“Say cheese!”
Mhok urged enthusiastically before he took a picture.
“Are you done now?” Day dropped his smile.
“One more,” Mhok crawled closer to Day, as they were sitting on the carpet floor, “One more, please.”
Mhok adjusted the string light that loosely hung around Day, “Looks better now.” Mhok tapped Day’s face softly, “Don’t sulk, baby.”
Day huffed dramatically and hid his blush, “Fine.”
Mhok’s face lit up, and he moved backward to get a better angle for the picture.
The sight in front of him was breathtakingly beautiful. Day sat before him, with a wide smile, flushed face, making a peace sign with his hands as the light emitting from the tiny LED bulbs illuminated his body, imparting a golden glow. The partly decorated huge christmas tree that stood behind Day just added to the beauty of the picture.
It was truly a moment worth capturing.
Click!
“There,” Mhok grinned, glancing proudly at the photo he took, “It’s done.”
“Is it good?” Day asked, and Mhok shuffled closer to him.
“It’s perfect,” Mhok wrapped an arm around Day’s shoulder, “You’re perfect.”
Day playfully rolled his eyes, “Gee, thanks, but enough of your flattery.”
Mhok smiled at him lovingly without a trace of insincerity because he had meant every word he said. Day was indeed perfect in Mhok’s eyes.
“Thank you for this gift,” He lifted the camera in his hand, admiring it, “I love it so much.”
Mhok’s happiness was unfathomable when Day surprised him with the camera in the morning.
They went shopping together, then when did he buy this? He figured that Day had probably ordered it online.
Day smiled, “I’m glad you like it,” He then frowned in mock distaste, “But take a break from this photography spree. I’m not paid enough to be your model.”
Mhok laughed. He liked it when Day came up with humorous insults, “You’re my first model. You should be honored.”
“I- “
Day’s witty remark was cut off by his mother’s voice.
“You guys are still not done decorating the christmas tree?” She looked at them and shook her head, “It’s been hours.”
Mhok grinned sheepishly and pointed at Day, “He wanted me to take his pictures, and that’s why I couldn’t finish decorating. Scold this guy over here.”
Day hung his mouth open, “What? When did I?”
The woman just smiled knowingly, “Alright, guys, continue with your work. I’ll be back.” She looked at them sharply.
Mhok gave her a thumbs up, “I won’t let him distract me anymore.”
“P’Mhok!” He shoved Mhok gently, “You liar.”
Mhok snickered as the woman left, “Don’t be mad, baby.” He placed his hand below Day’s chin, lifting his face.
“Don’t baby me anymore,” Day tried to move away from him, “And remove this string off me.”
“Okay,” Mhok complied quickly.
After the string was gone, he confronted Day.
“Aw, I’m sorry, okay?” He tried to persuade his sullen boyfriend, “Ah, don’t you want to see the gift I bought for you?”
That seemed to grab Day’s attention, “Gift?” He asked, mellowing out.
Mhok grinned victoriously, “Yes, you’re not the only one who’s good at giving surprises,” He reached for the bag beside him, taking the contents out.
“What is it?” Day asked, already forgetting about their trivial fight, “Tell me, P’Mhok.”
He booped Day’s nose, “Alright, bring your hands forward.”
Mhok moved in front of Day and placed something on his hands, “What is it?” Day asked as he ran his fingers over the covering.
“These are audiobook CDs,” Mhok rubbed his neck, suddenly feeling embarrassed. What if Day didn’t like it?
Much to his relief, Day smiled in gratitude, “Really? I’ve wanted this. I ran out of books to listen.”
“I’m glad then,” He took the CDs and placed it aside, “I also have something else for you.”
Day was even more curious now, “What?”
Mhok pulled the soft material out of the bag before wrapping it around Day’s neck, “What do you think it is?”
With a focused frown, Day felt the woolen fabric with his hands, “Is it a scarf?”
Mhok smiled at him in pride, “Yes, it is a white scarf with sunflower print all over it.”
“You remembered,” Day’s eyes widened.
“Of course,” Mhok adjusted the scarf around him, “I’ll remember every detail about my lover, including his favorite flower.”
Day’s face heated up as his heart felt giddy, “Thank you so much, P’Mhok. I love this.”
Mhok’s lips tugged up in a smile, “Alright, I’m gonna kiss you now.”
Day laughed, “You’re unpredictable.”
Mhok leaned in and pecked his cheek, “I’ll settle for this now.” He held Day’s face and caressed it with his thumb.
“Okay,” Day shook his face out of Mhok’s grip, “Let’s finish the decoration now or else, you’ll put the blame on me again.”
“I’d never,” Mhok blinked innocently.
“Yeah, sure.”
