18 Cabin by the Ocean (1/2)
”Fresh caught today.” Kaito whistled, placing a platter of steamed crabs on the sturdy wooden table. Brad and I were quickly invited to Kaito's cabin for dinner right after he introduced himself. Now we were sitting together in his cozy cabin by the ocean, ready for a meal together.
”There we are.” Kaito set a bowl of garlic butter beside the crabs, and sat down opposite me and Brad. ”Let's eat all this seafood.”
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The cabin had a neat contemporary interior design, a striking contrast from its rustic wood exterior. The dining table sat on a rather large faux wool rug, with stylish copper lights dangling from above. A few plants were placed nearby, with one particular bonsai tree catching my attention. Daniel Caesar's 'Get You' was playing on vinyl, inciting a calm and relaxed atmosphere with its smooth beats between the three of us as we dug into the food.
”So Ped Luca, isn't it?” Kaito asked.
”Yes.”
”You're a cute boy.” He smirked. ”I could see why Brad would choose you.”
”He's so much more than just cute though.” Brad contended.
I blushed at his compliment and continued to eat.
”If you were wondering, I was Brad's best friend in college.” Kaito winked at me. ”We've actually only dated for a short while. In the end, it didn't work out.”
”And for the better, too.” Brad added. ”We're better off as friends.”
”Yup. Ol' Brad Mateo had to move away to finish his studies, leaving me here all single.”
”I thought you were seeing that Bronx girl,” Brad enquired.
”Yes, I still am. Her name's Lara, and I think you'll like her.”
”Where is she now then?”
”Oh, she's out of town for work, so I've got the cabin to myself this weekend. Oh, hey, you guys wanna stay over for the night?”
”Sounds great. Ped?” Brad asked.
”Sure, if it doesn't bother you.” I replied to Kaito.
”Of course it won't. I've got an extra guest room, so it's no biggie.”
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After dinner, we sat by the fireplace to chill.
Kaito crouched by the pit and began fanning the small flame he lit on a pile of logs. A smoky scent entered my nose as the brilliant flames danced brightly in front of us. Positioned on the fur rug, Brad and I watched as Kaito walked over to his laptop and clicked on a lo-fi hip-hop playlist on his Spotify.
”He sure knows how to set the mood,” I turned to Brad.
”He's always been like that.” He rested his head on my shoulder.
Kaito then proceeded to light a Diptyque mimosa candle on one of his shelves. ”Now let's chill.”
I glanced at Kaito when he sat down on the fur carpet with his legs crossed. He had a short cute face, stubby black hair, and like Brad, had a small growing beard around his chin. Kaito looked like he went to the gym a lot as well, especially seeing his wide and large chest. Though he was undeniably very handsome, I couldn't help but feel awkward knowing he was Brad's ex-boyfriend. He suddenly stood up.