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The set of Burnout syndrome was buzzing with noise; people were running around doing their jobs as if it were the last thing in the world they would do. Gun watched the chaos from his spot, sitting cross-legged on the bed, waiting for his partner to get ready. The makeup artist took her time with him, making Gun feel a bit angry about missing the older male's presence. He didn't understand why Papii needed so much makeup on the face if they would only lie in bed, covered by the duvet. A light pout appeared on his face as he observed the staff passing by him, not sparing him a glance. Suddenly, the pillow landed on his lap, covering his exposed legs. Gun wanted to snap at whoever dared to interrupt his sulking time with the unexpected attack, but when his eyes landed on his boyfriend, he immediately forgot all about it. 

"Papii!" He squeaked happily. The taller male sighed before he moved towards him, sitting on the edge of the mattress. Off scanned his appearance, and Gun knew what he was looking at. He was only wearing an oversized shirt that ended in the middle of his thighs, with a few buttons undone.

"Why are you showing off your legs?" Off asked, eyebrow raised. Gun rolled his eyes playfully, hearing the statement. There were quite a few answers he could use, but he decided to tease his Papii. 

"No one is interested in me, silly Papii." He leaned closer to his spouse. 

"Everyone knows I belong to you." He whispered his last sentence right in his man's ear. Off instantly turned his head, staring right at him.

"They'd better." Off growled possessively. 

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The sound of the music was way too loud for Sean. Honesty, he didn't like clubs where the noise people called music tore his eardrums and the unhealthy amount of sweating bodies swayed in the rhythm, preferring the calm atmosphere of a simple pub. Yet here he was, sitting at the furthest booth, watching his boyfriend, Yok and the girl gang dancing on the crowded floor. Beside him sat not-so-amused Black and Gram. They were sipping colourful drinks, hoping their dancers would get tired soon. Sean wasn't really sure who came up with the idea, but he cursed that person a thousand times in his head. 

He just took a long sip from his glass when the music changed again. The loud noise switched to a sensual melody, allowing people on the floor to rub against each other. His eyes wandered around the crowd, searching for White. It didn't take him long, as it seemed he had developed a special radar over the years they dated. His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped as he watched his tiny boyfriend swaying his whole body seductively. The waves twirled, hips swayed, and arms moved mesmerisingly, while White's porcelain skin glistened with sweat. Sean felt his jeans tighten at the erotic sight. He stood up quickly, startling his two friends, before he hurried towards his boyfriend. He dug his way through the mass of smelly bodies until he stood behind the sexy man. Sean wrapped his arms around Whites petite waist, leaning his head closer. White stiffened for a second before he recognised him and started his sensual dance again. 

Sean didn't like dancing, but having White rub his perky ass against his front forced him to make an expectation. He followed the rhythm White set, touching him here and there while they moved. It wasn't a surprise for anyone that they left the club soon after the song ended. 

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Third wasn't surprised with Khai's reaction; he always knew the thought of Un as a rival. What surprised him was Two's reaction. He wasn't sure what made Two respond like this, but he hoped it was because he was jealous. Third really wished Un's feelings were reciprocated. 

"You are still friends with him?" Bone asked, confused. Third nodded lightly. He contemplated explaining his relationship to them, but decided to brief them on it a little. The big talk was still on the program for tomorrow, and he would tell the gang everything there. 

"Let's say he helped me a lot while being away." Third said. 

"You were in contact with him the whole time?" Khai stood up abruptly. Third could see the anger and sadness in his eyes. He stood up too, lightly touching the taller's arm, guiding him to sit again. 

"I did... He kept me updated about life in Thailand." Third explained. 

"Did he tell you about us? That we work together?" Two asked. Khai's hand grabbed his arm, preventing him from moving away. Third assumed it was Khai's way of staying calm, so he let him have his way. 

"I knew you were working together, but I actually never asked which theatre it was." He paused, glancing at Khai. 

"I didn't want to know." He added guiltily. Khai shook his head before he pulled at his arm, making him fall onto his lap. Third let out a surprise squeak.

"What are you doing, Khai?" He whined. 

