Break My Heart (Mew x Gulf)

Chapter 41: From Past To Present

"What?"

The question is left unanswered, falling on deaf ears in the silent room, as if they had simply faded away, leaving Gulf wondering if he'd even spoken them.

He stares at Mew as the elder remains hunched over, hands pressed together in a praying-like manner against the centre of his face, gazing down at the carpeted floor.

He was at a loss for words, unsure on how to answer Gulf's question. He was feeling anxious and overwhelmed, the interaction with Daen from not even four minutes ago kept on replaying in his head, and the look in Daen's eyes from when they'd made eye contact after he'd caught Mew's wrist. They were swimming with emotion, sadness most of all.

He didn't know what to do, how to prosses everything or what to think. What did Daen want to talk about? Why did he have to approach him? Mew didn't want to talk, he didn't want to be in the same room as him, just the thought of it scared him.

Daen was still Daen, he looked the same as he did all those years ago, with those deep, pale blue eyes that stirred up unwanted emotions within Mew like a trap. He'd always felt drawn to those mysterious eyes, filled with a trove of hidden secrets.

When they'd been together Mew was sure he had had him figured out, but that was soon proven wrong, their breakup made him sure of that. He's afraid that if he looks for too long he'll get trapped again, unable to look away and free himself.

It was clear that Mew hadn't been the only one between them to change, Mew could feel it, the change wasn't in his appearance but in himself, how he carried himself. Because even back when they were dating he could feel that Daen had things weighing him down, holding him back from being himself completely. Mew never asked, not wanting to pry or overstep. But now, it seemed like whatever it was that'd been weighing him down, was no longer there.

And Mew was happy for him, knowing that the man he had loved had dealt with his problems or whatever it'd been. But that's all he felt, all he needed to know. He didn't want to get caught up in something he'd worked so hard to untangle himself from. He just wanted to forget and move on.

Besides he had Gulf. Handsome, smart, funny, beautiful Gulf. He didn't need to complicate things by bringing Daen into the picture, though he feared it already was.

Gulf's voice brings him back to the present. The tone used in his words told him he was hoping that Mew had been joking, and honestly Mew wished he had been.

"Mew, you're joking right?" Mew laughs, but it's a tired, sad sound, nothing like how a real laugh should be like.

"We dated for almost two years before he broke up with me on the day of his high school graduation." God, his nose suddenly felt sore.

"But... but I don't understand."

"What don't you understand. I think I summarized it quite well." He jokes, though Gulf doesn't seem to appreciate it.

"This isn't funny Mew."

"And I never said it was, nor do I think it is." Gulf exhales slowly, it was clear his thoughts were running wild.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"How was I supposed to do that? I'm still trying to come to terms with it myself."

"But still, you could've told me last night after dinner, when we were getting ready for bed."

"I know. I know that would've been the right thing to do and I should've. He's your brother and I'm your... your friend. But I didn't tell you and I'm sorry, it's all just been a lot for me to prosses."