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Soleum had a problem, albeit not a bad one. He found himself staring at two other versions of..him? He didn’t know how to describe due to how uncanny it was. Braun was no help as he was just as dumbfounded. One version of Soleum was a lot more timid but definitely still as calculating. That was enough for Soleum to immediately switch his gaze to the other one. The other Soleum was smiling like he knew something the others didn’t, smiley stickers on his neck.
Braun looked at Soleum, his face a bit concerned. “Friend, shouldn’t we do something about this? Perhaps getting rid of them is an option.”
Well that’s one way to put it, sure. Soleum shook his head. “No, I don’t think that’ll do either of us any good. Any other ideas that don’t include killing people? If not then let’s move onto something else.”
“If by moving on you mean asking questions, then I won’t answer any.” The timid Soleum with glasses stated. Seems like they had the same idea. Questions was the only way to get information but how far would that get them?
It didn’t matter. Since the Soleum with stickers immediately began to ask questions instead. “Is there anything else I can call you two? Using the same name feels a bit scandalous~! Oh, but if not then perhaps I can simply put some labels on you. If that’s not something you’d like please tell me.” He was quite eager to get the conversation going and even grabbed Soleum’s hand before Braun stepped in. “Oh my, it seems like my friendly approach to all this isn’t being welcomed. Should I refrain from touching you? Do let me know!”
Braun refused to answer the fake Soleum and instead turned his gaze back to his friend who stood there staring at the floor. Soleum noticed that the other versions of him lacked shadows. That was abnormal but then again the entire situation was puzzling. The stickered Soleum kept pressing the shy one. Asking questions over and over hoping for a reply only to get shut down time and time again. It soon switched to Braun, once again asking questions.
After what seemed like forever Soleum spoke with a smile. “Do you mind if I place nicknames on you two? It’ll be easier for my friend, Braun, here.” Soleum placed his hand on Braun’s arm and squeezed gently.
“Oh, of course! It’ll be quite nice to establish a friendship using nicknames. Perhaps you should call me Host! If that’s not your taste then I’ll gladly indulge in your other ideas.” The stickered Soleum had rushed to reply finally giving Braun breathing room from being bombarded by its questions.
“Alright then, Host it is.” Soleum nodded and shook hands with himself..? It was still weird to him but he’d have to get used to it.
However his biggest concern was the shy version of himself. That one seemed to be watching their every move and trying to make a plan. So Soleum pulled him to the side and let Braun get harassed once more.
“If you’re worried about all this then you’re not alone.” Soleum tried to empathize with his other self.
“What is there to be worried about? It’s clearly a darkness at play. Although why is yours human?” Behind the glasses his gaze drifted to Braun before going back to Soleum.
“What?” Soleum laughed nervously. “Well isn’t it obvious? Because he is.”
A head shake was received as an answer before it began to explain. “No, you see, my Braun isn’t. So why is yours?”
“Your Braun? That would imply there’s more than one of him.” Soleum found himself looking at the person he’s lived with for months. The blonde older man was currently looking exhausted as he kept answering questions that were wasteful of his time.
The shy Soleum nodded as if confirming his suspicions. “It seems our worlds are different. Like there’s a difference in them. If my Braun isn’t human and is a darkness then yours is human because that’s how your world works.” He sighed and pulled his glasses off before pushing back the bangs that had made him seem so much weaker than he was.
They really were the same person, same body language and personality. They were both cautious and quick to assess situations so they could find a solution. Soleum laughed awkwardly before rubbing the back of his neck. “Well then, should I just call you Sol? It sounds weird if we use the same name.”
With a sigh he accepted that. “Okay, I’ll go by that. Although I have to ask, are you two actually friends?”
Soleum sighed, why did everyone ask that question? It’s not like he’s ever asked Braun out but sure they had a relationship similar to dating. “Yes. It’s nothing official.”
“So you don’t mind that Host is trying to make a move on your so-called friend?” Sol pointed to Braun who was shoving Host’s face away from himself.
“Ah. Well, I’m sure Braun will manage.” Soleum was a bit embarrassed.
Nonetheless the week went by and they finally got everyone situated. Braun revised their budget to accommodate more mouths to feed. As well as the fact bedrooms were assigned. Braun refused to have his and Soleum’s bed room near Host’s. Immediately demanding a switch between Sol and Host. Hence causing Soleum to decide that his and Braun's room would be on the second floor of the house rather than first.
To continue their new arrangements wardrobes were established. Host often wore casual clothes for bed and formal clothes during the day. It was a contrast to the others in the house as Sol wore casual clothes regardless of where he was. While Soleum really only wore whatever Braun bought him; he learned most of his clothes were worth a fortune.
Braun on the other hand was working harder than anyone else. He cleaned and cooked meals for all of them. With more people to feed he began preparing the meals before work and cooking them the minute he got home. He was lucky to be born from a rich family since his entire lifestyle wasn’t just funded by working as Daydream.
