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It’s not rare for Aphelios to stay awake past 3 am.
In fact, it happened often enough that Aphelios started to think that perhaps it was just part of who he was. A night owl, through and through. He had accepted this long ago, so he usually filled these quiet times of the night to be productive: writing songs, reading books, or simply trying out new tunes on his instruments. But he hadn’t been doing that since he moved into this house with the Heartsteel guys especially since Kayn (or rather, Rhaast) yelled at him for being too loud.
Though, since they were leaving for the holiday now, Aphelios was tempted to do it.
Yone was the first to leave, heading to Japan about a week ago with Kayn tailing him, loudly boasting about the ski adventure he would have on the slopes of the Japanese Alps. K’Sante was leaving for Nazumah a few days ago, promising Aphelios a music instrument native from the country when he got back. Ezreal was leaving earlier this evening for South Korea, leaving Aphelios alone with Sett in the house.
But Sett had fallen into a deep sleep during their movie nights a few hours ago, leaving Aphelios on his own.
The peace and quiet is nice.
Yeah, he could explore new tunes with his synth now without Rhaast getting on his case.
Aphelios pulled his synthesizer out of its bag. However, as he rested his finger on the power button, he felt… strange.
It is strange to play his synth without the probability of anyone joining or watching him.
He drummed his fingertips on the keys of his synth. Usually, he would expect one or more of the following: Kayn to yell at him, Yone to join him in exploring music together, or K’Sante to hum a nice melodic that would inspire him, or Ezreal to sit next to him, just swaying his head, enjoying the tunes.
Their absence was so obvious it was practically glaring at him.
But Aphelios was not alone. Sett is still in his room, dozing off. And when morning came, Alune and Ma would come over to celebrate the holidays together. With the two of them, Aphelios was sure that it would come to a house party before he knew it.
The feeling was unusual for Aphelios because he was usually grateful for moments when he could be alone. Silence and privacy had been two of his favorite things in the world. Besides, even if they were here at this hour, most were usually asleep, so there’s no difference.
Still… somehow, tonight, the silence felt… lonely.
He had felt that ever since Yone left, and Aphelios was unsure why.
Perhaps because this house, which could easily fit six guys, felt too big now. Perhaps he was used to Kayn and Ezreal’s endless banter, or K’Sante and Sett’s booming laughter amidst their fitness playlist, or Yone’s scolding whenever things got out of hand. He was used to having their presence around him.
He just realized that he might miss them.
Aphelios shook his head. Since when was he becoming so sulky?
He got up from his seat, abandoning his synthesizer to return to Sett’s room, seeking company.
However, when Aphelios opened the door, he was welcomed with the sight of Sett sitting at the dining table in the kitchen. He was looking at something on the kitchen table, which Aphelios could not see because his broad back was blocking his view. The man must have heard Aphelios’ presence because Aphelios could see his ears perked up before the man straightened up his pose and twisted his hip to face him.
“Phel!” he greeted him, smiling so brightly that he could compare to the sunrise. His voice still had a trace of slumber, making it a little heavier than usual. His bright expression suddenly changed not a moment later when he took in Aphelios’ look. “Hey, you haven’t slept, have you?” he asked, eyes narrowed in accusation.
Aphelios shrugged. A gesture to tell Sett that Aphelios was still awake past 3 AM was not unusual. He approached Sett, looking over the other man to see what made the half-Vastayan so absorbed in the dead of the night.
“What are you doing?” he asked in a whisper instead. With only the two of them in the room, it was loud enough for Sett to hear.
“Woke up and can’t go back to sleep,” he said. “Was gonna grab a water and crash at your room instead, but got distracted by these photos that Ez left,” he pointed to the table with his chin, his wide, toothy smile back in place. “It’s the photos of the band Ez been collecting since we were first forming Heartsteel.”
Aphelios raised his brows. These are the polaroids that Ezreal had taken and gathered almost frantically since they joined the band. He had never seen most of them. Ezreal usually just snapped the photos randomly and dumped them in his bag. He believed that only Kayn had ever seen most of his collection because he was the one who always seemed to have the energy to nag Ezreal about it.
Aphelios was sure that he would hear Ez complain about it tomorrow via Discord call when he had landed in Seoul airport and realized that he had forgotten his collection of photos with him. He could almost hear his whining and complaining voice now.
Sett must have seen the expression written all across Aphelios’s face because he was chuckling, too.
“Right?” he said. “Ez would flip when he knows he forgot to bring this. But c’mere, take a look. They’re really good.”
