Sweater Paws ☻ Malum AU

four - don't you ever forget about me

Michael thought about Calum's offer for weeks. After a while, Calum just stopped coming to Paws 'n' Claws, thinking that either Michael wasn't interested or he just needed some space and privacy, hoping it would be the second one.

Michael had to admit, he really missed Calum. Although he had Paws, he still felt lonely and felt like the shop seemed empty without Calum being there. Michael would do anything at this point just for Calum to walk into the shop and talk to him, asking how his day was or even wave hello. All Michael wanted was to see Calum again.

One of his habits was pushing people away and isolating himself from everybody when there was something on his mind.

One day, Michael didn't even bother showing up for work. Instead, he just sat on his bed, looking at his phone and listening to music.

The song he was listening to was interrupted by a text message.

From: Calum

Hey. We haven't seen each other in a while. How have you been?

From: Calum

I'm worried about you.

From: Calum

Are you okay?

From: Calum

Please tell me you're okay.

Michael sighed. He really did miss Calum. Without a second thought, he decided to respond to all of the messages from the one he hadn't seen in what feels like forever.

To: Calum

1. I've been pretty good, but a bit lonely though.

2. Thanks for being concerned.

3. Yes, I'm okay.

4. I AM OKAY. There is no need for you to message me multiple times.

Michael pressed the 'Send' button with his hands shaking, wondering whether or not Calum would even answer his phone. He sighed and went back on Spotify, playing the album If You Were A Movie, This Would Be Your Soundtrack by Sleeping With Sirens.

During the song Don't You Ever Forget About Me, Michael closed his eyes and thought if Calum was being honest when he said he cared. Did he ever think about him? Or was he just trying to be nice?

"The hardest thing I'd ever do is say goodbye and walk slowly away from you, but I'll do it. And after all this time I shared with you, it seems unfair to leave with nothing more than blank stares, but I'll do it."

When the chorus began, Michael shed a tear or two.

"Don't you ever forget about me. When you toss and turn in your sleep, I hope it's because you can't stop thinking about the reasons why you close your eyes. I haunt your dreams at night so you can't stop thinking about me. Don't stop thinking about me."

Michael knew exactly what he was going to do. He was going to meet up with Calum and finally see him again.