Chapter Text
The sky was clear, soft baby blue as it was consumed by the loud squeals of the flock of seagulls that terrorized the sky and the beach. Oh the beach under the morning, warm sun was mesmerising. The soft blue ocean stretched across the horizon and the beach was already filling up with people. People from all around the world and of all kinds. Locals and tourists, singles and families, some flirting and some chilling.
Some stretched over their lounges or mattresses while some were chaotic, playing volleyball with their friends or surfing in the waves. And, that was the beauty of Hawaii.
Hawaii, a vacation place everyone once dreamt of going. Hawaii, the place where everyone imagined themselves in hot bikinis and truck shorts with their skin glistening against the sun as they relax on the beach with sand and ocean water sticking on their skin, not in an icky way but just perfect, sexy way.
"WAHHHHH!!" a long shout came with a long stretch of arms over the golden brown hair as the boy's eyes shut and felt the ocean breeze and the warm sun. He wore those typical loose Hawaiian shirt that was perfect for the beach, and the one that allowed the color breeze through the thin fabric, paired with shorts. It was a typical wear for most men at the beach. A shirt with shorts or maybe, shirtless with just shorts.
"This is your third scream since morning and my ears are on the verge of bleeding," spoke the girl with an irritation in her voice as she pointed at the boy. She wore a loose shirt and shorts over her orange bikini that was visible behind the translucent white shirt. Her hair was tied up in a neat ponytail with a simple beaded necklace hanging around her neck as the only accessory.
"Well, best believe its better than the chaos unfolding in either of the sides," said the boy with the black hair where rested a pair of sunglasses, with his hands on his hips.
The three automatically looked to their left.
Two boys. Fighting or flirting, god knows.
The boy who was slightly taller than the other, wrapped his arm around the shoulder of the shorter guy. He had been talking nonstop about something no one knows what.
"You talk too much, please shut up" said the shorter boy, rolling his eyes at the taller one before looking ahead at the sea. The boy smirked, leaning closer and whispering, "Make me."
EWWWWWW
In unison said the short guy out loud and the three who were watching them in their heads.
"I am not giving in to you today," dismissed the shorter guy, flicking his arms away and standing close to him with his hands holding onto his sides, looking up with a provocation.
"You always lose to me anyways," said the taller one, stepping closer as he towered the shorter guy imitating the same stance.
He scoffed, looking away.
"Fine. We will see that when your face hit the sand," he threatened while nodding his face as a soft smug smile grew on his face. The taller guy nodded, perking his lips and blinking intentionally, taking the challenge.
The three sighed in unison. That wasn't it.
Now, their heads turned to their right.
Two girls. Fighting or flirting, god knows.
"One task. Only one task and you messed it up," complained the girl in glasses as she was collecting her hair to tie it in a bun.
The girl beside her clasped her hands and her head drooped down immediately as she begged, "I promise I checked everything before submitting the documents!"
The girl in glasses pinched her nose bridge as her glasses lifted from her fingers, "Yet there was a mistake in the file," she muttered in a low voice which was filled with disappointment and lack of surprise.
Now the girl with brown her separated her palms and turned them into fists, a strong determination radiating in her voice as the sun behind her glowed her head like transferring its energy to her, "I will fix it all, just give me some time."
"Yeah, yeah. We should've brought our work in our vacation, right? Its not even been 24 hours," the girl spoke with a final sigh. The other immediately wrapped her arms around her waist, her head resting on her chest as she whispered small sorrys and sweet promises.
The three looked back at the ocean and sighed.
"Bachelorette party they said," the girl huffed.
"More like 5th wheel party," said the black haired guy shaking his head.
"7th wheel if I get to kiss a pretty boy tonight," giggled the brown hair guy, receiving an immediate smack from the other two.
Pam and Rak has been in love ever since they met, their love story was full of ups and downs stretching into family dramas and what not. At the end, they found each other, forming such a deep bond and greater love that Rak, even at her young age, decided to level up their relationship. It was on a simple, ordinary day, yet turned into something special and a day of celebration.
Rak proposed Pam and now they are here, weeks before their marriage on a bachelorette party with their dearest friends, separated to different places, one in Hawaii, and other in Las Vegas.
Dearest friends they say. Rak sighed.
The said dearest friends included Tum and Oh, less boyfriends more rivals or whatever story they feed. One moment they punch each others' faces and the other, they are making out.
Second pair was Lal and Wine, less girlfriends and more rivals or again, whatever story they feed. One moment they are chewing each others brain while bringing work in every aspect of their life and in the other chewing each others' mouths.
Lastly, came Duang and Thame. Duang on Rak's left, who have not stopped screaming and huffing like an excited puppy to be in Hawaii, and Thame on her right who have not stopped complaining about being single and singing insecure songs about Po, Pam's best friend in LA right now, to have found another bachelor to kiss.
Less than 24 hours and Rak has grown tired of her friends.
She sighed, "Can't believe I am feeling single at my own bachelorette party."
Duang teased, "As if thats not the whole point." Thame giggle on the side.
"Wow. The next moment I will get to know that you two are kissing each other," Rak spoke with horror on her face when she noticed Duang and Thame teaming up against her.
Her statement was followed by dramatic gags on either of her sides.
"Ew Rak. Think. I have some standards," Thame said widening his eyes as if he just heard some atrocity.
