Jack bent down and carefully picked up the discarded cigarette butt lying near his feet, quickly extinguishing the smoldering embers against the cold floor.
He then turned towards Blake, gripping his face firmly, and spoke in a menacing tone, his eyes filled with an icy intensity.
"Listen carefully, I never want to catch you smoking again. Do you understand?"
***
Time frame: Present
Blake let out a long exhale, leaning his back against a tree outside the roadshow bus, which was taking a break amidst the hills before heading to the next city.
He absentmindedly caressed his own cheek, the memory still fresh in his mind – the warm touch of Jack's hand on his cheek from earlier that afternoon.
His heart skipped a beat as he replayed the moment in his mind.
Blake wasn't clueless about why – he knew, he knew very well. There was no need for 'why' and 'how' to exist between them. Acceptance came naturally, effortlessly, from day one.
The connection they shared was undeniable, and it seemed as if their souls recognized each other long before their conscious minds did. It was like finding the missing piece of a puzzle, a perfect fit that completed the picture of their lives.
From the first moment they met, there was an unspoken understanding between Blake and Jack.
They didn't need to put their feelings into words because they could read each other's emotions through a simple look or a touch.
It was as if they could communicate without speaking, and their hearts knew each other's secrets before they even revealed them.
Their friendship had grown so deep and genuine that it effortlessly blossomed into something more profound.
The roadshow brought them even closer, and the moments they spent together were filled with laughter, shared dreams, and a sense of belonging.
They supported each other in every way, becoming each other's pillar of strength in the chaos of their busy lives.
There were no judgments or expectations, only unconditional love and support. With each passing day, their bond deepened, and they found solace in each other's presence.
Blake cherished every second he spent with Jack. They would steal glances during interviews, share secret smiles during promotional events, and steal moments of intimacy in the midst of the bustling roadshow.
The way Jack made him feel was beyond words. His heart would race every time their fingers brushed, and his cheeks would flush from the gentlest of touches.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but Blake knew he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
The acceptance and love they had for each other made them feel whole, and there was no need for elaborate confessions or grand gestures.
Their hearts spoke louder than any words ever could, and they knew they were meant to be together.
Blake looked up at the full moon and the stars, feeling captivated by the beauty of the night sky, undisturbed by the city lights.
He took one more deep breath before he decided to follow his heart's calling, knowing that he was about to embark on a special journey.
***
Jack chose to make a small bonfire on top of this little hill. He sat on a foldable chair he brought along, gazing emptily at the empty chair beside him.
Yes, Jack brought two chairs after leaving a message saying, 'I'm sorry, I'll wait here,' along with sending his GPS location. He wasn't sure if the owner of the other chair would come or not.
As he watched the flames dance and crackle, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Part of him was hopeful, hoping that Blake would show up and join him around the fire.
They had been through so much together, and this rendezvous was meant to be an opportunity to mend any misunderstandings or hurts between them.
But another part of him was worried. He feared that Blake might not come, that he might not be ready to face whatever had driven them apart.
Jack hated cigarettes; he had never touched one in his life.
He didn't really care if others smoked, as long as it wasn't him. However, Rama was an exception.
Besides the fact that he looked incredibly sexy while smoking - well, forget that - he had just recovered from being sick.
Smoking so soon would affect his health again. Jack realized he had gone too far that afternoon; he shouldn't have.…
"Haahhh," Jack massaged his head. His argument with Lita, his girlfriend, earlier that morning had really affected his mood.
It was unusual for the usually submissive girl who always supported him to become demanding.
It had been almost two years, and this was the first time she had made him feel so frustrated.
The sound of footsteps brushing against the wild grass made his eyes search for the source of the noise. There, the silhouette drew closer, and Jack's smile widened.
In his shabby T-shirt, torn jeans, sneakers, and military-style backpack, Blake's natural beauty and handsomeness remained undiminished.
This was the true essence of Blake, without the titles of idol, actor, or high-fashion model. He resembled a wild landscape that demanded to be conquered and revealed in all its beauty.
Sitting without hesitation, Blake immediately aimed a smile at Jack.
"Can you do—"
"What?"
Before Blake could finish his sentence, he was stunned by Jack's radiant face, illuminated by the moonlight.
Delicate, fine hairs adorned his full lips, and his sharp eyebrows and piercing gaze seemed to penetrate into Blake's soul.
The angles and lines that formed the being beside him left Blake in awe of the beauty created by the divine power.
"What?" Jack repeated his question, while observing the funny and goofy face of Blake.
Despite everything, Blake was still beautiful, well, handsome unless someone was blind.
Long hair, round eyes, long and curly eyelashes, cute cheeks, and lips that never stopped smiling.
And not to forget Jack's favorite, Blake's small hands with delicate and lovely fingers that made Jack always restrain himself from jumping just to hold them.