Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

It should be no surprise that Win’s despair recedes from his mind a few months after every bad decision he’d made came back to him with a vengeance.  And yet, it’s always surprising to see the sun after weeks of cloudy skies, even when it’s the expected outcome. He sighs as he steps out of the house in his favourite blue shirt and trousers, hair freshly trimmed and feeling well kept for the first time in weeks. 

‘Damn, you look so good.’ Gun flicks a pair of finger guns at him as he leans against his new car. 

‘I could’ve just taken public transport, ya know?’ 

‘Yeah, but I’ll make any excuse to drive my best friend to his interview.’ 

‘What excuse did you make this time?’ 

Gun shrugs as he gets into the sleek white convertible. ‘I’m on my break.’ He chuckles. ‘But I think my manager will be fine without me for a few hours.’ 

He shakes his head disdainfully. ‘How can you be so lax about a job you wanted so badly?’

‘Honestly, I think they just keep me around because it brings in the customers.’ Gun turns to him, grinning widely. ‘The only person who drinks my terrible coffee is Tinn.’ 

‘I’m so concerned for you.’

‘Don’t start–’ He sighs as he turns onto the highway. ‘I get about fifty fans a day asking me if I’m okay.’ 

‘I don’t think I’ll ever understand you.’ 

‘Actually, I think you know me best out of anyone.’ Gun muses, pulling promptly into the driveway of the luxury hotel. He offers a winning smile and pats Win on the shoulder. ‘Good luck, I’ll be waiting in the tea shop across the road.’

‘Oh, you don’t have to wait, I’ll make my way back.’ 

‘Well, I have nothing else to do.’ Gun whistles, tossing the keys to the valet and walking off before Win can say anything to stop him. He stares after Gun for a moment longer before turning on his heel and going inside.

Gun fishes out Tinn’s latest novel from his bag and thumbs through the pages as he sits at the table along the road, ignoring the little group of photographers that seemed to follow him everywhere. But eight months later, he found it incredibly easy to ignore the media and random articles that seemed to pop up about his failed career.

He’s only read two chapters before Win slams the table with his bag and sits down, huffing loudly. ‘I can’t believe it.’

He peers over his open book. ‘You didn’t even wait for me to finish my tea.’ 

‘How can they think I’m incompetent because I killed your career?’

‘You’d think that would’ve blown over by now.’ He nods sagely. ‘Do you want me to go and talk to them?’

Win massages his temples as he sinks into his chair in resignation. ‘No, no. I should just try somewhere else.’ 

‘But you really wanted to work for this hotel, right?’ 

‘Evidently, I’ve changed my mind.’ 

‘Oh,’ Gun leans forward conspiratorially. ‘Do you have any more interviews lined up?’

‘No, that was the last one.’ 

‘What are you going to do now, then?’

He shrugs. ‘Probably go home and cry.’ 

‘Hm,’ Gun chews on his lip before breaking into a smile. ‘Come cry at the bar with us, then.’ 

‘What?’ He scoffs. ‘Shouldn’t you be telling me not to cry?’ 

‘Tinn thinks that crying is the best way to deal with your emotions.’ Gun takes his hand and drags him towards the car gleefully. ‘Besides, why cry alone when you can cry with your friends?’

Tinn rests his head on his elbows and peers curiously at Win. ‘Do you just want to be my manager?’ 

Win sets his pint down and shakes his head. ‘If you want me to say yes, ask me when we’re both sober.’

‘You both are so funny.’ Gun laughs heartily, his cheeks flush with alcohol. ‘I wonder what Sound would think of you right now.’ 

‘Darling, what did I say about getting drunk and talking about Sound?’ 

‘He’s not dead.’ Win points his chopsticks at him. ‘He’s just disappeared without a trace.’ 

‘What?’ Gun’s eyes widen. ‘But we just spoke to him to–’ He’s interrupted as Tinn clamps a hand over his mouth.

‘Even if you’re drunk, there’s no excuse for meddling in other people’s affairs.’ He turns to Win, smiling sadly. ‘I’m sorry we keep putting you in these uncomfortable positions.’ 

‘Ah,’ Win runs a hand through his hair. ‘Actually, I don’t mind hearing about him. I know he’s your friend.’ 

Tinn stares at him curiously, wondering if he should bring up Sound’s latest news. But before he can speak, Gun beats him to the punch. 

‘Well then, you should know that he’s seeing someone.’

‘What?’ Win almost spits out his beer and Tinn turns to his boyfriend in surprise. 

‘What are you talking about,’ He whispers, grabbing Gun’s hand under the table.

‘Yeah, when he called today lamenting about some spider in his shoe I noticed that there was another guy in his house!’ Gun exclaims.

‘But that’s–’ 

‘That’s crazy!’ Gun continues. ‘How could he forget me so easily? I remember when he had my posters all over his walls.’ 

Win narrows his eyes. ‘It’s good to know your ego is still intact.’ He looks away and Tinn notices a blush creep around his neck. ‘I thought Sound lived with you?’ 

‘He’s just about settled down somewhere else.’ Tinn breaks into a wistful smile. ‘I was thinking we should go visit him.’

‘Ah, he probably doesn’t want to see me.’

‘Did he tell you that?’ Gun interjects softly.

‘No, but–’

‘Then we should all go there and find out if he wants to see you.’ 

‘Gun, don’t force him.’ Tinn sighs, rubbing his forehead.

But Win just clears his throat, challenge sparking in his eyes. ‘Ask me again when you’re sober and I’ll give you an answer.’ 

Win stumbles into his flat, searching around the dark for the light switch. His hands feel around the shelf and in his state, he knocks something over, wincing as a dull thud resounds across the house. The light flickers on and he looks down to find a thick envelope at his feet. 

‘Oh,’ He remarks to himself as he’s about to put it back on the shelf where it’s been collecting dust for the past eight months. But something stops him and he stares at it for the longest time before sighing and taking it to the couch. 

He flips it open easily and pulls out a stack of neatly folded letters, fingers shaking. Maybe forgetting about the envelope for so long was worse than when he’d wanted to tell Sound to come back. He shakes his head, sets the stack down on the coffee table and stands, not wanting to reopen old wounds. Gun wouldn’t remember his promise in the morning and he could go back to not thinking about Sound.

‘Don’t think about him,’ He mutters as he passes the mirror in the hallway and trips into his bathroom. He points at his face in the mirror. ‘Don’t think about him.’ But the conversation from earlier loops in his mind like a broken record. ‘I don’t want to think about you!’ He yells at the mirror before stripping angrily and stepping under the shower, huffing as the hot water singes his skin. 

Unsurprisingly, the letters are still sitting on the table when he returns, although he’d hoped they’d disappear. He sighs, sitting down with a mug of earl grey tea and flips open the sheet on top of the pile. 

