Little Sprout 🌱 A SandLongtae Story.

Chapter 6: Beneath the Forest Trees and Beside the Glittering Lake

LONGTAE

Tian's words had kept ringing in my head "Before things get more complicated ask Sand to tell you about Ray" but I couldn't bring myself to confront Sand. If this Ray is his ex boyfriend, the one he is recovering from, what right do I have to force him to tell me about it. Sand had not pushed me to tell him about P'Ton. He took what I could tell him about it and dropped the subject.

This morning Sand had told me we were going for a picnic. He had a backpack on him, chatting with my Dad as I walked towards them. We bid my father goodbye and he unconsciously held my hand as we walked into the forest. My camera is hanging on my neck as I smiled affectionately at Sand who had woken up today very cheerful.

"Where are you dragging me to Sand? Let's slow down" I tugged at his hand and he did slow down.

"Sorry I was so excited. I saw this lake as I was walking last night and thought it'll be prettier in the light of the day" Sand answered. Briefly I wondered why Sand seems to have this need to take nocturnal walks by himself. Is he suffering from nightmares? Does he have insomnia?

Sure enough, not too long after, we broke into a clearing and crystal clear waters glimmered like diamonds where the sun hit its surface. This small lake is not too well known as it is located in the less visited parts of the forest. Sand had taken a blanket from his backpack and spread it out while I took photos of the beautiful view.

"Tae come on, sit. Let's eat" Sand called me back.

"Wowwww! What a feast" I was surprised. There was a lot of delicious food and there's even a bottle of wine. "What's the occasion Sand?"

He gives me that adorable grin of his that shows off his dimple "Today's actually my birthday"

"What?! Why didn't you tell me? I could have prepared something for you" I feel bad now as I had no idea.

"You're here Tae, that's all I want" he answers and I couldn't help the blush that has spread, first on my cheeks and I feel like my whole face is red. I might look like a tomato now.

The past few days, Sand had been bolder with the intimate touches and his words had taken on a sweeter tone rather than the casual one we were used to. I've been both confused and giddy but had not said a word, afraid to break the spell whatever it is.

I said I would never let another city boy break my heart but this is Sand. Gentle, kind and caring Sand. Sand who smiles gently and works efficiently on the villagers who seek medical assistance, Sand who talked about dental care and hygiene with Tian's students in that infectious cheerful voice and had made up funny stories to keep the kids interested. My guard is down and I am possibly heading to another heartbreak, but this is Sand. My beautiful Sand who had been nothing but nice and had prepared this feast for me.

"Happy Birthday Sand!" I greeted him sincerely as I looked him in the eye.

He smiled and told me to enjoy it. After the meal, he had laid down on the blanket on his side facing me, his hand holding his head up, smiling at me with what I could only describe as full of affection. I laid down on the blanket semi closing my eyes as I brought my hands up trying to play with the light streaming through the dense forest trees. We had started drinking the wine that Sand had bought, so I was feeling a bit giggly and much more relaxed.

Not noticing when Sand had gotten up and laid down beside me. Imitating what I was doing and laughing because he couldn't understand what was so interesting about it.

"Tae", he finally whispers.

I turned my face to him and only just realized just how close we were. Not even a palm distance away from each other's faces.