Chapter Text
I fell in love with you because you loved me when I couldn’t love myself.
A long, suffering sigh echoed in the streets. It’s the time of year when Cale will start to live in a foreign place.
He gazes at the bustling city. The sound of Christmas songs reverberated.
The wonderful touches of laughter filled the road.
A family holding hands makes it even more merry.
Cale let out another soft sigh. The resonating sound echoes through the wind.
People say that getting 99% is sadder than getting nothing because the most painful moments in life aren't from losing what we ever had.
It was from failing to achieve something that was within reach.
It’s the same when liking someone.
*meow*
Cale looks at the alley. A small box with cute furry kittens stared at him. He can’t help but gaze at them and approach them. He feeds them with the chicken skewer he bought from the store when he roamed around earlier.
“Are you hungry?” he asked. The red and silver kitten meows, purring on his palm while eating the meat they’ve been given.
Cale understands how they feel. He was abandoned in this country in the same way that they were. But, if this is freedom, he hoped he could live differently from when he was before.
He can still clearly remember.
Love is the desire for someone else to be happy, even if it is not with you.
Without anyone knowing.
Without anyone weeping.
He once tried putting an end to the nightmare he had been living.
He lowers his gaze. His hands were drenched in tears, and tears streamed down his cheeks.
He rubbed his eyes and buried his face in his hands, trembling as he remembered the happy times that had turned tragic.
The cats continued to stare at him as he sobbed.
He cradled one in his arms and passed another to the other. He put on a big smile, as if he is telling them he is fine.
*meow* the meowing continued with those kittens in his arms.
His regret was that he could not hold his father's hand or apologise for being a useless son until they fell apart.
To avoid feeling depressed, he escapes into fantasy.
Remember the good old days with a soft sigh.
A star-studded night sky flashed before his eyes.
Collecting the soft thread of hope that runs alongside the river of stars in his gaze.
This cool breeze nudges the light.
This solitary dance with no one to admire it.
Leaving behind a memory and the gentle sound of love.
False happiness that no one else shares.
The thin line between false hope and unending sorrow
Now…
Exiled by love
To be trapped inside this whirlpool of tears.
Swallowing all those tears for a smile
He took the kittens with him as he walked away from the garbage can. He walked calmly into the city street as a bright light filled the skies, signalling the start of another year.
The sound of people pointing at something drew his attention.
Beautiful flowers filled the skies as he looked up. He stared at it, wishing he had someone to watch it with.
He stood there staring at the night sky, speechless.
He was deep in thought when he felt someone bump into him, causing him to stagger in his seat.
“Watched out!”
The crips but hoarse deep voice echoed in his ears. His world spun as he felt strong arms wrap around him. The feeling of someone’s warmth encasing him seems foreign but gentle. The powerful light scent made him lose his reason for a bit and admire the beauty of the person who caught him.
"Are you okay? I am sorry."
He gazes at the young boy, wearing a pizza cup. His hair was dark but his eyes glistened like those reddish fireworks decorating the sky.
His world looked as if it had stopped.
He can feel his heart pounding in his chest.
He was stunning as if the rest of the world paled in comparison to him.
“Happy New Year.” He smiled. He wanted to smack himself, but what made him smile even more was the young boy's smile.
"It is nice," his voice echoed once more, "getting a greeting after all this time. Happy New Year."
“Roksu-iee! Faster, we need to deliver these pizza’s!”
“Coming!” the boy looked at him and took his hand. Cale was dumbfounded but the boy shook his hands before bowing his head. “I’m really sorry!”
After accepting the boy's apologies, Cale straightened up and let him go. The scent of musk and sandalwood filled his nose, creating the most comforting scene he would ever smell in his life.
The boy seems young but he’s working too hard.
The meowing sound echoed once more, and he noticed that he was holding a white handkerchief. It did not belong to him, but this scent
He looked at the boy who rode the scooter to continue working. The boy also looked at him and pointed at his eyes. He mouthed, “Wipe them.”
His heart beat so loudly.
He continued to watch the boy until he fully disappeared from his sight.
It was just a passing moment.
A passing chance to meet someone.
There’s no way he’ll meet that boy again. It doesn’t have any consequences and it won’t happen again.
Yes, there’s no way he'll be that kind of boy again.
.
.
.
Yet he treats this handkerchief dearly.
TBC