Guang Hong must have fallen asleep with Leo on the couch as he was startled awake by his aunt.

"Ji! Do you care to explain this?" she asked.

The moment Guang Hong saw his aunt, he launched off the couch and started to hug her, crying all over again. Leo stretched as he got up.

"I am sorry ma'am, Ji was so upset I could not leave him alone. We stayed out here on the couch and when he fell asleep, I didn't have the heart to wake him," Leo said to Guang Hong's aunt, "I'll ugh… go make some coffee."

"Ji, what happen?" his aunt demanded.

Guang Hong held her tighter, his face pressed into her shoulder, she smelt of the bar, a mixture of beer, smoke and sweat. Shaking his head, he just stood there crying on her shoulder. He could feel as his aunt rubbed his back and heard as Leo moved around the kitchen. It made him feel better holding her as he let the tears flow again.

"Now come on Ji, let's go help that poor boy find the coffee and you can explain what happen."

Nodding, Guang Hong followed his aunt into the kitchen and saw Leo looking through a cabinet for coffee.

"Let me," his aunt said and Leo stepped aside.

Guang Hong found himself next to Leo with his arm back around his shoulder. They sat at the small kitchen table while his aunt got out some mugs and milk.

"Now boys, tell me what happen."

Guang Hong tried to explain but kept getting choking up, finally Leo look his hand and squeezed it and took over. Guang Hong's aunt just stood there, holding her cup speechless.

"Well Ji… I don't know what to tell you honey. I knew you two are close…" his aunt started to pace in the kitchen, "I just want to go ring his damn neck!"

Guang Hong got up and hugged his aunt again, this was going to be hard he knew, but he knew he needed to talk to Phichit, and needed to air everything out, just not right now.

"Auntie, I am sorry…"

"No Ji, there is no reason for you to be sorry, this is not your doing, understand? Now I am going to go shower and watch some news before I go to bed. It is getting late for me."

Guang Hong nodded and sat back down with Leo and drank coffee.

"We could always go grab some breakfast if you wanted, Ji," Leo said as he took Guang Hong's hand.

Guang Hong nodded, "I need to probably change for work."

Leo leaned forward and kissed his forehead, "Do you think you should even go in today?"

"I have too, there is no one else to open it if I don't."

Guang Hong let Leo take him into work. The morning was slow and when lunch rolled around, Leo was waiting outside for him. Guang Hong smiled and took his hands as they went to his Jeep. He didn't question it when him and Leo went back to his room and he wrapped around Leo, feeling safe.

Guang Hong didn't question it when Leo took his phone and deleted messages out. Guang Hong was sad, and he knew why he was. He did not speak much and Leo did not ask him to speak. Leo did not ask him how he felt, or what he wanted, Leo was just there.

When his aunt went to leave, she felt better knowing Leo was there for Guang Hong.

Leo took him for a walk that night along the beach. They did not go swimming, they just walked along the water and listen to the waves. They had been walking for some time when Guang Hong turned to Leo. He had just stopped, the waves crashing over his ankles.

"Leo, it is all my fault…" Guang Hong stated.

"Ji, how could you think this?" Leo asked.

Guang Hong shrugged. Over the years Phichit had been his best friend, they did not go a day without talking. And here he was, not speaking to him. Guang Hong had felt he had led him on and didn't know how to express that.

"I led him on… I didn't think about it when I did it… but I know I must have sent the wrong messages to him," Guang Hong sadly replied.

"Ji, no," Leo took Guang Hong in his arms and just held him.

Guang Hong broke down again. His tears wetting the front of Leo's shirt and Leo holding him tight. They stood on the shoreline for a bit before walking back to Guang Hong's house. When they approached, Phichit was sitting on his front step and Guang Hong froze. Leo walked forward as Phichit went to stand.

As soon as Leo approached Phichit, he pushed him into the side of the house and held him there. Guang Hong could see Phichit looked devastated and there was a bright bruise on his cheek. Leo kept him pressed to the house and Phichit had his hands in the air.

"Whoa! I'm here to talk!" Phichit yelled out.

"Leo! It is ok, let him go," Guang Hong said as he approached the porch.

