Their Parallel Universe ✓

Chapter 36

The temperature drops at night, and even the thick clothes don't suffice to keep him warm. In hindsight, he should have remembered to bring one of his plush toys with him to this holiday camping trip.

Poll curls under a down blanket while listening to the murmurs of voices outside the tent. The night is young, and his companions must still be drinking right now.

A while ago, he decided to excuse himself first after having a single glass of wine because he couldn't keep up with his friends for too long. While he can consume alcoholic beverages like an average person, he's never been big on them.

Pulling the blanket off his head, he peeks at the tent's entrance and tries to make out the silhouettes of his companions. Tenderness bubbles in his chest when a familiar, delightful chuckle resounds in the area.

He really likes the therapeutic tune of his boyfriend's laughter.

At the reminder that he's now dating Eujae, Poll grips the cotton fabric. It's been a couple of hours since he agreed to go out with the man, but until now, everything still feels like a dream.

He touches his lips as he recalls the intense kiss they shared this afternoon and the way Eujae sent him into euphoria with it. Never has he imagined that kissing someone could be that enjoyable. Or perhaps it was because he did it with Eujae that he had a blissful time. Because that man has a way of making him experience things that he never did before. Not to mention, Eujae can really kiss.

His face slowly breaks into a wide smile and becomes warm, unable to help the giddy feeling that courses through him. So this is what it's like to be in love with someone like Eujae. The sensations it induces are not far from the rush of winning an online game, the joy of eating one of the best sweets, the thrill of watching an action-packed anime, or the satisfaction of being able to complete a painting after a long time. If anything, it's like a combination of all those emotions. And more.

Poll draws the blanket back to his head in a futile attempt to smother his grin. Not only does he not succeed in containing his glee, but he also makes it more obvious when he breaks into giggles.

The male twin rolls to his side and brings his mouth near the pillow, trying to suppress his mirth one more time. Still, it ends up in vain.

It is only when he senses someone entering the tent that he becomes quiet and still. Thinking that the person is Nick, Poll pretends to be asleep.

He realizes that, aside from the evening hums of the insects, the surroundings have gone silent. His friends must have decided to call it a night.

A rustle passes behind him, but Poll ignores it and keeps feigning sleep. He lets out a yelp when the person grabs his waist to spoon him.

"So what was this cute little bean happy about?" The rich voice of his boyfriend drones so close to his ear. Despite the blanket that's separating them, Poll imagines Eujae's breathing wafting and tickling his cheek.

Poll sticks his head out and wheels to the other side, facing the man. "What are you doing here?"

Amused, heterochromatic eyes meet his frown. In spite of the dim light, the male twin recognizes the glow of affection on his boyfriend's face.

Eujae lifts Poll's blanket to join the latter under it before returning his arm around the smaller man's waist.

"I talked to Nick and got him to agree to switch tents with me because I didn't want my boyfriend to miss me so much. And I thought you might want to have someone to cuddle with in this cold weather," Eujae answers, pulling Poll closer.

He'd be lying if he said he's not happy being with Eujae now, but Poll is not going to give this guy a reason to preen himself on the truth. Jutting his lips, he argues, "You're the one who actually misses me, right?"