Chapter Text
most people would find it odd.
the childlike flapping.
the clumsy persistence.
the over exaggerated reactions.
the faraway look whenever the delusions took over reality.
but Qin didn’t.
yes, it was a lot.
yes, it was annoying.
annoying in the sense that Qin couldn’t relate.
but odd? no.
not when it was Duang.
because it all made sense.
he was just a very happy, carefree person.
he didn’t live in quietness, he lived in peace.
peace that consisted of joy.
peace that consisted of unfiltered impulse.
peace that begged Qin to make room in his heart for Duang.
Qin never acknowledged Duang’s behavior, not unless he was downright being an embarrassing freak!
but he noticed.
he noticed everything.
and quietly, he adored it all.
quietly because Qin didn’t know how to be loud.
the loudest he could be was with his eyes, even when he didn’t mean to.
the first time it happened was when Duang confessed.
the festivities going on around them drifted into nothing.
”the truth is— i like you,”
a beat.
”because you sing so beautifully,” Duang breathed.
Qin froze.
”you’re incredibly charming, you know that?”
so taken aback, his frown began to ease up.
“i feel like i’ve been enchanted,” Duang nodded.
”all because of your voice,”
Duang smiled softly, relief washing over him as he managed to coherently express his feelings, beyond his chaotic mind.
gathering himself, Qin accepted the “i’m going to win your heart” challenge.
he wasn’t interested in Duang.
he was curious about him.
and the second time it happened, it hit harder.
“is your dream really to be a singer?”
Qin didn’t expect that question, not after all the goofy smiles & playful eyes Duang kept throwing at him.
he nodded after a few seconds, his heart thudding.
“i know you can make it come true,” Duang stated with conviction.
Qin wanted it so badly.
”you’ll be the best singer, i’ve ever known!”
and every time Duang assured him that he was the best, that he believed in him— a tiny voice in the shadows of his mind, whispered that he would be that star that shines in the dark.
that no matter how quiet, how dark his world is— there will always be that light.
there will always be Duang.