Leo let go of Phichit but stayed between the two.

"Ji, can we talk… alone?" Phichit asked.

"No way in hell buddy," Leo replied back.

"Leo," Guang Hong had stepped forward and put his hand on Leo's shoulder, he could feel Leo shaking, "It's ok."

"Fine, but I'm staying close by," Leo said.

That made Guang Hong feel good and he gestured for all of them to come inside.

"Leo, make us some tea, I'll go talk with Phichit, ok?" Guang Hong said and turned to head down the hallway.

Once in the room Phichit broke down immediately, "Ji- I'm so sorry! I was blackout drunk and I don't even remember what happen!"

Guang Hong shook his head, "You attacked me… you held me against the wall and forced your tongue down my throat! I said NO and fought against you… but you wouldn't stop." Guang Hong felt small and wrapped his arms around his middle.

Phichit had sat on his bed and leaned over, cradling his head in his hands, Guang Hong wanted to feel bad for his friend, but he was still upset and scared over what had happen. It made him see his friend completely different and he knew they could never go back to how they were.

"I can't tell you just how sorry I am Ji," Phichit spoke into his hands.

"You could have said something to me beforehand!" Guang Hong yelled, "How long Phichit? How long have you loved me?"

Phichit shook his head, "I don't know."

"It doesn't make sense… I mean, you have Seung gil… why would you even…." Guang Hong was stuttering now.

"He was a distraction… I wanted to tell you sooner, but there was never a good time," Phichit whispered quietly.

"I can't… I can't do this right now. I need you to leave."

"Ji… please, don't push me away."

"You did that yourself, don't blame me."

Phichit stood and quickly walked out the house. Guang Hong fell to his bed crying as Leo came in, wrapping his arms around him. It did not take long for Guang Hong to fall asleep as Leo held him.

The week seemed to blur by. Phichit quit his job at the diner and Guang Hong had not seen him. It was strange as when he looked in the back room, just one board was leaned against the wall. Guang Hong had not been out on the water but he went over where Leo was every day and laid under an umbrella and ate snow cones. On breaks, Leo would drag Guang Hong out to the ocean to splash around.

"I wish you would take your board out, I miss watching you out there," Leo said one afternoon as they sat back in the oversized beach chair.

Guang Hong sighed, "I know, I will… soon."

Leo held him tight, "I know you miss the waves, Ji."

Guang Hong felt a tear slip down his cheek.

They spent a lot of evenings walking the beach and talking. They spent many evenings watching the sunset as they sat on the sand just talking. Guang Hong missed his friend terribly, but Leo was filling a different void in his life. He found himself smiling easily again and wanting to go out on his board.

They stayed at the beach house a lot and Guang Hong always told him aunt when he would stay over there. Guang Hong liked waking up and seeing Leo sleeping peacefully next to him. There was something how the morning light came into the room and would make the corner of the room glow lightly that Guang Hong liked to see. He would hold Leo tighter and knew their alarms would go off soon.

As they were getting ready, Guang Hong always stole a little of Leo's cologne. He really did love how it smelled. He was brushing his teeth as he was adjusting his shell necklace and got to giggling.

"What's so funny this early in the morning?" Leo said as he wrapped his arms around Guang Hong.

"I have a tan line on my neck," Guang Hong said as he pulled the necklace down a bit.

Leo kissed his neck and Guang Hong turned while looking up at him. He pulled at Leo's necklace and saw the same thing tan line.

"We match," he said as he kissed Leo.

Their routines were simple. They would get breakfast at the little place Leo loved, Guang Hong and Leo would go to work, then go to lunch and Guang Hong would nap all afternoon on the beach.

"I think I want to go out in the water today," Guang Hong said as they were finishing up lunch.

Leo smiled and took his hand, "I was hoping you would."

They went back and as Leo went back to his spot on the beach, Guang Hong got his wet suit and his board. It had been a few weeks, and he felt lost without it. Without Phichit it was still weird, but he needed the ocean. Something about the waves surrounding him as he spiraled through them was a rush.

Leo smiled as he walked towards him with his board and wet suit.

"I love you in that wet suit," Leo said as Guang Hong blushed.

