It was always the sweetest part of the year, his favorite really. The hot sticky air as it clung around him, the smell of salt the moment you stepped out the door. Guang Hong was just glad his semester was over already. He needed a break from the books. He told himself he was going to spend the entire summer avoid books. He would work part time at the ice cream shop on the boulevard, spend the rest day soaking up the sun at the beach, it would be his perfect summer.
He grabbed his bike and started his short peddle to the beach. He was use to this. He had moved out here during high school and had stayed with his aunt now for six years. His parents could afford any school he wanted, but Guang Hong hated to waste money, so he moved out here and loved being near the ocean, plus his aunt was not strict. His parents were always busy and traveling, either through work or leisure. As long as Guang Hong made good decisions, his aunt never questioned much what he did.
As he got closer to the water, the overwhelming salt smell circled around him. As he got to the boardwalk, he would chain his bike, stop by the coffee shop then head and open up the ice cream shop. It was easy and he did this just till early afternoon. He had worked here for three summers now and loved it was always available for him. He could eat ice cream all day, have free Wi-Fi and meet interesting tourist. The job was easy and he was able to still enjoy his summer as well as pack some money away. Sure his parents sent him and his aunt money every month, but he liked having his own he made and his aunt thought working was a good life lesson for him.
His morning was the usual- turn on the lights, turn on the radio, wipe down the glass then sit back and enjoy his coffee. He would get a few people in, but wouldn't get busy for a few hours. He could stare out the window at the beach and imagine being out in the water. He always wore him swim trunks with his work polo as the owners thought it was more authentic looking. So every day he just lived in his beachwear and loved every moment of it.
His mornings went by quickly and he was thankful for that. Towards the end of his shift, he noticed the new lifeguards had all piled in as their shifts had changed or they got their lunch breaks. They were loud and they were young. Guang Hong smiled as he gave samples of flavors and got their orders. When he was done he saw the owners come in and he waved them off as he grabbed his bag and flew out the door. His feet were barely on the sand and his polo was ripped off his body. He had stared at the ocean all day and just wanted to be near it.
He saw his friend Phichit wave him over and had their boards waiting. They had been the best of friends the moment he stepped into that high school six years ago. Phichit was very bubbly and full of life. They were even roommates in college.
"So weird! Been back three days and just now seeing you again." Guang Hong said as he hugged his friend.
Phichit had to laugh back at him. "I know, it is so weird not listening to you snore all night long."
"I do NOT snore!" Guang Hong said as he playfully slapped his friend.
"Come on Ji! Get that wetsuit on so we can get out there."
Phichit already was set with his wet suit, only it was unzipped and Guang Hong got his out his backpack and slipped it on. Usually he did this at the ice cream shop, but he was too anxious for the first real day of his summer and just ran out of there.
They raced to the water and jumped in with their boards. Paddling way out into the ocean was always a race with them, who could get out there first. Once he was out and sitting on his board, he felt the peacefulness wash over him. This was how all his summers have been since he came out here. Phichit and him sitting on boards, catching waves and laying on the beach till it got dark.
They had spent the afternoon catching wave after wave till Guang Hong felt his limbs turn to Jello and they paddled their way back in. Unzipping his suit and slipping the top part off, he fell into the chairs Phichit already had set out and let his board lay next to him. Phichit was equally exhausted next to him and they started argue over who was going to go get the food. Phichit had grabbed them water bottles from his bag and Guang Hong drank the warm water.
"We really need to get a cooler."
"We say that every year Ji," Phichit laughed.
In the end it was Guang Hong who went to the hotdog stand getting them each one with all the fixings. In a few hours they would go to the ice cream shop where his boss would give them a cone as they dropped off their bags and boards in the back and changed. They would walk the boardwalk and talk about what they would do this summer.
"Oh Ji! I got a job at the diner for the mornings."
Ji stopped and looked at him, "And you are now just telling me?"
Phichit shrugged, "You know I hate working, but figured another food job, more free food for us."
Guang Hong laughed as every summer Phichit got a job at the deli or a diner and they were able to mooch free dinner off of the place or at the least half price. It worked with him at the ice cream shop, and Phichit at the diner, they were almost set for their summers.
"And I am off same time you are."
"I am sure Mr. Kim won't mind if we leave the boards in the back of the shop."
"Ji, has he ever minded? We been leaving them there for years now, I mean hell, we just left them there."
Guang Hong had to laugh as currently their stuff was in the back of the ice cream shop and the owner didn't mind at all. Guang Hong was there every morning and opened for them. Leaving a couple boards behind was easier than trying to bike them back and forth.
As they walked down the boardwalk a group of loud college kids roller skated by them and one had knocked Guang Hong over and he landed hard on the sidewalk on his knee. Phichit had turned when he heard Guang Hong cry out and the one that knocked him over stopped.
"Oh man! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to knock you over!"
When Guang Hong looked up, there was a guy with shoulder length straight brown hair and eyes that matched. He forgot the pain in his knee and allowed the guy to help him up.
