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The loud music playing in Honey’s Bar reverberated through Lava’s skull, threatening to burst his eardrums. It nearly drowned out the booming thoughts racing through his head. Which might have been a blessing in disguise. Each and every thought was about Wave, Wave, Wave, until he was sure even his heart beat sounded like Wave’s name. His heart, mind and body didn’t belong to himself anymore. Wave had stolen everything.
The worst part was, Wave didn’t even know what he’d done. A simple smile, a second-long flash of those dimples, or a soft press of Wave’s lips against his, was enough to have Lava’s defenses going up in a puff of smoke. Every wall that he’d spent years building around himself had come crumbling down thanks to a person he’d only known for two months.
Lava had never yearned so much for someone before. People came into his life and left just as quickly. He never felt the need to form lasting attachments to anyone. He didn't need to. He learned early on in life that he couldn't rely on anyone but himself.
But now, he was thinking about Wave even when they were apart. They didn't have to be in the same room for Lava to feel longing burning hot in his gut.
He was certain that sentiment wasn’t returned. Who would fall for a guy like him? He was self-centered, hot-headed and foul-mouthed. He never expected anyone to want to get close to him.
Except, Wave had. He’d gotten under Lava’s skin and made a home for himself right in Lava’s cold, dead heart. And slowly, he was reviving it. He was bringing Lava’s emotions back to life. Or rather, he was forcing Lava to confront the fact that his feelings had always been there, but he’d become an expert at hiding them. He’d learned how to play the part of an unfeeling jerk. He made it so that nobody would want to approach him. Which meant nobody could hurt his fragile inner self.
But Wave wasn't like anybody else.
He was just so clingy. He'd sunken his claws into Lava's chest and refused to let go. Every touch from those delicate hands drove him mad. Every teasing glance pushed him further up the wall. Until he had nowhere else to go. He was backed into a corner with no escape route. There was no space left to confront his feelings.
He'd rather ignore them. It was easier that way. He could pretend that intense emotions didn't bloom in his chest like the prettiest of roses when Wave looked at him with a soft smile. He could pretend that he didn't blossom into a new being under Wave's care and attention. He could convince himself that his heart didn't get caught in his throat every time Wave's hand landed on his shoulder, or circled around his wrist, or rested on his neck to pull him into a kiss.
Because at the end of the day, he was just a new experience for Wave. A summer fling. Something to pass the time as he slowly regained his memories. When he remembered who he was, he'd leave like everyone else. He'd realize he was too good for someone like Lava.
Lava wasn't fit to be anyone's first love. His heart was covered in thorns that would tear Wave's paper-thin skin. It was better for Wave if they didn't cross any more lines.
But Wave was always invading his space. He was lucky he managed to slip away while Wave was in the bathroom, getting ready for bed. He’d gotten in his truck and taken the drive to Honey's bar, alone. Tum wasn't with him this time. He didn't know anyone there. Which was fine. He wasn't someone worth knowing.
He needed to drown his sorrows on the dance floor. He was only two drinks into his pity party, just enough to create a pleasant buzz that distracted his mind from its sole occupant. He was dancing, if it could even be called that. It was more like mindlessly moving his body, uncoordinated and uncaring. Everyone around him was too drunk to notice that he was bumbling around without rhythm.
He just wanted to forget about Wave for a little while. For Wave's presence always had his feelings wrapping around his throat like vines, and he no longer had the capacity to breathe.
He didn't know if the distraction was working. Because he was still thinking about Wave when a man he didn't recognize crowded against him in a flirty fashion. He raised an eyebrow but continued to dance, neither discouraging nor encouraging the advance. He didn’t care about anything. He just wanted to lose himself in the atmosphere, so he could briefly forget how miserable his life was. He had no emotional ties to anyone. Nobody cared about him. Nobody loved him. So why should he waste his energy on loving himself?
The stranger grew bolder, reaching out a hand to rest it on Lava’s chest. Again, Lava didn’t react one way or another. If someone wanted to touch him, he’d let them. At least that way, he could feel wanted for a moment. He could pretend that he was important.
The last person who touched him was Wave. Perhaps he needed a new face to scrub Wave's touch out of his mind.