Leo had gotten very tan being in the sun all day, his hair was highlighted and he kept it tied back most days. Taking his spot at the beach, he got his suit zipped up and looked out to the ocean.

"I have never done this without…" he trailed off.

Leo kissed his forehead, "You need it."

Guang Hong knew what Leo was saying was true. He needed the ocean, he needed the salt water around him. As he stepped out to the water, Leo stood by him and wadded out a bit.

"You can do it, Ji. I'll be watching ok?" Leo said.

Nodding, he paddled far out on his board. Letting it drift him over the smaller waves as he continued to paddle out into the vast open water. Turning he saw he was good and far out. Sitting on on his board, he could only make out dots on the beach.

So much had gone on in the last month. Phichit had been there for him since day one. Maybe if he had paid more attention, he would have know how Phichit felt. Guang Hong knew he would never feel the same way, Phichit was his best friend, his first friend he had moving here. He had debated trying to talk to him again- now that his anger and sadness had gone away. He did miss him, and wanted to see if they could try to repair what happen. He knew Leo would not approve of it, but he was sure if he explained, maybe Leo would.

Guang Hong could always think the best while out on the ocean, but it was not the same, not even close. This is where they would lay on their board, stare at the sky and talk. These were his moments with his friend- their dreams and hopes shared out on that water.

As a wave came, Guang Hong started to paddle as the wave reached him, it was all instinct now. Letting the wave carry him, balancing and riding it out. He loved the rush, the feeling of it. There was nothing that ever got close. The only that was missing was his friend.

He paddled out again, and did this for a good hour before he rode a wave almost all the way back in. He saw Leo running down the surf towards him, a smile on his face.

"Ji! You are so amazing out there! I could not take my eyes off of you!" Leo said as he scooped Guang Hong up in his arms and hugged him.

Guang Hong squeaked out as Leo was crushing him. He had to laugh though, he had missed it and wanted to go back out.

"Do you think you could teach me one day?" Leo asked.

"Of course! Just let me know when! We can rent a board from the surf shop," he said as they got back to his chair and umbrella.

The afternoon was quiet and he went out a few more times on the water. It was nice, but it was not the same. Sure, he was happy, but he did miss his friend.

As Leo's shift ended, they curled up in his oversized beach chair and looked out into the water.

"I think I want to talk to Phichit," he said.

"What?" Leo asked. Guang Hong could feel his body tense as he held him.

"I know, I know… but he was the first person who I became friends with here. He has just always been there for me. And being out on the water… it is not the same," Guang Hong quietly said.

"I don't want him to hurt you," Leo growled out.

Guang Hong sighed, "I know… but I think after what happen, I'll never have to worry about that again. I mean, you've been great Leo… perfect really. But I miss my friend."

Leo kissed his temple and rested his head on his, Guang Hong could smell the sunscreen on him and the ocean.

"If you feel you need too, then do it. But I want to be close by," Leo said.

Guang Hong shook his head, "I need to do this just me and him. I love having you around, I really do… but I think me and him need to fix this."

Leo signed, "I won't tell you what to do Ji, but I just want to keep you safe."

"You know I can take care of myself," Guang Hong said.

"I know you can."

After they sat and watched the ocean some more, their stomachs started to growl and he went to go drop off his board and change out his wet suit so they could get some dinner.

"I told my aunt I'd come home tonight," Guang Hong said as they settled into a booth.

"That's fine. Want me to come by for a bit?" Leo asked.

"You can if you want."

It was weird, Guang Hong had been around Leo nonstop since they had met it seemed. He liked having him around. Even when he was home and doing laundry or simple chores for his aunt, Leo would assist and help. If nothing more than loading the dishwasher or vacuuming. His aunt had even gotten use to him being there.

Phichit weighed heavy on his mind. No matter what Leo did to distract him. Only Leo's mouth wandering his body could get him to fully stop thinking of his friend. He did love how Leo spoiled him though.

Moments stolen away, they were kissing, touching and Leo was opening up Guang Hong to so many things. Phichit had talked about his sexual experiences- in great detail, but Guang Hong only had few experiences. Leo went slow with him, never pushing him.

