IMPORTANT: Hello, reader. Thank you for your patience. At last, you have passed the ultimate test... And I am presenting to you the only spicy-ish chapter in this work. (Not super explicit, but I will not fade to black like usual).
Kidding. There was no test. This side chapter wasn't in my plan, but I wrote this after reflecting (9 months later?!?!) on the fact that Theo and Jake are so adorbs, and they deserve a little bit of action. If you have been satisfied without, you may skip the chapter once you see this symbol: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^.
And if you are one of my loyal readers who is okay with no spice, but is stoked to have a little bit, well...
This is for you.
******
"Hello again, sea! Haven't seen you in forever," Theodore exclaims, strolling toward the water as the soft, white sand shifts beneath his feet. He secures his straw hat with one hand, wary of the gusty wind.
Jacob lags a few steps behind, paying little mind to the men offering tours. He's already arranged an island-hopping excursion for tomorrow. For now, they'll just unwind along Boracay's shore.
"Care for a swim?" Theodore asks, his toes skimming the water.
"Maybe later," Jacob says. "Let's swing by D-Mall and find dinner."
Theodore narrows his eyes. "It's only 4 PM."
"Yeah, but we'll need time to make room for drinks," Jacob replies, flicking dirt off Theodore's shirt and holding his hand.
"I guess," Theodore agrees, tightening his grip on Jacob. They make their way toward Station 2, where D-Mall buzzes with activity, its shops packed with local goods, souvenirs, and native treats. The area is bustling, a lively mix of tourists and locals enjoying the popular island.
It was Theodore's idea to come to Boracay, though Jacob had suggested they might enjoy a quieter escape in Batanes. In retrospect, Jacob's idea probably would've been better. But there's no going back now. They just need to roll with it and ignore the occasional curious glances. Theodore's determined not to let anything spoil this trip. Nothing. Will. Ruin. It. He desperately needs this break before he has to face the unlawful detainer case waiting for him back in the city. That case, especially with Steve involved, hits a sore spot.
A farmer, unable to read, had signed a document in good faith, renting out a piece of his land. Now the tenant refuses to leave, using that contract as leverage. And, as expected, Steve is backing the one with deeper pockets.
"Hey," Jacob mutters, and he turns to look at him. "This is meant to be our time off from work, right?"
Theodore gives him an apologetic smile.
Dinner takes place at a hotel with a panoramic view of the beach, accompanied by the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore. As the sun descends, the sky merges into a stunning palette of orange, magenta, and purple, and Theodore is finally able to relax.
"Care for some drinks?" Jacob asks. Theodore nods, and they set off for another walk.
Theodore's thoughts drift back to the night they searched for Dr. Emmanuel, recognizing how far they've come since then.
"You're thinking about it, too, aren't you?" Jacob murmurs. "I still remember that night like it was yesterday."
He gently drapes his arm around Jacob's and leans his head on his shoulder. "I was extremely proud of you. It took a lot of courage to open up about all that. You avoided discussing Tito Emman for so long."
YOU ARE READING
You All Over Me [BxB]
Romance"Sooner or later, you'll fall for me, too." Theodore bursts into laughter. "I don't know where your confidence is coming from." Jacob chuckles and says, "I just know." And then it catches Theodore off guard when Jacob adds, "We should be making out...