Sett pulled a chair next to him, where Aphelios proceeded to sit. The photos spread on the table come from different occasions throughout their journey as a band. He could quickly spot a few photos from their music video shooting days, mostly because they were flashy and, thus, could easily be singled out. The rest of the photos seemed to be from more random events of them hanging out: their first dinner in the nearby restaurants, Ezreal’s recording session, game nights, flight to South Korea, cafe hops in Seoul, their first moving in together, and even their museum visits.
Aphelios had always known that Ezreal was really good at preserving memories like this. But seeing them all like this adds to his feeling of missing his bandmates.
“Hey, look,” Sett suddenly said. “It’s us.”
Aphelios shifted his eyes to the photograph that Sett grabbed. They were together, sitting side to side outside a cafe with the sun's golden light on both faces. Sett was leaning on his chair, smiling while staring at Aphelios. Aphelios himself was drinking the coffee he ordered in that photo, the paper cup covered half his face.
He remembered that day. It was when they were picking up Ezreal from the airport. Aphelios remembered how Ezreal’s face made a small change, his brows raised, and for the rest of the days, Ezreal had always looked at Sett like he was looking for something.
Aphelios remembered that a few days after the photo was taken, Ezreal had come to Aphelios with a conspiratory look, saying that he knew something that Aphelios might not know and might be a shock to him. He had been thinking about it for days and was torn whether he had to let Aphelios know, as it might affect the band’s dynamic and everything. His warnings were making Aphelios nervous, especially since he loved the band and the progress that they had made. He was afraid, but he had assured Ezreal that whatever it was, he was sure they could sort it out together. They’re a solid unit, after.
Ezreal even paused dramatically, turning his head left and right to ensure they were truly alone.
Then, he whispered slowly and carefully, “I think… I think Sett has a crush on you?”
And it was so unexpected that Aphelios had paused, processing the words that came out of Ezreal’s mouth, staring at him in disbelief, before suddenly bursting into a loud laugh.
As loud as a whisper could muster, that is.
Ezreal looked thoroughly flabbergasted by Aphelios’s reaction before shaking the shock and grabbing his shoulders.
“You might not realize it because you’re always indifferent about it! But I’m sure it’s true! I mean, I’ve observed how he looks at you and treated you, and no way it’s not a crush.”
Ezreal was serious, making the whole situation even more amusing for Aphelios.
Aphelios apologized for his sudden reaction, and of course, being the prankster he is, Aphelios did not pass up the chance to prank Ezreal, stating that he was laughing because the idea of Sett having a crush on him was so unreal that it felt like a joke, especially since Aphelios had had a crush on Sett too since forever, but desperately trying to cover it, afraid that it was unrequited. Ezreal had encouraged him to confess because he was 99% positive that Sett was returning his feelings, too, and he was not just being friendly with Aphelios.
“Okay, I know Sett is kind,” Ezreal said. “He’s my hero, after all! But no, you shouldn’t worry. He’s taking his kindness and heroism to a new level with you! You should confess!”
Aphelios had promised Ezreal to talk to Sett one of these days to confess, and he promised not to allow this to upset the band’s dynamic if it did not go well between them.
And it was hilarious to see Ezreal perk up whenever Sett talked to Aphelios or if they sat next to each other whenever they ate out for the next few days. Aphelios took great delight seeing Ezreal throw him a knowing look whenever Sett leaned on Aphelios, or when he circled his arms around Aphelios’ shoulders.
His prank went on for almost a week, and perhaps Aphelios would allow if for another week just for the fun of it, if not for Sett kissing his cheek during breakfast one morning and saying, “Happy Anniversary, Mooncake.”
In front of Ezreal and his half-eaten waffle.
Aphelios remembered how funny it was when the green-haired vocalist’s jaw dropped. Almost literally.
Sett was completely lost at why Ezreal suddenly burst out and demanded an answer about how long they had been together. He was confused because they had been dating for two years, and he thought that everyone knew about it already since he wasn’t exactly hiding his affection for Aphelios.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Sett protested, covering himself from Ezreal’s attacks.
“It is obvious! But I didn’t… Phel…” Ezreal narrowed his eyes towards Aphelios. “You! You’re pranking me, aren’t you?”
Aphelios only chuckled, raising his hands in a sign of surrender.
Of course, Aphelios apologized soon after, saying he did not mean to hide his affection for Sett or make Ezreal feel like a fool. It’s just so cute to see someone rooting for him and Sett like that. He hadn’t experienced that since Alune learned of his crush on Sett back in the day. Knowing that apology might not be enough, Aphelios offered to accompany Ezreal to a full day of museum visits to make up for it, which Ezreal accepted almost immediately.