"I am getting my daily dose of Third because I can't see you tonight." The older male shrugged, circling his arms around his waist to prevent him from running away.

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As soon as they entered their office, Jane started to throw tasks at him. Ryan nodded, hoping he remembered everything his superior said to him. There was a lot to do, and Pie was not yet here. He began with the simple task of copying the drawing of the scenario so they could put it on the board. He raced to the printer, just to find pouting Ba-Mhee sitting at the desk here. 

"What's up? Why are you here so early?" Ryan asked. He wasn't sure if P'Judy's department started this early, too, but he doubted it. 

"I came with Tae." She answered, pouting even more. 

"Oh... It's nice you came with him." Ryan smiled at her. He remembered very well the times he woke up early to make Jane breakfast and eat with him before he had to go to work. 

"Hmm.. But he ditched me here and went to his department." Ba-Mhee lay her head on the table sadly. Ryan walked towards her, patting her shoulder lightly. He absolutely understood her. Jane would sometimes ignore him in this way as well. It hurt, but he knew his fiancée didn't do it on purpose. 

"Cheer up. Tae didn't do it on purpose. I think he just has too much to do... Why don't you make him coffee or something? I think he would like that." Ryan suggested. The girl turned to him, blinking a few times before she stood up, and, all hyped up, ran towards the kitchen. Ryan shook his head and returned to his previous task. 

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Pick's POV

Rome fell asleep again during the ride, so when they arrived at their cabin, Pick decided to let him sleep and carry him inside himself. To his surprise, he didn't even stir when he moved him to their room and carefully laid him in bed. Pick took off his shoes, tucked Rome in and stayed sitting on the edge of the mattress. The sleeping form of his boyfriend mesmerised him. Rome was a beautiful person inside and out, and he was certain everyone envied him for being his boyfriend. The frown appeared on his face as Din's face popped up in his mind. How could he do this to Rome? Out of love? No, it wasn't love; it was a dangerous obsession. It has nothing to do with that precious and beautiful feeling. 

Pick reached towards Rome's face, gently caressing the flushed cheek. The younger boy nuzzled into his palm unknowingly, making the thousands of butterflies explode in his stomach. Pick froze for a moment, as he wasn't used to it yet. The feeling wasn't unwelcome, though. 

"Pick, are you going to eat now with us?" Porsche's head peeked from the door. Pick glanced at him, shaking his head. 

"I will eat later with Rome." 

His friend hesitated for a moment before he nodded.

"Okay. Emma and I will be in the kitchen. Call us if you need something." 

"I will. Thank you." Pick smiled, looking back at his sleeping boyfriend. He heard his friend leaving, thinking about how he could repay him for the immense support throughout this difficult time. 

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Khai played with Ryan for a while, until Third decided the baby needed a nap. He reluctantly returned him, and even though he wanted to help Third to put the toddler to sleep, he patiently stayed behind with Two. 

"Soooo... You and Third?" The man sank into the sofa, patting the spot next to him, subtly suggesting to Khai to join him. He hesitated before sitting down.

"We met in the cinema. I found him interesting, and we talked." Khai shrugged. 

"He let you meet his brother. Trust me, man, you are a part of the family now." Two grinned. A light smile formed on Khai's face. He liked the idea of belonging with Third and Ryan. 

"I am not against it. Honestly, I want to know Third better." Khai confessed. Two stared at him silently, likely judging him. 

"Third is a good guy. The shit that happened to his family almost devastated him. If it weren't for Ryan, he wouldn't have made it." Two paused, looking elsewhere. Khai watched him until his gaze landed on a framed picture on the small shelf next to the television. He recognised an older couple standing with Third in front of them, holding a baby. They were all smiling, and Khai couldn't help but think that he would do anything to see the pretty dimple on Third's face again. 

"I can't imagine how hard it must have been for him." 

"Yeah... He suffered a lot while working all kinds of part-time jobs, school, and taking care of Ryan. My family tries to help as much as possible, and so do his neighbours. Having no other family sucks." Two sighed. 