Though the problem was, Guang Hong was ready and he wanted more. Leo would satisfy him in many ways, and Guang Hong had become quite the tease at nights they stayed at the beach house. Leo would groan and call him a little minx while saying he wanted to wait more.

At first Guang Hong though Leo was just being a gentleman, sweet and kind to him. It was not what he wanted though. He wanted to thrown on the bed and just devoured. Though Leo would pin him down and kiss him breathless, it never went beyond hands and mouths.

After a while, Guang Hong thought maybe Leo just didn't want him that way and he realized this is where he needed to talk to Phichit, but he couldn't. Guang Hong thought something was wrong with him, he knew Leo was turned on, he just never understood why he resorted to just hands and mouths.

Leo would wrap his arms around him and kiss him passionately and try to distract Guang Hong. He always felt confused, he loved Leo and he wanted more with him.

"Why do you always stop me?" Guang Hong said.

"There are other things we can do, Ji. Don't be in a rush," Leo would say as he kissed his forehead.

Guang Hong would pout and then turn away, feeling the tears betraying his eyes.

It took Guang Hong two days to finally message Phichit. He could not take it anymore. Sure Leo was great, but it was not the same. He needed his friend… he hoped he could repair things between them.

Phichit had replied back instantly and was on his way over. Guang Hong was nervous. He had told Leo he would talk to Phichit, but never told him when. His aunt had already gone to work, and Leo was out with his housemates on the town. Guang Hong had told him he would see him in the morning.

Sitting out on the porch, he waited for Phichit to show up. He found he was gripping the armrest on his chair, he saw as Phichit and his bike came into view. It was weird, his mind told him to stay put, but all he wanted to do was race down the street and hug him. Guang Hong hated how torn he was when Phichit finally got the house, leaning his bike against the porch.

They both just locked eyes and started at one another. They had never gone this long apart, this long without speaking.

"Come in. I can make tea," he said to Phichit.

It was awkward and quiet. Phichit had always been at their house, but right then, it was as if he did not fit in. He never thought he would feel like this over his best friend, and it tore his heart out.

"Phichit… I—"

"—No! Ji! I am so sorry! I really am!"

Phichit had gotten up and rushed Guang Hong and hugged him. It felt familiar, Guang Hong hugged back and started to cry. He knew they had a long ways to go, but he did need Phichit. Phichit still smelt the same, like salt and honey. He missed that.

"Can we talk though? I need to make sure we are good," he asked.

"Yes, of course," Phichit said.

They sat at the table and talked for a long time. Phichit explained it had been years since he felt this way for Guang Hong and how he hated that Guang Hong had never even considered him. Guang Hong tried to explain that Phichit was like a brother to him.

"I promise Ji… nothing like that will ever happen again… I wish I could explain it—but seeing you with your lifeguard… all happy… I dunno… I can't explain it."

"Phich, don't. I'm very happy with Leo."

"So you are still with him?"

Guang Hong nodded. He realized just how happy he had been with Leo and even fingered the necklace he was wearing. He kind of liked how sappy they were wearing matching necklaces. It seemed fitting. Guang Hong knew he even loved Leo, though he had not said these words out loud.

"What about when school starts back up?"

Guang Hong shrugged. It was something both him and Leo knew would come at summer's end. They had about another month left before they would have to head back to school. They both went instate, but their schools were on different ends of the state.

"Well I was hoping I'd still have my best friend and roommate for a shoulder to cry on."

Phichit laughed, "Of course."

"Just promise me you will always talk to me… and not let things build up again," Guang Hong said.

"I will try," Phichit said.

"No, Phich, I mean it. You really scared me that night."

"Ji, I can never apologize enough for what I did."

"I am a bit scared if you drink, you would do it again," Guang Hong whispered as he drew his knees to his chest.

Phichit shook his head and leaned forward resting his head in his hands, "Look Ji, I know I messed up. I should have said something sooner, especially when you were pressing so hard that something was wrong. I can never say I am sorry enough," Phichit quietly said.