Which leads them to their current predicament. “No, I refuse to eat such slop.” Host pushed away the plate and demanded another meal. Braun was in no mood for such insolence.
“Then you can starve, Mr.Host. I don’t take well to food wasters.” Braun smiled before grabbing the plate and eating from it. The other man gasped in shock. He didn’t think he wouldn’t get his way. Quickly the host tried to get the plate back but Braun didn’t let him.
Sol had already left the situation, deciding to eat in the living room to watch television. Soleum sighed before he offered his plate to Host. “You two are acting like children.” Soleum commented as Braun quickly fixed up Soleum a new plate. “You of all people should be more mature, Braun.”
It’s difficult to adjust, sure but Braun wasn’t having difficulty. Rather he missed the quiet life they had. “Just because I’m acting immaturely doesn’t mean it’s unprompted. Disrespect to a meal made for someone is just plain wrong. You shouldn’t disregard one’s efforts so easily and demand more.” Braun replied with a hint of annoyance in his tone.
“But that’s not what it’s about, is it?” Soleum tried to reason with Braun but the conversation didn’t go further.
Despite this house being owned by Braun, Braun had given up the most to accommodate everyone else. He gave up his study and allowed it to be turned into a storage room. Braun gave up his quiet time to clean up after the others. Braun even gave up his morning walks. Soleum felt bad but it’s not like he could do anything about it.
Sol eventually asked Soleum to talk in private about the Braun situation. “I can help, you know. It’s not like I have anything to do here.” He crossed his arms as he rested against the island in the kitchen. “Plus, your ‘friend’ seems miserable. You both made sacrifices to accommodate me and the other guy, but we haven’t done anything to lessen your burden.”
“It’s not really your job to do that. I mean you both are guests. Albeit we don’t know for how long, but that doesn’t change the fact you are guests.” Soleum let out a huff. It had only been a week but a toll was taken.
Sol nodded before opening the fridge close by. Luckily Braun always brought beers for the others. He slid one to Soleum before snapping open his. “I’ll cook the meals for dinner and I’ll clean up while you’re both at work. I really don’t find it fair that your friend does everything. Sure I’m a guest but I live here. Braun isn’t happy and it’s going to ruin your relationship if that continues.”
“You make it sound like I’m dating him.” Soleum sipped his own drink and felt a bit more relaxed.
A soft hum escaped Sol before he decided to chug the can of beer. “Ha… it’s more like you won’t make it official. That man is clearly in love with you. Trust me, I’d know.”
“What are you? Some sort of love expert?” Soleum joked but Sol didn’t reply. Instead Sol offered a smile.
Who was Soleum kidding? He knew Braun was in love with him but he was terrified of what would change if they made their relationship official. Sol spoke as if knowing his every thought. “Nothing would change and you know that. You’re terrible at hiding the fact that you hate change.”
Soleum this time stayed quiet and just listened to what Sol had to say. “Because If things did change, it would be positive. I’ve never seen someone worship another’s words the way he does yours.” Sol decided to take out a few more cans and they moved to the living room.
Soleum found himself sitting next to Sol as they chatted. One can turned into three cans then to five. Before the two knew it they were waking up to the smell of breakfast being made. Braun had covered the two in blankets and picked up the cans.
Sol got up first and stretched. He quickly went to brush his teeth before joining Braun in the kitchen. “Mind if I help? I would hate for you to clean up the mess we made and then make us food.” He didn’t wait for a reply as he began to wash the used dishes.
“You really don’t need to trouble yourself with all this.” Braun answered as he flipped a pancake.
“Mmm, maybe but I want to contribute. I’ve had my vacation.” Sol let the silence between them continue as Braun offered no reply. After a few minutes Sol decided to propose his plan. “I was thinking, is it alright with you if I did the cooking for dinner? It may not be as delicious as the ones you make but it’d be nice if you’d let me.”
Braun stayed silent again for a long time before asking, “Why all of a sudden?” He walked over and put a bowl, which had previously contained pancake batter, into the sink. He purposely nudged Sol’s hand. “You see, you have no reason to do that but you’re offering. Are you perhaps hiding something?”
“Nothing of the sort. I just think you and Soleum are in a state of your relationship that is rocky. You need to confess to him or he’ll never do it.” Sol smiled as he picked up the bowl and rinsed it before adding soap to it. “Despite what you may think, I’m on your side. Plus I feel bad seeing the two of you miserable because of me and Host.”
Braun moved away and went back to cooking the meal. He didn’t care about all that anymore. If he was going to be truthful he wanted their old life back. At least then they had time for each other. It wasn’t constantly dealing with two other versions of the person he loved that were so different.
