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“Just trust me!”
A sentence, three words, was all it took for Tian to let go of any fear. If it were 3 years ago, trusting those words was the last thing he’d do. Especially after he was made a fool of in front of the kids on his first day on the job. But today, had his chief told him to make his way to the cliff alone, he wouldn’t worry a single bit about losing his way. Well, that is partly because he’s been here for years and could easily pass off as a local. But it is also because he knew Phupha would never allow him to be anywhere near danger.
Phupha, his dear chief. Their relationship certainly didn’t start off perfect like the cliche ‘love at first sight’, but that was what made them stronger together. After all that they’ve been through - correction, been put through - there is not a single bit of doubt for the other in their hearts. If Tian had doubted their relationship, he would have gone on about his life back in Bangkok after his studies in the US. If Phupha hadn’t believed Tian’s words, he wouldn’t have waited years for him to come back running into his arms.
“Pha, where are you taking me?”
Tian was genuinely curious. Of course he knew that their dinner at the city earlier that evening was not the only birthday ‘surprise’ for him. Phupha is a helpless romantic, and Tian is more than happy to fulfil his chief’s desires. He’s curious to find out what Pha has planned for him. It’s probably something cheesy and cliche, but he has no complaints.
“No peeking!!”
As expected from a forest ranger. After 20 minutes of driving, Tian hears the sound of the engine turning off. This must be it. For some reason, his heart was thumping hard against his chest. He was excited for the most part, but also nervous as he waited in anticipation for what’s to happen next.
The door to his left opens, and he feels a pair of hands grabbing his arms. Those long and callused fingers, a reminder of a chief’s hard work in protecting all that he loves. In a way, it is comforting; knowing that Phupha will always protect the forests, protect the people, and protect him.
Tian grabs onto the chief’s broad shoulders, and clings onto him as he tries to get out of the car without knocking his head against the roof. He can hear the other’s shaky breaths and feel the other’s heartbeat racing. Well isn’t it comforting for both of them to be nervous?
“Pha, I can tell you’re nervous,” Tian pointed out, choosing to tease his chief when the opportunity was presented.
“No I’m not!” Phupha retaliated, as he helped Tian out of the car and ensured the car was locked.
Phupha clasped his boyfriend’s left hand, as he led them to the front door. Edin was there, waiting at his usual spot by the glass door. Phupha prayed that Edin wouldn’t make a sound - he needed this to be perfect. He unlocked the door as quietly as he could, careful to not make any sound. He turned around to check on Tian, only to see both of his hands holding on to his right arm tightly. At this moment, Phupha thought Tian looked adorable. He looked so innocent, so vulnerable, and Phupha swore that he would do anything in his power to protect his man.
“Pha, what are you- where are you going?” Tian asked, frantic, as he felt the other slowly letting go of his hand. He was beginning to panic. He can’t see anything. He can’t hear anything. He can’t feel anything.
“Give me just a second!” Pha quickly replied, careful not to ruin the night.
“You can remove your-“
Tian didn’t even let Phupha finish his sentence. He grabbed the silk blindfold covering his eye and tugged the end of it, allowing it to untie. His vision was blurry; all he could see were circles of yellow and white. It took a moment for his vision to adjust, and when it did, his vision turned blurry once more. He looked down to see Edin circling around his legs, occasionally rubbing its body against his calves. When he looked up, Phupha was already standing in front of him, with a proud smile plastered across his face.
His boyfriend was just gorgeous. Every inch of him was perfect. His fond smile; one that was full of love, one that had always comforted him, made his heart feel full of warmth and love. His glistening eyes; dark orbs that looked like they held the entire galaxy, possibly the thousand stars he had been looking for in Pha Pun Dao, had always captivated him. His smooth, clear skin; so soft despite the harsh terrains he worked in to protect the forests every day. Every part of Phupha was perfect.
“Happy birthday Tian!” Phupha beamed as he held the cake in his hands.
It was beautiful. A small and simplistic cake, something different from the usual luxurious cakes he had back at home. Home. He misses home. He misses his mom. He misses his dad. He misses his best friend. But the man currently in front of him, who gave him the most loving gaze, put all the homesick thoughts away. Phupha is his home.
“Tian, do you not like-“ Phupha was cut off by a pair of lips on his. He was taken aback for an instant, but quickly reciprocated the kiss. Tian’s lips were warm and soft. They parted slightly, allowing Phupha to slip his tongue inside. Warmth blossomed in his chest, as he explored the familiar cavern, all while holding the cake in his hands. They parted their lips, both catching their breath.
“Judging from the tears, I’d say you’re happy?” Phupha responded to his question before, with a cheeky smile as he teased Tian.
“Thank you, Pha. You didn’t have to do this. Everything looks so stunning,” Tian replied, eyes still teary and cheeks stained with tears.
“You can thank me later, but now we should cut the cake before the icing melts! Hurry, make a wish!”
Typical of Phupha. Even in this moment, he still cared more about the food. But it can’t be helped, that’s just the way he is. Closing his eyes, Tian quickly made his wish. He blew out the candles after opening his eyes, and the two - or to be exact just Phupha - rushed into the house. While Tian cut the cake, Phupha set up a movie to watch together.
Tian looked around the house. It looked so pretty. The fairy lights that hung around the room lit the space perfectly, not too bright. So this was what Phupha had in mind for him! It certainly is romantic, and he can’t help but smile. Who would have thought the green giant could be such a soft romantic?
Making his way to the living room, Tian brought along the slices of cake for them as well as drinks. His boyfriend was done setting up the movie, and it seems like they’ll be watching Coco.
“I know you love this movie,” Phupha said matter-of-factly.
Halfway into the movie, Phupha hears faint crying in the room. He looks to his right, only to see Tian crying as he absorbs himself into the movie. He tried to take a quick video of his boyfriend crying, only to be caught in the act and both boys burst into laughter. He wasn’t surprised to see tears streaming down Tian’s face, his boyfriend had always been the more emotional one. Phupha pulled Tian closer to him, as he wrapped an arm around him.
“Pha, did you know what I wished for?” Tian asked unexpectedly.
“Am I supposed to know?” the other replied, curious to know the answer to the question.
“I wished for us to always be together, and for the thousand stars of Pha Pun Dao to shine bright tonight and grant us eternal love. I love you Pha, and I will never stop loving you. Even if you don’t love me back one day, I will still keep loving you. You are my home.” Tian answered as he clung tighter onto his boyfriend’s waist.
“Don’t say that, I will never stop loving you! I love you too, my Tian.” Phupha responded, as he turned his head to face his boyfriend.
Instinctively, Tian craned his neck. There it is again, the endearing and ever so tender look Phupha always had for him. His heart began to pick up its pace, and he’s not sure if the other could feel it. They stared into each other’s eyes as they admired the presence of the other. Despite the silence, their eyes spoke thousands of words of love. At this moment, their hearts are full, and filled with love. Phupha tightened his arm around his boyfriend’s waist, as he brought him closer. They slowly closed their eyes as they leaned in, closing the gap between them. Their lips brushed against each other tentatively, as they whispered their love for each other once more, before locking their lips together.