Chapter Text
When he opens his eyes to the ceiling, his vision is blurred. A heavy sigh leaves his parted lips as he closes them for a moment. A few seconds after, he finally sits up, still not completely used to the feeling of a western bed. Gaze focused on the soft sheets that are draped over his legs, he runs his fingers over his curly, crimson hair. He stares at his left palm, his heart squeezing underneath the lack of something there. What exactly, he can’t tell. He brings his fingertips to his eyes, watching as the small teardrop gently drips down his index finger.
For years, things have been like this: waking up with tears in his eyes and the feeling of loss craving its claws into his skin.
In a small apartment that’s about ten minutes away from his, another man finishes his cereal as he checks the news on his phone. His full cheeks are dusted with countless freckles, and he has bright green eyes that are glued to the screen. The phantom feeling of a bracelet still tangles his wrist and he has no idea how to stop it. So every once in a while he brushes his fingers against its place, heart sinking when he realizes for the third time that week that it is long gone. He can’t remember who gave it to him, and he can’t remember where he left it. All he remembers is soft hands and tired eyes.
As the first man begins to get ready, the second closes his door behind him and heads to the nearest train station by foot. The first arrives as well, only twenty minutes later. They are two train tracks apart. One checks his phone for new messages from his family, the other sips from his order of black coffee. They don’t notice each other.