Work Text:
‘If you have a clock written on your wrist… would you glance at it every day…?’
It started centuries ago, out of no where people who are born started to have a clock like tattoo ticking on their wrist.
At first everybody is confused as to why this is happening.
Up until now, there is no scientific evidence as to why people have the clock like ticking tattoo embedded on their wrist.
The only thing they know is that, the year the hours and every second of that clock represent one thing, and one thing only.
It is a countdown, up until the day your destined person would live.
If the clock ticked to zero, then your soulmate is dead.
But the thing is, the clock continues to tick even though you haven’t met your soulmate yet. The only way you will know is when both of you touched one another, then a slight burning sensation and when your clock glowed red then yes, you are soulmates.
It is a weird way to know whom you should be spending the rest of your life with. After all, there is no guarantee that you will met your soulmate before the clock on your wrist hit the dreaded zero mark.
Corpse, right from the start thinks that the concept is very stupid.
Stupid yet he was curious, after all one person on the whole wide world could see the exact day he would die.
[1460.002]
Corpse did the math.
2 months that’s how long his soulmate would still have time to live his life.
Just 2 more months.
It was a bittersweet feeling for Corpse.
Bitter for the fact that he didn’t even had the chance to fully know his soulmate. What they would look like, what they sound like, what are their hobbies… or literarily anything that would make Corpse fall in love with them.
Sweet for the fact that… well, you can’t really miss someone whom you never met.
Corpse felt conflicted but that fact.
There are days where Corpse would sourly look at the clock on his wrist, glaring at it as if commanding it to stop ticking down. But alas, the clock just continued ticking.
So, he covered it with tons of bracelets he could wear. To simply stop the temptation of looking at it every day.
But… if given the chance… Corpse would honestly say that he would still want to met them.
“Okay I can certainly say that this kill could not have been Sykkuno!”
Corpse’s train of thoughts halted when he realized that finally someone found his body in this ridiculously large map that has just been made by the among us developers.
Corpse smiled when Sykkuno laughed the way that the other man use to do every single time “And how can you say that Rae? I could have killed Corpse you know!”
Rae groaned “There is just no way that you would kill Corpse on the first game on the first day we tried this map! There is just no way!”
Corpse pulled out Sykkuno’s stream, he was dead okay? So he wasn’t really cheating, his smile grew even wider when he could see just how much Sykkuno is smiling even though it was being hidden by his hands, again.
“Well if you say so, then maybe I didn’t kill Corpse.”
Corpse couldn’t help but laugh at the sigh of annoyance from Rae and the laughter from the others as well “Sykkuno stop being confusing!” she screamed
“I am not! I’m just telling the truth!”
“i’M jUsT tElLing tHe TrutH” Rae mocked making everyone laugh even harder
There isn’t a single dull day when he is playing with his friends.
Even more so when he is playing with Sykkuno whose antics never fails to put a genuine smile on his face.
The meeting ended with no one being voted out, but there is an anonymous vote on Sykkuno, making Rae screech even further.
“Who voted for Sykkuno!?” She screamed out
Sykkuno is laughing muted of course, “Oh man Rae is going to be so mad at us for trolling her on this new map, but you know what guys? It will be all worth it. So starting from now on I’m just gonna keep voting myself out!” that was Sykkuno as usual talking to his chat
Corpse had to mute himself as he banged the table from laughing too much, he can’t really believe that Sykkuno can thing of many things to troll his friends.
As a another round started, Corpse decided to follow Sykkuno as a ghost around the map while watching his stream from his other monitor. He watch in amusement as Sykkuno danced around one of the light switch panel.
“If I were the imposter, I would sabotage this then kill.” Sykkuno simple explained, talking to his chat even though he can’t read the chat knowing that his chat are exposing who the imposters are “I mean I know this is our first time playing this map but I can’t let it pass that they killed Corpse first! Like who does that!? Sickos I tell you!” Sykkuno let out a laugh “I will avenge Corpse even if it is the last thing I would do!”
Sykkuno never fails to warm his heart.
Corpse stared at him fondly, smiling as Sykkuno continued to do his usual antic.
Corpse isn’t stupid, after knowing Sykkuno for more than half a year now, he knows that along those months he developed a really not platonic love for the other man.
It wasn’t hard, after all Sykkuno is all what Corpse could ever hope for a soulmate.
