Bonus story

Jun and August were lost in their own world, living moments that felt like timelessness. Suddenly, without notice, Jun’s phone rang. It was his father, Dr. Nick, asking him to bring August over for dinner. Jun reluctantly hesitated, though tension hung in the air.

It was Dr. Nick’s birthday, but his heart was burdened. As his hospital staff wished Dr. Nick kind things regarding his health and welfare, his mind was on his son, Jun, who hadn’t called or gotten in touch with him yet, since he started living in Springfield. Dr. Nick was scared that Jun was still resentful over the bitter truth he’d previously hidden, a truth that had made wounds on their relationship. When he tried to approach closer to Jun, his son pretended to be on a very important telephone call and evaded confrontation.

In the quiet of the day, Dr. Nick visited the cemetery, flowers in hand. He knelt by his wife’s grave, praying his longing and sorrow. Beside her grave was another grave, the name on it was Jun. He openly wept as he mourned for his wife and son, lamenting that they had left him behind. On his special day, the loneliness of their absence was too painful to endure.

Through trembling lips, he confessed, “Jun, I wish I’d done better for you. I wish I’d accepted you, truly accepted you as I now accept another son. Perhaps then, you would still be here with me. You should have been the one holding my hand, celebrating every moment together.”

His voice cracked, but he still maintained a bittersweet smile. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll survive, I’ll cling, I’ll live for you two. I swear I will visit you both often.” Going up from the cemetery, he carried with him his regret and longing as he bid farewell. Looking for solace in the company of his son, he called Jun. When the line was left unattended, grief weighed on his heart the more. Passing by a coffee shop to say hello to a friend, he hoped to find relief from his mounting despair. “You can’t fret over this on a birthday. They arrive only once a year,” his friend mildly remonstrated. But the words were ineffective to soften Dr. Nick’s demeanor. Deflated, he walked home.

Discovering his home, Dr. Nick was greeted by the oppressive silence of the dark. The lights had been extinguished, and his son was nowhere to be seen. There hung in the air a cloud of disappointment as he entered the door, coming in with no expectation and no cheer. But just as he entered the sitting room.

“Surprise!”

The room erupted into life. Lights started to flicker on, and cheerful cheers erupted from Jun’s friends who had gathered to celebrate the moment. The laughter and good wishes of the crowd were deafening. Amidst the crowd, a voice stood out—the familiar voice of Jun’s.

Jun emerged from the group of guests, pushing a trolley carrying an enormous cake. Approaching his father, his eyes shone with love. Dr. Nick stared at the cake in shock and before he could utter one word, freely flowed down his cheeks—the tears of pure bliss.

Jun stretched out, gently brushing away his father’s tears with a smile that radiated warmth. The two men’s eyes locked in an unspoken understanding, filling all the gaps that once had separated them. The spectators remained frozen, moved by the simple, heart-wrenching connection between son and father.

Dr. Nick smiled at last, his heart overflowing with a joy he hadn’t known in years. This surprise party was not just a celebration; it was a moment of healing, of reconciliation, of love renewed. It was a reminder that even in loss, life could give unexpected gifts.

The emotional moment between Jun and Dr. Nick was interrupted by Dan, who, swept up in the feelings around him, cried out, “I thought my friend had fallen head over heels in love with his boyfriend, but his love for his dad is even more beautiful! I could watch this drama all day!” His blunt remark left everyone stunned, and the room erupted into laughter, dispelling the tension and infecting everyone with an irrepressible happiness.

The party took on a vibrant and playful atmosphere. Dr. Nick, who was beaming with happiness, could no longer contain it. He grasped the hand of Jun and began dancing with him in the middle of the room. Cheers and laughter resounded as father and son danced and spun, their love and warmth radiating from their embrace. The guests soon followed, clapping their hands, making the party a beautiful memory frozen in time.

As the night wound down, and the last of the guests bid their goodbyes, Dr. Nick turned to August. His voice carried a deep sincerity as he said, “You’re so lucky to have Jun by your side. He’s such a remarkable son.”

August, flushed with vanity, replied with a beaming smile, “I couldn’t agree more, Dr. Nick. I’m thrilled to have Jun as my boyfriend. and you for my father… if I may call you so?”

Dr. Nick remained still for a moment, taken aback by the honesty in August’s eyes. Then, with tears welling in his eyes again, he placed a hand on August’s shoulder and replied, “Of course you can call me father. Now I have two sons, and I couldn’t be happier to have you part of our family.”