"I can help too. And I bet my friend would love Ryan. He's sucker for a babies." Khai laughed, remembering Bone. He wanted to help Third for real, and for his presence not to be just a temporary solution to make Third's life easier.

"Would be nice, but you have to get through Third first." Two winked at him. 

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Off tried to ignore the number of people shouting and dancing around him. He was never the type to enjoy parties or spend time in bars and clubs. Even after meeting Gun, the notorious night owl, and occasionally spending time with him in the clubs, he still wasn't a fan. So it was weird for him to be in one of these places, celebrating Tay's birthday without his better half. His tiny partner's filming dragged on until late hours, and he would arrive late if ever. Off sighed, taking a sip from his drink, glancing around the dance floor. Tay was dancing happily with a bunch of their friends and coworkers. He seemed happy, so Off looked away. 

"Why so down, Jum?" Arm sat down beside him, before taking a sip from his own glass. 

"I am not down." Off lied even though he knew Arm read him like an open book. He wasn't his best friend for nothing. 

"Oh, I see... Someone is missing someone." Arm grinned. Off suppressed the urge to roll his eyes, snorting instead. 

"Don't worry. Nong Gun will be here in no time. I heard that the filming has already finished." Arm winked at him, patting his shoulder encouragingly. Off perked up instantly. He took his phone from his pocket, checking for a message from his beloved. To his surprise, there really was one.

"On my way. Love you." His face lit up. The amused snort from Arm was ignored as he searched for the tiny person in the crowd. It didn't take long for him to see the entrance open and Gun tiredly walking in. Off stood up, leaving Arm behind as he hurried towards his boyfriend. The small actor looked around the room, and when his eyes found him, they sparkled with happiness. Soon, he was standing in front of Gun, hauling him into a tight embrace. 

"Papii." Gun exhaled merrily, sneaking his arms around him too. 

"Ter..." Off couldn't help but snif-kiss his boyfriend's cheek. Gun giggled happily before lightly pushing him away. 

"I missed you, Papii, so much," he said, smiling at him. 

"I missed you too," Off replied.

"Come on, Papii, I need to greet the birthday boy." Gun took Off's hand, intertwining their fingers as he led him through the crowd towards Tay.

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Jira left the company disappointed and irritated. How could they ask him to use his art for training the damned artificial intelligence? He was an artist who wanted his painting displayed in a gallery for people to see and enjoy. Not for the stupid machine to copy him. 

"Fuck you and your AI," Jira growled under his breath, sending the middle finger to the tall building for good measure. Why did he even try to get a proper job while making art? Yeah, right, the money. He wasn't poor or anything; the paintings he sold online somehow got bought every time he put them on, but that wasn't enough to pay for his living expenses and art supplies. 

Jira sighed, turning around to face the road, stopping the first motorbike taxi that passed by him. He let the man bring him home, paid for the service, and climbed the stairs to his apartment. As he walked inside his small kingdom, silence welcomed him. Jira put his bag on the table before taking off his pants. The shirt was long enough to cover his boxers and reached his midtights. Walking around his flat in this attire was more comfortable for him. 

Jira glanced at the half-finished painting lying carelessly on the table, deciding to ignore it for now. He wasn't in the mood after the whole fiasco earlier. Instead, he walked towards the balcony, taking the jug to water his beautiful plants. 

"You are the only one who understands me." His fingers traced the petals of the beautiful red rose.

"Just stay beautiful for me like this, and I will be happy." Jira smiled at the flower. The ringing of his phone snapped him out of his thoughts. Reluctantly, he moved towards his bag and took the phone lying beside it. When he saw his best friend's name, he immediately answered the call.

"Hey, Ing, what's up?" He asked, leaning against the table. 

"Jira, I have great news for you." Ing blabbered enthusiastically.

"You got me a job?"

"Sure thing." 

"What, really?" Jira's eyes widened. He pushed himself off the table, stumbling to the bed and sitting down. 

"They contacted me first. They want your artistic skills. I will send you an address." Ing explained. 

"Oh..." The memory of this morning popped into his mind. He didn't have a good feeling about this. 

"Just try. No one is telling you to accept the job." Jira could see Ing rolling her eyes on the other side. 