"Maybe watch where the hell you're skating next time," Phichit jumped in and started fussing over Guang Hong.
Guang Hong was locked into those eyes and smile. He kept note that guy's hand still held his arm and let him lead him over to a bench to sit.
"Let me look this over," he said and Phichit tried to push him away.
"Haven't you done enough?" Phichit challenged at him.
He watched the guy roll his and sigh out, "Dude, I'm a lifeguard. I am trained in basic First Aid ok?"
Phichit huffed and sat next to Guang Hong as the guy looked over his knee. He had unhooked the water bottle from his holster on his hip and then ran the water over his knee. Guang Hong felt the sting and hissed out while he grabbed his own thigh. Phichit had grabbed his shoulder and glare at the guy.
"Sorry, just want to clean it. I don't think it is anything more than a few scratches here though." He felt those hands on either side of his knee and knew he blushed.
He wasn't really sure what he thinking, but while that hand was on his knee he blurted out, "Hi, I'm Ji!"
They guy was still checking his knee over then looked up, "Well Ji, I think you are going to live. I am Leo by the way."
Guang Hong watched as his hand extended to him and he shook his hand. He felt how warm his skin was and he just stared into those eyes and smile.
"You new here or something, Leo?" Phichit asked.
Leo looked over to him, "Yeah, in for the summer with friends. We are lifeguards at the north beach."
"I work at North Beach. The Ice cream shop," Ji jumped in.
"I thought you looked familiar. I had come in this morning after my shift," He felt as Leo brushed the hair off his forehead, "I'm not one to forget something so cute... especially with freckles like those."
Guang Hong knew his face was blood red at this point and he had to look away. Guang Hong heard Leo's friends were coming back down the boardwalk and calling for him. Leo smiled at him again.
"Maybe I'll see you around some more."
Guang Hong nodded and watched him skate off and then turned to Phichit.
"Did… that… just… happen?" he breathed out.
Phichit laughed, "What? You mean being run over by a jock on skates? Yeah, that happen."
Guang Hong laughed and elbowed him. Phichit ran out of his reach and he knew the way his knee was he wasn't chasing him.
"Stop being a jealous ass. You're just upset because he didn't hit on you," Guang Hong stuck his tongue out Phichit and that caused more laughter.
"Nah, but there was some cute ones in that group he is with. Maybe you should get to know him, and then I can get to know them," Phichit wagged his eyebrows at him and Guang Hong wanted to smack him again.
"You're such a slut Phichit." Guang Hong knew exactly how Phichit was, they had shared a room at college, he had woken up many nights knowing Phichit had brought someone back.
"And you my friend, need to do something more than just kiss someone and pining over them."
Guang Hong groaned and they went back to the ice cream shop to get their bikes and start their journeys home. Phichit was couple streets down from Guang Hong and they waved and called out as he turned down his street. When Guang Hong got home, he saw his aunt was out. She worked at the local pub and this time of year it kept busy. She would work till early hours of the mornings and sleep most the day. It worked for them two. Guang Hong didn't need someone hovering over everything he did, and his aunt wasn't the mothering kind. She was everything to Guang Hong though. They moments they did get together were always so special.
She was an amazing cook and he knew she would have a plate for him waiting in the icebox when he got home. She might also leave him a beer or two as long as he didn't overdo it. His aunt always said he was a good kid, and she didn't need to police every move he made. He heated up his plate and grabbed a beer then sat in front of the TV, turning on a bad movie while he ate. He rarely stayed up late as he got up super early to get to the boardwalk. Washing his plate he went to shower and hissed out when the water hit his knee. It made him think of those brown eyes and how they were so soft. He was amazed at how those eyes had match his hair almost exactly. What he really wanted to do was run his fingers through that brown hair, he knew it would feel soft under his fingers. He knew that brown hair of Leo's would be sun streaked and his skin golden in a few short weeks, he hoped he would be able to see that.
He almost forgot to hang out his wet suit and grabbed his bag to shake out his wet suit from sand and hang on the line on the back porch. He made sure to set his alarm as it was always the roughest at the start of summer getting his body use to waking after having a full day at the ocean.
Mornings went slow when you stared at the ocean all day. Guang Hong just watched as the tourist went up and down the sand waiting for his morning shift to be over. He knew Phichit would meet him here after his shift, then they would head out.
What he was not expecting was a certain brunette coming in, middle of his shift, to get a drink. Most the time people went to the café or the diner for drinks, not the ice cream shop. So when Leo grabbed a water bottle and winked at him, Guang Hong knew he was blushing.
"How long you work till today?"
"Um… well, around noon."
"Ah, not bad at all. You always work that?"
Guang Hong nodded, for some reason, Leo standing there in his blaze orange shorts and no shirt was really making his ability to talk to go away.
"Well I have my lunch break then, care to join me?" Leo flashed a brilliant smile at him and Guang Hong nodded, "Alright, I'll see you then, Ji."
