bonjparoles

#I will adore you 'till eternity

Days goes by just like the other day. After the confession on their holiday, no one, nor Mikha or Daniel talks about it.

Well at least Mikha trying not to talk about it. Rather, he sings it and blast ‘Be My Baby’ by The Ronettes in his room. Singing every lines so dramatically making Daniel laugh. When he hears a favourite laugh Mikha immediately pause the music on his laptop.

“NINI????” his voice cracked. Mikha wants to buried himself and never see the light again. He already embarrassed himself twice and he doesn't need another one. “What's up sweetie?”

“Umm.. It’s nothing big. Sorry for interrupting your karaoke session, Mik.” Daniel is about to close the door and leave when Mikha suddenly running over and drag his ass in. “I know you very well, Nini, you better tell me what's going on or you will never leave this room.”

Daniel gulp a big nervous bundle through his throat. “It's nothing big, I swear if I lie you can kiss me.”

“WHAT?!”

“HUH???” Daniel ikutan bingung kenapa dirinya berkata seperti itu.

Kebingungan Daniel semakin membuat Mikha ingin memojokannya untuk jujur. “You better tell me or this lips will be the one making you speak.” Mikha semakin mendekatkan tubuhnya yang membuat Daniel otomatis bergerak mundur.

Whenever he's with Mikha there's always gonna be this push and pull tension between them. Both of them pushing each other buttons with their own way. Daniel pushing Mikha by pulling himself away, while Mikha pushing Daniel to the edge and pull him when he's about to fall. Like now.

Daniel trying to stand on his ground and Mikha getting closer every each second, “Daniel Cassia Gray, you can't keep running away from me. I’ve waited so long and don't you think I deserve to be comforted with your words too?”

Jarak di antara mereka semakin menipis dan tidak bisa dikatakan sebagai jarak lagi. One wrong move and they kissed. Punggung Daniel bersentuhan dengan gagang pintu dan membuatnya reflek maju. Mikha being the sly fox he is taking that chance and kiss Daniel on the lips. Biting the bottom lip making Daniel quivers, “I love you.” Mikha smile on their kiss and continue to kiss Daniel breathless.

They parted their lips to catch some oxygen. “Say it again. I want to hear it loud and clear,” ucap Mikha dengan napasnya yang masih terengah-engah membuat Daniel memutar kedua bola matanya sedikit sebal. “If we become boyfriend, I'll let you kiss me anytime you want.”

Mikha lift Daniel off the ground making the smaller one squeal, “You don't know how long I’ve been for this moment.” He put Daniel on his table. “I know. You always speak to me with your eyes,” Daniel giggles and find a comfortable position while Mikha is diving for another kiss. When their lips meet again, for them it feels like home. This time they kiss more gently and enjoying every sweetness of each other.

Tubuh keduanya tidak bisa diam dan terus berusaha mendekat. Membuat Daniel secara tidak sengaja menekan tombol play di laptop Mikha dan lagu yang tadi sempat berhenti kembali berputar dengan kencang.

I have been waiting for you

You know I will adore you 'til eternity

So won't you, please (Be my, be my baby)

Be my little baby (My one and only baby)

Say you'll be my darlin' (Be my, be my baby)

Be my baby now (My one and only baby)

Everything feels like a scene from a romcom movie. Childhood friends to lovers, with all the pining and longing, starring Mikha the idiot in love and Daniel the clueless dumbest friend in town.

Mikha couldn't contain his happiness and laugh in the middle of their kiss. “Mik, are you okay?” The question only makes Mikha laugh more maniacally. “Mik… I’m starting to get scarred.”

“I really can't believe you're my baby now. Everything feels like a scene from a romcom movie. Childhood friends to lovers, with all the pining and longing. Starring Me, Mikha, the idiot fools in love and you, Daniel, the clueless dumbest friend in town.”

“Hey, I'm not dumb.” Daniel frowned at Mikha. “Of course you're not, just a little stupid.” Mikha wink and flicked Daniel’s forehead and kiss it immediately. A long and loving kisses on Daniel's forehead.

“I love you so much, Daniel Cassia Gray, you don't know how much I have to control myself to not look like a hopeless romantic guy in love.”

“Then be that hopeless romantic guy in love.” Daniel pull Mikha into a hug. “I don't want the tough looking and pretend to be cool Mikha, I want the silly goofy and always looks like going to give the warmest hug Mikha.”

Mikha wrapped his arms tightly around Daniel and sway their body side to side. He really love his little guy so much and to hear such a sweet thing from him is a bless he won't get from anyone. Daniel cupped both of Mikha’s cheek and smile very sweetly to him, “I love you so much more, Mikha, and despite of the unpredictable future I know one thing for sure I want our child to carry your last name. That's how much I really truly deeply in love with you.”

A tear rolls down on Mikha right cheek. “I— hey why are you stealing my lines. I should be the one saying that to you and I want our child to carry both of our last name.” Now both of his eyes becomes a waterfall. “Tanuwijaya Gray sounds cute to me. Gosh. I love you I love you I love you…” Mikha repeat the chant like a broken CD. Daniel wipe his tears and kiss him softly.

Be you

Be you

Be you

The words keep repeating like a mantra. Lachie terus berusaha tenang walaupun dirinya sangat ingin meronta-ronta. He is in a vintage car with Valentino on his side. He is so well dressed and Valentino also dressed him with the clothes he bought from Prada yesterday. Saat bajunya sampai Lachie tidak menyangka semua baju yang ia coba benar-benar dibeli untuk dirinya. Semua hasil tabungannya mungkin hanya bisa membeli dasi atau kemejanya saja.

Lachie terus bergerak tidak nyaman dalam duduknya dan degup jantungnya semakin kencang ketika ia melihat rumah yang biasa ia lihat di vlog. Is this really happening? Am I really going to meet with The Vinci family? Semua pertanyaan di benaknya langsung berhamburan ketika pintu sebelah kirinya terbuka dan Valentino berdiri sambil tersenyum manis menjulurkan tangannya untuk Lachie. “Welcome to my home, baby.” Kakinya seketika lemas dan Lachie tidak tahu apakah ia akan kuat bersandiwara menjadi pacar bohongan Valentino untuk sehari.

Ketika dirinya keluar dari mobil Valentino mencium tangannya dan mengalungkann pada lengannya. Mereka berjalan ke dalam rumah yang sangat megah, melewati beberapa koridor yang beberapa kali masuk ke dalam footage vlog. It feels surreal to be in a place where you only see it through the screen. Lachie sebisa mungkin mengingat semua yang bisa ia lihat selagi bisa. Hingga tidak terasa langkahnya sudah berada pada ruang makan besar, “We are here,” dan beberapa pasang mata tertuju padanya. Dari sekian banyak orang matanya tertuju pada sosok yang sangat ia kenal di masa lalu, Jerome. Why is he here. Wait. Is he? It can't be.