Dear Win, 

Even though it’s now evident that we’ve been emailing each other for some time, it feels like I’m writing to you for the first time. Honestly, I feel like I should give up on this venture since it feels pointless right now. But Tinn says that writing down my feelings might help my situation and so I feel like I have to try to talk to you. 

For a while now, I think the first person that comes to mind when I think of happiness is you. Gun 0nce told me to be gentle with you but honestly, I find it very hard to tread carefully when I desperately wish that you belong with me. Maybe I’ll let myself believe that you feel the same way about me. 

I know that you feel as if this is all your fault and that you don’t deserve my forgiveness. But I never once imagined that it was your fault. Even as I write this, I can only think about how much I miss you. I would even show up at your door every day with almond croissants if I could get you back. 

I recently read through our emails again and it’s made me realise that you’ve always wanted me to chase happiness. So I guess this is me telling you to take your own advice. If you think I make you happy, come and find me. Maybe we can start over as friends— I just hope you’ll consider being in my life again. I miss you. 

Love, 

Sound 

Win rifles through the sheets, finding a detailed recipe for almond croissants and pound cake, but no forwarding address or phone number or anything. His tears seep into the paper and he sets them down quickly, not wanting to damage them. Win swipes at his eyes and stares at the sun rising outside the window, pale pink and orange light streaking across the sky. He sighs and stands, stretching his weary bones. ‘I guess I have my work cut out for me.’  

Mika rubs the sleep from her eyes, yawning as she stares at Win. ‘I thought I wasn’t a morning person, but look at you.’ 

He runs a hand through his messy hair and straightens his tie. ‘I kinda forgot to go to bed.’ He blinks. ‘Can I get you a coffee?’ 

She laughs. ‘There’s coffee in the teacher’s lounge, so it’s on me.’ 

Ten minutes later, he’s being ushered into a creaking chair and Mika pushes a steaming mug of black coffee towards him. ‘You’re not really here for me, are you?’

‘Ah, I’m sorry,’ He falters, the question dying on his tongue. 

She laughs, shaking her head. ‘No, I’m just playing with you.’ She runs a manicured finger along the rim of her mug. ‘Although, if you want to see Sound, you’re out of luck.’ 

‘I know you don’t work together anymore, but do you know where I could find him?’ 

She seems to ponder this for a moment, then breaks into a saccharine smile. ‘No I haven’t seen him in months.’ 

‘Oh.’ Win thinks of the next best place to look and feels a weight sink to his stomach at the thought of going there. 

‘But,’ She rises slowly. ‘I have something for you.’ She rummages through a cupboard, returning with a cardboard box. ‘These are some of Sound’s journals that he’d left here. You should return them.’ 

He raises an eyebrow. ‘How do you know I’ll find him?’

She shrugs and crosses her arms just as the bell rings. ‘If you’re finally reading the letters, you’ll definitely find him.’

Win knows that he shouldn’t do it, but he rifles through the journals as his car idles in the school parking lot. Most of it is meticulously dated sheet music and he flips through the pages until he finds the last entry from the resort, right before everything had blown up in their faces. He turns the page to discover a neatly folded sheet tucked into the spine. 

Dear Win, 

If you’re reading this, does this mean you’ve met Mika and that you’re looking through my sheet music? The truth is, I’ve always wanted to show you but I never really worked up the courage to do it. If we see each other again, I’ll definitely ask you to help me transcribe some music. 

I just found out that I’ve been fired from the school. But the more I think about it, the more I realise that I need a change of pace. I’ve been given a referral for a school outside the city and I think I’m going to take the job. I think this is because I want to get away from everything. 

But you may be asking why I left these behind if I wanted to run away– it’s because I hope that after reading these letters you’d want to see me again. Maybe I just want you to talk to me again. Maybe it’ll be nice to start over somewhere new.

Love, 

Sound

He tries to read through the letter again but someone starts tapping the window, drawing him from his thoughts. He looks up to see Gun peering through the glass, excitement ricocheting across his face. 

‘How come I had to hear from Mika that you’re here looking for Sound?’ The words rush out of his mouth as Win opens the door and steps out. 

‘You know where he is?’ 

Gun blinks, scratching his head. ‘Are you being obtuse on purpose? I’ve been telling you that we should go for ages.’ He furrows his eyebrows. ‘I think I even told you last night, but it’s fuzzy.’

His mouth falls open. ‘Did you just call me obtuse?’

‘What else can I say when my best friend takes eight months to realise that it was love all along?’ Gun punches him in the arm, cocking a grin. 

Win sighs. ‘Will you help me or not?’ 

‘Of course we’ll help you.’ Tinn appears from behind, startling him. ‘I’m surprised you didn’t ask me earlier, but I’m glad you’ve come around.’ He shrugs. 

‘You should win him back from that other guy with a grand gesture!’ Gun exclaims. 

‘Ah, I don’t think I want to win him back or anything–’

‘Sound loves baked goods, ya know.’ Tinn interjects, smiling softly. 

‘Did someone say baked goods?’ Mika runs up to them, huffing breathlessly. ‘I’m glad I caught you.’

‘Yeah, we think Win should bake something for Sound.’ Gun muses. 

‘You’re in luck because I know a patissier who can help you.’

‘I can’t afford a patissier–’ He starts, blinking in confusion at how this seems to be unfolding. ‘Why can’t I just go see him?’

‘No!’ The three of them shout in unison. 

‘Consider it a favour.’ Mika shrugs. ‘If you want Sound back you have to make a serious effort.’

‘Win, meet my girlfriend, Pear.’ Mika grins. ‘We met at book club.’

‘Ah, so you're Sound's ex.’ Pear blinks at him as they stand behind the counter at the bakery.

He raises an eyebrow. ‘I- didn't know you had a girlfriend.’ 

‘She also bakes!’

‘Mika actually told me all about your situation and I'm happy to help.’ She smiles warmly.

‘Full disclosure, I'm not the best at baking.’ He runs a hand through his hair, feeling his heart start to race.

Pear doesn't miss a beat. ‘Anyone can bake! But let's make something simple. How about egg custard tarts?’

He smiles to himself. ‘That sounds perfect.’

Two hours later, Win stares at the cooled rack of egg tarts, perfectly caramelised and crispy. Gun and Tinn enter the bakery and come to a stop beside him looking gleeful.

‘We found the perfect outfit for you.’ Gun holds up the shopping bags.

‘These look so good.’ Tinn sighs wistfully. ‘Sound is so lucky.’

‘You didn't have to do all this, ya know.’ He says as he steps outside in crisp grey trousers and a baby blue shirt with embroidered birds on the collar.

‘Are you insane?’ Gun shakes him by the shoulders. ‘I’ve been planning this in secret for months.’

‘I picked out the clothes.’ Tinn offers as he slides into the driver's seat of Gun's car.

‘Thank you.’ He chuckles. ‘I-I don't know what to say.’

‘Just get in the car, we need to leave now if we're gonna get there by evening.’ Gun pushes him into the back seat and hops in just as Tinn guns the engine and they take off.

