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"Why do we love people?" Pang had asked Wave one evening. They were taking a walk in the local park nearest to the school. Wave was stressed about year five of his school and Pang knew exactly what Wave needed.
"Huh?"
"It's strange." He frowned. "We are things made out of blood and flesh. Why exactly do we love things? Why are we capable of feeling emotions? We are things that are meant to just function because we have organs that help us in doing that. Why do we feel? It's a completely different thing. People feel different things, too. How do we have different opinions if we are just the same? Don't you think it's strange?"
"I don't think it is. People feel stuff, I guess. I've learned not to question anything in my life. I mean, unless someone wrongs me."
Pang laughed. "Oh, I know all about that and your vengeful soul. But-" Pang stood in front of Wave, stopping him from walking and put his hand in the pocket of Wave's hoodie–which he was wearing.
"But then what's the fun of living? You just take things that are given to you?"
"Yeah. I've learned to just live with everything I've got. It was Supot that was my breaking point."
"But you should learn to question things. Let's take it from your perspective."
Wave blinked. "My perspective?
Pang started walking backwards and nodding.
"Yeah! See, you used to hate me and basically the entire gifted class. Now, you and I are like allies in fighting the school. Not to mention," he grinned and bumped their shoulders together, "you said yes to being my boyfriend yesterday. Isn't this our date?"
"Yeah, yeah. You don't have to remind me." He blushed.
"Oho, is it a burden or are you actually happy?"
He rolled his eyes. "Idiot."
Pang smiled. "What I was saying, though, was that you've changed so much. You love people more. You're not as filled with… rage as before. What caused this?"
He looked back on it. Huh. It was weird that he'd changed a lot. But, he guessed, that's what lives were. Just a whole bunch of changes to your original self.
"Well, did you get an answer for it, yet, Pang?"
"Well, I've got a theory till now. As we grow, our hearts also grow and we are capable of loving more. We learn that love is worth any pain."
It wasn't a technical answer, but Wave felt that it was a beautiful one.
He loved the abstract thoughts that formed like patterns in Pang's brain, effortlessly, like the clouds in the sky which flew in the breeze. They were so beautiful.
He almost smiled at what Pang said. He remembered that he would always feel a physical pain in his chest when he couldn't find Pang, even if it was for a second. Maybe it was all the months he had spent without Pang, not knowing if he would get him back. Maybe it was the grief that he felt because he knew that Pang couldn't remember him or anyone he used to know in the gifted class. All he knew was that it was worth it, just like Pang told. All this pain that he felt was worth it.
For love.
"We should head to the dorm." Wave said. "It's getting late."
"Mhm! I was gonna say the same." Pang held his hand and they walked, Wave gently resting his head on Pang's shoulder.
When they reached home, Wave took a warm shower. The water felt nice, comforting, even. So comforting, in fact, that he didn't want to get out into the cold.
He wore oversized pyjamas. They made him feel small and protected, just like Pang did.
His gaze went to his books lying on the table. He felt a chill run through his body as he sat on the table. He had to admit, he was terrified. He didn't want to study.
The Wave a year ago would have finished the assignment a day ago. Huh. Pang really was correct. He had changed a lot.
He sat down and went through his book. As he was going to start writing, he felt warm hands enveloping him from behind.
Wave just wanted to feel Pang's warmth. He was tired of studying so much.
He leaned his head on Pang. He must have been surprised, because he almost stopped hugging him for a while.
He wasn't the best at physical comfort. But Pang always made it easier.
He felt Pang press a kiss in his hair. He felt loved.
"Are you okay, Wave?"
"Hmm."
He chuckled. "I expected you to be flustered and fake disgust, but I think you really like back hugs."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be, Wave."
"I'm not that great at speaking nicely. I'm trying."
"I know, and I love that, okay? Don't be sorry. It'll take time. Besides, I know you love me." He felt him smirk.
"You wish."
Wave settled into the hug and Pang held him for a while.
"Do it tomorrow, love. You're tired." Pang stroked his hair. "I'll make you some hot chocolate?"
It sounded great. With a well-rested mind, he'd be able to pay more attention and finish his work well, wouldn't he?
He heard the familiar sounds of Pang pouring the milk in the cup and mixing it, the dog that always barked around nine and the family that always seemed to fight at around that time. He heard the wind chime and felt the breeze along with it and saw the flicker of light through the windows of the buildings in the distance. He could feel himself dozing off in the sleepy atmosphere but stayed up because he wanted to taste Pang's hot chocolate.
When he saw the warm hot chocolate in Wave's favourite mug (as Pang always remembered), he also noticed a giant marshmallow with a heart made of chocolate syrup drawn on it.
He felt himself smile at the mug. "Thank you."
"No problem," he said, sitting down on a chair beside him and plopping his head on his hand.
It was so sweet, sweeter because Pang had made it, and that sweetness resembled how he felt at that moment. Content, warm and comfortable. God, Pang made him feel butterflies in his stomach whenever he saw him. He never knew he could feel that way.
After finishing it, he leaned on Pang's shoulder. Both of their arms automatically wrapped the other up. Wave pressed a kiss to Pang's ear.
"Mm. Love you."
Pang laughed. He kissed his forehead. "Love you."
Pang leant down and rested his head in Wave's lap. He threaded his fingers through his hair.
"Come on. The bed is more comfortable."
"I don't wanna move."
"Fine, I'll carry y-"
He shot up. "No, don't worry. I can walk." Pang grinned and shook his head fondly.
He lied down on the bed and covered himself with the blanket. Pang followed him and turned towards him after lying down.
Wave had turned the other side and he waited until Pang wrapped his arms around him, pulling him closer. He was so warm. Pang loved playing with his hair, and so, obviously, he was patting his head and pulling him in tighter.
He felt so comfortable and tired that he fell asleep hours before he usually would have.
When he woke up, he realized that it was still dark and that Pang had moved in his sleep.
Wave looked at him, then immediately turned his head away. He sneaked in another glance. Was he that gone that he couldn't survive a moment without staring at him?
Well, another voice in his head whispered to him, he's just really nice to look at. His mouth curved up to a smile and he continued to gaze at him with unbearable fondness in his eyes.
His vision traced his face and stopped at his lips.
Maybe he should look away.
And so he did.
"Wave?" Pang asked, in his sleepy and endearing voice he had in the morning, "why are you awake?"
"No reason."
"Then come here," he pouted, and hugged him from behind. He peppered tiny kisses on the back of his neck, then continuing to his face.
Wave turned around and wrapped his arms around him. He planted a small kiss on his forehead. Pang beamed and Wave settled into the crook of Pang's neck.
Pang took his hand in his and pressed a kiss to his knuckles. "Sleep well, Wave."
"Good night."