James and Andrew sat on the terrace, the warm sun casting gentle shadows across their faces as they sipped tea. The soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore blended with the distant laughter of tourists playing in the sand, adding to the morning's tranquility.
But the peace was abruptly shattered when Andrew spoke, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "I need to follow Father to Korea," he said, his gaze fixed resolutely on the horizon, as if searching for courage in the endless blue.
James looked up, disbelief and concern flashing across his features. "What? Have you even talked this through with Euan?" he asked, his voice tinged with an edge of worry.
Andrew paused, a trace of guilt coloring his expression as he absentmindedly traced the rim of his teacup. "Not yet," he admitted, his voice almost a murmur.
James let out an exasperated sigh, leaning forward as he tightened his grip on his cup. "Honestly, you two are always giving me a heart attack," he muttered, shaking his head. "You can't keep making these decisions without thinking of Euan. I understand you need to follow your father's orders, but this is just going to lead to another fight with him, Andrew. What exactly is your plan here?"
Andrew's shoulders sagged as he let out a heavy sigh, a cloud of emotions gathering in his chest. "I was planning to bring Euan along," he said, desperation seeping into his voice.
James raised an eyebrow, incredulity etched in every line of his face. "Have you lost your mind? Do you even realize what you're risking with this plan?" He shook his head, unable to mask his disbelief.
"But he won't let me go otherwise," Andrew replied in a hushed tone, memories of Euan's intense protectiveness filling his mind. "He'll lose it... like last time. Since that incident, he's become more possessive—he's always by my side now."
James's expression softened with concern but worry still tightened his brow. "I don't like this, Andrew. I don't like where any of this is heading."
Andrew hesitated before adding softly, "It's also Ji-Won's death anniversary."
James's face went pale, a shiver running down his spine. "Don't… don't bring that up," he muttered, his voice barely audible. "Just thinking about going back terrifies me."
Just then, Euan stepped out from the villa, his eyes narrowing as he noticed the tension in their expressions. "What's going on? Why do you sound so anxious about going back, James? And where exactly are you planning to go back to?" he asked, his voice laced with both concern and curiosity.
"I need to follow Father to Korea," Andrew said, cutting in before James could respond to Euan's question. Andrew's gaze met James's, his voice steady yet carrying a trace of vulnerability that didn't go unnoticed.
Euan's brow furrowed with concern, though he fought to keep his tone measured. "But you're still healing," he said gently, trying to mask his worry. "Can't we just explain that to Father?"
Andrew met his gaze, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "I have to go," he replied, his voice steady but with a faint tremor that betrayed his inner turmoil.
Euan fell silent, his mind racing as he struggled to find words to keep Andrew from going without escalating the tension further.
Then, suddenly, Andrew turned to James with a newfound resolve in his eyes. "Let's go to Korea—all of us. You, me, and Fruitcake."
James's eyes widened, his mouth opening in stunned disbelief. "Andrew!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with shock. "Are you serious?"
Euan glanced between them, sensing the storm brewing. "Would it be okay if James and I came with you?" he asked cautiously, hoping to ease Andrew's resolve without turning it into a confrontation.
Andrew's face softened with relief, the tension easing from his shoulders. "Yes," he replied quickly. "But you have to promise to stay close. And if I'm caught up with work, don't wander off alone—stick with James."
Euan's face broke into a small, relieved smile, despite the worry lingering in his eyes. "If that's the case, then there's no need to argue. At least this way, I can keep an eye on you."
James rolled his eyes, stamping his foot in disbelief.
***
It had been a week since Andrew made the decision: they would all go to Korea together. Now, as they waited in the VIP lounge for their boarding gate announcement, the weight of the upcoming journey settled heavily on James. He sat with his arms folded, his face etched with tension as he occasionally glanced at Andrew, who seemed engrossed in his phone.
Finally, unable to contain his frustration, James leaned forward, his voice a mix of urgency and exasperation. "Andrew, please…"
Andrew looked up, his eyes flickering with concern. "What? We're already here. And keep it together—Euan's noticed us tense lately. Don't make it obvious."
"Whatever," James muttered, huffing as he turned his head away sharply, crossing his arms tighter, letting out a deep, irritated sigh.
Just then, Euan returned from the restroom, glancing between the two of them with a slight frown. Noticing him, James abruptly stood, his movements sharp. Andrew's gaze warned him to rein it in, his eyes subtly pleading for calm.
"I'm getting a coffee," James said tersely, his tone laced with defiance as he made his way toward the lounge exit.
Euan looked after him, puzzled. "But James, there's free coffee right over there." He gestured to the complimentary lounge spread, concern laced in his tone.
"I don't like the taste," James replied, waving off the comment. "And our flight's delayed, so I'll take a walk."
Euan sighed, worry flitting across his face, but he didn't push further. Instead, he settled into the seat next to Andrew, who was still watching James's retreating figure, his own expression troubled.
"It's been a hectic process, getting everything in order for this trip," Euan remarked softly, looking to Andrew. "Especially with Fruitcake. Navigating all the airline rules just to bring a big dog along has been a headache."
Andrew's expression softened, and he leaned down to scratch Fruitcake's ears affectionately. "I'd never let him fly in cargo alone; I'm just glad we managed a business class spot. I'd hate to leave him behind, even if he was safe at the villa."
Euan's gaze softened, a warm appreciation in his eyes. "You really do think of everything. Thank you, Andrew. I know you didn't have to go through all that trouble just for Fruitcake."
Andrew shrugged lightly, though a hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "It's what we do for each other, right?"
