“This is yours?”
“Yeah,” Day informed, nonchalantly.
“Damn,” Mhok examined the car key closely, “You had a car all this while, and I never knew.”
“Well,” Day shrugged, “As you can see, I’m not in the best condition to drive. Maybe that’s why we didn’t have that conversation.”
“Alright,” Mhok chuckled at his sassy tone, “We’re taking this home then?”
“Yep,” He smiled, “It’s all yours now.”
“Nah,” Mhok dismissed, “I’d rather take the car owner.”
Day’s face felt warm, “Let’s just go, okay?”
He smiled at his flustered boyfriend, “Sure, Day.”
Later in that morning, they bid farewell to Day’s parents and set off to Mhok’s house. They promised his parents that they would visit them more often. Mhok was just happy with the fact that his parents had entrusted Day to him completely, and he was not going to disappoint them.
“It’s been a while since someone has driven it,” Day stated, while running his fingers in the air through the window.
“It works just fine,” Mhok assured as he stepped on the accelerator firmly.
“I’ve only driven this a couple of times before all that happened,” Day’s tone was sad.
“Well, I’m here as your driver,” He looked at Day, “You can go wherever you want.”
Day smiled, “Alright, driver. Take me to my boyfriend’s house.”
“As you say, Sir.”
Day had dozed off by the time they pulled in front of Mhok’s house. It was a three hour journey. Of course, they had to be tired.
After waking Day up, they strode towards the house.
“I guess this is my turn to be nervous now,” Day laughed a little.
“Well, aren’t you a charmer? They’d like you for sure,” Mhok smirked as he quoted Day’s words.
He rolled his eyes, “Yeah, sure.”
Needless to say, Mhok’s parents were overjoyed to see their son again after so long.
“Mom,” Mhok whispered as he embraced his mother, “This is Day,” He broke off from the hug.
“Yes, Day!” His mother turned her attention towards the nerve-wracked man.
“Hello,” He greeted awkwardly while waving his hand.
His parents had immediately liked the man.
“How did Christmas go?” His father enquired as they all walked to the living room. The place was not as grandeur as Day’s, but it was homely and comfortable.
“Great,” Mhok glanced at Day, “Day’s parents are nice, and we had so much fun.”
The conversation went on like that for some time before they decided that they needed to freshen up and have food.
“We have a few days left till the New Year,” Mhok sat beside Day on the bed. It was Mhok’s room. Fortunately, his parents had tidied it before they arrived.
“So, what’s on your mind?” Day asked.
“I don’t know,” Mhok smiled, “We can do whatever you want. Tell me if there’s any place you’d like to go or food you want to eat – anything.”
“Hmm,” Day thought for a while, “Everything’s been about me from the beginning. This time, tell me what you like and what you want to do.”
Mhok’s heart fluttered in his chest, “M-Me?”
He had never thought about him since Day entered into his life. It was the bitter truth.
Still, he racked his brain for some time before his gaze fell on the numerous medals and trophies along with the photos on the wall. He knew what he was passionate about. Reminiscing about that put a smile on his face.
“Basketball,” He breathed out, “I’d loved it since forever. I used to play so much in my teenage years, but since I had to work from a young age, I had given up on that dream then.”
“Oh,” Day processed that information. Mhok barely talked about himself.
“I’d like to play again,” He decided, “For just one day.”
Day clasped his hands together, “It’s settled then. You’re going to play again.”
Mhok grinned, “I’m feeling so overwhelmed right now.”
“Why? I’ve barely done anything.”
“Your presence in itself is overwhelming,” Mhok chuckled, softly nudging Day’s shoulder.
“In what way?” Day raised an eyebrow.
“In a very good way.”
After resting and refreshing themselves, Mhok informed that he knew about a basketball court nearby where he could play. So, in the evening, they reached the court in their car.
A lot of young men were already playing basketball. Loud cheers and heavy groans filled the air as the spirit of the game settled in.
“Let’s get out,” Mhok’s heart was already jumping with thrill.
They got out and stode towards the court. Mhok directed Day towards an empty bench near the court.
“Is this okay?” Mhok asked carefully.
“I’m fine,” Day’s smile was genuine, “Go and play.”
Mhok returned the gesture, “I’ll be back.” He kissed Day’s cheek and went off while Day just smiled it off.
Some men recognized Mhok as soon as they saw him. He had grown up in that town, so that much was obvious. He also used to have friends, but he had somehow lost contact with them, and he wasn’t sure where they’d be.
“Is it okay if I want to play with you guys?” Mhok asked politely.
“Yeah, bro, we’re fine,” one of them assured, easing him.
Soon enough, the men had again slipped into the mood of the sport and continued playing. Since Mhok had done a little bit of stretching and warm up prior to the game, running around was not as strenuous as he assumed.
Throughout the game, his attention would shift to Day, who seemed to be keenly listening to whatever they talked. Though his concentration was on Day, he still managed to play decently and made a couple of scores. He felt young and lively again.
He was not used to the adrenaline rush that was not caused by Day, and it felt like a brand new experience even though he had played numerous times before.
As the sun began to go down, they collectively decided to call it off. His team ended up losing, but he was too overjoyed to be bothered by it.
He bid goodbyes to the other men and walked towards Day. He noticed that Day was talking to a girl by the time he reached them.
“Day,” He called softly, immediately catching Day’s attention.
“P’Mhok,” Day smiled, “You’re here.”
“Yeah,” He glanced at the girl who seemed to shift uncomfortably, “Who’s this?”
“She lives here. She just wanted to say hi.”
Mhok nodded, “Alright, hi.”
The girl smiled, “I’m running late, actually.”
“It’s okay,” Mhok shrugged, “Feel free to leave.” He wondered if his tone was somewhat rude. He hadn’t meant it.
She left after that. Day stood up, “So, had fun?”
“I did,” Mhok held Day’s arm, “So, there’s something you want to tell me?”
Day almost huffed, “She asked me out, alright? I rejected her and told her that I was blind and gay and that guy over there was my boyfriend.”
Mhok laughed, “You told her all of that?”
Day looked embarrassed, “Maybe.”
He ruffled Day’s hair, “Aren’t you adorable?”
“Let’s go.” Day scrunched his nose, “You reek of sweat.”
“I’m offended,” He clung closer to Day.
“P’Mhok!”
“Okay, okay,” Mhok stepped away, “Let’s go then?”
Day nodded with a small smile, “Yes.”
“Where?” Mhok smirked.
Day tilted his head to a side, “Home.” Where else?
“Hmm?” He held his hand.
Day smiled and kissed their intertwined hands.
“Our home.”
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