Chapter Text
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the ancient city of Florence, Italy. The cobblestone streets buzzed with the sound of laughter and clinking glasses, a symphony of celebration as locals and tourists mingled. It was the eve of graduation party for the students of Florence University, and Lada couldn’t shake the feeling that she didn’t quite belong.
Fahlada Thananusak, fresh out of her rigorous dermatology program, felt the weight of her family’s expectations pressing down on her like the heavy humidity of an Italian summer. Her friends had insisted on this graduation party at a popular bar, claiming it would be a night to remember. But Lada, with her neatly tied bun and modest attire, felt out of place among the colorful dresses and carefree spirits swirling around her.
“Lada, come on! You need to lighten up!” her friend, Bow, exclaimed, dragging her toward the bar. “We’re graduating! You have to celebrate!”
With a reluctant smile, Lada complied, allowing Bow to order her a cocktail—something bright and sweet, which she grimaced at but drank anyway. As the night wore on, the drinks loosened her nerves, but the reality of her future loomed like a dark cloud. Her parents had already set up meetings for her to discuss her career plans, and she felt like she was stepping onto a treadmill with no end.
The bar pulsed with energy, and as she sipped her drink, her gaze wandered around the room, taking in the jubilant faces. That’s when she spotted her: a whirlwind of laughter and charisma, Earn Sanithada, who was a final-year economics student and known for her infectious personality.
Earn was the kind of person who lit up a room. Her wavy hair flowed freely over her shoulders, and her smile was contagious. With a glass of something stronger than Lada’s fruity concoction in her hand, she was dancing on a table, her friends cheering her on.
“Who’s that?” Lada asked Bow, nodding toward the scene.
“That’s Earn! She’s amazing, isn’t she? You should totally meet her!” Bow urged, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Before Lada could protest, Bow was already pushing her toward the crowd. As she approached, the laughter surrounding Earn seemed to amplify. Lada watched as Earn swayed, caught up in her own world, radiating confidence. It took a moment for Earn to notice Lada standing there, and when she did, her smile widened.
“Hey there! You look like you could use a drink!” Earn shouted over the music, jumping down from the table and landing gracefully in front of Lada.
“I’m fine, thanks,” Lada replied, feeling shy under Earn’s bright gaze.
“Don’t be silly! You’re in Italy! You have to celebrate!” Earn grinned, her enthusiasm infectious.
With that, she grabbed Lada’s hand and led her to the bar. They ordered drinks, and before Lada knew it, she was laughing at Earn’s jokes and forgetting her worries. The world around them blurred, and all that mattered was the electric connection sparking between them.
As the night unfolded, they danced and sang along to the lively music, sharing stories and finding comfort in each other’s company. Lada found herself drawn to Earn's carefree spirit. Earn’s laughter was a balm for her anxiety, and with every sip of her drink, she felt herself relax further.
“Okay, let’s take a shot!” Earn suggested, raising her glass high. Lada hesitated, but the excitement was too alluring to resist. They clinked their glasses, downing the shot in unison.
“I can’t believe we’re graduating next week,” Lada said, her heart racing from the alcohol and the thrill of the moment.
“Why worry about next week? Tonight is all that matters!” Earn exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Let’s make it unforgettable!”
They ventured out of the bar, the warm night air wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. With the moon illuminating the streets, they roamed aimlessly, laughing at nothing and everything, letting the night unfold organically. Earn led the way, her spirit guiding them toward adventures unknown.
“Let’s find a gelato shop!” Earn declared, her enthusiasm uncontainable. Lada nodded, her heart swelling with joy as they skipped down the cobblestone streets, stopping at a tiny gelateria where the scent of fresh waffle cones wafted through the air.
They indulged in the creamy goodness, their conversation flowing effortlessly. With every scoop, Lada felt lighter, as if the burdens of her responsibilities were melting away alongside the gelato.
“So, what’s your plan after graduation?” Earn asked, her voice playful yet curious.
“I... I’m supposed to start working in my family’s hospital,” Lada admitted, a hint of reluctance in her tone. “My parents want me to take over the dermatology department.”
“Sounds boring!” Earn teased, a grin spreading across her face. “You need to experience life first, P'Mor.”
The nickname caught Lada off guard—it was the first time someone had called her that. There was something about the way Earn said it that made it sound almost... endearing. She felt a strange warmth at hearing it but quickly pushed the thought aside.
“I guess I’m just responsible,” Lada replied, a defensive edge creeping into her voice. “Not everyone can party like you, you know.”
Earn rolled her eyes playfully. “Responsibility can wait! Live a little, P'Mor! Dance like nobody’s watching!”
In that moment, Lada felt a spark of rebellion ignite within her. Perhaps tonight was the night to let loose, to explore the possibilities that life had to offer.
As they finished their gelato, Earn pulled Lada toward a nearby fountain, where the water glimmered under the moonlight. “Let’s make a wish!” she exclaimed, throwing a coin into the water with dramatic flair.
