CHAPTER 25

The plane finally lands and they move through the airport quietly. Outside, the humid air hits them right away, warm and heavy with the scent of the sea. A driver is already waiting for them, holding a small sign with their names.

Once they're settled in the car, Gaotu leans back, exhaustion slowly catching up to him. The ride is smooth, the road winding past bright streets and glimpses of the ocean. Wenlang glances over at him every now and then, watching as Gaotu's eyes flutter closed. Within minutes, he's fast asleep, his head resting lightly against the seat.

By the time they arrive, the sun is dipping low. Wenlang gently reaches over, brushing his fingers over Gaotu's arm. "We're here," he says softly.

Gaotu stirs, blinking the sleep away. When he finally looks out the window, he sees the resort entrance, wide glass doors and palm trees swaying in the evening breeze.

Inside, the reception welcomes them warmly, leading them down a quiet hallway to their suite. One reserved for VIP guests. The door opens and Gaotu steps in first. He stops in his tracks.

The room is beautiful, spacious, with a view of the ocean beyond the balcony. But what catches his eye are the rose petals scattered on the floor and bed, forming a heart. On the wall, in elegant lettering, are the words: Welcome to your honeymoon.

He turns to Wenlang, eyes wide, completely dumbfounded. "You really went all out."

Wenlang's lips curl into a proud smile. "You like it?"

Gaotu lets out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Like it? It's... amazing."

They freshen up afterward, washing off the long hours of travel. Wenlang insists Gaotu rest for a while, pulling the curtains slightly so the light dims. Gaotu doesn't argue; he lies down, already half asleep.

Wenlang stays beside him, scrolling through his phone quietly, checking the plans he'd made for the next few days. places to visit, things to do. He glances at Gaotu once more, his expression softening at the sight of him sleeping peacefully.

When Gaotu finally wakes up, the room is dim, lit only by the soft glow of the bedside lamp and the faint lights from the city beyond the balcony. He blinks a few times, disoriented, before realizing it's already dark outside.

Wenlang, who's been sitting on the couch scrolling through his tablet, looks up the moment he stirs. "You're awake," he says, setting the device aside and standing up. "You've been out for hours."

Gaotu sits up slowly, rubbing his eyes. "What time is it?"

"Almost eight," Wenlang replies, walking over. "You must've been really tired."

"I guess the flight caught up to me," Gaotu murmurs, stretching a little.

Wenlang smiles softly and pulls out his phone. "Perfect timing though. I was just about to order dinner." He dials room service and gives a few quick instructions, requesting the dishes he'd already pre-selected earlier.

"I already picked a few Thai dishes for us to try," Wenlang says.

A short while later, there's a gentle knock at the door. Two hotel staff roll in a cart carrying several covered plates, the warm aroma of spices filling the air.

Once they leave, Wenlang lifts the lids one by one fragrant jasmine rice, spicy tom yum soup, pad thai and a plate of mango sticky rice for dessert.

Gaotu's eyes brighten at the sight. "This looks amazing."

Wenlang grins, pulling out a chair for him. "Let's try them."

They sit by the window, the view of the glowing coastline stretching beyond the glass. The food is delicious, the flavors are balanced, a mix of sweet, spicy and tangy that makes Gaotu's eyes widen after each bite.

"I think I could get used to this," he says between mouthfuls.

"Good," Wenlang replies, watching him with quiet satisfaction. "Because this is just the beginning."

After the meal, Gaotu leaned back in his chair, glancing toward the balcony where the gentle sound of waves drifted in with the night breeze. "Should we take a walk?" he asked.

"Now?"

Gaotu nodded, standing and stretching. "Yeah. I want to feel the sea breeze."

Wenlang chuckled softly but didn't argue. "Alright, let's go then."

They left their room and headed down to the beach. The sand was cool beneath their feet, the air laced with salt and the rhythmic hush of the ocean. Soft lights lined the path, giving everything a quiet, dreamlike glow.

Gaotu walked a few steps ahead, shoes dangling from his hand, the hem of his pants brushing against the water. "This is actually my first time at the beach," he said.

Wenlang looked at him with a gentle smile, his hands tucked into his pockets. "Do you like it?"

Gaotu turned, eyes bright. "Mmh, I love it."

The breeze grew stronger, brushing past them. Wenlang reached out, taking Gaotu's hand in his own to share some warmth as the air turned colder. Noticing the half zipped sweater, he stopped in front of him and zipped it up to his neck.

"You'll catch a cold," he murmured.

"I'm not that fragile," Gaotu replied, flatly.

"Still, just to be safe."

"Okay, okay," Gaotu said with a small laugh.

They kept walking, Wenlang still holding his hand and Gaotu just let him. As they wandered farther down the shore, Gaotu noticed a small stall still open. Suddenly, he felt like having something to eat again. It had been a long time since he'd tried any street food. Ever since he got together with Wenlang, he never ate street food again and the thought stirred a quiet excitement in him. He missed it.

Just as he was about to voice his thoughts, Wenlang spoke first. "You want to try it?"

Gaotu blinked, mouth half open, his words caught in his throat.

"Oh," Wenlang said with a knowing smile, "you were thinking loudly just now. Your eyes gave you away."

Gaotu tilted his head at him, suspicious, before turning to walk toward the stall. Wenlang laughed under his breath and followed after him.

Gaotu's eyes lit up. "It smells so good," he said, stepping closer.

Wenlang moved beside him, a faint smile on his lips. "Go on, pick what you want."

Gaotu scanned the display, his excitement barely hidden. "Mmm... let's see. These look nice, what are they?"

"Grilled squid," the vendor answered cheerfully. "Fresh from the morning market!"

"Then I'll take two," Gaotu said. He turned to Wenlang. "You?"

"I'll have whatever you're having," Wenlang replied easily.

They waited as the vendor brushed the skewers with sauce, the sound of sizzling blending with the soft crash of waves. Gaotu closed his eyes briefly, breathing in the aroma.

When the food was ready, Wenlang handed over a few bills to the vendor as Gaotu took the skewers. The two thanked the vendor and turned to walk to where they were from.

They walked back sharing bites and laughter between them. The waves rolled close enough to wet their toes, the night air cool but gentle. The moment felt just right.