28

The mafia sits grumpily on the edge of the bed as Sky helps him into a shirt, then zips up his windbreaker.

"You're insane, dragging me out at 4am for some ridiculous mountain camping trip," Nani mutters, his eyes barely open.

Sky, in contrast, looks fresh from the shower. Wide awake and practically glowing with excitement.

Nani, on the other hand, looks half-dead, dark circles under his eyes and nowhere near enough sleep.

Sky chuckles as he tosses the gear he bought yesterday into a camping bag, preparing for their short trip.

"Come on, I already booked the jeep. We should leave soon," he says with a grin. "I promise this'll be worth it before we head back to Bangkok."

Nani just stares at him, unimpressed, watching as Sky pulls on a beanie and then slips a matching one onto Nani's head.

"Are we staying there?" Nani asks warily.

Sky nods, still smiling. "Just one night in a tent. You'll survive."

Nani gives him a look of pure disbelief. "God, I've never even been in a jungle before. You're completely crazy," he grumbles. Still protesting, but without much bite.

They step outside, the cool morning air wrapping around them like a soft blanket.

Sky's excitement is contagious, and despite himself, Nani feels his mood lift just a little.

Sky rounds the SUV parked out front and opens the passenger door for Nani, who climbs in before Sky jogs around to the driver's seat.

Nani buckles up and reclines the seat, thinking about stealing a nap.

Once the engine starts, Sky drives smoothly toward their destination.

He's been searching for a good spot to visit in Phetchaburi and finds Pa Noen Thung Mountain, where reviews praise the breathtaking views. He's excited to share it with Nani.

The drive is quiet. Nani curls up in the passenger seat and falls asleep almost instantly, while Sky focuses on the road ahead.

When they arrive, Sky sees several cars parked along the trailhead and looks for a space to park.

Once he finds one, he unbuckles and leans over to gently wake Nani.

"We're here. Let's go."

Nani rubs his eyes and unbuckles his seatbelt, yawning as he opens the door and stretches. Sky heads toward the counter to check in with the jeep driver.

After confirming the driver's identity, Sky adjusts his camping bag and returns to Nani, who's looking around sleepily, arms wrapped around himself against the early breeze.

"We're in the second jeep," Sky announces.

They walk side by side, holding hands as they follow the driver.

A group of four other visitors waits nearby. Nani climbs easily into the back of the jeep despite his long legs, followed by Sky.

A female visitor sits beside Sky, offering him a sheepish smile that Nani notices immediately, his brows furrowing ever so slightly.

"It's cold," Nani mutters.

Sky doesn't hesitate, he digs through the camping bag and wraps a scarf around Nani's neck.

"Better?" he asks gently.

Nani nods.

The jeep rumbles to life and begins its slow, winding ascent up the mountain path.

Nani leans against Sky, still bundled in the scarf, eyes half-lidded as he watches the scenery blur by.

The air is cool and fresh, a sharp contrast to the dense city they've left behind.

Sky keeps one arm around Nani the whole time. When the jeep hits a bump, it tilts just enough that the woman beside Sky leans against him.

She apologizes each time she brushes his shoulder, and her friends start teasing her playfully.

But Nani's attention doesn't leave her.

He shifts even closer to Sky, feeling queasy from the rough track. His stomach churns.

"You okay? You look pale," Sky says, cupping his cheeks.

Nani nods weakly. "Just a little dizzy. Probably the road."

Sky thinks about giving him something, but remembers Nani hasn't eaten yet.

He glances at the woman and asks politely, "Do you have any biscuits or something light? My boyfriend's dizzy, and I need to give him medicine, but his stomach's empty."

The woman's eyes widen slightly before she rummages through her bag and hands him a snack.

"Thank you. Let me know if I need to pay for it," Sky adds.

She insists it's fine but throws Nani a sharp look before turning back to her friends.

"Eat this first, then I'll give you the meds," Sky says.

Nani obeys, taking the biscuit, then swallowing the pill. Soon, his color starts to return, and he begins to enjoy the ride.

At one point, they pass a wild sun bear. Nani admits he's never seen one in the wild, only in zoos when he was a kid. Sky chuckles.

The jeep winds higher into the mountains, the road rough and narrow, trees towering around them.

The air grows cooler, cleaner, and Nani feels himself beginning to relax.

Sky's hand never leaves his waist. It warms him.

Nani glances up. The sky is streaked with the first blush of dawn. He smiles.

"This was a good idea," he murmurs.

