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William had searched nearly half the campus before he finally spotted Joong slouched on one of the wooden benches beneath a wide acacia tree. The late-afternoon sun cut through the branches, scattering gold across Joong’s face as he blankly scrolled his phone, unaware.
“Joong!” William called, breath slightly uneven from jogging across the quad. “I was looking all over for you.”
Joong blinked, startled, sitting up straight like he’d been caught doing something illegal.
“What? Why? I never even went near your Est.”
William snorted, dropping heavily onto the bench beside him. “I never said you did.”
Joong narrowed his eyes, suspicious. “Then why are you here?”
William hesitated — a rare moment where he looked almost sheepish — rubbing the back of his neck. “Well… do you know Nut? One of my friends?”
Joong nodded slowly. “Yeah. The loud one.”
“His birthday’s this weekend. We’re driving to Hua Hin.”
“And?” Joong stared. “You’re telling me this because…?”
“Dunk is coming with us,” William said, tone too casual.
Joong’s eyes widened. “Oh. He is?”
A beat passed — then Joong squinted.
“Wait. Are you flexing that you’re hanging out with him now?”
William burst into laughter. “No. I’m inviting you.”
Joong sat up straighter, sparks of hope lighting up his eyes. “Really?”
“Yup.” William nodded. “Nut said we can bring whoever we want.”
Joong swallowed, smile softening into something vulnerable. “Thanks. But… your friends. And Est. They hate me.”
“They don’t,” William said firmly, cutting the thought clean. “Not anymore. Don’t worry.”
Joong still looked unsure. “Why are you doing this?”
William leaned back against the bench, exhaling — honest in a way he rarely allowed himself to be.
“I just want to help,” he said quietly. “I know what it feels like now — loving someone so much you want to be near them all the time.”
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “And don’t tell Dunk and Est I said this, but Est told me Dunk’s not actually mad anymore. He’s just… prolonging your agony for fun.”
Joong’s jaw dropped. “What? Seriously?!”
“Yes.” William stood, slipping his hands into his pockets. “So? You coming?”
Joong didn’t even hesitate. “Count me in.”
_
The Trip Begins.
The sun was barely up when everyone gathered at the campus parking lot. Two cars waited with their trunks open, backpacks and duffles spilling out. Nut was humming, Hong was half-asleep, Lego was already complaining about the heat.
Dunk was placing his small luggage into William’s trunk when Est’s voice cut through the morning air, sharp.
“What is he doing here?”
The whole group turned.
Joong stood at the edge of the lot, duffle bag slung over his shoulder, looking like he wasn’t sure whether to wave or run.
“I invited him,” William said, stepping forward.
“What?!” Est and Dunk snapped in perfect, horrified unison.
Nut walked over to Joong like nothing dramatic was happening at all. “You can ride with William.”
Joong managed a small, respectful smile. “Thanks for letting me join. And… happy birthday.”
“Thanks!” Nut beamed, clapping his back so hard Joong almost stumbled.
Tui raised a hand in greeting. Hong nodded sleepily. Lego squinted and muttered, “Oh, it’s him,” but without venom.
Dunk crossed his arms. Est didn’t just glare — his entire aura darkened, like the sun itself offended him.
Est marched straight up to William, low but furious. “Why did you invite him? And you didn’t tell him what I told you, right?”
Joong blinked. “What did you tell him?”
Est turned his lethal glare onto Joong for half a second, then whipped back to William — betrayal written in every tense muscle.
“You did, didn’t you?”
“What? No!” William said, offended and a little panicked. “Why would I? That’s between you and Dunk.”
Dunk exhaled like a martyr and pointed at Joong. “You sit at the front with William. I’m sitting at the back with Est.”
“But—” William tried.
Est shut that down instantly. “No buts. You invited him. You sit with him. And room with him.”
“Noooo… Est…” William reached for his wrist — but Est sidestepped him, slipped into the back seat, and shut the door with all the dignity of someone deeply betrayed but determined to look elegant about it. Dunk climbed in after him, already texting in their group chat that he was “disappointed in everyone.”
William just stared at the car, defeated.
Beside him, Joong cleared his throat, whispering like they were plotting a heist. “We have to fix this. I want to room with Dunk.”
William nodded gravely. “I’ll get my friends to help. We’re not giving up.”
They shook hands like two idiots forming an alliance with absolutely no plan — just pure desperation and a shared fear of their respective boyfriends.
The group stopped by a cozy roadside café — white walls, rustic tables, breezy windows.
William’s friends welcomed Joong without hesitation.
Hong slid him a menu.
Tui asked if he wanted iced or hot coffee.
Nut started chatting about random food recommendations he clearly made up on the spot.
Joong, who expected cold shoulders or awkward stares, blinked like he’d entered the wrong universe.
Meanwhile, at the farthest corner of the café, Dunk and Est sat like two storm clouds. Arms crossed. Lips tight. Refusing to look at the group.
Joong watched them both sulk.
William pinched the bridge of his nose. “We ruined their mood.”