“Hey,” Sett sobered him up. Only when Aphelios saw Sett smiling did he realize he had been doing that all along. “What is it? You’re smiling at how ridiculous I am lookin' at ya in this pic?”
Aphelios shook his head and told Sett about that day when Ezreal was pouting at them all morning because of Aphelios’s prank.
Sett’s rumbling laughter was heard. “So this photo started all that, huh,” he said. “Poor Ez. Can’t blame him, though. Just look at me. I look silly, hopelessly lovestruck in this photo. But to my defense, you just looked so handsome that day.”
Aphelios stared fondly at Sett’s picture. He had seen this expression on Sett’s face multiple times throughout their time together; like most Vastayans, Sett wears his heart on his sleeve. His ears would give away his feelings if his face did not do that first. But seeing how the photo forever froze the moment when Sett’s eyes softened, his face relaxed, and his smile genuine at the mere sight of Aphelios drinking his coffee, Aphelios couldn’t help but feel a little bit of a squeeze in his chest.
“I want to keep this,” Aphelios whispered before he could stop himself.
“Great minds think alike,” Sett said, placing the photo in the empty corner, separating it from the rest. “I was gonna ask Ez if we can keep it, too.”
No, he did not want them to keep it. He did not want them to keep the photo somewhere in their room or by their bed. Aphelios wanted to keep it so close to himself at all times. He wanted to keep this photo in the inner side of his notebook for him to look at every time he was separated from Sett, and he would fight Sett tooth and nail for the sole ownership of the photo.
But he decided to save it for later when Ezreal allowed this photo away from his collection.
“Still confused me how Ez couldn’t tell that we’re together,” Sett said, his hand already picked out another photo, a mirror selfie of them in the gym nearby. Sett and K’Sante were the ones who were actually working out, while Ezreal and Aphelios were there for cardio but mostly for show. K’Sante and Sett were flexing their muscles in front of the mirror, Ezreal was flashing a smile to the camera and making a peace sign, and Aphelios was rolling his eyes. “K’Sante could instantly tell that we were dating. Remember that day when you met ‘im the first time?”
What Sett meant was the day when Aphelios picked him up from the gym a few days after his third solo rap song was released and became a hit. Sett couldn’t walk to the parking lot without being followed by someone, paparazzi or fans alike, so Aphelios took the initiative to be his designated driver to pick him up from the gym, at least just until the hype died down a little.
K’Sante had tagged along that day because his car broke down, and it only took him ten minutes sitting in the backseat of their car, talking and watching Aphelios and Sett talk to each other before he asked, “How long have you been together?”
Aphelios was surprised, to say the least. He stared at Sett, quietly asking him what he told K’Sante about them. Sett raised his arms, saying he never told him anything about their relationship.
“Why are you even surprised that I know? Have you seen the way Sett was looking at you these past ten minutes? It doesn’t take a genius to see that you’re together,” K’Sante said, shaking his head. “I’m not wrong, am I?”
Aphelios remembered how thankful he was that he remembered to wear his mask because otherwise, he would blush and give away the fact that he was bashful with how casually K’Sante mentioned the affection that bled through Sett’s look and act around Aphelios. No one had ever done that so openly, not since Ma.
However, the bashfulness did not last long, replaced by a grateful feeling of having K’Sante know of their relationship. He was a nice friend to both Sett and Aphelios. He respected them, and he often gave them both relationship advice too: to Sett, most of the time, and to Aphelios, occasionally, when Aphelios asked for it from him.
Aphelios was also thankful that K’Sante’s support did not lessen when he joined the band. In fact, he was the one who helped reason with Yone when the latter voiced his skepticism about the band.
“I have seen and heard the works from every single one of you,” Yone had said over the Discord video call that Aphelios set up to discuss his possibility of joining the band. Being the leader and co-leader, Sett and K’Sante were on either side of him to help him pitch the idea to Yone. “And I do not question your musical talents. You all have an intriguing approach to music, and I can see the potential of mixing it into something fresh. It would be an honor for me to join you. However, I only have one question, Aphelios,” he paused. The video was a bit choppy, but Aphelios could see that Yone’s eyes were directed at Sett despite calling his name.
Aphelios nodded, giving Yone the go-ahead to voice his question.