Suddenly, someone grabbed onto his wrist and yanked him away from his temporary dance partner. His first instinct was to shake the touch off of him, but the grip was stronger than he anticipated. He turned to this newcomer, fully expecting to start a fight. “Hey, what’s your problem-”
He froze when he realized who he was talking to. Wave was the one who had interrupted him. And he didn’t look happy. His eyebrows were furrowed in anger, and his eyes were blazing with a heat he’d never seen before. He’d gotten on Wave’s nerves countless times, but never enough to warrant such an angry expression.
“What do you think you’re doing?,” Wave fiercely snapped. His haughty tone was enough to send an icy chill through Lava’s veins. He was completely sobered up, his slight buzz disappearing in the face of Wave’s fury.
“Uhh, I was just-” Wave didn’t give him enough time to respond before he started dragging Lava away by the wrist. Which may have been for the best, because he didn’t know what nonsense was going to come out of his mouth anyway. He didn’t even know why he had to explain himself. Going to the bar and getting drunk was normal for him.
As scary as an angry Wave was, he was still undeniably attractive. Lava couldn’t help but sneak glances, allowing his eyes to wander over Wave’s gorgeous features, twisted in annoyance. He was in his sleepwear. His hair was slightly damp. He must’ve rushed over as soon as he got out of the shower. Inconspicuously, he leaned closer to catch a whiff of the shampoo Wave used. It smelled of lavender and honey.
Wave had made him buy fancier bathroom products, because Lava’s didn't smell nice enough, according to him. He'd complained at the time, but he secretly didn't mind. He liked how they made Wave smell.
Wave didn’t say a word the entire time he dragged Lava to the truck. Although his grip was demanding, it wasn't painful. The light pressure of Wave’s fingers around his wrist was just enough for him to feel owned. He didn't try to pull away. He wanted Wave to hold him tighter and never let go.
“Wave, what are you doing here?,” he asked once they got to the truck. But he instantly regretted it. If looks could kill, Lava would be six feet under.
“I should be asking why you came here without telling me.” Wave’s voice left no room for argument. He dropped Lava’s wrist, only to shove his hand into Lava’s pocket in search of his keys.
“Wait, I can drive-”
“Don’t speak. You’ve been drinking. Get in the car.”
Wave stomped around to the driver’s side and, once he climbed in, slammed the door hard enough for Lava to jump. Why was he so mad? He didn’t know, but he didn’t want to worsen Wave’s mood. He climbed into the passenger’s seat before he could dig a deeper hole for himself.
Wave didn’t say anything for the entire drive home. They were lucky that Peng had been giving him driving lessons, or else they would’ve had to wait until Wave deemed Lava sober enough to drive. Which would only extend this tense atmosphere that had formed between them.
He wondered how Wave had managed to get to the bar on his own, but he didn't ask. He felt like he couldn’t say a word, or else Wave would send him another death glare. Wisely, he held his tongue and busied himself by looking out the window. He felt like he couldn’t move a muscle, or even breathe too hard, for fear of irritating Wave.
If anyone else had grabbed him and pulled him around like that, he would’ve punched them in the face by now. But this was Wave, the clingy man with the soft features and the magic touch that cured his loneliness. He didn’t want Wave to be upset with him.
When they arrived home, Wave silently got out of the truck. Lava followed him to their shared bedroom. Only then, once the door was closed behind them, did Wave finally speak again.
“Did I do something wrong?”
“Huh? No, why do you ask?”
Wave ran his fingers through his slightly wet hair in a gesture of exasperation. “Do I not give you enough attention? Why are you parading yourself around like you’re single?”
He didn't understand anything. Why was Wave so irritated by him going out clubbing? Wasn't that kind of behavior expected from him? “But I am single, so I don't see the problem.”
Wave gasped. His angry expression crumpled all at once, replaced with big, pleading eyes and those delicate lips downturned in the corners. He stepped closer to Lava and grabbed onto his shirt with both hands. He looked sad and almost… scared. His voice had transformed from larger than life to tiny and wounded.
“Lava… are you breaking up with me?”
Lava’s mouth dropped open and he blinked dumbly. Surely, he wasn’t drunk enough to hallucinate. He’d only had two drinks before Wave dragged him away and sobered him up.