Valentino membawanya ke hadapan orang tuanya. “Ma, long time no see. Aku mau ngenalin Lachie ke Mama.” Cantik sekali. Benar-benar sangat cantik. Lachie bisa melihat mata Valentino berasal dari ibunya. “Halo, I’m Lachie Brown.” Lachie menundukan badannya sebagai rasa hormat.

Senyuman langsung terlukis di wajah sang ibu. “Vale, punya pacar cakep kaya gini kenapa ga dibawa dari dulu sih? Sini nak, duduk di sebelah tante. Vale biarin aja duduk di mana terserah dia. Tante ngambek sama dia ga pernah mau pulang sama ngenalin pacarnya.” Lachie tersenyum sedikit kikuk dan duduk di sebelah ibunya. Karena sama-sama berasal dari Indonesia percakapn di antara keduanya mengalir dengan sangat lancar. Dirinya sangat bersyukur bisa merasakan kehangatan ramah tamah dari orang indonesia lainnya.

Makan siang berlangsung tanpa kehadiran ayah dan kakeknya Valentino. Walaupun ia merupakan orang asing yang baru bergabung tetapi Lachie merasa sangat diterima. Tidak ada kalimat yang berusaha menjatuhkannya dan pertanyaan mengenai hubungan mereka pun tidak jauh-jauh dari “Ketemu di mana?” atau “Gimana Valentino selama pacaran? Baik ga? Kalo dia berani jahat laporan sama tante ya!” yang sangat mudah untuk dikarang jawabannya.

Selesai makan siang semuanya lanjut untuk bersantai di ruangan keluarga dan Mia sepupu Valentino juga ikut kepo dengan hubungan mereka. Bertanya-tanya mengenai perlakuan Valentino selama menjadi pacar dan kalau ada apa-apa Lachie bebas menghubunginya kapan pun. Mia give her private contact to him like it's not a big deal. Ucapan Elena dan Isabella tidak ada yang bohong satupun. Semua keluarga Valentino menerima dirinya dengan mudah dan membuatnya nyaman, walaupun nampaknya ada seseorang yang sedari tadi tidak berhenti menatapnya dan berharap Lachie mengucapkan sesuatu kepada dirinya.

---

Satu persatu anggota keluarga mulai pergi meninggalkan rumah dan Valentino membawa Lachie ke ruangannya. “Vale, awas ya kalo berani macem-macem, ya, ke Lachie.” Ibunya memberi peringatan yang hanya dijawab dengan tawa oleh sang anak.

Valentino menjatuhkan seluruh tubuhnya ke atas kasur sementara Lachie bersandar pada pintu kamar dan tidak berani bergerak seinci pun. “Baby? Why are you standing? Come here, lay with me.” Are we still acting? Why is he still using the pet name? “Baby,” Valentino memanggilnya lagi, “Sweetie, don't make me beg again or I’ll pick you up myself.”

Lachie masih mematung dan menimbang-nimbang ucapan Valentino. He looks like a lost deer. God please give Valentino tons of extra self resilience to keep him sane. But. Maybe just today he can loose himself a bit since they have to act all lovey dovey to make everyone believe them. Valentino bangkit dari posisinya dan berjalan ke arah Lachie.

They're only an inch from each other and Valentino lower his eye level to match Lachie's. A couple of beautiful brown eyes staring into his. Blinking so fast almost like he is trying to flatter. The moles. Lachie has moles Valentino brings his thumb to brush over them. I’m going crazy. Valentino should never go this far but he leans over and Lachie immediately shuts his eyes. Sanity hanging by a thin thread. Valentino brings his face to hide in the crook of Lachie's neck and pick his body from the ground.

“I told you I will pick you up by myself.” He whispers into Lachie and his hot breath is making Lachie dizzy. Valentino drops his body so gently on the bed and crawls beneath him. “You look so gorgeous today, have I mentioned that to you?” Lachie shakes his head. He doesn't know what he looks like, in fact, he doesn't care, if he can make Valentino act like this he must be looking just fine. But fine doesn't define him, Valentino feels like a lion trapping his beautiful prey. “Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous Lachie.” Valentino leans down and for a moment both of them forget the act and lips already brushing against each other. “Gorgeous,” Valentino whisper one last time before kissing Lachie.

Their lips move tenderly and limbs are tangling. Lachie slip his finger between the brunette hair and Valentino brings his free hand to remove Lachie's coat. Unbuttoning his shirt one by one. He let go of the kiss and ripped his own shirt in one move while looking down at the boy under him. Lachie is looking at him softly, face red, and lips wet from his doing. He wastes no time and kisses him hard. Hands are travelling here and there, touching every inch of his body. He slightly brush his fingers over the nipple and Lachie moans cutely. “Vale.” He ignores. “Valee.” He ignored him again and took the chance to push his tongue inside making the boy moans even more louder. Lachie tries to push him but he doesn't have any strength to do it.

Valentino moves down to his neck, giving a butterflies kiss without a miss and his fingers are inside his mouth. Lachie wants to moan from the stimulation but his mind tells him no. “Valee.. We shouldn't—” The door suddenly swung open snapping both of them back to reality. “God. I’m so sorry. Lachie, I’m sorry.”

“AHA, I KNEW IT!” Jerome shouts loudly. “FUCKER. CLOSE THE DOOR!!” Valentino shouts back.

“You owe me an explanation or else I’m gonna snitch to Grandpa.”

“Fuck off, Jerome.”

The sound of the door closing is heard but instead of walking away, the culprit walks towards them. “Explain,” he demands. “I will but not now.” Jerome rolls his eyes. “Not you. Him.” He points to Lachie who's currently hiding his face between his arms.

Valentino rolls his eyes too. “He doesn't owe you any explanation. You guys are exes, it doesn't matter anymore who he wanna date.” Jerome doesn't listen to him. “I don't care who he wanna date. I just want some explanation why he agree to do this shit with you. Poor baby.” Jerome coos at Lachie and pushes Valentino away who is now standing awkwardly. He picks up Lachie's shirt to cover his body but he notices something familiar down to the neck, “ASSHOLE!!! WHY ARE YOU MAULING HIM!!!!! I’M GONNA TELL YOUR MOM!!”

---

Kini ruangan itu bertambah jadi empat orang. Jerome memeluk Lachie dari belakang dengan sangat protective dan Mario ikut bergabung untuk mencegah Valentino agar tidak berbuat aneh-aneh lagi. Perasaan cemburunya kepada Lachie menghilang seketika saat Jerome bercerita singkat tentang perbuatan bejat temannya dan ketika melihat Lachie secara langsung insting untuk melindunginya tumbuh besar. He really does look like lost deer. Jerome and Valentino aren't exaggerating at all.

“I cannot leave you two in this room alone and I won't let Lachie go back with you without someone supervising.” Jerome said it like a bark. “We should go back together. I don't want to risk Lachie being mauled again.”