They shared a quiet, gentle moment, the love and acceptance in the air palpable. Dr. Nick, with a sense of wholeness that he had not felt before, suggested, “It’s late now, and night is falling dark. Why don’t you come home with me? Let’s enjoy these golden moments a bit longer.” And so, as all of them were settling down, Jun gently brought his father to his room. “You rest, Dad,” Jun told his father with a gentle smile. Dr. Nick hesitated, facing his two sons with a heart full of gratitude. He was complete once more for the first time in years. Sighing happily, he whispered, “Goodnight, my boys,” before disappearing into his room, his steps lighter and his heart full of joy.

Since the party had ended, Jun and August also stood side by side, taking slices of cake and not just enjoying its taste but the love that was knit into its process. This cake was not just any dessert; it was a work of love, carefully made by Jun with August, filled with the warmth that their relationship bared. Jun had insisted on baking the cake himself, getting the maids to do the rest so he could give his full energy to this gift for his father. He invited August to follow him into the kitchen and join in, converting the task into a joyful cooperative process. The kitchen became a haven of laughter and warmth.

When pouring flour into a bowl, Jun had been struggling to get the package open, and with a sharp rip, it opened up, and flour billowed everywhere onto him. August, not able to restrain himself, burst out laughing. Jun, deeply embarrassed but delighted at the sight of pure happiness on his boyfriend’s face, was staring at August, entranced at how adorable he looked laughing. Can’t help it, Jun grabbed August by the waist and shook his head, grinning, flour covering him as well. The kitchen then erupted into laughter, their voices echoing like music in the air.

As they worked together, their love became a part of every step, and the cake was not only good but extraordinary. Once the cake was complete, Jun looked at it in wonder, taking pictures like a kid who had achieved something magical. August observed him lovingly, but his expression became faraway as memories came back. Jun’s boyfriend spaced out, and he reached out and asked gently, “What’s on your mind?”

August hesitated, his voice filled with nostalgia. “You know, it’s strange. Sometimes I see Mary in you. The way you flirt with me, the way you pour your heart into things, it’s like her. She was nice to me, like a mother figure who took care of me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. She used to bake cakes, too, even though she didn’t like sweets herself. She’d always say, ‘Life gave me too much bitterness, so if I eat sweets, it only makes the bitterness worse.’ When you said something like that, it reminded me of her.”

Jun’s face softened while he listened, and then he spoke in a pouty sulk. “Aww, that’s cute. But you know what? I’m not going to be Mary for you. But except for that, I’ll love you better than she ever would, and I’ll always want to be your number one. She’s not here, but I am, so let me be your most special one.”

August couldn’t help but smile at Jun’s adorable jealousy and teased him with a grin. “Are you jealous?” Jun crossed his arms and pouted dramatically. “Jealous? Me? I don’t know anyone here who would be jealous.”

He grinned, and August picked up a handful of flour and tossed it at Jun. The friendly bickering went on, flour filling the air as they both laughed harder and their bond deepened. Finally, Jun grabbed August around the waist, spinning him around as their joy overflowed in the air.

That was the reason why this cake was so extraordinary. not that it was merely baked with flour and sugar, but with laughter, love, and cherished memories. Every bite spoke a story, a witness to the love of Jun and August, and the echoes of a past that created their present life sweeter.

Jun and August were lying side by side, the soft light of the moon seeping through the curtains to shine a gentle sheen on their faces. Jun gazed at August’s face, drinking in each shape and detail with a nearly intent focus as if memorizing them. He couldn’t help but smile at how adorable his boyfriend was being, warmth growing inside his chest and nearly too much to bear.

No longer hesitant, Jun pulled August into his arms, holding him as if he was the most precious thing in the world. They breathed together, and Jun’s voice was low, almost a whisper, as he said to August, “Thank you for coming into my world. I thought I knew happiness, but you’ve shown me a love so deep, it spills over every cell in me. My heart, my soul, my very self, all of it belongs to you.”

August’s cheeks blazed, his eyes glinting with tears. Jun gently touched his cheek, the warmth of his hand and the gentleness of his touch a soothing balm to August’s skin. “This existence,” Jun continued, his voice trembling with truth. ” this life is not enough for me to love you. If there is a next life, and the one after, I want to see you in every one of them. I want to be yours, forever.”

