As the summer break approached, Nio and Tee began to talk more about what would come next. They still had a lot to figure out - plans for the future, their goals, and what kind of relationship they truly wanted - but for the first time, they felt ready to face it all together.
One evening, as they walked back to their dorms after dinner, Nio glanced at Tee, who was looking up at the stars.
"Do you ever wonder what's next?" Nio asked, his voice hesitant.
"Yeah," Tee replied, his gaze still on the sky. "All the time."
Nio stopped walking, pulling Tee's hand gently to make him stop as well. "I think I'm ready for it. Whatever comes next."
Tee turned to him, a small smile spreading across his face. "Me too, Nio. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together."
And for the first time, Nio didn't feel afraid of the future. With Tee by his side, anything was possible.
The days leading up to the end of the semester were a whirlwind. Nio and Tee had finally gotten used to the idea of their relationship being more than just a series of stolen moments and awkward silences. They had gone from tentative steps to something deeper, stronger. But with the summer break approaching, there was still one thing hanging over them.
The future.
They had avoided the conversation for a while, letting things unfold naturally, but now it felt inevitable. Nio could feel it building in the air between them - a quiet tension, a question neither of them had fully addressed.
One evening, as they were sitting on the rooftop of Tee's dorm building, Nio finally broke the silence.
"Tee," he said, his voice low but steady. "We need to talk about what happens next."
Tee looked over at him, his brow furrowing slightly. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, summer's coming. And we both know we're going to have to deal with… you know, everything. The future. Our plans," Nio explained, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "What happens when the break is over?"
Tee sighed, his gaze drifting out over the horizon. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow across the city, and for a moment, it felt like time was standing still.
"I've been thinking about that too," Tee admitted. "I think about it a lot."
Nio's heart beat a little faster. "What are you thinking?"
Tee turned to face him, his eyes serious. "I think… we need to figure out what we really want. It's not just about us anymore, is it? It's about where we go from here. What we're doing with our lives."
Nio nodded slowly, the weight of the conversation settling in. "Yeah. It's about more than just being together. It's about what comes next. And I'm ready to figure that out. I want to be with you, Tee. No matter what."
Tee's expression softened, and he reached for Nio's hand. "I want that too. More than anything."
And in that moment, they both knew that whatever came next, they would face it together.
---
The day after their conversation on the rooftop, Nio and Tee made a decision. They were going to spend the summer together, not just as a couple, but as two people who were ready to plan their future. They didn't have all the answers yet, but they were committed to figuring it out - one step at a time.
Nio had been offered a summer internship in the city, while Tee was planning to stay at university for a research program. The distance wasn't much, but it was enough to make Nio a little uneasy. He didn't want to lose the closeness they had developed, not after everything they had been through.
"Tee," Nio said one evening, as they sat together in the quiet of Tee's dorm room. "What if the summer messes things up? What if we drift apart?"
Tee reached over and cupped Nio's face, looking at him with a reassuring smile. "It won't. I won't let it."
Nio sighed, leaning into his touch. "I'm just scared, you know? I don't want things to change."
Tee's smile softened, and he kissed Nio's forehead. "Things will change, but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. Change is part of growing. We'll make it work. I promise."
"I want to believe that," Nio whispered.
"You don't have to believe it all at once," Tee said. "Just trust me. We're stronger than you think."
Nio looked up at him, feeling the warmth of Tee's words settle into his chest. He nodded slowly, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I'll trust you, Tee. I'll trust you."
As the summer went on, Nio and Tee found themselves adjusting to the distance. The first few weeks were difficult - long stretches of time between phone calls and text messages, the quiet loneliness of not being able to see each other every day. But they were both committed to making it work.
Nio spent his days at the internship, learning and growing in ways he hadn't expected. He was gaining confidence, both in his work and in his relationship with Tee. Every time they talked on the phone, he could hear the excitement in Tee's voice, and it made Nio smile, knowing that Tee was doing something important too.
Still, there were moments when Nio missed him terribly - the quiet nights when he lay in bed, staring at the empty space beside him. There was a part of him that wished they could be together all the time, but he knew this distance was temporary. They would figure it out.
One night, after a long week of work, Nio called Tee.
"Hey," he said, his voice tired but happy. "How's your research going?"
"It's going well," Tee replied. "A little stressful, but I'm managing. How's the internship?"
"Good," Nio said, smiling. "I'm learning a lot. But I miss you."
"I miss you too," Tee said softly. "I can't wait until we're together again."