‘Where exactly are we going?’

‘You’ll know when we get there.’ Tinn says melodically, smiling through the rearview mirror.

Win sinks into the seat and whips out his phone, finding its battery dead. He turns to the window and watches the highway turn into small, winding roads as they pass through the countryside, sleep pulling him away from all his thoughts as his eyes fall closed.

He awakens to find  Gun eating sashimi from a box while he reads. ‘About time. We got here an hour ago.’

He raises an eyebrow. ‘You’ve been sitting in the car for an hour eating fish?’

‘Yeah, Tinn went to gather intel around town and there’s a raw seafood restaurant across the street. Now that I don’t have to watch my diet, I can eat so much of this salmon sashimi.’ He lifts the top layer to reveal another box with row upon row of finely cut fish. 

‘Why are we gathering intel?’

‘So we can go surprise Sound, obviously.’ 

‘I thought he knew we were coming?’

Gun turns to him, chopsticks halfway to his mouth. ‘Do you want him to know you’re here?’ 

Win sinks into his seat. ‘Yeah, you’re right. So what have you found out?’ 

Gun blinks. ‘That he’s on a scooter with the hot guy from last night.’ 

He scoffs. ‘How could you possibly know that?’ 

‘Maybe because he just passed our car?’ Gun points across the windshield and sure enough, Win catches a familiar figure driving a moped down the winding street. 

Some old fear stirs itself awake in his mind and his breath hitches painfully in his throat as he’s suddenly overwhelmed with a feeling of wanting to hide under his bed. ‘This was such a bad idea.’ He feels his chest constrict as he thinks of all the ways this could go wrong. ‘Why did I even come here?’ He wheezes, clutching his heart and shaking uncontrollably. 

Gun is beside him instantly, rubbing circles on his back ‘Win, it’s okay. Everything is going to be alright.’ 

‘Everything is not going to be alright.’ He cries. ‘Sound hates me. How could I even think of wanting to see him again?’ 

‘Win, listen to me.’ Gun grabs him by his shoulders, forcing eye contact. ‘Just breathe with me, okay. In and out.’ He inhales and exhales slowly.

Even as his body protests, he follows along until his breathing evens out and the world comes back into jarring focus. 

‘Do you want to eat something?’ Tinn blinks from the front seat and Win wonders when he’d gotten here.

‘Yeah, but maybe not raw fish.’ He manages.

Tinn hands him a covered styrofoam bowl and smiles softly. ‘It’s rice porridge with chicken. I’ve been told that you like it.’ 

‘Thank you.’ He sighs, forcing a smile. ‘You too, Gun. I know this is probably not how you imagined spending your day.’

‘Actually, this town is pretty nice. I’ve found a great bnb that’ll put us up for tonight.’ Tinn blinks. 

‘You’re staying overnight?’ His eyes widen.

Gun pats his shoulder. ‘We’re staying until you talk to Sound.’ 

‘B-but, that might not happen for ages.’ He stutters.

‘You should get some fresh air.’ Tinn offers. ‘Sound isn't the vindictive type, ya know.’

‘I think we should go walk up to the school and ask around.’ Gun intercepts quickly. Win, do you want to come with us?’ 

He swallows. ‘Uh, no. I think I’m just going to wait here for you guys.’ 

‘Well, we’ll be back soon!’ Gun smiles furtively as Win watches him drag Tinn away. 

Once they’re out of his sight, he steps out of the car and makes a beeline for the convenience store across the street, desperate for a cigarette. 

He stops in front of the cashier and pauses, eyes falling on the tray of croissants sitting on the counter. 

‘How can I help you?’ She blinks at him.

‘I’ll have a pack of Marlboro golds.’ He cocks his head. ‘I didn’t know convenience stores sold fresh baked goods.’

‘Oh, you must be from outta town.’ She laughs softly. ‘It’s actually the weirdest story–’ She peers at him and he nods at her to go on. ‘The music teacher at the school, well, he loves baking and he brings these almond croissants into the shop every day.’

Win blanches. ‘Everyday?’

‘Yeah,’ She leans over the counter. ‘Apparently, someone that broke his heart used to love them and now he makes them hoping that the guy comes back.’ Her eyes sparkle. ‘Anyways they're free so you can–’

He doesn't hear her finish what she's saying because he’s running out of the store and into the street, the wind whipping his hair and his heart racing. Sound had been waiting for him for eight months and he couldn't bear to make him wait any longer.

The school building looms over the town like a castle and it gives off an eerie glow as the sun sets behind it. He looks around to find a large garden party in full swing, the soft music of a harp drifting through the air. It's at this garden party that he runs into Gun and Tinn, their plates piled high with tiny cakes. 

‘Win! You defided to gef ouf of the car after all.’ Gun says, mouth full of cake.

‘Did you find Sound?’ He huffs breathlessly.

‘No, but we were asking around and it turns out he's leading a class in the woods right now.’ Tinn points to the blackened tree line.

‘Leading a class?’

‘Yeah, that's why all the parents are here.’ Gun quips. ‘This is such a weird school. Who sends their children into a dark forest at night?’

Tinn swats his shoulder. ‘Hey, there's nothing wrong with an experimental education.’ He turns to Win. ‘He should be back in a bit, if you wanna wait with us.’

‘No, I’m going to find him.’

Tinn begins to say something but Gun cuts him off. ‘Go get him, tiger.’

Win inhales deeply, composing himself before heading for the treeline. Almost immediately after he enters the forest, his world goes silent, the warm lights and sounds of the party seemingly far out of reach.

‘It’s okay, you're going to be fine.’ He mutters to himself as he follows the darkened trail deeper into the thicket.

Just as he begins to wonder if he should turn back, he hears a cacophony of hushed voices and comes upon a small party of children holding up recording devices and microphones. 

Win blinks as the children stare at him as if he's some alien creature, shock dawning on their faces. 

‘It’s a fairy!’ One of the kids shouts and Win curses under his breath, looking around frantically for a hiding spot.

‘Boys can't be fairies.’ Another girl retorts, but Win ducks behind a grove of trees into the darkness. 

‘Mr. Saran.’ A child calls and he wonders if he should just come clean like a normal person. But something stops him even as Sound walks over.

‘Is something wrong?’ His voice is still liquid smooth and as he looks up, Win notices his longer hair that's been hastily tied back.

‘We saw a fairy! He was wearing a blue shirt and looked so pretty.’

Sound laughs softly. ‘Yeah, I’ve heard there's some fairies in the woods.’ 

‘Boys can't be fairies.’ The girl repeats.

‘Well, we don't know much about them so there could be boy fairies.’ 

‘I thought we weren’t supposed to be making noise.’ A man strides over to the group, smiling from ear to ear. 

‘We’re just discussing fairies.’ Sound breaks into an easy smile, tucking a loose lock of hair behind his ear. ‘How’s your group doing?’ 