“Good idea, babe.”

“Lachie, sweetie, get ready. We're going back together.” Jerome lend his turtle neck and Lachie wear it in the bathroom. While they wait there's a knock at the door. Mia comes inside with a happy face. “Grandpa told us to stay a night and we're going to have a cooking match!!!” Everyone except Mia is unhappy with the news. “You guys better be ready to lose! Ciao!” The door is closed again and Lachie steps out from where he was, “Let's go back.”

“I think we're going to stay a night.” Valentino walks in Lachie direction but is stopped by Jerome. His eyes give a warning signal to Valentino and the man can only sigh in defeat.

“What…” Lachie goes speechless.

Matanya sudah berkaca-kaca dan wajahnya menahan tangis. Haechan mengumpulkan segala keberanian yang ia miliki dan berbalik ke arah belakang dengan kelopak mata yang tertutup. Tidak siap menatap Jaemin yang ingin memutus hubungan mereka.

“Jaem, I don't know what I did wrong but I’m sorry for everything. Please don't leave me..” Haechan bersuara dengan lirih. Mati-matian dirinya menahan agar tidak menangis di publik.

“Honey, open your eyes.”

Haechan menggelengkan kepalanya. “No. I don't want to.”

“Please,” Jaemin speak in a desperate tone. “Please?” He ask again.

Haechan give in and slowly open his eyes. He blinked away the tears that blocking his sight and gasp really loud when the vision becomes clear. Jaemin on his knee holding out a ring in a box, “May I be your forever lover?” Without a doubt Haechan says, “YES. YOU DO. YOU WILL. YOU CAN.” Haechan give his left ring finger to Jaemin and once the ring is on, everyone around him cheered.

Jaemin get up from the ground and before he can dust himself Haechan place the most sweetest kiss on his lips. He kiss him back and put his hand around his soon to be husband waist. “I love you, Jaemin.” Jaemin kiss him again and say, “I love you more, Haechan. My sweet sweet angel.”

They've been so madly in love with eachother for 6 years. Today is the day where Jaemin decided to be braver than before and propose the love of his life. Every second of this moment are engraved in his memory and through the camera he set not far from where they were standing. They keep hugging and smiling to eachother like a pair of idiots. Haechan keep looking the ring on his finger like it's his newborn child. Jaemin is about to kiss Haechan again if the staff at Erewhon smoothies haven't called his name.

“Oops. Our lovely session are going to be postponed until we're back to the hotel.” He tries to release himself from Jaemin but his annoyingly handsome husband makes the puppiest eyes he ever do in his life, “Chiieeee.“

“Jaemin.” Haechan berucap dengan nada yang biasa ia gunakan kepada anak-anak mereka—and in their spicy session—membuat Jaemin langsung mengatupkan bibirnya yang tadinya maju 3 centimeter. He smiles to himself, “Good boy.”

Haechan berjalan ke arah counter dan staff yang tadi sempat menggodanya menyerahkan smoothie pesanannya, “You are engaged?”

“Was engaged, I’m getting married to my fiance.”

“Wasn't it the same? Anyway congratulations. I was about to ask for your number though.” Haechan just smiled at the guy and leave with Jaemin’s hand circling his waist.

Their relationship is a bit complicated to explain. There was no dating status and one day they just engaged to each other. Haechan’s mom was skeptical at first with the sudden engagement news. It was too fast and hurried. But in less than a month the worriness wears off when Jaemin came into the home all by himself and explaining himself why he did all of this and what he had prepared for a life with her son. Haechan doesn't have a single clue about it. A week before they go to L.A Jaemin asked for her permission to marry his son and show her how ready he is to marry Haechan.

Jaemin bought their dreamhouse. He prepared another savings for the furniture and will let Haechan decide what to buy. Everything on their pinterest dream house board, Jaemin makes it all come true to life. That's nearly sums up Jaemin as a loving partner for Haechan. He still have so much to give, care, and love but only Haechan can know and find out. Sorry to all the dearest reader that curious with their relationship.

Haechan too have so much to give for Jaemin. Both of them doesn't know what surprise they've been hiding from eachother. Maybe it's Haechan or Jaemin who will revealed the truth later.

All we (reader) have to know is both of them love and love hard enough to finally come to this final chapter. Marriage. Before they move and write a new book. Thank you to those who've been following their story. It's not the end, we will get to see bits of their marriage life. Do not worry too much as Jaemin and Haechan are happily wanting to share their love story with you.

It’s already more than the minutes he promised. Lachie is nowhere near sober. His head is still spinning, all the snacks and water to make him sober are all gone. More and more people start banging the bathroom. He really needs to get out before a drunk psycho breaks in.

When he gets out people are staring at him. Lachie doesn’t give a single fuck about them and continues to walk to the kitchen. He chugs down another water in the hope of making him sober. When he puts down the glass a deep husky voice scares the shit out of him. “Hey.”

Lachie put a hand on his chest. “Shit. You scared me.” How on earth someone get to have a voice that deep?

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you or anything.” The man tries to continue his words but the voice gets stuck in the throat as Lachie’s doe eyes stare at him. He clears his throat several times before attempting to speak. “We meet again.”

“Whoo?” Lachie’s head is getting dizzier. “Have we ever met before? I locked myself in the bathroom and didn’t even chat with anyone here. I think you’ve mistaken me for someone.”

“It’s me, Valentino the guys from yesterday night's party.”

“Huhhh?”

“Sweetie, are you drunk?”

Lachie giggles at the nickname. “I think so. Why aren’t you drunk like me?” and blah blah. He starts talking nonsense to the guy in front of him. Wait. He mentioned his name before. Was it Valentino or Valentina? Lachie doesn’t know the difference anymore. The loud music and this guy’s perfume make his head spin faster.

Why is he smiling? Do I say something dumb or am I funny? Lachie laughs to himself and the guy also laughs with him. I think I like this guy. I hope I won’t regret this. Lachie makes his decision and kisses the guy named Valentino.

Valentino doesn’t resist or fight the kiss. He lets the boy kiss him. The kiss isn’t soft or tender. It’s all bite and take. The boy kisses him like a starving predator eating his prey. Valentino waits patiently until the boy is done kissing him.

He turns the table and kisses him back. Showing the boy how to devour your prey perfectly without wasting a single breath. He shoves his tongue and doesn’t let the boy fight back. He presses him to the kitchen table and lifts the boy to sit on it. They kiss until there’s no oxygen left for them to breathe. Valentino trails a kiss on the boy's neck while he is busy panting.

Adrenaline kicks his head and suddenly Lachie regains his consciousness. “Stop.” Valentino stops his kiss and brings his face to Lachie’s. “What’s wrong, love?” Lachie quickly jumps off the table. “I need to go the bathroom. Now.”

“For what?”

