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Azure wasn't really a rule breaker—at least, he tried not to be.
He was always known as a good student. He kept up his good grades, and always showed up to class on time. He was never known to make any trouble… that is, until now. Right now, he was sneaking out of his home. He knew what he was doing wasn't right, but could it really be that bad? I mean, he was just leaving the house temporarily, and people did that all the time… the only issue was the place he was sneaking off to was a little further than he would like to admit. But it was fine, right? Maybe. Probably… eh.
His parents didn't really care. They were always busy at work, too preoccupied to spare a second thought for Azure. Plus, Azure was actually doing something important… he was meeting a dear friend, after such a long time. It was the first time he was travelling this far just to meet someone—but in his eyes, it was worth it.
In fact, he was going out to meet his best friend, someone he had been close to for years. After all this time of having their conversations be stuck online, they had finally managed to work out a time to meet—and Azure wasn't going to let go for this opportunity so easily. This was a once in a lifetime thing, perhaps. He didn't know when he would ever be able to see them again in person—so he didn't want to waste it.
He sifts through his wardrobe, tossing various shirts over his shoulder. He quickly glances through the various designs, before frowning. Maybe he should wear something casual, he thinks, picking up a loose t-shirt. But it looks too casual, and way too big for him. He shakes his head in dismay. He was probably being silly—none of this would even matter to Two Time.
He looks through his clothes some more, before eventually settling on something simple, yet comfortable. A long-sleeved shirt with a loose jacket, paired with a pair of jeans. He tugs at the sleeves of his shirt, then adjusts the collar around his neck before finally checking his reflection in the mirror. His hands were shaking, just a little—but it wasn't from the fear of getting caught sneaking out. Instead, he was just… excited, and eager to finally meet them in person.
He packs the essentials—his phone, earpieces, a snack for the road, and a few loose bills. He wasn't going anywhere that remote… but the town Two Time lived in was so far out that driving was the only real option to get there. It was far too long of a distance to walk, and no other buses went through that area—so in the end, he decided to pick up driving. He had been waiting for years so he could be old enough to get his license—and now, that fateful day had finally come.
Before leaving, he makes sure everything else is turned off in the house—the lights, the fans, all that stuff—then slips out the door, and locks it shut. He heads to the car, and opens the door before settling inside. He inserts the key in, and turns it, starting the car up. It's a little old, but it’ll do.
He begins to drive.
Azure watches as he passes by the various streets, driving through the familiar neighborhoods, watching as the road in front of him stretches on and on. Every so often, he would glance in the rearview mirror, half-expecting his parents to appear in the driveway and catch him. But the road behind him remains empty. It's practically a ghost town.
Eventually, he reaches his destination. According to Two Time, it was an abandoned bus stop—back when buses still ran through this place. And this was where they had agreed to meet.
The car comes to a halt. Azure grips the steering wheel for a few moments, clearly anxious. Eventually, he leans back in the seat, trying to calm the thoughts racing in his head. What if this was a mistake? What if Two Time didn't like him at all? What if he messed up, and everything went horribly wrong…?
Yeah, he really was nervous. But honestly… in his situation, who wouldn't be?
Finally, he gets enough courage to step out of the car. The cold, morning air bites at his skin, and he pulls his jacket a little closer to him, in an attempt to block the wind. He leans against the car, and lightly taps his foot against the pavement, waiting. Time seems to stretch on for an eternity—every passing minute somehow feels longer than the last.
His stomach twists, filled with the panic he felt from earlier. And as he stands there, he finds himself thinking about things—past conversations, the chat that led up to this plan finally coming into fruition. He doesn't know when they're coming, or if they even were coming at this point—and he doesn't want to admit that he’s a little worried. They just meant so much to him, and he would hate to ruin their friendship by coming across as too weird or awkward.
He pulls out his phone, deep in thought. Maybe they forgot about the meet-up, or maybe they’re running late. Who knows…
He’s just about to type a message in their chat before he hears it—that familiar voice, the one he’s been longing to hear all this while.
It's his dearest friend, Two Time.
"Azure!"
He immediately turns around towards the direction of the sound. There they were, quickly hurrying towards him. They were wearing a loose black shirt, alongside some plain-looking pants. And around their neck was a necklace, with a thin white pendant. It had a small, unfamiliar symbol carved into it, but Azure didn't really notice—he was too preoccupied with looking at them.
Azure smiles. He’s glad to see them, all safe and sound.
"There you are… I’ve been waiting for you!"
Two Time looks away, before rubbing the back of their neck sheepishly. Their cheeks are tinged with a faint red. “I apologise. I didn't mean to be late… something unexpected just came up.”
Azure shakes his head, shrugging nonchalantly. “It's fine. Don't worry about it,” he says, trying to reassure them. Then, he turns to the car, opens the passenger door, and gestures for them to enter. "Now, let’s get going. We don’t have all day, y’know?"
Two Time hesitates for a moment, before climbing into the car. Behind them, the door clicks shut. After making sure they were settled in comfortably, Azure walks over to the other side of the car, and slides into the driver’s seat. He turns his key into the ignition once more, and starts the car engine going. Azure knows it will be a slow drive to their next destination—like he said earlier, the town is so far away from everything. It’s isolated, tucked away from the city. It seems like a peaceful place, honestly.
The trip there is mostly silent. They don't talk much… they’re not familiar with talking in person. It's much more comfortable to chat with each other online, but Azure will make do. Honestly, he’s never been that good with small talk—he tends to be blunt, and say whatever’s on his mind.
To others, he often comes across as rude—even though he doesn't intend to offend, and just wants to be honest. Whatever he has… it's a curse. On the other hand, Two Time was naturally reserved. Usually, Azure was the one reaching out… but that didn't mean Two Time didn't reciprocate. That was just how things went with the two of them.
Eventually, the ride comes to an end, and they pull up to a nearby mall. Azure had read about it online—it wasn't too far from Two Time’s town, and it was the perfect location for them to hang out. It was a popular spot—full of so many different kinds of delicious food, and filled with all sorts of fun attractions—all packed into one building. It seemed affordable too, and nothing too out of their budget.