The minute Leo had stepped out, Guang Hong was texting Phichit and Phichit was sending him thumbs up emoji. Guang Hong could not believe this was happening. Leo was so sexy and here Guang Hong was just what most people considered cute. He hated it really, but there wasn't much he was able to do. His face still had a babyish look to it, hell he didn't even need to shave yet. Guang Hong figured at 19 he should at least be shaving. His hair was a mousey brown color, and he had freckles that brushed the tops of his cheeks and nose which only got worse as the summer progressed. He had tried different hair styles and Phichit had told him it did not suit him. He was not meant for anything more than being cute.
At this moment Guang Hong wished he had on better swim trunks and something better than an old plain t-shirt and his work polo. He had run to the back and checked his hair, not that there was much he could do for it. Frustrated with himself, he went back out front and watched the clock till it was almost noon.
The owners came in and Guang Hong went to go change out his work polo and slipped his t-shirt on when he heard the chimes at the door go off. Grabbing his backpack he ran out and saw Leo standing and waiting. Guang Hong called out he would back for the boards later and left with Leo. Leo had thrown a white tank on with his orange shorts, and Guang Hong couldn't help but notice how tight the tank was on him, he tried not to stare, but kept finding himself looking. The minute they stepped outside, the heat swirled around him and Leo smiled over at him.
"What's good around here? I've only been here a few days."
Guang Hong had to think, "Well depends in what you want."
As they walked, Leo saw the diner that Phichit worked at and pointed to it, Guang Hong nodded and then hoped Phichit wouldn't make an ass of himself. He saw Phichit saddled up the bar eating a salad and Leo led him over to a booth in the back.
"I've got about an hour before I got to head back."
Guang Hong nodded. It felt weird, he could feel those brown eyes on him and it made him blush. Guang Hong always felt stupid when he was first meeting someone, he knew he was awkward and nerdy. Most the times he would try to hold that off till later, but he never knew what to say.
Guang Hong was nervous and tried to make sure he did not show it in his actions. His leg shook and jumped under the booth and he couldn't help but notice how calm Leo seemed to be. Leo asked simple questions, about his family and why he lived with his aunt. Guang Hong answered best he could. He explained for college he moved in with his aunt and stayed here. He found out Leo was in college as well, a year ahead of him. A group of his friends had gotten the jobs as lifeguards and rented out a beach house for the summer. They went to college in state, but on the other side of the state. Guang Hong learned he had two younger brothers that still lived with his parents out of state.
Guang Hong found that Leo was very easy to talk to and before he knew it, it was time for them to head on out as Leo had to get back to his post. As they headed out the diner, Phichit saddled up next to Guang Hong and playfully elbowed him smiling.
"You two should come hang out on my beach," Leo said as he wink at Guang Hong.
Guang Hong knew he blushed and Phichit had elbowed him again and when he looked over Phichit nodded at him.
"Yeah, sure…I got to go grab my stuff, then we will head that way."
"Great, I'll see you then."
Guang Hong watched Leo jogged off down the beach and they turned to the ice cream store to get their boards. Phichit continued to ask how lunch was as he couldn't hear what they talked about. Guang Hong didn't want to get overly excited about anything and get his hopes up. He had done that before and always hated that feeling of being disappointed. This time he told himself he would hold off and just take it slowly.
They changed real quick into their wetsuits and grabbed their boards. On their way out the owner waved and told them to have fun. Once they got to the beach, they had to walk down a bit to get to the area that Leo was overlooking but they did find him and saw him waving at them from his Lifeguard bench.
"Dude, you need to hook me up with one of his friends," Phichit breathed out as Leo hopped off his high standing chair and jogged over to them. He had taken his shirt off and Guang Hong was able to see how he was already getting a sun kissed glow to his skin.
Guang Hong couldn't help the smile that had spread across his face as he waved back. Seeing Leo with his whistle around his neck and his gear was quite a look, one Guang Hong wouldn't mind looking at all day. When Leo approached them, Guang Hong couldn't help but notice how his hand casually brushed down his arm.
"Hey, got you two some chairs under an umbrella next my spot," Leo smiled at them and Guang Hong noticed that his hand was wrapped lightly around his wrist. They walked over to the spot that Leo had saved for them and Phichit threw his towel over a chair. Normally they just threw towels down and battled with the sun all day. Phichit would be so dark by the end of summer and Guang Hong would be a dark bronzed color.
"Alright, I gotta head back up to my perch," Leo winked at Guang Hong again, causing him to blush, "But I have a break in about two hours."
"Sounds good, we can go grab something to drink," Guang Hong replied as he zipped up his wetsuit and got his bag set on the chair, "we are gonna go paddle out for a bit anyway."
Leo smiled and climbed back up to his chair and overlooked the beach along with another guy up there with him. Usually the beach this time of year was busy and required a couple of them at a time working together. Guang Hong notice Phichit staring at the guy next to Leo, he had jet black hair, almost white skin and a dangerous smirk.