‘They’re supposed to be making spore prints but I think they’re having too much fun throwing mushrooms at each other.’ 

Sound shakes his head. ‘You can only grab their attention for so long.’ 

The man places a hand on Sound’s shoulder and sighs. ‘You’re so good at dealing with kids.’ 

‘You’re just starting out, give yourself some time to learn.' 

‘Mr. Tawinan, do you like Mr. Saran?’ One of the kids pipes up. 

Win finds his chest closing up once more and decides that maybe it was the worst idea to come here. He turns away, thinking about how stupid he had been to think that Sound would still want to see him eight months after he’d torn them apart. He sighs, stepping out from his hiding spot and walking away before his feelings consume him. ‘This is exactly what you deserve.’ He whispers to nobody but himself.

Sound peers into the dark thicket after herding the kids into the clearing, squinting as he tries to find the alleged fairy. Of course, the overactive imagination of a child couldn't be trusted, but something keeps him watching the treeline. Just as he's about to turn away, he sees a flash of blue as someone stalks away from him and he gasps, looking back at his group of kids. 

‘Hey Sea, can you watch my group for a bit? I just wanna check something.’ He calls, already starting after the figure running away.

The warm beam of the flashlight carves a path through the darkness as he goes in pursuit of the mysterious man, finally landing upon a figure crouched in a clearing and turned away from him. As he watches, they raise their head and turn, bloodshot eyes staring daggers at him.

A sudden torrent of fear washes over him and he drops the flashlight onto his foot. ‘Fuck!’ He gasps. He ducks down, fumbling for the flashlight in the dark as the figure rises slowly. ‘D-don’t come any closer.’ He stammers, grabbing the light and jumping back, shining it in the figure’s face.

As he adjusts to the sudden burst of light, the figure laughs humorlessly. ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ 

Sound’s mouth falls open. ‘Win?’ 

He runs a hand through his hair and steps back. ‘I would leave you alone, but I’m a bit lost in this stupid forest.’ 

‘W-what are you doing here?’ Sound blinks in disbelief. ‘Am I hallucinating you again?’

‘Weirdly, I feel like I wouldn’t be able to answer that if I was a hallucination.’ 

‘Y-you’re here.’ Sound steps closer, reaching out tentatively. 

‘Yeah,’ He shies away, wincing. ‘I know I shouldn't have come here.’

‘Why would you say that?’ Sound blinks in surprise. ‘I’m so happy to see you again.’ He rubs the back of his neck. ‘Honestly, I thought you'd never come find me.’

‘Trust me, I've wanted nothing more than to see you again.’ He steps back, pacing across the clearing and finally sitting on a log. ‘But you don't need me coming and messing up your new life.’

‘New life?’ Sound sits down next to him. ‘I’m still the same person, you know.’

‘Well, maybe you look a little hotter now.’ It spills out of his mouth before he can stop himself.

Sound laughs softly and Win feels his bones melt into the forest floor. ‘It’s nice to see that you're still a flirt.’

‘I-I-’ He stutters. ‘I shouldn't have said that,’

‘The only other person that compliments me here is Sea, so it's nice to hear something new.’

‘Ah, right, your new boyfriend.’

Sound turns to him, biting his lip and trying not to laugh. ‘Don’t tease me.’

‘I’m serious, I'm happy for you.’ He shrugs, trying to pass it off as casually as possible.

Sound's laugh escapes him in short, breathless bursts. ‘Sea and I are not dating. He's not even my type.’

‘Ah, I see. I’m sorry I misunderstood you again.’ Win stands, dusting himself off. ‘I should go.’

‘Don’t apologise.’ Sound reaches for Win’s hand, but he pulls away. He blinks, wondering about what feels different between them. But something stops him from pushing Win. ‘Come with me, I know the way back.’

Tinn is so busy trying to keep the complimentary wine out of  Gun’s hands that he doesn't even notice Sound until he gets tackled into a hug from behind.

‘You’re so terrible for not visiting earlier.’ Sound ruffles his hair. 

Tinn watches Gun almost jump on Sound in excitement as Win strides up, looking sick.

He sidles up to Win and hands him the glass of wine. ‘Did something happen?’

‘I don't know, I feel like I'm intruding on Sound's new life.’ He sighs. ‘Even now, I got lost and he had to come and get me.’

‘Ah, I'm sure Sound doesn't think that way.’ He pats Win’s shoulder. ‘Maybe he's been wishing you'd come for months now.’

‘Yeah, but I don’t know if he needs me here now.’

Before Tinn can reply, Sound walks over, Gun holding him tightly. ‘Hey, why don't you guys come to the bar with me? I'm performing tonight.’ and then, ‘It’ll be like old times.’

‘Didn’t you say your singing voice has improved?’ Gun pipes up, obviously winking at Win.

‘Ah, I'll leave you to be the judge of that, mr. idol.’

‘It’s actually mr. vocal coach and part-time barista now, thank you.’ 

‘Are you performing solo?’ Tinn interjects.

‘Ah, no.’ Sound blinks as a man walks over to their group. ‘You have such good timing.’

The man breaks into a grin. ‘This must be the fabled friends from the city.’

‘This is Sea. He’s the performing arts teacher here.’

‘I’m also a rockin 'drummer, but I think I heard you saying you'll come to our gig.’

‘You heard correct!’ Gun quips.

‘I don't know, I think I might go back to the BnB. I feel a bit tired.’ Win starts quietly, but Sound takes his hand.

‘Win, you have to come. I'll get you some whiskey to warm you up.’ 

‘I want whiskey.’ Gun grins wickedly.

‘I’ll buy you a drink.’ Sea takes Gun’ hand and pulls him along.

Wait!’ He starts after them, worried about his boyfriend. Tinn casts one look at Sound and Win and smiles before chasing after his boyfriend. Sound was right, it was almost like old times again.

They're halfway to the bar when Sound begins to wonder if Win likes him at all. He peers at Win and catches him looking supremely uncomfortable, his lips curled into a pout and picking at his nails with his fingers.  

‘You know, I was just joking. You should rest if you’re tired.’ He ventures softly. 

‘Ah, no. I’d love to see you perform.’ Win offers a small smile. ‘I-’ He stops himself, shaking his head. ‘Never mind.’

‘Are you okay?’ 

‘I’m fine.’ Win trips over the uneven road and Sound grabs his arm instinctively, pulling him back.

‘Are you sure?’ He whispers, blinking at their sudden closeness.

‘Y-yeah.’ Win averts his gaze. ‘Thanks.’

‘I meant what I said in the woods. I’m happy to see you.’ Sound lets go of him, sighing resolutely. ‘But you should do what’s best for you. Don't worry about me.’ He  squeezes Win’s shoulder, forcing a smile.  Before he can second guess himself, he's saved by Sea pulling him through the doors and onto the stage. Sound waves sheepishly at Tinn and Gun standing by the bar, but they’re too busy trading shots at the counter. 