Nio's heart fluttered at the sound of Tee's voice. "Me neither."
After two months apart, Nio and Tee were finally reunited. The anticipation had been building for weeks, and now, as they stood at the airport, waiting for Nio to arrive, Tee's heart raced.
When Nio walked through the gate, a huge smile spread across his face. He didn't even bother with his luggage; he just ran toward Tee, who was already waiting with his arms wide open.
Nio practically threw himself into Tee's embrace, and for a long moment, neither of them said anything. It didn't matter. They were together again.
"I missed you so much," Nio whispered against Tee's neck.
"I missed you too," Tee said, his voice thick with emotion. "More than you can imagine."
Nio pulled back slightly, just enough to look into Tee's eyes. "I'm so glad to be here with you."
Tee smiled, brushing a strand of hair out of Nio's face. "So am I."
They stood there for a moment longer, just taking in the feeling of being in each other's arms again. Everything else could wait. For now, they were together, and that was enough.
As they left the airport, hand in hand, Nio knew that no matter what came next, they would face it together. They had come this far, and nothing was going to tear them apart.
The apartment is warm with soft lighting, and the rich aroma of dinner fills the air. Nio stands by the table, holding a framed picture of them from their first date, his smile soft and tender as he presents it to Tee. Tee's eyes soften as he looks at the picture, then at Nio. "It's perfect," Tee murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.
The two of them have been through so much in their first year together, and Tee can't help but feel overwhelmed by the love and warmth that fills his heart whenever he looks at Nio. They exchange small surprises - Nio had found the perfect frame for the photo, while Tee had spent the day preparing Nio's favorite meal, a feast that took hours to make.
After dinner, they move to the couch, settling into their usual comfortable spot. Nio leans into Tee's side, his head resting on Tee's chest. Tee drapes an arm around Nio, pulling him close, and Nio slips his hand over Tee's chest, feeling the steady, rhythmic thump of his heartbeat. They're quiet for a long moment, the only sound the soft crackle of the candles on the table. It feels like time has slowed down, and everything is just as it should be.
"This is the happiest I've been," Nio whispers, his voice low but full of sincerity. His thumb moves over Tee's shirt, tracing the line of his ribs.
Tee shifts slightly, looking down at him. His gaze softens, and without saying a word, he presses a kiss to Nio's forehead. "Me too," he says softly, his arms tightening around Nio as if he never wants to let go. They lie there in comfortable silence, the world outside fading away as they hold each other.
---
The house is dark except for the faint glow of the moon outside the window, casting shadows on the walls. Tee and Nio are curled up in bed together, the sheets tangled around them. The quiet hum of the night is all around them, but Tee's mind is restless. His fingers absently trace patterns on Nio's arm, but his thoughts are miles away.
Nio, sensing the shift in Tee's mood, lifts his head and looks at him. "Tee?" he asks softly, his voice full of concern. "What's going on?"
Tee hesitates before answering, his gaze directed at the ceiling. He's been struggling with this for days now - his fear that this happiness they've built might one day fall apart. His career is on the rise, Nio is pursuing his writing dreams, and everything feels like it's falling into place. But Tee can't shake the worry gnawing at his heart. Can this last forever? What if they both change?
"I'm just... thinking about everything. About us. About the future," Tee says quietly, his voice barely a whisper.
Nio looks at him, his eyes soft and understanding. He scoots closer, his hand resting gently on Tee's chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breath. "Tee, you don't need to worry," Nio says, his voice warm. "We're building this together, and we're stronger than any doubts that come up. I'm not going anywhere. Not now, not ever."
Tee's heart gives a little flutter at Nio's words, and he feels the tension in his chest start to ease. He turns his head, meeting Nio's eyes, and finds comfort in the honesty and security that shines in them. Slowly, Tee pulls Nio closer, wrapping his arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace.
"You promise?" Tee asks, his voice soft, vulnerable.
Nio nods against Tee's chest, pressing a kiss to the skin over his heart. "I promise," he says, and with those two words, the weight on Tee's chest lifts. They hold each other tighter, the warmth of their love filling the space between them. The doubts that had been haunting Tee fade, replaced by the steady, comforting presence of the man in his arms. They fall asleep in each other's arms, finding peace in their shared trust.
---
It's a sunny afternoon, and Tee and Nio are at a local café, enjoying coffee together. Tee's work friend, an old college acquaintance, has joined them for a quick chat. Nio is being his usual friendly self, laughing at something the colleague says. But as Tee watches from across the table, something in him shifts. He doesn't like the way his friend is looking at Nio, the little smiles and lingering glances, as if the man is enjoying Nio's attention a little too much.