"Maybe you can get to know grumpy up there," Guang Hong whispered to Phichit as they headed towards the water and Phichit smacked at him with his board. They laughed as they hit the water and paddled way out. They could barely see the people on the beach and sat on their board just chatting and waiting for a good wave to come in.
"I don't wanna get my hopes up Phich, I mean… you know what happens."
"Ji, don't let other assholes affect you. Leo seems like a pretty cool guy. I mean hell, we got chairs and umbrellas!"
"You are so damn materialistic."
"Coming from the rich kid over here."
"Hey Phich, it is my parents that are rich, not me."
"Yeah yeah, keep telling yourself that."
That was one thing Guang Hong tried to differentiate from. Sure his parents had money, his school was always paid for and they sent him and his aunt money every month, but he did not want to be known as the spoiled rich kid. He was labeled one at his old school before moving out here and did not like it. Him and his aunt lived very comfortably and he like it that way. His parents always had designer this and that, expensive cars, elaborate trips, that was not what Guang Hong ever wanted. He wanted to live by the beach and eventually open his own surf shop and design boards.
They stayed out in the water for some time, catching waves and sitting on their boards talking. It was how most of their afternoons went. They had just finished paddling back out and sitting on their board taking a break when Guang Hong thought it was almost time for Leo's break.
"Let's head back in, should almost time for Leo's break."
Phichit laughed as he laid on his board and started to paddle it in, "You got it bad, Ji."
"Shut up, he is out of my league anyways."
Phichit stopped paddling and turned to look at Guang Hong, "Ji. Seriously? Why would you even think that?"
Sighing deeply Guang Hong started to paddle again when Phichit came up beside him, water lapping over their boards, "No Ji, stop."
"What?"
"You don't honestly think that do you?"
"Of course I do! I mean, look at him!" Guang Hong about screeched out.
"Ok and? So he is a cute lifeguard?" Phichit glared at him, "You have no idea just how cute you are, do you?"
Guang Hong groaned, "That is the problem… I am just cute."
"There is nothing wrong with that Ji."
"Maybe to you, maybe I don't want to be cute."
Phichit shook his head, "Ji, you are more than cute, take it from your best friend here, I mean I would totally date you if it weren't for us being so close." With that Phichit paddled off and Guang Hong just sat there dumbfounded. Shaking his head he started to paddle to catch up to Phichit as they reached the shore. Once they got to the beach they walked over to where their stuff was and flopped down on the chairs, grabbing their towel to dry off.
"Ah, there are my two favorite surfers."
Guang Hong turned and smiled as Leo walked up and handed them each water bottles. They were ice cold and Guang Hong drained his immediately. When Leo sat on his chair and leaned back casually, without thinking, Guang Hong shifted over and Leo settled into the oversized wooden beach chair with him. Guang Hong blushed when he noticed they were sitting practically on top of each other.
"You two caught some nice waves out there," Leo stated as he sipped at his water. He seemed so casual just sitting there and even went to drape his arm over Guang Hong's shoulder. Even with his wet suit still over his shoulders, he could feel how warm that sun kissed skin was of Leo's pressed against him.
Phichit cocked an eyebrow at him and Guang Hong relaxed himself. He loved the smell of salt and sunscreen coming off of Leo as they sat there.
"Hey, you two doing anything tonight? A couple of us were going to go down to Naylor's Pier and have a bonfire. You are more than welcome to come."
Phichit sat up instantly, he was always one for gatherings, "Yeah absolutely!"
"Perfect. Ji, where is your phone?" Leo asked.
Guang Hong grabbed his bag and pulled his water proof bag out he kept his phone in and handed it over to Leo. He watched Leo move to contacts and type in something.
"There, now you have my number, shoot me a text and I'll send you more details later. I only work another two hours, but will probably grab Seung and head back to the beach house to shower and change."
"Yeah… sure." Guang Hong always hated he never knew what to say.
"I still got a few minutes, would you mind putting some sunscreen on my back? Seung always complains when I ask him to do it."
Guang Hong gulped and nodded. Leo smiled and sat up. Guang Hong felt how Leo shifted himself so he was turned and Guang Hong grabbed his bottle of sunscreen. He saw his hands were shaking and squeezed the white lotion in his hands.
Leo looked over his shoulder and smiled at him, "Don't leave me all streaky ok?"
Guang Hong nodded and started to work the lotion up and down that sun kissed back. He felt how warm Leo's skin was, and the smell of the sunscreen on that warm skin was almost intoxicating. Guang Hong could feel the tight muscles in Leo's back, they seem to move under his palm and when he got lower he couldn't help but his mouth go dry. When his hands got even lower, he saw the little dimples on his lowers back and had to tear his eyes away as he made sure all the lotion was rubbed in.
"There, not streaky."
Leo smiled at him while turning back around and pushed some of Guang Hong's wet hair off his forehead. "Perfect, I'll see you this evening then."