"Right, standards. Your standards being anyone who gives you attention," Duang mocked, sticking his tongue out.
"Currently, you are giving him the most attention," Rak pointed at Duang and Duang gagged again, followed by Thame trying hard not to hold back laughter.
"Whatever, Thame is miserable anyways. Keep crying about P'Po," Duang flicked his hand in the air, dismissing Thame with the final blow.
Rak clicked her tongue.
"Dogs. Both are dogs."
"SAYS YOU?" both said in unison, pouncing on her as a team again.
"Who was the one texting her fiance on the FIRST morning of her bachelorette party?" Thame accused.
"Who was the one crying on the airport to be separated by her fiance for merely 10 days?" Duang added.
"Who was the one buying souvenir LITERALLY at Hawaii's airport for her fiance?" Thame didn't stop.
"Who was the one giving sparkling eyes on a video call the moment she landed after the flight?" Duang wasn't letting go.
"OKAY! I GIVE UP!" Rak raised her hands to stop them. She gave a deep sigh as Duang and Thame gave each other a high-five over the victory.
She cleared her throat as she stepped forward and turned around to face the mess of her friends.
"Stop kissing fuckers and listen up," she spoke in a harsh tone as she clapped her hands to gain attention of her friends.
"We didn't kiss yet," said the two couples in unison.
"Me neither," Duang said in a kicked puppy voice.
"Oh, I miss P'Po," Thame joined the kicked puppy club recalling his crush.
"Whatever. Here is the plan," Rak spoke with a firm voice, "The beach day is divided into two sections. I will brief the second section at the end of the first one."
"Are we in military?" Thame whispered to Duang. Duang shrugged almost itching to give Rak a salute.
"The first section includes taking pictures, playing in the sea, and last but not least, playing volleyball."
The crowd was a little on crack that they started cheering as if Rak was their tour guide.
Rak brought her arms in the air, pushing them down to lower their hoots.
"For pictures, I need two volunteers," She said holding two fingers in the air, "One holding my phone and the other with a professional camera."
"I only take pictures for my girlfriend," Lal said looking at Wine with the sweetest smile as she pulled her closer by her waist. Wine gave her an annoyed smile as she rolled her eyes with a little, "I don't even like taking pictures."
"I only take pictures for my boyfriend," Tum added while raising his hands to take himself out as a candidate. Oh nodded with a little impressed expression, "You better take cool ones."
Rak looked at poor Duang and Thame who sighed as their fates brought them to serve their soon-to-be married friend.
"I'll take the professional camera," Duang spoke with a dejected voice.
"That leaves me with the phone," Thame spoke with the same voice.
"Perfect," Rak finally spoke with some delight as she handed the two with their tools as they begin with their work. They placed their belongings under a place that they reserved with two lounges, a huge mattress and a big shed umbrella.
And with that, they separated.
Not really, just spaced out in their own bubbles. On one side, Tum was desperately trying to take pictures before he gets rage baited by Oh and they get tumbled down in the water. On the other side was Lal and Wine that took pictures at the shore, as Wine struck poses unlike how she swore she didn't like taking pictures, ordering Lal for precision in every angle.
And then there was Duang and Thame, stepping around in the sand, in the ocean, or the ocean rocks and every single place Rak could find to get pictures. Duang held the camera with its string wrapped around his neck as he bent around in different orientations to capture every angle, meanwhile Thame towered Duang or sometimes under him, holding the phone carefully to get pictures. Rak's shirt was off in seconds and it was just her, the hot bikini, and the bright late morning sun.
Tum and Oh were already drenched in the water because they abandoned taking pictures when Oh decided to scold Tum for bad pictures and Tum decided that the best way to get back was splashing water. Soon it turned into a wrestling ring in the water with giggles and sudden smooches.
Lal and Wine laid on the sand when they were finally tired of the picture session, deciding to merely enjoy the breeze and the harsh of the sun.
All this while, the three puppies of the group were still lost in some random corner of the beach, still on their shoot. After what felt like an hour or so, Thame was pissed. Distracted, he started taking picture of the nature and Duang. Rak couldn't care less because Duang was still taking her pictures, until, Duang caught Thame.
"What's with you? Sneaking pictures?" Duang raised an eyebrow as he held the camera down from his face. Rak decided to stretch her arms and face after the continuous photo session.
"The only time you will get pictures," Thame shrugged clicking another picture of Duang. Duang chuckled, lifting up the camera and snapping some pictures of Thame. Now, Rak was forgotten.
They clicked pictures and showed each other the pictures, smiling at the good results. Rak disrupted them, "Excuse me. Focus on me." The two boys looked up, glanced at each other, and ignored Rak, continuing browsing the pictures.
Rak was lucky they were at the seaside. The moment she didn't get the attention, she splash the water on them.
"WHAT THE FUCK RAK I AM HOLDING YOUR CAMERA?" Thame screamt scared for his life to ruin the gadget. She giggled explaining its well-protected and waterproof.
"Just, check the pictures while we take the break," Duang suggested as he walked back to the land. The two nodded, following him towards the sand and checking the pictures together. While Rak held the camera, checking images taken by Duang as Thame leaned in to see them too, Duang stretched to rest his eyes away from the lens to the sea ahead.
While he took in the view of the sea, the sand, ad the people around him that they had been disregarding for a while now, suddenly, Duang stopped functioning.
