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Glisten and Boxten entered the attic.
His friend had mentioned the place once, never bringing him there or offering another word about it afterwards, and Glisten finally understood why: a thick layer of dust coated the walls while splintered chairs, crooked cabinets, and other battered furniture cluttered the back. Did a tornado crash through here? In the corner, a cobweb filled the space, and for a second, Glisten could have sworn something jumped off.
“...So,” he grimaced. “Remind me why we’re here?”
“Hm? Oh, sorry about the mess, Glist,” Boxten murmured. “We haven't cleaned it in ages.”
Glisten hummed. “Duly noted.”
“Heh, anyway, we’re heading to the window.”
Window?
Boxten gestured inside, where a large, square transparent frame occupied the room, a clear path straight towards it amid the dirt and debris.
“C’mon,” Boxten beamed. “I’ve got something to show you.”
Glisten trailed after him to the skylight, coming to a stop as the music box pushed it open and stepped aside. “You can go first, I’ll be right behind.”
He lifted a brow. “We’re sitting on the roof?”
Boxten tugged at his bandana. “Isn't it obvious…?”
“Hm, guess it was.” Glisten chuckled, grasping the edges of the opening and hoisting himself through.
A sudden rush of cool air hit him, making him pause for a beat before taking in the sky. Woah. Stars stretched across the entire expanse, scattered so densely that counting them would have been impossible. Near the center of it (at least from Glisten’s perspective), a full moon hung, its pale glow outshining the numerous specks of white surrounding it.
“They’re lovely, aren't they?” Boxten remarked. “Uh, you are admiring the sky, right? Not reconsidering every decision that led you to this moment?”
“Pfft– yes, Box, the stars are pretty,” Glisten’s shoulders relaxed. “Very pretty.”
“That's nice to hear.”
…
“Are you gonna move or–”
“Oh! Sorrysorrysorry.” Glisten shuffled farther onto the roof, allowing Boxten to come up behind him.
Glisten steadied his footing, tightening his grip on the tiles as he adjusted to the incline. “Where do we go?”
“There.” Boxten motioned towards the highest part. “It has the best view.” He began along the slope, the loose grit shifting beneath him. Glisten matched his pace, keeping within arms length as they continued.
Soon, they settled at the top side-by-side, letting the faint, cold breeze wash over them. For a while, neither of them spoke, until Boxten cleared his throat. “I used to come here during sleepovers with Poppy or after we finished our assignments past 8PM.” He explained. “We’d only climb onto the roof if I felt comfortable, ‘cause…you know, my acrophobia.”
Glisten's eyes widened. “Oh.” Why did I just register that?! He straightened, extending a palm towards him. “Thank you for sharing this spot, but we don't have to stay for long. We could return to the attic if you'd rather–”
“Wait! Glist, wait.”
He tilted his head.
“You don't have to worry,” Boxten’s expression softened. “I’m not nervous, am I?”
“...I suppose you’re not.” Glisten lowered his hand and rubbed it.
A smile crept on Boxten’s lips as he rested his chin on his knees. “I mean, I was scared,” he leaned towards him a little. “But the view made it worth it.”
“I can tell,” Glisten brightened. “If my house had a view this mesmerizing, I’d want to sit on the roof every day.”
“Maybe not every day.”
“Right.”
Boxten let out a giggle before refocusing back onto the sky.
Glisten lingered on him, then turned towards the stars. For the next couple of minutes, the two were quiet, admiring the display of countless lights shimmering across the darkness. Every so often, Glisten stole a glance at Boxten, who remained absorbed in the scenery each time.
I could…
He gazed between him and the moon.
…I can.
The mirror frowned. Would Box understand– oh, he definitely will, but saying it might feel too sudden or corny or… Glisten shook his head. You know what? Do it, Glist, you might never get another chance. “Hey, Box,” he inhaled a slow breath. “T-the moon’s–”
“Look!”
Boxten pointed above them, leading Glisten to follow his finger. There, within the blackness and white dots, a shooting star streaked across, its trail cutting through the night before vanishing.
“Wow.” Glisten blinked. “I didn't even get to wish for anything.”
“Me neither,” Boxten shrugged. “I almost missed it, honestly.”
Glisten tapped his palm against the roof tiles. “Hmm, well, if you’d ever been able to make one, it would’ve been amazing.”
Boxten flashed a tiny grin. “Thanks, I’m sure yours would be wonderful too.”
Giving him a smile, Glisten faced away. It passed. He hugged his knees. The opportunity passed. If I repeat it now, it’d be too awk–
“Er, Glist, were you saying something?”
Glisten’s attention snapped towards him.
“You said my name earlier,” he sucked in the breath. “I forgot your exact words, though. Sorry…”
You– he– Box heard–? His jaw dropped, a faint fog clouding his glass. “Ah. Um,” he shifted his weight. “First of all, Boxy, you don't have to apologize. Second, I was–” Glisten swallowed “I was thinking aloud.”
Boxten raised his brow. “Really?”
“Yes.” He replied. “A-anyway, it's getting quite late. Let’s go to sleep?”
His friend narrowed his eyes; still, he nodded. “Okay. Be careful while climbing down.”
On that note, Boxten moved towards the lower level of the roof with practiced ease, each foot finding its place between the smallest holds. Glisten trailed behind him at a similar speed, concentrating as he descended the sloped surface. He literally gave me a second attempt to say what I wanted, and I brushed it off? He inwardly groaned. Telling him should've been so easy! And yet…
…
Confessing was harder than I thought.