But this didn’t make any sense. How could he break up with someone he never got into a relationship with? As badly as he wanted to date Wave, he’d never mustered up the courage to ask. He didn’t think the likes of him deserved someone like Wave. He was gentle and sweet, made of everything soft and vulnerable. The perfect prey for someone devilish like Lave to sink his claws into and ruin his life.
And he didn’t want to do that. Wave was just getting his new life started. He didn’t deserve to be tarnished by the stain Lava would bring to his existence. He’d already accepted that he could only fantasize about Wave from a distance. He could look, but he couldn’t touch. He could feel, but he couldn’t admit to his feelings.
So, he would know if he was in a relationship with Wave. “What are you talking about?”
Wave released his shirt, only to grab onto his arm instead. His touch was so warm that Lava felt like his skin would burn. “I thought you liked being my boyfriend. Don't I take such good care of you?”
Wave lightly tugged at his arm, his pretty lips pouting out in dismay. His puppy-dog eyes were in full force, as if he knew Lava was weak to them. “Come on, admit that I'm a good boyfriend. I care about you so much. It isn't fair. Why would you let someone else touch you?”
Wave sounded so serious. If he thought they were dating, that explained why Wave was so clingy and affectionate with him recently. He thought Wave was just the type of person who thrived on skinship. And no wonder he was so angry when he saw how Lava allowed someone else to come onto him.
Was he really clueless enough not to realize Wave thought they were together? “Since when were we dating?”
Wave’s frown only deepened, and he wrapped both of his arms around Lava's arm, clinging to him. “Are you joking? It isn’t funny, Lava. Tell me you were just drunk and didn't realize someone else was flirting with you. I was angry, but I know you wouldn't cheat on me.”
Wave was too charming for his own good. As nice as it was to have a pretty boy all over him, he had to set the record straight. “I'm not joking. I really didn't think we were dating.”
Surprise overcame Wave's features. He held onto Lava's arm even tighter as he digested this new information. “You're serious? But we've kissed! Multiple times!”
“Kissing doesn't guarantee a relationship-”
“We share a bed, you let me cuddle you and hold your hand, I clip your nails for you, I took care of you when you got injured. What else have we been doing this whole time?!”
When it was listed out like that, he really did seem dumb for not catching on sooner.
Wave let go of him, and he instantly wanted nothing more than for his touch to return. His eyes held a mixture of melancholy and disappointment. There was a sinking feeling in Lava's stomach. He did what he did best: disappointed the people closest to him. He should be used to the guilt spreading throughout his body by now.
“I thought you loved me.”
Lava felt his heart breaking at how devastated he sounded. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Wave. That was why he tried to keep his feelings in check. But apparently, he failed. Because all of his actions led Wave to believe they were boyfriends.
If Wave thought they were dating this whole time, did that mean he was happy playing boyfriend with Lava? He hadn't even done anything romantic. He didn't allow himself to. Every time he got the urge to reach out and brush Wave's hair back or press a kiss to one of his dimples, he held himself back. He knew his feelings went too deep to be controlled if he allowed them to seep out.
To Lava, kissing was always a casual thing. Until he met Wave. Wave's kisses were different from any Lava had experienced before. Maybe that was because he refused to be a passive participant. In fact, Wave preferred taking control of his lips. And Lava allowed it to happen. He'd never let anyone else grip onto his hair to hold him still while pressing bruising kisses to his mouth, but he didn't even think twice when Wave did it.
Maybe Wave was the one person who could handle him.
Wave was special to him. He was someone Lava trusted with his entire being. And he couldn’t stand to see Wave looking so sad. Especially when he was the cause of it. If there was any time to brave the fear of admitting his feelings, it was now. Anything to wipe that sad look off his beloved’s face.
“I do love you. I just didn’t know you felt the same.”
Wave perked up, his eyes regaining their light and his lips forming their usual smile. “I told you, we've been dating for weeks already. We love each other.”
Lava nodded in a daze. The high of finally letting out his feelings, which had been threatening to burst at the seams for a while now, combined with the rush of Wave's reciprocation. Wave was confident in his words. He knew Lava loved him, and he loved Lava in turn.
There was a possessive glint in his eyes when he grabbed onto Lava's shoulders. “Now that you know, how dare you let someone else be so close to you! Only I can press against you.” As if to demonstrate his point, he pressed his chest against Lava's. “Let's see anyone try to touch you when you're in my arms.”
