Painted in Fate

Extra Chapter 5:

The afternoon sun was casting a golden glow over the park as Babe and Billy strolled hand in hand, the breeze light and refreshing. It had been a perfect day so far—easy, carefree, and filled with laughter. For once, they had no obligations or plans, just the entire day to themselves.

Babe was still buzzing from the gallery event the night before, though he would never admit it out loud. He was modest about his achievements, but the way his eyes lit up whenever Billy complimented him gave it away.

"You know," Babe said, breaking the comfortable silence as they walked, "I was thinking..."

Billy glanced at him, a curious smile playing on his lips. "Thinking about what?"

Babe turned to him, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "About how you owe me a rematch."

Billy raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "A rematch for what?"

"For the mini-golf game you totally cheated at last time," Babe said with a mock-serious tone, though the playful glint in his eyes gave him away.

Billy chuckled, shaking his head. "I didn't cheat. I'm just naturally better."

Babe playfully shoved him. "You're so full of it, Mumu. Come on, let's go now."

Billy paused, his gaze softening as he looked down at Babe. "Are you challenging me, Tofu?"

"Absolutely," Babe said with a determined nod. "And this time, no excuses. You're going down."

A short while later, they found themselves at a mini-golf course—one of Babe's favorite little spots. It was quirky and charming, with whimsical decorations and challenging obstacles. They grabbed their clubs, Babe confidently leading the way.

"Okay, Mumu, let's see what you've got," Babe said, positioning his ball at the starting point.

Billy leaned casually on his club, watching with a smirk. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

Babe narrowed his eyes playfully before focusing on the task at hand. With a steady hand, he lined up his shot and swung, sending the ball rolling toward the first hole. It wasn't perfect, but it landed close enough to the target.

"Not bad," Billy said, impressed. "You might actually have a shot this time."

Babe smirked, standing up straighter. "Told you. Now, let's see if you can beat that."

Billy took his turn, easily sinking the ball with a practiced flick of his wrist. He looked up at Babe with a triumphant grin. "Guess I still got it."

Babe groaned dramatically. "You've got to be kidding me."

Billy laughed, pulling him close for a quick kiss on the forehead. "Don't worry, Tofu. There's plenty of holes left. I'm sure you'll catch up."

As they made their way through the course, Babe couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness. The competition was fun, but what made the moment even better was the lighthearted teasing and laughter that came with it. Being with Billy like this, in such a carefree way, felt like pure bliss.

After a particularly tricky hole, where Babe's ball frustratingly bounced off the edge for the third time, he threw his hands up in defeat. "Alright, alright, you win!"

Billy grinned, clearly pleased with his victory. "Told you I was unbeatable."

Babe huffed, crossing his arms. "Yeah, well, I let you win."

"Oh, is that what happened?" Billy teased, wrapping his arm around Babe's shoulders.

Babe leaned into him, sighing contentedly. "You know what? I don't even care. This is still my favorite day."

Billy smiled, pressing a kiss to Babe's temple. "Mine too."

They wandered back toward the park, both content in the quiet after their playful game. As they sat down on a bench, watching the sun dip lower in the sky, Babe felt an overwhelming sense of peace wash over him. Moments like this, where everything felt so simple and right, were the ones he cherished most.

Billy's hand found his again, their fingers intertwining effortlessly. "You're really something, you know that?" Billy said, his voice low but filled with warmth.

Babe glanced up at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Why do you say that?"

Billy shrugged, his gaze soft. "Because you make everything better. Every day with you is like... I don't know, it just feels like home."

Babe's heart fluttered at Billy's words, the sincerity behind them making him feel a warmth he couldn't quite describe. "You're so cheesy," he whispered, though there was no teasing in his voice, only affection.

Billy chuckled, leaning in to kiss him gently. "Maybe. But it's true."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the world around them fading into the background as they focused on each other. The peace of the moment settled deep in their bones, and Babe realized that this was exactly what he had always wanted—quiet, steady love, with someone who made him feel safe and cherished.

"Hey, Mumu?" Babe said after a while.

"Yeah?"

"I think... I think we're going to be okay."

Billy looked at him, his eyes soft and full of love. "We already are, Tofu."

Babe smiled, resting his head on Billy's shoulder. He didn't need to say anything else. The future felt bright, and for the first time in a long while, they were both at peace—with themselves, with each other, and with the world around them.