SADDEST
Two weeks vanished so quickly, like the orange glow of sunset. A part of it was beautiful yet ephemeral. Ruan had to return back to school. To the reality. But at least he had his friends.
The school corridors buzzed with chatter, sneakers squeaking against the tiles, and the usual mix of gossip and class announcements.
Ruan walked through the gates with his friends, chewing a gum, one hand in his pocket and the other holding a bag. Some students whispered, others just watched him silently.
He didn't bother.
"Why are people fucking staring at?" West said on their way to class.
"Oh...you know what they are staring at. Even I cannot handle my handsome face, infront of the mirror," Ruan bragged.
The three laughed.
"Ruan!"
They all stopped at the voice. That voice. It was Lumi.
She approached him with that familiar confidence stride, arms crossed, eyes sharp. The three, Est, West and Kev walked away first and let the two talk.
"Well...look who's decided to reappear," she said with a slight smirk. "Did you find yourself in the mountains or something?"
Ruan let out a short laugh, "Nah. Just needed air. Away from everything...and everyone."
She stepped closer. "Away from everything and everyone, huh? You mean me?"
Ruan sneered, "If the shoe fits."
Lumi exhaled through her nose and scoffed softly trying to maintain her cool. "You are unbelievable!"
She shoulder hit Ruan and left.
For a moment, his smirk faded, his eyes hardened a little.
What a terrible start for a comeback! He thought.
Just then he saw Akari cross by walking to his office. He waved at him, Akari didn't wave back or nod or even show any sign of approval. Instead he lowered his head and walked away briskly.
Yeah, definitely a terrible comeback. He thought again.
***
It was Friday. Classes had ended, and the boys had all gathered in the hallway, buzzing with weekend plans.
"Let's hit the new gaming lounge," West suggested.
"Or the new raven spot?" Kev said.
"Or at May's?" Est added.
They all turned to Ruan, expecting him to nod along as usual.
But he shook his head. "I can't today. Got something else."
"Something...or someone?" Est teased.
Ruan rolled his eyes and walked off with a grin, clutching the doll inside his jacket. .
He had remembered.
It was Akari's birthday.
Not because Akari had told anyone, in fact, no one at school seemed to know , but because Ruan had seen the small handwritten note on the calendar when he'd crashed at his place during suspension.
October 24- B-day
Written in tiny neat letters, barely noticeable. But Ruan had noticed.
So after school, he skipped the hangouts, went town, and searched for something that felt right. A cute phone stand. Simple. Personal. He imagined Akari would like something like that. He brought a cake with him too.
After that he went home, had a bathe, changed into fine clothes and rode his sports bike to Akari's.
By 9 p.m., he was standing at Akari's doorstep with the gift, a small cake box in the other hand, and butterflies in his chest.
But as soon as the door opened, just a little, the scent of whiskey hit him.
The apartment was dim. Music low. And Akari?
Drunk.
Not just tipsy. Messy. Hair dishevelled. Still in the shirt from earlier, untucked and red eyed.
"Co...Coat check?" Ruan's voice dropped.
Akari stared at him for a few seconds, swaying slightly.
"Oh...you...came...?" He slurred.
"I...uh...yeah. I brought you something for you."
Ruan stepped inside cautiously. His heart sank when he saw bottles of alcohol on the table and the photo frame of Akari's mother face down.
Akari sat on the couch, eyes glossy.
Ruan took a sit beside him, "Is this how you celebrate your birthday, coat check?" Ruan asked.
"How did you know?" Akari said voice tipsy.
Ruan looked at the calendar. Akari then realize where he knew that from.
Ruan clicked his tongue, "Looking at you, there is no way you can eat cake."
Akari went for another drink, but Ruan stopped him.
"No, no, no. It seems you have had much for tonight coat check," Ruan said grabbing his hand.
Akari looked at Ruan, his sleepy eyes, red and glassy from tears. Soon he buried his face in his palms and began crying again, a few gasps escaping from him.
Ruan was still confused. He slowly placed his hand on Akari's back and stroked him gently.
"She...she...she left me on this day, you know. Didn't even say goodbye." Akari said.
She? Ruan thought, and then glanced to the photo at the table. His mother.
"And Kian?" Akari laughed bitterly. "It's like I'm ill fated you know? Guess he is somewhere celebrating his wedding anniversary today." His voice cracked.
Akari stood up, still staggering, "Why do they all leave? Why does it have on this day?"
Suddenly he felt an urge to puke; he quickly rushed to the restroom. Ruan followed him. He slowly stroked Akari as he helped himself.
Akari was left with no strength after that. Ruan gently helped him to his bed and laid him down. He soaked a cloth in warm water then sat beside him and slowly he wiped him slowly.
Tears again.
Akari grabbed Ruan's wrist as he wiped sweat on his chest.
"Will you leave too?" He asked.
He slowly caressed his cheek and whispered, "Why would I?" Ruan replied softly. His eyes on his.
"You'll always be here right?" Akari asked. He slowly reached up weakly, touched Ruan's cheek.
And without thinking, without seemingly aware, he leaned up and pressed a soft, desperate kiss on Ruan's lips.
It was brief. Drunk but felt real.
Ruan froze, heart pounding, breath caught. But he didn't pull away.
Akari slumped back, "You'll leave, eventually."
And with that he passed out completely. Ruan sat there in silence, touching his lips with trembling fingers.
He didn't know what to feel, that whole time.
But he knew one thing, tonight, Akari hadn't just broken. He had let Ruan see the pieces.
And one thing for sure, Ruan wasn't planning to leave them scattered.