"Okay, okay." He capitulated. "I will go."

"Good, the meeting is tomorrow at two. Don't be late." Ing announced before hanging up. Jira groaned, falling into the mattress, staring at his phone and the message with the address, his bestie just sent him. 

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Pick stood in front of his wardrobe, staring at the clothes inside. The frown on his face indicated he didn't like any garment in there. He wanted to look good for Rome, but nothing seemed to be enough. With a sigh, he reached for the dark blue button-down shirt and jeans, hoping he wouldn't look too serious. Pick left the house, driving to the address Rome told him to pick him up. As he parked in front of the apartment complex, his anxiety rose. It's been a while since I dated, and he didn't want to screw up. Rome was more important than any of his previous partners. Pick didn't believe in love at first sight, but when his eyes landed on the cute photographer for the first time, he knew he was the one.

The light knock on the window started him. He glanced out, spotting smiling Rome looking at him. Pick's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly lowered the window.

"Hello, P'Pick. Did I startle you? You seemed lost in your thoughts." Rome tilted his head to the side. The gesture made him look cuter in Pick's eyes. 

"Hi, N'Rome. You didn't startle me. Come in the car." Pick pointed to the passenger seat. 

"Okay, P'Pick." Rome agreed, hurrying around the car to take a seat. Pick closed the window and watched him moving. Rome was so eforlesly pretty, and it made his heart leap with joy. 

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White snuggled closer to the warm body lying beside him. His nose was buried in the crook of Sean's neck, inhaling his calming scent. He didn't want to wake up. If he did, he would have to leave his boyfriend's side and deal with the real world, which he didn't have the strength for. 

"White, baby. Open your pretty eyes." Sean whispered into his ear. White moaned in annoyance, sinking deeper into his man's embrace. The light chuckle resonating through Sean's chest made him smile.

"I know you are awake." Sean poked his cheek. White slowly opened one eye, glaring at the taller man. He pulled away from the grip, buried his head under the duvet, and closed his eye again. The room fell into silence for a while until Sean decided to speak again. 

"I tried, it's your turn." White felt the bed shift under Sean's weight as he climbed out of the bed. He was a bit disappointed. 

"Hey, baby brother, stop pretending to be asleep, and get out of the bed." Black's voice echoed through the room. White responded by hiding more under the duvet. 

"You won't? Okay." Black huffed out. There was something familiar in his tone that made White thrilled. He remembered that there was one thing Black always did when they were children, and he didn't want to get out of bed. Soon, the duvet slipped off his body, leaving him exposed to the cold air, and Black's weight landed on him. White shrugged as his brother began to tickle him, and soon the room erupted in loud laughter.

"I am awake, P'Black." White tried to push his twin away from him, but there was a big difference in their strengths. They were fighting like two kids until Black suddenly stiffened, stopping his attacks. White tilted his head confusedly. He followed his brother's gaze, realising his shirt rolled up, exposing a part of the scar adorning his chest. He immediately covered himself, looking elsewhere but his twin. He was so ashamed that he had to see the ugly part of his body.

"Get refreshed, I will wait here. The food is waiting." Black rolled from him. White didn't hesitate and ran towards the bathroom. He hoped Black wouldn't ask questions about the scar, but the expression on his face told him otherwise. 

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Prem walked into the restaurant with a heavy heart. Changma's words still lingered in his mind, and he couldn't get them out. 

"You are back? How was the date with your doctor?" Grandmother's head peeked from the kitchen. Prem dragged himself towards her, plopping down on the stool next to the window. 

"It wasn't a date." He huffed out as he put the food carrier on the table, staring at it. 

"For not being on a date, you spent a lot of time with Nong Ten." Grandma's eyebrow raised teasingly. Prem sent her a glare before his expression returned to a troubled one. His concern didn't go unnoticed. The older woman cleaned her hands in the apron,  leaving her work to focus on her grandchild. 

"What happened, Prem. You don't look good. Does your hand hurt?" She reached towards him, placing her hand on Prem's cheek with concern. Prem leaned into the touch. His grandmother's warmth always made him feel better. No therapy could compare to her.  