Guang Hong could only nod. He had gotten over being mad, he knew it would all never be the same, but he was glad to have his friend back. He really wanted to talk about the intimacy issues with Leo, but he knew right now was a bad time to bring them up. He did not even know to bring it up. Knowing how Phichit was, once they got back to their normal routine, it was sure to surface and Guang Hong could bring it up then.

They put a movie on and sat in comfortable silence the rest of the evening and then Phichit promised to meet him at the beach the next afternoon after lunch.

"What do you mean?" Leo asked as he took a bite of his hotdog.

Reaching over, Guang Hong stole a fry from his basket and popped it in his mouth, "Phichit is coming surfing with me today."

"I didn't know you two were talking," Leo said.

"I told you I was going to talk to him. He came by last night and we talked. It went well," he said.

Leo shook his head, "Ok Ji, he is your friend, but I'm keeping a close eye on him."

Guang Hong rolled his eyes. As cheesy as it all sounded, he really loved how Leo looked after him. It was sweet and it turned him on. Leaning in, he let wrap his arm around his shoulder as they finished eating. He was excited to get on the water with Phichit and have some real time out in the ocean.

As they finished lunch and walked hand and hand back to the ice cream shop, Phichit was leaned against the wall, board in hand and waiting.

Guang Hong smiled and waved as they got closer. He could feel Leo take his hand tighter and Guang Hong had to giggle.

"You be nice, Leo," Guang Hong hissed out before they approached Phichit.

"I'll go get you two some chairs," Leo said as he nodded to Phichit and went to their spot on the beach.

As they went to the back of the shop, Guang Hong slipped his wet suit on and went to grab his board.

"So I noticed you quit at the dinner," Guang Hong said.

Phichit nodded, "I went further down the beach at the surf shop there. You know… the really shitty one."

"Phich! Why would you do that?" Guang Hong knew the shop. They sold generic e-cigarettes, cheap pipes, too thin beach shirts- everything in there was cheap.

Phichit shrugged, "Was giving you space, Ji."

Guang Hong nodded, he could understand that, but he felt bad.

"I just hate to think of you working in that shit hole," he said.

"It's not so bad really. The guys there are complete idiots that I work with and it is slow during the morning."

"You should have stayed at the diner."

Phichit shrugged, "Let's go catch some waves."

As they headed out to the sand, Leo nodded and Guang Hong set his stuff on his chair and gave Leo a kiss before he headed out to the water. It was nice having Phichit next to him to race out into the water. He missed this. Phichit always pushed him to paddled harder, swim faster. It was what they always did.

Once they made it out, a huge wave came and they caught it immediately and carried it in. Before Guang Hong had known it, they were back out in the water, breathing heavy.

"Let's sit for a moment," Phichit said as Guang Hong sat on his board and looked to the shore line. They were far out and didn't have to worry about waves crashing on him.

"So are you still seeing Seung gil?" Guang Hong asked.

Phichit nodded, "Nothing serious though. Random parties and booty calls."

"Do you two even hang out?"

"Not really," Phichit laughed out, "We meet up, drink and fuck. You know how it is."

"No I really don't," Guang Hong whispered.

"Wait… you and Leo… haven't?"

Guang Hong shook his head.

"But you stay over there a lot… those are the nights me and Seung gil go elsewhere or I sneak him in while my parents are sleeping."

"It is not that I'm not trying!" Guang Hong squeaked out.

"Maybe you need to talk to him about it."

"How do I do that?"

"No easy way than just asking."

Guang Hong sighed. He did not want to go into great details. He had a hickey on his neck, so it was not as if they weren't doing things. He just wanted more. He figured he had pushed Phichit to his limit on this conversation and they caught more waves then paddled back in.

Leo was jogging to meet them and take Guang Hong's board as he gave him a kiss.

"I got drinks waiting for you two," Leo said, "It's my break time."

Guang Hong and Leo settled into the chair, Guang Hong between Leo's legs and resting against his chest as he drank his drink. Leo would rub his arm and whisper in his ear the entire time. Phichit stayed on his phone and quiet. It was awkward for Guang Hong but he wanted both of them close by, and they all needed to figure out how to work through it.