“What did you wish for?” Lada asked, laughing.
“Can’t tell you! It won’t come true!” Earn teased, leaning closer. “What about you?”
Lada hesitated, the weight of her reality creeping back in. “I wished for a night to remember.”
With a mischievous smile, Earn leaned in closer. “Then let’s make sure we do something unforgettable!”
The night continued to unfold like a movie. The two of them danced, laughed, and even snuck into a closed-off area of the city to explore the stunning architecture under the stars. Time seemed irrelevant, and every moment felt like magic.
As the clock approached midnight, they found themselves back at the bar, where the energy was still high. They settled into a cozy corner, sharing another round of drinks, the laughter flowing more freely now than ever.
“Hey, you know what we should do?” Earn proposed, her eyes shining with mischief. “We should get married!”
Lada laughed, shaking her head. “You’re crazy!”
“Crazier things have happened!” Earn argued, her playful tone making it hard for Lada to resist the idea. “What if we actually did? Just for fun!”
“You’re serious?” Lada’s heart raced at the thought, excitement mingling with disbelief.
“Why not? It could be a fun story to tell our kids one day!” Earn insisted, raising an eyebrow.
“Okay, but only if you promise to keep it a secret.” Lada challenged, her heart pounding in her chest.
“Deal!” Earn said, reaching out to shake on it.
And just like that, fueled by cocktails and the carefree spirit of youth, they made their way to the nearby chapel, giddy with laughter and anticipation.
The chapel was quaint and charming, with flickering candlelight illuminating the interior. They stumbled inside, Earn leading the way with an air of confidence that made Lada’s heart flutter.
After some lighthearted banter with the officiant and the obligatory questions, they exchanged their vows—each word spoken with laughter and a hint of drunken spontaneity. Lada could hardly believe what was happening, but the thrill of the moment made her heart race.
“Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?” the officiant asked, his voice steady.
“I do!” Lada exclaimed, a mix of joy and disbelief flooding her.
Earn’s eyes sparkled as she replied, “Absolutely!”
As they slipped on their makeshift wedding bands—rings borrowed from the officiant’s desk—the reality of the moment began to sink in.
“Wait, are we really doing this?” Lada asked, her mind racing with thoughts of her family and the implications of their actions.
“Of course! Just think of the stories we’ll have!” Earn replied, her voice full of mischief.
With that, they exchanged quick kisses, laughter echoing in the small chapel.
When the officiant finally pronounced them married, they erupted into laughter, the gravity of the situation lost in the excitement of the night. They stumbled out of the chapel, arms draped around each other, giggling uncontrollably.
“What just happened?” Lada asked between fits of laughter, her heart racing.
“I think we just got married!” Earn exclaimed, beaming with joy.
“But we can’t... I mean, I have a family to think about!” Lada’s voice trailed off as reality crashed down.
“Relax, P'Mor. It’s just a silly night, right? We’ll just forget it in the morning!” Earn said, a playful glint in her eye.
As the dawn approached, Lada and Earn stumbled back to their hotel, laughter and lightness filling the air around them. Lada's head was spinning—not just from the drinks but from the exhilaration of the night. Every stolen glance, every playful touch felt like a spark igniting something inside her, something that had long been suppressed by the weight of expectations. With every moment, she felt her reservations fading, replaced by an exhilarating sense of freedom.
“I can’t believe we actually got married,” Lada laughed, leaning against the wall of the hotel hallway for support. "Did we?"
“Married? More like a spontaneous adventure! Just think of it as a fun story,” Earn replied, her smile brightening the dimly lit corridor.
They reached their shared hotel room, and as Earn opened the door, she waved her hand dramatically, inviting Lada inside. “Welcome to our honeymoon suite!”
Lada giggled, stepping in. The room was modest but cozy, adorned with soft, fluffy bedding and a large window that framed the soft hues of sunrise creeping in.
“Do you think they’ll allow us to stay married in the morning?” Lada asked teasingly, settling onto the edge of one of the beds.
“Who cares? We can always have a divorce party!” Earn shot back, plopping down next to her, their shoulders brushing.
The energy in the room was electric. They shared stories and laughter, but with the alcohol still coursing through their veins, their memories became muddled, the night a blur of joy and recklessness.
“Okay, but seriously,” Lada said, a hint of concern creeping into her voice. “What if someone finds out?”
“Then we’ll say it was just a wild night! No harm, no foul,” Earn replied, her tone light and dismissive. “Now, let’s have some fun before we crash."
As if on cue, Earn sprang up and rummaged through her bag, producing a small speaker. She connected it to her phone, filling the room with upbeat music. Without hesitation, she grabbed Lada’s hand and pulled her into a spontaneous dance party right there in the hotel room.
They swayed and twirled, letting the rhythm carry them away. Lada felt free, the weight of her future slipping away with every beat. The walls around them faded into the background as the music wrapped around them like a comforting embrace.
