We Were Born Under Burnt Skies (Yakulev)

Chapter 10

Months went by, seasons changed, people changed, but Lev and Mori didn't. They remained as close as ever. Consistently toeing the line between what's always been and what they knew they wanted, though it was never spoken about again as they saw less and less of each other. Mori was completely engrossed in his work, the late start making way for a rushed finish. The very last art piece was completed a mere days before his exhibition. Sleepless nights were a regular occurrence, Lev's presence all but disappeared as his classes picked up. Mori was entirely unsure as to whether Lev would be able to make it to the opening night. He tried not to think about that; he needed rest beforehand. Even if Lev can't make it Kuroo, his family, and highschool friends are still flying out. He'll have plenty of support.

The rest of the days were filled with designing the layout and flow of the gallery. Each piece had to be placed considerately in relation to the ones around them. They had to stand out and capture attention whilst blending into each other to create a delicate experience when walking through. It was complicated and arguably one of the hardest parts about the exhibition so far; still going by in a blurr regardless.

Everyone he'd requested flew in a day early, buzzing with excitement. Congratulations were given, people expressed their pride, although none of them felt complete or genuine. What Mori was searching for he couldn't find in them.

"Have you heard from Lev?" Kuroo leaned close to Mori so the rest of the group wouldn't pick up their conversation.

"No, he's been really busy as well. I'm not even sure if he's going to make it," Mori sheepishly smiled, the pressure in his throat threatening him with tears.

"Ah, he's the muse! He better show up!"

Mori shook his head, "No, no, I wouldn't want to force him into anything or make him feel bad for missing something as trivial as this."

"It's not trivial, you've been working on this for over a year."

A wave of ease washed over Mori's conscience, Kuroo isn't one to voice the importance of attendance so brazenly. Knowing Lev it only re-assured him that he'd be there. Lev finds these things more important than other people, including Kuroo.

Eighteen hours, just eighteen hours were left until the exhibition. Eighteen measly, but busy, hours. The reality of it all was starting to sink in. He'd really spent all this time, it feels like his efforts are finally going somewhere. Important artists and buyers will be there. His first step into the art world just so happened to be a longer stride than anticipated. It was exciting and new, nerve wracking.

Ten Hours

There still were no texts from Lev. The venue called to check in, Mori's professors messaging about last minute details or changes. His friends and family asked for the address over and over. But not a single thing from Lev. The [DATE] mocking Mori from the last set of messages. He checked the time every few seconds. Opening his phone to messages, checking recents, the state always stayed the same. He never has wanted to doubt Lev, but unease clung to his bones and infected his anxiety.

Four Hours

Alarm rung into the room, his roommate checking to make sure Mori was still breathing when it went off for three minutes straight. Mori had to haul himself out of bed, fighting against the pressure starting to bare its teeth at him. Every step felt like a million. The sleek suit was suffocating, he couldn't even put on the tie. It felt like he was knotting his own noose. His hands started to shake and soon gave up, it was too much already.

"Just breathe, you've got this," His roommate cooed as they expertly fixed the tie to his neck. It felt more like a heavy chain than a small piece of fabric.