Castaway Haven

HOPE AND DESPERATION

Harry etched another line on the rock, marking the passing of yet another day. Almost three months had gone by since their arrival on the island. He hadn't shared this with Louis, but he had lost hope too. But in truth, he knew that Louis had lost hope long before him.

As the wind tousled his long hair, Harry squinted against its force and gazed out towards the vast expanse of the ocean.

Louis was out there, waist-deep in the water, armed with a handmade javelin, searching for their evening meal. Hunting had become their way of life on this secluded island. Harry was slowly coming to terms with their new reality. It was the only life they knew now.

But a sense of dread gnawed at his stomach, reminding him that they were the only inhabitants of this isolated place. It felt strange to think that, while they were struggling to survive, the rest of the world carried on. Their family and friends were out there, living their lives, while Harry and Louis were confined to this tiny island.

This tiny island that had become their entire world.

"You little shit," Louis bellowed amidst his laughter.

Harry desperately attempted to break free from Louis' grip, swimming away and narrowly avoiding swallowing a mouthful of water. The laughter was so intense that it caused a delightful ache in his stomach.

Initially, Louis had been peacefully dozing on the ground, his appearance accentuated by the radiant sunbeams filtering through the trees. But he had specifically instructed Harry to wake him if he nodded off.

So, Harry had roused him by splashing water at him.

Without hesitation, Louis had leaped into the lake and chased after Harry.

Now Louis finally seized hold of Harry's arms, and Harry braced himself, knowing that Louis probably intended to submerge him underwater.

They engaged in playful combat for several minutes until Harry desperately gasped for air. "Okay, stop, stop!" he pleaded between fits of laughter and coughs. "Truce! Truce!"

Louis instantly released his grip, throwing his hands up in surrender. He was grinning. "Alright."

Harry continued to laugh, shaking his head and pushing his wet hair away from his face. He rubbed his face and his eyes, meeting Louis' gaze, who was staring at him intently. "What?" Harry asked with a chuckle.

Louis reached out a hand to caress Harry's cheek before running it through Harry's hair. "Your hair has grown so long," he remarked, admiringly.

Harry let out a contented sigh. "Yours too."

Harry's hair surpassed Louis' length, extending below his shoulders, while Louis' hair enveloped his ears. Louis also sported a well-groomed stubble, while Harry was struggling to grow any facial hair. It was a bit unfair.

Louis was undeniably breathtaking.

Harry took a decisive step closer to Louis, enveloping him in a warm embrace. His arms encircled Louis' neck, drawing him in closer. Louis reciprocated the gesture, his face lighting up with a genuine smile. One arm secured itself firmly around Harry's head, while the other wrapped snugly around his waist.

Louis was beaming when Harry leaned in and kissed him.

Then Harry's stomach grumbled.

"Oh my God," he groaned in embarrassment. "I'm so hungry." He rested his head against Louis' shoulder. The sheer joy of the situation caused Louis' body to tremble with laughter.