With a breeze hitting on his hair, Duang's eyes remain wide as he looked at a figure that he noticed now after running around the beach all day.
It was an Asian boy amongst the pool of tourist, wearing a sky blue shirt layered on top of a white tshirt that hung loose on his body. The tshirt was wide-neck, so loose that it exposed his chest and there hung a pair of sunglasses that he reached for. Before he could place them on his nose, hiding those eyes, Duang quickly got a glimpse of them. Those brown, soft eyes, that were crinkling as he smiled wide towards some tourist. As the guy walked passed by, Duang's eyes fall on his legs that were fair, smooth, open due to the shorts.
Duang was awestruck by the beauty of the man as his skin shined under the sun, as his soft fluffy hair blew under the cool air, and as the Hawaii high took over Duang.
He found th guy he wants to kiss tonight.
"Duang!" Duang finally broke from his daze as he met two pair of eyes looking at him as if he has been caught doing something criminal.
"What?" Duang blinked, trying to act indifferent as if he didn't just see the love of his life. Rak and Thame looked at each other, their eyes speaking mischief.
Rak perked her head up to see the guy who caught Duang's attention, the guy who had walked away, the guy Duang can't catch up right now.
Before Duang can say anything, Thame erupted, "You found the boy you want to kiss tonight, huh?" Duang raised his hands, about to deny, about to dismiss while a small blush spread across his cheeks but Rak followed, "Seriously Duang, a foreigner, tch."
"NOOO! He is Asian…Hopefully Thai.." Duang spoke, realizing he just outed himself.
Rak and Thame went a full teasing mode, with lots of Ooooos and Damnns. Duang facepalmed himself to get ready for the teasing in the next 10 days he have to spend time with his friends but he isn't going to back out. He was determined to do anything to get the attention of the cute boy and get a chance to talk to him.
He already started imagining cute late night dinner and a goodnight kiss with the guy he met—no correction—the guy he saw for merely ten seconds.
Before he could escape, Rak held his arm and said, "Where are you going? Remember kissing the boy is second. My bachelorette is first. We are playing volleyball now."
Thame laughed immediately when he saw Duang physically whine so loud as he made sobbing sounds and his whole body moved. He loosely flicked his arms, stomped his feet and wished that volleyball like thing didn't existed.
He is running out of time.
Says the boy who have 10 days to find another guy.
No, he just want this one.
But he was dragged by his friends. One side was held by Rak and the other by Thame as they pushed him towards their place where Lal and Wine rested. Thame held Duang down until Rak called Tum and Oh back to set up for volleyball.
Duang made excuses. Said they were uneven anyways. However, Rak was determined to ruin Duang's love life and so she included a random tourist who was a LITERAL CHILD as a team member because his parents were too busy to look after their child.
So, the teams were divided. Duang, Lal, Wine, and Tum in one team and other included Rak, Thame, Oh, and the child.
As one may know, this whole friend group was overly and Duang must emphasize, OVERLY competent. Except Duang, even the child was passionate enough to beat the other team.
The game commenced. It didn't take time as the game got intense, picking the pace in the very first five minutes. Lal and Wine were like a team within the team, coordinating their moves smoothly.
Oh was too engrossed wanting to beat Tum and so was Tum. However both played differently. Oh made strategy, incorporated teamwork by giving instructions to everyone, yes even the child. Meanwhile, Tum was arrogant in his own, often stumbling and making errors losing points. This caused Lal and Wine cursing Tum left and right, making up new curse words just to out him.
What about Duang? Duang was also strategic. Strategic how to face plant himself on the ground so he can excuse himself from the game and pursue the cute Asian boy he saw earlier. However, everytime he attempted to mistep or get hit by the ball, he would throw it with a perfect snap, leading to sharp curve in the ball's run in the air making the other team lose points.
As much curses as Tum received, Duang received the multiple of that in the form of praises from Lal and Wine. Oh was getting more and more frustrated and Thame smacked the air every two seconds.
Rak looked up at the sky and said, "We should've chosen Duang."
Thame marched towards Oh with an accusing finger,"Its all your fault for saying the child will be better than Duang!" This comment made the other team laugh hard as Duang pressed his lips to avoid the embarrassment. Oh was a person full of pride and currently that was ripping apart.
Oh shot a glance towards the child who was innocent. In fact the child played well. Its just that, Duang was better.
He sighed. Collecting the team together and changing the strategy. Seeing the other team strategize, Tum felt the need to do the same so he called for everyone.
However he was met with another string of curses, especially from Wine and was completely dismissed. Duang was praised but he cut them off, begging again.
"Guys, I love you guys and I know y'all love me too. Please let me sit o—"
"No way!!!!" Wine said with the final decision that Duang will be the front player. He sighed, giving in. It is what it is. He decided to just play sincerely.
However, Duang is always an expert when he doesn't try hard. Oh's strategy change and Duang's final give in caused a disaster.
One after the other, Duang missed shots. It was like the new position gave him pressure and the determination that flared under the afternoon sun for the opposition team, mixing with the hurt pride of the child, they were ready to crush them.
After a continuous rally of five minutes, the kid sprung into the air and smacked the ball harshly, landing straight on Duang's face making him face plant in the sand, exactly he wished for.
He winced in pain as he laid on the ground while Oh lifted the kid in victory. Others ran towards Duang to check on him as he hummed in dizziness while his cheek turned red. He closed his eyes as sand stuck on him, praying what had he done to deserve this.
