Michaels in Love (BoyXBoy) English

Chapter 25 - Season 1: Under The Stars

February 14, 2012

The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped out onto the rooftop. My breath caught in my throat as I froze in place, unable to look away from the scene before me. Beneath the blanket of the night sky and the scattered glow of the city lights, a small table stood elegantly prepared. Two candles flickered in the breeze, their soft flames casting a golden light over two crystal-clear wine glasses and a bottle of wine, its surface sweating slightly in a bucket of ice. Plates were arranged neatly, the faint aroma of roasted chicken teasing my senses, while the quiet hum of the city below added a soundtrack that felt both distant and intimate.

I turned to Mike, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

"This is where we're celebrating Valentine's Day, Baby," he said, his voice carrying a tenderness that wrapped around me like a warm embrace. "I wanted the very first moment of February 14 to be spent with you, Michael. Only you."

My throat tightened as I tried to find the words. I could only stare at him, this man who had gone through so much trouble just to make this night special. My boyfriend, who somehow always knew how to take my breath away.

"Sit down, Baby," he said gently, his voice laced with affection as he reached for the lighter. Another pair of candles came alive under his care, their light dancing on his face, making him look even more radiant.

I managed a shaky breath. "Thank you, Mike. You didn't have to go through all this trouble," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes met mine, their depth filled with an earnest sincerity that made my chest ache. "This is all for you, Baby. Because this is our first Valentine's Day, and I wanted it to be unforgettable."

The lump in my throat grew as a warm rush of emotions washed over me. "I love you, Mike," I whispered, the words tumbling out in a mix of shyness and certainty.

He smiled, a slow, heart-stopping smile that made my knees weak. "I love you more, Michael," he said simply, the quiet conviction in his voice making the moment even more profound.

We ate under the stars, sharing roasted chicken Mike had somehow managed to get through Manong Nestor, and drank red wine that glimmered ruby-red in the candlelight. Everything felt surreal, like a scene out of the most romantic movie I'd ever seen, except this time, it was my reality.

After dinner, we moved to the edge of the rooftop, where the city stretched out before us like a living painting. Lights twinkled like a sea of stars, streets glowed like golden rivers, and the faint sound of life below reminded us of how high above the world we were.

Mike reached into a bag and pulled out a few cans of San Mig Light, his grin boyish and full of mischief. "I thought we'd need these too. A little something to keep the night going," he said with a wink.

The soft hiss of the cans opening broke the silence, and we sipped slowly, talking and laughing as we traded stories. Embarrassing moments turned into roaring laughter, our voices carrying into the night air, each word drawing us closer.

And then, without warning, Mike stood up, his face flushed with warmth, whether from the beer or the night, I couldn't tell.

"I love you, Michael Alexander Muraoka!" he shouted, his voice ringing across the rooftop.

"Mike!" I laughed nervously, looking toward the shadows of the unfinished building. "The workers might hear you!"

He turned to me, his eyes blazing with a fierce, unapologetic passion. "I don't care, Baby. Let them hear me. Let the whole world hear me!"

Before I could respond, he raised his can in the air and shouted even louder, his voice echoing with raw emotion: "I LOVE YOU, MICHAEL ALEXANDER MURAOKA! SO MUCH!"