Beneath the Surface

Part 20

Longtai stood in front of his mirror, staring at his reflection as if it would magically tell him what to do. Behind him, his bed was a mess of carefully laid-out outfits-shirts, jackets, pants, and accessories scattered everywhere like he had torn through his entire wardrobe. His fingers fidgeted at the hem of his oversized black t-shirt, the one he had been wearing all morning while pacing around his room, trying to decide what to wear.

His heart hadn't stopped hammering since he woke up. A date. He was going on a date with Yok. The thought alone made his stomach twist-half from nervousness, half from excitement.

He had never done this before. Never gone on a date, never had to think about what to wear for one. He didn't even know how dates worked. Did they hold hands? Did they just talk and eat? What if it was awkward? What if he said something weird? What if-

He groaned and ran a hand through his hair, frustrated at his own overthinking.

Just breathe, Longtai. It's just Yok.

Except it wasn't just Yok. Because Yok had kissed him. Yok had looked at him with those warm, playful eyes and asked him out. And Longtai had said *yes*.

A nervous but excited warmth spread through his chest. He glanced back at the outfits on his bed, chewing his lip. He wanted to look nice, but not too much. Something comfortable but also-he swallowed-cute.

He had pulled out a soft beige sweater, thinking it looked cute but worried it might be too plain. Then there was the light blue button-up-maybe that was better? But was it too formal? And the pastel pink hoodie? Too casual? Too much color? Would Yok even care?

His gaze landed on a soft white t-shirt and a green cardigan draped over the edge of his bed. It was simple but nice, something he knew suited him. He paired it with his favorite blue pants, the ones that fit him well but weren't too tight.

For accessories, he picked up the small pearl necklace his mom had gifted him a while ago, hesitating before fastening it around his neck. It was subtle but elegant. He added a thin gold chain, just enough to give a layered effect.

He grabbed his favorite sneakers-the ones he always felt comfortable in. He knew he'd probably be walking a lot, and he didn't want to risk sore feet just for the sake of fashion.

Once dressed, he stepped back and looked at himself in the mirror.

His heart stuttered a little.

He looked... good.

The outfit felt right-not too much, not too little. Just him.

His eyes flickered to his nightstand, where his camera rested. He paused, remembering the text Yok had sent him earlier:

Yok : "Bring your camera. You'll want it. ;)"

Longtai picked up the camera, running his fingers over the familiar buttons. His lips tugged into a small, shy smile.

*What is he planning?*

The nervous energy in his stomach mixed with anticipation.

With one last deep breath, he slung the camera over his shoulder, grabbed his phone, and left his room-his heart pounding as he headed toward a day he knew he'd never forget.

---

Yok stood in the middle of his room, hands on his hips, staring at the mess he had just created. Clothes were everywhere-scattered across the bed, the chair, the floor. His laundry basket was completely empty now, its contents strewn around like a tornado had ripped through his room.