OUR OWN ENDING [KimChay Stories Compilation]

SENSES [R-18]

Chay easily gets overwhelmed, so he often does a coping technique to keep him grounded. However, only one person, a stranger, can make his mind lose its momentum.

—

Biting his lips anxiously, Chay stared at the bar's facade. It's his first time being there, and he was extremely anxious. He gets easily overwhelmed just by the thought of being around people.

"Why do you look so stressed, Chay-Chay? We're at a bar, not a police station. There's nothing for you to worry about." Alex said, Chay's friend and roommate.

Chay huffed out a breath, "You know what I feel about places like this, Alex." he said, eyes still at the bar. He adjusted his eyeglasses as he tried to peek inside, but it's too dark.

"Chay, I've seen how stressed you are this past semester and I know you need a breather. This night is about drinking and having fun, okay?" Alex said, comforting an anxious Chay. Then, he smiled maliciously, "Perhaps, you'll meet here someone who will open you up. Figuratively and literally."

Chay blushed, "Alex!" he exclaimed, on the edge of laughing. Alex laughed out loud, causing Chay to hit him playfully.

"Seriously, Chay. Just breathe. Do your technique or whatever. I'll stay with you the whole night, I promise." Alex said.

Oh, yes. His coping technique. The one that keeps him grounded. Chay often does this exercise when he feels anxious or overwhelmed. Chay breathed deeply, and looked around.

Five things he can see: Alex in front of him. The OPEN sign at the bar door. The water flowing on the gutter at the ground. The neon lights on the roof. The cat sleeping on the sidewalk.

Four things he can touch: The phone in his hand. The roughness of his jeans. His chapped lips. His wallet is in the back pocket.

Three things he can hear: The girls gossip about their dresses behind him. The low music from inside the bar. The horns of the cars.

Two things he can smell: His vanilla scented shampoo. Alex's strong perfume.

One thing he can taste: The sweet and sour taste of the lemon candy he just chewed a few minutes ago.

Chay felt calmer now. He's fine. He'll be okay. He's with a friend, so there's nothing to worry about. Alex glanced at him and gave him an okay sign. Chay signed back at him to indicate that he's fine, and Alex smiled. They entered the bar.

Inside the bar is what Chay expected it to be. Chaotic. Overwhelming. There are so many people inside. Mostly were university students enjoying the end of the semester. Chay's calmness vanished into thin air. He started to breathe deeper repeatedly. Alex held him as he felt the sudden uneasiness on Chay and led him to the table to have a sit.

"Okay, Chay. Breathe. Breathe deeply. You're okay." Alex said quite loud, since the bar's deafening music was all around them. Chay nodded as he continued to steady his breathing. "I'll get us some drinks. Do your exercise again. Stay here until you calm down — I'll be back. Don't worry." Alex said as Chay stared at him, anxious being alone. Alex left, lost in the sea of people.

"It's okay, Chay. You can do this. Just do your exercise again and you'll be fine." Chay whispered to himself. He did his exercise again.

Five things he can see: People.

A lot of people. It's too overwhelming. But, he needs to focus on five things he can see for this to work. "Again, Chay. Five things you can see." he said again to himself. He adjusted his eyeglasses to see better in the dark space. There's a blue cocktail at the bar counter. The couple kissing in one corner. The group of friends taking pictures. The guitar on stage. And – oh – an extremely handsome man holding the guitar.