Due to Kaelix’s new busy work schedule, their outings have now turned into visits to the studio. In the mornings, Zeal would either be packing or composing, and in the afternoons he would visit Kaelix at work. The two of them would then go get some food and chat at their regular coffee shop. After that, they would hang out at each other’s place. If it’s a little too late, they would have a sleep over. A little bland for a summer vacation activity, but they don’t mind. Upon every visit, Zeal would always have a cup of tea with honey for Kaelix, and Kaelix’s eyes would light up upon spotting Zeal’s presence.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tVkYfDv0X
“I love you so much.” Kaelix says as Zeal hands him the tea.
A word so heavy, bearing such emotional significance, yet it rolls of the prep’s tongue as lightly and easily like any other. Eyes blue like a clear summer sky, sparkling like a galaxy of stars as he smiles. The five words, a pretty face, all of which struck something deep within Zeal’s heart, even without any romantic intent.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsL0uDyv4z
Kaelix has had his fair share of questionable word choices, and Zeal hasn’t questioned any of them. Or at least, hadn’t, up until now. As his mouth had a mind of its own, moving before he could catch himself.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoQc01Hu4f
“You love me?” Zeal parroted in question.
“…Yeah, love.” There was a pause in Kaelix’s response, as if it was just now he’d registered the words.
“What do you mean by ‘love’?”
“I just think that affection should be vocal, whether it be familial or romantic.”
Zeal wanted to question the younger, to ask where he lies in that spectrum of his. But at the last second, he held back.
“I see.”34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC6SjfdUa2
There was no need to ask, as he knew the answer to that question:
Kaelix loved him, yes, but as a very dear, close friend.
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-4 days until Zeal leaves for uni
Tonight, the two of them have decided to play some horror games at Zeal’s place, or at least Kaelix did, Zeal was just there for emotional support. He wanted to try them out, and Zeal had a collection.
“Z-Zeal, c-can I hold your h-hand?” Kaelix was stuttering, perhaps in fear, or in shyness.
Instead of an answer, Zeal wrapped Kaelix’s free hand in his.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70bWRzM7nP
Sometimes, actions speak louder than words.
Zeal’s hand was a bit colder than Kaelix’s, faint calluses on the fingers marking the history of violin practices. The fear was subsiding, but his heart was still racing, His grip tightens with the accelerating pace of his heartbeat. Was this love, or a misattribution of arousal?34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvoxJTniBB
Surely misattribution, right? Kaelix thought in his mind, yet the voice sounded more like a persuasion than a conformation.
They were just very close friends, yet the thought was bitter to the taste, painful to touch.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr9Pwz9eIf
Wanting to be more than just friends? Check.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBE7UnlgHS
Zeal watched as Kaelix relaxed and regained focus, yet not on the game in front of him. Instead, he seemed to be lost in his own thought. It was then Zeal decided to pull a little prank. His face approached the prep’s neck, and blew a soft gust of air. The sudden tickling feeling surprised Kaelix, breaking his thought. He jumped from his chair, withdrawing his hand from Zeal’s as he did so.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEeCEwjxDP
“You make me sick Ginjoka. You are a sick man.” Kaelix yelled, flustered. Zeal laughed at the response.
“You know it, Debonair.” Zeal replied in a deep, teasing voice, a bit seductive if Kaelix has to say. Red was climbing up the tips of his ears, with a bit of warmth.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzkgODOucQ
Flushing at said person’s actions? Check.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZVlOmZEFp
It made Kaelix squeal once more, and another laugh came from Zeal. It was happy, bright, and it made Kaelix’s heart flutter. He wanted to laugh alongside Zeal as well.
Butterflies? Happy because of said person’s happiness? Double check.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkfBwdBoqT
Maybe, he has fallen in love with this man next to him.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2c8GBtKFi
The night passed in squeals and laughter.
Leaving Zeal with his newfound hobby in teasing Kaelix, and Kaelix with his newly discovered affection.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FcpJKvbH5
34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cEtvEw27c
-2 days until Zeal leaves for uni
“Will you miss me when you go to uni?” Kaelix asks as he helps seal the box.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMbehYqmKT
Kaelix was helping Zeal finish packing today. A gradually emptying room, gradually piling boxes, all counting down in silence. Kaelix visualized the room he saw on his first visit, the sharp contrast brought a sense of melancholy.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MToFBn3Gw
“Of course I will.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, bud.”
“Bud? Oh, you don’t love me.” Kaelix answered in a hurt tone, with bits of exaggeration.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCO21Jt6J4
There it was again. The word “love”. Zeal should’ve gotten used to it, given how extensively Kaelix has been using it recently. Yet it still plucks his heartstrings whenever Kaelix brings it up. Sometimes, Zeal couldn’t help but wonder if the prep meant it. He was great at reading the room, reading people. But for once, he couldn’t read into Kaelix’s intentions. Or perhaps he could, he just didn’t want to risk betting on it, considering the stakes.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwh7vqvCDC
“I just think that affection should be vocal.” The prep’s words rang in his ear.
Zeal has a different opinion, he thinks that some feelings should be kept to the self. His affection towards Kaelix was a great example.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhpKGgeM1D
“Okay then, darling.” Underneath the teasing tone, hides affection. A revenge of his.
“Ahh! Zeal! Be normal!” Kaelix squealed, flustered as usual. Red climbed onto his cheeks and the tips of his ears. Despite knowing that it’s a tease, his heart still flutters.
“Then… I love you too?” It was only at times like this Zeal was able convey his true feelings in their true colors.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzPddTm7WY
No matter how much more Zeal wanted them to be. They are, and will only be friends. Just friends.
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