Sykkuno is nice… the kind that will make you want to be nicer back. He is smart… it wasn’t hard to miss at just how smart he is. He is innocence but… if you know him fully well, you know that underneath that persona of innocence there is something more to see, to unravel, like a complicated puzzle waiting to be solved but you know that once you solved it there is more to come. He is one of the most genuine person that Corpse knew, he cares deeply about everyone around him, often putting other’s feeling before his very own.
But most importantly, the thing that stood out the most is that Sykkuno has the nicest smile that Corpse has ever seen. He hides it, which is a shame because Corpse would pay millions just to see it every day.
Because if Sykkuno is smiling, then everyone who could see it would also smile.
It was his smile that made Corpse’s dull repetitive life, have a flicker of warmth in it.
It was Sykkuno’s attitude that attracted him, but it was his smile that made him fall for him.
“I knew it was Toast! Ah poop if only I hit the meeting button earlier!”
Corpse’s attention snapped back to Sykkuno as he could now see that Sykkuno is also dead. Sykkuno’s ghost went near him, their ghost’s character touching foreheads.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to avenge you.”
Corpse could hear it from Sykkuno’s stream but he knows that the other man is muted in the game.
Corpse smiled, and there is it again, the warmth spreading on his body.
‘It’s okay.’
Corpse typed at the ghost chat, he watch with interest as Sykkuno noticed the red dot on the chat, Sykkuno let out a confused sound as he read Corpse’s ghost message.
Corpse chuckled at how Sykkuno’s eyebrow knitted in confusion, it was really a cute look on Sykkuno.
“Umm… well…” Sykkuno stuttered out as he closed the ghost chat, Corpse could tell that the other man is trying to stop himself from smiling but failing. “At least… Rae would be stressed out more when she finds out that I am now dead.” Typical Sykkuno, changing the topic.
Corpse didn’t mind, after all it was part of Sykkuno’s charm.
They spent the whole game being ghost and just following each other.
The game ended when a ‘Defeat’ screen showed up showing that Toast and Leslie won as the imposters.
But Corpse didn’t mind, after all he gets to spend the rest of his after life with Sykkuno on the game.
“Toast I hate you so much!” Rae said as Toast laugh in the background “I can’t believe you marinated me like that!”
“Marinated you like a pork.” Toast said making everyone laugh even harder
“Sooo! Now that we saw the map you guys want to try the new mod? It has several new roles added!” Edison offered making everyone buzz in curiosity and excitement.
“Wait are we sure that we are ready? I mean I can even barely know where I am on the map!” Tina voiced out
“Well it is Corpse’s lobby so how about we let him decide?” Rae suggested as they all circled around his among us character
Corpse hummed, ‘I mean what Tina said was true… it would be more confusing if the new mod roles were mixed in..’ Corpse thought as the others wait for his decision
“I think it will be fun!” Sykkuno’s voice suddenly filtered in “I mean the more confusing it is, the more fun we can have right?”
Corpse sighed, he is such a simp, he knows this. “I don’t mind mixing the new mods in.” He finally said earning various of positive and welcomed response.
“Ugh of course you would say that right after Sykkuno voiced out his opinion!” Rae called him out making everyone laugh at her comment
“W-what!? Rae that’s not how this works!” Sykkuno voiced out but was generally unheard because of the laughter in their lobby.
‘That’s exactly how it works Sykkuno.’ Corpse thought as he rolled his eyes but didn’t dare to voice it out.
When the mod if finally ready, the game started. Edison gave them a brief but very easy to understand run down of what the new mods roles are.
Corpse’s eyes widen in surprise and anticipation as his screen loaded the one of the few new mod roles.
Lovers
“You are in love with Sykkuno”
The irony.
The game didn’t have to tell him that.
He just wished that he could see Sykkuno’s reaction to this.
~o~oOo~o~
Sykkuno
Thank you for inviting me today in your lobby! I had fun! :)
It wasn’t even 10 minutes after their game ended when Corpse received a message from Sykkuno.
Every single time after they play, Sykkuno would always text him messages like this.
It is probably the hundredth message Corpse received from Sykkuno, with the other man thanking him, but every single time it never fails to make him smile.
‘ Thank you for playing with me.’
He texted back not wanting the other man to wait any longer for his reply. Corpse smiled as his phone vibrated not even a minute later.
Sykkuno
Anytime for you Corpse! I missed playing with you and I know you’ve been busy with a lot of things that’s why I am glad that we get to play despite you being busy!
If anyone could see Corpse right now, they would look at him as if he was an idiot. Because he is widely smiling down at his phone like an idiot in love with his best friend.
