𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙏 2 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙏 (𝙈𝙚𝙜𝙪𝙧𝙪 𝘽. 𝙓 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧)

7. distortion

———"Sentimentally assumed, walking parallels."

::
VIBRATIONS OF the guitar strings rumbled against your fingertips. Just like any other day, you were immersed into the soft riff you've been practicing lately, completely enveloped in your own world.

Peeking into your room was Bachira, you had initially invited him over to hang out. Your parents let him inside your house, knowing that he was basically inseparable from you now at this point.

He grinned to himself, observing your stature seeing you so concentrated in playing such a seemingly simple instrument. Each chord you strummed, each note you played to a rhythm tugged on his heartstrings, as if it was Bachira's discovery of music for the first time.

In the same way, the style you played music was how he envisioned his own inner soundtrack, when Bachira was in his peak condition to play soccer. The type of soccer that had his heart pounding against his chest, which gave him his own fulfillment and satisfaction for his own purpose.

His dream.

Bachira's dream of eventually being able to play soccer with others who could understand him, and people who would come to accept his unique perception of this sport.

Still, he could not imagine achieving such a feat without you by his side, the one who reached their hand out when no one else would.

To him, Bachira believed that your hearts beat as one.

— "You seem lost in thought, what's going on?" You asked him, interrupting Bachira's train of thought.

— "Nothing much, just listening to you." He let out a small chuckle, as he entered your room.

You felt warm on the inside hearing his words. Bachira really just knew how to say the right things to you.

—"Hey, wanna go out to do something with me today?" You suggested to him, feeling slightly guilty that you had Bachira waiting for you outside your room.

Bachira wondered what you were up to, unaware of your plans. Still, he agreed.

— "Great! Just wait for me in the living room, I need to get ready." You exclaimed.

————————

WALKING SIDE by side, you and Bachira walked down a tree-lined street, with its leaves providing a cool shade with the occasional gaps of sunlight seeping through in between. A light August breeze filled the air, providing more coolness on a hot
summer day.

You were carrying a basket on your arm, made out of light brown straw. Bachira occasionally peeked at it, curious about its contents. When he initially asked about what was inside, you merely replied with:

—— "You'll find out when we get there Megu! Promise."

He had pouted in response, giving you his best puppy eyes in attempt to get you to give in. But to no avail, it was futile. You simply giggled, and gave Bachira a playful shove.

Nearing the destination, you abruptly stopped right in front of an inconspicuous steep staircase made out of concrete that headed downwards. Overgrown flora blocked some of the space, untouched by anyone. Bachira wore a worried look on his face.

—— "I'm not about to get into trouble, right...?" He asked, with a nervous tone.

—— "Just follow me!" You grinned at him, before hurriedly going down the stairs with confidence.

Bachira had no choice but to follow, cautiously making his way down to you. You had reached the destination already, out of his sight.

He didn't know if he was in a dream at that moment.

As if all the time in the world has abruptly came to a halt, the view in front of him nearly brought Bachira to tears.

The view of a vivid green grass field, with multicoloured flowers displayed among the blades of greenery. A small creek with crystal clear water flowed down, decorating the scenery. It was as if he had stepped into a Studio Ghibli film.

And of course, the best part of it all, you.

You had set up a picnic blanket that was gingham patterned, with plates and pastries displayed on top of the surface. There were also helium balloons of a variety of colours tied down to add to the set up.

You were quite proud of what you had done in preparation. You turned to Bachira, who was still standing a small distance, but still in proximity from you. The corners of your mouth turned up into a large grin.

Bachira could not help but sprint to you, and lifted you into the air with a spin. The both of you laughed, before falling on to the ground beside the picnic.

—— "So how'd you hide the balloons...?" Bachira asked, with genuine curiosity.

—— "I had them set up here before we came together, dummy! You really didn't think I could have set up all of this in the 30 second time span you gave me?" You chuckled, raising an eyebrow at him.

Bachira merely deadpanned into an embarrassed expression.

The two of you got up, sitting down. Your eyes never left each others' gaze.

—— "Happy Birthday, Meguru Bachira."

——————