Whispered Wishes: The Magic of Childhood Dreams

11

Since Saint's return to Zee's apartment, the atmosphere in the apartment had taken on a peculiar tension. They shared the same living space, yet they might as well have been worlds apart. Zee was walking on eggshells, uncertain of how to bridge the emotional chasm that had opened up between them. He missed Saint's laughter, his smile, that once filled their home, and most of all the warmth of Saint's presence.

Every time Zee tried to initiate a conversation, it was met with silence or terse responses. Saint, once the life of the apartment, now retreated into his own world, shutting Zee out. It was like trying to hold onto mist; no matter how hard Zee reached, it slipped through his fingers.

Zee refused to give up, though. He wanted to win back the man he has fallen in love with, going to any extent he can. He cooked Saint's favorite dishes, hoping to tempt him with the familiar flavors that used to bring a smile to his face. He stocked up on his beloved juice, setting the table as if preparing for a feast, even though he knew how Saint would respond.

Sometimes, Zee would catch a glimpse of the old Saint—the twinkle in his eye when he saw his favorite juice on the table, the slight curve of his lips when he savored a familiar dish. It was in those fleeting moments that Zee's heart soared, and he believed that he was making progress.

But then, just as quickly as the warmth returned, Saint would retreat into his shell once more. It was like a dance, one step forward, two steps back. Zee knew that Saint was playing hard to get, testing the waters of their relationship, but he couldn't help feeling frustrated and confused.

Zee would sit by the window and wonder how they had come to this point. He missed the intimacy they once shared, the way Saint's lips felt on his when they kissed, the cuddle, the laughter that echoed through the walls.

Zee was determined to break through Saint's defenses, to show him that their love was worth fighting for. He hoped that, in time, they could rebuild what they had lost and rediscover the happiness that had once filled their home. Until then, he would continue to try, to cook, to stock up on juice, and to show Saint that his love was unwavering, even in the face of distance and silence.

It was one of those weekends when Zee was relaxing in their apartment. He sat on the balcony and was relaxing when he heard the sound of footsteps. He knew that sound. He looked up and saw Saint rushing out of the apartment. He didn't even look at Zee and just left the man alone. Within a few seconds, he heard the bustling noise of a motorbike. He looked out of the balcony and saw Mew standing in the parking lot.

"Let's go," Saint hopped on Mew's bike, but as he settled in, Mew felt an intense gaze fixed upon them. He glanced up and spotted Zee, who was watching them with a penetrating stare.

"Take a cab, Saint."

"What?"

"Didn't you say we would go together to the movies? Now you want me to go in a cab."

"Just go. I just have something urgent to do," Mew replied curtly, his tone edged with frustration.

"Will you reach on time for the movies?", Saint asked curiously.

"I will, now go", Mew stated again.

"Urghhh...you are impossible, P'," Saint grumbled, storming off in search of a taxi.

Mew went upstairs and rang the doorbell to Zee's apartment.

"May I come in?"

Zee didn't say anything but left the door open for Mew to enter. Mew took a seat on the couch, positioned opposite to where Zee was sitting. Minutes passed in awkward silence before Mew finally spoke up.