"Hidden Beneath the Surface" (TanFang)

TanFang 10

It was past midnight when Fang quietly slipped out of bed. Feeling hungry, he tiptoed to the kitchen, hoping to find something to satisfy his cravings. He opened the fridge and spotted a tub of ice cream. Smiling to himself, he grabbed a spoon and started eating. 

Tan, half-asleep, stirred in bed and noticed Fang’s absence. When he realized Fang was in the kitchen, he groggily got up to check. Walking in and seeing Fang with the ice cream, Tan’s frustration bubbled over. 

Tan (annoyed): "Fang, what are you doing? You know ice cream isn’t good for you at this hour!"

Fang looked up, startled, holding the spoon mid-air. 

Fang: "I was hungry. You didn’t wake up when I called you!" 

Tan (raising his voice): "That’s because it’s the middle of the night! You could’ve woken me properly instead of sneaking off to eat this junk!"

Fang pouted, already on the verge of tears. 

Fang: "Why are you always scolding me?! I have cravings!" 

Tan: "I know, but you can’t just eat whatever you want all the time! What if you get sick? I’m just trying to look out for you!"

The conversation turned into a heated argument, both of them too tired and irritable to back down. Finally, Tan sighed deeply, rubbed his face, and walked back to the bedroom, frustrated and exhausted. 

Fang stood in the kitchen, clutching the ice cream tub, tears spilling down his cheeks. 

Fang (mumbling to himself): "He doesn’t understand... I just wanted a little ice cream."

Still crying, Fang put the ice cream away and shuffled back to the bedroom. Tan was already lying down, his back to Fang. 

Fang climbed into bed, turning his back to Tan, sulking and sniffling. He cried quietly, hoping Tan would notice, but Tan didn’t say a word. 

---

:Morning After 

When Tan woke up the next morning, the guilt of the argument hit him hard. He got up quietly and went to the kitchen to make Fang’s favorite breakfast pancakes with fresh fruit. 

When Fang finally came out of the bedroom, his face was puffy from crying, and his mood was sour. 

Tan (softly): "Morning, babe. I made your favorite."

Fang didn’t reply, walking straight to the table and sitting down. He picked at his food, refusing to make eye contact with Tan. 

Tan (trying to lighten the mood): "How’s the baby this morning? Any kicks yet?" 

Fang still ignored him, his sulking in full force. 

The silent treatment lasted through most of the morning. Tan tried everything jokes, compliments, even a back rub but Fang remained cold. 

---

By lunchtime, Tan couldn’t take it anymore. He sat beside Fang on the couch, gently taking his hand. 

Tan:"Fang, I’m sorry for last night. I shouldn’t have yelled at you. I just... I get so worried about you and the baby. I don’t want anything bad to happen." 

Fang sniffled, finally looking at Tan with teary eyes. 

Fang: "You were so mean, Tan. I just wanted a little ice cream."

Tan (pulling him into a hug): "I know, love. I’m sorry. Next time, wake me up properly, and we’ll eat ice cream together, okay?" 

Fang nodded, burying his face in Tan’s chest.