The Cool-Off That Became Forever

EPISODE 34: The Surprise Destination

The rumble of Ava's engine gradually faded as her car disappeared through the university gates, leaving only Liam and Noah standing quietly in the parking lot.

A gentle breeze swept across the campus, carrying with it the scent of freshly cut grass as the last few students made their way home.

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.

They simply looked at each other.

Liam was the first to break the silence.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he walked around to the passenger side of his black sedan.

Without saying a word, he reached for the handle and opened the door for Noah.

"After you."

Noah looked at him before chuckling softly.

"You know... you really don't have to do this every single time."

Liam rested one hand on the top of the door, his expression gentle.

"I know."

"Then why?"

"Because I want to."

His answer was so simple and sincere that Noah found himself smiling.

"You make it hard to argue with you."

"I wasn't giving you room to argue."

Noah laughed, shaking his head before climbing into the passenger seat.

The rich leather moulded comfortably beneath him while the faint scent of Liam's cologne lingered inside the car.

Just as Noah reached for the seat belt...

Liam gently caught it first.

"Wait."

Noah looked up.

"I've got it."

Before Noah could protest, Liam carefully pulled the seat belt across his chest.

His movements were slow and considerate, making sure the belt wasn't twisted before clicking it securely into place.

Click.

Neither of them moved afterwards.

Liam was still leaning slightly into the car.

They were suddenly much closer than either of them had expected.

Close enough to see every tiny detail in each other's eyes.

Noah swallowed unconsciously.

Liam's eyes were warm.

There wasn't the slightest trace of the distance that had existed between them over the past few days.

Instead...

There was relief.

Affection.

And something Noah couldn't quite put into words.

Liam smiled first.

"What?"

Noah blinked.

"Hm?"

"You're staring."

A soft laugh escaped Noah.

"So are you."

"I know."

Liam admitted without the slightest embarrassment.

"I've missed looking at you."

Noah felt heat creep onto his cheeks almost instantly.

His heart betrayed him by beating just a little faster.

"...You're making me blush."

"I noticed."

Liam said with a teasing smile.

"And I think it's cute."

Noah looked away shyly.

"You really enjoy teasing me now."

"I do."

For another second, neither of them spoke.

Neither of them wanted to ruin the moment.

Eventually, Liam straightened himself and gently closed the passenger door before walking around to the driver's side.

Moments later, he settled behind the steering wheel, buckled his own seat belt and started the engine.

The quiet purr of the car filled the silence.

Soon, they were leaving the university behind.

---

For several minutes...

Neither of them spoke.

The silence wasn't uncomfortable.

Instead...

It felt strangely peaceful.

The soft music playing through the speakers blended perfectly with the gentle hum of the engine as the city slowly passed outside their windows.

Noah rested one elbow against the door, watching the scenery drift by.

Every now and then, he would secretly steal a glance at Liam.

Liam looked focused on the road.

One hand rested comfortably on the steering wheel while the other occasionally shifted gears.

Even in silence, Noah found himself smiling.

Meanwhile...

Liam's thoughts were racing.

How do I explain everything?

Will he believe me?

Will he think I'm making excuses?

He tightened his grip on the steering wheel slightly.

For the first time in a long while...

Liam actually felt nervous.

He wasn't nervous about business meetings worth millions.

He wasn't nervous about presentations or negotiations.

But sitting beside Noah...

Knowing he had accidentally ignored his messages for days...

Made him anxious.

He wanted tonight to go perfectly.

Beside him, Noah was having his own battle with his thoughts.

Where is he taking me?

Why does he look so serious?

Did he really prepare all of this just to apologise?

Or...

Does he have something important to tell me?

Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Noah finally broke the silence.

"So..."

Liam glanced at him briefly.

"Hm?"

"Are you planning to keep me guessing forever?"

Liam smiled knowingly.

"Guessing about what?"

Noah folded his arms dramatically.

"You know exactly what."

"Where are we going?"

Liam chuckled quietly.

"I thought you'd be patient."

"I've been patient."

"For almost thirty minutes."

"I deserve an answer."

Liam laughed.

"Fair point."

Noah looked at him expectantly.

Liam pretended to think for a few seconds before finally speaking.

