Original Sin (MewGulf AU)

🌞Chapter 30🌻

🌻

Perhaps out of consideration for the fact that Gulf had trouble holding his alcohol, Bright selected a white wine, which had a crisp and refreshing taste.

"I've wanted to try this restaurant since I never get to eat at hotels," Bright said as he looked at Gulf with a cheerful smile. Gulf returned a more ambigous smile.

Gulf wasn't really in the mood for dinner, but it was a celebration of Bright's book being finished. He had no excuse to be sulky. So he gave his best effort, struggling to produce a smile.

To make up for Gulf's lack of enthusiasm, Bright told one interesting story after another. Just seeing the trouble to cheer Gulf up made Gulf feel even worse. He let out a breath of relief when they managed to reach the dessert without incident. Gulf had a bowl of sherbet and Bright ordered grilled apple slices.

"Sorry to make you come see me. Did I wear you out?" Bright asked.

"No, don't worry about it! I'm glad I got to see you."

"I'm happy to hear that." Bright gentle tones tremble gently aginst Gulf's eardrums. His voice, completely unlike Mew's, began tugging delicately at Gulf's heartstrings.

"I don't need you to be my boyfriend, so please---stay," Bright said suddenly, his voice dropping.

Confronted with his unexpectedly serious expression, Gulf was at a loss for words. "What are you---?"

"Maybe you'll be able to forget everything, all the bad things, if I wear you out completely."

Gulf's eyes widened when he realized Bright was talking about sex.

"I can't ask you to like me or be my boyfriend. But I just can't stand to see you looking so sad, Mister Gulf."

How nice it would be if Gulf could drown himself in pleasure and forget everything else in the world. Gulf wanted to pretend that everything with Mew had never happened.

"I'll be nice with you. You'll be able to forget everything." Bright said and took Gulf's delicate fingers in his hands. Gulf couldn't shake off Bright's touch, even though he didn't want to give Bright any false hopes.

"I told you I would never be petty. I won't tell anyone about Mew Suppasit and I won't do anything to hold you hostage."

Being treated so kindly confused Gulf. His brittle heart crumbled like dust. Gulf felt as if he might accept all of Bright's tenderness.

"I reserved a room. Please come with me."

Was the young man the only person Gulf could depend on? Unable to reveal his weakness to his friends or coworkers, Gulf had little choice but to suffer alone. But maybe Bright could save him from that.

"There's someone I love," Gulf said.

"I know. But your love will fade someday. I'm not a child, I don't believe in love lasting forever."

Bright's sudden declaration shook Gulf. He squinted dubiously at he young man's face.

"No matter how much you love a person, some day it'll end. Undying love doesn't exist. No one could blame you if your love doesn't last forever or if you fall in love with someone else. There's no reason you should be trapped by that immoral man, Mister Gulf."

Bright was right. Immortal love didn't exist. There was no love that remained unchanged for eternity. Gulf knew that firsthand, since he had tossed aside his fiancee for Mew.

Gulf, who had injured others, was hardly an innocent. People always betrayed each other, always lied. Mew had said that. As the words resurfaced in Gulf's mind, he found it hard to breathe.