He didn't expect Wave to be so possessive. It sent a thrill down his spine. With how close they were, his gaze was naturally drawn to Wave's pretty lips. If they were boyfriends, surely he was allowed to kiss him at will? It would be so easy to lean in and close the distance-
But Wave stepped away just as quickly as he'd come closer. “Hey, don't give me those sweet puppy eyes. I saw you looking at my lips.”
Wave patted his cheek with a false empathetic look. It was condescending. But rather than being offended, he only felt… obedient. Eager to please. He wanted to make Wave proud and earn his praise. He wanted to be a good boyfriend, just as Wave had been to him. “Poor thing, look how defeated you look. You don't get any kisses yet. You have to make it up to me first.”
Lava whined at the loss of his warmth. He wanted Wave to keep hugging him. “How do I make it up to you?”
Wave crossed his arms over his chest and lifted his chin with a huff. “Figure it out yourself. You've got a brain, right?”
If this was a few weeks ago, Lava would've started returning the insults. But presently, he would mindlessly agree to whatever Wave said. He'd do anything to maintain their dating status, even though he wasn't aware of it in the first place. But without any guidance, he didn't know how to rectify his mistake. He only had his instincts to rely on.
Lava felt himself pouting, and now he was the one tugging on Wave's arm. “Don't be mad. I wanted to date you, but I was scared to ask.”
Wave looked down at Lava's hand on his arm with a raised eyebrow. “The mighty Lava is afraid of using his words? You're usually not scared to say whatever nonsense comes to your mind.”
Lava ducked his head to catch Wave's gaze with a pleading expression. “I wasn't scared of words, Wave. I was scared of hurting you.”
Wave's expression wavered, his sharp eyes softening. “You won't hurt me. I'm not made of glass. I'm a person who can make my own decisions. And my choice is to be with you.”
He was right. All this time, Lava had been stuck in his own head, overthinking about how he wasn't good enough for Wave. He'd never stopped to consider how Wave would feel about that. If Wave cared about him, he wouldn't want Lava to put himself down.
It was up to Wave to decide how he wanted to spend his new life. And if Wave wanted him by his side, who was Lava to deny him?
Lava slid his hand down Wave's arm, until he reached Wave's hand. He grabbed it gently. “I'm not scared anymore. If I knew we were dating, I would never break up with you.”
Wave cracked a slight smile and Lava felt like he was getting somewhere. Emboldened, he held both of Wave's hands while looking into his eyes. “Please don’t stop taking care of me.” He lifted Wave's hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of it. “I need you, Nava. I want to be your boyfriend.”
All of the tension drained out of Wave, and he let out a sigh of relief. “Was that so difficult to admit?”
“It wasn't. I should've said it sooner. You're not mad, right?”
Wave patted his head. He wouldn’t let anyone else get away with touching him like that. But if Wave was his boyfriend, then he deserved special privileges. He could touch Lava however he wanted. “I can't stay mad at a silly puppy who doesn’t know any better.”
He wrapped both arms around Wave, squeezing him tightly. He nuzzled his cheek against Wave's shoulder, wanting him as close as possible. “Thank you, Nava. I promise, I won't disappoint you again. I'll stay by your side, as long as you want me.”
Wave returned the hug. He gripped onto the back of Lava's shirt, another gesture of ownership. “You're my boyfriend. I don't want to ever catch you letting someone flirt with you again.”
“I won't. Only you can flirt with me.”
Wave snorted and pulled away from the hug, only to poke Lava's cheek. “Why should I do that? You're already my boyfriend."
“Waveee, don't you want to flirt with me still?”
Wave grinned and pressed a kiss to his cheek next. “I like this whiny Lava. He's cute.”
“This whiny Lava likes you.”
Wave's eyes were shining with love and admiration when he grabbed both of Lava's cheeks. “Don't be cute like this for anyone else.” His hands held Lava's face still as he leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the lips. It lasted for only a second, much shorter than their other kisses. But this felt like the most important one. Because Lava was now aware that he was kissing his boyfriend, not just a friend that he had feelings for.
“You kissed me. That means I'm completely forgiven, right?”