Oh finally broke from his victory high and checked on Duang too. As the group picked Duang from the sand, laying him down under the shed on the mattress, the kid being kind enough ran to get an ice pack from his parents.
He helped Duang by placing the pack on his cheek as a pout with guilty eyes sat on his face. How could he even be mad anymore?
He chuckled as the kid whispered sorrys. His friends decided to take a break. Duang asked to sit out, this time genuinely. The kid was too embarrassed to stay back so he ran away.
So, the game resumed with the same team. As the group continued playing, Duang rested while sipping on some soda and eating some fruits they prepared in a picnic basket for the day.
As the time passed by, Duang realized that they were too deep in the game to notice his disappearance. So he did. He disappeared to find the love of his life.
He slipped away keeping away his belongings just to find that boy. After roaming around for a while on the beach, in an edging corner of the beach where laid large rocks to a higher mountain, he found the guy on a jetski, assisting a guy who was probably a customer. They wore orange neon safety jackets with helmets as the vehicle roared on the sea.
He was in awe. The guy was super cool. And being a water sports instructor made me cooler than before. The way his air brushed back from the speed on the jetski, the way his shirt rustled due to the wind, the sunglasses that sat on his nose bridge making him the prince of the water, he was utterly hot.
However, he was surrounded by too many people, too many customers. Duang wasn't sure how to gain his attention, how to make him talk to him. He thought, maybe he can get on a jetski with him. But it was less likely he will be paired with him because of other instructors present too. He then thought, maybe he can try to converse some nonsense about water sports but then he realized he doesn't know English. Now, he was getting dejected.
He had no hopes left. He stared at the ocean, zoning out.
But then suddenly, the Aha! moment clicked in him.
Eureka.
He decided that the best way to gain attention of a water sports instructor who is there for safety is to put yourself in an unsafe situation.
Duang smiled widely, snapping his fingers as he smirked and patted himself with praises.
Oh wow, what a smart 26 year old.
So Duang did it.
He scanned for the cute boy to get in the ocean to assist anyone and the moment he was in the water, Duang stepped forward. He took long strides getting deeper and deeper in the water until his shorts were drenched and the water reached his core.
The act began.
Duang screamt. He jumped in sync with waves, putting his hands up in the arm as he shouted for help. The tides often hit his face, making him drenched completely from head to toe but it was all in his favour. He just need to get the boy's attention.
But things are never that easy.
Duang was in a corner, less people, suppressed noises. Deep water, harsh waves.
He didn't realized when had he moved deeper into the sea until he found the water level up till his neck. When he realized that he is finding it hard to get air, he decided to walk towards the shore.
One step. Two st—?
Oh fuck.
Duang's leg was caught by a wild weed. It wrapped tightly on his ankle, pulling him away from the land. Now Duang screamt for help for real.
Hot tears came down from his eyes as he cried in horror. He mumbled apologies in between his screams for help. Apologies to himself, apologies to Rak, apologies to all his friends for putting himself in this situation as he cursed himself. He begged but the water level was getting higher and higher with the bolder tides.
He gasped for breath until he was devoured by the wild ocean.
Silence.
The only sound was the caw of the seagull and the gush of the tides.
No one heard, no one knew.
Duang has been taken away.
Time passed. Things were slow, softer as the afternoon slipped from the harsh sun, transitioning to the warmer one.
With slow breaths and heavy eye lids, the only sound that echoed was the waves that were calmer now, Duang struggled hard to open his eyes.
From darkness to a still, bright blue sky, his vision turned from blurry to clearer.
As Duang gained consciousness while his body turned lighter, enough for him to carry himself, sudden realization hit him. He jolted up huffing in panic, "Where am I? Am I okay? Who saved me? Is it the cute instru—" He stopped as he spotted a guy sitting beside him, facing his back but looking at him from his side as a smile tugged on his face.
Duang paused.
The guy shifted on his place, facing Duang completely as he looked at him with a soft smile, as if relief was the only thing he felt.
No, this wasn't the cute boy from earlier.
This was someone completely different.
Duang blinked, registering.
The guy's look was sharp even with the soft smile he held. His black hair that were wet, blew in the soft breeze, showing off his forehead. His eyes were gentle, held with care and concern with the thick eyebrows that made him look extra handsome while his lips….oh his lips. They were plumpy without any gloss, pink without any lipstick, and pretty with the smile he held.
Duang's heart skipped a beat.
He blinked before clearing his throat. He tried not to look below his face because it was clear. Clear that he is the one who saved him. He was completely drenched just like Duang and currently sat peacefully beside him.
He looked away until he felt gentle fingers brushing near his forehead making him look back.
The guy was brushing his hair aside, wiping the little sand that stuck on his temple. He scooted closer as he spoke with gentleness in his voice, "Are you okay now?"
Duang's heart was racing now. Louder and louder. The touch, the voice, the gaze, the smile. He was losing it.
His breath was caught. Caught by the beauty of the guy who sat in front of him, who looked at him like he is the only one that exists, that he is a precious being that needs to be held with care.
Duang was still in shock to form sentences. So he nodded. Thats all he managed to do.
The man nodded, reassured that he is okay, bringing his hands back to his side.
But maybe Duang was not.
No hi, no hello.
No where are my friends and no who are you.
He blurted something that he wasn't sure he will regret or celebrate later.
"Do you like men?"