“I could do this forever!” Earn shouted over the music, her laughter contagious.
“Just wait until the morning hangover hits!” Lada joked, her voice laced with warmth.
“Hangover? What’s that?” Earn quipped, spinning around. “I’m invincible tonight!”
As the night wore on, the music faded into the background, replaced by a comfortable silence. They flopped onto the bed, their laughter gradually morphing into soft giggles and relaxed breaths.
Lada lay back, staring at the ceiling. “I’m really glad I met you tonight,” she admitted, her voice quieting to a whisper.
“Me too, P'Mor,” Earn replied, her tone suddenly more serious. “You’re amazing. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Lada turned her head to see Earn looking at her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. The moment was thick with unspoken tension, and the air seemed to crackle between them. Before Lada could even think, Earn's gaze dipped to her lips, and she leaned in closer, her breath warm against Lada’s skin.
The pull was irresistible, and in a sudden rush of emotion, Lada closed the gap, her lips meeting Earn's in a kiss that quickly deepened. It was as if the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them. Earn responded with equal fervor, her hands sliding up to cup Lada's face, pulling her even closer. Their kisses grew more urgent, almost frantic, as if they were trying to make up for lost time, for moments that hadn't even been lived yet.
In their drunken haze, their bodies pressed together, they stumbled toward the bed. Lada's pulse quickened as Earn's touch roamed over her skin, igniting sparks of sensation she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in a long time. It wasn’t just a kiss anymore; it was as if they were both letting go of all restraint, consumed by an undeniable need for each other.
They fell onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, lips never parting for long. Clothes were shed without a second thought, leaving nothing but bare skin and the heat between them. The night blurred as they moved together, driven by an unspoken understanding, a connection neither of them could quite explain. It felt like a honeymoon in a way, but they were too intoxicated to know or care about what this moment truly meant.
As their passion finally ebbed, they lay wrapped in each other’s arms, breaths slowing, exhaustion settling in. The intensity of the night melted into a quiet calm, and before long, Earn's eyelids fluttered shut, and she drifted off to sleep. Lada followed shortly after, not fully aware of the significance of what had just happened but unable to ignore the warmth that lingered between them.
---
Lada stared at Earn’s peaceful face, a mix of emotions swirling within her. In that quiet moment, everything seemed so simple, so perfect. There was a warmth in her chest, a sense of contentment that she hadn’t felt in years, as if she had found something she didn’t even know was missing. She couldn't remember much about last night—it was all a blur of laughter, kisses, and heated touches—but the happiness she felt now was undeniable, leaving her with a strange sense of longing.
As she watched Earn sleep, reality slowly began to creep back in—memories of her life waiting for her back home, the expectations, the responsibilities that couldn’t be ignored. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to savor the contentment, the lightness she rarely experienced. But as the morning light filtered through the curtains, she knew she couldn’t stay in this fleeting moment forever.
With a heavy sigh, Lada carefully slipped out of bed. She glanced back at Earn one last time, wishing she could hold on to this happiness a bit longer. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was all just a beautiful, hazy dream—one she didn’t quite know how to keep.
She grabbed her belongings and tiptoed out of the room, her heart racing. The weight of what had happened hit her—this was just a one-night stand, a fleeting escape from reality.
As she stepped into the early morning light, the world around her was still waking up. The streets of Florence were quiet, a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos of the night before. Lada felt an odd mixture of exhilaration and sorrow; she had just experienced something extraordinary, yet the gravity of her responsibilities loomed over her like a dark cloud.
She took a deep breath, allowing the fresh air to clear her mind. “What happens in Florence stays in Florence,” she muttered to herself, trying to convince herself that this was just a story she’d tell her friends, a fun anecdote about her graduation trip.
Lada’s mind raced as she navigated the cobblestone streets, thoughts of her family and future flooding her consciousness. The thrill of the night felt like a dream, slipping away with every step she took. Her heart ached with the realization that what had felt so right in the moment was merely a fleeting encounter, lost in the haze of a single night.
By the time Lada reached her hotel lobby, she had firmly convinced herself that this was a chapter closed. She would carry the memory of that night with her, but it would remain a secret—a beautiful, chaotic secret she would cherish alone.
With one last glance at the stunning city that had cradled her for a brief moment in time, Lada stepped outside, ready to face the reality awaiting her back home.
Meanwhile, back in the hotel room, Earn stirred awake, blinking against the light filtering through the window. As her mind cleared, confusion washed over her. The bed beside her was empty, and an unfamiliar pang of disappointment tugged at her heart. She sat up, trying to piece together the fragments of the night, but all that remained was a haze of laughter and warmth.
“P'Mor?” she called out, the name feeling foreign yet familiar on her tongue.
When no answer came, Earn's heart sank. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something important was missing, something she couldn’t quite grasp.
Little did they know, the night they shared would linger in the corners of their minds, a spark of chaos and connection that neither could fully remember but both would never forget.