He hasn't mentioned it to Two Time, but he wanted to pay for everything, and treat them. He knew their home life had been rough, and they were going through some heavy stuff recently. So he just wanted to cheer them up… plus, he had some savings from the odd jobs he had taken up in his free time, so the money wasn't a problem to him at all.
“Hey, we’re here.”
Two Time leans forward slightly, seemingly startled by Azure’s words. It looks like they were spacing out on the trip there. They’re staring past the window, and their gaze is focused on what was outside—at the tall, towering building, and the bright neon signs propped up by the front entrance. They take a deep breath, looking a little overwhelmed.
“You alright? You seem… overwhelmed,” Azure asks, glancing at them with concern. They don't look too well… he hopes they’re feeling okay. Maybe they’re not used to this…?
Two Time waves their hands quickly, trying to relieve his concerns. A nervous smile tugs at the edge of their lips. “No, no, I’m fine! It’s just… a lot for me. I’m not used to this at all…”
“Ah."
Azure taps the steering wheel lightly, before running a hand through his hair. He should have planned this out better, and been more considerate of them…
"If you want, we can go somewhere else... I don't mind.”
Two Time bites their lip, and a guilt expression flashes across their face. “No, it's fine! Really, I want to hang out with you! It’s just, well… could we do something less…” They gesture vaguely at the neon signs plastered outside. "Extreme…?"
“Of course,” Azure says, nodding, before pushing the door open. “Let's do something more relaxing."
With that, he exits the driver’s seat, then walks over to Two Time’s side, and opens the door for them. He extends his hand out, offering it to them in order to help them out of the car. They falter for a few seconds, before accepting it. Azure sees the way their cheeks are flushed pink with embarrassment—but he doesn't dare tease them about it. Instead, he helps them out, lets go of the car door, and locks it closed.
He glances back, looking at the mall, and attempts to remember what he read online about it. He thinks about all the various options of entertainment there were inside—there was an arcade, a karaoke place, a food court… but he can see how those might be too much for Two Time. With his free hand, he pulls out his phone, and begins to scroll through the mall’s directory.
“U-Um… can I ask you something…?”
Azure looks up. He’s surprised to hear their voice—he didn't expect them to say anything, given how quiet they’ve been all this time. Now, Two Time was covering their mouth with their hand, their eyes wide and their cheeks completely red.
“Yeah, what is it?” he asks, confused. What could it possibly be—did he do something wrong? Or maybe they had an idea on where to go?
“How long are you going to keep holding my hand for…?”
Azure freezes. “Oh." He didn't realise he was still holding their hand. He quickly drops it, suddenly feeling self conscious. "I’m so sorry, I didn't realise…”
“It's fine! I just…” Two Time begins, before trailing off. Their voice sounds small, and they’re clearly embarrassed to be bringing such a topic up. “Ah, I’m sorry. I made things awkward again…”
Azure shakes his head, offering them a sheepish smile. But deep down, he feels terrible for nearly ruining the mood. “Don't apologise—really, it's my fault. Sorry about that…”
“It's okay…”
And just like that, it's quiet once more. Two Time stands next to Azure, waiting patiently for his next move. Meanwhile, Azure is busy tapping at his phone again, his eyes scanning through the various options of activities they could do.
He knew he should have spent more time planning things out—things would have definitely gone better if he had. He should have guessed that someplace like a gaming arcade or a karaoke might have been too overwhelming or loud for them, especially for someone as soft-spoken as they were. What to do, what should they do…
Then, a most recent post on his feed catches his eye—it’s an advertisement for a brand-new cafe. And there are cats. Lots of them, all rescued from the animal shelter. It seems like the perfect idea—it wasn't too noisy, and maybe it would turn out to be a fun, unforgettable experience for the both of them. It was worth a try.
“Wanna go to a cat cafe?"
Two Time tilts their head. “Oh, um… I’ve never been to a cat cafe before…"
Azure grins. Perhaps this is for the best—Two Time might really enjoy the new experience. “I mean, there’s a first time for everything—but what do you think? Do you want to go?”
“Well…”
Two Time begins, before trailing off. Although they still seem apprehensive, the tension in their shoulders eases, and they look slightly less cautious than before.
“I guess—?”
“Hey, you can trust me. I promise it’ll be fun!”
And it really was. There were so many cats everywhere—no matter where Azure looked, there was at least one cat resting there. Two Time had been so excited—from the moment they stepped inside, Azure could sense it. Their eyes had lit up, wide and eager. They had apparently never even heard of a place like this before, so it was truly a new experience for the both of them.
“Awww!” Two Time exclaimed, before brushing their fingers along the soft fur of a cat nearby. “They're so cute!"
Azure chuckles softly. “I’m glad you like it."
“Y-Yeah! It’s really nice…” Two Time admits, kneeling closer to the floor to let a small gray cat curl against their lap. “Thank you for taking me here, Azure… I never would have had the courage to go here by myself.”
Azure nudges them lightly with his shoulder, smiling back in response. “Hey, you don't have to thank me—I’m just glad you had fun. We can always come here whenever you want, haha… I mean, only if you want to, of course…”
“Really…? I’d like that a lot—thank you, Azure!”
Azure looks away, a little embarrassed at all the fuss. Two Time seems so excited, he couldn't help but blush. “It's no problem at all… We can always just… hang out like this, like friends, y’know?”
“Yeah, that sounds nice…”
With that, they both returned to petting the cats. It was quieter now, but there was a sense of calm that washed around them—and it was one Azure was grateful for, especially considering how nervous they were earlier.
Honestly, he had been planning to ask if Two Time had wanted to go anywhere else after this, but he hesitates, unsure of how to bring up the topic—he doesn't want to ruin the good mood they have right now. And just before he can open his mouth—just when he finally gets the courage to speak—a small rumble comes from Two Time’s stomach. They must be hungry.
“Ah…” They freeze, seemingly embarrassed. They immediately begin to apologise. "I’m sorry, I didn't really have anything to eat earlier…"
“There’s no need to be embarrassed,” Azure says kindly, trying to reassure them. “Let’s go grab a bite, then.”