……
Silence.
Duang was serious. But he was ready to take it back. Ready to brush it off as a joke.
Until a chuckle followed. The guy broke into a low laughter, showing off his perfect teeth, his eyes shutting in amusement, and Duang's ears ringing with that sweet laughter.
"Jamie. That's my name," He introduced himself in between the fading laughter, "And depends, who is asking."
Duang blinked again. He was too dumb for this. And too far gone for this. He wasn't sure this Jamie guy was making fun of him or being serious but right now Duang was only melting because of the laugh and smile.
His chest rose and fall. Oh fuck, he is beautiful.
Duang stayed quiet because he didn't wanted to fumble on his words. He pretended that conversation didn't happen.
He asked with a serious expression, "What's the time?" He asked, worried his friends will be looking for him. Jamie furrowed his eyebrows, but understanding the shift, he spoke, "Around 4pm?"
Duang sighed in relief. It wasn't that long since he disappeared. His friends may have not caught on that something is wrong. He took deep breaths before trying to stand up when suddenly he hissed with a sharp pain on his ankle and his body immediately reached for his calves, holding them. Duang looked up to find a bright red mark around his right ankle, slowly turning into a purple bruise.
He looked up and then held his face with a fake sob, "My dreams of dancing in the club…" He complained receiving another set of surprised laughter from the boy beside him. He pulled his hand down just a little, peeking through his fingers looking at this Jamie guy who is laughing beautifully at his misery.
"I am not joking," Duang complained, "I prepared moves because these fuckers—my lovely friends—always called me the worst dancer of the group," Duang was whining to a random stranger right not, "Knowing damn well that fuck ass Tum exists who don't know how to even walk properly!"
Jamie bit his lower lip, trying to hold his laugh as he looked at Duang, finding him super endearing. He was truly endearing. The damp brown hair that sat on his forward, the annoyed expression behind those pretty moles, the muttering with those soft lips…soft lips…
Right…
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation exists…
Yeah, super endearing.
Jamie shook his head, trying to gain energy to be able to digest whatever adoration he will be feeling right now. He faced Duang properly and spoke with gentleness, "Hey listen," Duang's attention was caught,"First, let's treat your wound, and then we can find your friends. Is that okay?" Jamie asked carefully. Duang nodded.
Now, Jamie stood up, reaching out for Duang by extending his hands. This is when Duang allowed himself to look at Jamie.
The loose blue pants and the sleeveless white t-shirt that stuck on his body, revealing his toned muscles and the tattoo that was carefully needled on his right rib, some words that Duang cannot really comprehend behind the fabric, made him look exceptionally hot.
Duang need to shut his mind.
Duang cannot be thirsting over every men he see.
Duang forgot about the cute boy completely.
Duang placed his hands into his and slowly Jamie pulled him up. Duang hissed at every movement. To support Duang, Jamie placed Duang's arms over his shoulders, holding them tight. Meanwhile, Jamie's other hand held Duang's waist, helping him walk.
That proximity itself made Duang lose his mind. However, before he could romanticize this moment, he realized that though one of his leg is hurt, the other was has gone numb. It required cooling and resting before he could walk with all his weight.
He paused and looked at his side with a frown and serious eyes.
"I am sorry Jamie but I don't think so I can walk," He admitted truthfully, feeling guilt as he felt like a burden. Jamie merely smiled as he let go of Duang completely. Duang stumbled for a second before Jamie quickly held him with his back facing Duang.
He bent down, slightly pulling Duang toward himself and looked back up, "Get on my back."
Duang gulped. Oh lord, he won't be surviving this.
He gave in. One step and he was on Jamie's back, his hands wrapped carefully around his shoulders, his legs hugging Jamie's waist and Jamie's hands were tucked under Duang's knees, securing him properly on his back.
Duang was scared of this exactly. Their clothes still wet, made it thinner, sticking their warm bodies against each other, almost disregarding the fabric in between. It was too close for a stranger and Duang's courage for the fantasies of kissing a random pretty stranger, went down the drain.
Once Jamie ensured they are set, he started moving. Duang, whose chin rested on Jamie's head—or well, he tried not to rest it but couldn't help it—felt utterly shy which was very out of character even for himself.
They walked together quietly until they both felt the urge to speak something, trying to browse for reasons in their memory folders to speak.
"Duang."
Duang settled with his name.
"Hmm?" Jamie asked, almost missing what Duang said.
"Duang. That's my name."
Jamie nodded under Duang as a smile plastered on his face.
"So, you are Thai?" Jamie asked.
"How did you know?" Duang asked in surprise, his eyes widening and without realizing, his chin slipped from Jamie's head to his side. Jamie glanced at Duang who was just centimeters away from him and chuckled again.
Duang is a fun guy, Jamie thought.
"We have been conversing in Thai the whole time, Duang."
"Oh…" Duang who was probably still in daze, he realized that now. Embarrassed, he decided to keep quiet, resting his head on Jamie's shoulder while he glanced down at the sand. Jamie looked at his side when Duang went all silent.
So, Jamie asked, "What were you doing so deep in the sea? Alone?" Duang looked at Jamie and feeling shame, he hid his face in the crook of Jamie's neck. He sighed that tickled Jamie slightly, making him lose balance in the already loose sand. He quickly pushed Duang up again to adjust better.
When receiving no reply from him, Jamie decided to tease him, "Was it to find the cute instructor boy you were talking about?"
