dear heart

the mafia

Pol and Arm were pleasantly surprised to see Vegas and Pete talking again, well kinda. Pete didn't appear angry at Vegas so that was good for a start but something tells Pol, Arm and Ken that things between Vegas and Pete just didn't feel right.

The 5 had their breakfast together at the hotel's restaurant when Arm suggested the group explore Chiang Mai together since they were all here on a holiday - the more the merrier he claims. Arm was expecting a protest from Pete, and so did Vegas, but Pete didn't seem to mind. He just nodded and kept eating in silence, and that made all of them, especially Vegas uncomfortable.

Ken whispered to Pol as his eyes darted nervously between Vegas and Pete. "What is going on?"

"I wish I knew." Pol muttered, eyeing Pete then back to Vegas. "It's weird though that Pete seems to be okay with Vegas after being so pissed off yesterday night."

"Maybe they made up?" Ken guessed, but Pol only shook his head gravely.

"I highly doubt so, judging by the way Pete looks - I think he's over Vegas already... but that means bad news for your best friend."

"No way." Ken lamented, then he glanced at his best friend worriedly. "I thought our plan was fool proof!"

"No plan's 100% perfect. Guess Vegas hurt him way too deep." Pol explained, looking disappointed. As much as he hated Vegas for treating Pete this way, it frustrated him even more that the two actually loved each other but things just weren't working out in their favor.

Despite the mishap, the 5 set forth for their trip in Chiang Mai. They headed for the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary and fortunately, there weren't many people by the time they had arrived since it was off peak season.

The sanctuary was beautiful. Elephants could be seen roaming freely on the grass, tall lush green trees surrounding the area, and crystal clear river streams glistening under the sun.

Their guide for the day greeted them enthusiastically as soon as the 5 arrived at the gate, before showing them around the sanctuary where they will be spending the next 3 hours or so. According to the guide, the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary houses rescued elephants who have retired from the commercial industry and aims to provide a safe haven for these animals.

Once the guide was done explaining about the sanctuary and the elephants under its care, the group then had some free time to explore the place, feed the elephants and even take pictures together with the animals.

Pol, Arm and Ken ran off before Pete could catch any of them so unsurprisingly, he was left with Vegas and the guide. Well, on the bright side, at least they weren't alone so Pete could manage or so he thinks. After all, he's getting over him...right?

"You two look so cute together na~" The guide exclaimed, as he clasped his hands together, his eyes swooning over the pair. "Great that you choose the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary for your date. We're very popular among couples."

That remark caught Pete off guard and his eyes widened in surprise. Dating? Pete's eyes caught Vegas coincidentally, but unlike him, Vegas appeared to be calm and collected. He didn't even flinch, not once. Was he uncomfortable? Pete wonders anxiously to himself, unconsciously nibbling his bottom lip out of worry.

"Thank you."

Pete heard Vegas respond to the guide with a small smile, and a bow as a thank you to the compliment they had received. This got Pete gawking as he froze in his tracks in disbelief that Vegas not only did not correct the guide, he had misled him into thinking they were truly a couple.

But Vegas didn't mind, not the least bit. In fact, he seemed rather pleased that the guide had thought of them so if Pete would say so himself for the latter appeared to be more energetic than before.