Autumn is a second spring

74. Room

Earth lay on Kao's chest, nestled in the warmth of his husband's embrace, a glass of champagne cradled in his hand. 

The soft, amber light of the room flickered against the luxurious surroundings. The room they were in—plush, romantic, with an awe-inspiring view of the Eiffel Tower—was meant for someone else. 

Earth sighed softly and traced a finger along the delicate stem of his glass, feeling a bit guilty. "I can't help but feel bad for P' Boun and Prem," he said, his voice laced with a mix of empathy and melancholy.

Kao turned his head slightly, his hand gently running through Earth's hair. "I know," he murmured, "this was supposed to be their moment."

Earth took a sip of his champagne, the bubbles tickling his throat. "This room," he said, glancing around, "it's perfect. Exactly what P' Boun had in mind for the proposal. And here we are, using it instead. It just feels... wrong."

The room truly was breathtaking, designed with the kind of elegance that one could only expect from a five-star Parisian hotel. Rich red rose petals were scattered across the bed, a heart shape meticulously arranged at the center. 

The private terrace provided an unbroken view of the Eiffel Tower, its lights twinkling against the night sky, casting a soft glow into the room. 

Every detail, from the champagne chilling in the ice bucket to the velvety curtains framing the floor-to-ceiling windows, spoke of romance and grandeur.

Boun had been planning this moment for months—a beautiful, elaborate proposal to Prem. The perfect setting, the perfect view, the perfect night. But fate had other plans. 

Prem had fallen sick, and though he was on the mend, he wasn't well enough to travel or enjoy the evening Boun had envisioned for them. Instead of wasting the reservation, Boun had offered the suite to Earth and Kao.

Earth sighed again, feeling the weight of the situation in his chest. "P' Boun had everything planned. He even booked the private jet for us tomorrow, but it should have been them enjoying this night."

Kao leaned down and kissed the top of Earth's head softly, his voice reassuring. "You know Boun. He will find another way to propose to Prem. Something even more special. Prem doesn't need the Eiffel Tower or a fancy hotel room to feel Boun's love. Whatever Boun does, Prem will love it."

Earth smiled at Kao's words. He knew his husband was right, but it still felt strange being here in their friends' place. 

Boun's plans had been derailed, but that didn't mean the love between Boun and Prem had been lessened in any way. 

Earth took another sip of champagne, feeling a little more at ease. "I guess you are right," he murmured. "Prem would love any proposal, even if it wasn't as extravagant as this."

Kao nodded, the weight of his hand on Earth's back a constant comfort. "Exactly. They will have their moment, and it will be perfect for them." Then, with a teasing smile, he added, "Besides, why waste such a romantic atmosphere talking about other people?"

Earth laughed softly, feeling some of his tension ease. He could see the playful glint in Kao's eyes and knew where this was headed. "Oh? And what should we be doing instead?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kao didn't answer with words. Instead, he gently set Earth's glass aside, his movements deliberate and slow. His hands slid over Earth's body, resting on the silk bathrobe Earth was wearing—the one that had come with the room, as luxurious as everything else in this suite. Kao's fingers played with the belt of the robe, teasingly tugging at the delicate knot.

"Maybe we should focus on enjoying this atmosphere ourselves," Kao murmured, his voice dropping to a husky whisper as he leaned closer. His lips brushed against Earth's, soft at first, like a promise, before deepening into something more urgent.

Earth's breath hitched as Kao's hands worked the knot loose, the robe falling open just slightly.

 The cool air of the room brushed against his skin, sending a shiver down his spine, but it was quickly replaced by the warmth of Kao's touch. His husband's hands slipped beneath the fabric, caressing Earth's body with a familiarity that sent sparks of desire coursing through him.

"Are you trying to distract me?" Earth asked between kisses, his voice teasing but breathless.

"Maybe," Kao replied, his lips never straying far from Earth's. "Is it working?"

Earth laughed softly, but the sound quickly turned into a low moan as Kao's hands roamed lower, slipping the robe off his shoulders entirely. It fell in a soft, silken heap to the floor, leaving Earth bare against Kao's chest. His fingers curled into the fabric of Kao's shirt, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss that had started off so innocent.

It was a slow burn, the tension between them rising with each passing second. The air in the room grew heavy with anticipation as their kisses grew more urgent, their touches more desperate. 

Earth arched against Kao's body, his skin flushed with heat as he responded to every touch, every caress. 

Kao knew every inch of him, every sensitive spot that made Earth melt under his touch, and he took his time, savoring each moment, drawing out every sigh and gasp that escaped Earth's lips.

The world outside—the Eiffel Tower, Paris, Boun and Prem—faded away. 

In this moment, there was only the two of them, tangled together in a room that had been designed for romance. 

Earth's mind spun, lost in the sensation of Kao's hands on his skin, of the way their bodies fit together so perfectly, as if made for each other.

"God, I love you," Earth whispered against Kao's lips, his words heavy with emotion and desire.

Kao pulled back just enough to look into Earth's eyes, his expression soft but filled with passion. "I love you too," he replied, his voice raw and honest. Then, with a teasing grin, he added, "But enough talking."

Earth laughed breathlessly as Kao's lips found his again, their kisses turning more heated, more urgent. The room was filled with the sounds of their breathing, the rustle of sheets as they moved together, lost in each other.

The night stretched on, filled with stolen kisses, whispered words, and the intimacy that only years of love and trust could bring. 

The rose petals scattered across the bed, the view of the Eiffel Tower shimmering in the background, all added to the magic of the moment. But more than the setting, it was the love between them that made the night special.

Hours later, as they lay together in the dim light of the room, Earth rested his head on Kao's chest, his fingers lazily tracing patterns on his husband's skin. 

The night had been everything he hadn't expected, but everything he had needed. There was something comforting about being in Kao's arms, knowing that no matter what, they had each other.

"I guess we did make the most of the romantic atmosphere," Earth said softly, his voice laced with contentment.

Kao chuckled and kissed the top of Earth's head. "I told you, didn't I?"

Earth smiled against Kao's chest, his eyes growing heavy with sleep. "Yeah, you did."

As they drifted off to sleep, the soft glow of the Eiffel Tower outside their window, Earth couldn't help but feel a deep sense of peace. Whatever the circumstances, they had made this night their own—a night filled with love, passion, and the quiet understanding that they would always have each other, no matter what.