Leo went to go back over to the lifeguard stand and Guang Hong couldn't help but to continue watching him as he moved.
"Dude, you got it bad." He heard Phichit say and Guang Hong threw his empty water bottle at him.
"Shut up Phichit."
Phichit laughed and dodged the bottle. "Come on, let's get back in the water, then we can get ready for the bonfire."
Zipping back up his wetsuit, they went back out into the water. Phichit always loved beach parties, and Guang Hong did too. It was always the perfect way to spend the nights during the summer.
As they sat once more out in the ocean, Phichit was whining that he better find someone to make his summer interesting. Guang Hong had to laugh.
"I'm Serious Ji! You think I am gonna watch you be a mushy and gushy with the hunky brunette?"
Guang Hong groaned, "Phich…"
"Fine, Fine… Maybe Leo's lifeguard buddy will be there tonight."
Guang Hong splashed water at Phichit, "I am sure grumpy will be there."
Phichit laughed and they started to settle up to catch a few more waves before calling it a day.
They had decided it was best to go back to Guang Hong's place and just shower there. Phichit grabbed a t-shirt and said they would stop by his place on their way to Naylor's.
Guang Hong was happy as they came in that his aunt was home. She was watching the evening news and sipping on tea. Guang Hong ran forward and hugged her. They usually only got a few passing moments between and he immediately sat on the couch next to her.
"Ah, Phichit, I swear you boys are just shadows of each other," Guang Hong's aunt laughed out, "And yes, there is food in the icebox."
Phichit went and grabbed the leftovers, heating them up and grabbing some beers from the fridge.
"Dammit Phichit. You better drink that here and not outside of this house. Hell if I will be busted!"
"Oh Auntie, you worry too much. Plus I'm almost old enough." Phichit laughed at Guang Hong's Aunt.
Guang Hong's aunt rolled her eyes. She didn't really care as long as they didn't get wasted from it. One of the reasons Guang Hong loved staying with her. She did not hover over him as his parent's would.
"So what are you two up too this evening?"
Guang Hong laid down, setting his head in his aunt's lap, no matter how old he got, he loved how her long nails would scratch at his scalp.
"Bonfire with some lifeguards tonight," Guang Hong sighed out as she was steadily scratching away and Guang Hong could easily fall asleep like this and use to all the time when he was younger.
"You boys better behave, that means you Phichit."
Phichit acted stunned and Guang Hong's aunt laughed. "Well you boys have fun, but not too much fun. I got to work tonight Ji, so I'll be late."
Guang Hong nodded and wrapped his arms around his aunt's legs as they laid on the couch. She laughed and patted his shoulder as they sat back just watching TV. Phichit settled into the recliner with a plate of food. Guang Hong always loved those moments when he was with her and though lately they were far and few between, he always felt lucky he got to call this place home. Normally he went to his parents for the holidays, but lately they would go out of the country and Guang Hong would stay with his aunt. He pretty much thought of this as his home now. He would video message his parents and spent spring break with them vacationing somewhere, but he could honestly say it had been a couple years since had stayed at his parents' home.
His aunt had permanently made the guest bedroom his. He stayed on campus, but he loved when he got here in the summers and loved her little house. It was two bedrooms, small bathroom, tiny kitchen and a living room. There was a screened in back porch they spend many rain afternoons on, and where he hangs his wet suits. She kept a small shed in the back he could store his boards in and bicycle.
Guang Hong got a text from Leo saying they were headed down to the beach around nine and Leo offered to come pick them up. Phichit grabbed Guang's phone and typed his address in there. Guang sighed and snatched his phone back but Phichit had already sent the message.
A couple more beers later, Guang was feeling happy and giggly. Phichit said they should walk to his house and not ride their bikes. Guang had to agree and packed his backpack up real quick so they could head over to Phichit's so he could change. Guang waved at Phichit's parents and they ran to his room as Leo should be there any moment. The minute Phichit started digging through his closet they heard a car horn.
"Come on Phich! He is here!"
"Ok ok!" Phichit grabbed a button down shirt from his closet and had it halfway on as they ran out the door.
Guang Hong smiled as Leo was parked on the side of the road. He had a Jeep with the top off and Guang Hong thought it was all too perfect. Phichit swung up to the back of it and Leo held his hand out for Guang Hong to take. Throwing his bag in the backseat he climbed up and they buckled in. He noticed Leo was in swim shorts and tank top. Guang liked how he had a cloth headband holding his hair back and had to smile as they took off out the neighborhood.
It wasn't but a couple miles, something Guang Hong did easily on his bike, but they were thankful for a ride. Once they got to Naylor's, they could see the fire roaring on the beach and the handful of people there.
"Our beach house is just a couple rows back, gonna park there and we can walk down, ok?"
Guang Hong saw they had a modest beach house and remembered that Leo told him a bunch of them all rented it out. Getting out the jeep, Guang Hong saw Seung stepping out the door and he playfully elbowed Phichit.
