Illusions of You | BrightWin Soulmate AU

19

A/N: This is the last chapter of Illusions of You. Thank you to all my readers who's been with me from start to end! Thank you for all the votes. I really appreciate it <3 I hope you enjoyed this story even if it's short.
----------------

"Do you remember all of that, Win?"

Bright chuckled as he reminisced about everything. He's been talking for 3 hours straight, non-stop, but not even a single hint of tiredness was present in his voice. He's always been like this, it may seem boring but he enjoys talking to his soulmate for hours.

"I guess you remember everything. I always do storytelling with you, I can already see you rolling your eyes because I'm just repeating the same story over and over again." He smiled. This is the first time he smiled without pain, without bitterness, just genuine happiness.

"Win, it's your 5th death anniversary. 5 freaking years, can you imagine it? I've been reminiscing about our past for the last 5 years, and I'm still going to do it in the future years to come. I won't get tired of talking to you, so please don't get tired of me.. wherever you are right now,"

He looked at the candle, the fire was barely lit, and the wax was completely melted. The future that was seen in Win's wrist happened-- Bright is standing in front of Win's grave.

Every year during Win's death anniversary, Bright would go to his grave and sit for hours while talking to him about what happened in their past. He wouldn't skip any parts, even the painful ones. Bright would usually start from their first meeting at the mall until their last encounter.

He would narrate it perfectly and he wouldn't mind talking without getting any response. For him, it became a habit.. that everytime he would visit Win's grave, he'd remind him of how beautiful yet tragic their love story was.

"Many things happened during those 5 years.. at first, we didn't know how to bounce back but here we are now, Toe Laew just opened its 3rd branch in Thailand, and Ethereal Couture is going international.. in 6 countries to be exact."

"Khaotung and Podd got married and adopted a baby, while Love and Gun had twins. Everything fell into place now. So, you don't have to worry about us anymore, Win."

Bright sighed deeply. "I guess I finally granted your last wish, huh? I stopped seeing your illusions and I couldn't even see you in my dreams. It kinda saddens me but I'm relieved that you're now at peace."

"Remember our last conversation? You told me that I hope I find my happiness, even if it's not with you.." Bright reached out for the person's hand beside him.

"That time I convinced myself that I'm only going to love you, and only you, until the next life. But I think you really made a way for me to find someone. I haven't introduced that someone to you, so.."

"Hi, Win. I'm Tine, Tine Teepakorn.. Bright's fiancé." The guy introduced himself.

"We finally met each other.. not personally, but you know what I mean. I heard so many things about you because Bright's been talking non-stop about your love story. I'm not even complaining because it's beautiful yet tragic." He squeezed his fiancé's hand.

"I've known Bright for 2 years now.. I met him when I first ate in Toe Laew's first branch. He saw me and acted all sus, so I gave him a nickname 'Sarawat'. He's like a police inspector investigating me, and it turned out it's because I look like you."

"Two years is not quite long enough for us to get married this quick, but I believe it's not about how long you know a person. Am I right, Win?" The two laughed as Tine made a Win reference.

"Bright told me that we have a lot in common, like literally a lot. He believes that I'm your reincarnated self.. ow, just kidding, Wat!" Tine laughed as Bright pinched his waist.

"No, really. I believe that you wanted Bright to end up with someone you know he can feel 'at home'. Well, I couldn't be like you but I'll love him genuinely in my own ways. I'll be his 'home' as well. I hope you'll entrust him to me, Win."

God, this man. He really asked for Win's permission. I'm lucky to have someone like him. He respects me and Win too.

"I respect you so much that I'll understand if you'll remain as his first love. You were a big part of his life, you'll always be. I wish you've already found your peace and happiness wherever you are."

Tine ended his message to Win. He turned to Bright who's now wiping his tears.

"Jeez, big baby, come here. Why are you crying?" Tine pulled Bright into his arms and patted his back.

"I didn't know that would be your message to him. I was just touched." Tine wiped his tears and kissed his forehead.

"I love you, Wat."

"I love you too, Tine."

Bright gave Win's grave a last look, said his prayers and wishes for the last time, and stood up to leave the place.

I miss seeing your illusions, Win. I miss your presence. I miss your entire existence. And every time I'm longing for you, I'll just go to the house where your paintings are placed and I'll look at the artworks you've made, especially the big one because that reminds me of us.

I know you're always beside me in every sunrise that I witness. I know you're there even if I can't see you anymore. I know you're happy for me.. I'm happy too.

Until next time, Win. I hope to see you again in our next life. For the meantime, I'll just be happy seeing illusions of you in my head.

- The End