Now, Duang wanted to hide away. Run away and bury himself in the sand.
Again, receiving no response from Duang, Jamie kept speaking, "I do like men."
This made Duang look up, just a little. A sign. Green light.
He smiled, hard, almost about to giggle. A faint blush appeared on his face and oh, Jamie caught it. Looking at Duang blush, Jamie felt a strong cuteness aggression, making him his head turn to the side, closing his eyes as he tried his best not to smile.
But he can't help it. He smiled widely, his lips pursed. His heart flipped.
They both went silent now.
Something soft was blooming in their hearts. A thread was finding each other to tie a knot. And maybe, just maybe, that instructor was their cupid.
They reached on the other side of the beach to the portable cabin, designed for the beach staff. There lined three cabins, side-to-side.
Thats when it struck to Duang, that maybe, Jamie is also one of the instructor…one of the staff.
Oh he is so embarrassing….
They paused in front of the blue cabin that stood between the other two. There stretched two folding chairs where Jamie lowered them, settling Duang down on the chair.
"Wait for me," Jamie mentioned before hurrying inside the cabin. Duang was still registering what had happened, everything feeling hazy like a dream.
Right when Jamie entered the cabin, a boy with his hands up in the air, stretching and yawning stepped out. Duang immediately looked at his side to find a tall, pretty man.
With his stretch, the tshirt lifted slightly revealing his skin. He wore low waist sweatpants and a simple tshirt. But even with the simple outfit, the man was gorgeous, the kind of beauty that one can spot even in a crowd, even at a distance.
His eyes were mysterious, like one held with anonymity making one curious and even with bare face, his beauty was beyond imagination. The soft hair that fall on his forehead made him look softer.
Duang felt a bit uncomfortable. Not by the boy, but a weird, unsettling feeling that contrasted or maybe laid on the same spectrum of feelings that he felt just few minutes ago.
Who is he? Why is he in the same cabin as Jamie?
Duang felt questions washing in, however, he felt slightly out of place for even having such questions.
He met Jamie ten minutes ago. This can't be that serious.
But the upset was there.
At that moment, the boy stretching noticed Duang. He raised an eyebrow before revealing a small smile.
Duang reciprocated the small smile, feeling slightly awkward by the situation. Or maybe he was making it awkward.
Jamie stepped out at that time with a towel resting around his shoulders and other in his hand. In the other hand, he held a first aid box as if ready for such moments.
Jamie didn't acknowledge the pretty boy and stood in front of Duang. He placed the towel in his hand around Duang's shoulders, "Dry yourself."
Duang mouthed a thank you before taking the towel to wipe his face and then rub his hair.
Jamie settled down on the sand with the first aid box. The pretty guy tilted his head and asked in English, "Saved another life?"
Jamie hummed unlocking the first aid box and searching for the correct ointment.
"He is cute." The boy said with a soft smile. Duang looked up at him and the pretty boy waved at him. He seem kind, Duang thought, pausing his actions to wave back.
Jamie found the ointment but before that he softly wrapped his hand right above Duang's wound, while grabbing for a water bottle, swiftly opening the lid from his one hand and pouring the water gently, washing his wound.
Duang's eyes twitched by slight sting but it was tolerable. To distract Duang, Jamie spoke with another smile painting his face, "That's Marvis. The cute instructor boy's boyfriend."
Distracted? Duang's brain was short-circuited. His movements paused, looking up at the boy who stood there with the same smile.
Duang's hand came down on his thighs with towel still clutched in his hand, "What…?" He asked in disbelief, or rather, another wave of embarrassment.
"Yeppp!" Jamie exclaimed, now wiping his feet by dabbing it with the towel that was around his shoulder.
This cannot be real.
Duang wanted to go back to Bangkok and hide away in his bedroom.
Marvis—who wasn't bothered by the conversation at all—asked, now in Thai, "Another guy who fall for my Qin?"
Jamie nodded with a slight chuckle.
Duang's eyes widened. He felt betrayed. He almost thought Marvis wasn't Thai, he didn't know what they were talking but knowing that language wasn't a barrier, he wanted to hide even more.
Duang avoided eye contact, continuing to dry his hair and wipe his arms.
Jamie was gentle with his care when he applied the ointment, barely bringing at kind of discomfort from Duang. Duang found it warm, making him smile at Jamie.
Jamie occasionally looked up to check upon Duang but looking at him smile, reassured Jamie making him smile back.
Marvis was observing this exchange and he could sense a clear shift in Jamie's behaviour. He knows his friend and right now, he was completely different.
To tease, Marvis chimed in, "When are you plagiarizing mine and Qin's love story?"
This made Duang look up in curiosity while Jamie shook his head with an unimpressed expression.
"Never categorize me with you two," He said as if offended by Marvis. Marvis who was now hurt by the comment, immediately raised a question while resting his hands on his hips, "What is wrong with us, huh?"
Jamie looked up with a huge frown as his face muscles scrunched, as if disgusted, "All that dramatic crying at the airport is not for me."
He looked back down, now closing the tube on the ointment and wiping his fingers with a tissue.
"Okay, that was adorable," Marvis defended, "And besides that, we are pretty cool!!"
Duang was intrigued by this conversation, showing a different side of Jamie, where he is comfortable and unfiltered. He found himself feel less embarrassed and was invested about their friendship.
