The atmosphere was still awkward from earlier when Tao suddenly clapped his hands together.
"Okay," he said brightly, breaking the tension. "Since exams are finally over and we're all going on holiday anyway—why don't we go together?"
Everyone looked at him.
"Together?" Bank echoed.
Tao nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah. Vacation. Beach. No deadlines. No stress."
Jinn tilted his head. "Where exactly?"
Keng leaned back in his chair, already guessing where this was going. "You're thinking about my parents' hotel again, aren't you?"
Tao grinned. "Beachfront. Private suites. Spacious. And most importantly—free."
Bank whistled. "That alone makes it a good idea."
Jinn considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Actually… it sounds nice."
Rain glanced at Jinn, surprised. "You're agreeing just like that?"
Jinn smiled. "I need a vacation too."
Keng turned his attention to Ping, who had been quietly listening. "What about you?"
Ping hesitated.
"I can't go with you guys," he said softly. "I planned to visit my mom. She's been lonely without me."
The teasing smiles disappeared for a second.
Then Keng leaned closer, resting his chin on his hand.
"Then you'll visit her before the vacation is over," he said lightly. "Please, little Ping."
His tone was exaggerated. His expression—far too smug.
Ping stared at him.
…Then grimaced.
"You're so cringe I feel like throwing up," Ping said flatly.
The table burst into laughter.
"I'm going to throw up," Ping added, covering his mouth dramatically, then peeked at Keng. "Alright, alright. I'll go."
Keng beamed. "Good choice."
Rain shook his head. "You're unbelievable."
"But effective," Tao added.
Jinn glanced at Rain. "We're going too, right?"
Rain paused—then nodded. "…Yeah. We are."
The decision settled over the group like warm sunlight.
A beach. A hotel. Time away from school.
And somehow, everyone felt like this vacation would change more than just their surroundings.
"Ohhh, nice air," Tao said dramatically, stepping out of the car and spreading his arms like he was welcoming the wind. "I think I just fell in love."
"You're childish," Bank muttered, reaching out and rubbing his hand against Tao's face on purpose, as if trying to wipe the air off him.
"Asshole," Tao shot back instantly.
They were still bickering when they walked into the hotel lobby. The place was spacious, bright, and open, with large glass windows that showed a glimpse of the beach outside.
The receptionist smiled apologetically as she handed over the key cards.
"I'm sorry, boys, we're a bit short on rooms," she said, glancing at Keng. "Can your friends manage?"
"It's fine," Keng replied easily, returning her smile. "We're all guys anyway."
Tao immediately clapped his hands together. "Perfect. Then Bank and I will share a room. Jinn and Rain can take one. And Keng—" he paused deliberately, looking between Keng and Ping, "—you'll share with Ping."
Keng glanced at Tao, then chuckled. "You're not so useless after all," he said, a smile tugging at his lips.
Ping froze, clearly not expecting that to be decided so casually.
"I'll help you with your luggage," Keng added, already reaching for Ping's bag.
Ping blinked, still a little dumbfounded, but didn't stop him.
"Let's go," Jinn said calmly, picking up Rain's luggage as well.
"I can do it myself," Rain protested, his tone stubborn as usual, reaching for the bag.
Jinn ignored him completely and kept walking.
Tao slung an arm around Bank's shoulders. "Don't worry, I'll help you too."
"Aww, thank you, teerak," Bank replied in an exaggerated sweet voice, flashing him a creepy grin.
"Yuck."
"Disgusting."
Jinn and Rain said it at the same time.
Tao and Bank burst out laughing.
"Look at them," Bank said, nodding toward Keng and Ping walking slightly ahead of everyone else. "Those two are already acting so lovey-dovey."
Ping heard that and instantly felt his ears heat up, while Keng only smiled, pretending he hadn't noticed — even though he clearly had.
Ping stood at the entrance of the room,dragging his feet like he was half-asleep.
"Seriously, little Ping," Keng started, voice teasing, "do you want me to feed you chocolate before you can come in?"
Ping groaned, sluggishly moving forward.
"It's not our first time sleeping together, don't be a crybaby," Keng added, smirking.
Ping rolled his eyes but didn't argue, just dragged himself inside.
"Why did P'Tao have to split us this way? I could've shared a room with Rain," Ping muttered under his breath.
"Why? Scared I'll bite you?" Keng teased, laughing as he ruffled Ping's hair.
Ping's face heated.
"Stop being naughty, little Ping," Keng added, still smirking.
Ping ".."
Rain, standing near the door, folded his arms and looked serious. "I'm not coming in."
"You can't be serious," Jinn said, stepping closer.
"I'll stay with Ping," Rain replied firmly.
Jinn smirked, moving closer to Rain, closing the distance. "Seems like you've fallen for me," he said, his tone low and playful, eyes locking onto Rain's.
"Nonsense," Rain said quickly, trying to step back. "What are you saying? I thought you were gentle and calm, P'Jinn, but—senior handsome is much better."
"Senior handsome?" Jinn asked, a flicker of jealousy in his voice.
"P'Keng, obviously," Rain replied, smirking. "Don't you think he's more handsome?"
Jinn's smile darkened just a little. He stepped closer, pressing Rain lightly against the wall, his gaze deep, intense. "Is that so?"
Rain's heart raced, his fingers trembling slightly. He tried to push Jinn away, but his strength faltered. "I… I… I don't know," he stammered, flustered, cheeks burning.
Jinn leaned in, close enough for Rain to feel the warmth of him, watching the reaction in Rain's eyes.
"Hmm, sure," Jinn said, tilting his head, letting his lips brush just near Rain's ear. "If you don't know, then I guess I'll have to teach you."
Rain's eyes went wide, and he stepped back—only to find the wall behind him. "P'j-Jinn! Stop it! I'm serious!" he sputtered, heart racing and cheeks burning bright red.
Jinn didn't stop. Instead, he traced a finger lightly along Rain's shoulder, teasing, "You're shaking… nervous? Embarrassed? Or maybe… excited?"
Rain's hands fluttered uselessly at Jinn's chest, trying to push him away, but he couldn't hide the way his body tensed. "I-I'm not! Stop teasing me!"
Jinn leaned closer, their foreheads almost touching. "You know," he murmured, voice husky, "I think you like it."
Rain froze, eyes darting away, his heart thudding in his chest. "I—N-No!" he stammered, though the flush creeping down his neck betrayed him.
Jinn grinned, letting his hand slide just slightly down Rain's arm—not forceful, just enough to make Rain gasp and stumble back a little. "Uh-huh. Sure, keep telling yourself that, cutie."
Rain could barely find words, and before he could protest again, Ping's voice rang from the doorway, calling him back. "Rain! Don't leave me alone!"
Rain flinched, startled, and darted toward Ping, throwing nervous glances back at Jinn, who stood there with a smirk that said he already knew he'd won this round.
As Rain disappeared into Ping's arms, Jinn let out a soft, amused chuckle, leaning against the wall saying, "You can run, but I'll get you back… eventually."
The room fell silent except for Jinn's quiet, victorious smile—and the tension that lingered like electricity in the air.