They end up going to a fast-food place, located on the first floor. They decided to take their food to go—the place was far too noisy to stay there, and have a chat. Takeout would be best, so as to not overwhelm them, especially on their first visit. Azure knew Two Time had grown up sheltered, but hearing they were never allowed to eat fast food kind of stunned him. They had been so confused, looking at the menu and trying to figure out what to eat.
And so, Azure stood beside them, explaining the various options patiently, pointing out what ingredients were in them, and what the food contained. He didn't mind—he was happy to help out his dearest friend. In the end, he helped them pick out something normal—a burger, some fries and a milkshake to go.
Azure knew fast food wasn't the healthiest, but having it once a while… should be fine, right? Plus, it was cheap, convenient, and most importantly, proved to be a new experience for them. So it was alright—it was just this once, he swears!
As Azure reaches over to pay, Two Time can't help but mumble a soft apology—they felt bad, thinking they were taking advantage of Azure’s kindness. “I’m sorry, I should have brought some spare cash with me…”
But Azure simply shakes his head. “Don't worry about it—it’s my treat, yeah?"
“Okay…"
In the end, they ordered the same thing—two burgers, some fries, and milkshakes. The food comes out quickly, and it’s still piping hot when they pick it up from the counter. With the bags of food in hand, they proceed to head back to the car. Azure unlocks the door, and carefully sets the food in the space between the seats—he secures it carefully in place, to ensure that nothing falls over during the drive.
He knows that they don't have much time left together—so he wants to savor it, and find a nice place to go. He ends up suggesting a nearby beach—it’s a quiet spot, hidden away from everything. The two of them can eat together, and watch the sunset… it sounds perfect.
Two Time doesn't object to their suggestion—instead, they follow along without any hesitation, letting Azure take the lead. Just like before, the drive there is quiet, but Azure knows it isn't from that awkward tension he had feared earlier. They were simply tired, and worn out from all the fun they had earlier—so that silence he was experiencing now was more than fine with him.
After a while, they finally reach the beach. Azure parks in a small lot, before taking the bags and carrying them with him. Two Time takes their own bags as well, and they follow him as he walks towards a secluded spot of the beach, one right at the edge, near the rocks. The sun was beginning to set now, and the sky was a mesmerising mix of orange, with shades of purple and pink.
Together, they settle onto the sand. Azure sits down and crosses his legs, before opening his burger. He takes a bite. They usually taste decent, but for some reason, it was more delicious than before. Maybe it was because he was hungry.
He takes another bite, and watches as Two Time unpacked their burger. They take quick bites from it, seemingly almost ravenous—and it's that moment, Azure notices how thin they looked. He bites his lip, concerned, but unsure of how to bring the topic up. He… shouldn't pry, right? Maybe he’ll ask them later.
As they eat, they also talk about mundane, everyday things—Azure shares about his life at school, and what he’s been up to recently, while Two Time listens, nodding throughout, and occasionally adding a word or two.
Two Time unpacked theirs and took quick bites, almost ravenous, and Azure noticed how thin they seemed. He bit his lip in worry but didn’t pry. They talked quietly as they ate—Azure sharing small, mundane details about school, while Two Time listened, nodding, occasionally adding a word or two.
“I’m done."
Two Time turns to Azure, confused by his sudden declaration. It seems like Azure had finished his burger—he was already folding the wrapper, and tucking it back into the paper.
"That… was quick…”
Azure chuckles, the sound coming out light-hearted. “Well, I was really hungry,” he admits sheepishly, before taking a sip of his milkshake. After drinking a few more sips, he places the cup firmly in the sand, making sure it doesn't topple over.
And he can't help but glance at the water, looking at the way the waves lapped gently against the shore. He too, didn't get to go to the beach often… and so, an opportunity like this was precious to him. Plus, he wanted to see if the water was warm… maybe take a dip, and feel it against his feet.
“I’m going to take a dip in the water,” he says, before standing up and dusting the sand off his pants. He turns over so he can look at Two Time. “Wanna come with me?"
"It’s fine,” Two Time murmurs, shaking their head. They’re still holding their bag of food tightly against their chest. “You… can go ahead.”
"Alright then. I’ll be back soon."
With that, Azure bends down, and takes off his shoes. He doesn't want them to get all wet and soggy. After taking them off, he places them by the side, before stepping forward into the sand. As he makes his way towards the water, he feels the soft grains shift beneath his feet.
And when he finally reaches the shore, he takes a few steps forward, until the water reaches his ankles. The sensation of the water washing over his feet… It feels calming. His heart and mind… feels at peace. All those racing thoughts of worry begin to slow, and for once he thinks that things might finally be okay.
“Hey, Azure… can I ask you something?”
Azure turns around, startled. Two Time had been silent this whole time, so he hadn't expected them to speak. It had caught him completely off guard.
“Sure. What is it?"
"Well…” Two Time begins, their voice faltering. Their eyes remain fixed on the horizon.
“Have you ever wondered what it's like to drown?"
Azure instantly freezes. He wasn't expecting that. "What…?”
For a moment, Two Time stays silent. They tuck a loose strand of hair behind their ear, before continuing to speak. “Imagine letting the sea take you, watching the waves pass by… it seems like a peaceful way to go.”
Azure opens his mouth to respond, then closes it, realising he doesn't know what to say. He looks back at them, trying to understand why they would ask such a thing—but their expression remains as unreadable as ever.
They don't seem bothered or even phased by his reaction at all… it's almost like they expected him to act this way. Or maybe, it's just… they couldn't bring themselves to care. Azure doesn't really know, but that lack of regard for their own life… It scares him. He didn't think their conversation would take such a dark turn… but he knows that eventually, he has to say something.
“I guess you’re right—the sea does seem peaceful. I just… I haven't really thought about such a thing,” Azure admits, some hesitance rising in his voice.
He doesn't know that what he’s saying would help, and give them the comfort they so desperately need—but he continues to speak, trying to be honest. That's all he can do, really—he has to be honest with them. “If anything, I think such a fate would feel… lonely.”
“Lonely?" Two Time asks, tilting their head. They seem more focused now, their gaze on Azure, rather than the distant horizon ahead. "Why would you say that?”
