The Universe Beyond Ours

Chapter 18 (Part 2)

     Harris strides towards his bed, where his ukelele lies peacefully. Grabbing the wooden instrument, Harris exhales deeply and settles on the soft embrace of the white mattress. Meanwhile, Denis follows, sitting timidly beside Harris. With his fingers dancing on the ukelele's strings, Harris takes a deep breath and begins singing, his tender voice melding seamlessly with the chords.

"I used to be unaware of your life's story. I never knew how bad it was... but you don't have to fake it..." Harris sang, his eyes fixed squarely on Denis' soft gaze.

Playing along with the song, Denis swiftly thought of a lyrical sentence he could use to sing with Harris. "...I just don't want to pull you down. But this is reality. It has torn me asunder... my brain hates myself."

"Hey... Denis..." Harris broke the duet as he moved closer to Denis, trying to comfort him. Furrowing his brows in concern, Harris placed his hand on Denis' shoulder.

"I don't want to return home. I want to stay with you," Denis sang, determined to continue to song.

Seeing Denis' will to sing, Harris played along and resumed strumming. "Hey, I have to stop you right here," Harris replied, singing.

"I don't want to lose you."

"You won't lose me... you can see me again one day in your dream," Harris affirmed, his fingers dancing delicately on the ukelele strings.

"Where realms intertwine...? Where worlds go beyond the line."

"Yes. You're part of my heart. Remember, we'll never ever be apart. Starting from this day, no matter where you are, you'll never be by yourself."

"Do you promise?"

"I promise with my whole heart."

"I just fear we won't see again."

"I fear it as well. But there are people, I promise, who care for you in your universe."

"Then, if I return to my place, there'll be someone out there who cares for you, too." 

"I believe it. I know your words are all sincere and true."

"We may belong from opposing universes. But opposites attract. So, here I am with you."

"I'm with you, too."

"Yeah!"

"I know we'll see each other again!"

"In dreams where worlds intertwine. The place where places go beyond the line."

"Indeed, you got it right!"

"You'll forever be by my side no matter which realm we are in."

"And you'll no longer be lonely."

"And so you, too."

"We will meet again one day."

"Yeah! Right!"

"I promise it."

"We will meet... again one day," Denis smiled, his glistening eyes loaded with tears.

     Unable to control himself and his emotions, Denis lunges forward and embraces Harris. This is the first time in forever for Harris and Denis. It feels so awkward but great at the same time. Both of them feel like they are exploding with joy. The heartfelt experience, the duet, and the promises, all just come rushing down their spines, grounding them on the spot.

     Harris joyfully returns the embrace, hugging Denis with one arm. The two guys' heads meet, and they smile at each other. As if they are in a beautiful tapestry, they sit on the bed side by side, embracing each other. It is a moment of peace and reflection for both guys.

     Later, Denis and Harris eat fried mashed potato cheese balls in the dining room with Chloe, Presley, and Felix. It may be blazing in their tongues, but it melts like crazy—it is enough to entice their senses altogether. Philip then enters the room with an announcement for everyone.

"Hey, the military has responded to my calls. They say they'll be counterattacking the coven," Philip announced, his arms crossed.

"What will we do now?" Denis asked as he chewed carefully.

"I'll go to Beilitt Town and make sure Oracle Miriam is safe. She's just done a lot of good things for us, and I'll be willing to return the favour," Philip replied.

"You can't go. It's dangerous, as the coven is heading there," Meredith interjected.

"I 'want' to return the favour to Oracle Miriam. I want to ensure she's alright," Philip asserted.

"Then, I'm coming with you," Meredith offered.

"No, I don't want you getting harmed," Philip refused.

"Not bragging, but I'm pretty good at fighting, y'know? Better than you sometimes," Meredith smirked. "Plus, Oracle Miriam has contributed to me and my siblings, too, and I'd love to repay her," she added.

"Uh, just in case you want back up, I'm coming with you, guys," Presley volunteered, standing up and raising his hand.

"No way, bro. You don't know how to go to the city next door, let alone protect yourself!" Philip's eyes widened.

"But I managed to save Denis from the stone wyrm, didn't I?" Presley chuckled softly.

Denis nodded in agreement.

"Alright, I'll give you a chance," Philip yielded. Looking at Harris, Philip said, "Harris, you stay with the others, okay?"

Suddenly, Denis had the urge to come with the others to Oracle Miriam's town to make up for his past actions. "...I'm coming," Denis insisted.

"No, you can't come," Philip replied, rejecting Denis' offer.

"I've done a massive sin in this world. It's time for the fruits of sin to collect my debt," Denis stated.