Wave’s expression was cheeky when he responded. “Completely? Not yet. Maybe if you take me on a proper date, we'll talk.”
“I’ll do anything.”
Wave laughed softly at how quickly he replied. “So obedient. Is this the kind of boyfriend you are?”
Lava clung onto him, pressing his cheek against Wave’s. “Get used to it! You haven’t seen anything yet. I’ll be the best boyfriend ever!”
Previously, he thought all of his good deeds only ended up backfiring on him. Maybe his good karma from helping others was finally being returned tenfold. He’d been given this precious gift of Wave’s love and he wouldn’t squander it. He’d make sure Wave was so happy that he’d never even think about leaving Lava. His first order of business was earning Wave’s forgiveness by taking him on that date he wanted.
Before he came to this island, the idea of going on a date with someone was completely unheard of. All of his relationships were casual in nature. He never wanted them to stick around long enough for outings, meeting the family and whatever else dating entailed. He was fuzzy on the details. Maybe he could ask Uncle Peng what people in relationships did. Then again, he was still hiding his love life from the entire island. Maybe he shouldn’t be taking Peng’s advice.
Wave had changed him irreversibly. He was no longer the irresponsible loser who was scared of commitment and chased his high with drugs and cigarettes. He'd quit both already, at Wave's behest. That should've been another hint that they were in a relationship. After all, he wouldn't allow someone to nag him like that, unless he really loved them.
He wanted Wave to be happy. And admittedly, he wanted Wave to kiss him more. He'd complained several times about Lava's mouth tasting like nicotine. When Wave denied a kiss from him for the first time, it was a huge blow to his ego. But he couldn't be upset at Wave when he'd given him those doe eyes and said, “I won't kiss you until you brush your teeth. I know you taste like cigarettes.”
At that time, he really did go brush his teeth to ensure Wave would kiss him. And soon after, he quit smoking altogether. He didn't want to give Wave any reason to avoid his kisses.
With that thought in mind, he took the initiative by giving Wave a tiny kiss this time. “I'll take you anywhere you want to go.”
“I can go anywhere, as long as you're with me.”
Wave was good at this. His words were smooth, and his delivery wasn’t shy at all. He was shameless. Lava would have to step his game up if he wanted to sweet him off his feet.
Lava did some asking around for the best date spots on the island. Peng and Wut weren’t much help, since they only went for dates at their secret beach spot. He didn’t think that was good enough for Wave to forgive him.
“Take him on Uncle Peng’s boat!,” was Tum’s suggestion. “The ladies love being on boats!”
“Tum, Wave isn’t a lady. And have you really had a successful date like that?”
“Nah. Kratae hasn’t agreed to go with me yet!” Tum was smiling cluelessly, like he didn’t realize how pathetic that sounded. Lava shook his head at his blind devotion to someone who never gave him the time of day. Maybe if he had better date ideas, Kratae would agree to go with him.
“That won't work, unless I want to clean puke off my shirt afterwards. Wave gets seasick.”
“Oh… I forgot about that.”
In the end, Lava had to rely on his own decision-making. He knew Wave well, so he should be able to pick a spot he would like.
Wave didn’t like spaces that were too loud. He preferred a calmer atmosphere, where they would be able to relax and make conversation. If there was anything Wave loved more than talking about everything he could think of, it was being close to Lava. Which meant they’d have to go somewhere Wave could stay stuck to his side.
He knew Wave loved the sunrise. He’d admitted that once, when they were lying in bed. Wave had reached out to lightly touch his back and whispered, “A sunrise represents hope and new beginnings. You’re my hope, Lava. You gave me this new life. I want to watch the sunrise with you.”
At the time, Lava pretended he was already asleep. He squeezed his eyes shut and didn’t respond to Wave’s soft callings of his name. He didn’t want to turn over and admit that he wanted nothing more than to take Wave to a nice spot where they could watch the sunrise together. He didn’t want Wave to know how much he would do for him.
He’d been so dumb. That moment wasn’t Wave pressuring him to come to terms with his feelings. In fact, Wave had already thought Lava's feelings were clear. He was simply planting an idea in Lava’s head. Luckily, he’d now found the perfect use for this information.
