Guardian of my Heart // Keesoul

Under the Starlight

Chapter 24: Under the starlight 

The sun slipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, casting long shadows as Keeho and Soul walked home. The earlier excitement hung in the air like an unspoken promise, and for the first time, the weight of Keeho's secret felt lighter. They reached Soul's house, and as he fumbled with his keys, the atmosphere turned electric, charged with the tension of unspoken feelings.

"Do you want to come inside?" Soul offered, glancing back at Keeho, who seemed lost in thought. "I mean, if you're not busy..."

Keeho smiled, shaking off the weight of his thoughts. "Sure, I'd love to."

Once inside, Soul led Keeho to his room, the familiarity easing some of the tension. The walls were covered in posters of bands and artists that inspired him, and the warm glow of the fairy lights gave the space a cozy vibe. Soul sat on the edge of his bed, motioning for Keeho to join him.

"About your wings," Soul started, his voice serious yet curious. "Why did you keep them hidden?"

Keeho took a deep breath, his playful demeanor shifting to something more earnest. "Being a guardian angel isn't just about protecting someone; it's also about remaining in the shadows. We're not supposed to interfere directly in people's lives, and showing my true self could cause complications. The less anyone knows, the better."

"Complications?" Soul echoed, tilting his head. "Like... what?"

Keeho hesitated, his gaze drifting to the floor as if searching for the right words. "If people find out about us, it could jeopardize everything. I have to help you become more social and confident, but if they knew I was a guardian angel, they'd start treating you differently. I want you to make friends because you want to, not because I'm... well, not because I'm supposed to be here."

Soul nodded, the weight of Keeho's responsibility sinking in. "I get that. But... why do you care so much about me?"

Keeho looked up, his eyes searching Soul's face. "Because you're special, Soul. You're kind, talented, and I see so much potential in you. And honestly, I've never felt this way about anyone before. You make it easier for me to just... be myself."

The moment hung between them, charged with emotion. Soul's heart raced as he processed Keeho's words. "You mean a lot to me too, Keeho."

Keeho's smile widened, but a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face. "I just—"

Suddenly, the sound of laughter floated in from the window. Soul turned to see a group of students passing by, carefree and exuberant. It made him realize just how far he still had to go.

"I wish I could just go out there and be like them," Soul said, glancing back at Keeho. "But I feel so... out of place. Social anxiety isn't easy to overcome."

Keeho's expression shifted to one of understanding. "I know. But maybe we could work on it together? Start small?"

Soul bit his lip, contemplating the idea. "What do you suggest?"

"Let's go stargazing tonight. Just the two of us. We can lie back, relax, and talk about anything. It'll be fun," Keeho suggested, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Stargazing?" Soul echoed, a mix of surprise and intrigue bubbling up within him. "Like... outside?"

"Yeah! We can go to that park nearby. It's perfect for watching the stars," Keeho insisted, clearly enthusiastic.

Soul felt a thrill at the idea. "Okay, let's do it."

A little while later, they found themselves at the park, the night enveloping them in a blanket of darkness punctuated by shimmering stars. Keeho laid back on the grass, and Soul hesitated for a moment before joining him. They stared up at the vastness of the night sky, the cool air wrapping around them like a gentle embrace.

"Look at that constellation," Keeho pointed out, a finger tracing the outline of stars. "That's Orion. He was a great hunter in mythology."

Soul looked up, marveling at the stars. "I never really paid attention to constellations. They're beautiful."

Keeho turned to face Soul, propping himself up on one elbow. "You know, every star has a story. Just like every person. Yours is still being written."

Soul felt warmth spread through him at Keeho's words, a small smile breaking through his usual reserve. "What about your story?" he asked, glancing sideways.

Keeho's smile faded slightly, his eyes turning serious. "I'm here to guide you, to help you grow. But that doesn't mean I don't want my own story, too. It's just... complicated."

The vulnerability in Keeho's voice struck Soul deeply. "You don't have to do this alone, you know. You can share your story with me."

Keeho looked at Soul, the air thick with emotion. "Maybe one day, I will."

They lay there in silence, surrounded by the sounds of the night, but it was a comfortable silence. Soul felt his heart racing, and in that moment, he realized how much Keeho meant to him. Not just as a guardian angel, but as a friend, someone who truly cared.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Keeho broke the silence, his voice lightening again. "So, are you ready to become the most popular guy in school?"

Soul chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm not sure about that."

Keeho nudged him playfully. "Come on! We've got this! And if you get nervous, just remember I'm right here with you. Always."

The weight of those words hung between them, and for the first time, Soul felt a spark of hope. As they lay side by side, gazing up at the stars, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change. Something big.

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