"Leo, have you seen my phone?" Seung called out as he quickly looked Guang Hong and Phichit over.
"Nah, went to go pick these two ups, want me to help-"
"I'll help you look for it," Phichit had jumped it.
Seung squinted his eyes at Phichit, "Why would you do that?"
Phichit shrugged and smiled, "Better chances with two looking than one."
Seung nodded, "Alright then, come on."
Guang Hong watched as Phichit headed in and helped Seung.
"Seung, we are gonna head on down to the beach," Leo called out to him.
He watched as Seung nodded, holding the door open for Phichit.
Once they were inside Guang Hong turned to Leo, "Why is he so grumpy?"
Leo laughed and wrapped his arm around Guang Hong's shoulder, "He isn't grumpy. He is just a bit serious. He loosens up once you get to know him."
"Well let's hope for Phichit sake he does."
"Oh why is that?"
"Leo! He was eyeing him all day. How could you miss that?"
Leo locked those brown eyes onto him, "Was looking at something else."
Guang Hong knew he was blushing and even felt that arm slid around his slender shoulders squeeze him gently. They could hear music playing and smell the fire burning. Guang Hong loved nothing more than a beach bonfire and they settled into a blanket on the sand that Leo had grabbed. There was a good handful of people there and he saw as Phichit and Seung started their way down the beach. It looked like they were actually conversing back and forth when they stopped and saw Phichit help Seung lay out a blanket they both settled on.
"I think Phichit is really into your friend there."
Leo chuckled, "Well it is surprising to see Seung talk to anyone new so fast."
"Well you said he isn't always so grumpy…"
Leo laughed, "I promise he isn't."
Guang Hong snorted and kept his eyes on the pair on the other side of the fire, "Well it seems like he is less grumpy now."
Leo laughed and Guang Hong felt as Leo grabbed his arm and pulled him over closer to him. Guang Hong was pressed against him and he allowed his head to fall onto Leo's shoulder. Leo still smelled of the ocean, but now he caught a hint of cologne too.
"Are you wearing cologne?" Guang Hong asked.
"Maybe."
"I like it," Guang Hong turned his head and breathed it in, then he knew he was blushing and turned his head back to look at everyone dancing and conversing around the fire. "Don't you want to go talk with you friends?"
He felt Leo shake his head, "I'm living with them for the next three months, I converse enough with them."
Guang Hong could feel as arm move around his waist and hold him just a little tighter, he found his hand lay still on Leo's chest, almost as if they were cuddling. Guang Hong felt a bit daring and moved his fingers against the material in the tank that Leo wore.
"Ji?"
Guang Hong turned his head and realized how close their mouths were. Those brown eyes stared right into him. Guang Hong knew his cheeks had to be red and he wanted so badly to just kiss Leo, but he did not want to be the one to lean in. He did find his eyes closing as Leo started to lean in.
"Leo! Who is the cutie you got smuggled onto your blanket!"
At that, the moment was over and Guang Hong sat up and moved off Leo. Leo moved his arm so it casually rested on Guang Hong's shoulder.
"Ah Sara! This is Ji."
When Guang Hong looked over, there was a raven haired girl who had draped herself across their blanket and had her head laying in Guang Hong's lap.
"Oh aren't you just adorable!" Sara about squealed out and Guang Hong found himself shifting uncomfortably.
Guang Hong could hear Leo moan, "Seriously Sara, how much have you drank?"
Sara giggled and rolled over, "I dunno… Milla keep handing me drinks!"
"Mila! Come get your girl!" Leo called out and Guang Hong noticed a tall girl with a red bob come over. Both girls were wearing bikini tops and very short shorts.
"Sorry about that Leo, I was wondering where she went off too…. Well hello? Who is his Leo?" Mila was looking Guang Hong up and down and he found himself uncomfortable again.
"Mila, this is Ji. He works at the ice cream shop."
"Ah! That is where I have seen you before! I'd never forget a face as precious as yours!" Mila and leaned down to get Sara and smiled at Guang Hong.
Guang Hong heard Leo chuckle and all he wanted to do was hide his face.
"Come on Ji, let's grab a beer and mingle a bit, if not they are going to keep coming over here."
Hopping up they went to the cooler. They had it packed with beer and Guang Hong noticed that Phichit and Seung were still taking, beer in hand. He noticed the grumpy look on Seung's face was still gone and Phichit was being animated as he told some story.
Leo and Guang Hong walked a bit and said hello to the other lifeguards that were there. There was only him and Phichit there that were not a part of this group. The one guy Emil even laughed and clapped Leo on the back.
"You found you one already didn't you lover boy?" Emil said as they stood there.
Guang Hong shifted in his sandals standing there, wondering what all that meant. He did not want to overthink things and know that is what Phichit would tell him he was doing. Instead he drank half his beer and let Leo led him down to the water.
"Sorry about him," Leo said as he looked out into the ocean. There was not much to see other than hearing the waves come up to shore.
