CHAPTER 32

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The house was quiet. For the first time in months, the twins weren't in their cribs or playing in the living room.

Pon and Sailub had decided to take some time for themselves just the two of them after a long stretch of parenting and responsibilities.

The twins were staying with the Pit Babe crew, a trusted group of friends who had been like family to them.

Pavel and Pooh had eagerly volunteered to look after Zai and Pahn, and the twins were already comfortable with them, giggling and playing as they were pampered with toys and snacks.

Pon and Sailub had hardly needed any convincing. It was a rare opportunity for the two of them to have some quiet time, away from the chaos of parenthood, and they planned to make the most of it.

As the car rolled into the parking lot, Sailub glanced at Pon with a playful smile.

"It's been so long since we've done something like this," he said, his voice full of excitement. "Just the two of us, no twins to take care of, no meetings. Just us."

Pon smiled, his heart fluttering at the thought of a simple day out with Sailub. It had been months since they had done something like this.

and the idea of having a carefree day felt like a dream. "I know, right? I can't even remember the last time we had a date."

Sailub chuckled, reaching over to take Pon's hand as they walked toward the entrance of the mall. "Well, let's make sure this is the best date ever."

The mall was buzzing with activity as they entered, the sound of children laughing and couples chatting filling the air. Pon glanced around, taking in the sights.

He had almost forgotten how it felt to just wander around with no specific agenda, free to shop, eat, and enjoy each other's company.

"We're going to start with something fun," Sailub said, pulling Pon toward the arcade area. "How long has it been since we played games together?"

Pon laughed, the sound light and carefree. "I can't even remember. You know I'm terrible at these games."

Sailub smirked. "That's the point. It'll be fun."

They spent the next hour playing everything from racing games to claw machines, competing for high scores and laughing at their failed attempts to win stuffed animals.

Pon's heart felt lighter with each moment, his worries forgotten as he enjoyed the simple pleasure of spending time with Sailub.

After a while, they decided to take a break and sit down for a coffee. They found a small café in the corner of the mall.

its atmosphere cozy and relaxing. As they sat down, Pon looked over at Sailub, feeling a wave of appreciation for the man beside him.

"You know," Pon said softly, "I never thought I'd end up here. With you. After everything that's happened, I didn't think it was possible for us to have moments like this."

Sailub looked at him, his gaze intense and full of meaning. "We've come a long way, Pon. I know things haven't always been easy, but look at us now. We're here. Together. And that's all that matters."

Pon smiled, his eyes glistening with emotion. "You're right."

After their coffee, they decided to head to the movie theater. Pon had picked out a lighthearted romantic comedy something that didn't require too much thinking, just something to relax and enjoy together.

They settled into their seats, Pon resting his head on Sailub's shoulder as the opening credits rolled.

The film was fun, full of laughter and light moments, but what made it special was the quiet connection between them.

Pon could feel Sailub's warmth beside him, his steady presence making him feel safe and loved. Every now and then, they would share a glance, a smile, or even a whispered joke, completely lost in each other's company.

When the movie ended, they left the theater, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow over everything. Pon stretched and yawned, feeling a bit tired but content.

"How about dinner?" Sailub asked, his voice full of excitement. "I know a place nearby that has amazing food."

Pon's stomach growled at the mention of food, and he laughed. "Sounds perfect."

They headed to a nearby upscale restaurant, the ambiance calm and elegant, perfect for a romantic dinner.

As they sat down, the waiter brought them menus, and Pon couldn't help but admire the way Sailub had planned everything out. He wasn't the most expressive person when it came to emotions, but he always knew how to make Pon feel special.

Over dinner, they talked about everything and nothing about their childhoods, about the challenges they'd faced, and about their hopes for the future.

The conversation was easy, flowing like a river, never strained or awkward. They laughed at the silliest things, shared stories from their past, and dreamed about their future together.

Pon smiled, feeling completely at peace for the first time in a long while. "I'm really happy, Sai. I don't think I've ever felt this way before. With you. With everything we have."

Sailub reached across the table, taking Pon's hand in his. "I'm happy too, Pon. More than you know. And I'm never letting go of this. Never letting go of you."

Pon's heart swelled with affection. He felt a warmth in his chest, a sense of security that he never thought he'd have.

It was strange to think about how far they'd come how their lives had changed so much in such a short amount of time.

But in this moment, sitting across from the man he loved, he realized that nothing else mattered. This was exactly where he was meant to be.

After dinner, they strolled hand in hand through the mall, enjoying the peaceful evening and soaking in the tranquility that had been missing from their lives for so long.

Pon felt lighter than he had in weeks, his heart full of love and appreciation for Sailub and everything they had together.

As the night came to a close, they returned to their car, ready to head home and pick up the twins.

But even as they drove, Pon couldn't help but smile, knowing that no matter what life threw their way, they would always have each other and that was more than enough.

"We should do this more often," Pon said, his voice content.

Sailub smiled, glancing at him as they drove. "We will. This was just the beginning."

And with that, the two of them returned to their new life, ready to face whatever challenges the future held together, as a family.

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