Win slips into the bar and time stops as Sound watches him glide towards the counter like a silent wraith. Tinn pulls him in by the shoulder and offers him a shot which he refuses, laughing soundlessly. Before Sound can turn away, Win looks to the stage and their eyes meet, sending a shiver down his spine. 

‘Are you ready?’ Sea plays a tentative beat, grinning at him.

Sound inhales deeply and plucks at his guitar, testing the sound. ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’ He clears his throat and the crowd comes into focus as he taps the mic to the beat. ‘Hello, Sound here.’ He smiles at his friends. ‘My friends are here tonight and I’m sure they'll like this song.’ He winks and Gun whoops from the crowd.

Sea comes to life on the drums, the beat reverberating across the room. Sound’s fingers drift across the strings as he leans into the mic. ‘I used to think one day we’d tell the story of us, how we met and the sparks flew instantly and people would say, they're the lucky ones,’ 

I used to know my place was the spot next to you, now I'm searching the room for an empty seat, cause lately I don't even know what page you're on–

The warm glow of the crowd washes over him as the music grows louder and he finds his voice. 

Oh, a simple complication, miscommunication leads to fallout. So many things that I wish you knew, so many walls up, I can’t break through.

Win’s gaze snaps to him, grey and unreadable. But Sound just plays harder, fingers buzzing with electricity.

Now I'm standing alone in a crowded room and we're not speaking, and I'm dying to know,  is it killing you like it's killing me? 

–And I don't know what to say since the twist of fate when it all broke down, and the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now.

Sound feels the sweat drip from his brow as he plays through the difficult chords, improvising wherever he can, his eyes lingering on Win.

‘Next chapter!’ Sea yells and the crowd follows along with a shout.

Sound bites his lip, wondering if it was mere coincidence that he'd practised this song for today.

How’d we end up this way, see me nervously pulling my clothes and trying to look busy, and you're doing your best to avoid me. 

I'm starting to think one day I'll tell the story of us- Sound falters as Win turns away and stalks out of the bar.

Before he can even think, he’s dropping his guitar and running off the stage, cutting across the crowd as the bar descends into chaos. Forget the song, he thinks, heart beating out of his chest as he dashes after Win.

Win only realises it's raining when the cold wind hits him as he stumbles out of the bar. His breaths come out in ragged puffs and he rubs his eyes as he tries to figure out where they'd parked the car. It was painful enough trying to recover on his own, but being near Sound had reawakened all those old emotions within him– and now they were wreaking havoc in his mind. 

Just when he thinks that it couldn't get any worse, a voice cuts through the rain. 

‘Win, wait!’

He begins to walk faster down the street to the hazy glow of the convenience store, but Sound grabs his arm and pulls him back. 

‘Win, are you okay? You're going to get soaked.’ 

He tries to laugh, but it comes out as a sob. ‘Y-you’re also in the rain, stupid.’

‘Well, we wouldn't be here if you hadn't run off.’ Sound deadpans, water running down his face. ‘I must be a terrible singer since you keep leaving.’ He jokes.

‘I-I shouldn't have come here.’ He stammers, turning away. ‘You should just leave me alone.’

‘Win, what's wrong?’ 

He shakes his head. ‘Why are you so nice to me? All I've ever done is hurt you.’

‘You’ve already apologised so many times.’

‘It doesn't feel like it's enough, especially when–’ His voice cracks. ‘especially when I don't know how I can make it up to you.’

‘Hey, hey, you've made it up to me just by coming here.’ Sound takes his hands. ‘You’ve always meant everything to me.’

‘Why would you wait for me all this time when I didn't deserve it?’ He cries. ‘What if I never came looking for you? Would you just be making croissants every day for the rest of your life?’

Sound blinks. ‘How did you–’ He shakes off his surprise. ‘Honestly, I don't know. But you're here now and that's gotta mean something right?’ 

‘I-I don't know.’ 

For a moment, the only sound between them is the splatter of rain on the road. But just as Sound begins to say something, Win cuts him off.

‘I hoped that these feelings would fade away but they've just gotten stronger and now I can't even look at you without–’ His breath hitches painfully in his throat. ‘I came here because I wanted to win you back.’ He sighs, the tension washing out of him with the rain and leaving him exhausted. ‘But I don't want to hurt you anymore.’

‘Oh, Win. You never hurt me.’ Sound sighs. ‘Whatever happened wasn't your fault. You can't keep blaming yourself for failing when you try so hard to make it right.’

‘But I've fixed nothing.’ His voice breaks. 

‘Well, you're here aren't you? You think that our relationship is broken and you need to fix it.’

‘Mm.’ He manages weakly.

‘I say that we just got caught up in a bad situation and we needed to get away but our friendship never died. I never stopped loving you and I can't help but think that you feel the same way.’

Sound says it so thoughtfully that Win wants to believe him. But it feels so difficult to understand and he's so tired. His voice shakes with sobs as the words wash over him. ‘C-can I get a hug?’ He whispers.

Sound smiles softly, glowing through the rain as he pulls him close, strong arms wrapping around him. ‘You’ve been hurting so much, Win. I wish you'd called me.’

‘I didn't know where to find you and that letter– I was so scared that you hated me.’ He buries his head in Sound's shoulder, feeling raw and worn out.

‘I could never hate you.’ Win feels a warm hand stroke his hair even as Sound shivers. ‘Actually, every time we've fought in the rain, it's only made me like you more.’

Win pulls away, blinking in confusion. ‘Wait, it's raining. We've been in the rain this entire time?’ 

‘Nice observation.’ Sound mutters dryly, looking away.

‘Sound,’ He ventures, running a hand through his hair. ‘I love you.’ He inhales and exhales just like Gun taught him, waiting until his breathing evens out. ‘But I'm going to keep making mistakes.’

Sound crosses his arms. ‘It’s okay, I make mistakes all the time.’

‘But maybe we can make it right together.’

‘We’ll never know until we try it.’

‘D-do you want to start over with me? He blurts out, his heart ricocheting around his chest. 

Sound falters for a moment before breaking into his soft, private smile. ‘I’d like that.’ He shudders. ‘Do you want to come over to my place? It's only a few blocks from here.’

‘What about your gig?’ He croaks. 

‘Honestly, I was only playing for you tonight.’ He shrugs. ‘Besides, it would look really weird if I went back after ditching my crowd.’ 

‘You left in the middle of your song?’ 

‘Yes, it's fine.’ Sound sighs, taking his arm and pulling him along. ‘Come on, you look really hot in the rain but I don't want you to get sick.’  

Win follows along, confused about what had just happened. His eyes hurt and his feet stumble over the gravel path but Sound holds him firmly, a warm pillar in the rain.

‘Can I ask you something?’ He ventures softly.

‘Hm?’

‘How did you know I’d come find you?’