"Cool?" Jamie scoffed, "Right. Y'all were cool until the crying. Now, you both are just insufferable douches who are bothering me 24/7." Jamie sounded tired by Duang found it fun.
"You can't handle our swag," Marvis stated then gagged at his own words making all three laugh.
Marvis glanced at Duang, smiling seeing him relax.
Duang now felt the tension loosen up. In fact, other rush of impulse set his tone, "P'Marvis."
He called, making both Jamie and Marvis to look at him in surprise.
"What is Jamie's ideal type?"
Woah.
Jamie thought.
Crazy.
Marvis thought.
Jamie blinked in shock as Marvis recovered with a bright smile.
"Type?" Marvis chuckled, "This guy don't have a type." Then his expression change into something serious, "Warning! He is a player!" Marvis exclaimed followed by another laugher.
Jamie who was dressing Duang's wound paused, "Hey!" is all he could say because there was some truth to it.
Before the conversation can continue, two loud sobs in between irregular breathing and a stumble in the loose sand, interrupted them.
"DUANG MY LOVE!!!!"
The two screamt as they pounced themselves on him from either sides, wrapping their arms tight around him, one's cheeks mushing in Duang's and other resting his head on his shoulder.
Jamie who struggled to now complete Duang's dressing, hurried his moves before the boys crush him under their feet. Meanwhile, Marvis was just surprised by the disruption, almost chickening out and rushing back in the cabin.
Duang—who seemed used to it—stay squished in between them, patting their backs to comfort them and pulling them in a hug.
The two boys looked at him with tears in their eyes and big pout as the one on his right spoke in between sniffles, "Are you okay?"
Duang nodded. The other checked Duang and finally found the wound on his leg, shooting his head up and spoke in sharp concern, "You got hurt?!? WHO DID THIS?" The voice rose and he pointed Jamie now, "DID HE DO THIS?"
Duang immediately slapped his hand away with a hiss, "No. And calm the fuck down, I am fine!"
"Okay," He pouted like a kicked puppy, wrapping his arms back around Duang.
Marvis was surprised by the interaction, finding it wayyy too different from their friend group, making him giggle.
"Do you know how worried we were?"
"Tum, do not lie on my face."
"Are you kidding me? You were gone for HOURS!"
"Thame is right!"
"Your hours being one hour."
"Without a phone? IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY?"
"WHEN YOUR DUMB ASS DON'T KNOW HOW TO SPEAK ENGLISH?"
"Oh shut up!"
"Wine is going to kill you."
"I am so ready for it."
"But Tum did lie."
"What…?"
[Flashback]
The group just crashed across their little shed, Lal and Wine on the blanket with Oh on their side, while Rak laid on one of the lounges and Thame and Tum squished on the other two.
After the exhausting, heated game of volleyball, the group laid in the quiet afternoon, catching their breaths. Some sipped on cool water and some unwrapped the sandwiches they packed, nibbling on them while sharing it to each other.
Lal, who was battling the drowsiness that was creeping over her heavy eyelids, asked, "Does Duang think that we are dumb enough to not notice his absence?"
Oh hummed, "He never uses his brain properly."
Rak shook her face and said unimpressed, "He ditched us to be on a date with a cute boy."
Tum snacked on the chips, rustling the plastic in his hand, "At least someone is getting kissed," He said, showing said eyes to Oh.
Oh shook his head and stuck his tongue out, reminding him who lost.
Thame with a little seriousness asked, "Do you think we should call him? To check up on him?"
Tum who was least bothered, licking the crumbs off his fingers said, "Let him enjoy his date, dude."
Wine spoke with concern, "No, lets call." And with that she searched for her phone and dialled Duang's number.
However the moment the ring went, a loud ringtone played from their belongings. Lal grabbed for the phone that was inside one of the bags and hung it up, "Why is his phone here…?"
Rak and Thame now sat on the lounges with worried clouding them.
"He can't be THIS careless, right?" Rak asked hoping that she is wrong.
Thame then noticed Duang's slippers in a corner, "Why are his slippers here too?"
Now everyone was up, alert. Except Tum, of course who was still busy in his world with an empty packet of chips.
Thats when something flickered for Rak.
She noticed a familiar boy, walking on the beach with that same smile among the tourist, and her voice trembled, "Isn't that….the cute boy Duang kept talking about?" She pointed making everyone look at that direction. Tum lazily lifted his head but dropped back uninterested.
"He is…." Thame said with horror on his face. "Why is he not with Duang?"
This statement alone made the whole group stand on two feet. Thame slapped Tum making him stand too.
"FUCK HE IS LOST!" Lal screamt.
"THIS DUFFER," Wine complained.
"EVERYONE SPLIT!!!" Thame announced grabbing Tum and running towards ome direction and others ran towards the other.
[Flashback Over]
Duang side eyed Tum who was being the most clingy and tearing up with fat tears and Tum just smiled in those tears.
Thame quickly pulled his phone out to inform everyone else. With a quick phone call, they settled back all over Duang.
Jamie now shifted back a little after dressing Duang up completely.
"Now, why did you end up here?" Thame questioned.
Duang who was getting tired of their body weight and felt that the chair is about to collapse as it sank in the sand more and more, pushed them away in annoyance, "Later."
Duang tried to stand up but stumbled making Thame and Tum quickly catch him from either sides.
Jamie who sat down, stood up now with the first aid box.
