Paper Boats // xiaodery

eleven

Two hours rolled by, the sky morphing into a dark indigo, meaning the sunset was to happen soon. Xiao Jun examined the silhouettes of the trees and houses they passed, finding the scenery aesthetically pleasing.

The signs of civilization became sparser than before, and most of the time they were passing by plains of grass. The car ride was mostly silent the whole way (except the time they decided to blast music and almost crashed into a pole because Hendery was jamming out too hard), and Xiao Jun found it relaxing.

It was new to see Hendery so quiet for such a long period of time, he looked so at peace. Not gonna lie, he was actually a pretty good driver when he wasn't distracted.

"We're almost there." Hendery spoke up, turning a corner, the trees blocking the last bit of sunlight in the sky. He parked the truck and the two got out and stretched, easing their tight muscles from sitting for a long time.

The sky was now dyed a bright orange color, similar to a tangerine. A tinge of pink was mixed in as well, the hues stretching across the horizon, the sun slowly disappearing behind it.

Xiao Jun's lips curled up as he looked at the sight, lost in the beauty of it. Sure, he's watched a sunset countless of times and this was no exception. He tore his eyes away from the sight, turning around to see Hendery sitting in the open trunk of the truck, legs dangling over the gravel beneath them.

"It's nice isn't it?" he asked, Xiao Jun stolling over to sit next to him.

"Yeah." he replied, looking at the sunset again.

Hendery smiled slightly, keeping his mouth closed.

"What is this place by the way?" Xiao Jun wondered, turning to face the other. Oh lord, Hendery's side profile in the sunset was absolutely breathtaking - his dark eyes appeared to be an auburn shade, the remaining sunlight complimenting his skin perfectly.

Yeah, they watched the sunset together on the day they met, but Xiao Jun didn't remember Hendery looking this good.

"It's a campsite my parents use to take me to when I was little." he replied, breaking Xiao Jun out of his thoughts.

"It's really beautiful." he softly said back, the sun was almost completely set, the darkness falling over them. The moon came out, casting it's blue light over the boys, the stars starting to appear.

Xiao Jun gazed up at the sight, instantly reminded of his childhood. He lifted his arm to the sky, tracing a path of stars out.

"There's the big dipper." he said, Hendery leaning over as attempt to see it.

"Oh." his lips parted as he found the constellation.

"The little dipper's over there."

Xiao Jun's arm drifted to where the other constellation was, showing the other boy. Hendery was amazed, intently staring at the sparkling sky. Xiao Jun wasn't lying when he said he memorized all the constellations. Seriously, he was an expert at this.

"You know Xiao Jun, you're so cool." he remarked.

"I, uh thanks?" the other boy hesitated, blinking a few times.

Hendery chuckled, unintentionally leaning his head on Xiao Jun's shoulder as they continued to stare at the sky. Xiao Jun's muscle tensed under his temple, but he couldn't feel it - all he could feel was the content, so much content.

Hendery finally didn't feel lonely anymore.