SEE YOU, SOULMATE [✓]

01:48

"Thank you, for giving me a faint ray of hope." Rivulets glistened under the sun, staining his cheeks. "I have known you truly for a day. And I'll know you for another."

   I didn't quite understand what he meant, except for his gratitude. I didn't want to understand.

   I didn't even understand what to do with myself.

   "Are you okay?"

   "I will be. Soon."

   Maybe it became too overwhelming for him, for he wrapped his around me as if he would never get to hold me again. Like it was the only right thing to do.

   To my surprise, I didn't flinch, or even feel his fervour through my clothes. I felt a thousand butterflies unfurl in my stomach instead.

   "It's time to leave, stranger." He muttered in my ear. "We promised, didn't we?"

   But I've been looking for you forever.

   "Yes. Yes we did." I nodded. "Just—"

    There was a pang in my chest, the back of my eyes weighing with tears.

   "Just stop me. Stop me once, Alatus. And I won't go."

   His fingers carded through my hair, and I shut my eyes close, reminiscing his touch. I feared, that he was going somewhere far away, too.

   It was warm.

   This warmth was far from uncomfortable. This warmth was home.

   "I won't hurt you anymore."

   "You've never done that."

   The hallways had once again grown busy, with students talking and teachers heading towards their next classes. It'd been too late.

   I looked up at him, hoping to never forget a single part of him. Hoping to never forget the melody of his voice.

   "See you, soulmate."

   It wasn't a goodbye. It was a wish.

   And I hoped it was one that'd come true.

   When I pushed myself away, my skin burned with his lingering touch. He let me go— reluctantly. To him, it was the last time. To me, it was the first.

   I walked, and I didn't look back. Not even once. It was me, the door, the path in-between, and a boy behind my slouched frame that I tried not to think about.

   The sudden shade as I got inside provided me comfort, at least physically. I ambled my way to my class, mind racing with so many musings that I could barely think straight ── almost like my body had switched to autopilot. I didn't vividly remember where it was, but I advanced anyway.

   Part of me was relieved he didn't stop me. Because if he did, I would have fought the world to stay beside him.

   It was tragic, really. How the string of fate tying us together broke apart so soon. I will heal it, I promised to myself. I would find him, just like I found him today.

   And I will love you again.

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