“A professional project being built on personal foundation is prone to a problem. I know because I experienced it firsthand with my little brother,” he started. “And I know for a fact that Sett is your romantic partner. Even if Alune did not tell me, I can see it clearly in this call. And since you’re building this band with him, How sure are you that… personal issues that might happen between you two will not upset the band’s dynamic in the future?”
Aphelios remembered that he could barely think of an answer when Sett suddenly spoke.
“I’m a hundred percent sure it won’t happen 'cause ain’t no issues gonna happen between me and Phel,” he said. “I love and respect him too much to start something. And even if I’m dumb one day, Phel is a true professional that won’t let anything personal affect his work or the people involved. I’ve worked with him since before we were dating. I know that’s just how he is,” he said, and by the small window in the corner of the screen, Aphelios could see Sett was glancing at him, and a tiny smile dawned on his face.
“From what I gather, you’ve worked with him before. I bet you know that about him too, Yone.”
And again, before Aphelios could blush with Sett’s bold declaration nor Yone could ever respond, K’Sante had saved the situation from being too awkward. He explained to Yone how he had been friends with Sett for years and had been the third wheel on Aphelios and Sett’s date for months, and he had seen them work together in a professional setting long enough to be sure that these two (especially Sett) could work professionally without their personal matters getting in the way.
Yone had agreed to join them in the band then, and with him in their group, the band was complete.
Aphelios grabbed the photograph that showed Sett and Yone together, discussing something with the set of their music video in the background. Despite his doubt, Yone ended up respecting Sett so much as an artist and as the band leader. Although, most of the time, he still sometimes scolded Sett for being “too lax” in his leadership. Especially when Kayn and Ezreal were being goofy.
“Huh, look at that, me lookin’ all business,” Sett chuckled at the photo. “Yone was scolding me again for letting Ez break the video cam. I said I could try to talk to them, but they only wanted to listen to him. Can’t say I didn’t try, though.”
Aphelios smiled. “Yone is the final boss, true,” he said. “He’s still being difficult with you?” he asked.
“Huh?” Sett turned his eyes to see Aphelios. The blue-haired man pointed at Yone’s picture with his chin, raising his brows to ask about Yone non-verbally.
Something must have clicked in Sett’s mind because he clicked his fingers. “Oh, you mean that,” he said. “Nah, we’re good. A few weeks after he joined the band, he talked to me. Just the two of us. He kinda apologizes for being difficult with that question before he joined.”
“He is?”
“Yeah, he said that he’s deliberately asking that to challenge me. He knows you, and he trusts you. He always trusts you. It was me he was worried about. Didn’t help that I got a restraining order and all. Must have been worrying for him to join a band with an emotional wreck like me as a leader. Can’t blame him, that’s what the media painted me as after that incident with the paparazzi that swarmed Ez,” he said. “He was watching me slowly the whole time, and he had decided that I’m good, and he’s being silly for ever questioning me. Cuz he said that he could see how much we love music, and love each other. And this kind of love was what would make something beautiful, or something like that. Pretty sure it was mixed with poetic words, I missed half of what he said. But the point is, he apologized, and he said that he trusts me as much as he trusts you.”
Aphelios chuckled. “Yone talks about love? That did not happen!”
“It is!”
“You made that up.”
Sett shrugged. “Suit yourself, that’s what he said.”
Aphelios laughed again and shifted his eyes back to the photos.
“So he just wants to test you, huh?”
Sett nodded. “Just like Ma. Always wants to be sure that I can handle it before she permits me to do anything.”
Aphelios shook his hand. “Yone truly enjoyed being a mother of the band.”
“If being the band mom means he could freely scold Kayn and Ez, bet he enjoyed it.”
Aphelios laughed with him, and they continued to talk about the photos for a little more before they both paused at the photo of the whole band together, taken backstage at the Worlds Stage, where they made their debut. Ezreal was piggybacking on K’Sante, still holding his microphone. Aphelios smiled at Yone, who handed him a bottle of cold water. Sett laughed openly while ripping his shirt; Kayn was behind him, smiling while pouring himself a water bottle. The fireworks effect from the stage was still visible, though blurred due to the distance.
And Alune’s also by the far right of the photo, smiling proudly at them.
Sett, Alune, Yone and Kayn, and even K’Sante and Ezreal.
The important people of Aphelios’s life that used to be in separate parts of his life are now fused into one beautiful part that has Aphelios’s heart. A significant source of his joy and passion.
Sett paused for quite a long time while holding a photo that Aphelios had to tilt his head again to check on him.
He was smiling fondly, softly.
And Aphelios could feel he was mirroring Sett’s expression.