"What did he mean by lover boy?" Guang Hong couldn't help but ask.
Leo shook his head, "Ji, let me promise you this, no matter what they tell you, I am not a player ok? They joke around about it all the time."
"But why would they-"
"In college a lot of guys and girls hit on me… it is embarrassing really. And most the time I turn them down, ok? It is no big deal."
No big deal? He already knew Leo was out of his league. Guang Hong shift again and finished his beer. Why the hell did he want someone like him anyway? Leo could easily get someone better looking, someone not so cute.
"Um… if you say so."
Leo signed, "Dammit, I am going to kill those assholes."
Guang Hong heard Leo sit down in the sand and he joined him. He did not sit as close as he did when they were on the blanket.
"What are you thinking, Ji?"
"Why someone like you would talk to someone like me…" Guang Hong immediately wanted to take back every word and he brought his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around his knees.
"Why would you even think something like Ji?"
Guang Hong shrugged, but kept his eyes on the waves steadily moving further and further out to sea. He knew why he thought that. He looked in the mirror everyday. He knew he wasn't ugly, but he was average at best.
"No Ji, seriously. That was not an answer."
"You just seem… out of my league is all," Guang Hong almost whispered out.
Leo chuckled and then grabbed one of Guang Hong's arm, "Oh come here."
Guang Hong felt himself back at Leo's side and in a light hug. He did really like the way Leo smelled and the way he was just so casual about things. It was nice. He liked how Leo was a little taller than him and how his hair just barely brushed the tops of his shoulders.
"Trust me Ji, if anything, you are out of my league."
Guang Hong nearly melted when he felt Leo kiss his forehead then rest his head on his. They just sat there and stared into the waves for a few minutes till Leo heard his name being called. Walking back up the sand they saw as two guys were bring out a ping pong table. Seung was getting cups out and Leo playfully elbowed him.
"Beer pong?"
Guang Hong laughed, "Sure, but I suck at it. It is Phichit who rules our dorm with it."
At that he watched as Phichit saddled up and draped his arm around Guang Hong shoulder.
"Yes Leo, I am afraid our Ji here is really piss poor at this game."
Leo took Guang Hong's wrist and pulled him from Phichit's arm, instead wrapping his arm around his shoulder. "Well then I guess it is a good thing I am great at this game."
Guang Hong felt as Phichit went to grab his wrist and pull him from Leo. Guang Hong knew before this started a tug of war game over him he better fix it. Pulling away from both of them, he went to the cooler and grabbed another beer.
"How about I just watch you two play?"
That was when Mila came and link her arm through his. "Yes, I am going to steal this cutie for a bit while these boys try to out macho the other," Mila said out loud then turned and winked at Guang Hong. "Come on, let's let them drink and get this out of their system."
Guang Hong knew his face was red and Mila just smiled down at him. He grabbed a beer and took a long drink from it. He knew he needed to slow down, but it was so frazzled by what just happen, and Leo already made his head swim as it was. He let Mila let him back over to the blanket they had abandoned earlier and she sat down.
"So you just met Leo, huh?" she asked him.
Guang Hong nodded, "Yeah he knocked me over with his skates yesterday."
"That was you?"
Guang Hong chuckled, "Yeah, scraped knee and all." He then lifted his leg to show his knee scratched up.
"Oh you poor thing. Yeah I knew he had accidentally knocked someone over. Man, talk about a way to meet someone."
They could see as people were lining around the table and starting the game. Guang Hong thought it was best to keep his distance as he did not want to cause any problems with Phichit and Leo. That was the last thing he needed this summer.
Sara came over and sat down with them, she was half laying on Mila's lap as Mila started to braid her hair.
"So you are from around here?" Mila asked.
"Yeah my aunt lives here. I stay here when I am not in school."
"Oh well that is nice, how long have you lived with her?"
"About six years. My parents are in another state, I wanted the beach and the college here. So came out in high school."
They heard a roar at the table as Phichit was chugging a cup of beer.
"I can see why these boys are fighting over you. Mila, isn't he just the cutest thing ever?" Sara had spoken and was lazily running her hand up and down Guang Hong's arm.
Guang Hong found himself groaning. There it was again. Cute. Damn that word. If he never had to hear it again, it would be too soon.
"I hate being called cute," Guang Hong mumbled and started to pull his knees up to his chin.
"Oh honey, that is a not bad thing!" Sara yelped out. Sara jumped up and crawled over where Guang Hong was hugged him.
Guang Hong accepted the hug and was still mumbling how he hated the cute term. Mila joined in on the hug when they heard another roar come from the table and they all turned to see Leo drinking a cup of beer.
"But seriously Ji, what is it like to have two hotties fighting over you?" Mila asked as Sara settled back laying down.
"Well Phichit is my best friend, he is just protective," Guang Hong replied. He remembered how his heart got broken last year from a guy who was just playing with his head and heart. Phichit was there to help. Sometimes Guang Hong didn't know what he would do if Phichit wasn't there. Even as he started a new school that year, Phichit led him around and introduced him to everyone.