‘I felt like you needed time to figure out your feelings.’ He smiles, the light glinting in his eyes. ‘But I always believed you'd come back. Maybe I'm just delusional about you.’

Win blushes fiercely, wondering how Sound had gotten so easily flirtatious in the short time they'd been apart. ‘You have an answer for everything, don't you?’ He retorts.

‘What can I say? I think about you all the time, Win.’ Sound replies, squeezing his hand. ‘Talking to you is the easiest thing in the world.’

Tinn almost spits out his drink when Sound runs out of the bar, the music screeching to a halt and the crowd falling silent in shock. But even as the silence ensues, a voice continues to sing and he turns to see Gun humming along to the song with his eyes closed. 

He nudges his boyfriend and Gun turns to him in surprise. ‘What?’ He says, all too loudly and Tinn laughs. 

‘Ah,’ Gun looks around, a blush creeping up the back of his neck. ‘What happened to the music?’

‘I think Sound just ditched his crowd.’ He whispers.

‘Hey, aren't you that famous idol?’ Someone shouts from the crowd. 

Gun shakes his head fervently. ‘No, no. I just got plastic surgery to look like him.’ 

‘But you sang so well after the music stopped. Do you think we're stupid?’ A girl holds up a Google search image of him.

Gun turns red and backs into Tinn, who takes his hand. ‘I haven't really been singing–’

Even as he protests, the crowd starts chanting ‘Sing! Sing! Sing!’ 

Tinn bites his lip, trying not to break into a smile as his boyfriend turns to him with wide eyes. 

‘What am I going to do?’ He hisses. 

‘Sorry, darling. It looks like your audience wants you.’ 

Just then, Sea plays a little beat and leans into the mic. ‘Why don't you give it a try, friend?’

Gun looks back and forth between the crowd, breathing in short huffs. ‘Tinn, I–’ 

‘How about we do it together?’ He squeezes Gun’s hand. ‘I’ll be right by your side.’

Gun perks up instantly. ‘We’ve never sung together before!’

‘Hey, we sing in the shower all the time. I love those duets.’ Tinn pouts.

‘ This is a lot like singing in the shower, right?’ Gun pulls him towards the stage. ‘We’re gonna need another mic.’ He grins, picking up Sound’s dropped guitar and playing with the chords. 

He raises an eyebrow. ‘Since when did you play the electric guitar?’ 

‘A few months ago, this client of mine taught me.’ 

Tinn motions to Sea. ‘Let’s do the sixth song from the setlist.’ 

‘Nice choice.’ Sea twirls his drumstick and the bar comes alive with the sound of the beat.

Tinn winks at Gun and cracks a smile as he leans into the mic, tapping his foot to the beat. ‘The moon is high like your friends on the night that we first met, went home and tried to stalk you on the internet, now I’ve read all of the books beside your bed.’

Gun flashes a grin, turning to the audience and drawing a breath. ‘The wine is cold like the shoulder that I gave you in the street, cat and mouse for a month or two or three, now I wake up in the night and watch you breathe.’ 

A collective gasp ripples through the audience and Tinn stifles a laugh. It looked like Gun still had that showtime magic. But that didn't mean he was gonna fall behind.

Kiss me once cause you know I've had a long night, 

Gun leans forward conspiratorially.

Kiss me twice cause it's gonna be alright,

He grabs his boyfriend by the shoulders.

Three times cause I've waited my whole life–

‘One, two three, four!’ Sea yells just as Tinn goes in for the kiss. But Gun just turns towards the mic, eyes darting around mischievously.

I like shiny things but I'd marry you with paper rings, uh huh, that's right, darling, you're the one I want and I hate accidents except when we went from friends to this uh-huh—

That's right, darling, you're the one I want, Tinn cuts him off. In paper rings, in picture frames, in dirty dreams, you're the one I want.

The crowd goes wild as they take turns with the lyrics, Sea drumming feverishly and shouting encouragement at the audience. Tinn glances at Gun and smiles, thinking of the warm box in his coat pocket. He could kiss Sound for including this song in the set list, it was so perfect for this moment.

Gun glances sideways at him as he belts out the second chorus, the crowd singing along with him.

He clears his throat just as the bridge begins to play, his heart racing. I want to drive away with you, I want your complications too, I want your dreary Mondays, wrap your arms around me baby boy–

Gun shakes his head to the music as he sings at his best.  I like shiny things but I'd marry you with paper rings, ah hah, that's right you're the one I want, 

The drum beat slows as Tinn inhales deeply, preparing for his biggest moment. 

I hate accidents except when we went from friends to this, uh huh, that's right, you’re the one I want,

He fishes the wooden box out of his pocket and smiles to himself.

In paper rings, in picture frames, in all my dreams oh-oh, you're the one I want, 

Gun turns just as Tinn sinks on one knee and holds up the box. ‘Listen, it's not made of paper, but you're definitely the one I want in all my dreams.’ He smiles warmly even as Gun’s mouth falls open. ‘Will you marry me?’

For a moment, the crowd falls into surprised silence. Even Sea stops playing, breaking into a lazy smile. The world slows down as Gun plucks the ring from his hand and puts it on, eyes bright. 

‘Yeah, of course I'll marry you, just like in all my dreams.’ He pulls Tinn up and kisses him, not caring that they have a live audience or about his reputation. He pulls away briefly, grabbing the mic and showing off his new ring. ‘I’m getting married, motherfuckers! I'm paying for everyone's drinks tonight!’ 

The bar explodes into a riot as people scream and shout, throwing napkins like confetti as the lights swing around. Tinn pulls him back into his arms, kissing his forehead. ‘Thank you, my love.’

Gun cocks a grin. ‘You know, I have another ring in the glove box of the car. I can't believe you beat me to it.’

Tinn can't stop smiling. ‘Who says we can't have multiple rings?’

Sea plays a little beat, grabbing their attention. ‘Congratulations on your engagement, but we still have a few songs to play.’ He grins.

Tinn reluctantly lets go, leaning into the mic and peering at Gun ‘What do you say?’

Gun’s eyes sparkle as he picks up the guitar. ‘Let’s rock and roll, partner.’

Sound rubs his stiff neck as the teapot whistles on the stove. Something about the rain made his muscles ache, even after that hot shower.

‘Do you want a massage?’ Win pipes up, stepping into the kitchen, freshly showered and tugging on Sound’s spare pyjamas. 

‘Ah, I don't know why,always get neck pain when it rains.’ 

‘Let me help you. I have some pressure point massage training.’ Win steps forward, eyes pensive.

‘Why would you even learn that?’ But even as he says it, he ties his hair up, baring his neck to Win.

‘Gun used to get the worst neck pain and we couldn't find a masseuse everytime.’ Win steps closer, his cool fingers pressing into Sound’s shoulder. ‘Oh, your shoulders are really stiff.’

‘Fuck, that's– so good.’ He tries to focus on pouring the tea, but he's distracted by Win’s hot breath tickling his neck. ‘Maybe I should've told you about this sooner.’ He murmurs, trying not to think of Win’s lips.

