Castaway Haven

LOVE AMIDST SURVIVAL

Harry had always embraced his sexuality openly. He came out to his mother at the age of fourteen and had the privilege of growing up in an environment where he felt safe and loved. At school, he had chosen to confide only in his closest friends, keeping his true self hidden. However, as time went on, he found the courage to let his gaze linger on boys and allow his blushes to show. He experienced his first fleeting and timid relationship at fifteen, followed by his second boyfriend at sixteen, which led to his first kiss.

But it was at seventeen that Harry's life took a more eventful turn.

From being stranded on a deserted island to losing his virginity to someone unexpected, he had no regrets.

Especially not now, lying in Louis' arms, as Harry basked in the afterglow of their recent lovemaking.

"Whatcha thinkin' about?" Louis whispered from under him, breaking the peaceful silence.

Harry replied without thinking, "Thinking about the liberation of being true to oneself."

Confused, Louis asked, "What do you mean?"

Harry sat up, feeling Louis' fingers trailing down his arms as he moved. "Back home, in society, some people still have to hide who they are. A few years ago, I was one of them," he explained, looking out at the serene surroundings, where the crashing waves served as their soothing soundtrack. "But here, in this place, we are free from the judgmental eyes of those who would condemn us."

"Mmm," Louis hummed in agreement, watching his own fingers brush Harry's arm. "Yeah, it is liberating."

Harry turned towards Louis, noticing the thoughtful expression on his face. "What was it like for you?" he asked, his curiosity overcoming any hesitation.

Louis' eyes found his. "Mmh?"

"Coming out?" Harry clarified, finding the courage to ask because he truly was curious. "If you are okay talking about it, of course." Harry knew there was Hannah. He wasn't sure Louis was out at the time.

As if bracing himself to tell the tale, Louis sat upright too and took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The sun was starting to set, casting a warm orange glow over the two of them. He reached out to caress Harry's cheek before answering, his voice soft yet resolute. "I realised it during Hannah." He frowned. "It was awful. Like a sudden cold shower. I knew it, deep down, but I wanted to..." He paused, hesitating. "Force myself into liking her." He raised his eyebrows. "Because, you know... There's this pressure to fit into the mould society has created."

Harry hummed sadly, understanding the complexities of such a struggle. He intertwined his fingers with Louis', offering comfort and support.

"I cared for her, I truly did," Louis expressed, his brows furrowing again as he brought his legs up and encircled his knees with one arm. "But deep inside, I knew I wasn't being authentic to myself. I made an effort, I really did, but I couldn't continue living a lie, denying that essential part of who I was... Who I am. Sooo... while I didn't immediately come out, I made the difficult decision to end our relationship."

Harry's grasp tightened, his thumb gently tracing soothing circles on the back of Louis' hand. He understood too well the intricate struggle of grappling with one's own identity.

"I came out during a party," Louis then revealed unexpectedly.

Harry blinked, taken aback. "You what?"

Louis chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Yeah, it was quite a memorable night. We were all at this bustling house party. In truth, I had been mustering up the courage to confide in my friends for weeks . I... I knew my closest mates would be supportive, but there was still that fear of the unknown, you know?"