Echoes of Encounter

Chapter-38: An Unforgettable Mark

** Setting: Lodge Restaurant, Evening **

An hour later, the group reconvened in the lodge's cozy restaurant, the smell of food wafting through the air. The tables were set with plates of fresh seafood, spicy curries, and fragrant rice. The group practically fell into their seats, groaning with delight as the food was placed in front of them.

"This is heaven," Neo declared, shoving a huge spoonful of curry into his mouth. "Real food. Actual meat. I might cry."

AJ nodded furiously as he stuffed his face with grilled prawns. "This is what we've been missing!"

"Oh my god, yes," JJ agreed, devouring a plate of Pad Thai. "Sea, you're a great cook, but this...this is what we've needed."

Sea laughed, shaking his head. "I didn't realize I was torturing you guys so much. Next time, I'll let you handle the cooking."

"Please do," Neo said through a mouthful of food. "I don't think I can eat another bowl of instant noodles for at least a year."

"Oh, come on," Jimmy teased. "It wasn't that bad. We made it work, didn't we?"

"We survived, but barely," Ohm said, raising his glass of iced tea in a mock toast. "To surviving Sea's cooking and endless bowls of noodles."

"To real food," Nanon added, clinking his glass against Ohm's.

"To never doing a trip this long again," JJ muttered, making everyone laugh.

As the night went on, the group relaxed into the comfortable atmosphere of the lodge, enjoying the feeling of being indoors, well-fed, and surrounded by friends. The exhaustion of the journey was starting to wear off, and a sense of accomplishment settled over them. They had made it to Phuket, and though the journey had been long and filled with challenges, it was all worth it for the memories they'd created along the way.

Sea leaned back in his chair, looking around the table at his friends. Jimmy caught his eye, giving him a soft smile. "You okay?" Jimmy asked quietly.

Sea nodded, a contented smile on his face. "Yeah. I'm good."

"You did great," Jimmy said, his voice sincere.

"Thanks," Sea replied, his heart warming at the compliment.

Across the table, Mark and Korn were having their own quiet conversation. "I think this might be my favorite part of the trip," Mark said, glancing at Korn.

Korn looked surprised. "Why?"

"Because we finally made it, and we're all here, together. Plus, the food is amazing," Mark said, laughing softly. "It's the perfect ending to a long day."

Korn smiled, nodding. "Yeah, it is."

As the night drew to a close, the group finished their meal, feeling more relaxed and happy than they had in days. They were exhausted, yes, but they were also content, full of good food and good company.

"Alright, I'm calling it," Neo said, standing up and stretching. "I need sleep. Lots of it."

The others followed suit, making their way back to their rooms with sleepy smiles on their faces.

As they settled into their beds, the sounds of the city outside slowly faded into the background, leaving them with the soft hum of the air conditioning and the faint memories of their long road trip. For the first time in days, they could sleep soundly, knowing that they had made it to Phuket and had plenty of adventures left to enjoy.

Nanon walked down the dimly lit street, the cool breeze brushing against his face. The night was quiet, and after the heavy meal they'd had at the lodge, he felt the need to take a short walk to clear his mind. The others were likely still lounging back at the lodge, but Nanon enjoyed the solitude. As he strolled, his thoughts wandered-mostly about Ohm, their relationship, and the new dynamics that had unfolded during the trip. Despite their teasing, he knew how much he cared for Ohm, but something about being so close was both thrilling and terrifying at the same time.