‘It has been a hectic month that’s for sure. If you are up for it…do you want to play stardew valley?’
It was a secret between them.
Corpse and Sykkuno have a secret server just the two of them playing stardew valley as co-op.
Sykkuno knows that Corpse can’t play high paced games like Valorant, so one day, out of the blue, Sykkuno texted him if he was okay with playing farming games, like Stardew valley. The other man explained that it was just a relaxing game, where you could just farm plants, take care of animals, sell things etc.
And well, Corpse couldn’t really say no to Sykkuno.
So they played the first time, off stream.
Just the two of them, in a private personal phone call. No discord server where somebody could just join in, no viewers, no donations that could distract both of them from fully enjoying themselves.
Just the two of them, in a simple cozy home that they built, in a game.
Corpse would happily call it home.
Sykkuno
‘You forgot to water the crops the other day, that’s why they will be delayed to grow :( We need money Corpse we are poor!’
Corpse laughed out loud, immediately typing out a reply.
‘I said I was sorry! To be fair, I was also taking care of the animals.’
Sykkuno’s reply was also immediate
Sykkuno
‘I went down on the mines because we are running low on ores Corpse!’
‘You left me alone to fend for myself Sykkuno :( I was starving and yet all you care was the mines :(
Sykkuno
‘I left you with soup and breads on the chest! I told you that!’
‘I forgot. And besides if you placed them on the chest they have gone bad, first you left me now you let me eat spoiled foods :( I can’t believe this is how you treat me, after I tilted all those lands for you and your plants.’
Sykkuno
‘I’m sorry! To make it up to you, I will spend the rest of the day with you! No going to the mines for a while!’
Corpse is deeply in love with Sykkuno, there is no coming back, he knows this.
‘Promise?’
Sykkuno
‘I promise :)’
Corpse joined the server
The message from the game stated, the moment he clicked on their private server. Corpse picked up his phone, butterflies fluttering in his stomach, a smile permanently plastered on his face.
‘I’m home :)’
Sykkuno
‘Welcome back home Corpse!’
~o~oOo~o~
A month has passed and yet all Corpse could do is love Sykkuno from a far.
Behind the screen, the barrier that provides Corpse the only way to see Sykkuno.
Because no matter how much Corpse wanted to see Sykkuno in person, he just can’t.
There is several factors as to why, first is the pandemic, second is that he doesn’t really have a concrete reason to and lastly and the glaring factor is that Corpse is scared.
Scared as to what Sykkuno would think of him after he sees his face.
Corpse doesn’t think that he would be able to handle it if he would see a disappointment look on Sykkuno’s face once he reveals how he looked.
Corpse is terrified, that’s why he is contented just loving Sykkuno from a far.
But then an opportunity shined up, an opportunity to see Sykkuno is person.
Toast
‘I know it’s a pandemic and all but I just wanted to say that we are having a very small group of close friends over at the OTV house for a celebration. I know you won’t be comfortable with a lot of people but trust me, we will only be having Rae and Sykkuno over plus the members of the OTV house. You don’t have to come but, I guess it would be cool if you can attend.’
The text message was sent 5 hours ago, and yet all Corpse could do was stare at it. Hard.
Anxiety was the first thing he felt after reading it.
Could he really show his face to them? Sure, they are close trusted friends but still…
He decided to go faceless for a reason.
Corpse felt conflicted, seas of different emotions washed over him. it was just a couple of hours of drive away.
Just hours of drive a way to a golden chance to see Sykkuno in person.
Corpse is unsured of what to do.
Sykkuno joined the server
Corpse’s worries immediately went away the moment he saw Sykkuno’s character entered their home on the game. And not a minute later, his phone started ringing.
“Corpse! You already harvested the turnips!” Sykkuno said his voice full of excitement “I was worried that you forgot to do that!”
Corpse laughed “Have some faith in me Sykkuno, I know we need the money.” He said making the other man laugh “I wasn’t able to buy new seeds though because I don’t know which ones are good to plant.”
“That’s okay! I’ll do that after I make some new machines to process the raw materials that we have!”
Corpse hummed as both he and Sykkuno left their home as the screen loads just right outside of their home. He watched as Sykkuno opened the chest that they have, hearing Sykkuno hummed to himself as he do so.
“Corpse?” Sykkuno shyly called out
“You need any help?”
Corpse could only imagine that Sykkuno would shake his head, “Umm… I was thinking that… maybe we should get a dog or something…” he asked almost nervously making Corpse chuckle
“Is a cat a valid option in this game?”
