Beneath the Surface

Part 27

Morning spilled through the sheer curtains, gentle and golden, painting the walls with soft light. It filtered through the room like a quiet promise, soft as the warmth in Yok's chest. The air was still, save for the rhythmic sound of their breathing.

Yok blinked his eyes open first, the world still hazy from sleep. His arms tightened instinctively around the warm body beside him, unwilling to let go of the peace in this moment. Longtai was nestled against him, his face buried in the crook of Yok's neck, his breath steady and calm. The soft weight of Longtai's leg draped over Yok's hips, an unspoken claim that made Yok's heart skip.

For a long while, Yok didn't move. He simply lay there, eyes tracing the outline of Longtai's face, the familiar features that had become the center of his universe. The curve of his nose, the way his lashes fluttered even in sleep-everything about him felt sacred, too delicate to disturb. Yok's gaze lingered on Longtai's lips, still warm from their earlier kisses, slightly parted in the calm rhythm of his breath.

His eyes softened as he looked at the faint marks on Longtai's neck-the pink reminders of their night together, a private, quiet exchange of everything they never spoke aloud. Yok felt a rush of tenderness, a warmth so deep it made his chest ache.

He let his gaze wander to Longtai's hand, still curled against his side, fingers relaxed but never quite letting go. It was as if, even in sleep, Longtai was holding onto him. And Yok, in turn, clung to this moment, unwilling to let the world intrude. There was something fragile about it-like the dawn itself. The silence, the intimacy, the gentle reality that they were here, together.

Yok lowered his head, his lips brushing against Longtai's forehead, the softest kiss, a touch that carried more weight than any words could express. Then he pressed another kiss, this time right between Longtai's brows, a tender reassurance that said everything he couldn't find the words for.

He let his nose bury into Longtai's hair, inhaling deeply, letting the scent of him-familiar, grounding, everything he never realized he needed-fill him. And for a brief moment, Yok let his own eyes close, lost in the sensation of this quiet peace.

He felt the world slow, felt everything fade away, leaving only this-the warmth of Longtai's body against his, the way their hearts beat in sync, the unspoken promise that nothing would pull them apart.

It was a moment too precious to rush. So Yok just stayed, breathing him in, letting time stretch out around them, content to exist in this quiet, sacred space.

"Still here," he murmured to himself, as if afraid this might've just been a dream.

Longtai stirred, letting out a soft sleepy sound that made Yok smile.

"Morning," Yok whispered against his hair.

Longtai didn't answer yet, just moved a little-nuzzling closer, wrapping his arm tighter around Yok's torso like he was still half-asleep and didn't want him going anywhere.

Yok chuckled softly. "You're clingy in the morning."

"Mmm... you're warm," Longtai mumbled, voice raspy with sleep.

Yok grinned, rolling onto his side so they faced each other, still wrapped together under the sheets.

"You okay?" he asked gently, fingers brushing Longtai's temple, then down the curve of his cheek.

Longtai looked up at him with those soft eyes, quiet and full. "Yeah... are you?"

"I'm perfect," Yok whispered. "I just keep waking up thinking I dreamt it. That you're here, with me like this."

Longtai gave him a sleepy smile, shy but real. "I am."

They stayed like that, forehead to forehead, bodies tangled and hearts steadying. There was no rush, no tension-just warmth, skin on skin, the comfort of waking up in each other's arms.