The Sun poured through Leo's bedroom window, he rubbed his bleary eyes and forced himself to sit on the corner of his bed, he picked up his phone checking latest notifications. He was looking for something specific from someone but kept his phone down with disappointment as he found none. It was Saturday morning, Ian promised him that he would make plans for Kdrama this weekend.
He kept asking himself, whether Ian has changed plans or he simply doesn't want to see Leo after his childish and irrational behaviour last time. He walked closer to his window trying to catch glimpse of Ian but his bedroom curtains made it impossible. Leo hated himself for feeling in certain way, he tried to stop thinking about Darren but the thought of Darren's eyes on Ian pierced through his heart. Ian's behaviour towards his kisser was also bothering him.
Leo and Ian were childhood friends, Ian has never shown interest in boys, but that doesn't mean he dated girls either. Perhaps, it was time for Ian to indulge himself in relationships outside friendship. Leo felt he could wait no longer and finally decided to call Ian himself.
After few rings, Ian answered his phone.
"Hey Ian! Busy??" Leo asked.
"Hello Leo, not busy just getting ready to go to aunt May's place, Mom has something important to deliver her. She cant go, hence I'm filing in today" Ian replied from the other side.
"Really, I took break from practice today and have nothing to do, so thought if we can hangout. I understand if you are busy". Leo replied in disappointment.
"Leo, why don't you accompany me and we can have fun there; she lives close to beach you know" Ian asked waiting for the others positive response.
I don't mind, when are we leaving Leo said. Leo's excitement was loud and clear from his voice which Ian hasn't experienced in a while.
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"How are we going?" Leo questioned looking at Ian who was carrying two large bags that looked heavy.
"Lets catch bus, its more convenient and I get to spent more time with my bobo". Ian replied smiling.
"Don't call me that, you know I hate it", Leo snapped at Ian his cheeks turned red. It was years since Ian called him that.
"You use to love it". Ian said.
"Yeah, when I was 6", he said helping Ian carry one of the bags.
Ian was excited to spend time with Leo, it was long since they had quality time together. It took them an hour to reach Aunt May's house, she lived in a beautiful house on the back roads. Ian knew Leo will not regret coming, Ian asked Leo to ring the doorbell while he was on a call with his mother informing her they reached.
"Can you answer the door", Leo heard someone say from inside.
"Yes mom", a girl replied.
In few seconds door opened, two beautiful eyes were staring at Leo without blinking as if mesmerized with the beauty who was standing at her door. She wasn't someone who would stare or make eye contact with strangers, but this time was different he was the most beautiful man she has ever laid her eyes on. Tall, dark eyes, red plump lips just enough to quench your thirst for a kiss. He was the epitome of beauty.
Ian finished his conversation and came back, realising Leo's struggle Ian quickly pushed her with one shoulder bringing her back to reality. She moved back letting them inside with awkward smile.
"Stop it Lizzie, he is melting" Ian said shamelessly smirking at Leo.
They both entered, Aunt May came enquiring who was at the door and gave Ian a tight hug the moment she saw him.
Welcome my boy, aunt is so happy to see you she said and kissed his cheeks, which he wiped immediately.
Leo could not hold back his smile, it was Ian's turn to be embarrassed.
"Who is this pretty boy" she asked looking at Leo as she signaled them to sit.
Lizzie was still standing only to move after Ian introduced Leo to his family. She quickly went inside to get some snacks which her mother freshly prepared for them. Leo was extremely embarrassed he wished the ground would swallow him up. Ian could sense his discomfort and wanted to leave at the earliest.
Finding Ian alone in the living room after a while Lizzie approached him.
"Don't even think about it, he has a girlfriend" Ian said looking at Lizzie standing next to him.
"So what, are they married? He isn't taken until he walks the aisle" she said.
"Shut up Lizzie, he is not your type" Ian hissed at her.
"You know a lot about his type, are you one of them" she said.
"Yes I am, now buzz off we are leaving" he said.
Ian said goodbye to aunt may and promised to stay next time he visits.
Not just Leo, even Ian was not happy staying back he felt like, if they stay few more hours he will have to give away his best friend to Lizzie, who would stop at nothing to get near Leo. A bitter feeling was running through him. As planned they moved towards beach to enjoy their evening.
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Squabbling seagulls flew overhead, the briny air carried a different smell, It was calm and peaceful. Leo could feel his heart was racing twice its speed, was it because of Ian? he thought who was now lying next to him on the cold sand looking at the sky which was ablaze with the fire of the setting sun.
"Why are you so quiet?" Leo asked Ian, who now turned his appealing eyes to look at Leo.
"I like being with you Leo, he said making the other blush."I miss the times we use to spent together". Ian complaint.
"I am sorry Ian, I am always occupied these days with my studies, basketball practice. You atleast have your family, parents, sister, bunch of friends keeping you busy and not to mention your new love interest Darren to keep you occupied. But for me its just you and grandma, why will I knowingly stay away from you".
Ian's soft face changed at the mention of Darren. He felt guilty and he averted his gaze from Leo. Ian was not sure why was he guilty its not like Darren is his boyfriend, neither was he cheating on Leo.
I am not sure If I kissed Darren Ian said surprising Leo.
And why is that, because you found new clue or had new dream?? Leo questioned
The one I kissed gave me feeling of belongingness, as if I know that person since ages, as if we are meant to be, our lips were inseparable Leo. Ian said with dreamy eyes.
Not even a single clue matches Darren, I mean he does not wear spectacles, no chain with heart pendant, He even smells different. He cannot be the one I kissed I can feel it within.
Leo could not describe what he was feeling after he heard Ian, it was a mix of excitement, happiness and relief. He sweetly ruffled Ian's hair and said "Lets go we are late, its getting dark"
They took the last bus on their route it was already past 9 pm and Leo could see Ian was getting tired and sleepy. They both sat next to eachother on bus feeling happy the way day turned out.
Thank you Ian for bringing me along I had fun today.
I knew you would, I wanted you to makeup for all the time that we missed spending together. You owe me big time Leo. For the trip and for saving you from Lizzie.
Leo turned red at the mention of Lizzie, I know Ian and I cant thank you enough, You are really my type Leo said pinching his cheeks.
Ohh you heard that, Ian said shying away as if he was caught.
Yes I did, and everything you did to keep her away from me. Thank you he said looking at his shy friend.
Lets listen to some songs Leo said pulling out his ear pods and sharing one with Ian.
Ian started enjoying the music along with Leo, after few songs he felt sleepy, he was leaning his head on Leos shoulders now, suddenly another song started playing….
It was "That BOY" Liang bo singing...
Ian whose eyes were still closed, felt uneasy, He took deep breath and opened his eyes only to look at the Leo, who was surprised by Ian's sudden moment.
What? Leo asked
Leo, why do you have sweet Lavender fragrance like the one I kissed that night?