third time's a charm

35

"Hey, my love," Bright greeted, spotting Win as they exited the galleon. He reached out to clasp Win's hand, pressing a kiss to the ring on his finger, eliciting a blush from Win. "Did you have fun on the tour with your friends? Can we steal a moment for ourselves now?"

Win chuckled in response. "We did have our moment earlier, didn't we? Remember?"

The teasing remark brightened Bright's expression, like a burst of sunshine. "I want every moment with you," he declared earnestly, their fingers intertwining as they stepped onto the gangplank. "Your skin looks a bit paler than usual. Are you sure you're alright?"

As Bright's concerned gaze met his, Win managed a weak smile. "I'm okay..."

But the truth was, Win wasn't okay. After the unsettling conversation with Lilian, doubt had begun to creep in. Yet, seeing Bright's sparkling eyes and infectious smile, Win's doubts seemed to dissipate, if only momentarily. He'd run from Bright multiple times, yet each time, Bright had only responded with more love and understanding. It felt unjust to Win. He knew he didn't deserve someone like Bright, but Bright seemed determined to have him nonetheless.

This time, Win made a choice. He tightened his grip on Bright's hand, resolving not to let go. This time, he would be the one who truly deserved Bright's love. No more running away.

"I trust you," Win uttered, his voice filled with sincerity.

Bright's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. "I love you. No matter what happens. Always remember that, above anything else."

Win nodded, a sense of obedience and commitment settling over him. "Yes." It was a simple word, but to Bright, it carried immense significance. At that moment, he felt a profound sense of victory. Finally, Win was truly his.

Following closely behind were Dew and Nani, their banter as lively as ever. Dew couldn't help but question Nani's fixation on his phone.

"You're going to trip and stumble before we even reach the land," Dew teased.

Nani shot him a scowl. "Be quiet! This is a side hustle. Do you understand?"

Dew couldn't resist poking fun. "What's a person like you with multiple hater accounts doing as a side hustle? Spread fake news and wait for someone to slap you with a subpoena?"

"Shut up! Someone asked me to track a person online, alright? It's a bit of a challenge, dude. She's like a nomad, she doesn't even have social media!"

"Did you crack the Pentagon just to find her?"

"No, smart ass!"

Dew furrowed his brow and glanced at Nani's phone. "Kara Flinn? The name is unique enough."

When Win overheard the familiar last name, he couldn't help but turn to look. "Flinn?"

"Yeah, you know?" Nani asked, looking surprised.

"Uhm, isn't that Madame Sukie's last name?" Gun interjected, having overheard the conversation. He motioned for Off, his fiancé, to join them.

Off, equally intrigued, joined the conversation. "Really? Madame Sukie? Isn't she the one Win wrote about in his column? The 'Prophet of the 21st century'?"

"Yeah, Susannah Flinn. That's her real name, right Win?" Gun confirmed.

Win felt a strange sensation upon hearing her name after so long. "Yeah," he replied absentmindedly.

Bright observed him closely. "Don't dwell on her."

Surprised by the seriousness in Bright's voice, Win smiled. "I'm not."