Chapter 115 - Beach (1)

By the time Liam realized it, it was already morning. He glared at the light streaming from his window. It felt like he had just blinked, and all of a sudden, it was morning.

He tried closing his eyes to get some sleep, but his mind was already wide awake, his body itching to move. Yawning, he opened his window, and let the soft breeze inside.

He loved mornings, especially like this one, when you could smell the freshness of the air and feel the warmth of the sunlight. There were even more benefits of being an early riser. One was being able to watch Aki sleep. Seeing the other's sleeping face first thing in the morning was far better than anything else. Afterward, Liam could prepare breakfast for Aki and then, dive back in bed.

Though, there were also times when he did not want to move from his bed and continue cuddling Aki. Like that time when they first spend the morning together after Aki initiated their kiss. That felt like it happened a long time ago.

'Alright, then. Time to move, and later, I'll talk to Aki.'

Liam felt good with his plan, so he happily dragged his weary body outside. Ever since he was a kid, he loved watering the plants in the morning as a way to wake himself up. The feel of being around the plants was the best. He hummed to a tune as he got to work.

Today seemed like it was going to be a fine day.

He would try to talk to Aki and apologize. Hopefully, Aki still wanted to talk to him. He shook his head as if it could dispel his negative thoughts.

The surrounding neighbors had started rousing from their sleep, and Liam felt good knowing he had a headstart. He tried to savor the last minute of silence before everyone wakes up when he heard voices, not so far from their house.

He lifted an eyebrow and tried to discern the direction the voices came from. The owner of the voices got closer and closer to the house.

'Oh no. Please don't let it be who I think it was.'

It was too early for Chris to pick him up.

No god seemed to have heard of his plea as Chris's spiky black hair came into view. One by one, he recognized the voices of the other people, who came with Chris. What was worse was he knew where they would be going.

Liam massaged his forehead and pretended to be busy with the plants, even when Chris stopped in front of their gate.

"Wow, so diligent in the morning!" Chris's voice was loud and bright.

"What do you want?" Liam asked without looking up.

Chris chuckled. "So grumpy. Won't you let us come in first?"

"Nope. Go away," Liam grinned at his friend.

"Liam, where are your manners?" Granny appeared at Liam's side and lightly pinched his arm. She beckoned at the visitors as she opened the gate, "Come inside."

"Thanks Granny, and good morning!" The guys greeted. There were four other guys, besides Chris. They were all Liam's batchmates.

Visiting him early in the morning only meant one thing...

"The reunion's at lunch right? At the usual diner?" Liam eyed them suspiciously.

The guys have settled in the veranda, taking their seats as Granny brought out food and coffee. Some of the guys helped to bring them out, while Chris and Jared watched Liam. Chris seemed to have something to say, but thankfully, he did not say anything.

"Nah," Chris said, "you didn't check the group chat, did you? They changed it to this morning."

"Then we'll have lunch at Nancy's family restaurant," Jared grinned.