The cruise didn’t go anywhere special. It only turned around the ocean, circling the calm blue waters off Thailand, lights reflecting like stars on the sea. But for her, it became unforgettable.
She was there with her family, laughing, taking photos, enjoying the buffet. The air smelled like roasted meat, bread, and sweet desserts. Christmas decorations were everywhere—tiny lights, red ribbons, and gold ornaments—even though the ocean stretched endlessly outside the windows.
That was when she noticed him.
He was one of the buffet butlers.
He wore his clean uniform, a black face mask covering half his face, and a red Christmas hat slightly tilted on his head. His name tag read: Kai. When he reached for plates or lifted heavy trays, she noticed his veiny arms, strong but gentle, moving with practiced grace.
He didn’t speak much—just soft “ครับ” and polite nods—but his eyes smiled.
Every time he passed by their table, her heart jumped. She tried not to stare. Tried to focus on her food. Failed.
She was Filipino, used to being warm and expressive, but suddenly she felt shy, quiet—like a teenager with her first crush. When Kai refilled her water, their fingers brushed for just a second.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
He nodded, eyes crinkling slightly. “You’re welcome.”
That was it. Just two words. But it stayed with her.
Her mom noticed immediately.
“Mama,” she whispered, flustered, “don’t look.”
Her mom looked anyway.
Then smiled.
Later, as Kai passed again, her mom casually called out, “Excuse me, sir.”
Kai stopped politely. “Yes, ma’am?”
“My daughter thinks you’re very kind,” her mom said, straight to the point, Filipino confidence shining through. “Can we have your number?”
Her face went hot. “MA—”
Kai froze for a second.
Then… he laughed quietly behind his mask.
His ears turned red.
“I’m working right now,” he said gently, glancing at her instead of her mom. “But… maybe.”
He pulled out a small receipt paper, wrote something quickly, and slid it onto the table.
“For after the cruise,” he said.
When he walked away, her hands shook as she picked up the paper.
A name. A number. And a tiny drawn star.
The cruise kept turning around the ocean, waves rocking the ship back and forth. Christmas lights shimmered. Her family teased her endlessly.
But all she could think about was Kai—the butler in a black mask and Christmas hat, the way his eyes smiled, and how a simple buffet shift turned into the beginning of something she’d never forget.
Sometimes, love doesn’t need a destination.
Just the right moment— on a cruise that goes nowhere, and a heart that goes everywhere. 🌊🎄✨