Guardian of my Heart // Keesoul

Closer to the Truth

Chapter 17: Closer to the Truth

Keeho paced the hallway, his mind spinning after his encounter with the messenger. How could he possibly complete his mission and guide Soul without growing closer to him? Each passing day, his resolve weakened, and the line between duty and desire became harder to define. His purpose was clear—help Soul, teach him to open up, make friends, and find his way. But lately, it felt as though every step he took only brought him closer to Soul in a way he wasn't supposed to.

The next morning, Keeho found Soul at his locker, looking slightly more relaxed than usual. Keeho's heart skipped as he caught himself staring—Soul looked different, somehow more confident, perhaps even a little happier. Maybe his mission was working, and yet... that thought felt strangely bittersweet.

"Morning, Soul!" Keeho greeted, sliding up beside him with a grin.

Soul glanced up, giving a shy smile. "Hey, Keeho."

Keeho leaned in a bit too close, not missing the way Soul's eyes widened slightly. "So, any chance I can convince you to sit with me today? I saved us a spot in the courtyard."

Soul hesitated, his fingers fidgeting. "Uh... sure, I guess."

Keeho's heart leapt at the small victory, and he led Soul outside. They found a secluded corner, shaded by trees, where they could watch the students passing by without being in the spotlight. Keeho noticed that Soul seemed less tense here, maybe because they were away from the crowd. It felt right, like this little world was just for them.

They sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, sharing snacks and watching as friends gathered in groups, laughing and chatting easily. Keeho's gaze drifted to Soul, who was looking at the other students with a longing expression, as if he wanted to be part of that world but wasn't sure how.

Keeho's voice softened. "You know, it's okay to be shy. You don't have to force yourself to change completely."

Soul glanced at him, his cheeks turning pink. "It's not that... It's just hard for me to open up around people."

Keeho tilted his head, studying him. "Why?"

Soul shrugged, looking down. "I guess... I've always felt like I didn't belong. Like, no one really understands me."

Keeho's heart squeezed. If only Soul knew how deeply he understood him—more than Soul could ever imagine. "I get that," Keeho murmured. "More than you know."

Just then, their conversation was interrupted by Jiung, who was walking over with his sketchbook in hand, a teasing smirk on his face. "Hey, you two lovebirds. Hiding out here?"

Keeho felt his cheeks warm, but he quickly laughed it off. "We're just... hanging out."

Jiung's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Sure. Anyway, I was just going to ask—are you two coming to the art showcase tomorrow? I'm putting up a few pieces, and I need my best hype crew."

Keeho glanced at Soul, noticing how he seemed both intrigued and nervous at the mention of the event. "We'll be there," Keeho promised. "Wouldn't miss it."

Jiung beamed. "Great. Oh, and Soul... if you're bringing Keeho, just make sure he doesn't cause too much trouble. I need people looking at my art, not whatever weird stuff he's up to."

Keeho gave him an exaggerated glare. "Oh, please, I'll be a model citizen. Right, Soul?"

Soul bit back a smile, nodding shyly. "Yeah... I'll keep him in line."

Jiung chuckled before heading off, leaving them alone again. Once Jiung was out of earshot, Soul leaned in closer to Keeho, his voice soft. "Are you really going to behave?"

Keeho shrugged, a glint of playfulness in his eyes. "No promises. I like keeping things... interesting."

Soul looked down, a shy smile playing on his lips. Keeho felt his pulse quicken at the sight, and for a moment, he let himself forget the warnings, the mission, and the rules that forbade him from getting too close.

The bell rang, snapping them out of the moment, and they stood, ready to head to class. Keeho noticed Soul glancing at him as they walked side by side, and he realized that Soul was starting to let his guard down around him. But just as Keeho began to feel hopeful, a familiar, uncomfortable sensation washed over him—a reminder of his mission and the boundaries he couldn't cross.

Throughout the day, Keeho couldn't shake the feeling that he was getting too close, and it became even more apparent during art class. As the teacher announced the upcoming showcase, Jiung presented his artwork, vibrant and detailed pieces that reflected his deep passion for creativity. Keeho found himself genuinely impressed, especially when he saw how much the class appreciated Jiung's skill.

When the bell finally rang, the students began filing out, discussing their excitement for the showcase. Keeho and Soul lingered behind, admiring Jiung's work.

Jiung smirked as he walked over. "Hey, what do you think, Soul? Not bad, right?"

Soul nodded, his eyes lingering on one particular piece that depicted a starlit night. "It's... amazing," he said softly. "You're really talented, Jiung."

Jiung chuckled. "Thanks. I put a lot into it." He paused, glancing between Soul and Keeho, before leaning in with a grin. "So, are you two ever going to make it official, or are you just going to keep staring at each other like that?"

Keeho laughed, scratching the back of his head while Soul's cheeks turned bright red. "We're just friends," Keeho replied, though even he felt the weight of his own words.

Soul looked down, visibly flustered. Jiung just chuckled, giving Keeho a knowing look before he left, leaving the two of them in silence. Keeho wanted to reach out, to reassure Soul, but he held back, feeling the weight of his mission like a heavy shadow.

As they walked out of the building together, Keeho noticed how quiet Soul had become, and he felt a pang of regret. His mission was to help Soul find happiness, and yet, here he was, causing him more confusion.

Later that evening, as Keeho sat alone in his room, he felt the familiar presence of the celestial messenger once more. The figure's voice was low, but firm. "Keeho, remember why you're here. Soul's happiness must come from within, from his friendships and connections, not from his reliance on you."

Keeho clenched his fists, trying to control the conflict raging within him. "I know that," he replied, his voice strained. "But... he's special."

"Special or not, you have a responsibility," the messenger warned. "If you fail to complete this mission without entangling your own heart, you risk losing everything."

The figure faded, leaving Keeho alone in the dark. He sat there, contemplating the warning, feeling torn between his duty and the emotions he'd come to feel for Soul. The mission was clear, but his heart was anything but.

Keeho glanced out the window, his gaze drifting up to the stars. They twinkled above, watching, reminding him of the weight he carried and the rules he couldn't ignore. And yet, every time he thought of Soul—of his shy smiles, his quiet laughter, the way he looked at Keeho as if he might be someone he could trust—he found it impossible to keep his distance.

Keeho knew he was running out of time to complete his mission. He couldn't get too close, but as he thought of Soul, he couldn't imagine a world without him in it. And with the art showcase coming up, he had one last chance to keep the boundaries in place... or risk it all.

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This is honestly so sad cause Keeho has to do what he's told but he wants to follow his heart 😔