‘I-it’s no problem. You can ask me now, whenever you want,’ Win says quietly. 

‘Thanks.’ Sound brushes him off, pushing a mug of tea into his hands. ‘Here. Let's get you warmed up.’ He shakes his head as he strides into the living room and settles on the couch. ‘I wish I had something sweet to go with this, but Sea has been stealing all my baked goods.’

Win’s eyes widen and he curses under his breath. ‘Oh, no. The custard tarts.’

He raises an eyebrow. ‘There’s custard tarts?’ 

He watches Win sink into the couch. ‘I made these custard tarts for you but I left them in the car.’ 

‘You baked something for me?’ Sound feels the heat rise in his cheeks.

‘Yeah, but it doesn't matter now, does it?’ 

‘Of course it matters.’ He places a hand over Win's. ‘It’s the thought that counts.’

‘It would've been nice to eat some of them as well.’ Win retorts, teasing a laugh out of him.

A tranquil silence descends upon them and Sound watches as Win sips his tea, his Adam's apple bobbing as he drinks. He wonders what exactly Win had meant by starting over.

Win clears his throat, breaking through his thoughts. ‘What are you doing?’ 

‘I’m just looking at you.’ His voice is calm but he feels his heartbeat quicken. ‘I can't believe you're actually here.’ He reaches out, fingers running along the curve of Win’s jaw.

Win looks away, running a hand through his hair. ‘You know, it's really unfair.’

‘What’s unfair?’

‘When you do things like that, it's hard for me to think straight.’ 

He leans forward, inhaling that familiar scent of smoke as he buries his face in Win’s neck. ‘I missed you.’ 

‘I–I missed you too.’ Win shivers under him.

Sound pulls away, suddenly reminded of their precarious situation and how awkward Win sounded. He measures himself before speaking again. ‘Sorry, I don't know what came over me. You're probably exhausted.’ 

Win looks at him with an expression that's both puzzling and sad. ‘I am a bit sleep deprived.’ He finally admits.

‘You can have the bed, I'll just take the couch.’ He sighs, clearing away their empty mugs. 

Win follows him into the kitchen and hugs him from behind, almost making him drop the mugs in surprise. ‘Or we could both sleep in the bed.’ 

‘I don't know Win, you must be really tired.’

He feels Win’s laugh resonate across his back. ‘I meant that we could sleep together in the most literal sense only.’

‘That sounds nice.’ 

As they get into bed, Sound finds himself so abruptly overcome with melancholia and unwillingly sinks deeper into his thoughts. He turns away from Win, wondering if his new found confidence was not what they needed right now. Maybe Win meant they could start over as friends rather than anything else. Maybe it was his own fault for assuming Win would want to kiss him senseless after eight months apart. He sighs, forcing his eyes closed.

‘Are you okay?’ 

His eyes flutter open. ‘I’m fine, I guess.’ 

‘You painted the ceiling, just like in your old flat.’ Win muses softly. 

‘It's something my parents did for me as a child. I guess I never really changed.’ 

‘You've changed a lot, Sound.’ 

He turns to find Win staring at the ceiling, his arms folded across his chest. ‘I don't think I've changed.’ 

Win laughs softly, turning to face him. ‘No, you've changed for the better.’ He blinks. ‘Your confidence is really mesmerising and you express love so openly.’

‘I wish I was the same old Sound you knew.’ He whispers.

Win raises a hand and then pauses, doubt flickering in his eyes. ‘C-can I touch you?’ 

Sound takes his hand and presses it to his cheek. ‘You don't have to ask.’ He closes his eyes as Win’s fingers thread through his hair. 

‘You look really good with longer hair.’ Win rubs slow circles into the back of his neck. ‘Remember our first kiss?’

Sound chuckles dryly. ‘How could I forget? You were my first kiss.’ 

‘You pushed me against a wall and kissed me and even though I was drunk I remember thinking about how you were so confident.’ He sighs. ‘You've always been so certain of what you want,’

‘Win–’ He trails off, unsure of what to say.

‘I wish I was confident like you. Even now, my heart wants to pick up right where we left off.’ 

Sound opens his eyes to find that Win is barely a breath away from him. ‘You are confident, Win. Sometimes I think I learnt how to be bold from you.’

His mouth quirks up. ‘You’re the best thing that's ever happened to me. I'm so glad I caught you at the convenience store.’ 

Sound sighs. ‘That feels like another lifetime.’ 

Win’s hand comes to rest just under his jaw. ‘I want to be with you. But I need time to heal.’ 

‘I know.’ He murmurs, eyes falling shut. 

‘Maybe this time, you can lend me some of your confidence.’ 

‘Win, you know I'm always with you.’

‘Are you sure you want to be with someone like me?’ 

He doesn't open his eyes, but a laugh bubbles out of him. ‘Yeah, you're totally my type.’

‘What does that mean?’ 

‘You know, I only like guys that run away from my shows and win toasters for me in stupid drinking contests and puke on my favourite shirts and —’

He doesn't get to finish because Win kisses him, feverish lips brushing against his own. He laughs softly against Sound’s mouth. ‘Okay, you've made your point.’ 

Sound inhales sharply, eyes flying open to find that Win has turned away from him. ‘Wait, you just kissed me.’ 

‘I've kissed you before.’

‘But, but,’ He stammers uselessly, his brain still addled. He moves closer, wrapping his arms around Win’s stomach and burying his face in his back. ‘I wanted to kiss you first, sweep you off your feet.’

Win laughs again and the warmth spreads across his body. Oh, how he'd missed Win's laugh. ‘You're something else, Sound.’ And then, ‘I’m glad I came back.’

Sound lets Win’s voice wash over him. He feels Win’s warm body and sighs contentedly at how real it is, how magical. ‘I’m glad you came back too.’

Win wakes up to find the bed empty, the sheets tangled around him. The sunlight is iridescent as it filters in through stained glass windows, the white curtains swaying in the morning breeze. 

He treads lightly as he observes the familiar clothing rack and the grey hoodie tossed over it. The plants on the windowsill sparkle with dew and the dust falls over an overflowing bookshelf like snow.

Win shivers as the breeze hits him, reaching for the hoodie and slipping into it. After so many months, it didn't feel like his anymore. Instead, it smelled like the warm vanilla and caramel that seemed to linger on Sound.

He meanders through the hallway and down the stairs. Sound isn't in the living room or the kitchen. Instead, he finds him in the back garden, digging around a large almond tree. 

‘What’re you doing?’

Sound turns, breaking into a smile. ‘Oh, you're awake.’ He stands, holding stalks of chives in his hand. ‘I was just harvesting these.’ 

‘You have a nice garden.’

His smile grows wider. ‘Sea tends to the garden. I just like stealing the herbs.’ Just then, a loud ringing cuts through the morning quiet. ‘Oh, that'll be the oven!’ 