"It's not about Ten, Grandma." Prem exhaled tiredly. 

"So will you tell your old grandmother what's going on?" She smiled at him as she pulled her hand away. Prem waited for her to join him at the table before he explained everything to her. 

"I told you, Changma is in love with you." She hit the top of the table with her palm. Prem jumped in surprise before he rolled his eyes. 

"Okay, you were right. What should I do?" Prem pouted, looking at his grandmother hopefully. 

"It's easy, my dear grandson. Just ask Ten out first. He's taking too long anyway." 

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Both Boss and Ozone got startled by the ringing. Boss reached for his phone, glancing at the name of the caller before picking up. 

"Hello there, N'Day. What can I do for you?" Boss looked at his companion. Ozone's gaze was fixed on him, listening curiously to the conversation. A small smile appeared on his face as he heard his cousin's name.

"Is aweryting alright, P'Boss? I hope P'Ozone didn't trouble you." 

"We are doing fine. N'Ozone ate a sandwich and had some doughnuts from your neighbour." Boss informed him. 

"Oh, P'Khatha sent the sweets again? Ozone likes them so much." Day sighed, and Boss immediately knew what was worrying him. Eating too many sweets wasn't good for Ozone. 

"Don't worry, he didn't eat them all." Boss tried to calm him down. "Do you want to talk to N'Ozone? I will put you on a speaker." Boss didn't wait for Day's answer and did what he said. 

"N'Ozone, N'Day is calling. Say hello to him." Boss pointed at his phone. The young guy shuffled closer to him, leaning closer to the device to talk with his cousin. 

"Day, Day, Day... I had a sandwich and doughnuts from P'Doughnut, and we are putting together the puzzle. Come home and play with us." Ozone informed his cousin enthusiastically. 

"I am happy you are having fun, P'Ozone..." Day's voice wavered. "I can't come right now. I have a part-time job. But I promise to bring you a planet, okay?" 

Boss watched Ozone's smile fade, and it broke his heart. 

"Okay... Bye bye..." Ozone returned to his previous spot and continued with the puzzle. Boss sighed before he turned off the speaker and put the mobile against his ear again. 

"He's mad, right?" Day asked.

"No... He's sad. I will try to lift his mood. Take care, N'Day." 

"Thank you, P'Boss. I owe you one."Day said before he hung up. Boss put the phone in his pocket and stared at the young guy for a while until an idea popped into his head.

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Black held himself underwater, testing how long he could stay like that without suffocating. He didn't know how long he had been there until a hand grabbed his shoulder, pulling him out. A couple of deep inhales and exhales helped him catch his breath again.

"10 minutes," Gumpa announced. Black frowned, hearing it. 

"One more time." He was ready to jump in the pool again when Gram stopped him. 

"Take a break. Or do you want to get White hurt?" 

"Fuck you." Black glared at him before he looked at his baby brother happily playing in the water with Sean, not far from them. The sigh made him sick and angry, but he didn't dare to interrupt his twin's happiness. 

"15 minutes and I am trying again," Black announced. Gram rolled his eyes, but didn't say anything. 

"You don't need to push yourself. It's training, not a competition." Gumpa stood over him like a guard, and Black was sure he would stop him if he tried to jump into the water sooner than they agreed on. 

"White can do 12 minutes without taking me down. I can do it too." Black watched the pair slowly approaching them. Sean was holding his brother's waist as they walked by the pool instead of swimming in it. White seemed a bit tired, but with the smile on his face. 

"Are you done, P'Black? Can we go home?" White touched his shoulder lightly. Black nodded and immediately jumped to his feet. 

"Yeah, let's go." Black grabbed his brother's hand and pulled him towards the showers before Sean could protest. 

"The hell. We tried to stop him, and it only took one sentence from White." Gram gawked at his friend's behaviour. 

"I thought you got used to it." Sean patted his back, trailing behind the twins. 

"I don't think I will get used to it. It's so weird." 

"That's White's power." Gumpa explained, dragging stunned Gram with him. 

