Their Parallel Universe ✓

Chapter 22

Because it's you.

When he told Eujae the same answer a couple of days ago, Poll admittedly didn't stop to take the other person's feelings into account. He supposed it was an appropriate thing to say at the moment, so he didn't think about how much it would affect the receiver.

It was just a casual remark, something that he never regarded as a big deal.

He never considered that the words would hit hard.

Until now.

The fact that he might have been callous with his comment at that time finally gets through his head upon reaping the same offhand response.

Unable to come up with any counterstatements, Poll bites his bottom lip and lowers his head. A heavy atmosphere hangs in between them for a fleeting moment.

"Go back to the beach house, Apollo," Eujae then instructs for the third time, the distance in his voice befitting the cold air.

Sensing Eujae walk away, Poll's head perks up. He stares blankly at the man's retreating back while a range of emotions begins to surface inside him.

Is this how everything is going to end again?

Earlier, he was just worried when he noticed the expression Eujae made as he stepped out of the beach house. Poll thought Eujae was pissed at him because he was being too affectionate with Lia so he intended to set things straight with him when he followed him outside.

He had no idea that this confrontation would take an unexpected turn.

Poll's stomach twists, his chest tightens as he watches Eujae get farther and farther from him. It is not like the guy has never walked away from him before, but this is the first time Poll feels scared that Eujae may really disappear from his sight if he doesn't do anything to stop him. He wants to go after him, but he finds himself unable to take a single step as he is paralyzed by the fear of making the situation worse.

Helpless, Poll hangs his head again.

He acknowledges that he has always been crass when it comes to Eujae, and he never thought all the crudeness he'd let out on the guy would blow up on his face at one point.

Perhaps he deserves this. Perhaps Eujae is justified in hurting him back.

But he didn't have to refuse Poll a chance to explain everything. He didn't have to close any doors for the male twin to at least make it right.

"And you're the one who said you'd keep trying until you make me believe," Poll mumbles to the ground, so quiet that he's certain Eujae will not be able to hear him. "So what? You're saying this is the end? You're saying you're giving up?"

He feels his eyes burn and his lips quiver. Desperate to force back the tears that are threatening to arise, Poll closes his eyes tightly.

He is not going to cry. He doesn't want to cry.

In the end, emotions manage to fight their way through.

"Is this the extent of your resolve?" Poll bawls, his voice sounding as though it's about to fall apart. He clenches his fists as he stays put, his whole body unmoving but shaking.

He doesn't know how long he's been in the same position when he feels something warm around his wrist. The contrast in temperature makes him flinch and look up.

Just as he sees Eujae's concerned expression, Poll feels like the thing that's squeezing his chest and stomach comes undone all at once.

He's back. He came back for him. He can't believe he's in front of him again, but Poll is relieved to see his face. Too relieved that he could cry.