Painted in Fate

Extra Chapter 1: Beach & Golf Resort Adventures

The sun hung high in the sky, bathing the beach in a warm, golden light. The sound of waves crashing against the shore was soothing, and the soft sand beneath Babe's feet made him feel like he was walking on clouds.

"Tofu, you look way too happy," Billy—now affectionately called Mumu by Babe—teased as he walked beside him, a grin tugging at his lips. "You're glowing."

Babe—now affectionately dubbed Tofu—gave him a sidelong glance, his smile only widening. "That's because I am happy," he replied, his voice light and playful. "You know the beach is my favorite place in the world."

Billy chuckled, slipping his arm around Babe's shoulders as they continued walking along the shoreline. "I know, Tofu. That's why we're here. I want you to relax, enjoy yourself."

Babe leaned into him, the warmth of Billy's body a comforting presence beside him. "You always know how to make me happy, Mumu."

Billy raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Is that your way of saying thank you?"

Babe wrinkled his nose, but his smile never faltered. "Maybe."

They spent the day lounging on the sand, letting the ocean breeze wash away any lingering stress. Billy watched as Babe stretched out on a beach towel, his eyes closed as he soaked up the sun. There was something so peaceful about seeing him like this—happy, content, free from the weight of their past.

"You look like you're in heaven," Billy remarked, plopping down next to him.

Babe cracked one eye open, his lips quirking into a smirk. "That's because I am."

Billy laughed, reaching out to tousle Babe's hair playfully. "I'm glad. You deserve it."

For a while, they just lay there, side by side, enjoying the sun and the sound of the waves. It was a far cry from the intensity of their past, but it was exactly what they needed—just the two of them, enjoying each other's company without any pressure or expectation.

After a while, Babe sat up, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Hey, Mumu. Want to go for a swim?"

Billy raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Are you challenging me, Tofu?"

Babe shrugged innocently. "Maybe."

Minutes later, they were waist-deep in the ocean, splashing each other and laughing like they hadn't a care in the world. Babe, as usual, was the more competitive of the two, and Billy found himself on the receiving end of most of the splashing.

"Okay, okay, I surrender!" Billy laughed, holding his hands up in mock defeat as Babe splashed him yet again.

Babe grinned, water droplets clinging to his hair and eyelashes. "That's what I thought."

Before Billy could respond, Babe darted forward and wrapped his arms around his waist, pulling him into a tight hug. The sudden affection caught Billy off guard, but he quickly returned the embrace, resting his chin on top of Babe's head.

"You're such a handful, you know that?" Billy murmured, though his tone was nothing but fond.

"Yeah, but you love it," Babe shot back, his voice muffled against Billy's chest.

Billy chuckled, kissing the top of his head. "I do. I really do."

After a few more hours at the beach, they dried off and made their way to the golf resort Billy had mentioned earlier. Babe had been teasing him about it for days, calling golf "the most boring sport ever," but Billy knew he would come around eventually.

"All right, Mumu," Babe said as they arrived at the resort. "Let's see what all the fuss is about."

Billy grinned, handing Babe a golf club. "Ready to be amazed?"

Babe eyed the club skeptically but took it from him anyway. "We'll see."

As it turned out, Babe wasn't half bad. After a few practice swings, he managed to hit the ball straight down the fairway, much to Billy's delight.

"Not bad for a first-timer, huh?" Babe smirked, clearly pleased with himself.

Billy chuckled, shaking his head. "Not bad at all, Tofu. But don't get cocky—you've still got a long way to go before you can beat me."

The rest of the afternoon was filled with playful teasing and competitive banter as they made their way through the course. Babe, surprisingly, took to golf much better than he expected, though he still insisted it was "boring" compared to the beach.

Billy, on the other hand, was in his element. He loved the sport, and it was clear in the way he moved—confident, precise, and focused. But every now and then, he'd glance over at Babe and smile, his heart swelling with affection.

By the time they finished, Babe was winded but grinning from ear to ear. "Okay, I'll admit it," he said, leaning on his club. "Golf isn't as bad as I thought."

Billy smirked, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "Told you."

As the sun began to set, they found themselves back at the resort's lounge, sipping drinks and watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange. Babe rested his head on Billy's shoulder, feeling utterly content.

"Today was fun," Babe said softly. "Thank you for bringing me here, Mumu."

Billy smiled, kissing the top of his head. "Anything for you, Tofu."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying the moment. It was peaceful, easy, and everything they had fought for. They were no longer weighed down by the shadows of the past—they were free to live in the present, to love each other without fear or guilt.

And that was more than enough.