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The sky was dark, but the stars shone like small diamonds. Liftoil moved, feeling the grass and earth beneath him. He snuggled closer to the warm body lying beside him, searching for the comfort it provided. 

"I don't want this night to end." He said sadly. 

"I wish I could stop time, my angel." The tall male wrapped his arms around him, pulling him closer. 

"Don't leave me, please, my prince. I don't think I could survive without you." Liftoil's eyes watered. He clung to his beloved garment. 

"You know I have to go." Thawin leaned closer, joining their lips in a desperate kiss. 

"What if you don't come back?" The tears finally started to flow from his pretty eyes. 

"I promise, I will do whatever it takes to return to you," Thawin promised. Liftoil nodded, but deep down, he knew this was the last time he would see his lover. 

Liftoil woke up with a gasp. The tears were streaming down his face. He looked around, finding that he was alone in his room. He pushed himself into a sitting position, leaning against the headboard. The memory, not a dream, from one of his past lives, made him immensely sad. Liftoil placed his palm over his heart, hoping it would help relieve the pain he was feeling. Closing his eyes, he took a few deep breaths to calm himself. Once the pain finally subsided, he heard a noise coming from downstairs. Pushing himself off the bed, he slowly walked down the stairs, following the sounds. When he arrived in the kitchen and saw Thawin preparing a meal for them, he felt he could breathe again. 

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Jira stared at the building resembling a factory. His face scrunched in distaste, even though he didn't want to judge whoever asked for his skills. The first impression wasn't that good; he considered turning around and leaving, but something told him to walk inside. To his surprise, the interior was unlike the exterior. The modern design perfectly complements the industrial concept of the building. He could see people running around through the glass walls, carrying things or just typing in the computers. From plain sight, Jira couldn't tell what this company was making. 

"Hi. You must be Jira." The deep voice pulled his attention. He quickly turned around, letting his eyes land on the tall, well-built man. The friendly smile and sparkling eyes hidden behind a round glasses made him even more attractive. 

"Y-Yeah." Jira stuttered the answer. 

"My name is Pheem. We are really glad you decided to come." The male reached his hand towards him, waiting. Jira nodded hesitatingly, accepting the offer for a handshake. Pheem's palm was surprisingly cold, making him shiver. 

"Honestly, I don't even know why I am here." Jira let go of Pheem's hand, looking around confusedly. 

"Follow me, please, and we will explain it to you." Pheem smiled once more before he began walking, leading Jira further into the building. Jira followed him, but his mind was swirling with questions. Who were the "WE" that Pheem always mentioned? Whoever they were, Jira didn't have a good feeling about it.

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"Let me go, Khai." Third tried to move away from Khai's lap, but his grip was too tight.

"I don't want to." Khai pouted. Third sighed, shaking his head as he gave up. He glanced at Two, Bone and then at his desk. The laptop with an open file containing his new script was peeking at him. 

"I need to work, you know? Who else would please the theatre's patrons if we don't have a new script?" He tried again, but Khai refused to let him go. 

"You can continue after we eat," Khai assured him. 

"So... What else P'Un told you?" Two asked curiously. Third shifted in Khai's lap, leaning more against his chest, to get a better look at his friend. Honestly, he was surprised that Two asked him about Un. Back in the university, these three couldn't even utter Un's name without an insult. He was curious what had changed it. 

"He told me how you three graduated. That you all got a job." Third answered. 

"Only that?" Two asked. 

"I told you before I didn't want any details about you. It hurt to even think about... about everything." Third's voice cracked, and Khai's arms tightened their grip around him. 

"I am sorry," Khai whispered against his back. Third shook his head, lightly touching Khai's hand. 

"I can get over it... I just need some time and..." 

"Bit of Khai's affection?" Bone finished the sentence for him. The smile on his face indicated he meant it partly as a joke. Third huffed out a groan, rolling his eyes in fake annoyance. 

"Oh... Is that what you need? My affection is in your service whenever you need it." Khai grinned, and Third hit his arm playfully. Soon, the laughter echoed through the air.

"I miss this." Two's smile was big and not only his. Bone and Khia seemed happy to. Something shifted inside him, and after those long years, Third could feel at ease again.