“I think I feel sick.” Before Valentino could catch him, Lachie already run and disappear in the sea of people. “You haven’t told me your name..”

Lachie tried his best to avoid the weirdo who's been eyeing on him the whole night. He really really tried.

“Have we met before?”

Shit. What should I do.

Pria bertopeng emas itu melihat gerak-geriknya yang gelisah dan sorot matanya seketika menunjukan rasa bersalah. “Sorry. I’m not trying to spooked you or something. I admit I’ve been staring at you, but I don't have any intention.”

“That's what most people would say.”

“Sorry. I should've introduce myself in the first place. Pardon my bad manners. I’m Valentino.” Sodoran tangannya hanya dibalas dengan anggukan kepala. Valentino kembali menarik tangannya sambil tersenyum kikuk. “I’m wondering have we ever met before?”

“I don't think so.”

Jawabannya menimbulkan kerutan pada alis Valentino dan membuat Lachie semakin merasa tidak nyaman. Tanpa sadar ia menggaruk lengannya yang terluka. “I’m pretty sure I’ve seen you before.”

“No. We're not.” Lachie menancapkan kukunya pada lengannya dengan kencang. Ia benar-benar dibuat tidak nyaman oleh pria di depannya ini. “Excuse me—”

“There you are. Dari tadi kita cariin.” Isabella dan Elena bagaikan datang bagaikan malaikat yang hendak menyelamatkan nyawanya. “Bella!!! Lena!!!” Lachie berseru dengan lega.

“Kita kira kamu ngilang kemana gitu— eh kok bajunya merah? Ketumpahan wine? Kok kayanya bukan,” Elena memeriksa lengan Lachie dengan seksama. Isabella menyentuh bagian lengan yang terluka dengan sengaja membuat Lachie meringis kecil. “Babe, I don't think it's wine.”

“Gosh. C’mon sweetie let's get you treated.”

“Mi dispiace interrompere, signorina. L'amico di suo padre è arrivato 5 minuti fa.” (Sorry to interrupt, miss. Your father's friend arrived 5 minutes ago)

Isabella menghentikan langkahnya. Ia bingung dengan situasi sekarang. Isabella tentunya lebih mementingkan Lachie di atas segala hal, tapi di satu sisi ia harus menunjukan tata kramanya juga kepada teman dekat sekaligus client ayahnya.

“I’m fine, Bell. Just go.” Isabella masih terdiam dan menatap Lachie dengan sorotan matanya yang sedih. “Lena, you go with her. I can treat the wound myself.”

“I’ll go with him.” Suaranya menyadarkan ketiga orang sahabat yang dari tadi tidak menyadari kehadirannya.

“Vale? Lo sejak kapan di sini?” Isabella melepas topengnya. “Dari tadi sih,” Valentino juga ikut melepas miliknya.

“Signorina?”

“Sì, ci sarò!” (Okay, I’ll be there)

“Vale, gue titip anak kita dulu ya. Tolong bantu obatin lagi lukanya.” Setelah mengucapkan kalimat terakhirnya Isabella dan Elena kembali menghilang dari pandangan.

---

“So, you understand bahasa indonesia. Indonesian too I assume?”

Lachie giggles at the last word. “Only half and you’re Bella’s friend?”

“Sort of. Our family are close.” Valentino grabs the alcohol and cotton from the medkit. “Give me your hand. I’ll clean them.” Lachie put his arm on his hand and let the man do the job in silence. They don't talk much afterwards until Valentino is done cleaning and treating the wound.

“Thanks—?”

“Valentino.”

“Right. Thanks, Valentino.”

The man gives the most sweetest smile Lachie has ever seen even though the mask covers half of his face. He can still see his gorgeous face.

“Shall we go back to the party?” Valentino holds out his arm for Lachie to hold. “Let’s go.” Lachie takes his arm without hesitation.

They dance and talk all night long. Turns out Valentino wasn’t a creep at all. He is so nice and gentle. He doesn’t get angry at all every time Lachie steps on his foot and between the break of their dance Valentino is the one who always insists on getting the drink. He fixes Lachie's hair making the butterflies in his stomach dance.

It’s almost 1 AM and Lachie needs to go back. “I’m sorry to end our conversation, I really need to go now.” Lachie wants to stay longer but he can’t and he needs to find Elena. “Wait. You haven’t told me your name,” Valentino desperately holds Lachie's hand. Giving the boy in the red mask sad puppy eyes.

“I’ll tell you when we meet again,” and with that Lachie leave the man longing for his name.

Mereka bertiga tengah berada di salah satu toko baju ternama menemani Marcus membeli baju titipan papinya. Harry tidak tahu di mana keberadaannya. Anak itu langsung menghilang begitu saat melihat sesuatu yang menarik perhatiannya.

Marcus sedang meminta tolong pegawai toko untuk membantunya mencari baju yang dimaksud. Daniel berada tidak jauh dari Marcus. Ia sedang melihat-lihat model baju yang tersedia. Saat dirinya melihat kemeja kotak berwarna biru seketika terbesit pikiran, “Ini cocok deh buat Marcus. He gonna look so boyfriend coded in this.” Tanpa ia sadari warna timbul di kedua pipinya membayangkan betapa tampanya Marcus saat memakai kemeja yang sedang ia pegang.

“Nini mau beli kemeja kotak-kotak? I thought you never like this kind of pattern.”

Daniel langsung reflek memegang dadanya. Kaget dengan suara Marcus yang tiba-tiba menjadi kenyataan. Daydreaming dini hari memang tidak bagus untuk kesehatan mentalnya karena sekarang Daniel semakin memikirkan banyak skenario what-if di depan orangnya langsung.

“Honeypie.”

Shit.

“Ya?”

“Temenin ke ruang ganti. Aku mau nyoba bajunya takut kurang besar ukurannya buat papi. Itu kemejanya sekalian aja dibawa buat kamu coba”

“Hah? Oh, iya.”

Marcus tersenyum mendengar respon Daniel. A vague cute bear is said by him. Daniel really wants to jump off the cliff.

“You try on this room. I’ll try in that one,” ucap Marcus. “Wait.” Tangan Daniel menahan pergelangan tangannya. “I actually thinking this shirt will suit you and it’s— very boyfriend coded.” Tiga kalimat terakhir diucapkan dengan suara yang sangat pelan dan nyaris tidak terdengar kalau mereka berada di kerumunan orang banyak.

Marcus membawa kakinya melangkah mendekati Daniel hingga hanya ada jarak satu jengkal di antara mereka. “Could you repeat the last three words?” Daniel menundukan kepalanya. Namun pria di hadapannya tidak membiarkan hal itu berlangsung lama. Jari jempol dan telunjuknya menjepit dagu Daniel membuatnya menatap wajah tampan Marcus. “Sugar, would you say that words again for me?”