Corpse could almost see the smile on Sykkuno’s response “Of course!” he happily said, filling Corpse’s almost empty apartment with contagious laughter “We will get a cat!”
Hours didn’t even pass and yet Corpse was already smiling ear to ear “But I thought you like dogs?” he asked in curiosity. Corpse watch as Sykkuno’s character finally closed the chest as his character walked near him, and just like the ghost of their among us characters, their foreheads are touching.
“We will get a cat…” Sykkuno softly said as if he was whispering it over the phone “Then we will get a dog next… but for now, I would like to have a cat with you Corpse!”
Sykkuno is miles and miles away from him, but Corpse felt that as if the other man is here on his side. “Yeah…” he agreed, voice soft and fond “I also would like to have a cat with you Sykkuno…”
Sykkuno’s laughter just continued to lighten his otherwise dull and dark day.
~o~oOo~o~
It was just two days before the intended small celebration on the OTV house, and up until that day Corpse still hasn’t decided if he would go or not.
That is until, Toast decided to ask them a seemingly innocent question.
“You don’t have to answer this but, if you could see your soulmate… what is the very first thing you would do?”
The question was for everybody in their lobby, but Corpse felt as if Toast was directing that question at someone in particular.
“OOOHH! That is an interesting question!” Rae was the first one to react “To be honest, I will look at their wrist! Like I know it would be scary to see your own life ticking down but I mean well…”
That gathered a hum of agreement.
“That’s a logical thing to do.” Toast agreed seemingly pleased with the answer “I mean if I am going to die tomorrow then might as well spend all of my money on something that would leave a mark.”
“I honestly have conflicted feeling about that…” Tina said “I mean it would be cool to see who your soulmate is but you know it’s really scary to know when you will die!”
Another chorus of agreement floated in their lobby
“What about you Sykkunie?” Jack suddenly asked “Would you like to meet you soulmate?”
Corpse felt his heart beat faster, he sat straighter as if his life depended on what Sykkuno’s answer would be.
That was the fastest time Corpse pulled out Sykkuno’s stream.
Corpse watched as Sykkuno stared at the screen as if the question truly caught him off guard.
“Umm… maybe…” Sykkuno whispered then and emotion that Corpse couldn’t figure out passed by Sykkuno’s face “To be completely honest… I want to meet them but… I don’t want them to meet me…”
That… was not what Corpse was expecting.
But then again, Corpse didn’t know what he was expecting.
After all he doesn’t know if Sykkuno is his soulmate.
God, he wants Sykkuno to be his soulmate.
[672]
But then a harsh reality washed over him.
28 days.
That’s how long his soulmate would live.
28 days.
If Sykkuno was his soulmate…
Corpse couldn’t even finish his thoughts.
28 days.
Corpse would rather pray to the Gods above that Sykkuno wouldn’t be his soulmate.
He could live with that fact, but he could never imagine his life without Sykkuno.
Corpse is happy and contented with them just being friends.
Corpse would take that any day over with the fact that if Sykkuno was his soulmate then…
28 days.
He would pick a lifetime of him being friends with Sykkuno, over 28 days of being his soulmate.
Corpse love Sykkuno with all his heart, he doesn’t need Sykkuno to be his soulmate in order to amplify the love he is hovering for him.
Corpse loves Sykkuno, soulmate or not.
Please let Sykkuno be my soulmate
Please don’t let Sykkuno be my soulmate.
28 days.
“What about you Corpse?”
Corpse closed Sykkuno’s stream, his eyes once again looking down at the clock on his wrist.
[672]
He closed his eyes “I don’t want to meet them.” He bitterly said
28 days.
Why give him a soulmate that he won’t get to have for a long time?
“I hope I never get to meet them.” He repeated firmly but he wanted to vomit as he said that, but he steeled himself to doing so.
28 days.
Corpse finally made his decision to go to the party.
~o~oOo~o~
Corpse stood outside the OTV gates, his anxiety creeping up on him like a snake.
He then started second guessing himself.
But then a hand landed on his shoulder, he jolted in surprise but when he turned around that nervousness went away as he glanced down to see Rae looking at him with surprise and excitement shining on her eyes.
“Corpse oh my god! I didn’t really think you would come!” Rae excitingly said “Can I hug you? Nevermind you will be getting a hug from me!”
