Beneath the Surface

Part 26

The engine of Yok's motorbike purred softly beneath them as they glided through the quiet streets, the hum of the machine blending with the occasional distant rustle of night. When they reached Longtai's apartment, the world around them seemed to hold its breath. The sky was a deep navy, its canvas dotted with stars, and the amber streetlights bathed the pavement in a warm, muted glow. Their shadows stretched long across the sidewalk, like lazy specters, as the night wrapped around them, cocooning them in its stillness.

Yok, still seated on the bike, leaned forward slightly, his chest brushing against Longtai's back. His arms were loosely draped around Longtai's waist, and he let his chin rest lightly on Longtai's shoulder, the warmth of his breath ghosting against the skin of his neck. The intimacy of the moment made Yok's voice low, teasing, yet soft enough to make Longtai's heart flutter in his chest.

"You sure you don't wanna take the long way again?" Yok's words were a gentle nudge, but the mischievous grin on his face said otherwise. "I wouldn't mind keeping you to myself a little longer."

Longtai couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up, soft and almost shy. The sound was a breath of air between them, and it made Yok's heart pick up speed. Longtai's cheeks flushed a faint pink, the color creeping over his skin like a soft blush at the memory of earlier-when they'd wandered the streets for hours, nothing but the hum of the engine and the shared silence between them.

"We already did one extra round." Longtai's voice was quieter, but there was a playful edge to it now, like he was testing the waters, still unsure but willing to dip his toes in the feeling.

Yok leaned back against the bike, a playful smirk stretching across his face. He raised his hands in mock surrender.

"And I regret nothing." His voice was light, but his eyes, dark and intent, held a deeper warmth that made the space between them feel charged, electric. As Longtai slid off the bike, helmet in hand, Yok's gaze followed him, never leaving his figure.

Longtai stood there, slightly off-balance, as though he were still figuring out the unfamiliar territory between them. He brushed his hair back with one hand, the motion soft, a little self-conscious, and his shoulders were stiff. It was as though he wanted to shrug off the lingering doubts he'd carried for so long-doubts that Yok, with his constant presence, had slowly chipped away at.

Yok watched him closely, his head tilted slightly, eyes narrowing as though he were seeing something new. A quiet intensity lingered in his expression, the kind of gaze that made Longtai feel both exposed and cherished. Yok's smirk softened into something more tender, but no less direct. His voice, when he spoke, was playful but sincere.

"You know," Yok began, his voice a little hushed, "for someone who used to avoid eye contact with me, you've gotten kinda... cute and confident lately." His eyes lingered on Longtai with a mix of amusement and something more-a quiet admiration.

Longtai's heart skipped. The words caught him off guard, and his fingers instinctively curled tighter around the strap of his bag, as if the simple gesture could ground him. He cast a sidelong glance at Yok, his expression momentarily guarded, but there was something warm flickering in his chest, something that felt like a hesitant bloom of something more.

"I'm still getting used to it." His voice was quieter now, vulnerable in a way he didn't always let himself be.

"Used to what?" Yok's tone was more curious now, leaning forward again, his body language softening, less teasing and more sincere.

Longtai's presence, the vulnerability in his voice, it all made Yok feel like he was seeing him more clearly now, as if the layers Longtai had wrapped himself in were slowly unraveling.