Euan's heart swelled at his words, and he leaned over, placing a gentle kiss on Andrew's cheek. "I love you, Andrew."
A gentle smile bloomed across Andrew's face, and he reached out, ruffling Euan's hair in an affectionate, protective gesture. "I'm glad to make you happy," he replied, his voice warm and tender.
They settled comfortably into their seats, the gentle hum of conversation and the distant sound of announcements creating a serene backdrop as they waited for their flight. Euan leaned back, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him, grateful for the bond they shared and the little moments that made everything feel right.
***
James stood by the counter, his sunglasses perched coolly on his nose, one hand casually scrolling through his phone while the other rested in the pocket of his brown leather jacket. The coffee shop hummed quietly around him, the clinking of cups and low conversations creating a comfortable buzz. Yet, his attention remained fixed on the glowing screen, completely absorbed in whatever was happening on his phone.
The barista placed a cold Spanish latte on the counter, the glass clinking as it settled. James noticed the movement out of the corner of his eye but didn't look up, his focus unwavering. Without a second thought, he reached out, grabbed the cup, and took a quick sip through the straw. The cold coffee was refreshing, but something felt... off.
A sharp gaze from the side made him pause mid-sip. He tightened his grip on the cup and glanced up, only to find a tall man standing directly in front of him. The intensity in the man's eyes was impossible to ignore.
"Wait," the man said, his voice firm yet calm, slicing through the ambient noise of the café.
James froze, irritation bubbling to the surface. He lowered the cup and shot the man a look over his shades. "Excuse me?" he replied, his voice edged with impatience.
The man, unfazed, pointed at the iced coffee in James's hand, an eyebrow arching in amusement. "I believe that's my coffee," he said casually, his tone light but pointed.
James blinked in surprise and scoffed, lowering his phone and giving the man a once-over. "What? Are you the only customer here?" he scoffed, gesturing to the drink. "This is a Spanish latte."
"I know," the man replied coolly, folding his arms. "Because I ordered it."
A beat of silence passed as James processed the statement. His irritation flared, and he squared his shoulders. "What the—are you the only one allowed to order this?" he snapped, his voice sharper now as he stood his ground.
The man, leaned forward with deliberate slowness, a smirk curling at the corner of his lips. "No," he said smoothly, closing the distance between them. "But you might want to check the name on the cup."
James's annoyance spiked. He pulled back slightly, his jaw tightening as he glanced at the cup in his hand, his eyes narrowing. Sure enough, "Kyle" was written in bold black ink on the side.
His face flushed crimson as embarrassment flooded his cheeks. He muttered a curse under his breath, his cool façade cracking as he hastily extended the cup back to Kyle. "Fine. Take it," he muttered, clearly flustered.
Kyle's smirk deepened as he eyed the cup, his voice teasing. "Really? You already put your mouth on the straw," he said, his tone amused. "I don't kiss strangers."
James's face turned even redder, frustration overtaking his embarrassment. "Hey!" he snapped, his voice tight with irritation. "Watch your mouth."
Kyle shrugged nonchalantly, leaning back with a smug grin. "You were rude first," he said, his voice light, as though the whole situation was one big joke to him.
James glared. "Because you didn't clarify it was yours!" he shot back, his annoyance bubbling to the surface.
Just then, Tobi appeared from behind Kyle, her eyes lighting up in recognition as she spotted James. "James! It's you!" she exclaimed excitedly, hurrying over to greet him. But the moment she arrived, she sensed the tension between Kyle and James. Her gaze flicked between them, instantly sensing the awkward energy.
"Oops," she said, covering her mouth with a playful grin. "What's going on here, boys?" she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Nothing," James muttered, his voice thick with irritation as he stormed away. His pace quickened, the frustration from the encounter gnawing at him. He barely noticed his surroundings, his mind only focused on shaking off the embarrassment. His steps faltered for a moment as he spotted a trash bin nearby. With a dramatic motion, he threw the iced coffee into the bin with a loud thud, as if the action would somehow rid him of the frustration that had been building up.
Tobi and Kyle watched as James stormed off, the tension lifting the moment he was out of sight. Tobi burst out laughing, clutching her stomach as she struggled to catch her breath. Her laughter rang through the café, drawing the attention of a few curious onlookers.
"Hahaha!" Tobi exclaimed, wiping a tear from her eye, her body shaking with laughter. "That was amazing!" she gasped, still unable to control her giggles.
Kyle's brow furrowed in confusion, his frustration still simmering from the awkward encounter. "Are you crazy?" he asked, his voice rising slightly as he failed to understand what was so funny.
Tobi barely contained her laughter, still chuckling. "No," she managed between giggles. "But you two… you're a perfect match!" She couldn't help but break into another round of giggles, her shoulders shaking with amusement.
Kyle's face twisted in disbelief and mild annoyance. "What the hell are you talking about?" he asked, defensive but part of him already anticipating the ridiculousness of her next words.
Tobi leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. "I mean, don't you remember? James bumped into you at the bar that one time, and the tension was exactly the same," she teased, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Kyle blinked, his face hardening slightly as he tried to recall the memory. "I don't remember that," he muttered, clearly not enjoying the comparison, though his discomfort was evident.
Tobi grinned, clearly enjoying herself. "Well, maybe you should." She winked at him, clearly delighted by her own joke.
Kyle sighed, feeling heat rise to his face as he tried to change the subject. "Let's just go back to the VIP lounge," he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck as he walked away, clearly still annoyed but also flustered. "Before I lose my patience entirely."
The story doesn't end here...
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