Corpse chuckled as she wasted no time to hug him, it was nice and warm. Rae was the first one to break away “Oh my god you really are tall!” Rae noted “I’m so happy that you are here! Don’t worry if anyone bothers you today, I will punch them on the nose!”
Corpse laughed “Rae you can’t punch people in their own house.”
Rae just smirked at him “Watch me! Nobody messes with Corpse!”
Corpse felt like he could breath a little better…
He is so glad to be surrounded with a great friend like her.
~o~oOo~o~
The anxiety was bothering Corpse earlier soon immediately went away the moment they stepped inside the house. He was warmly greeted by everyone, still being respectful of his personal space which Corpse greatly appreciated.
Everyone even insisted that he could not remove his mask if he was more comfortable that way.
Corpse wonders how lucky he got for him to be with people like them.
Naturally his eyes wandered in the house that the OTV has. Rae seems to noticed this.
“You know they were going to move away after Sykkuno moved to Vegas but they waited until they could celebrate here for the last time.” Rae said as she twirl he cup in her hand “Sykkuno moved out but I really think they didn’t want them to. After all if they ever decided on a new house in LA, the visitation for Sykkuno would be impossible especially since Sykkuno doesn’t drive.”
Corpse hummed, he knows this because Sykkuno bought the topic up when they are playing stardew valley prior to Sykkuno moving out. “That’s… sweet of them.” He decided to say instead
Rae chuckled “I honestly think this celebration was just an excuse to see Sykkuno one last time in person you know?”
Corpse once again hummed but then a doorbell caught their attention. Lily smiled widely as she jumped out of the couch “That’s must be Toast and Sykkuno! Finally!”
Rae must have felt him stiffed the moment Sykkuno’s name was mention, she gently nudges him “Don’t worry it’s just Sykkuno, you two will get along really great!”
Corpse knows that.
His dilemma, of course, is a different path from what Rae is thinking.
Of course, they would get along well. They have a farm life between the two of them, and a newly adopted cat! There is just no way that the two of them would not get along. That is ridiculous.
What Corpse is thinking is that how will he act like a normal human being around the person that is living rent free on his mind for quite a while now.
How do even people act around the person they like?
Maybe he should gave googled it first before coming to the party.
He wasn’t able to pull out his phone out of his pocket because it was that very moment where both of their eyes met.
Corpse felt like as if he was punched in the gut, as air was suddenly taken from him.
How can Sykkuno be so beautiful on camera? Even more so in person.
Corpse just prayed he wouldn’t say something stupid right then and there.
“Sykkuno!” Rae shouted as she run towards Sykkuno, hugging him just like how she hugged him back at the gates.
And oh god, his smile in person was even more beautiful, how is that even possible what the fuck?
Toast snapped a finger right in front of his face, which okay rude, but Corpse wasn’t complaining. “You must be Corpse.” Toast asked with a smirk on his face
Corpse rolled his eyes “You must be Toast.” He shot back watching as Toast chuckle
“I already did a face reveal year ago of course I am Toast. The one and only.”
Corpse shrugged as he smiled, though it was hidden under the mask “I wouldn’t know, I mean I don’t watch your streams.”
That made Toast laughed out loud “Stop lying Corpse, I know you are subscribed to my Youtube channel.”
Corpse chuckled, finding it amusing just how much they could talk like they have known each other for years. “The fact that you know that makes you the weird one here Toast.”
Toast rolled his eyes, as finally Sykkuno went towards them, Sykkuno looked at Toast who looked back at him making Corpse confused at the eye contact between the two. But then Sykkuno sighed “You… must be Corpse.”
That was the time that Toast burst out laughing making Scarra trip on his own feet, while Sykkuno is looking adorably at him almost saying that he was sorry. Corpse soon joined Toast laughing as Sykkuno looked at both of them “Toast you told me to say that to Corpse when I see him here!”
Finally, Toast calmed down “That was great, thank you for the amusement.” Toast said before patting Corpse on the shoulder “Have fun you two!” was all Toast said as he joined Scarra who is glaring at him before pointing out the spilled drinks because of him tripping.
When Corpse and Sykkuno was left alone, as he expected an awkward silent covered them.
It was broken when Sykkuno spoke up “Did you… water the crops before you logged out today?”
That made Corpse laugh out loud, after a while Sykkuno joined him.
Turns out, they will be okay.
After all being with Sykkuno is as easy as breathing fresh air.
~o~oOo~o~
The party is one of the best that Corpse has ever went to.
Well given that he usually doesn’t go to these kinds of things.