“Fine, do what you will.” Braun replied. Soon breakfast was ready and Sol had set the table. Host was the first one seated, completely ignoring everyone else.
Quickly Host began spewing nonsense to Sol who just listened with a friendly smile. Soleum sat next to Braun at the table but they didn’t say a word. Sol noticed that and decided to finish up his meal before dragging Host with him to the backyard.
The silence was deafening, making Soleum’s stomach twist into knots. Before he could open his mouth Braun beat him to it. “I care about you a lot.” That sounded like a confession but it wasn’t, it was a fact. “Despite how things have turned out, that will never change.” Braun looked at Soleum and smiled. “However I should confess that I don’t want us to stay as friends. We’ve been pushing the boundaries but I don’t find it satisfying enough. I love you, Kim Soleum. I don’t expect an answer, but do know that how I feel is not something that will ever go away.” With that Braun decided to finish his meal and leave as well.
Soleum was left there with his face turning red. How come he couldn’t say it back? What was he so scared of? Sure going into darknesses where he could die at any moment was normal to feel fear but when someone just confessed their feelings to you?! He couldn’t even finish the food on his plate as he reluctantly went to get ready for work after Braun did.
The entire day it was all he could think about and by the time they were heading home he decided to give a reply. “Braun, I…” his words died in his throat. The man was looking at him with a puzzled look and a halfhearted smile that made Soleum’s heart ache. “I really want us to stop being friends as well. I think we should take that next step. Although I won’t lie I’m a bit scared of the change, but I’m sure it’ll all work out for us.”
“Okay, Roe Deer. I accept your proposal.” Braun smiled and eventually they went to Braun’s car. The drive home was amazing and that moment was ruined by the two walking into the house to see Host and Sol kissing. To say the least Soleum never wanted to picture himself kissing…himself..?
Hence began the long discussion of boundaries. To say the least Soleum eventually got used to seeing the two versions of himself kissing and being romantic the way those versions had to get used to Braun and Soleum being romantic. That was their daily life now. Albeit the burden was slowly, after months, being lifted and everyone was much happier. Soleum found himself sighing as summer rolled around. All four of them were drinking, Host was still as energetic as ever while Sol was still shy but more willing to express himself.
It was a peace that resonated with him. Soleum for once wasn’t scared about what life would be like. He was okay with all this even looking at Braun, with his reading glasses on, Soleum found himself just wanting to hug the man. He was happy and that’s all that mattered.
Eventually time passed and their first Christmas rolled around. Host and Sol had gotten jobs at cafes and received an allowance from Braun monthly.
“Look, I get it, but don’t you think getting me a laptop is too much?” Sol asked Braun who was sipping his coffee.
“No. If you don’t like it then sell it.” Braun didn’t elaborate further so Sol reluctantly just put it to the side and opened his next present which was from Soleum.
Soleum smiled when he saw Sol’s face light up. “I hope you enjoy trying out those pastry recipes. You’d been talking about it for weeks so I decided to get the book for you.”
“Gosh, Soleum, it’s like you know the way to win everyone’s heart.” Sol placed it with his other gift before opening the gift Host got him. “Wow, this ring is so pretty. Thank you, dear.” Host gladly accepted the kiss on the cheek from Sol.
Host got as expected decorations for his room. That too was received with many thanks. Soleum opened his gifts. Sol had gotten him a plushy that was collectible for a limited time. The cartoon was popular hence why it was limited. Soleum thanked him profusely before opening the gift host got him. It was a collection of CDs of classical music. Soleum thanked host before opening the present Braun got him. It was a pen. Not any pen, a fountain pen with his initials engraved.
“What a shit gift.” Sol said dumbfounded.
Soleum was in awe. “No, it’s actually really thoughtful.” He said taking it out of the case. It felt so good against his fingers. The engravings were enough to make him shiver. “Thank you, Braun.” Soleum replied with a wide smile.
“It’s a pen, what’s so special about it?” Sol asked trying to get a look at it.
Braun sighed, before offering the answer. “That type of pen is custom made and some sell for higher than four hundred dollars. Especially if they are part of a collection, which that one is.”
“So it’s a fancy pen?”
“Sure.”
Braun eventually began to open his gifts. Sol got him a book which would fit perfectly with Braun’s collection of hard cover classic novels from all over the world. Host got Braun a red tie which would go with about anything he wore to work. Soleum got Braun a watch. Without hesitation Braun put it on and kissed Soleum’s cheek.
To say the least this was normal for them now. Two couples living in the same house all working together to adjust to the changes of their lives. It was peaceful and soon Soleum found himself waking up. It was just a dream. Because in truth the Braun he loved no longer existed. The house was so empty.
“I love you.” Soleum muttered to nothing but a photo of his and Braun’s first date. Tears stained Soleum’s cheeks as he mourned. If only he wasn’t such a coward Braun would still be with him. If only.