Tee's jaw tightens, and his smile falters. He tries to push the feeling down, but it only intensifies. He's never been the jealous type, but today, something feels different. His mind races, imagining how easy it would be for someone else to take Nio away. The thought makes his stomach churn with something like possessiveness, and it scares him.
Later, when they're walking home, Nio notices that Tee has been quiet. "What's wrong?" Nio asks, looking at him with concern. "You've been acting strange today."
Tee rubs the back of his neck, unsure how to voice the frustration building inside him. "It's nothing. Just... work stuff," he mutters.
Nio raises an eyebrow, not buying it. "You're not fooling me," he says, teasing lightly, but his tone is gentle. "Are you jealous?"
Tee stops walking, taking a deep breath. For a moment, he doesn't say anything, but then he looks at Nio, his eyes filled with something raw. "Yeah, I'm jealous," he admits, the words coming out more forcefully than he intended. "I don't want anyone taking you from me. You're mine."
Nio stops too, his eyes softening with understanding. He steps closer, gently cupping Tee's face. "You don't have to worry," he whispers. "I only want you." He leans in, kissing Tee gently, and Tee's heart swells at the reassurance.
Tee's possessiveness melts away in that moment, and he pulls Nio into his arms, holding him tightly. "I love you," Tee murmurs against his ear, feeling his heart settle.
"I love you too," Nio replies, pressing his cheek to Tee's. They stand there for a moment, wrapped up in each other, the world outside fading into the background.
Tee spends the next few weeks in secret, his mind constantly occupied by one thought: the proposal. He wants everything to be perfect. Every detail matters, from the ring to the timing. But no matter how carefully he plans, his nerves never seem to calm. He spends hours going through options, picking out the most perfect ring he can find. Every time he holds it in his hands, his heart skips a beat, and his stomach flips with both excitement and nerves.
Nio doesn't notice a thing. Tee's been sneakier than usual, and while he's still his affectionate, playful self, there's something in his behavior that feels off to Nio. One night, as they lie on the couch watching a movie, Nio gives him a suspicious look. "You're acting weird lately," he says, a teasing smile on his lips. "What's going on with you?"
Tee glances at Nio, trying to hide the excitement flickering in his eyes. "Nothing. Just... planning something special for you," he says, trying to play it off.
"Planning something?" Nio grins. "You're not getting another pet, are you?"
Tee laughs softly, relieved by Nio's humor, but inside, his heart is racing. "No, not a pet," he replies with a smile, brushing his fingers against Nio's hand. "But maybe something... a little more permanent."
Nio raises an eyebrow, but Tee just grins, his thoughts already on the upcoming surprise. Nio doesn't know it yet, but Tee's about to change their lives forever.
The weekend getaway to the countryside has been everything Tee hoped it would be - peaceful, romantic, and filled with intimate moments. They've walked through quiet meadows, explored small shops, and spent long hours simply talking. It's been the perfect escape from their busy lives, a chance to reconnect and make memories. But as the day winds down, Tee knows the moment is approaching.
The sky is ablaze with color as the sun sets, casting a soft, golden light over the rolling hills. Tee and Nio stand on the edge of a hill, looking out at the view. The air is cool, and the world feels still, as if everything is holding its breath.
Nio turns to Tee, his brow furrowed in concern. "What's going on, Tee? You've been so quiet today," he says softly, his eyes searching Tee's face.
Tee takes a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. This is it. The moment he's been waiting for. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the small box, feeling the weight of it in his hand. Nio's eyes widen, and he takes a step back, his lips parting in surprise.
"Tee…" Nio whispers, his voice full of wonder.
"Tee?" Nio asks, his voice cracking slightly. "What are you - ?"
"Nio," Tee interrupts, his voice steady but filled with emotion. He drops to one knee, the box in his hand. "We've been through so much together, and every single day with you makes me want to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you more than I've ever loved anything."
Nio's breath catches in his throat, and his eyes begin to fill with tears. Tee opens the box, revealing the ring. "So, Nio... will you marry me?"
Tears spill over Nio's cheeks, and he laughs through the emotion, nodding eagerly. "Yes! Yes, I will!" he cries, his voice full of joy. Tee stands up and slides the ring onto Nio's finger. The world around them feels like it's standing still. Everything is perfect.
They embrace, kissing under the setting sun, their hearts entwined. This moment, this love - they know it's just the beginning of a new chapter in their journey together.