The party ended as the night went longer, until it was just the moon and stars that are illuminating the dark sky.
Corpse realized that the whole time he was here with Sykkuno, they never got to touch each other.
Maybe it was an unconscious thought from him, ‘Don’t touch Sykkuno.’
In the back of his mind, he didn’t know what would happen if he even held Sykkuno’s finger.
Because nothing good could ever come out with it.
It’s either Sykkuno only has 26 days to live, or the fact that Sykkuno wasn’t destined to be with him.
Corpse didn’t… wouldn’t know what to do.
Everything felt bitter, right from the start.
But… as Corpse looked at Sykkuno from across the couch, he smiled almost longingly, he could live with the fact that Sykkuno would never love him the same way he does.
If that means that Sykkuno would live longer than 26 days.
Corpse is a selfish man, but he would never be that selfish. He just hopes that whoever is Sykkuno is destined to, he prays that they would treat Sykkuno well.
Because Sykkuno deserves the world and beyond. A thing that Corpse could give if he was given a chance to do so.
If Sykkuno asked for the star, then Corpse would give him the stars.
If only…
Please be my soulmate
Please don’t be.
Don’t.
~o~oOo~o~
The OTV house is big, big enough to have rooms for guest.
Corpse was getting ready to prepare for sleeping, but then just as he is about to enter the guest room that was assigned to him, Toast stopped him.
“Corpse could you go upstairs and check on Sykkuno’s room temperature? The central air-conditioning on that floor is fucked up.”
Corpse raised an eyebrow at that “Uhh…” he started unsure as to why Toast is asking him to do that instead of him doing it. “Why me?”
Toast just shrugged “Why not? Anyway thank you.” Toast didn’t even wait for any reply as the other man entered his room. Which, rude, but whatever this is Toast they are talking about.
Without anymore second thoughts Corpse went upstairs, mindful of his footsteps as to not wake up anybody.
~o~oOo~o~
Corpse quietly entered the room as he already knows that Sykkuno is already asleep.
The moment Corpse entered the room, he forgot what he was supposed to do because he was greeted by Sykkuno peacefully sleeping on the bed.
It was so fucking adorable that Corpse had to stop himself from making ungodly noise.
It just wasn’t fair how Sykkuno could look so perfect even when sleeping.
Maybe he was biased but if Corpse could describe Sykkuno in one word it would be ‘Perfect’. That’s it.
He silently walked towards the other man, he recalled Toast saying that Sykkuno is a heavy sleeper and once Sykkuno is asleep only an earthquake could wake him up, or Toast knocking so loud on his door that people from China could hear it.
He knows he was being a creep, probably. If being a creep means staring longingly at your long-time crush, then yes, he is one.
But no matter what he thinks, he just couldn’t keep his eyes away from Sykkuno.
Corpse would do anything just to have this view every waking moment on his entire life. He knows, he would never get tired of seeing Sykkuno beside him, every morning he would see him and at night sleep next to him, contented and happy with Sykkuno bundled in his arms whispering soft loving words because that’s what all he ever wanted.
He just wants Sykkuno….
…is that too much to ask?
Didn’t he suffer enough with his past, with his health sickness…
Would it really be that hard for him to feel what love is? To feel happy? To know how it feels to be loved?
… just to feel happy for once in his life…???
Corpse would gladly give up his fame for more than just days with Sykkuno.
[624]
If only the clock would stop ticking down.
Please stop ticking down.
Corpse didn’t even realize that his hand unconsciously moved to feel the welcoming warmth that Sykkuno has.
It was all too late for him to realized what he was doing up until when his finger touched Sykkuno’s cheeks.
Corpse had to bite his lips at the sudden burning he felt on his right wrist.
Tears fell down his eyes when a sudden glow of red illuminated the clock on his wrist, eyes snapping at Sykkuno’s wrist as it also did the same, he didn’t see the numbers on his wrist but the glow was seen from under the long sleeves that Sykkuno is wearing.
He cried even harder when right in front of his eyes the clock ticked down.
[600]
25 days.
Corpse didn’t know what he did to deserve this.
…he just wanted to be happy…
Why can’t he be happy for just once in his life…?
~o~oOo~o~
Corpse felt numb.
He didn’t even know how he returned to his room right after knowing that Sykkuno was his soulmate.
That Sykkuno just have 25 days left to live.
Corpse just… felt numb.
The whole night he just stared at the clock he has on his wrist, looking at it as he knows that it was mocking him.