The afternoon wore on as they went out again to the water. Guang Hong thought this would all be ok as they fell back into their normal selves. As the afternoon was wrapping up, Guang Hong wanted some alone time with Leo. Phichit was making plans with Seung gil over by the lifeguard chair and Guang Hong leaned into Leo's ear.

"Come over tonight," Guang Hong said.

Leo raised an eyebrow.

"Pack a bag too," he giggled and kissed his cheek.

Leo nodded and Guang Hong went to go drop his stuff off at the ice cream shop and head back home. He met up with Phichit at the surf shop further down the strip and when Guang Hong stopped at the drugstore on their way home, Phichit gave him a questioning look.

"I'll be right back!" he yelled out as he chained his bike and ran in.

He was not expected to see the wall of condoms and lube. He was lost. Guang Hong did not know what to buy and he kept looking everything over.

"Need help?" Phichit said and startled Guang Hong.

"You scared me!" Guang Hong yelled out.

"You were taking too long," Phichit said as he grabbed a box and bottle, "These are the best."

Guang Hong knew he was blushing the entire way up to the register. He did not want to linger or ask too many questions. He was glad Phichit was there to help him, but he wanted out of there. As they got to their bikes, Phichit gave him a look.

"What?" he asked.

"Are you sure about this?" Phichit asked.

Guang Hong nodded, "I love him."

Phichit looked surprised, "Wow, really?"

"Yeah… I haven't… haven't told him yet though."

"Why not?"

Guang Hong shrugged.

"Ji, he is crazy about you. I can tell by the way he looks at you."

"You think so?"

Phichit nodded, "He is good for you. I can see that."

Guang Hong was on cloud nine as he biked home. Phichit waved when he got to his street and Guang Hong continued the few streets to his house. His aunt was already leaving as he pulled up.

"Ji! There you are! I never see you anymore!" she said as she got to her car.

"Sorry Auntie! Was out on the water all day."

"Ok well I am off to the bar. I want dinner with you soon, ok?"

Guang Hong smiled and hugged his aunt before heading inside. He needed to shower and wanted to clean his room real quick. Leo had been over many times before, but he wanted it nice for tonight. His aunt had scented candles and he took a couple to his room. They were a honeysuckle scent that he loved.

Hopping in a shower he quickly washed his hair so it could mostly dry off before Leo had gotten there. He wanted to keep his clothing simple, shorts and a tank. He wore colors of gold and brown as Leo said they brought his eyes out. He even smiled when he saw the teddy bear that Leo had won him on the shelf in his room. Running his fingers over his necklace, Guang Hong looked at himself in the mirror. A purple mark graced his neck, right under his ear and his fingers lingered there. Just the other night they had been kissing and grinding against one another. He loved how Leo felt against him and wanted more.

A soft knock on the door tore him away from his reflection as he went to get the door. Leo was smiling and had his hair tied back. Guang Hong didn't know what it was, but he loved Leo's hair. If he had it up, it was sexy. If it was down, it was even more sexy. Sometimes he had half of it tied up and Guang Hong found he kept staring at him.

"I love that tank on you, Ji," Leo said as he leaned in to kiss him, "Brings out your eyes and I can see how cut your arms and shoulders are."

Guang Hong felt his body melt into Leo as he pulled him in flush to his body. Their kiss quickly turned passionate and Guang Hong finally broke from it and pulled Leo back to his bedroom.

"Ji, what is this?" Leo said as he looked around the room.

"I cleaned and lit a few candles," Guang Hong said as he knew he was blushing, but he didn't care. He had Leo there with him now, and that was what mattered.

Guang Hong slowly pushed Leo to the bed and they both fell down together and Leo chuckled out.

"What has gotten into you?" Leo chuckled out as Guang Hong started to work his mouth over Leo's neck.

Guang Hong continued to kiss and suck gently at Leo's neck. He wasn't leaving marks, but he wanted to get things started. He could feel Leo's hands on his back and hear the soft moans escape his throat.

He was on top of Leo and moving against him. Leo was responding to all his touches, his kisses- Guang Hong was getting worked up fast.

"I… got some things," Guang Hong whispered in Leo's ear.

"Oh?" Leo breathed out.

"Lube and condoms."