He must love Wave a ton, or else he wouldn’t have woken up at such an ungodly hour. He didn’t know how Wave had so much energy. They both went to bed at the same time. And yet, Wave was practically vibrating for the entire drive to their date location.
“Won’t you tell me where we’re going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
Wave huffed, but didn’t push it further. Contrary to his nosy nature, he secretly liked surprises. Lava wanted to give him little surprises every day for the rest of their lives. Whether they came in the form of spur-of-the-moment dates, or giving him presents that made him think of Wave, or even gifting him flowers. Lava had never done any of those things. He wanted to do them all for Wave.
He was filled with nerves when they arrived at his chosen destination. He’d taken Wave to an elevated cliff overlooking the ocean. Thanks to his superior driving skills, he made it there before the sun started to rise. He hoped to show Wave that he could take care of him. He wanted to fulfill Wave’s wish. Maybe then, he would be worthy of calling himself Wave’s boyfriend.
“Why did you stop here?” Wave looked confused for once. He was so used to Wave’s confident and sassy expressions. It was nice to see him with a new emotion. It calmed some of Lava’s anxiety. He saved the image to his memory bank before unbuckling his seat belt and leaning over to kiss Wave’s forehead.
“You’ll see.”
They exited the truck and he gestured for Wave to sit on the hood. Wave was hesitant at first, not wanting to damage it.
“You weigh the same as a pea. How could you damage anything?”
Wave gave him an unimpressed look. “Are you making fun of me?”
“No, I’d never! But do you know why it's called a pick-up truck?”
“No, why?”
“Because I can do this.” He picked Wave up and sat him down on the hood before he could protest. He had it on good authority (from the man himself) that Wave liked how easy he was to carry.
“Hey! I could get up here myself,” he grumbled, but Lava knew it was to hide the flush spreading across his face. So Wave could get flustered. He was learning so many new things about Wave now that he knew they were dating.
The sun made its grand entrance. It started with a gentle, warm glow radiating just over the horizon. Wave rested his head against Lava’s shoulder as they watched the light become brighter. It washed over the ocean, casting its golden reflection in the rippling water far below them. The sun rose further, painting Wave in soft oranges and yellows. His beauty was befitting a prince, or an angel.
“You’re my hope,” Wave had said that night, as Lava feigned sleep. And as Lava looked at those sparkling eyes, he knew Wave was his hope, too.
There was a clear distinction in his life before and after Wave. Somehow, one person had made him undergo a transformation he was always too scared to undertake. He didn't want to show his emotions. He didn't want to look weak. But that meant he could never be his true self with anyone.
Wave had given him a new lease on life. He made Lava want to hold onto the happiness he never thought he deserved. He encouraged Lava to express himself in ways he never dared to before.
Lava had always been more of a sunset kind of guy. It marked the end of the day, meaning it was time to either go home or find some party to join. But with Wave by his side, he was coming around to the concept of a sunrise. It represented rebirth. Growth. Two things he'd experienced since Wave washed up on the shore of his life.
Wave turned his head and smiled when he found Lava already looking at him. He smiled back and stroked Wave's hair. “I know it’s nothing fancy. I don’t have much money yet. When I save up some more, I’ll take you somewhere better.”
Wave shook his head lightly. “I don’t need something expensive. Just watching the sunrise with the person I love, I’m already happy.”
He looked so earnest that Lava couldn't question him. He didn't want to. He'd rather believe that Wave truly was happy just to spend time with him.
“Speaking of, how did you know I like the sunrise?
Lava offered a sheepish laugh. “You told me.”
Wave playfully shoved him. “I knew it, you were awake! I saw you hiding a smile that night.”
“You knew? Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I thought you were just being shy.”
“I don’t get shy!”
Wave scoffed, then maneuvered himself to sit in Lava's lap. He pressed their chests together, ensuring no amount of space separated them. Wave was so bold with his touches that Lava didn't know what to do. He wasn't used to showing affection. He could feel a strange heat creeping across his cheeks that he mentally attributed to the sun rather than the heightening temperature of his face.
Wave wasn't fooled. He rubbed his thumb against one of Lava's reddened cheeks. “I thought you didn’t get shy, hmm?”