"...You'll see."

Noah stared at him in disbelief.

"That's it?"

"That's it."

"Liam."

"Yes?"

"I don't like surprises."

"I know."

"So tell me."

"No."

Noah let out an exaggerated sigh before leaning back against his seat.

"You're impossible."

"So I've been told."

A few seconds later...

Noah couldn't help laughing.

"You know..."

"I was actually starting to think you'd forgotten how to smile."

Liam's expression softened.

"I don't think I forgot."

"I just had too much on my mind."

Noah nodded slowly.

He understood.

Neither of them continued the conversation.

Instead...

They allowed the peaceful silence to return.

It wasn't filled with uncertainty anymore.

This time...

It was filled with quiet anticipation.

Both of them knew that wherever Liam was taking them...

Tonight would become a memory they would never forget.

----

Nearly an hour later, Liam's car finally slowed before the grand entrance of one of the country's most luxurious resorts.

Towering glass walls reflected the orange hues of the setting sun while elegant fountains danced gracefully in front of the building. Uniformed attendants welcomed arriving guests, and expensive cars continuously pulled up beneath the magnificent entrance canopy.

Noah's eyes widened.

"...Wow."

His gaze slowly travelled across the breathtaking building.

"This place is beautiful."

Liam smiled, clearly pleased by Noah's reaction.

"I was hoping you'd like it."

The engine came to a stop.

Liam stepped out first before walking around the car. As always, he opened the passenger door for Noah.

Noah climbed out, still admiring the scenery.

"I've heard about this resort before, but I've never actually been here."

"Then today will be your first."

Before Noah could respond, Liam naturally reached for his hand.

Their fingers intertwined.

Noah looked down at their joined hands, surprised.

Liam didn't say anything.

He simply gave Noah's hand a gentle squeeze before leading him inside.

To Noah's surprise...

He didn't feel uncomfortable.

Instead...

A small smile found its way onto his lips.

---

The lobby was nothing short of spectacular.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow across polished marble floors. Fresh white lilies decorated the reception area, their fragrance mixing with the soft instrumental music playing throughout the lobby.

The receptionist immediately recognised Liam.

"Good evening, Mr. Asterion."

She offered a respectful smile.

"Your suite is ready."

She handed him an elegant key card.

"We hope you enjoy your stay."

"Thank you."

Liam nodded politely before guiding Noah towards the private elevators.

Only after the elevator doors closed did Noah finally ask the question that had been on his mind since leaving campus.

"Liam..."

"Hm?"

"Why here?"

Liam looked at him for a moment before answering honestly.

"Because I wanted somewhere peaceful."

"Somewhere we wouldn't be interrupted."

He smiled softly.

"We've both had a lot on our minds these past few days."

"I wanted tonight to be just for us."

"And..."

"There are a lot of things I'd like us to talk about."

Noah's heart warmed.

He simply nodded.

"I understand."

---

The elevator doors opened onto one of the highest floors.

After a short walk down the quiet hallway, Liam unlocked the suite.

The moment Noah stepped inside...

He froze.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the glittering city skyline.

The suite featured a spacious living room, a dining area, a luxurious bedroom and a private balcony where the evening breeze gently stirred the curtains.

Everything was elegant.

Everything was beautiful.

"Liam..."

"This is amazing."

"I'm glad you like it."

As Noah admired the suite, several shopping bags resting neatly on the sofa caught his attention.

Curious, he walked over.

Inside were comfortable hoodies, trousers, trainers, slippers, toiletries, sleepwear and neatly folded essentials.

He picked up one of the shirts.

Then another.

His eyes widened.

"...These are my size."

He checked the shoes.

They fit perfectly.

Even the slippers.

Noah slowly looked back at Liam.

"You... bought all of this?"

Liam rubbed the back of his neck.

"I wasn't sure what you'd want to wear."

"So I prepared everything."

"You even got my sizes right."

"I've paid attention."

Noah stood there quietly.

His chest felt strangely warm.

No one had ever noticed details like that before.

Not even during his previous relationship.

A gentle smile appeared on his face.

"Thank you."

"I really mean it."

Liam smiled.

"Go freshen up."