Daniel ingin meleleh saat itu juga. Sejak mereka menginjak usia 18 Marcus menjadi pribadi yang lebih tegas tapi juga lembut di waktu yang bersamaan. Gesturnya terlihat menuntut tetapi kalimat dan nada suara yang dikeluarkan berbanding terbalik dengan apa yang dilakukannya.

Daniel can feel Marcus hot breath from this distance. Making him harder to think and say what he is asked for.

No one knows who leans first. It all happens just like that and both of them press a deep and sugary kiss. The kiss ends in a right time. Not too soon or long. They look at each other with eyes full of love.

“Did you think it's boyfriend coded or Daniel’s boyfriend coded?” Marcus teases him. He is lucky Daniel is in love with him or else.. “The last one,” Daniel says shyly with smallest voice possible.

“Hmm.. You've been thinking of me the whole time you stare at this shirt don't you? That's why your face is the same as—” Cherry? Tomato? Daniel wonders. “Mr. Crab!”

“NOOO!!! I’M NOT MR. CRAB?! TAKE THAT BACK MARCUS!” Daniel tries to sound as angry as possible. Because why the hell Marcus potraying him as Mr. Crab makes his heart pounding.

Marcus laugh and kiss Daniel cheeks to calm him down. “Okay, okay, not Mr. Crab perhaps… Larry the lobster?” A whine slips out from Daniel. His boyfriend is so silly. Wait what.

“Are you my boyfriend now?”

Marcus shrugs his shoulder, “Well you didn't resist when we kiss. Hence I'll take that as an answer.”

“Then.. Can we kiss again?” Daniel is impatient to kiss his boyfriend again. Forget the shirt. He has the real thing now in front of him.

Marcus is slightly taken aback with this side of Daniel. If he knew Daniel would react like this he should just kiss him in the concert. His corners mouth are going up. “Ask and you shall receive, honeypie.” Marcus pull them into the changing room again and lock the door. They take their time greedily to make up all the time they've been losing.

Saat mereka keluar dari ruangan ada Harry yang menunggu sambil memainkan handphone. “Oh, kalian udah selesai? Congratulations to our newlyweds!!”

Daniel’s face turns extremely red. He is caught by Harry in naked eyes. Luckily there's Marcus who reacts quick and hide Daniel behind his arms. He fits so perfectly in his hold as if this sturdy arms are made to hold him. Daniel wants to stay in his hold forever and he can hear Marcus giggling together with Harry. Their laughs and little jokes makes Daniel feel loved but most importantly he choose the right person to believe in love again.

Everything falls into slow motion afterwards. Being in love makes everything around him move in a speed of a turtle and Marcus is happy that world doesn't feel like colliding anymore. Even if it's collide he is happy he got to be with Daniel.

Mereka bertiga tengah berada di salah satu toko baju ternama menemani Marcus membeli baju titipan papinya. Harry tidak tahu di mana keberadaannya. Anak itu langsung menghilang begitu saat melihat sesuatu yang menarik perhatiannya.

Marcus sedang meminta tolong pegawai toko untuk membantunya mencari baju yang dimaksud. Daniel berada tidak jauh dari Marcus. Ia sedang melihat-lihat model baju yang tersedia. Saat dirinya melihat kemeja kotak berwarna biru seketika terbesit pikiran, “Ini cocok deh buat Marcus. He gonna look so boyfriend coded in this.” Tanpa ia sadari warna timbul di kedua pipinya membayangkan betapa tampanya Marcus saat memakai kemeja yang sedang ia pegang.

“Nini mau beli kemeja kotak-kotak? I thought you never like this kind of pattern.”

Daniel langsung reflek memegang dadanya. Kaget dengan suara Marcus yang tiba-tiba menjadi kenyataan. Daydreaming dini hari memang tidak bagus untuk kesehatan mentalnya karena sekarang Daniel semakin memikirkan banyak skenario what-if di depan orangnya langsung.

“Honeypie.”

Shit.

“Ya?”

“Temenin ke ruang ganti. Aku mau nyoba bajunya takut kurang besar ukurannya buat papi. Itu kemejanya sekalian aja dibawa buat kamu coba”

“Hah? Oh, iya.”

Marcus tersenyum mendengar respon Daniel. A vague cute bear is said by him. Daniel really wants to jump off the cliff.

“You try on this room. I’ll try in that one,” ucap Marcus. “Wait.” Tangan Daniel menahan pergelangan tangannya. “I actually thinking this shirt will suit you and it’s— very boyfriend coded.” Tiga kalimat terakhir diucapkan dengan suara yang sangat pelan dan nyaris tidak terdengar kalau mereka berada di kerumunan orang banyak.

Marcus membawa kakinya melangkah mendekati Daniel hingga hanya ada jarak satu jengkal di antara mereka. “Could you repeat the last three words?” Daniel menundukan kepalanya. Namun pria di hadapannya tidak membiarkan hal itu berlangsung lama. Jari jempol dan telunjuknya menjepit dagu Daniel membuatnya menatap wajah tampan Marcus. “Sugar, would you say that words again for me?”

Daniel ingin meleleh saat itu juga. Sejak mereka menginjak usia 18 Marcus menjadi pribadi yang lebih tegas tapi juga lembut di waktu yang bersamaan. Gesturnya terlihat menuntut tetapi kalimat dan nada suara yang dikeluarkan berbanding terbalik dengan apa yang dilakukannya.

Daniel can feel Marcus hot breath from this distance. Making him harder to think and say what he is asked for.

No one knows who leans first. It all happens just like that and both of them press a deep and sugary kiss. The kiss ends in a right time. Not too soon or long. They look at each other with eyes full of love.

“Did you think it's boyfriend coded or Daniel’s boyfriend coded?” Marcus teases him. He is lucky Daniel is in love with him or else.. “The last one,” Daniel says shyly with smallest voice possible.

“Hmm.. You've been thinking of me the whole time you stare at this shirt don't you? That's why your face is the same as—” Cherry? Tomato? Daniel wonders. “Mr. Crab!”

“NOOO!!! I’M NOT MR. CRAB?! TAKE THAT BACK MARCUS!” Daniel tries to sound as angry as possible. Because why the hell Marcus potraying him as Mr. Crab makes his heart pounding.

Marcus laugh and kiss Daniel cheeks to calm him down. “Okay, okay, not Mr. Crab perhaps… Larry the lobster?” A whine slips out from Daniel. His boyfriend is so silly. Wait what.

“Are you my boyfriend now?”

Marcus shrugs his shoulder, “Well you didn't resist when we kiss. Hence I'll take that as an answer.”

“Then.. Can we kiss again?” Daniel is impatient to kiss his boyfriend again. Forget the shirt. He has the real thing now in front of him.

Marcus is slightly taken aback with this side of Daniel. If he knew Daniel would react like this he should just kiss him in the concert. His corners mouth are going up. “Ask and you shall receive, honeypie.” Marcus pull them into the changing room again and lock the door. They take their time greedily to make up all the time they've been losing.