The man he loves is his soulmate…
Sykkuno who gave color and warmth on his life… is going to be ripped away from their lives in just 25 days.
Corpse didn’t know if he should tell someone about this.
He didn’t even know what others would feel about this…
Because Corpse? He just felt broken. Brokenly numb.
He should have known… that happiness just wasn’t for him.
A knock came from the door, Corpse didn’t bother asking, as he just continued looking at his wrist… hoping that the numbers would be frozen.
“Corpse?”
That was Toast, Corpse looked up to see Toast looking at him with an unreadable expression “Are you okay?” Toast asked as he let himself in, closing the door behind him before walking towards him.
Corpse glanced up at him, he knows he looks like shit, after all he was crying the whole night. How… how he would tell Toast that his best friend only has 25 days left to live…
Is 25 days even enough to say goodbye to the person that means so much to them?
He heard Toast’s breath hitched “Is that…?” Toast didn’t even need to finish his sentence as Corpse nodded, for the first time, Corpse saw Toast truly solemn “600… that’s 25 days…” Toast mumbled “Have…” Toast hesitated “Have you met them…?” Toast softly asked as he sat down right next to Corpse
Corpse wanted to curse, he wanted to scream, but instead he just looked so done. He felt so helpless, so tired. “Yes…” he answered after minutes of silence.
“I’m sorry…” Toast mumbled, and for the first time, he knows that Toast is speechless.
Corpse looked at him, could he put Toast in the same situation as him…? Corpse numbly thought. “If…” Corpse started making Toast look at him “If it’s someone you know… would you want me to tell you who is it…?”
That made Toast rigged up, as he was not expecting that kind of question. Just the very thought was enough to make Toast’s blood run cold. Corpse could sympathize, after all knowing that in just 25 days… someone dear to them is about to lose their life.
That Sykkuno would be ripped away from their lives in just 25 days.
Toast would admit it but the moment he heard that question, he only felt fear creeping on him, even he himself isn’t sure if he wanted to know just who is it… “Corpse…” he breath out, shaking as he did “Who…” please please please
The tears slipping out of Corpse’s eyes was more than enough for Toast’s nightmares to be true.
For the first time, Toast wanted to be wrong.
He so wanted to be wrong.
But god… why isn’t he wrong.
~o~oOo~o~
They questioned them the moment Corpse and Toast finally had the strength to leave the room, even Toast himself isn’t fully composed which greatly confused everyone over breakfast. But it seems like they both wanted to be left alone, that’s why they all respected that.
The breakfast they had was delicious… if not for the unsettling feeling they all had.
And in the blink of an eye… it was time for them to go home.
First it was Rae bidding everyone goodbye, giving Toast and Corpse a very tight hug whispering on their ears that she will always be available for them to talk if they ever need to.
They contemplated telling Rae… but decided against it.
Because they know, she wouldn’t be able to handle it. And well, they don’t want Sykkuno to find out his own limited lifespan.
Rae might act like he hates Sykkuno but they all know, she loves Sykkuno more than anyone.
How come… it has to be Sykkuno who has to be ripped away from them…?
Then in another blink of an eye, it was Corpse’s turn to go home.
He doesn’t want to, he wants to stay with Sykkuno.
Even Toast is silently begging him to stay, it wasn’t verbal but Toast’s eyes never lie.
Corpse and Sykkuno stood at the gates, as everyone already bid their farewell to Corpse.
Corpse wanted to cry as Sykkuno just looked at him… he was full of life and warmth…
So how come… in just 25 days… he won’t be…?
Corpse decided that, maybe he would be selfish today.
He reached out gently to Sykkuno, his hands cradling Sykkuno’s face as if he was holding someone so precious to him. Because he is, he is holding Sykkuno in his hands.
Corpse didn’t miss the short glance of Sykkuno on his still covered wrist, then disappointment flooded Sykkuno’s face, then it was washed by an unexplainable face of relief.
It was a whiplash of emotion that passed Sykkuno’s face in just a matter of seconds.
Corpse knows that the burning sensation and the glow only happens the first-time soulmates touch each other.
So why is that… Sykkuno looked disappointed when Corpse finally touched him?
No… the proper question is… why did Sykkuno look relieved…?
Corpse wasn’t able to ponder longer as Sykkuno leaned further on his touch “Corpse…?” he softly called out
It was the way Sykkuno called his name, so Corpse did what he wanted to do ever since he laid an eye on Sykkuno.
