A New Safe Space

Mixed Signals

The evening was already in full swing when Akk arrived at the hostel. It stood tall and proud, lit up beautifully under the evening sky, surrounded by cheerful voices and laughter that spilled out onto the street. Akk clutched the small potted plant he had brought as a gift, feeling somewhat out of place amid the vibrant celebration. He hesitated before stepping inside, but before he could second-guess himself, Ray appeared, a wide grin lighting up his face.

"You made it!" Ray said, his eyes sparkling as he pulled Akk into a quick, warm hug. "Come on, let me introduce you to everyone."

Ray's enthusiasm was infectious, and despite his initial reluctance, Akk found himself smiling as they moved through the crowd. Ray introduced him to his group of friends—Cheum, Boston, Mew, and Top. As they exchanged greetings, Akk couldn't help but notice how much more relaxed Ray seemed here, surrounded by people who knew him well. There was an ease to him, something Akk didn't often see at work.

They shared drinks, chatted, and listened to the band playing in the background. Akk observed Ray from the corner of his eye, watching how easily he interacted with his friends. It was a different side to him—more genuine, less guarded. Though it was different from the deep bond Akk had with Khan and Wat, he could see the care and affection Ray's friends had for him.

Then, his gaze shifted to Mew and Top, who were sitting close together, clearly a couple. Akk saw Ray glance at them every now and then, though his expression remained neutral, unaffected. Akk wondered if beneath the surface of Ray's heart was breaking like his was whenever he saw Ayan with Yok.

Out of nowhere, Boston, ever the instigator, shouted over the music. "Hey, Ray! How about a song? Come on, show these people you've got some talent!"

Ray rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed, but with a smirk, he stood up. "Alright, alright. Just one song," he said, pointing a playful finger at Boston. Ray was clearly a few drinks in and he was smiling when he whispered to the band the song he would sing.

Akk wasn't expecting much. He knew Ray had many hidden talents, but singing? He said he thought being a singer wasn't for him.  But when Ray took the stage and began to sing, Akk was floored.

His voice was soft at first, haunting in its quiet strength. As Ray sang the opening lines of Use Somebody by Kings of Leon, his gaze locked onto Akk's, and it didn't waver.

"I've been roamin' around, always lookin' down at all I see
Painted faces fill the places I can't reach
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you and all you know and how you speak..."

The words hung in the air, and Akk could feel the heat rising to his cheeks as Ray's eyes never left his. It was as if the song was meant for him, and only him. He could feel the weight of every word, every note.

The applause was still ringing in Akk's ears as Ray stepped off the stage, heading straight for him. The intensity in Ray's gaze made Akk's cheeks flush, though he tried to hide it with a quick smile.

"Surprised I can actually sing?" Ray teased, his voice low, with an almost mischievous warmth.

Akk chuckled nervously, feeling a sudden rush he couldn't quite place. "Yeah. You're... really good."

Ray's eyes sparked, a confident grin tugging at his lips. "Glad I could impress."

The playful atmosphere hung between them, thick with an unspoken charge. Before Akk fully processed what was happening, Ray took him by the hand and led him through the crowd and down a quiet hallway. They found themselves tucked away in a dim bathroom behind the staircase, the noise of the party a faint hum beyond the closed door.