Alter

Take 9!

As the last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange hue across the sky, War leaned in closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"I have to tell you something even crazier," he began, dramatically lowering his voice. "You know Yin? He was a friend of mine back in the day. And, um, well... he kinda liked me first, I think? But let's forget about that! We were just friends. Friends, I tell you!"

Vee blinked, his face a mix of confusion and disbelief. "Wait, hold on! You're telling me you were that popular even with dudes? Wow. How to be you War Wanarat?" Vee added sarcastically. 

War grinned, leaning back as if he'd just delivered the punchline. "Exactly! But wait, there's more! I don't have my phone with me right now, but I wish I could show you how strikingly you resemble him! It's crazy, crazy!"

Vee's eyebrows shot up as he processed this new revelation. "So let me get this straight: I'm a living doppelgänger of your ghost friend who may or may not have had a crush on you? This is wild! I always knew I had a haunting presence!"

War burst into laughter, slapping his knee. "I mean, you've got the same cheekbones! If you wore the right outfit, people would think you were channeling him from beyond the grave!"

"Great, so I'm basically a specter in waiting," Vee deadpanned, crossing his arms dramatically. "Next, you'll tell me I'm destined to have a tragic love story written about me. Is this a rom-com or a horror flick?"

"More like a rom-com with a ghostly twist!" War replied, chuckling. "And I'm telling you, if we ever get out of here, we should totally pitch that to a studio. 'I Transmigrated As A Mad, Grumpy, Director Who Fell In Love With A Prince-Like Writer"

Vee rolled his eyes, but couldn't suppress a smile. "Well, if I start receiving any ghostly love letters, I'll know who to blame! But honestly, what a bizarre situation we're in—two men and a tragic romance involving a ghost. How's that for a reality check?"

War nodded, grinning widely. "Just remember, if you ever need a co-star for your ghostly escapade, I'm always here for you! But let's just avoid the part where I come back as a spirit haunting you with my unresolved feelings!"

With laughter echoing across the islet, the two men turned an already absurd predicament into the backdrop for an unexpected camaraderie, all while pondering the bizarre connections that tied them together.

Then War turned serious, digging his toes into the sand as thoughts washed over him like the retreating waves. "Look, Vee, if I truly fall in love in the future, I promise to do my best for that person. No more hurting, just love. Maybe then, I can make my cousin and my friend in heaven a little happier." He gazed at the horizon, the golden rays reflecting his hopes.

Vee nodded, taking it all in, but couldn't resist throwing a cheeky question. "Wait, so you mean this body of yours... it was inhabited by your cousin for two years, and he dated a man? They didn't just date, did they? I mean... you know what I mean."

He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, leaning in closer for dramatic effect, as if expecting War to spill some scandalous secret. War's face immediately flushed red, and he buried it in his hands with a groan.

"I'm afraid this body's cherry got popped without me knowing. Boohoo!" War mumbled, his voice muffled, peeking through his fingers while trying not to cry.

Vee cackled, nearly falling off his seat. "Oh my god, I'm riding shotgun with a recycled virgin!"

War shot him a mock glare, a smile creeping onto his lips. "Hey, this is a prime model! Low mileage and a few dings, but still good for a ride!"

They both chuckled, the weight of the conversation lightening, even as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow on the two of them.

"How can I even brag about something I don't remember feeling? Insert Madonna song 'Like a Virgin' for my future second—no, first—time, I guess?" War mused, dramatically waving his hands as if conducting an invisible orchestra of his lost memories.

Vee raised an eyebrow, a smirk creeping onto his face. "Oh, really? So you're planning on being the amnesiac Casanova, are you?" Vee chuckled, shaking his head. "And what's your game plan? Forget everything and hope for the best?"

"Be my boyfriend, Vee. You can bottom for me if you want," War declared with an exaggerated seriousness, looking straight into Vee's eyes.

Vee's eyebrows shot up, and a grin spread across his face. "Wow, War, that's quite the proposition! How romantic!"

War leaned in closer, waggling his eyebrows. "I mean, think about it! Just imagine the drama—star-crossed lovers, battling misunderstandings, and me, a poor amnesiac, trying to figure out how to make things work while giving you the best... backstory possible!"

Vee laughed, shaking his head. "As tempting as that sounds, I'm not sure if I'm ready to sign up for the Rainbow society just yet!"

"Oh come on! It'll be good...good!," War insisted, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Who wouldn't want to read about our epic love story? Full of twists, turns, and, let's face it, some ridiculous moments!"

"Like this one?" Vee replied, rolling his eyes playfully. "You trying to charm me with your questionable negotiating skills?"

"Hey, you know what they say—life is short, and love is even shorter!" War said, throwing his arms wide. "So why not make it epic?"

"Alright, you win this round, War," Vee chuckled, shaking his head. "But you better come up with a better pitch next time."

a/n: Aren't y'all bored just yet?  Galawin nyu naman yung baso. lmao. Anyway I will end this soon because my sick break is coming to an end. What I'm doing is mostly editing na lang.