Azure shrugs slightly, unsure. “I dunno…” he begins, before trailing off. At that moment, something in the sand catches his eye—it’s a lone seashell, buried beneath the wet grains. He bends down to pick it up.
“Azure? Are you okay…?”
Two Time calls for him, and Azure realises he hadn't said anything yet. He’s been too caught up in his own thoughts. "Sorry, I was just… lost in thought.”
"I understand. It's okay, Azure… You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
“No, it's just, well…” Azure murmurs, before looking back at the conch, trying to think of what to say. He twirls it between his fingers, and studies the shell closely. It was delicate, a lovely little thing—there were no cracks or any marks staining the shell. It looked… pretty. A perfect reminder of the beach.
"I guess… to me, the thought of dying alone is scary. There's no one to comfort you in your final moments… and no one ends up remembering you when you're gone.”
"I see…” Two Time murmurs, their voice barely above a whisper. They stare into the water, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, Azure steps out of the water, and settles down beside Two Time. He offers them the seashell, and places it gently in their hands. He hoped it would help cheer them up, especially after everything. “Here… This is for you."
Two Time’s eyes widened in surprise. Their fingers curl around the shell. "How pretty… Thank you, Azure.”
They give him a small, grateful smile—and Azure feels a warmth begin to rise in his chest. He smiled back, glad to see they were feeling a little better. He doesn't know why they would ask such a question, but it was clear that they had a lot on their mind tonight… and he can only hope to help ease some of their pain.
The sky is getting darker now. As the sun sinks lower, the wind picks up, biting at his skin. Beside him, he feels them shiver slightly, clearly cold from the sudden change in temperature.
“Are you cold…?” Azure asks softly, turning his head to look at Two Time.
Two Time nods hesitantly. “Y-Yeah… sorry.”
Azure doesn't think twice. He pulls off his jacket, and drapes it over their shoulders. “Here you go."
Two Time sits there, stunned. Their fingers clutch at the edge of the fabric, and they instinctively pull it closer, hoping to keep warm. "Thank you, Azure…” Then, they look at him, worried. It seems like they’ve realised that he might be cold too—and still, he had offered them his jacket. "Wait, but then you’ll be cold—!"
“It's fine," Azure reassures them quickly, giving them a small smile. Even as the cool wind brushes against his skin, biting into it, he shrugs it off, trying not to let his true feelings show. It… wasn't that cold. He can handle it—it’s really not that big of a deal.
But Two Time notices it anyway. They shift a little closer to him, quietly slipping one side of the jacket over his shoulders. “Let’s share, Azure. I… wouldn’t want you catching a cold because of me.”
Azure finally relents. "Well, if you insist…"
They end up sitting together, with the jacket pulled around the both of them. It feels a little awkward at first, but Azure eventually relaxes into the position, and he leans his head lightly against their shoulder.
I guess it's a good time to ask… I’m not sure when else I’ll get the opportunity to do so.
Azure knew he wasn't good at comforting people, but he wanted to at least try—maybe he could offer them a listening ear, and let them vent out all of their problems. After a moment, he finally speaks, his voice sounding quieter than before. "So… you seem to have a lot on your mind." He begins, before taking a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. “Do you want to talk about it? But it's… fine if you don't want to, though. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable. I just… I want you to know I’m here for you anytime.”
Two Time looks away. Their fingers nervously fidget with the hem of the jacket. “...kinda, yeah. If you don't mind listening—it's just… something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.”
Azure nods immediately. “Of course. I don't mind at all.”
“O-Okay…” Two Time swallows hard. They still seem hesitant. They’re staring out into the darkening sea, watching the waves roll endlessly. There's something bitter in their expression, a sorrow they can't quite put into words—it makes Azure worry.
“Life… has been hard. My family’s going through some stuff, so I've been staying with a family friend for now. That's why I was so late earlier… had to try to convince them to let me go.”
“They gave me this," Two Time admits, before fiddling with the pendant around their neck. It's the thin, strange carving Azure had noticed earlier—but he didn't recognise what symbol it was meant to represent. "They said it would protect me, or something. A sign of their faith… but I don't know what to think about everything, anymore. It scares me, not knowing how things are going to turn out in the future—”
Their grips around the necklace tightens. “I just feel… uncertain. About life, about everything. It all feels so unpredictable.” They falter, their voice cracking slightly. “I never thought things would end up like this, and it makes me feel so alone…"
They pause. It seems like they’re considering whether to say it, or not. For a moment, they're silent, before they finally continue to speak. Their voice is softer now, barely above a whisper—it’s almost as if they don't mean to say their next words aloud. "Sometimes, I wonder if people would even notice if I was gone.”
Those words make Azure’s chest ache. How could they possibly think that? Things… must really be difficult.
He doesn't respond right away. He takes his time to think of what he should say—and how he could comfort them properly.
“I’ll… notice. If you were gone… it would make me sad."
Two Time looks a little surprised at his words. It nearly makes Azure’s heart break. Did they really think so little of themselves? To the point no one would notice if they were gone…?
“It would—?”
"Yeah,” he admits softly. His words are sincere, ones spoken right from the heart. They changed his life… became his reason to live, something he could look forward to everyday. And he wanted them to know that, to know how much their presence mattered to him.
"I’m glad to have met you, Two. I can't… possibly imagine a life without you. You’re… my best friend, and you mean everything to me.”
“I do…?”
Two Time seems to be a little embarrassed by the praise—their cheeks are flushed a light shade of pink. Or maybe it's from the cold… Azure doesn't really know. But all he does know is he wants to help them feel loved and appreciated, to know that their presence is valued and their life matters, even if they don't believe it themselves.
“Yes. I mean it, okay? I really do."
"Ah… thank you, Azure,” Two Time mumbles, their voice sounding grateful. "You’re really kind…"
“Hey, don't thank me… That's what friends are for.”
“I guess you’re right, haha…”
“Just… don’t give up, okay? I know life can be hard, but there’s still hope. Even if you can't see it right now, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel, y’know?”
Azure pushes himself to sit upright, just so he can look at them properly. He wants to let them know that he's there for them, no matter what happens.