Duang stood in front of Jamie with his two friends wrapped around him, and again getting shy, spoke in a small voice, "Thank you for helping me."
His friends surprised by his behaviour, glanced at each other, talking with their voice.
"What's with him?"
"I don't know!"
"Stupid!"
"You stupid!"
Duang pushed his friends away, feeling he can stand still now. He wanted to say more but he couldn't think of anything.
Jamie though, stepped forward with a smile. He held out his free hand in a fist. Duang looked down at it in confusion.
Tum, Thame, and Marvis peeked in curiosity or rather, just being nosy.
Jamie flipped the fist and opened his hands, revealing the ointment. He glanced at Duang's palms making Duang open them immediately. Jamie placed the ointment in his hand and said, "Apply it everyday. The pain will subside by tomorrow but to heal completely, you need it." With a chuckle he said, "Your dream to beat Tum at the club is still on!"
Tum surprised looked at Duang but then he remained at his place, a mischievous smile playing on his face, saving the teasing for the later. He exchanged glances with Thame, giggling in their heads.
Duang smiled, receiving the ointment and sajd another thank you.
Marvis found this so adorable that he was physically trying not to scream. It was endearing to watch his best friend being different.
"We will leave then?" Duang spoke with a little reluctance. Jamie nodded with a smile but his eyes spoke the same resistance.
Duang waved a bye to Jamie and Marvis as Tum slid back in to hold Duang. Thame walked on the other side of Duang. But just two steps away, they paused.
Qin.
The cute instructor boy, Qin, and Marvis's boyfriend walked in.
Qin glanced at the three boys who froze mid walk with a bored expression and then looked at Marvis. He walked up to him and placed a small kiss on his cheeks before saying, "Tired."
Marvis patted his head and Qin just nodded.
Qin then raised his hand at Jamie and Jamie did the same with a little raise in his chin, just to acknowledge each other.
Thame immediately whispered in Duang's ears which was less of a whisper but more of trying not to shout compilation, "Isn't that the cute boy of yours?"
"Yes, he is."
"Oh he is fucking cute for sure."
"Let Oh hear that."
"Can we talk about it somewhere else?"
"Didn't you plan to kiss him tonight?"
"Thame, are you blind? HE JUST KISSED THAT PRETTY GUY'S CHEEK!"
"OH YEAH!"
"KEEP IT DOWN!"
"Dude just kiss him!"
"Thame, why the hell are you making our friend a homewrecker?"
"I MEANT THE OTHER GUY!"
"With those thick eyebrows???"
"HELL YEAH!"
Qin blinked and looked at Jamie who stood there with an awkward smile.
Marvis tried to hold his laugh back.
"Do they know we can hear them loud and clear?" Qin asked Jamie.
Jamie shrugged. Marvis couldn't hold back anymore so he laughed.
Jamie looked at their backs, still whispering to each other, and his eyes soften.
Oh Duang, you are adorable.
Qin glanced at Jamie and then turned back at Duang. He did that for a while as Marvis looked at Qin, trying to comprehend what he was thinking.
Qin then decided to turn around and walk towards the three.
Marvis and Jamie were confused.
He crossed his arms and stood right in front of Duang, making the three stop their whispering and look at him with horror.
They looked weirdly identical with the way their eyes widen, lips pursed, and eyebrows furrowed with tension.
With a long pause, Qin said, "You are having a barbecue party."
…….
?????
"How do you know?" Duang asked.
Thame screamt, "WE ARE HAVING BARBECUE PARTY?????"
Tum looked at Thame with a "duh" expression, "Dokrak is always fucking predictable. The whole section 2 was about her barbecue!"
Duang closed his eyes to gain patience that he didn't know he required until his friends tested it.
"Can y'all stop being loud?" Duang asked with a tired voice.
"YOU ARE THE LOUDEST!" Both screamt in unison making Duang close his ears. Qin stood there still waiting for the three to stop arguing.
"Anyways," Qin finally spoke, bringing all the attention to him again, "My point is…." Qin looked back at Jamie and then at Duang again, "We will join you."
The three, in unison, hung their faces out and went, "HUH?"
Marvis and Jamie looked at each other confused.
"What—" Thame was about to question but Qin cut him off as he walked away, "Compensation."
Everyone grew more and more confused.
Qin glanced back once, "For your friend in glasses to scream at me that its all my fault," He stated simply before entering the cabin.
Thame and Tum looked at Duang and Duang stood there still. What is happening?
Marvis and Jamie were just as puzzled.
Marvis quickly followed Qin inside and Jamie was about to do the same, until he turned on his heels and walked up to Duang.
Duang looked up, a little worried if he had caused any discomfort to him and his friends but he met with a reassuring smile from Jamie, "Qin is joking. Not about crashing your party, but about the compensation."
Duang opened his mouth, about to apologize but Jamie knew so he stopped him, placing his hand on Duang's forearm, holding them gently, "Don't worry, hm? See you later!" Jamie reassured one last time before going back in.
Duang stood there dumbfounded.
Too much.
It was too much for a day.
Too much for the FIRST day of the trip.
Tum and Thame again collapsed their arms around him, forgetting about Duang's wound making Duang scream.
"STAY AWAY!"
"SORRYYYY!"
"I WILL WALK ON MY OWN!"
"NOOOO WINE WILL KILL US!"
"I will kill Wine first."