He was so cheeky. Lava tried to think of something to say, but he couldn't string words together in his mind. Wave was blocking some of the sunlight from his view. But that only meant the soft glow from the rising sun was playing over Wave’s body, illuminating him around the edges. He looked like a vision straight out of Lava’s dreams.
He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. “You’re the only one who can make me feel like this.”
Wave seemed to like that response, for he grinned before pressing those tempting lips against Lava’s. This time, he didn’t pull away after only a second. His arms wrapped around Lava’s neck, keeping him in place as he slotted their lips together. He tilted his head this way and that, making sure to kiss him from all angles. Finally, Lava could feel every ounce of Wave’s love pouring from his lips. He’d been willfully ignorant of it before. He was scared to see what was right in front of him.
But his fear had gone out the window. Wave chased it away with his warmth. He gave Lava the courage to hold onto Wave’s waist, ensuring he wouldn’t go anywhere. He instilled in Lava the confidence to return the kiss without restraint, allowing his emotions to be transmitted through it.
He was always holding himself back before. He had no reason to anymore, and so his love came pouring out of him. He could only hope that Wave felt his genuine emotions now.
By the time the kiss ended, the sun had risen fully into the air. The golden light was bouncing off Wave's hair, showing the different hues present in those soft strands. He wrapped Wave in a proper hug and rested his chin against Wave’s chest, looking up at him. He was sure he looked like a begging puppy. “Have you completely forgiven me yet?”
Wave ran his fingers through his hair. “Hmm, what do you think?”
He was hopeful when he responded, “Yes?” Then he thought better of his eagerness, “But, I could do more. I would do anything for you.”
“I know you would.” Wave pressed a kiss to his forehead. “I was never mad, silly. I just wanted you to take me on a date.”
He was filled with giddiness at the admission. He'd done well. He'd given Wave what he wanted and made up for his mistake. He was a good boyfriend.
Lava dared to steal another kiss from those pretty lips. “I'll take you on a million more dates. Anything to make you happy, Khun Faen.”
~🌋🌊~
The sun was blaring as Lava drove them home. Luckily, he'd already asked Uncle Peng if he could skip his morning fishing duties for one day. Peng had seen how desperate he looked and took pity on him. In exchange, Lava had to take on some extra chores once he returned.
Seeing Wave's smile as the sun rose before them was worth it. He'd work ten times harder if it meant he got to witness Wave's happiness spelled across his face.
After they turned a corner, Wave rested his hand on Lava's knee. Lava looked at that wandering hand for a split second before returning his eyes to the road. “Wave, I’m driving.”
Wave lifted his chin in that challenging motion he liked to do. Lava could see it from the corner of his eye. “And? I’m just touching you as your boyfriend. Aren't I allowed?”
Lava shook his head fondly. He'd never met someone as bold as Wave. He liked it. “Of course. You can even sit in my lap again if you want.”
“Lava! You'll definitely crash the car if I did that. You'd be too distracted.”
“And you don't think the knee touch would make me crash?”
Wave scrutinized him with narrowed eyes, then patted his knee. “Nah. You love me too much to let that happen.”
Wave was right. He'd never do anything to put Wave in danger. He'd protect him with every ounce of his being. But the fact that Wave was so confident in that made Lava feel proud. Wave knew Lava would do anything to keep him safe. And he knew Wave would do the same for him. They'd look out for each other.
“Aren’t you glad I didn't take you on Uncle Peng’s boat like Tum suggested?”
Wave made a vaguely disgusted expression. “You asked Tum for relationship advice? Good thing you didn't listen. I wouldn't be able to keep my eyes open enough to watch the sunrise.”
“Plus, it wouldn't be romantic to clean vomit off my shoes.”
Wave pinched his knee in retaliation. “That only happened once!”
“Ow, okay! Then, was watching the sunrise on the cliff romantic enough for you?”
Wave must've had a lot of confidence in Lava's driving skills, because he leaned over to press a kiss to Lava's cheek. “Being with you is already romantic. As long as we're not on a boat!”
Lava laughed, though not necessarily out of humor. He was simply exhilarated from the thrill of a successful date. He still couldn't believe Wave was actually his. Now that he knew that, he wouldn't let Wave go for the world.
Wave's hand remained on his knee for the rest of the drive. He'd never felt so claimed before. Being Wave's boyfriend was great.