“Sorry, that sounds kind of cheesy… but yeah. I know it might not feel that way, but I wanted to tell you that you’re not alone.”
Two Time finally meets his gaze. “I’m not…?"
Azure nods. "Yeah. I’ll always be here for you, Two… I care about you.”
Instinctively, he reaches out for their hand, hoping to hold it, and remind them they weren't alone. But he stops himself, remembering the embarrassment from earlier. They notice how he hesitantly reaches out, then pulls away from them.
“It's okay, Azure," they murmur softly. “Sorry, I was just nervous earlier when you held my hand. But I don't mind…"
As they're speaking, a slow warmth creeps up their neck, spilling onto their cheeks until they too, are a bright red.
“...I really liked it," they admit, clearly embarrassed. "Your hand… feels warm.”
Azure smiles, relieved. He’s glad he didn't make them feel too uncomfortable.
“Haha, I’ve never heard that before. I just hope you don't mind… I didn't want to scare you earlier.”
“Really, I don't! I think it's… very sweet. I’d… like to hold your hand again, Azure.”
"Well, if you say so…"
This time, he takes their hand properly, and intertwines his fingers with theirs. He gives their hand a soft, reassuring squeeze—serving as a reminder that he will always be there for them, no matter what. Because of the gesture, Two Time seems more relaxed now. Instead of Azure leaning onto them, this time, it’s Two Time that does so. They move closer, and gently rests their head against his shoulder. Azure too, adjusts slightly, just so they can rest more comfortably.
“I just… I want you to be happy, Two.”
“No matter what happens… I’ll always care about you, okay? Even if you think it isn't a big deal, if there's anything you ever want to talk about—you can come to me anytime.”
He pauses, his voice softening. He gives their hand a firmer squeeze, and his thumb gently brushes over their knuckles. It’s a gesture meant to comfort them.
"It's just… you mean so much to me, Two—you changed my life. And I just want to be there for you, too… to help you, to listen to you, and be there by your side whenever you need me.”
Two Time doesn't say much, but they give him a small smile in return. "Thank you, Azure… I really am grateful to have a friend like you…”
Azure glances over at the darkened sea, then looks back at them, to seal his promise. “No matter what, I’ll always be here for you. And I promise… with time, things will get better.”
“Okay…” Two Time nods, but they don't say anything else. They simply stay close to Azure, resting against him, and watch the sunset. And Azure lets them rest their weary head, and watches the horizon alongside them. He wishes this moment could last forever—peace like this feels so rare to him. Everything… it feels almost freeing.
But Azure knows it won’t last. It can't. And he knows that eventually, all good things must come to an end.
The colours in the sky begin to fade, and the last light of the sun disappears. All that remains is the darkened horizon, now void of the radiant sun. One by one, the night stars start to dot in the sky.
It’s getting late. Both of them need to go home soon.
He’s the first to stand up. Two Time follows, realising how late it's gotten. Azure helps them up, before gathering the bags, not wanting to leave any trash behind. They quickly make their way back to the car. He hopes it isn't too late—he doesn't want them to get in trouble for his carelessness.
Once again, the drive back is quiet. It seems like both of them are worn out, tired from the day’s activities. Two Time is resting their head lightly against the window, their eyes closed. Azure glances at them occasionally, watching the faint rise and fall of their chest, and looking at how peaceful their expression looks. And in that moment, Azure feels… content. He’s glad he went out with them today.
I’ll never forget this. I’ll… always remember you, my dearest friend.
Finally, they reach their stop. Azure had managed to take a shortcut, make it before it was too late. He turns over, and gently shakes their shoulder, trying to wake them up from their slumber. “Hey, wake up. We’re here.”
Two Time opens their eyes. They blink, confused, and they still seem a little groggy. “Huh…? What time is it?”
“It's time for you to wake up," Azure teases, a small grin tugging at the corner of his lips. Slowly, Two Time stirs. They stretch a little, before finally opening their eyes.
“Ah… I’m sorry, I must have fallen asleep."
“No need to apologise. I’m just… worried, since it's so late.”
“It's okay, Azure," Two Time shrugs. They open the door, and step out of the car. "Please, don't worry too much about it.”
"Alright…" Azure says, stepping out of the car as well. He walks over to Two Time, feeling kind of awkward. He wasn't sure how to say goodbye. Should he just say a few words? Wave a goodbye—? Give them a hug, perhaps…?
For a moment, he just stands there, unsure of what to say or do. It’s Two Time who ends up breaking the tension. They step forward and pull Azure into a warm hug. And he stiffens at first, caught off-guard by the sudden hug—but slowly, he relaxes, and wraps his arms around them in return. He holds onto them tightly, until they finally pull away.
“Take care of yourself, okay? Remember… if you ever need anything—anything at all—don’t hesitate to reach out. Just give me a text whenever, yeah?”
“Okay… Thank you, Azure. I really had so much fun today.”
Once more, the aching in Azure’s chest tightens.
“I’m glad you did. I… had fun spending time with you too.”
He knows their home life wasn't easy—and the conversation they had earlier made that part clear. That's why he’s planning to work hard from now on, and get a proper job, so he could help them in the future. However, he doesn't voice this thought out loud—after all, he doesn't want to scare them. Still, that worry lingers in his mind—he can't shake that uneasy feeling, brought about by the words they said on the beach. They sounded so lost, and it broke his heart. He can only hope that after this, they’ll be alright.
“You promise you’ll be okay…?”
“Yeah,” Two Time replies, offering him a small, reassuring smile. “I promise, I will be.”
Azure exhales, the tension in his shoulders slowly fading. “Alright… you should probably go now. It’s getting late.”
“Yeah...”
“Let's hang out again soon, yeah?"
“Mhm… I’ll be looking forward to it.”
Like him, they seem unsure on how to say goodbye. They simply murmur a few more words of thanks, and give him a little wave.
"Farewell, Azure… until we meet again.”
With that, they turn to leave. But before they can walk too far, Azure finds himself calling their name.
“Hey, Two…! You have to text me, okay? Don't leave me hanging!”
Two Time turns back, and they look a little less awkward now. A small smile appears on their face. “Of course!"