Leo's hands stopped moving on Guang Hong and pushed him off of. Guang Hong was stunned and hurt. Why had Leo pushed him away? He felt his face getting hot, but it was not from arousal. He felt rejected.

"Ji-"

"-if you don't want me just say it," Guang Hong whispered as he pulled his knees to his chest and made himself as small as possible.

"Oh Ji…" Leo said as he reached out and pulled Guang Hong to his side. There was the familiar kiss to his forehead Leo always gave him when he was rejecting him.

Guang Hong went to move out of Leo's hold and Leo held him tighter.

"No Ji, listen to me," Leo said and went to put his hand under Guang Hong's chin to raise his head towards him.

Guang Hong turned his head away.

"Ji, please… look at me."

Slowly, Guang Hong moved his head and his eyes towards Leo. Leo kissed him softly and ran his hand through his hair.

"Ji, I love you. I really do," Leo said.

"Then why…?"

Leo's face turned red, "I've never… well… done that."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm a virgin, Ji," Leo said as he looked at Guang Hong.

He understood now. It was not Leo rejecting him. It was Leo afraid and not sure.

"I love you too," Guang Hong blurted out.

"I want too. Please, don't get me wrong. You drive me crazy, Ji. I just want to… wait a little more."

Guang Hong nodded.

"I want to, more than you know… and with you , Ji."

"I'm sorry I pushed you so much."

"So are you…"

Guang Hong nodded, "Yes, I never have before either."

"I like what we have now. It is still hot as hell," Leo said as he captured Guang Hong's lips again and they started to kiss.

Guang Hong smiled into the kiss. There was something more sweet and intimate about it all. Knowing neither one had ever gone there before. Never been with anyone else. He knew he could wait for whenever Leo was ready.

They had fallen asleep and when he aunt got home, she saw them in the bed, asleep. She felt a relief they both fully had their clothing on, but she wanted to talk to Guang Hong about this more.

They had woke early and when Leo went out to his jeep his aunt came out her room giving him a look.

"Hey auntie! Why are you up?" Guang Hong asked as he kissed her cheek.

"Do I need to worry about you two?" his aunt asked.

Guang Hong shook his head, "Seriously auntie…"

"Ji, do we need to have a talk?" she asked.

"No we don't! Auntie… I love him ok? We can talk later, ok? Leo is waiting to take us to work," he kisses his aunt again, "And don't worry, I won't knock him up!"

Guang Hong giggled as his aunt smacked him and yelled his name while calling him a terrible child as he ran out the front door.

"What did you do to your aunt to piss her off?" Leo asked as Guang Hong climbed up in his Jeep.

"Just promised her I wouldn't knock you up," Guang Hong laughed out.

"Ji!" Leo yelled as his face turned red.

Guang Hong laughed as they drove down the road.

"So… how did it all go?" Phichit asked.

Guang Hong was all smiles that morning. It was as if he had gotten laid. There was another purple mark on his collarbone that his tshirt hid, but only he knew it was there.

"We had a good night," Guang Hong said.

"No details?"

"No! I don't kiss and tell like you do!"

"Well did you two?" Phichit made some rude hand gestures.

Guang Hong shook his head, "But he said he loved me."

"Oh Ji, that is great! I told you!" Phichit said with a smile, "So me and Seung gil actually went and hung out."

"Oh? How did that go?" Guang Hong asked.

"I think me and him will stick to just fucking," Phichit laughed out.

"Oh no! Why?"

"We have absolutely nothing in common! Even down to the food we eat. Nothing. Our music is different. Unless we are drinking, we really don't get along at all," Phichit laughed out.

"Well is the sex good at least?"

"Oh my goodness, more than good. You know how intense he is?"

Guang Hong nodded.

"Imagine that in bed. That same intensity. It is overwhelming at times really," Phichit breathed out.

"Well that is always something isn't it?"

"Yeah, but to base an entire relationship around that?" Phichit asked.

"You do have a point."

"Ok I gotta head to the other side of the beach. See ya later!" Phichit said as he hopped on his bike and headed down the strip.

