The Stage of Love

Chapter 7: You Found Me

"Sometimes, you need to do what makes you uncomfortable because the answers you're seeking might be right in that discomfort."

You've probably never heard this concept before because I just made it up while thinking about where this story would go from here. But I'm curious: have you ever found something you were searching for so tirelessly right when you were doing something you were so reluctant to do? It's true, sometimes the secret of life is in what we think we don't want but actually need.

I'm not saying this because I'm a crazy person who likes to chat in the middle of a narrative; I'm not Wave.

I'm bringing this up because one of the main characters in this love story will realize that he doesn't know anything about what he really needs. He doesn't know what he was born to do, and he will finally experience the fire of life he's been longing for but has never truly felt.

What he doesn't know is that he will need someone else to ignite that fire within him. I'm talking about the fire of dreams, talent, and vitality.

That morning, Wave was more tired than usual because he had stayed up for two nights in a row watching various movies, series, and even reading novels that somehow represented the dynamic of the play he was helping to direct. He felt exhausted but confident that he now had all the material needed to draw out of the actors what he required to create the ideal Adrien.

Wave's eyes were heavy, and he blinked more than usual while pedaling his bike around the university region. Without realizing it, one of the stray dogs that lived in the area came into his line of sight. He wasn't sure if it was due to sleepiness, but he stared at the animal as if it were closer than it actually was and began to lose control of his bike.

"Damn it!" he yelled, trying to regain control of the handlebars, but his attention was completely focused on the dog, which was still meters away. This caused him to accidentally drift out of the bike lane.

As Wave left the designated area, he managed to stop, but the car coming up behind him clearly didn't have time to brake and avoid hitting his slim body. Before the vehicle could collide with the bike, Wave felt a firm hand pull him abruptly away from the handlebars. The force made him lose his balance and shift sideways. He barely turned his face, seeing the car approaching, and a look of panic overtook him. He shut his eyes and braced for the impact, but the only sound he heard was the crash of the car wrecking the bike's frame.

He hadn't fallen, but he kept his eyes closed while gripping his 'savior's' clothes. The person pressed against him had a woody, fresh scent that he remembered distinctly. Also, this was the third time this figure had prevented him from getting hurt. It seemed like he was always there, like a guardian angel. This made Wave feel strangely familiar with the body, stature, and touch, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. Without opening his eyes or moving, he simply whispered:This made Wave feel strangely familiar with the body, stature, and touch, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. Without opening his eyes or moving, he simply whispered:

"You saved me again." Wave was challenging himself, betting that he knew who was there.

"You really..." The other person was breathless, and there was desperation in their voice. "You really never get tired of being careless?"

"Maybe, deep down, I know I can be careless because you'll always be there to save me." He opened his eyes, his smile widening as he looked at his junior, whose face was almost touching his. "Thanks again, serious boy!"

Wave made no move to pull away; after all, it was safe and comfortable there, and he didn't feel awkward being so close to someone. Besides, he was sure that the younger guy would release him as quickly as he had helped, but that didn't happen. Dan continued close, with intense and worried eyes. They stayed like that for a few seconds that felt much longer, enjoying the comfort of their closeness. Everything was interrupted by a loud horn from the car in front of them.