And that's the end of their first meeting.
Azure watches them disappear down the quiet street. Somehow, a foolish hope lingers in his mind—that they'll be able to stay in touch, for the rest of their lives. He knows it probably sounds unrealistic—friendships always end up drifting apart, and nothing really lasts forever. But he can't stop himself from hoping. Two Time was their best friend... and he wishes, more than anything, that it could stay that way forever.
Still, this feels like the right way to say goodbye—not any of those sorrowful farewells, filled with past regrets. Instead, it’s a promise they made for the future, a hope that their friendship will last forever.
But in the end, despite how much he had hoped… he couldn't change anything. Every single one of those dreams, everything he had wished for—it all meant nothing.
That was the last proper conversation they had. They still chat like usual, but it was no longer the same as before. Every conversation grew more tense, and they had begun to drift apart from one another. And he tries to keep in contact with them—leaving quick texts, long messages, always checking up on them—but with every passing day, it grows harder to continue on. Their replies become sporadic, less frequent than before.
After all this time, they've grown… distant.
He wants to believe they’re just busy, but he can't help but worry. He still remembers what they last said, on their final update to him—about how they had moved away, and were now permanently staying with that family friend.
He hopes they’re okay. Maybe they’ve moved on. Maybe life has gotten better for them. But he doesn't know—all he can do is wait for their response. But it never comes.
Still, he keeps trying anyway. He keeps sending them messages, in hopes they will reply. And sometimes, they do—short, vague replies, that just come and go. Eventually, they stop altogether. Two Time goes offline, and completely disappears off the face of the earth. And Azure can't do anything about it—he can only spend his days waiting, wondering if they will ever reply.
Ever since that day, he’s been replaying those last moments, and those emotions he hadn't realised he would never get to experience again. Maybe they’ve moved on. Maybe that day at the beach… didn't go as well as he thought. He wasn't good with emotional stuff… perhaps he had been too pushy, asking them about their personal stuff.
Or maybe… they had changed. Grown tired of him, and found something else to do. He’ll never get an answer—not unless they decide to tell him. And that pains him, not knowing—he would rather know the truth, than forever be kept in the dark. But all he can do is wait. Wait for them to reply, to eventually return…
That day, he realises the truth—their friendship will never be the same again. He doesn't know why things ended the way it did—and all he knows is that they have stopped talking to him.
And that hurts. Years of friendship, and so much trust… all gone. He should feel upset, but he’s just… worried. He doesn't know what he’s done, if he's done something wrong—and it hurts. It hurts thinking about what they’ve been doing, whether they’re okay… and what happened to them. He has so many questions, but never enough answers.
Deep down, he can't do anything. If they don't reach out to him, if they don't reply to his messages… he can't force them to. He couldn't go over to check if they were okay either… they’ve moved, somewhere far away. Plus, it would be… strange.
I just want things to go back to how they used to be. Is that too much to ask? To… want my friend back? To wish for things to go back to how they used to…?
But like everything, that's just another foolish hope. After what feels like forever, after trying so many times and never getting a response—Azure gives up. He finally stops trying. He just… lets them go. All he can do is cling onto their past memories, and wish the best for his former friend. He has to move on.
He still feels guilty. It feels like he’s leaving them behind, and abandoning their friendship. But he can’t do anything. He just needs to let a good thing die—he needs to move on, and let go. It's… for the better, he tells himself.
But it's just another comforting lie.
Then, that fateful day comes. Azure almost forgets—the day slips by like any other day. And he doesn't realise until he hears his phone buzzing softly by his nightstand. He glances at the screen, distracted by other things—before freezing when he sees the calendar notification.
In a week’s time… it would be Two Time’s birthday. He always sets these notifications in advance… just so he wouldn't forget, and could prepare something special beforehand. How could he have forgotten? It seems like forever since they last talked. Should he… send them a message? Say something, and hope they’ll reply?
It's been forever since they did. Honestly, they probably won't reply. But it wouldn't hurt to try, right?
As he unlocks his phone, his chest can't help but ache. He opens their chat, and glances through old messages—it’s all sent by him.
“I really had so much fun today. Get home safe, yeah?"
“Wanna hang out sometime? I’m free today."
“Are you okay? Just wanted to say hi."
"How have you been? It's been a while since we talked.”
"I hope you’re doing okay. I haven't heard from you in so long…"
"I’m sorry if I was too much. I… really miss you.”
“Two…? Are you there?”
“Please, just say something. I want to know if you’re okay."
“I’m sorry for everything."
For a moment, he remains there, his fingers hovering over the screen, completely at a loss. Eventually, he works up the courage to type them a message. Even though he knows they probably won't reply, it doesn't hurt to try. Just… once. One more time, for his sake. I mean, what's one more ignored message anyway?
Hey, are you still there?
Then, he stops, his thumb lingering over the send button. How many times has he done this already? How many times has he waited for their response, hoping they would finally answer, only to get nothing in response?
Slowly, he deletes the text, and sets the phone down beside him. He’ll send it later. Maybe.
Maybe some friendships can't last forever. Sometimes they ended, just like that. He hopes they’re doing okay—but that's something he can only dream for.
Azure lies back on his bed, and stares up at the ceiling. His thoughts begin to spiral—he keeps replaying that one day at the beach. He can't stop thinking about it—and he keeps wondering where it all went wrong. Whether he could have done something differently, and maybe, they would have stayed. Should we even try to fix this? Could he even salvage this friendship…?
His phone rings. The sound startles him, and it snaps him out of his thoughts.
Azure flinches. He turns his head, confused, and reaches for his phone. Who could be calling him now?
The screen lights up. That familiar contact appears… somehow, it's Two Time. And after being radio-silent for so long—they're calling him.
They never called him. Ever. So why now? Did something happen?
As he answers the call, his hands can't help but shake, his fingers becoming clumsy against the screen.
“Uh, hi…?”
“Hello there, Azure.”
Hearing their voice sends a flood of emotions through him all at once. He’s relieved that they’re alive and okay, but also shocked that they’ve actually picked up—he hopes this isn't just another dream. There's also confusion, with him wondering why they’ve called him, and frustration for being kept in the dark for so long. They… probably have their own reasons for their absence, but still. He just… doesn't know what to feel. But above all else, he’s glad. He’s glad that they're here, that they’re talking to him, even if he had to wait for such a long time.
