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Aaaqil’s hours were consumed by sedentaring in the cabinet, reading an abandoned book he had found in one of the mist-consumed areas. The book was written by Isaac Asimov – an author considered to be one of the best authors of all time, let alone one of the best sci-fi writers. When he wasn’t abducted by The Mist, Aaaqil remembered owning a few books written by Isaac Asimov – and Aaaqil would read them over and over again, even if he wasn’t in the mood to do so. His books inspired Aaaqil to write some of his own – but Aaaqil was sure that if his sister or his friends found them, he was sure that they’ll laugh at the titles, plot and the story itself – long story short, he didn’t want the books he wrote when he was ten to be discovered.
As Aaaqil progressed into the story, his name was called out by one of the survivors – his best friend; Callum.
Aaaqil closed the book – its pages agitating against each other, creating a satisfying, truncated thud due to the impact. He positioned the book behind him, causing Aaaqil to lean forward.
“Oh– Hi, Callum.” Aaaqil greeted, offering the ginger a soft smile. Callum gave Aaaqil a small smile and a wave, before progressing into a question.
“..Are you alright?” Callum asked, one of his hands were positioned on the cabinet’s wooden door, causing the wood to separate itself from the wall, unsecuring the cabinet. The cold air greeted Aaaqil, and suddenly, Aaaqil had to brawl the urge to wrap his hands around Callum’s waist, snuggle into his chest and call it a day.
“..Yea. Of course. You?” Aaaqil asked. “..I’m alright.. I just wanted to find you. After.. the last match. I’m sorry.” Callum said. “It’s not your fault that you couldn’t save me. At least I made it… that’s all what matters.” Aaaqil said. Callum unlatched his mouth – perhaps it was because he wanted to say something – but he restrained himself, inclining his head leisurely as his sight meandered from the cabinet to Aaaqil.
“Can I come in?” Callum asked. “..Of course.” Aaaqil replied. Callum entered the cabinet, closing the door after him, redoing Aaaqil’s efforts. Even though he couldn’t confirm it, it was raining. The temperature was low, comforting Aaaqil with its cold hands. How could The Mist duplicate rain so perfectly? He didn’t know. But this wasn’t the first time The Mist duplicated rain. If he remembered correctly, one of the areas The Mist took them had rain, and even though he loved the way the liquid fell on his skin, it wasn’t really helpful when a person assigned with the role of a murderer was chasing you.
Callum sat down near Aaaqil, his shoulder grazing a portion of Aaaqil’s hair, positioning the portion of hair the arm grazed farther from the rear of his ear. Callum positioned his hand over Aaaqil’s shoulder, allowing Aaaqil to rest his head on Callum’s shoulder.
A few seconds passed, and Callum finally opened his mouth.
“...Are you sure you’re alright?” Callum asked, his head spiraling into Aaaqil’s direction. Aaaqil stared at Callum’s hand embracing Aaaqil’s hand, their fingers interlocking, with the sound of rain consuming the cabin with liquid heard outside. If they were in a better situation, then Aaaqil and Callum would’ve loved this moment.
Aaaqil heaved a sigh, “..Truthfully, I don’t think anyone is alright,” Aaaqil continued, “I don’t think you’re alright too, Cal.” Aaaqil said. Callum didn’t know what to say, except to deny it and reassure Aaaqil he was fine. But was he really alright? Aaaqil had called him and the others out, and he was no more than correct. Even if they somehow looked amused – The Mist was consuming their sanity. The world was cruel – no doubt.
“..Yeah.” Callum admitted, “ The Mist.. this is really stupid. I don’t like it, Aaaqil. I liked it better when our biggest problems were worrying about our social status – or exams. But.. now.. our biggest problems are more than just worrying about love, social status, exams, grades – it’s worrying if we live another day or not. I just.. I hate it.” Callum said, restraining himself from sobbing. Aaaqil said something inaudible to Callum, but he was sure it was something comforting. Aaaqil squeezed Callum’s hand – not in a negative way – and unlike the way Yronica held his hand, it was filled with genuine emotions. Emotions to confirm that he really did care.
“It’s okay, Callum. As long as we’re safe – and not.. y’know — injured.. it’s okay.” Aaaqil said, squeezing his hand with a soft smile worn on his face. His voice was stern and low, but it was comforting. Callum wouldn’t admit it in person – but he loved it when Aaaqil whispered in his ear. He loved the way his voice tickled his ear – he loved the way how comforting his voice was when it was truncated – he loved it when Aaaqil was beyond ecstatic about a certain topic – because it meant he could listen to his voice for hours – and he loved the way his eyes lit up whenever he produced a correct answer to a topic he missed due to football practices or to a topic he couldn’t wrap his head around. If he could, then he would stare into those beautiful eyes forever.
"Aaaqil," Callum said, a name so familiar, but foreign on his tongue. "I... I'm not disclosing the fact I worry about you. I worry about you constantly... every time we're not together, the only thing I think about is your safety. You mean so much to me - you mean the whole world to me. I can't really translate it to big and fancy words.. but.." Callum's voice trailed off, trying to come up with words to express how he felt - but he stopped when Aaaqil reached out to tuck strands of his hair behind his ear. He looked absolutely gorgeous this way - not that he wasn't gorgeous before - it just enhanced his beauty to the point it made Callum's heart stutter. Aaaqil waited patiently for Callum to continue, until he had realized what he had done. "...Sorry - I.. I- um... I sometimes do this.. y'know- I just..." Aaaqil swore under his breath when he couldn't find any more words to progress his statement. Aaaqil swearing made Callum laugh. It wasn’t the first time he had heard Aaaqil swear, but it was rare for any "bad words" to come out of his mouth. Aaaqil looked up, "...Um.. you mean a lot to me.. too........ In.. plenty of ways - if that makes sense..."
Callum stared at Aaaqil, his voice unable to find any words to further progress their conversation. Their distance wasn't large, and one wrong move could lead to their lips colliding into one another. So, he bathed in Aaaqil's gaze, unable to look away.
They were close - so close it would be easy for the boys to kiss. Aaaqil was aware of that, but did Callum like Aaaqil? The thought made Aaaqil want to apologize, run away and not talk to Callum until he felt comfortable to do it again. But before he could do any of those activities, Callum leaned in, his lips pressing against Aaaqil's.
When their lips finally separated, Callum and Aaaqil couldn't help but smile and giggle like little children. They couldn't stop their hearts from stuttering. And they couldn't stop the emotions they felt like they were the only people in that damned realm. Emotions were high, with happiness sucking off any negative emotions they felt.
“He likes me.” Was all the two could process in their brains.
Their fingers intertwined, while Callum attempted to hide his smile in Aaaqil’s shoulder – bathing in his scent. Aaaqil combed Callum’s red locks with his other hand, his hair drifting from his phalanges and into his knuckles. Aaaqil paused for a moment, before unlatching his mouth.
“...I-I really love you – Callum – much more than platonic.. And.. I want to thank you for.. being with me.” Aaaqil said. He couldn’t put it into big and fancy words, but as long as Callum had received the message, Aaaqil wouldn’t say more. Callum chuckled, and Aaaqil could feel his figure smile on his shoulder – with his fingers caressing Aaaqil’s.
“I love you, too.”