He engulfed the other man into a hug. His hands settling comfortably on his waist, as Sykkuno returned the hug, his arms circling warmly on his shoulder up to his neck.
The fit together like a puzzle… a puzzle that wasn’t meant to be solved.
Before tears could escape Corpse’s eyes, he closed them, just relishing Sykkuno’s warmth trying to embed the sensation on his mind. Finally… this is what home feels like…
“Sykkuno…” he whispered as he knows that his voice broke as few tears slipped right out of his closed eyes “I…” love you…? Miss you…? Am sorry…? Corpse didn’t know what to say.
Sykkuno nuzzled his face into Corpse’s neck “It’s okay Corpse… you don’t have to say anything if you can’t…” he whispered as if it was a secret between them “I’m just… I’m happy that we get to hug each other like this…”
Corpse nodded; it was bittersweet for him. He didn’t want to break the hug but he knows he needs to… when they parted Corpse looked at Sykkuno’s expressive eyes, “I will see you again Sykkuno…” Corpse whispered.
Sykkuno smiled at him, not the kind that Sykkuno does for everyone, this is different… it was something else. He didn’t know who leaned in first but it was only a matter of seconds before their foreheads are now touching. Just like what they do at every game they play together.
But it was just the two of them.
No viewers, no donations.
Just the two of them basking in each other’s warmth.
Sykkuno continued smiling at him, “I’ll see you again Corpse…” he whispered back “It doesn’t have to be tomorrow… as long as I will see you again… that’s all what matters for me…”
[600]
25 days
It just wasn’t enough time for the both of them.
Why can’t they have met sooner if destiny only wanted them to be together for a few short months?
Corpse held his hands, they are soft, as if they were made from the clouds “Take care of our home in stardew okay?”
Sykkuno chuckled, the sound of it is like a singing bell, “For as long as I can…” he said “For as long as you are there with me…”
We built a life in our own little online world…
Why can’t we build one in our own real life…?
I want to have a home with you…
Good thing must come to an end, Corpse knows he has to go home for the day.
So, with a little full of affection and admiration kiss on Sykkuno’s forehead, Corpse finally bid his soulmate a farewell, smiling as he did "I'll be back home for you Sy..."
It wouldn’t be their last… after all they still have 25 days left…
But why… doesn’t it felt that way…?
~o~oOo~o~
Sykkuno wanted to cry.
He wanted to cry so he did.
The moment Corpse finally left he ran towards his room, closing it behind him making sure it was locked.
He slid down the door, rollercoaster of emotions flooding his system as tears escape his eyes no matter how hard he tried to stop them.
Corpse wasn’t his soulmate.
He didn’t feel any burn nor saw any red light indicating that Corpse was his soulmate.
It wasn’t hard to love Corpse, along the months they spent together playing he slowly but surely started to fall in love with Corpse.
Every waking moment is filled with anticipation especially with Corpse’s messages of a simple ‘Good morning :)’ and ‘Don’t forget to eat breakfast :)’
It was the simplest thing that made Sykkuno fall for Corpse.
It was the simplest thing… like the life they built on their own private farm home.
Because it felt as if it’s just the two of them there. Where no one could judge them, no one could tell them what to do and what not to do…
In their own private farm… they are just them…
They both found home in a simple game meant to be played alone.
Meant to be played alone yet… Sykkuno never felt alone with Corpse playing with him.
Sykkuno didn’t know why he was so broken hearted to know that Corpse isn’t his soulmate…
He shouldn’t be.
He really shouldn’t be.
After all he could love Corpse even though he isn’t his soulmate right…?
Sykkuno wiped his tears away from his eyes, using the right sleeves of his long-sleeves shirt. The very same arm where his soulmate’s life clock is ticking down
“I’m thankful… that Corpse isn’t my soulmate…” Sykkuno muttered out loud. “After all…” he whispered as he suddenly had the courage to fold up the sleeves he has, the clock now in full visible display for anyone to see.
But there wasn’t anyone… it’s just him in an empty room.
[1]
1 hour
Sykkuno let out a bitter chuckle, it’s not even a whole day.
Just… an hour till his soulmate would die.
…Sykkuno will never get the chance to meet them.
But he smiled, folding the sleeves back, hiding the clock underneath the clothes.
Everything will be okay…
After all, even though his soulmate would die in an hour…
At least he would be together with Corpse.
He could lose his soulmate, but he could never lose Corpse.
Sykkuno joined the server
‘I’ll be waiting for you to come back home, Corpse!’