During the following hour, they had completed decorating the christmas tree even with their casual banter and Mhok’s occasional flirting.
“I’m baking cake today,” Mhok informed Day as they stood up from the floor. Their legs were slightly sore and aching due to the prolonged sitting.
“You know how to bake?” Day asked, genuinely, “Why did I never know about this?”
“I do,” He grinned, “But, I thought you liked Derek’s baking better.” He joked.
Day huffed, “Yeah, you’re right.”
Mhok ruffled Day’s hair as they walked towards the kitchen. Day’s parents were still preoccupied with cooking as they entered.
“Hey,” Day’s mom greeted, “Done with decorating?”
Mhok beamed, “Yes.”
“Day didn’t bother you after I left?” She asked, hiding her smile. Day’s dad also smiled. She had told him.
“Not at all,” Mhok wrapped an arm around Day.
Day scoffed, “I’m done.” He muttered under his breath, causing Mhok to chuckle.
“Mhok told me yesternight that he wanted to bake today.” The woman told her husband.
“Oh, we’ve finished cooking,” Day’s father informed, “The kitchen is all yours.”
They left after that. “So, keep me company?” Mhok asked Day.
“I didn’t forget that you lied to my parents,” Day narrowed his eyes.
“Ha, you’re no fun.” He poked Day’s waist, making him glare at Mhok.
“Yes, I’m not.”
“I’m gonna tickle you if you don’t forgive me this instant,” Mhok wiggled his fingers in the air.
“You’re not.” Day tried to move away.
“I’m sorry, but I am,” With that, he began tickling Day’s sides, causing him to laugh uncontrollably.
“P’Mhok, stop!” He shouted between giggles.
“Do you forgive me?”
“Yes,” Day gave in, “Yes I do.”
“Alright,” He stopped, “My lovely boyfriend finally forgave me.”
Day kept his mouth shut to keep him from shouting profanities, “Yes.” He forced through gritted teeth.
Mhok laughed and guided Day to a nearby stool.
“I’m gonna start baking now.”
“Okay,” Day said with a small smile. No matter what, he was still excited to know that his boyfriend baked.
They chatted throughout the process of baking, and they felt like time had passed rather quickly.
“It’s done,” Mhok carefully pulled the tray from the oven. After a few minutes, the cake had cooled down, so he began icing it.
“What flavor is it?” Day asked, as threw a grape into his mouth.
“Chocolate cake, do you like it?”
Day nodded, “I do.”
Within the next few minutes, the cake was completely done. Mhok placed it on the dining table, accompanied by many other delicious dishes prepared by Day’s parents.
They all sat in the dining room and began eating. Day’s parents were fantastic cooks, Mhok admitted. After dinner, it was time for dessert. Mhok nervously glanced at Day, while Day held Mhok’s hand in assurance.
Day’s mother cut the cake, and they took a piece.
“Merry Christmas, everyone!” Day’s father greeted. They all muttered the same to each other.
“Wow! The cake is tasty,” Day’s mom appreciated, taking another bite. His father agreed as well.
That made Mhok relax, so he glanced at Day as he tasted it.
“It’s delicious, Phi,” Day complimented, savoring the taste.
Mhok smiled in content, “I’m glad everyone liked it.” He too then began eating the dessert.
After exchanging gifts and hearty conversations, the night gradually died down.
“Take me to the christmas tree,” Day held Mhok’s hand.
Mhok nodded, and they settled near the christmas tree again.
“Tonight is unforgettable,” Day sighed as he laced their fingers together.
“It is,” Mhok agreed.
“So, we’re leaving tomorrow?”
“If you want, we can stay longer. I can always visit my parents later.”
“No, no,” Day declined, “It’s fine. I also want to meet them.”
Mhok smiled, “They’d like you.”
“I know,” Day raised his eyebrows, “I’m quite charming.”
He ruffled his hair, with a permanent smile etched on his face whenever he was with Day, “No denying.”
Day huffed, “You’re not supposed to feed into my delusions.”
“But that’s true- “
“Fine, where is your face?” Day lifted his hands. That was Mhok’s favorite question.
“Here,” He guided Day’s hands to his face.
He took a deep breath, “Thank you for today, Phi.” He leaned in kissed Mhok’s jaw, missing his mouth.
Mhok chuckled and pressed a firm kiss on Day’s lips, “Merry Christmas, Day.”
“Happy Christmas, P’Mhok.”
“Do you know what time it is? It’s photography time.” Mhok offered, in excitement.
Day let out a displeased sigh as Mhok laughed, “Ah, not again.”
“Day?” Mhok asked, sounding serious.
“Yes?”
“Do you still like Derek’s baking better?” He suppressed his smirk.
Day’s smiled lovingly at his jealous lover.
“Well, not anymore.”
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