Beneath the Surface

Part 32

Longtai stood outside Yok’s apartment, adjusting the strap of his camera bag. Before he could knock, the door swung open—and Gram stood there with a crooked grin.

“Well, well, look who’s here. The heart-thief himself,” Gram said, leaning on the doorframe, arms crossed, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Longtai blinked, already smiling despite himself. “Hi, Gram.”

“Yok isn’t here yet,” Gram continued, stepping aside to let Longtai in. “But I suppose I can entertain his boyfriend for a while. Want some tea? Or should I start with embarrassing stories about your man?”

Longtai laughed, setting his bag down. “I’ll take the tea... and only one story.”

Gram smirked. “Deal. Did you know he once tried to impress someone by jumping from the garage roof and broke the fence instead?”

Longtai gasped, hand over his mouth, half laughing. “You’re lying!”

“I wish I was,” Gram said dramatically, heading to the kitchen.

Just then, the front door slammed open.

Yok walked in, tossing his keys on the counter and immediately spotting Longtai. A grin spread across his face, then his eyes narrowed at Gram.

“What did you say now?” Yok asked, picking up a small cushion and launching it across the room. It hit Gram square in the chest.

“Ow! Your man can’t take a little truth?”

Yok strode over and slung an arm around Longtai’s shoulders, pulling him close. “Get your own boyfriend, Gram. Stop flirting with mine.”

“I’d consider it if he wasn’t already taken and way too pure for me,” Gram shot back, grabbing his tea with a smirk.

Longtai chuckled, cheeks a bit pink but feeling oddly warm and welcome. He was getting used to this—being teased, being adored, being part of this chaotic little world that Yok built.

“Out. Now,” Yok said, swatting Gram’s back.

“Fine, fine. I’ll leave you lovebirds alone,” Gram said, heading to the door, but not before he added with a wink, “Try not to traumatize him, Yok.”

Yok threw another cushion. Gram dodged it with a laugh and closed the door behind him.

Longtai turned to Yok. “He’s... something.”

Yok grinned. “He’s a pest. But he’s family.”

“And I think I’m starting to like your family,” Longtai said, leaning into him.

“You better,” Yok said, leaning down to kiss his temple. “Because you’re already part of it.”

Yok’s lips were still warm against Longtai’s when the boy gently pulled back, a flicker of excitement dancing in his eyes.

“Wait,” Longtai said, reaching into the pocket of his jacket. “I almost forgot.”

Yok raised a curious brow as Longtai fumbled for something small, then brought out a little box—sleek, black, with a soft ribbon wrapped around it.

“For you,” Longtai said, smiling wide, his eyes shimmering with anticipation. “Open it.”

Yok blinked. “You got me something?”

“Just open it!” Longtai said, rocking on his heels like he could barely contain himself.

Yok took the box, tugged the ribbon loose, and opened it slowly. Inside, nestled in black velvet, were two silver earrings—elegant, simple, with small star charms. One earring was slightly longer than the other, asymmetrical, just like Yok liked.