Tui stirred his iced Americano. “Relax. Nut, help them.”
Nut puffed his chest like he’d been assigned a heroic quest. “No problem, bro! I’ll announce room assignments later.”
Hong leaned back in his chair, sipping his drink with calm authority. “And I’ll make sure it stays that way.”
Joong looked between them, stunned. “Thanks… I really don’t deserve all your kindness.”
Lego rolled his eyes. “What do you think we are? Children? We don’t hold grudges.”
William nudged Joong. “Told you they’re cool. They’re the best friends you could ever ask for.”
Lego pointed his spoon at William. “Don’t be cheesy this early in the morning.”
The entire group burst into laughter — even Dunk glanced over for half a second, lips fighting a smile, and Est rolled his eyes but his shoulders seemed a little less rigid.
_
They arrived at Hua Hin before noon, salty ocean wind greeting them. The beach stretched endlessly, bright and inviting.
Nut clapped his hands so loudly.
“ROOM ASSIGNMENTS!” he declared with the confidence of a dictator and the enthusiasm of a birthday boy who knew he had absolute power today.
Everyone gathered around, half excited, half bracing themselves.
Nut read from a little notepad. “Hong is with me. Lego with Tui. William with Est. Dunk with Joong.”
“No.” Est didn’t even hesitate. He stepped forward like an offended prince. “Dunk is with ME.”
“Sorry, Est,” Nut said cheerfully. “I paid. My rules.”
Hong added, “Also it’s his birthday wish. Are you heartless?”
The group tried — truly tried — not to laugh. Tui was biting his lip. Lego was looking at the sky like he was begging the gods for strength.
Dunk and Est both looked equally betrayed.
Est turned sharply to William, eyes narrowed. “This was your idea, wasn’t it?!”
William’s eyes widened. “It was NOT!”
“You’re sleeping on the floor,” Est declared before marching away.
William gave everyone a helpless look and hurried after him.
Inside the room, Est wasn’t yelling. He wasn’t storming around. He wasn’t even glaring. He just sat on the edge of the bed, shoulders slumped, looking tired. Wounded. A little sad.
It almost hurt more than if he had yelled.
William approached slowly, then slipped his arms around Est from behind, pulling him gently against his chest.
“Please don’t be mad,” William murmured. “I was just trying to help.”
Est didn’t push him away. He just sighed — soft, defeated. “You didn’t even ask me if I was okay with it,” he whispered, voice small but honest.
“I know,” William said, tightening his embrace. “I’m sorry. I thought you’d want them to fix things.”
“I do,” Est said. “But not like this. Not if Dunk feels uncomfortable.”
“You’re right,” William said immediately. “I should’ve thought it through. Next time… I’ll ask you first. I promise.”
Est finally turned to face him, his expression softening.
“Okay,” he murmured. “Sorry if I overreacted. I was being dramatic.”
“You didn’t,” William said. “It was a valid reaction.”
Est leaned in and kissed him — gentle, grounding, the kind of kiss that made the room feel calmer.
“Let’s forget about it,” Est whispered. “We promised to have a good time without stress this week.”
William kissed him back, this time slower. “Then let’s never leave this room.”
Est laughed, pushing at his chest lightly. “Nut won’t let us.”
William pouted. “You’re right.”
And right on cue—Nut’s voice blasted from outside like a megaphone possessed. “EVERYONE! BEACH TIME!!! BRING WATER AND FOOD! WE’RE DOING EVERYTHING TODAY!”
William groaned into Est’s neck.
Est snickered, patting his back. “Told you. No escape.”
_
The sun was high, glittering across the waves. The group set up towels and umbrellas.
Volleyball naturally happened.
William and Est stood side by side on the sand, matching competitive smirks. Across from them, Nut and Hong were already bickering about strategy.
Lego lounged on a beach chair several meters away, sunglasses on, fully committed to his tanning arc like he was posing for a magazine cover.
Tui sat with a clipboard, of all things, his expression deadpan. “I’m the official scorekeeper. Don’t question it.”
They played hard. Sand flew.
“Score is 16–10! Est and William winning!” Tui said without enthusiasm.
Nut threw his arms up. “It’s my BIRTHDAY! At least pretend to let me win!”
Est leaned toward William, voice low. “Should we give him this one?”
William sighed like he was making the ultimate sacrifice. “Fine. For the birthday boy.”
So they “accidentally” missed — tripping over sand, diving too late, dramatically falling as the ball sailed past them.
Nut didn’t suspect a thing. Hong celebrated like they had just taken home an Olympic medal.
“Victory!” Nut shouted.
William leaned close enough that Est felt the warmth of his breath. “I hope he knows this is pure charity.”
Est smirked. “Let him believe he’s powerful.”
A little farther down the shore, Joong hovered around Dunk like a devoted golden retriever in human form.
Water bottle? Joong handed it before Dunk even asked.
Towel? Ready.
Dunk kept pretending it annoyed him — rolling his eyes, telling Joong to stop fussing — but every time Joong looked away, Dunk softened, lips tugging into the tiniest smile.