Before August had a chance to respond, Jun leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss so soft and full of love that it felt like time had stopped. The kiss deepened, taking away every defense between them, leaving in its wake only the bare, pure touch of their hearts. Each kiss was a vow, wordless yet unspoken, a vow of forever.

As they pulled back, their foreheads rested against each other, their breaths uneven but filled with contentment. August smiled, his voice barely audible. “You’re my everything, Jun. In this life and every life to come.”

Jun’s heart swelled, and he couldn’t help but stamp another kiss onto August’s lips, then forehead, then nose, each one of them full to the brim with love. They held one another securely, their bodies entwined, as night surrounded them with its quiet hold. The air was full of love, a feeling so profound it made butterflies dance through their hearts, leaving them both gasping and gloriously in love.

Daniel is uncomfortably nervous since Mark is closing in on the room. When Mark advances, Daniel retreats after some time; he is out of place and directs his back to the wall. He is attempting to get through on the right side, but Mark places his hand and blocks it. Attempt making to the left side, place Mark’s hand and block him from all sides. Daniel blushes shamefaced and cannot help but ask himself what he is going to do besides sleep. “What…what are you doing?” Daniel stuttered, barely able to speak. Mark’s eyes looked into his, a silent plea for understanding. He inched closer, the softness of his breath a gentle touch on Daniel’s neck. “I’m not very good with words that slip from my lips,” he breathed, his voice a smooth purr that slipped over Daniel’s skin and sent shivers down his spine. “But my lips are good with something else…”

Daniel didn’t have time to react before Mark’s arm shot out, catching him round the wrist and pulling him back from his bid to move to the left. Daniel’s eyes went wide in shock, his heart thudding, as Mark’s chest rammed into his. The rest of the world just dissolved as Mark’s warm, gentle lips touched his. Daniel was frozen for a moment, the magnitude of the moment too great to handle. But after the shock passed, he could feel warmth blooming in his chest. Mark was a soft, a probing one that sounded a desire to come together, rather than to dominate. Their breaths entwined as they kissed, each breath deeper and more urgent than the last. Daniel’s brain was spinning, trying to keep up with the surprise turn of events. But his body had a mind of its own, his own hand coming up to cradle the back of Mark’s neck, pulling him in tighter. They were one soul afterward, two beings that came together to become a shared experience of longing and desire. The room seems to be shy of their lovey-dovey moments as well.

Joe and Dan were sitting side by side on their bed, each wrapped in the other’s warmth, a safe, comforting embrace. The space was still, except for the gentle cadence of their breaths. Dan, shy to the core, refused to look at Joe, his cheeks coloring with a crimson flush. Joe, sensing Dan’s shyness, laid his hand lightly on Dan’s cheek, moving his face close. Dan, dazed from the closeness, automatically shut his eyes, his heart pounding away.

Joe smiled softly, his voice soothing and reassuring Dan. He began, “I’m not in love with you because I want your body. I’m in love with you because I want your heart. You mean so much more to me than anything else physically. If you’re not ready, it’s okay. I’ll wait for you for as long as it takes.” Dan’s eyes fluttered open, meeting Joe’s with a shy but heartfelt smile. Flushed in his cheeks, he slightly nodded his head, his assenting nod that meant “yes.” Joe’s love was overflowing as he leaned forward and kissed Dan’s forehead, a gesture infused with love and patience. In that moment, the air around them was lighter but charged with emotion. It wasn’t rushing or expectation; it was trust, understanding, and the gentleness of just being there. Their sweet and innocent love expressed everything without saying a word at all.

These lovey-dovey couples (Jun-August, Joe-Dan, and Mark-Daniel) have their own unique way of showing love, expressing feelings towards loved ones.

Love is a beautiful and miraculous sensation, but in the very heart of love there is one universal truth: to love somebody you must first learn to love yourself. Self-love is not being self-centered or arrogant, it means that you understand your worth, forgive your imperfections, and behave towards yourself the same way you would do with the person you love.

Yes, love is bitter at times; it can try us, break us, and mend us in ways we do not expect. But it also teaches us resilience, forgiveness, and how to be better people. When you love and respect yourself, you lay the foundation for a love that is not only beautiful but also rewarding and mutual. So, take some time to take care of yourself. Celebrate your strengths, learn from your mistakes, and never forget that you do deserve to be loved, most importantly, by yourself. When you do find self-love, you’ll be ready to share it with someone else in its purest and strongest form. And that’s when love doesn’t just become sweet, but extraordinary.