Escapade

19 - Special Chapter : Escapade to Forever

This is the longest Special Chapter that I've ever wrote, almost 4k words.

Enjoy!

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War rarely cried, and Yin noticed this early in their relationship. Even during the turning point that led them to become lovers, when Yin hurt him, War confronted him without shedding a single tear. After they got into a romantic relationship, Yin could count the times War actually cried with one hand. It's both amusing and concerning. Overall, War is turning into a very positive person. 

He had been through a traumatic experience for years back in college and had taken brave steps into healing. It's been great; Yin has been there every step of the way. However, sometimes, when War is quieter than he usually is, with a faraway look in his eyes, Yin becomes concerned. Every time it happens, Yin will try to snap War out of it and ask gently what he's thinking or if he's okay. But War always smiles and tells him he's fine.

So, when War actually gave in to his emotions and cried, Yin's heart would race with worry as he desperately searched for any signs of distress or pain in War's tear-streaked face. In those moments, Yin's only focus was to provide the love and support that War needed, assuring him that he was not alone in whatever battle he was facing. But, most of the time, none of that was the cause of War's tears. While Yin prefers seeing War show those dimpled smiles, he has grown to love seeing War's face when he cries. It's beautiful in a vulnerable way.

War is beautiful.

The first time Yin saw War cry was when his family surprised him on his birthday. With how things were when Yin first became War's fake boyfriend, he wouldn't have thought that this father and son would have one of the strongest bonds like they do today. Yin couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and admiration for the way War's father had managed to break through his tough exterior, allowing him to show his vulnerable side. It was a testament to the power of love and the healing it can bring. Yin also couldn't repay what War's father had done, as he was the one who encouraged War to talk to Yin at the beginning of their relationship.

It was War's 28th birthday, and just like years before that,Yin accompanied War to do whatever he liked for a whole day. War was unusually energetic that day, with cute cafes hopping, visiting some art galleries and workshops, and just being happy. Yin planned a nice romantic dinner as the grand finale and a little surprise in the end.

Previously, War was overseas for two months after a huge hotel owner asked him to design the new branch outside of the country. The demands were a lot, and War couldn't do it without the ground team where the new hotel would be built. Both he and Yin had been looking forward to this birthday date, and while the day was already amazing as it was, War hadn't thought Yin would surprise him more. War knew the staff would bring out a birthday cake, just like every year before, because Yin had informed the restaurant beforehand, but that year, it wasn't the staff that brought the cake out.

The cake was usually brought out at dessert time, so War knew what to expect when he heard the birthday song. However, when he turned around, he saw not only his father holding the cake but also his mom, little brother, sister, and her husband singing behind him.

"Nong, what are you waiting for? Make a wish!", War was genuinely taken aback that he hadn't realized the cake was already in front of him with his family and his boyfriend surrounding him. The surprise gathering of his entire family made the moment even more special and heartfelt for War. He couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as he blew out the candles, surrounded by his loved ones.

War was moved to tears, and that was the first time Yin had ever seen him cry. For a split second, he panicked, afraid that something had gone horribly wrong. However, War was engulfed in a hug right after his family saw him crying. A small, relieved smile made its way to Yin's face. It was both amusing and touching to see his boyfriend being pampered by his family.