Chapter 19 : Peaceful life?

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The days passed in a blissful routine. Each morning, Prem woke with Boun's warm embrace around him, and every evening, they returned to their shared haven together. Prem worked diligently at the bakery, his laughter and energy infecting everyone around him. 

Aunt Ning often teased him for the dreamy expression he wore, which only made him blush, but deep down, he knew it was because of his boyfriend,  waiting for him at the forest's edge every evening.

One sunny morning, as Prem finished tying his apron, he caught Boun's figure emerging from the shadows of the forest, his eyes already on him. Boun's smile lit up his face, making Prem's heart flutter as it did every day. As Prem approached, Boun leaned casually against a tree, arms crossed, but the warmth in his eyes betrayed his nonchalant stance.

"Hey, big bad wolf," Prem greeted playfully, a grin spreading across his face. "Been waiting long?"

Boun tilted his head, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Not at all, little troublemaker... Did you have to bake an extra batch of buns today?... Or were you busy charming everyone in sight?"

Prem rolled his eyes but laughed. "You know, one of these days, I might not make it out. Aunt Ning might decide to keep me forever."

"She'll have to fight me first." Boun's voice was low, and though it was a joke, there was an edge of protectiveness there that made Prem's cheeks warm.

Hand in hand, they walked through the forest, sharing small stories about their day. Boun listened attentively, the peaceful rustling of leaves around them their only witness.

As they approached the edge of the forest where Prem would sneak home to leave money for his father, Boun's expression grew serious

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As they approached the edge of the forest where Prem would sneak home to leave money for his father, Boun's expression grew serious.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Prem?" Boun asked, his hand tightening slightly around Prem's.

Prem nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I have to, Boun. It's not much, but... it's all I can do for him. I just hope one day he'll understand."

Boun sighed but nodded. "I'll be right here. Always."

Prem squeezed his hand before slipping silently into his old house. He left the money on the worn table, careful not to wake his father, who was slumped over in a drunken sleep. Each time he did this, the mix of sadness and hope tore at Prem's heart, but Boun's steady presence outside gave him strength.

Once Prem emerged from the house, he found Boun waiting, leaning against a tree but with a watchful gaze. As soon as Prem was near, Boun reached out, pulling him close and pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

"Ready to go?" Boun asked softly.

Prem nodded, grateful for Boun's patience and support. "Yeah... let's go home."

The two walked back through the forest, their hands finding each other again, their love and unbreakable bond carrying them forward through the challenges that awaited them.

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