Just Add Water [End]

005

Over the next few days, Pon started to notice just how much Sailub had become a part of his life. It was strange, having someone around who seemed to understand him so well, who could sense his moods and make him smile with just a gentle touch or a simple look. Pon found himself smiling more often, laughing at little things he normally wouldn’t notice. Sailub had that effect on him.

One evening, after a long day at work, Pon walked into his apartment to find Sailub in the kitchen, struggling with the coffee maker. His brow was furrowed, lips pursed in concentration as he tried to figure out which button to press.

Pon chuckled, dropping his bag by the door. “Having trouble there?”

Sailub turned, his face lighting up. “Pon! I wanted to surprise you with coffee, but... it’s more complicated than I thought.”

Pon shook his head, moving closer. “You’re adorable, you know that? Here, let me show you.”

He guided Sailub’s hand to the correct button, explaining how to use the machine step-by-step. Sailub listened intently, nodding as if he were absorbing every word.

When the coffee finally started to drip, Sailub clapped his hands, his eyes shining with excitement. “I did it! With your help, of course.”

Pon laughed, grabbing a mug and pouring himself a cup. “You did great, Sailub. Thanks for trying to make me coffee. It’s nice coming home to someone who cares.”

Sailub tilted his head, a gentle smile on his face. “I do care, Pon. More than you might know.”

Pon felt a warmth in his chest at Sailub’s words. “You’re too good to me, Sailub. Really. I don’t know how I got so lucky.”

Later that night, they sat on the couch together, a cozy blanket draped over them as they watched a movie. Pon noticed Sailub was watching him more than the screen, his gaze soft and thoughtful.

“Is something wrong?” Pon asked, turning to face him.

Sailub shook his head. “No, nothing’s wrong. I just... I like watching you. You seem happy.”

Pon felt his cheeks warm. “Well, I guess I am. It’s been a while since I felt this... content.”

Sailub reached over, taking Pon’s hand in his. His touch was warm, gentle. “Pon, can I ask you something?”

Pon swallowed, feeling his heart beat faster. “Of course. Anything.”

Sailub looked down at their joined hands, his voice soft. “What are your dreams, Pon? What do you want in life?”

Pon blinked, taken aback by the question. No one had ever asked him that so directly before. He took a deep breath, thinking carefully about his answer.

“I... I already had everything, a house that i can call mine, and a stable job but I guess I’ve always wanted more.. I mean I wanted to have a partner.. someone who understands me. Someone who sees me, you know? Not just as a friend or a coworker, but as... someone they care about. Someone who’s there for me, no matter what.”

Sailub squeezed his hand gently. “That’s a beautiful dream, Pon. You deserve that.”

Pon’s voice wavered as he spoke. “But I’ve never been lucky in love. I always mess things up, or they don’t see me the way I see them.”

Sailub looked at him, his eyes filled with sincerity. “Pon, you’re everything anyone could wish for. Kind, thoughtful, funny. Anyone would be lucky to have you.”

Pon felt his heart skip a beat. He looked down, trying to hide his blush. “You really think so?”

Sailub nodded, his voice soft. “I know so. You’re everything I wished for.”

Pon’s breath caught as he looked up at Sailub. “Sai...”

Sailub moved a little closer, his gaze never leaving Pon’s. “I’m here for you, Pon. That’s my purpose. To make you happy.”

Pon felt his heart race, a warmth spreading through him that he hadn’t felt in a long time. “You... you really mean that?”

Sailub nodded, a gentle smile on his face. “I do. More than anything.”

They sat there in silence for a while, just holding hands. Pon felt a strange, peaceful happiness wash over him, like all his worries had melted away.

After a few moments, Pon cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “So, um... do you have any dreams, Sailub?”

Sailub looked thoughtful, as if he hadn’t considered the question before. “I think... my dream is to be with you, Pon. To be the one who makes you smile every day.”

Pon’s heart skipped a beat. “That’s... that’s really sweet, Sailub.”

Sailub gave a small, shy smile. “Is that okay? To want that?”

Pon nodded, his voice barely a whisper. “Yeah. It’s more than okay.”

They stayed like that, talking softly about their hopes and dreams, sharing little moments of laughter and silence. Pon couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this close to someone. Sailub listened to him with such attention, such genuine care, as if every word Pon spoke mattered.

At one point, Sailub reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Pon’s forehead. His touch was gentle, his gaze soft.

“You’re beautiful, Pon,” he whispered, almost to himself.

Pon’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red. “Sailub... you don’t have to say things like that.”

“But it’s true,” Sailub insisted, his eyes filled with warmth. “I want you to know how special you are.”

Pon’s heart fluttered, and he looked away, a shy smile playing on his lips. “Thank you, Sailub. I... I don’t know what to say.”

Sailub’s fingers gently intertwined with Pon’s, and they sat in comfortable silence, each feeling the other’s warmth. For the first time, Pon felt like maybe he didn’t have to face the world alone.

Finally, Sailub broke the silence, his voice soft. “Pon... do you think you could ever... care for me?”

Pon’s heart pounded, and he felt a lump in his throat. “I... I already do... More than I realized.”

They sat together, hands clasped, a sense of peace settling over them. In that moment, Pon knew that, for the first time, he was exactly where he was supposed to be.