Beneath the Surface

Part 25

The midday sun spilled golden light over the university courtyard, dappling the stone benches and worn pathways with a comforting warmth. Students passed by in slow strides, the hum of conversation drifting lazily through the air.

Longtai stood under the shade of a tall tree, hands nervously clasped in front of him. He shifted from foot to foot, glancing around until his eyes finally landed on the figure approaching with long strides and a loose backpack slung over one shoulder.

Yok.

He always walked like he owned the ground he stepped on. Hoodie half-zipped, the edge of a tattoo peeking out from his sleeve, his eyes softened the second they found Longtai.

"Hey," Longtai said quietly, his voice barely over the breeze. "Sorry about this morning. I didn't expect them to show up like that and-"

"Stop," Yok interrupted, voice low and warm as he reached him. His hand rose gently, brushing a strand of hair out of Longtai's face. "Don't apologise for things you didn't do."

Longtai blinked up at him, surprised by how close Yok was standing, how easily his presence settled his nerves.

"They just worry about you," Yok said, searching his face. "And I get it. If I were them... I'd be the same."

Longtai's eyes dropped to the ground. "Still... they were rude."

"I'm used to it," Yok chuckled, then leaned forward until his forehead almost touched Longtai's. "But you... you calling me after they left? That made my whole damn day."

Longtai's lips curled into the tiniest smile. "You really came just like that."

"Course I did." Yok stepped even closer, bumping their shoulders together. "You're the only reason I set foot in this hell of a campus today."

Longtai looked up at him through his lashes, something sweet blooming behind his guarded gaze. "You really don't mind... me being like this?"

"Like what?"

"Quiet. Nervous. A little... weird."

Yok reached out, taking his hand carefully, intertwining their fingers. "You're not weird. You're soft. And real. And I like every part of you-especially the parts you think you have to hide."

Longtai flushed, lips parting slightly as if to respond, but nothing came out.

Instead, he stepped closer, letting himself fall gently against Yok's chest.

Yok wrapped his arms around him without hesitation, swaying them just slightly in the middle of the nearly-empty courtyard. "I've got you, Tai," he murmured into his hair. "I'll always have you."

They stayed like that-pressed close, heartbeats syncing-until a pair of passing students made kissing noises and giggled.

Longtai pulled back slightly, eyes wide. Yok grinned.

"Want to go grab some food?" he asked, thumb brushing over the back of Longtai's hand.

Longtai nodded slowly, a shy smile forming. "Only if I can pick the place."

Yok pretended to groan. "Fine. But if it's another weird bookstore cafe that only serves tea, I'm ordering six donuts on the side."

Longtai laughed softly-the kind of laugh Yok wanted to bottle and keep.

And they walked together, hand in hand, letting the afternoon swallow them in soft light and second chances.

★☆

The sky had melted into shades of amber and violet by the time Yok took Longtai's hand and tugged him toward his motorcycle. The streets were beginning to cool, the wind brushing past in soft gusts as the city lights slowly flickered on.