DREAM KINGS (Shawn Mendes x Harry Styles)

C h a p t e r [157]

"Because you look like you could use some fun in your life."

"I do. I really do. Thanks May.."

"You're actually welcome."

At the park, sitting on the swings while gradually eating the muffins, many memories were brought up, dug itself out of the long forgotten grave.

It looks like a cinematic view, picturing his smile and hearing his bubbly laugh on that very moment. Can't really believe how days have gone so fast since the last time we came here. To the places I took him. Ordering coffees, muffins, riding old rusty see-saws, swings and just having a great adventure in this small town of mine.

His giggles echoes in my head as I imagine how the see-saw goes down with him on it. It was also the first time I heard him laugh like that, like there's nothing in his mind, nothing that bothers him, just plain and pure happiness.

There, I saw the younger version of him, the boy who was forbidden to enjoy and live his own life in his own will, experiencing the cold business norms at an early age, learning to handle companies, study like trying to beat the greatest minds in history, all work, no visible affection from anyone around him.

It's a lie.. about hating him, with all of these things coming up to me makes me contradict the other side of my emotions. The forgetting process was unsuccessful. I admit.

"Hey." He says in a low tone.

"Hm?"

"Why so quiet?"

"N—Nothing.. I just remembered the first time I took you here."

He turns his head, going left to right as if he's scanning the whole place, he giggles, "Yeah. And it's unforgettable. When you took me here, I was nervous. I know it's just a playground with old rusty cold metals.. but I've never been to places like this, I mean, yeah, I've been to, but not to play or at least experience them; but to do charity works. I may appear stiff and emotionless in front of the people but honestly, it warms my heart to see kids, running, enjoying and playing with their parents."

The wind blows and it's colder than the rest of the days that passed. Leaves are dying and falling everywhere, so are the grasses and everything that's green.

He slips his lips into his mouth, just a damp, enough to wet the dry, "I envy them. Their laughter, their joy and their childhood made memories. I've never been there. Never experienced them. Never had them. They have their parents guiding them behind their backs, just in case they fall or hurt themselves.. while all I have were men in suits and ties with their black briefcases."

There is silence for a brief moment, making the loud sweep of the cars from the sides noticed and the noise of the clanging metals and scratching chains. He sighs, not expecting any response with all of that trip in the memory lane. He looks down, seeing the unfinished muffin in his hand, he takes a bite.

I slightly push my lips up together with a little pinch of a smile, "You know.. you have a good heart Shawn.."

He looks at me while chewing.

"I know I told you this SO many times. You're a jerk. A jerk who's caring and sweet."

"You still think so?"

"Don't be too flattered." I smile a little wider, trying to lift his spirit, "I realized that when we were playing at the event. No, not only at the peer building event, you did that for so many times and it's actually.. cute."