Saat mereka keluar dari ruangan ada Harry yang menunggu sambil memainkan handphone. “Oh, kalian udah selesai? Congratulations to our newlyweds!!”

Daniel’s face turns extremely red. He is caught by Harry in naked eyes. Luckily there's Marcus who reacts quick and hide Daniel behind his arms. He fits so perfectly in his hold as if this sturdy arms are made to hold him. Daniel wants to stay in his hold forever and he can hear Marcus giggling together with Harry.

Everything falls into slow motion afterwards. Being in love makes everything around him move in a speed of a turtle and Marcus is happy that world doesn't feel like colliding anymore. Even if it's collide he is happy he got to be with Daniel.

Selagi menunggu Elion selesai mengacak-acak dapur, Daniel memilih film yang cocok untuk mereka tonton. Mulai dari genre komedi, romance, horror, sampai slice of life, semuanya ia satukan ke dalam list. Eli pasti suka list yang udah aku bikin. Daniel bersuara dalam hati dan tertawa kecil. Selagi dirinya asik ia tidak sadar kalau Elion sudah masuk ke kamarnya sedari tadi.

“Seneng amat kayanya, ngetawain apa sih Cil.” Badan Daniel berjengit. Efek habis bernyanyi di konser selama 3 jam membuat suara Elion semakin berat. “Hah. Oh ini lagi ngelist film buat kita nonton.”

Elion menaruh piringnya di atas meja dan naik ke atas kasur. Ia merangkak ke arah Daniel lalu memeluknya dari belakang sambil menaruh dagunya di pundak Daniel. “Flipped yuk, udah lama ga nonton.” Hembusan napas Elion, suara beratnya, dan wangi tubuhnya membuat Daniel seketika pusing dan tidak fokus. Skenario tubuhnya dikungkung oleh badan berotot dan bidang Elion langsung muncul di otaknya. He feels like losing his senses. Hence, ia hanya bisa menganggukan kepalanya dan menyetel film yang akan mereka tonton. Terlalu mabuk oleh Elion.

“Ting munduran yuk, jangan kedeketan sama tv nanti rusak matanya.” Elion sudah menyender duluan ke belakang. Daniel mendengus merasa tidak adil hanya dirinya saja di ruangan ini yang mabuk sementara pelakunya asik mengunyah ayam. “Apa deh Ting Ting Ting emangnya Ayu Ti—”

“Iting. Kan rambut kamu sekarang balik ke settingan pabrik. Iting tuing tuing.”

Jujur saja Daniel lumayan sensitif dengan rambutnya. Ia merasa tidak adil di antara dua kembarannya hanya dia yang memiliki rambut curly. Segala treatment sudah dilakukan agar rambutnya lurus seperti saudara perempuannya tapi pada akhirnya Daniel menyerah dan membiarkan rambut alaminya tumbuh kembali.

Saat filmnya dimulai Daniel melihat rambut sang pemeran utama yang lurus dan cantik. Membuatnya iri, “Pengen kaya Juli Baker rambutnya lurus alami. Ga perlu dicatok lagi.” Daniel mengambil ayam dari piring Elion. “Apa aku beli coba pake Dyson ya.”

Elion langsung berhenti mengunyah ayamnya dan memasang ekspresi tidak terima kepada Daniel. “Bagusan kaya gini tau.” Elion menyelipkan jarinya yang bersih di antara helaian rambut keriting Daniel. “Ini cuma tinggal kamu kasih curly hair treatment aja biar ga frizzy.”

“Tapi kalo lurus keliatan jauh lebih bagus—” Elion menyumpal mulutnya dengan ayam dan dengan senang hati Daniel memakannya. Fokusnya kini kembali pada tontonan mereka. Elion sengaja tidak melanjutkan debatnya karena tidak ingin merusak mood yang sudah ia jaga selama seharian ini.

Sepanjang filmnya berlangsung Daniel menyadari beberapa hal saat sudut pandang berganti dari Juli ke Bryce Loski. Apa yang dilakukan oleh Juli persis dengan yang dilakukan Elion saat mereka masih kecil. Daniel realise all those silly act he did is a way of Elion showing his crush on him, but, Daniel is too little to understand them.

When they grow older Elion never acts the way he does anymore. He begins to date people from their school, breaks up with them, and finds a new date. All of that happens in a short period of time. Hence, Daniel never has a single idea of Elion has been having a crush on him for so long. Daniel was also too naive about love. He even still questioned his sexuality until he met Sadam.

But now, it’s all different. He now knows things about love and himself. What he likes and dislikes in people. How to stand his ground when everything around him tries to drag him down. He found himself a little.

The same thing also happened to Elion. That boy finally understands if he keeps being a total dick by playing around and hooking up, Daniel will never see him as the man of his dream. Hell. Even Elion wouldn’t wanna date himself if he were in Daniel's shoes.

Daniel juga menyadari perubahan perilaku Elion belakangan ini. Dia tidak pernah lagi terlihat berganti-ganti pasangan atau jalan bersama orang baru di waktu yang berbeda-beda. Daniel admits he likes the version of good boy Elion more and this whole summer the boy continue to show that he really loves Daniel.

That one night when Daniel relapsed again when everybody was out to Santa Monica. He was crying his lungs out. Breathing became hard for him and he started to panic when his tears wouldn’t stop coming out. He couldn’t even see his surroundings anymore. Ears beginning to ring. Right before he was about to hyperventilate he felt an arm wrapped around him and a brush of someone's thumb on his face wiped his tears away.

Daniel started to cry even more but this time he knew somebody was holding him safe. “I know, Nini, I know. Let it all out so they won’t ever come back again.” They stay in that position for 10 minutes.

When he felt Daniel started to calm down Elion lifts him from the ground and the boy in his hold clutches immediately like a koala. They went to Elion’s room and watched the sunset sneakinh through the window. Daniel calmed down along with the sun and the warm embrace of Elion.

There are no words exchanged afterwards. They stay in that comfortable silence. Smiling and helping each other to make dinner without having to tell the others what to do. Daniel wanted to say he was thankful Elion decided to come back and stay with him but he just couldn’t say it, but Elion seemed to understand him wholeheartedly. The room was reeking with Elion's feelings and every time they made eye contact Daniel felt loved.

Daniel knows what his heart wants. He doesn’t want Elion to wait any longer for his answer.

“Elion, I don't want you to wait for your whole life.” His words catch Elion attention. “I- I love you too. I’m sorry it took me so long to realise and I just I- didn’t mean to act that way. I—”

Elion shut him with a little kiss. “Breathe. Breathe baby.” He said while also taking Daniel’s breath again. They stay like that for a while. Until none of them couldn't pretend not to breathe anymore. Truth to be told Elion badly wants to kiss those red lips again. Daniel become his new oxygen and he is gonna die if the oxygen are taken too long from him.