Sky smiles back. "Told you it would be."

After an hour, they reach the summit. Everyone climbs out of the jeep, and Nani is immediately struck by the view. Rolling valleys below, mist curling around treetops glowing pink with morning light.

He takes a deep breath, filling his lungs with the cool mountain air.

All the chaos from before feels far away.

They head toward the main post. Sky asks about their tent, and a staff member leads them to it.

It's the perfect size, just enough for the two of them. Sky drops his bag inside.

"It looks comfortable," Nani says.

Sky nods. "They even have a washroom nearby. We can get food from the post too. You'll be fine."

Nani looks relieved.

Soon, they hear voices and rustling, others waking up.

Sky grabs Nani's hand and, after zipping up their tent, they follow the small crowd to the viewpoint.

As they reach the edge, Nani stops in his tracks.

The sun crests the horizon, casting gold across the sky.

He's speechless.

Sky wraps his arms around Nani from behind, and together, they take it in.

"Woah," Nani breathes.

Sky glances down at him and smiles. "Told you it'd be worth it."

Nani doesn't answer. He's mesmerized.

Fog rolls across the mountains below, glowing orange and pink in the new light.

"It's beautiful," he whispers.

"You're more beautiful," Sky says, nuzzling into his neck.

Nani huffs. "You're so cheesy."

"But honest." Sky pulls him closer. "This? Us standing like this? I could do this forever."

Nani tilts his head back slightly, a small smile curling his lips. "Forever's a long time."

"I've got time."

Around them, people take pictures and chat. But in their bubble, there's nothing else.

No chaos.No gun.Just them and the soft light of morning.

"I'm glad we came," Nani murmurs.

"I knew you would be," Sky replies, resting his chin on Nani's shoulder.

They stand in silence, letting the mountain hold their secret.

As the sun rises higher, painting the world in lavender and gold, Nani leans fully into Sky's embrace.

The crowd thins. Some head back. Others linger for one last photo. But Nani and Sky stay right where they are.

"I used to think peace like this wasn't for people like me," Nani says quietly.

Sky presses a kiss to his temple. "And I used to think people like you wouldn't let anyone get close enough to give it a chance."

Nani chuckles. "Guess we were both wrong."

"Happily wrong," Sky murmurs.

A cool breeze rustles their jackets. But the warmth between them is enough.

Sky gives Nani's waist a gentle squeeze. They still don't let go.

"Let's take a picture," Nani says, pulling out his phone.

"I can take it for you," Sky offers.

"No," Nani says. "Together. You and me."

Sky smiles, adjusts his windbreaker, and takes the phone.

They start snapping selfies. Some playful, some soft, some simply smiling.

"More," Nani urges.

Then, in one shot, he turns and kisses Sky on the cheek, right where his dimple appears.

Sky grins wider but says nothing, scrolling through the photos with him.

An older woman nearby offers, "Want me to take one for you?"

Nani nods. "Yes, please."

He stands awkwardly until she waves. "Closer! Be natural!"

Sky pulls him in. They pose in front of the fog-covered mountains, foreheads touching, laughing, kissing, being silly, letting the moment live in every frame.

When she hands back the phone, they thank her warmly and flip through the shots.

"She's definitely done this before," Nani remarks, clearly pleased.

"These are going to be my favorites," Sky says.

Their smiles linger along with the memory of this morning.

"Come on," Sky whispers, his breath warm against Nani's ear. "Let's grab something hot before we freeze."

Nani nods, taking one last look at the view before turning away.

Hand in hand, they walk back down to the main post.

A small stall is already open. Sky buys them two hot cocoas. Nani wraps his fingers around the cup, grateful for the heat.

"Still think I'm crazy?" Sky teases.

Nani takes a sip. "A little. But the good kind."

Sky laughs, and Nani smiles back. Soft and rare.

They sit on a bench nearby, watching as the sun brightens and the sea of clouds glows.

"Do you think..." Nani pauses. "We could come back again?"

Sky looks over. "You want to?"

Nani nods slowly. "Yeah. Maybe not often. But once in a while. With you."

Sky reaches out, intertwining their fingers. "We'll make it our place. Somewhere to breathe. Just us."

Nani doesn't answer but he doesn't have to.

In the quiet morning light, with mist in the air and cocoa in their hands, the world feels softer.

Safer.

And for once, Nani doesn't feel the need to look over his shoulder.

Not when the sky itself feels like it's opened just for them.

Just like his Sky, who's always been there for him.