“Hey, Phel,” Sett said, his eyes fixed on him so gently that Aphelios couldn't look away. “Thank you for doing this with me,” he said. “This band… this moment… everything wouldn’t have happened without your help. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being with me.”
Sett pressed their forehead together, a smile still etched on his lips now growing impossibly wider, and Aphelios felt how… unbelievable it was for Sett to say such a thing as if it wasn’t Sett who started the band and put in all the hard work. As if it wasn’t Sett who put them together, who kept them together as a leader, and who got them where they are now.
As if it was not Sett who brought Aphelios’ love of music back and brought him new friends who could bear with him could understand his language, even after he lost his singing voice.
It was as if it was not Sett who brought perfect joy into his life.
Aphelios was about to speak his mind, but then, something clicked in his mind.
Sett said that was because he always put Aphelios in such high regard. He loved Aphelios. He respected and cherished him both as a partner and as a bandmate. And although Aphelios returned his feelings twice as much, Aphelios felt like perhaps he was not saying enough.
Perhaps he was not showing enough to assure Sett how much he loved and was thankful for him, too.
That must be it because all along, their circle of friends had only known of them together because of Sett’s affection. Because he loved him so much and so openly that people couldn’t help but notice.
It was always Sett, and so seldomly was it ever Aphelios.
He had to rectify that.
Starting from today.
“Thank you,” he whispered. “I love you, Sett. Thank you for bringing this life to me, too.”
And Aphelios closed what little distance between them and kissed Sett on the lips.
It did not take much for Sett to return the kiss. He kissed back with the same passion, if not tenfold, as usual. But Aphelios was up for a competition. He returned the passion, whispering ‘I love you’ whenever they break the kiss for air.
And each time, Sett’s face lit up even brighter, just like the sun that crawled up to the sky as the day passed.
Their kiss was only interrupted when there was the sound of the door being opened, followed by Alune’s voice.
“Good morning, I brought breakf… whoa there,” she said. “Am I too early? Should I go back later?”
“No, no, come on in, ‘Lune,” Sett broke the kiss, clearing his throat nervously, the exact moment Aphelios nodded firmly.
“Yes, you’re interrupting,” he said, louder than a whisper now so Alune could hear from across the room. “
Sett was raising his brows, looking surprised at Aphelios’ boldness, while Alune stared at him like he had grown another head.
Knowing that it was unusual for him to be so bold, Aphelios only shrugged. “But it’s okay. You can be the witness for my love to Sett.”
He turned to Sett and was about to kiss him again when Alune turned her heels back.
“Uh.. okay… yeah, no,” she said. “I’d rather not. I’ve seen too much of that for the past two years and a half! I’ll definitely go back later. Can I use the bathroom? I think I need to refresh my make-up. You still have my toothbrush around, right? Also, I’m stealing your eye masks as compensation for…”
Alune did not wait for their answer, nor did she stop talking even after she closed the door behind her. Aphelios quickly shifted his eyes to Sett, only to meet his amused expression.
“Pranking your sis so soon before the holiday starts.”
Aphelios shrugged. “No pranks,” he said. “I just love you, and I think I need to show more of that.”
“And I love you,” Sett smiled, giving him a peck on the lips again before getting up from his seat. “Huh, what do you know? It’s morning,” he said. “Let’s clear this up. I’m sure Ma will come over in a bit, and soon she will need a lotta space on this table for her food.”
Aphelios nodded. But before that…
“How about we send a holiday greeting to the guys?” he asked. “I’m sure it’ll be a delight for Ez once he lands in Seoul.”
Sett agreed, and Aphelios fished for his phone, angle it for a selfie together with Sett. As he clicked the shutter of his front camera, Aphelios kissed Sett on the corner of his lips without warning, effectively shocking the half-Vastayan.
He stared at the result of the photo and nodded in satisfaction when he pressed the send button.
People had seen how much Sett was in love with Aphelios.
Now, they would see the proof that Aphelios was in love with Sett’s, too.
-
Phel: Happy holidays, everyone!
Phel: [Image attached]
Kayn typing….
Kayn: Phel, you better not do your new prank on me. Nobody’s gonna come close to my lips.
Kayn: WAIT.
Kayn: Rhaast said that you two are dating.
Kayn: Lol.
Yone: …
Ezreal: (◔_◔)
K’Sante: (◔_◔)
Sett: (⸝⸝ᵕᴗᵕ⸝⸝)
Kayn: What.
Kayn: YOU? AND SETT?
Kayn: Since when?