle around them. After a few moments, Peat stops and looks out at the ocean, his expression thoughtful.
Peat
It’s kind of surreal, you know? Being here. Working on this series. Everything feels like a dream sometimes.
Fort stops a few steps ahead, turning to face him. He watches Peat’s face, sees the vulnerability there, and it tugs at something deep inside him.
Fort
I know what you mean. (pauses, choosing his words carefully) It’s been…different. Working with you this time than in Love in the air. In a good way.
Peat meets his gaze, and there’s a flicker of something in his eyes—hope, maybe. Or fear.
Peat
“Different.” That’s one way to put it.
They share a small laugh, but it quickly fades, leaving them both standing in silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy between them. Fort takes a small step closer, his voice barely above a whisper.
Fort
P’Peat, I… (hesitates, then takes a breath) I think about you. More than I probably should.
Peat’s eyes widened slightly, surprise and something else—relief?—flickering across his face. He glances down at his feet, then back up at Fort, a soft, vulnerable smile on his lips.
Peat
I think about you, too. Every day. I thought I was just… imagining it. Maybe it was all just in my head.
Fort takes another step closer, until he’s standing right in front of Peat. The distance between them feels electrified, a silent, shared pull drawing them together.
Fort
It’s not in your head. I’ve… (pauses, searching Peat’s face) I’ve been trying to ignore it, pretend it was just the script, the characters we’re playing. But it’s more than that. Isn’t it? You know I have always felt comfortable with you but it was not the same this time. Something has changed for sure.
Peat nods slowly, his eyes never leaving Fort’s.
Peat
It is. I kept telling myself it was just acting, that I was just getting caught up in the story. But every time we’re together, every time we’re close… it’s real, Fort. It’s real to me.
Fort reaches up, gently cupping Peat’s face, his thumb brushing softly over his cheek. Peat closes his eyes at the touch, leaning into it, as if he’s been waiting for this moment for a long time.
Fort
(whispering)
You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hear you say that.
Peat opens his eyes, looking up at Fort with a mixture of relief and longing.
Peat
I was afraid. Afraid that if I said something, I’d ruin…everything. The show, our friendship, whatever this is.
Fort shakes his head, a gentle smile on his lips.
Fort
This? This is the best part of my life right now. And I don’t want to spend one more day pretending it’s not.
They stand in silence, their breaths mingling in the cool night air. Fort’s hand slips to the back of Peat’s neck, pulling him in slowly, giving him a chance to pull away if he wants. But Peat doesn’t move; he closes the distance, their lips meeting in a soft, hesitant kiss, as if testing the waters.
The kiss deepens, their arms wrapping around each other, holding on as if afraid to let go. The sound of the waves fades away, the world narrowing down to just the two of them in this moment.
When they finally pull back, both of them are breathing a little heavier, their foreheads resting against each other. Fort lets out a shaky laugh, his eyes bright.
Fort
(softly)
So…what now?
Peat grins, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Peat
Well, for starters, I think we have a lot of lost time to make up for.
They laugh, their voices carrying softly over the beach, mingling with the sound of the ocean. As they walk along the shore, hand in hand, the future feels uncertain, but in the best possible way.
They have each other. And, for tonight, that’s enough.
The glow of the full moon still blankets the beach, and Fort and Peat walk along the shore, hand in hand, each feeling a weight lifted now that they’ve shared what’s been building between them. Every now and then, Fort leans in close, his lips near Peat’s ear, murmuring in a low, gentle tone.
Fort
(whispering)
You know, I always thought you were too good to be true. The way you laugh, the way you dive into every role like you were born to play it. (pauses, grinning) Honestly, you’re a little intimidating.
Peat chuckles, nudging him playfully with his shoulder.
Peat
You’re the one they call “the heartthrob,” remember? I’m just lucky to keep up.
Fort pulls Peat close through his waist, his voice warm with affection.
Fort
(laughing softly)
“Heartthrob” or not, I’m all yours now.
Peat’s face softens, and he squeezes Fort’s hand, their footsteps leaving an intertwined trail in the sand. The world feels quiet, intimate—a bubble for just the two of them.
But then, out of the corner of his eye, Fort notices a flicker of movement further up the beach, near one of the dunes. At first, he thinks it’s a shadow, but then he hears the distinct crunch of footsteps on sand.
Both men look up, startled, and see Jane, one of their staff, standing frozen, eyes wide. Her hand is covering her mouth as if she’s stopped herself mid-gasp. It’s clear she’s seen everything—the hand-holding, the closeness, the way Fort had been speaking to Peat in a way that leaves no doubt about what they are to each other.
Jane
(surprised)
Oh! I— I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to— I just came out to get some air…
There’s an awkward silence. Fort and Peat exchange a glance, and Peat’s hand slips from Fort’s as if out of instinct. Jane shifts uncomfortably, clearly unsure of what to say, but then she seems to make up her mind, her expression softening into something understanding.
Jane
(smiling gently)
I had my suspicions, you know. (chuckles) The way you two look at each other on set—it’s not all acting, is it? You know a few staff members also bet on your current status? We scold them for thinking like that but they do.
Fort blushes, scratching the back of his neck, while Peat looks down, smiling sheepishly.
Fort
Guess the cat’s out of the bag, huh?
Jane steps closer, her smile reassuring.
Jane
I won’t say a word. Honestly, I think it’s… wonderful. You both deserve to be happy. And if this is what makes you happy, then, well, that’s all anyone should care about. Be careful, the world outside isn’t as nice as it looks. Always be careful and stay happy.
Peat looks up, his expression a mix of relief and gratitude.
Peat
Thank you, P’Jane. It’s just… it’s new. For both of us.
She nods, her gaze kind.
Jane
(sincerely)
I get it. And don’t worry—you’re safe with me. Just, you know, maybe keep it low-key on set. (winking) There are some people who wouldn’t be as… understanding.
Fort and Peat exchange another glance, both of them feeling a wave of relief wash over them. Jane’s understanding means more than they can express, especially in a world where rumors and gossip spread like wildfire.
Fort
(quietly)
Thanks, P’Jane. Really.
Jane
(smiling)
Don’t mention it. Now, I’ll leave you two to your… moonlit walk date.
With a final smile, she turns and starts to walk back up the beach, giving them their privacy again. Peat watches her go, exhaling slowly as if he’s been holding his breath.
Peat
That was… close.
Fort grins, slipping his hand back into Peat’s, feeling a new confidence.
Fort
Yeah, but honestly? I don’t care. I don’t want to hide this. I don’t want to hide you.
Peat’s expression softens, and he pulls Fort in for another gentle kiss, letting the night, the waves, and the weightlessness of being known settle around them. And as they walk back along the beach, hand in hand, the future may still be uncertain, but one thing is clear—they’re in it together, no matter what comes.