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"If we're never going to ride a bike together, then forget it. Thanks for everything"
"...I don't know how to ride a bike"
"..."
"..."
"That's fine, just ride one with me. That's how our date will be"
When Choi Han first offered his hand, Cale never thought of anything else. To him, it was natural to accept the hand of the guy who swore to love him for all eternity.
Ironic, they're barely 20, and yet the promises they made solidified their being into believing that their happiness could never end. That what they have could never possibly end.
Promises of forever, and a future together.
But of course, Cale being Cale, didn't take the offered hand. Though instead of anything else, Choi Han laughed. Having expected such response.
Still, the gaze he directs showed a soft emotion making Cale feel something deep inside him waver like a mass of little things being moved together.
A funny and confusing comparison, but that's exactly what he felt.
"Let's go, we'll miss the sunset if we stay here"
As Cale stares at the smiling youth, he thought he didn't need to see the sunset or sunrise or anything else considered beautiful in this world, because Choi Han's existence itself is enough to take his breathe away.
Nonetheless, they both started moving forward.
Choi Han helped him climb on the bike they'll be sharing, though he questions why he has to sit in front like a toddler needing someone's guidance. Choi Han simply laughs, saying its better that way so he can make sure Cale doesn't fall.
'Fall for you?' Cale thinks, though he chose silence. Its better not to say anything when he feels like this. When he feels like he could live in this moment for all his life to count.
'The future is scary,' its terrifying. Nevertheless, he choses to stay. Like he always does, like how he has been.
Choi Han starts to pedal, slowly as to make sure Cale doesn't fall. Funny, he had already fallen hard. But to something different entirely. Still, fell, he did.
They climbed up a hill, Cale's head inevitably hitting Choi Han's chest. Exactly where his heart should be, exactly how Cale had apparently taken the lad's heart with no restrain. The thought amusing, Cale smiles.
The moment was broken when Choi Han spoke, asking if Cale is alright, if he's comfortable as they climb up.
Cale jokes he's not, because why should he be fine? He's with the one who stole his heart. Similarly in the way that he did to the latter.
But Choi Han worries, like he always does. Cale simply said to focus on the road, just like how he should.
'Don't look at me,' Cale's heart pounds, 'If you do that, I'll love you. More than you'll ever think I do'
He keeps those words to his heart. Afraid to let it out. Afraid of letting a secret be found.
But someday, he vows to himself, someday, he will speak out everything he wants Choi Han to know. Including the fact that...
Cale's thought was abruptly stopped. He sees from afar, the sun crossing over, behind the sea. The horizon. Painting everything in golden beautiful hues, like a beautiful piece of art.
And beside him, Cale turns around and sees that instead of the mesmerizing setting sun, his chosen companion, his comfort and home, Choi Han was looking at him.
Another piece of art.
His heart makes a stupid thump. Then he falls. He falls like he always does when he sees those deep obsidian eyes.
As they stare at each other while the sun was setting down, Cale had a ridiculous thought.
He thought he really could live forever like this.
That while the sun sets indicating that the day ends, this fragile and precious bliss wouldn't be the same.
Because maybe in their past life, they still chose each other. And in another universe too, possibly, they did the same thing. As well in the other, future lives to come.
Soulmates.
Cale never believed in something unreal as that, but at this very moment, as both he and Choi Han focus in each other, living their own little world, he thinks of that unreal word.
Choi Han smiles, like he always does. Making Cale feel breathless for a moment, then he looks away. Like he would. Finding the feeling inside overwhelming.
Still Choi Han doesn't think negatively. He's patient. Always have been. Because he understands Cale is vulnerable; he's not used to this.
But Choi Han swore a long time ago, he'll slowly make sure Cale gets used to them. To them. For in the future they'll live, they will still be together. Just like now.
The sun was long gone, the cold of the night overtaking. Yet the darkening sky doesn't make them want to leave just yet. Drunk in the feeling of each other, drunk in the feeling they make each other feel.
They were both silent. Never have they ever thought words matter before, it still doesn't now. Because to them, the other's presence is enough.
Never do they value words better. Because if it truly was enough, then why can't they put into forms the kind of emotion they currently feel?
It is something that can not be forced into fancy sentences; silence was enough.
Once again, Choi Han offers his hand. Like he would. Like he will forever do.
This time, Cale doesn't hesitate. Doesn't refuse.
The answer was given a long time ago.
For in the future, there will still be an 'us' for them.