“Can I kiss you again, please?” Elion puts Daniel’s hand on his face while he pleads. His eyes are turning like puppy begging for attention from his master.

A smile creeps to Daniel's corner lips. He gently brush his palm against Elion cheek. “Does it mean that we’re dating now? Or?” He couldn't continue his words when Elion pulls him into another kiss. “Kissing, dating, yes we are. I will marry you right now if you want me to.” Elion start begging like a desperate man in love. (Well he is a desperate man in love and Daniel loves every bits of it)

It’s Daniel turns to shut him with a kiss. “No ones getting married today. Not now. Perhaps… Later?” He ask in a playful manner.

The smile he’s been holding bursts out when Elion eyes go round and wide. “God. Daniel, you are my little menace.” Elion trails a kiss from his button nose, lips, chin, and chest. He lifts Daniel’s shirt a bit and the keep kissing until he lands on his belly button. Leaving a blueish mark around the skin. “Mine. One and only.” His face goes up to kiss Daniel again.

Nobody knows how long they kiss. We gonna leave the privacy to our new love bird.

People said a very bad karma is going after him. It comes from all the people he has hurt in the past. But this karma taste very sweet specifically in his mouth, sweet exactly like honey. Maybe Daniel is the honey itself. No one would ever tell the difference.

Daniel as his karma is Elion biggest wish that ever come true. He gonna to stick out his tongue to every person that has been wishing him bad. This karma is now pronounced as his boyfriend.

Daniel swears today is the best day that ever happens in his life and Elion plays the biggest key in his happiness. Daniel screamed, “Taylor, it’s not a cruel summer anymore. This is the best summer in my life.” Some people around him laugh at his words.

They make a heart together during the ‘Fearless’ bridge. Lalu diakhiri dengan Elion menghentakan-hentakan kepalanya sesuai dengan ketukan drum pada lirik terakhir,

And I don’t know why but with you, I’d dance

In a storm in my best dress fearless

His fearless act or shameless (we would say) makes Daniel laugh and Elion will do it again to see that sickeningly sweet smile.

When ‘You Belong With Me’ plays, Elion sings the lyrics word for word for Daniel who is currently jumping and having fun with the new friend he just made. This song reminds Elion of how much he hated him when Daniel and Redacted were dating and hated that boy even more after they broke up and made Daniel upset like a damsel in distress.

Minutes pass and the last song of the ‘Fearless’ era is playing. The song of every girl and boy's dream because so many people get proposed in this song. He asks the people beside him if they could do him a little favor and they agree to help him. When the venue becomes a little quiet Elion kneels to the ground lips syncing to the lyrics, “Marry me, Daniel, you’ll never have to be alone. I love you, and that’s all I really know.” While holding out a baby pink heart paper ring. Everyone around them goes crazy and Daniel’s eyes glow like a black pearl. He holds out his hand for Elion to put it on his ring finger.

Daniel pulls Elion from the ground, hugs him and kisses his cheek. Like he did when they were both young. When Daniel wasn’t shy to share an innocent kiss on their cheek. Until a couple of kids bullied him for being affectionate.

After the whole drama both of them didn’t say anything. They just enjoy the next era while hugging each other. Elion put his chin on Daniel’s shoulder. Swinging their bodies side to side. Later. He told to himself. Don’t be impatient and ruining the mood.

As the concert comes to an end Elion grows restless. He gonna have to confess now or never. “Daniel Cassia Gray, what if I’ve been having a crush on you since we were little,” Elion talks a little louder hoping Daniel can hear him in this crowd. “What if I tell you I’m not surprised?” Elion heart skips a beat then two beats faster.

He is shocked Daniel can hear his confession. The venue is very loud with all the people who are singing along louder than before. Pouring their heart out, Elion just does the same thing as them. But his heart is only for Daniel.

Many people in this venue are screaming about their feelings that were ignored by their loved ones, but Elion doesn’t get ignored. His feelings are heard by Daniel.

“Would you be mad if I needed some time to answer you?”

He will give his whole life, “I— I don’t actually expect an answer from you but, yes. Oh my God, Daniel Cassia Gray, absolutely fucking yes. You have all the time of my life.” Elion ends his confession by returning the kiss Daniel gave to him.

The boy blush like crazy. It’s just a kiss on the cheek but it feels so unexpectedly different. All his senses are numb with a heavy sensation. He is in a state of euphoria and might explode if he gets more happier than this.

When Elion shout, “Taylor dateng ke Indo dong, ntar kita main ke PIK.” Daniel laughs so hard. He can’t believe Elion still has the energy to do that after singing for 3 hours straight. Memorising all the songs on The Era’s Tour setlist. He even sing along to the surprise song. Daniel knows Elion doesn’t originally listen to Taylor Swift. What a big effort he puts for him.

---

They are waiting for their Uber to arrive. Daniel shivers a little from the cold breeze at night. Elion gives the hoodie he’s been holding to Daniel, “Wear it. We might have to walk a little, it’s a too crowded in here.” Daniel wears the hoodie and giggles. “Kamu dari tadi lancar banget deh inggrisnya.”

“Lah iya juga.” Elion menggaruk tengkuknya yang tidak gatal. “Soalnya rambutnya udah warna bule masa akunya ceplas ceplos bahasa indonesia terus.” Lanjutnya membuat Daniel geleng-geleng kepala.

“Ni, pegel ga?”

“Pegel sih tapi gapapa masih kuat jalan kok— Eli bangun ga.”

Elion menengok ke belakang dan menyuruh Daniel untuk segera naik ke punggungnya. “Udah sini cepet naik atau mau aku gendong kaya pengantin?” Daniel langsung naik ke punggung kokoh temannya. “Yah, kok naik sih. Baru aja mau aku gendong kaya pengan—”

“Ssttt… Berisik.”

“Loh kan tadi abis aku lamar pake paper ring.”

“ELIIIIIII!!!”

---

Setelah berjalan 10 menit akhirnya mereka menemukan mobil Uber yang mereka pesan. Setelah akhirnya duduk di dalam mobil rasa lelah langsung melanda. Sang supir bercerita sedikit kalau anaknya baru akan menonton konsernya besok, setelah itu mereka diam sepanjang perjalanan. Beruntung bapaknya mengerti kalau mereka sudah di tahap sangat lelah. Ia juga menyetel lagu-lagu Taylor pada radio mobilnya. Saat mereka berhenti di lampu merah terputar lagu yang Elion sangat nantikan sebagai lagu kejutan.

Uh oh… I’m falling in love

Oh no. I’m falling in love again

Oh, I’m falling in love

I thought the plane was going down

How'd you turn it right around

His eyes pooled at the sight of Daniel in his arms, singing along beautifully with the sweetest smile he could ever see. He doesn’t regret pouring his feelings tonight. What happens tomorrow will remain a mystery to them. Now, Elion only wants to swallow down the night with his beloved boy.

