LOVE SYNDROME [NAN & MAC] - Short Stories

Chapter 20 : Relinquish (Part 5)

" Not my face...Nickkkk!!!"

Itt's shouts and laughter were met with more splashes, the smaller man scooping more water each time if that was possible. A few meters away Mac stood up promptly in the water, not wanting to be mercilessly attacked like the unsuspecting Itt. There were a couple of other new visitors this morning, playing somewhat nearby, mostly friends and families without children. They had jumped into the water without any breakfast, tempted by much cooler morning, the sun hiding behind tall trees, the waterfalls like a siren, calling out their names.

Leaving the playful duo behind, Mac swam a little, to stretch his limbs after waking up rather violently, with blankets shoved at him. Before he could tell apple from orange, Itt had ran out, leaving the tent open, sun shining directly in his face while Nick moaned pettily about his nose. His own toilet break later, putting away blankets and pillows, Mac realized this was his first time overnight at a waterfall, survived in a tent, not admitting he was proud of himself. This was kind of fun, he guessed.

He swam freely, no office to attend, no Nan to grab from corners, no nong's surrounding him all day. He finally had some time for himself and found it to be oddly, liberating. Maybe if Nan came later, they could spend a few days more, just the two of them if the others wanted to leave. The swim was calming and less strenuous, compared to Nan's bench press and weights in the gym he was teased to try often. Not that he didn't appreciate results, the biceps and strong chest but that just, wasn't his cup of tea he decided, leisurely swimming backstrokes, deep in thought, forgetting Nick was in the vicinity.

One moment he was seeing the blue sky littered with clouds, the next spluttering and spitting, Nick dunking his head under water.

"Nan, oh God... I'm dying. Help!!!"

" Hahaha!!!"

" Definitely not dying dude...." the gleeful one screamed in his ear before trying to piggyback on him, arms wrapping around his torso uninvitedly, Mac immensely uncomfortable. Shaking his head helped dispel some water from his eyes and nose, hearing still muffled but decent enough to catch Nick's teasing.

" Oii...get off! His uncomfortable.." Itt laughed, lightly pushing Nick off Mac's back, pulling the man closer to him.

" You're okay?" Itt asked, noticing the red eyes, Mac rubbing his nose repeatedly, water definitely gone up his nose. Nodding shakily, Mac waded over to the water edge, Itt following, deciding to get some rest and breakfast. They had fruits and coffee but Mac, who only had biscuits last night, was more hungry than the two, stomach twisting uncomfortably. Walking up to their tent, they were greeted by delicious scent of curry wafting in the air, teasing his nostrils, heavenly to the unsated tummy. Mac may have lost himself a bit, a cup of instant noodles appearing in front of his face, jolting him back.

" Here nong, have it." Payu offered, the cup warm in hand. Panicked, Mac looked for guidance, Itt cautious of the stranger but it was Nick who picked the cup, passing it to Mac.

" You must be hungry, here you go" Nick pushing it gently to him. Hands automatically received, holding it steady, avoiding accidental spillage. ' Chicken curry' the cup read as Mac examined it closer, mouth watering already. Twisting the fork in soaked noodles, his heart was content as he almost took a bite, forgetting even to thank the smiling man.

Almost took a bite before fingers wrapped around his wrist and pulled it away, Itt appearing in front of him.

" Oiiii" Nick started to scold.

" Garlic!...!" The other warned, taking it away to read the ingredients, Mac trembling himself.

//How could he have forgotten!// He had just wanted to have a proper meal!