Paper Boats // xiaodery

three

Getting into his parents' downeast boat, Xiao Jun started to steer away from the docks. He wasn't the best at maneuvering it, but he was good enough to get at least somewhere.

Once he was a decent distance away from the docks, he stopped, letting the boat float idly in the water. He leaned back in the steerer's seat, inhaling a deep breath as he closed his eyes.

It basically became a habit for him to take his parents' boat out to the sea whenever he needed some alone time. He's been doing it ever since he learned how to steer the boat by himself (when he was sixteen), and it was always a peaceful time with just him and his thoughts.

"Xiao Jun?"

His eyes flew open and he snapped his head around.

"Hendery?" he asked, tilting his head to the side in confusion.

"Sorry if I scared you." Hendery scratched the nape of his neck.

"How the hell did you get here?" Xiao Jun questioned, surprise laced in his words.

"I saw you getting on the boat, so I followed."

Xiao Jun snorted, turning back to face the steering wheel. He extended his arm, motioning the other to come sit in the seat next to him. Hendery complied, plopping onto the leather seat.

"Woah." Hendery's eyes wandered around the front area.

"Have you ever been on a boat before?" Xiao Jun raised an eyebrow.

"Nope, this is my first time. It's pretty cool." he chuckled. Xiao Jun melted everytime that chuckle escaped Hendery's lips, hell, he's only known this boy for two weeks.

They stared at the water for a few minutes, silence settling over the peaceful atmosphere.

"Xiao Jun," Hendery called, tilting his head towards the other boy.

"Mhm?" he tore his eyes away from the window.

"Do you do this often?"

Xiao Jun rubbed his eyes, straightening his back. "Yeah. Sitting out here on the boat helps me think."

Hendery's lips formed an 'o' shape as he processed the information. "It's very nice."

"Yeah. I can't believe this is the first time you've been on a boat, how does it feel?"

"I actually like it alot." he spoke. "Being surrounded by a beautiful environment. Damn, where have I been all my life? This is absolutely amazing."

Xiao Jun's lips twitched into a smile. "It's definitely an experience. Paper boats could never."

"Your sense of humor, I swear." Hendery rolled his eyes playfully. "Speaking of origami, do you have any paper on here?"

"Why would I have paper on a boat?" Xiao Jun furrowed his eyebrows.

"I don't know, there might be a chance." Hendery rose from his seat. "Do you mind if I look around?"

Xiao Jun heaved a sigh. "Go ahead."

After a few minutes, Hendery came back, the boat manual in his hand. "Can I fold this up?"

"I mean, I don't really need it, so I guess." Xiao Jun granted his consent, shrugging his shoulders.

Hendery sat back on his seat, tearing off a sheet of paper. Knitting his eyebrows together in concentration, he folded the paper, making sure each crease was perfectly straight.

Xiao Jun watched in awe - Hendery's touch on the paper was so delicate yet firm, the true definition of elegance to say the least. After crafting the paper boat, he held it up in the air, observing his creation.

"You're really good at that." Xiao Jun stated, causing the other to smile.

"Thanks. Now I'm gonna set it off into the sea. Since we're further away from the docks, it'll probably travel further, so the chance of finding my soulmate is higher."

"I thought you didn't believe in it."

"Yeah I don't. But I gotta feed the inner child within me." Hendery got up and walked over to the edge of the boat. Xiao Jun followed him, watching the other boy bend down and place the boat onto the water.

It drifted due to the light ripples caused by it coming into contact with the water.

"Good luck." Hendery pressed his lips to his own palm, blowing the kiss to the tiny boat that was now floating away.

Xiao Jun smiled.