_
The sky darkened into violet and gold. Waves whispered in the dark. The group gathered around a bonfire, light dancing on their faces. Laughter mixed with the sound of crackling wood.
But Joong sat a few feet away, on the cooler, untouched sand — close enough to hear the chatter, far enough to feel alone.
Est noticed.
He grabbed two cold beers from the cooler, walked over, and sat beside him without a word. He handed one over.
“What are you doing hiding out here?” Est asked gently.
Joong gave a small smile. “Giving Dunk space. I’ve been following him like a shadow all day.”
Est nodded. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment.
Then Est exhaled and spoke softly. “I never apologized. For lying to you… for fooling you about William and me.”
Joong took a sip of beer, shoulders relaxing.
“It worked out,” he said. “I got close to Dunk. Fell in love. You fell in love too — with William.”
He shrugged lightly. “And honestly? Even when you two were faking it, you kind of… weren’t. You always had something. It was like you had this invisible bubble I couldn’t enter.”
Est blinked, surprised. “Really?”
Joong nodded. “Yeah. You looked like two people pretending to fake something real.”
Est laughed under his breath, warmth creeping up his neck.
“Well… since you’re being nice,” Est said, leaning in conspiratorially, “I’ll tell you a secret. Dunk’s not mad at you anymore. He’s just making you suffer for fun.”
Joong smiled smugly.
Est narrowed his eyes. “You’re not even surprised. William told you already.”
Joong panicked. “What?! No! He didn’t—”
“Liar.”
They burst into laughter, the kind that made the night feel lighter.
Then—
“Am I being replaced?” William’s voice drifted behind them, amused. He stood with his hands in his pockets, pretending to sulk.
Est glared. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
William and Joong both chuckled.
William jerked his chin toward the fire. “Dunk keeps glancing at you, Joong. Go before he combusts.”
Hope shot across Joong’s face. “Really?”
Est gave him a shove. “GO.”
Joong hopped up. “Thanks—both of you!” he said before sprinting back to the group.
William dropped onto the sand beside Est with a soft thump and, without hesitation, laced their fingers together. Est melted instantly, leaning his head against William’s shoulder, the warmth of him familiar and grounding.
“Can I say something,” William murmured, “and you not get weird about it?”
Est chuckled. “Go on.”
“I always want to be near you. And… especially… wake up beside you every morning.” William said it looking straight into Est’s eyes — like he was confessing something or asking permission for a future.
Est’s breath caught. “Then can I say something weird?”
William nodded.
“I already started moving some of my things. Especially my closet. I wanted to give space for your clothes and stuff. In case you ever wanted to move in.”
William froze — then broke into the softest, most disbelieving smile.
“You did?”
Est nodded. “You can move in whenever you want.”
William’s expression softened, overflowing with something warm and full.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
They sat in quiet for a while — but the kind that felt like a promise.
“Joong said our fake relationship turned out for the better,” Est murmured.
“It did.”
William lifted their joined hands and pressed a slow, tender kiss to Est’s knuckles. “Thank you for pulling me into your arms that night.”
Est laughed softly. “Well… thank you for showing up at the right moment. And for agreeing to the whole fake-dating mess.”
William smirked. “Well, you looked desperate.”
Est gasped dramatically. “I hate you.”
When Est tried to tug his hand away, William caught him easily, tugging him into a warm, laughing hug. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding.”
Est relaxed against him with a quiet huff — and that was when William’s voice softened, the teasing falling away.
“For the record,” he murmured, brushing his thumb over the back of Est’s hand, “you did pull me in first…”
He hesitated just long enough for Est to look up.
“…but from now on, I’m going to be the one who pulls you in. Every time.”
Something in Est’s chest fluttered, tightened — in the best way.
He curled his fingers more securely around William’s, grounding himself in the warmth there.
“And I’m not letting go,” Est whispered.
Behind them, the bonfire crackled like it approved. Their friends’ laughter drifted through the warm night. The waves whispered against the shore, soft and steady.
And in that calm, golden glow — hand in hand, hearts finally steady, nothing left to hide —
Est realized something deeply, undeniably true:
They started as a lie.
But the love they found in the pretending…
was the most real thing either of them had ever felt.
___
Note:
Thank you for waiting so patiently for this chapter. After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to end this story here—and I’m truly sorry to those who were hoping for more. I know many of you love this story deeply. But I feel like stretching it further would only pull the story away from its heart and from the arc I intended.
I also originally planned for it to end around chapter 15, but a reader who later became a good friend encouraged me to continue. I’m so glad I listened, because I feel William and Est’s relationship grew in ways it never would have if I stopped early. (To that reader and fellow author — drama_explorer_ —thank you 🙏🫶)
To everyone who loves this story, please don’t be too sad. 🥹 I’ll still be adding epilogues—I might even post another one in the next few days.
Thank you so much for giving this story such immense love. 🫶🫶🫶 I’m also working on a new story called The Recovery Plan, and I hope you’ll give it the same support. 🙏
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