Sound dashes past him into the kitchen and Win glances around wearily before following him. He watches as Sound hauls a large ceramic dish onto the counter before busying himself with a pile of fruit. 

‘You’re making breakfast?’ He steps closer and swipes at a smear of dirt on Sound’s cheek. 

‘Our friends are coming, so I thought I’d make something fun.’ He smiles softly. ‘We can eat in the garden since the weather is so nice.’ 

‘How can I help?’ 

‘You could dice the chives and garnish the quiche.’ Sound slices some strawberries right into a blender jar.

He finds the chives in the sink and washes the dirt out of them, wondering what would happen to them after this blissful morning. It was almost as if Sound didn’t consider that he would have to go back to the city.

Almost as if he's read his mind, Sound clears his throat. ‘Win, I heard that you were looking for a job,’

‘Uh, yeah.’ He ventures, trying to keep his voice even.

‘Our school is looking for an event coordinator,’ Sound smiles at him, shuffling on his feet. ‘I know we haven't really discussed this yet but if you wanted to stay here, I'd love it–’

Before he can say anything, there’s a ruckus in the living room. Sound turns excitedly as a trio shuffles into the kitchen, their eyes trained on the floor. Sea hugs Sound from behind, peering over his shoulder. ‘Oh my god, strawberry milkshake.’ He sighs. ‘You’re an angel.’ 

Sound laughs. ‘How did I know you’d be hungover?’

 ‘Gun insisted on buying me drinks all night.’

‘Where did you sleep last night?’ 

‘Gun’s car.’ Sea nuzzles Sound’s neck, making him giggle.  

‘What?’ Win looks up, stamping out the jealousy that he’d been harbouring. He turns on Gun, desperate to look away.

Gun sticks out his tongue. ‘It’s my car and I can sleep in it too.’ 

Tinn slides the box of tarts onto the counter. ‘Win, you forgot these.’ 

Sound perks up. ‘Are those the custard tarts?’

‘They’re probably spoiled by now.’ He mutters, feeling the heat crawl up his neck. 

Sea plucks one out of the box and bites into it. ‘They taste fine to me.’

They’re not for you, he thinks, eye twitching in annoyance. ‘Oh, that’s a relief.’ He sighs. 

‘Win, why don’t you help me set the table?’ Tinn grabs a stack of plates from the counter, pulling him away before he can even answer. Once they’re out of earshot, he bites his lip, trying not to smile. ‘You should stop making that face if you don’t want to look jealous.’ 

Win pulls away, shaking his head. ‘I-I’m not jealous.’ He doesn’t even sound convincing to himself. 

Tinn leads him into the back garden and sets the plates down on a large table nestled under a sprawling mango tree. ‘So,’ He ventures, a smile growing on his face. ‘I take it you patched things up last night?’ 

He runs a hand through his hair. ‘Yeah, I guess we’re good now.’ 

‘That’s one way of saying you slept together.’ 

‘What? No, we just slept together–’ He blushes furiously. ‘I mean we literally slept–’ He sighs resignedly, pointing a finger at Tinn. ‘You’ve been spending too much time with Gun.’  

He laughs, waving him off. ‘I’m just glad you’re happy, Win.’ 

He narrows his eyes, suddenly distracted by a shiny new ring on Tinn’s finger. ‘Wait, is that–’ 

But Tinn shakes his head. ‘Not now. I’ll tell you later.’ He smiles secretively.

Just as Win starts to form the question, Gun and Sound emerge from the house carrying glasses and plates of food. Sea follows behind them, huffing as he hauls the heavy oven dish. 

Sound is blushing at something Gun is saying, but he turns to Win as he approaches, casually winking at him before going around the table putting down forks and knives as if nothing happened.

‘I guess you’re good now, huh?’ Tinn whispers in his ear and Win feels the heat rise in his cheeks. 

‘Y-yeah.’ He manages a smile, sitting on the bench across from Sound. 

His knees knock into Sound’s under the table and Win catches him breaking into a soft smile as he pushes a mug of coffee and a small plate towards him. ‘One long black and almond croissant, just how you like it.’ 

Win inhales sharply, wondering what this idle, warm feeling in his chest could mean. ‘You make it so easy to love you.’ He murmurs absently.

‘What?’

‘Hey, Win!’ Sea calls from the end of the table. ‘Pass the ketchup, man.’

He brushes it off, sliding the bottle across the table. ‘This is a lot of breakfast. Thank you, Sound.’

Sound looks up as he bites into one of Win’s tarts. He nods excitedly. ‘Damn, these custard tarts are so good. You've been holding out on me.’ 

Win smiles as the warm feeling returns. ‘I think I still remember the recipe.’

‘Okay, can you guys pause the flirting momentarily?’ Gun pipes up, turning to Sound. He grabs his hands and shakes them. ‘I have something to tell you.’ 

Sound cocks his head and Win glances at Tinn, who sits very still, leaning forward ever so slightly. He places a hand on his friend’s shoulder and squeezes it. ‘It’ll be okay,’ He whispers. 

‘Sound, you'd better get a tux cause Tinn and I are getting married!’ 

‘What?’ Sound says dryly, trying not to smile.

Gun blinks at him, eyes widening. ‘You’re not surprised?’

Tinn coughs into his hand. ‘He helped me pick out the ring.’ 

Sea laughs, breaking through the tension. ‘Oh, now I understand why you kept asking me about rings.’ 

Win clears his throat. ‘If it helps, I'm pretty surprised.’

Gun makes an exaggerated pout. ‘Win, you need to act more surprised. Now that you and Sound are gonna be our best men–’ 

Sound drops his glass and it bounces across the grass, spilling pink milkshake everywhere. ‘What?’ 

‘Now you're surprised?’ 

‘Fuck, I mean, shit.’ He mutters. ‘That’ll be fun.’ He adjusts. 

‘It'll be fun as soon as all the stressful wedding planning is done.’ Tinn quips.

‘Oh, my mom has a catering company.’ Sea offers. ‘I could call in a favour.’ 

‘You’d do that for us?’ Gun interjects.

‘Of course.’ Sea smiles easily. ‘We’re friends now, aren't we?’

Win watches as a mixture of emotions cross Gun’s eyes before finally landing on relief. ‘If I knew it was this easy to make friends, I would've tried harder before.’ He laughs. 

The sun comes out from behind the clouds and Win stretches, feeling the warmth enveloping him in a hug as the sound of his friends laughter drifts across the lazy morning air. He reaches across the table and takes Sound's hand. ‘About that job,’ He wonders if it had always been this easy. ‘I’ll take it. I want to stay with you, if you'll have me.’

Sound just stares at him, mouth parted slightly. After what seems like a moment suspended in time, he leans forward and kisses Win, his answer whispered between their lips. Win smiles into Sound’s mouth and for that one blissful moment, the world melts away until it's just the two of them, hearts beating as one.

THE END.