"I'll order dinner."

Before freshening up, Noah called his parents to let them know he would be spending the night with Ava before heading straight to university the following morning.

---

About thirty minutes later...

Both of them emerged wearing the comfortable clothes Liam had prepared.

Everything fits Noah perfectly.

He looked down at himself before laughing.

"You really didn't guess."

"You knew."

Liam smiled proudly.

"I told you."

"I pay attention."

A knock came at the door.

Room service.

Soon the dining table was filled with delicious food.

Grilled steak.

Creamy pasta.

Roasted vegetables.

Fresh fruit.

Desserts.

They ate while talking about university, Falcon's endless teasing and Adrian's busy schedule.

The conversation flowed naturally.

Every laugh seemed to erase another piece of the distance that had grown between them over the past week.

---

Once dinner was over, Liam stood.

"Ready?"

"For what?"

"Our next stop."

Noah laughed.

"So there was more?"

"There always was."

---

The resort's shopping complex was connected to an elegant mall.

Their first stop was the cinema.

They watched a light-hearted comedy that left both of them laughing throughout the film.

Afterward, they wandered into the entertainment centre.

Noah insisted on challenging Liam to basketball shooting.

"I'll warn you now..."

"I'm very competitive."

"So am I."

Five minutes later...

Noah raised both hands triumphantly.

"I won!"

Liam sighed dramatically.

"I demand a rematch."

"You lost fair and square."

They both laughed.

Next came the photo booth.

The first picture was perfectly normal.

The second had Noah making an exaggerated funny face while Liam tried not to laugh.

The third captured both of them laughing so hard that neither managed to look at the camera.

They collected the printed strip together.

"I'm keeping one."

Liam nodded.

"So am I."

The fun continued.

They rode the merry-go-round despite insisting they were "too old" for it.

Played air hockey.

Tried racing simulators.

Won two matching plush keychains after several attempts at the claw machine.

Hours slipped by without either of them noticing.

---

By the time they entered the resort's club lounge, the atmosphere had completely changed.

Colourful lights moved across the room while upbeat music filled the air.

Guests laughed, danced and enjoyed the lively evening.

Liam ordered drinks for both of them before they settled into comfortable seats.

Noah took a sip before smiling mischievously.

"Dance with me."

Liam raised an eyebrow.

"I thought you didn't dance."

"I usually don't."

"But tonight feels different."

He extended his hand.

Liam accepted it without hesitation.

The two walked onto the dance floor.

At first they simply moved with the rhythm, laughing whenever one of them missed a beat.

As the music picked up, Noah became more relaxed, enjoying himself far more than he expected.

Watching Noah smile so freely made Liam forget everything else around him.

Eventually, Liam laughed and lightly touched Noah's shoulder.

"I think we've earned a break."

"I suppose we have."

They returned to their table.

Noticing their drinks were nearly empty, Liam stood.

"I'll grab us another round."

"I'll be here."

As Liam walked toward the bar, a well-dressed man approached Noah with a friendly smile.

"Mind if I keep you company?"

"I'm afraid someone's already doing that."

Noah replied politely.

Before the stranger could answer, Liam returned carrying the drinks.

He calmly placed the glasses on the table before standing beside Noah.

"Sorry."

"I believe you're talking to my date."

The stranger immediately smiled apologetically.

"My mistake."

He excused himself and disappeared into the crowd.

Noah looked up at Liam, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Were you jealous?"

Liam didn't even pretend otherwise.

"I was."

His answer was immediate.

"So... very jealous."

Noah couldn't help laughing.

Liam looked around the crowded room, noticing more than one curious glance directed toward Noah.

He let out a quiet sigh.

"I think we've stayed long enough."

"So soon?"

Liam smiled gently.

"I'd rather spend the rest of the night somewhere quieter."

"Besides..."

He met Noah's eyes.

"I don't particularly enjoy everyone looking at you."

Noah felt warmth spread across his cheeks.

A shy smile curved across his lips.

"Then let's go."

Without another word, Liam reached for Noah's hand once again.

Together, they left the lively club behind, walking side by side through the peaceful halls of the resort as the city lights shimmered beyond the windows.

Their night...

Wasn't over yet.