“I… I can’t believe it,” he blurts out. “I was so worried about you!”
“Ah. I… apologise. I was busy.”
Azure takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself. “It's fine," he says quickly, even though he knows it wasn't. He just doesn't want to push it right now, not after so long. He doesn't want them to leave, or scare them off with his supposed… clinginess. They can talk about everything else later—but he just has to ask. "If you don't mind me asking… Why did you call me? Is everything okay?”
“Well, I…” There's a brief pause. Azure can hear them exhale shakily, the sound seemingly nervous. “I simply wanted to thank you, Azure."
"You wanted to thank me…? For what?”
“For giving me hope."
Two Time’s voice is soft, almost reverent. Something's changed… there's a strange calmness in their words, an acceptance that Azure doesn't quite understand. And he doesn't know whether he should be worried by the sudden change, or be glad that they are seemingly doing better, after all this time—and after he last saw them.
"You made me believe that things will get better. After experiencing all of those hardships, after suffering for so long… I have finally found a reason to be happy. And it's all thanks to you.”
Azure swallows hard. He doesn't understand it anymore—he can't put his finger on it, but something about what they’re saying sounds… off. He doesn't know if he's overthinking it though, especially since he hasn't properly spoken to them in a long time. Maybe they’ve changed. Maybe they’re no longer the person he knows. But at least they seem… happy…?
"Oh, uh…” Azure lets out a small, nervous laugh. He really doesn't know what to say, and fumbles for the right words. He doesn't want to make this more awkward than it already is. “You’re welcome…?"
“You truly are a great friend, Azure. You have taught me such a valuable lesson—to forgive those who have hurt me, and those who have wounded me. I truly do not know what I would have done without you."
“I’m glad to hear that," Azure says slowly. "I really am.”
Something about the way they’re speaking unsettles him. It feels so distant from the person he used to know. He tells himself that he's only feeling that way because they haven't talked in so long. People change, and that's normal. Still, a terrible feeling twists in his gut. He has to ask, just for his peace of mind.
He opens his mouth to ask if everything was really okay—
But they stop him.
"Apologies, Azure. I… have to go now.”
“Oh." The disappointment in his voice slips out before he can stop it. It's probably obvious to them now—he was expecting more. A longer conversation, filled with explanations of where they’ve been. But still, he tries to appear optimistic. Maybe they’ll start talking to him more often now?
“That's fine, don't worry about it! Talk to you later…?”
“Mhm.”
At least they didn't say no.
Azure is just about to hang up, but he hesitates. He thinks back to that calendar notification he got earlier—about it being his birthday. It only feels right if he does.
"Uh… happy birthday, by the way. I know it's early, but…." He trails off, not wanting to finish his sentence—what he means to convey goes unspoken. Deep down, they probably know what he meant to say. I don't know when I’ll get to talk to you again, if I’ll ever see you again. But he doesn't say it.
“...yeah."
However, Two Time sounds genuinely surprised by his words. "You… remembered?”
"Yeah, of course I did,” Azure admits quietly. "You’re my best friend, after all.”
Those words sound like a lie. He hopes it isn't.
“Ah… thank you.”
At that moment, Azure hears it—there’s frantic movement on the other end of the line, faint voices in the background, and someone calling for them. Seems like their mic is picking up on all that noise.
“I must go now. Once again… thank you for everything, Azure.”
Azure frowns slightly, his mind still full of unease. Still, he pushes that feeling aside—he can think about it later. "Take care, yeah?”
“I will."
And just like that, the call ends. That might be their final memory together—Azure doesn't know if he’ll ever hear from them again.
He lowers his phone, and presses the button at the side to turn it off. He stares into the dark screen, rethinking their last conversation together. Everything about it feels… off. The words they said, the way they spoke—it all replays in his head, and he can't deny that feeling. There's something strange about it that he can't quite figure out. But he shrugs it off. He’s happy to hear from them again, even if he had to wait for such a long time. They seem… happier.
And maybe this is a good thing, them moving on from him. Maybe they will finally get that happy ending they deserve—
Even if it’s without him.
It hurts to think about it. Losing his best friend… but he would rather they be happy, even if he has to lose them in the process. It's fine. Everything… will be fine.
But he should have known—that something was terribly wrong.
A week passes, and Two Time’s birthday arrives. April 26th.
Since that call, they haven't spoken to him. Haven't kept in touch at all. There are no new messages, no more calls. There was only silence on their end. And by now, Azure has already started to accept it—that maybe, he really won't ever hear from them again. And that's okay, he tells himself, even if it's only another lie. As long as they're moving on, and getting better. Even if it hurts him—even if his heart aches terribly—if it's for them, he knows he can endure the heartbreak. He just has to believe that everything will be okay.
Still… he can’t resist trying one last time. It's… their birthday, after all. It's worth a try.
He opens his messages, and taps on their contact. He ignores his previous messages—looking back on it now, he sounds desperate, and way too clingy. Maybe they realised, and decided to leave him be. But that's all speculation on his end—he could only guess why. If they never tell him, if they never talk to him again—he will never know the real reason why.
He types something short, something simple—he can't bring himself to send anything else.
Happy birthday, Two!
He knows he probably won't get a reply. Still, he sends it. Maybe he’s only doing this for his own peace of mind.
Nothing happens. Seconds, then minutes pass. The screen stays unchanged, and no new messages come in. He doesn't know why he was expecting anything… it's just like it was before. Complete and utter silence.
Eventually, he locks his phone, and sets it aside. He should have known, really? What was he even expecting? Why would he do that to himself, knowing he’s only experienced this same disappointment and heartbreak time and time again?