It only feels this raw right now

Lost in the labyrinth of my mind

Break up, break free, break through, break down

You would break your back to make me break a smile

You know how much I hate that everybody just expects me to bounce back

Just like that

The words pierce through Daniel into his bones. When he was going through the episode of grieving his breakup with Sadam times were running slow for him. Some of his friends in cheerleaders told him to move on. He hates them for telling him so. Just because they say there are a ton of men wanted to be with him doesn’t mean he could just forget everything especially since it’s his first relationship.

What they said wasn’t wrong. It's just not the right timing to hurry him to move on. Instead of helping they just keep pushing him to find a new guy, except for one person. Elion helped him to heal. When some days were extremely gloomy and he had no control to relapse. In those days Elion somehow always found a way to make him smile. Today not only did he heal a heart he doesn't break but also made Daniel realise a feeling that probably has always been inside of him.

They went to many different places from late morning until the sun settled down. Daniel is also grateful he didn’t choose the wrong outfit. It looks good on the camera and his face keeps blushing because Mikha never misses a chance to say he looks beautiful. That boy really knows how to make the day perfect.

The sound of the camera bursting to take as many shots of Daniel in the sunset turned all the heads around them. Some people are whispering and guessing whether Daniel is a model or some influencer. Mikha bent one of his knee, taking the last shot from his current angle. “Perfect,” he murmurs to himself.

Daniel stretches his body and walks in Mikha direction lazily. “Are we done? I’m hungry,” he rubs his belly. “Bentar, mau liat hasilnya dulu. Abis ini kita ke tempat terakhir.” Mikha melihat hasil foto di kameranya dengan teliti. Memastikan semua fotonya diambil dengan baik.

5 menit berlalu tetapi waktu terasa berjalan sangat lama bagi Daniel. “Mik…” ucapnya dengan nada manja yang berhasil membuat Mikha langsung mematikan kamera dan menaruhnya di tas. Dengan senyum lebarnya Mikha meminta tangan Daniel, “Ayo, I know a good place.” Mereka berjalan menuju mobil dan tangannya digenganggam dengan erat oleh Mikha.

Sesampainya di dalam mobil Mikha dengan sigap memasang seat belt Daniel. Aroma parfum yang dipakai Mikha menyapa indra penciuman Daniel. Setelah mereka berpergian seharian parfumnya masih tercium dengan kuat. Kemeja yang dua kancing teratasnya dibiarkan terbuka menampilkan dada bidang serta otot perutnya membuat Daniel semakin mabuk. He is down bad with a man who smells good and on top pf that they have a crazy body propositon (buffy).

He snaps back to reality when Mikha cupped his face. “Hey, you okay? You are very red right now” For the love of God please don’t let Mikha know he is blushing from thinking of him. “Nini… Do you hear me?” Did Mikha say something to him? “Baby, you can stare at me all you want later. We gotta go now before it gets dark.” Daniel makes a strangled voice. He wants to disappear.

He quickly looks away and hides his face between his palms. Embarrassed with the situation. Mikha caught him staring shamelessly. He really really needs to disappear right now.

Mikha can’t take his smile off knowing his crush is ogling over him.

---

When they arrive Mikha puts Daniel on a blindfold and walks him carefully. Daniel can feel he is entering an elevator and from the long waiting, they finally reach the highest building. Mikha guided him again and he could feel the strong wind piercing through the fabrics that blocked his view.

Mikha releases the blindfold and Daniel blinks slowly. He cannot believe what he sees in front of him. “Take my hand.” Mikha helps Daniel to get in. He put on the safety belt and the perfume once again brushed into his nose. Daniel head is spinning with every touch, every breath that hit him, and everything about Mikha.

Daniel isn't the only one being affected. Mikha too are equally affected as the boy. The smell of Daniel’s powdery perfume makes him wonder what if he just nozzle on the crook of his neck while the helicopter took them around the city. His mind nearly takes over if the pilot doesn't interrupt them. Asking if they are ready to fly.

When the pilot starts the engine Daniel immediately slots his hands between Mikha. He laughs nervously. This is his first time on a helicopter and every movement makes him nervous. As if he can sense Daniel's fear, Mikha brings his hand to be kissed. “I’m here.” They look at each other for a long moment until they're at a steady height.

The sunset that seeping through the glass hit Daniel face perfectly. He wants to freeze the moment and keep it forever through his lenses but he can't move. Daniel is taking all of him away. Not just his breath. All. Of. Him.

Every piece of Mikha is drunk at the sight of Daniel. The boy in front of him glows like an amber.

When the helicopter leans a bit to their left side where Mikha is seated, Daniel body follows the gravity to fall on him. The touch of their body drives him insane. Mikha wants Daniel to own him so badly. He absolutely can't think straight anymore.

---

Thirty minutes passed they finally arrived at their destination. “Sorry it took too long for dinner.” The guilt hits him when he remembers Daniel whine he is hungry almost an hour ago.

Daniel shakes his head. “I was actually joking to make you stop taking photos of me. But I’m kinda hungry now. A real one!” He adds at the end that makes Mikha smile.

“Alright then Mr. Gray, please come this way.” Mikha gives his arm for Daniel to hold. “Show me the way,” Daniel played along.

They stop in a room that smells like flowers and honey. Mikha opens the door for Daniel and when they enter the room a thousand flower petals spread over to the table. Mikha does all the seating etiquette for Daniel before sitting himself.

Mikha pours wine into their glasses and he drinks them first. Daniel is still speechless from the helicopter ride and now Mikha take him to a fancy intimate dinner. There's not a single break to recover from what happened.

“Mik, why you did do all of this for me?”

“There is no reason for me not to do this.”

“Why?”

“Because I like you.”

Another confession from his childhood friend. Making his brain dance without drinking wine

“Look. I know I went a bit overboard with the helicopter but I truly wanted to say my feelings from the moment we walked out the door and started our little adventure.” Mikha walks over to Daniel and kneels before him. “You are my favourite memories and I adored you since we were little kids. Every time we are together I can’t help to look at you, imagining thousands of love scenarios and when you look back at me I feel like a teenager in love all over again.”

Mikha still on his knees take both of Daniel hands and kissing them very gently. Daniel wants to faint from view. He never thought Mikha could be a romantic guy. He never dates. Never seen with someone. Never care about other people. But today exclusively tonight he become the most romantic man ever in his life.

“Is this really the Mikha I know?” Daniel feels unsure. Instead of answering Mikha placed the hands on him to his face and kissed the palm while grinning up to Daniel. The kiss takes Daniel into the cloud 9. Mikha is insane he thinks.

Mikha gives his hand one last kiss and goes back to his seat. He opens up a different topic and the conversation shifts quickly like whatever they did before is just a regular daily basis routine. Mikha keeps talking and talking while Daniel is still stuck on the confession he just had.