"Protective, are you sure that is all Ji?" Mila asked with a questioning look.
Guang Hong shook his head. Sometimes Phichit would do something that would confuse him. Like earlier when they were on their boards, but he knew it was just him over thinking things again as his aunt would tell him.
The beer pong game went on for a bit as Guang Hong sat with Mila and Sara. He could hear the girls talk back and forth quietly between them, and he kept watching Leo. He watched as Leo would smile and laugh along with the other people. Phichit was laughing too and Guang Hong was happy his friend was having fun. He saw how Seung would lean in to whisper to Phichit and how Phichit would smile and nod. He hoped something would work with those two and Phichit wasn't having a fast fling.
When the game wrapped up, the girls decided it was time to head back over to the crowd. Leo walked over to him and pulled Guang Hong back to his side.
"I won," Leo whispered in his ear.
Guang Hong laughed, "Wow, no one in our dorm was able to beat Phichit."
Leo laughed as they went to sit by the fire, "Yeah well, that is because I am not in the dorm. Oh imagine how that would go… I'd be so distracted I'd probably flunk all my classes."
Guang Hong knew his face was red and was glad it really couldn't be seen. Every time Leo said things like this, it didn't seem to real. More beer pongs games started up and the music was playing. Guang Hong loved nights like this in the summer. This is what summer was all about. New friends, the smell of the ocean, a fire crackling on the sand.
They worked their way back to the blanket and sat down. Leo pulled Guang Hong back to his side as he had laid back and was resting back on his arms. Guang Hong found his head resting on his shoulder while they watched the group dance around the fire and play more beer pong.
"I'm glad you decided to come tonight, Ji."
"I'm glad you invited us."
Guang Hong could feel Leo lay all the way down and had one arm stretched up and behind his head, the other arm was on Guang Hong's upper back. Guang Hong shuffled a bit and was pressed to Leo's side while his head move to his chest with one arm casually draped over Leo.
"I might have to confess something," Leo said. Guang Hong could feel his chest rumble as he talked.
"What's that?"
"I may not be able to drive you back… had a few too many beers."
Guang Hong laughed and tighten his grip on Leo. He had not thought of that as they had been steadily grabbing beer here and there, he was nowhere near drunk, but he definitely wasn't sober. He could feel as Leo's hand lazily rubbed his back.
"But it is cool if you want to crash here," the way Leo said it, was quiet. Guang Hong was not even sure if he had heard it.
Guang Hong nodded and wondered if Leo was expecting something from him. It seemed a bit too soon for just meeting someone, and he probably should have brought his bike down.
Leo must have felt Guang Hong tense up, "I promise I'll be a gentleman too." Guang Hong could feel the rumble on his cheek as Leo chuckled.
There is always something about meeting someone new. How do you really know someone's intentions? How can someone seem too good to be true? Guang Hong had to wonder this. Everything Leo did was just too perfect. He said the right things, he did the right things. It was weird.
They had spent hours laying on that blanket. Talking about everything, but really nothing at all. Guang Hong got to hear more about Leo and learn more of who he was. Guang Hong even brought up how he wanted to finish school and open a surf shop here at the beach. He found out Leo wanted to be a veterinarian and it melted Guang Hong's heart the moment he said it.
Guang Hong had sat up and propped his chin on his hands looking down at Leo. How someone could lay so casually on a blanket, at the beach, and look so damn hot, was beyond him. The way his hair was pushed back with the cloth headband, those eyes just staring up at him.
"How are you so perfect?" Guang Hong knew it had to be the beer he had drank as normally saying anything like this would never happen.
Leo laughed and lifted up to lean back on his elbows. "Trust me Ji, I am far from perfect."
Guang Hong got lost in those brown eyes. He just sat and stared into them. They were a light brown color and had little flecks of dark brown speckled into them. Guang Hong knew he could get lost in those eyes.
"I don't believe it," Guang Hong breathed out.
They were close again, Guang Hong could smell the beer on Leo's breath mingle with the cologne he had put on. Something about and the salt in the hair, Guang Hong didn't know if it was the beer or being this close to Leo, but he was glad he was not standing up as he knew he would be dizzy. He could hear the waves beating onto the shore and he was sure he could hear his own heart beating in his chest.
"Promise me something, Ji," Leo whispered as he inched closer.
Guang Hong stared into his eyes, "Anything."
"Promise me you won't break my heart," Leo whispered.
Guang Hong gasped and then found he closed the space between them and pressed his lips to Leo's. It was firm and he felt how soft Leo's lips were. Guang Hong pulled back and looked into those eyes and saw Leo smiling at him.
"I promise."
He felt Leo pull him back down to his chest as the night wore on around them. The music continued to play till almost morning and sometime between all that, Guang Hong had drifted off with his head on Leo's chest. Leo had his hand on Guang Hong's back.