The day is uneventful. It passes on slowly, with Azure trying his best to distract himself from thinking about it. About them, and how things between the two of them ended. He does his chores, submits more job applications, and finishes up the work he’s been putting off all this time. The usual routine he’s been doing all this time. He doesn't even know why he keeps searching, and keeps applying for more and more jobs, when he already has enough on his plate, with some things being far too much for him to handle. Maybe it's for that foolish hope, the one he had so long ago—that one day all his efforts will matter, that maybe he could actually help them somehow. But that thought feels stupid now. How could he ever dream of saving them? They don't even talk to him anymore. His efforts were useless—a fool’s errand, really. And yet… he keeps doing it anyway. He keeps trying, even though he knows he will fail. He’ll stop eventually, he reminds himself.
How many lies does he intend on keeping? When will it all be enough?
It isn't until dinner time that he finally checks his phone again. He’s been too busy with stuff, and plus no one really texts him anyway, so he doesn't really check it often. But when he unlocks the screen, something’s amiss. A notification sits there—it’s a message, sent to him hours ago.
It’s from Two Time.
His heart nearly stops.
He quickly opens the message, his mind racing. Maybe it's an explanation for where they’ve been. Maybe it's an apology for how they’ve been acting. Or maybe it's just another chance to talk again, and somehow fix things. At least it’ll provide some form of closure, that final message. Anything would be better than the silence he’s been enduring all this while.
But what he reads next… it isn't like anything he had expected from them.
Dear Azure,
If you are reading this, it means I am already gone. I simply wanted to thank you for everything you have done for me. You made the last months of my life meaningful, even if I had to stray from their path. As I move onto this journey, please know that I will always think of you. You were the only joy in my life, the only happiness I could find from my misery. But worry not about me, for I have now found the true path—the one I was meant to follow all along.
In hopes of proving my devotion, I have decided to offer my life. The word of the almighty Spawn calls me, and I can no longer ignore my true purpose. I hope that it will guide you as well, and lead you to salvation, just like it has with me. I apologize, as I will not be able to contact you from this point onwards. After all, I am being tested by the almighty, and I must prove my loyalty to them.
My salvation is drawing near. I hope that one day, you too can become like me—you will be enlightened, and follow its way. Please know I am grateful to have been blessed to be your friend… and that this will be my greatest honour. I wish you the best, Azure.
Farewell.
Azure can only stare at their message. He feels like he’s unable to breathe. The words begin to blur together, becoming nothing more than a mess on his screen. What the hell is he even reading? Salvation? The Spawn? None of it makes sense.
Offering their life…? Did they really mean—did they… no. It can't be. They wouldn't, right?
He’s going to be sick.
Are they really gone? There's no way, right? This had to be some kind of sick joke.
He tries to call them. His hands are shaking. Please, just pick up…
“The number you have dialed is unavailable. Please try again later.”
He dials again. Those dreadful words repeat over the speaker.
“The number you have dialed is unavailable.”
He hangs up, and dials again. And again. The same automated voice answers every time, completely uncaring of his grief.
“The number—"
"...unavailable…?”
“Please, try again later.”
“Try… again…”
“Later. Later. Later."
"...please…"
They sacrificed their life… for what? The Spawn? Who could have possibly introduced such a thing, what could it even have been—
The necklace, and that unfamiliar symbol that was carved into it. He doesn't know why it's the first thing that comes to mind. That symbol… Was that what it meant? Was it some kind of cult—?
He doesn't have any answers. Just like before, he has so many questions… but never enough answers.
All he knows is that his friend is gone. They’ve sacrificed their life for something senseless, and now… they’re dead. He doesn't even know where they are now.
Everything starts to click. Their sudden silence, and the vague messages. That strange phone call from them a week ago. The one they gave him after being offline for so long. And the way they had spoken—the words they had said, that made him feel uneasy. Back then, they probably had a plan on what to do… so that phone call must have been a goodbye, their final words to him.
At that moment, all of those pieces fall into place… but it's already too late. None of it matters now—even if he’s figured out the truth, it's too late to fix things.
Azure’s chest feels tight, like something is suffocating him from the inside. He can't breathe, he can't think—and his thoughts are spiraling out of control.
He doesn't know what to do. He can't even contact them. He doesn't know where they are, where they are staying… whether they were even alive by the time he checked that message.
He should have done something. He should have tried harder to reach them, and help them out. He shouldn't have let them go, just like that. Maybe if he had offered them a place to stay that day, they wouldn't have fallen into this mess. Maybe if he had been firmer in his resolve, worked harder—maybe if he had put more thought into his words, and given them better advice—things wouldn't have turned out this way. He should have done something… he could have done anything, and maybe, they wouldn't have fallen victim to this terrible fate. That’s what he tells himself.
Why do you keep lying to yourself, Azure?
And yet, deep down, he knows the truth—he couldn't have fixed this, no matter how hard he tried. He couldn't have saved them. And that knowledge… It hurts him.
They were only someone he knew through a screen, and nothing more.
But you know what hurts more? Not knowing everything.
They might be dead—but he doesn’t even know for sure. And he can’t know. He doesn’t know whether they understood the gravity of what they were going to do. He doesn’t know what they were thinking in those final moments. He doesn’t know anything—he’s just ignorant to it all, and now forced to remain oblivious for the rest of his life.
It's my fault. It's all my fault. No, it's not. I couldn't have known. I should have tried harder. You could have done something. You should have done something. You let it happen, Azure. You killed them. I hate you. I hate it. Why couldn't I just—
I don't know anymore.
Everything becomes too much, too overwhelming for him to handle. He begins to cry, and breaks down in tears. They spill down his cheeks, and his shoulders start to shake, his whole body wracked with sobs. The weight of it all—the guilt, the regrets, and all the mistakes he thinks he’s made—it all comes crashing down on him, all at once.
What was I supposed to do? What could I have done to stop this? Could I even change anything—?
Two Time…
Something in his heart twists painfully. Despite knowing the truth, the whole situation doesn't feel real to him. Nothing does. It just feels like another bad dream, another nightmare that will keep him awake. But it's never-ending—because his best friend will never come back.
I’ll never hear your voice again. I’ll never see you again. You’re gone, and I can't do anything. I don't know how I can live with this guilt, knowing you’re dead because of me. And I… I don't know how I can live without you.
The room feels too quiet. Everything feels too empty. He’s completely, utterly lost. Without them, he is nothing.
Fuck.