Guang Hong shook his head as Phichit peddled away. He got the glass cleaned down and everything set up for opening. His aunt had sent him a couple text messages (screaming at him). Guang Hong laughed as he read them.

When Leo's break rolled around, he came in with iced lattes for them and sat behind the counter for a few minutes sharing cold caramel coffee kisses back and forth as there were no customers.

"I got the afternoon off," Leo said.

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I got a surprise for you," Leo said with a smile as he kissed Guang Hong one more time and went to leave.

"You aren't even going to tell me?"

Leo shook his head and left. Guang Hong sat all day long wondering what it could be. He was glad his morning went by quickly. There was a steady flow people coming in and out of the shop and before he knew it the owner was coming in to let him off for the day. Leaving his board in the back, he saw Leo waiting outside for him.

"Do we need to change?" Guang Hong said as he wrapped his arm around Leo for a hug.

"Nope, swim trunks are just fine," Leo said as they headed to to his Jeep.

Leo stopped and grabbed them burgers on their way to wherever he was taking Guang Hong. They blasted music and let the wind whip around them as they drove further away from the strip but staying along the beach. They had been driving a good half an hour when Leo pulled over to a small building and a sign that read "Paddles Boats" and Guang Hong squealed.

"Paddle Boats!" Guang Hong squealed as he lept out the Jeep.

Leo smiled at him and met him around the jeep and put his arms around him, "I have never down this and this is the wildlife area through here. I did some research and want to check it out."

"I've never done a paddle boat through the wetland areas!" Guang Hong said as they went to the small building and Leo talked with the guy and they were handed life vest. Leo even smiled and kissed Guang Hong as he insisted putting his on him.

"Just want to keep you safe," Leo said.

Guang Hong rolled his eyes, "We both know I'm the better swimmer!"

"Yes but I am the lifeguard."

"Oh your job is to sit in your tall chair and be eye candy for the beach!" Guang Hong giggled out.

The man led them down to the boats and Guang Hong was dancing around with excitement. They had a general map of the wetlands they were to paddle through and showed them the basic maneuvers of the paddle boat. Guang Hong had done these a few time with Phichit and was familiar with them. Settled in, they got their feet on the peddles and started peddling the boat as the man pushed them out into the water.

This was not an area of the beach Guang Hong had never been too before. It was more wildlife protected and the waters were shallow. They had different birds, turtles and fish all through these parts. As Leo went through their map, there were outlines of where certains nest where they could go see some of them up close. Guang Hong squealed when they got to the swoop of cranes.

It was quiet out where they were. There were no waves crashing, there was a tree line they followed and just the sounds of the birds.

"Wow, this is amazing Leo!" Guang Hong said.

They had slowed the boat to just drifting as Leo took Guang Hong's face in his hands and kissed him.

"This has been the best summer I can remember in a long time," Leo said.

"Definitely," Guang Hong said.

"Makes me never want summer to end," Leo said.

It made Guang Hong think that summer did have to end. They say summer romances are just that. They cool down as the weather does and die along with the earth for fall and winter.

"What happens when summer ends?" Guang Hong asked as he turned his head looking over at some turtles moving along the rocks of the shore.

"Well… we still have school," Leo said.

Guang Hong nodded. That is what he was scared of most. He could feel the tears reaching his eyes and he could not look at Leo. He could not ask Leo to wait for him for another summer.

"Hey, Ji baby…. What's wrong?" Leo asked.

Guang Hong shook his head, "Yeah we go to schools on the other end of the state from each other."

Leo ran his hand over Guang Hong's arm, "Ji, I was not lying when I said I loved you. And it is a two hour trip between campuses."

"Two hours? How do you-"

"I mapped it out. I can come up on weekends once or twice a month," Leo said.

"You would do that?" Guang Hong asked.

Leo laughed, "Of course I would! You think I'm going to wait till winter break or summer to kiss you again?"

Guang Hong pulled Leo into a hug, "and we can video chat!"

Leo laughed, "Yes Ji. Just because summer will be over, doesn't mean we will be."

Guang Hong started to cry he was so happy. They say summer romances are just that. They come and go as fast as the summer does. Guang Hong knew as long as he had Leo with him it would always be summer.