Under a Million Stars

Chapter Eighteen

Seven years ago.

Off threw his bag on the floor and plopped on the sofa. It was almost an hour before Christmas and he just got back to his unit but Gun wasn't there when he arrived. He supposed Gun went back home since he said he'd stay until Christmas. And now he missed him. He picked up his phone and dialed Gun's number.

|Hello?|

"Hi, love. Where are you?"

|I'm at home. You okay?|

"I'm coming to get you."

|Aren't you supposed to be at home for Christmas?|

"Wait for me," Off ended the call and grabbed the keys of his motorbike and two helmets. Gun had always reprimanded him about driving his motorbike but this time he wanted the freedom he felt whenever he drove it.

It only took him about 30 minutes to reach Gun's house. He had been there several times but he never went inside his home. He would just drop Gun off after work whenever Gun wanted to go home, but often times he would stay at Off's condo since it was nearer his workplace.

He saw Gun approaching him. He was wearing the mermaid print shirt that he lent him. It looked so big on him considering their size difference.

"What did I tell you about using your motorbike?" Gun scolded him. Well he already expected it since Gun was concerned about safety when it comes to driving the motorbike.

"Hop on. I wanna go on a drive with you," Off said totally neglecting what Gun just said. He got the other helmet he prepared earlier and put in on Gun. Gun just snorted and let Off lock the helmet carefully.

"Why don't you get inside so you can finally meet my mom. And it's minutes before Christmas we could spend it with my family," Gun suggested still not hopping on the motorbike. "Did something happen at home? That's why you're here?"

"Nothing."

Off's eyes linger on Gun's for the longest time and it seemed like all his worries vanished in an instant. All he was seeing was the boy in front of him and the way his eyes sparkled due to the light from the lamppost.

"I love you," he said and he couldn't help but giggle when Gun snorted.

"You're so cheesy. Come on before I change my mind and get back inside," Gun retaliated as he held on Off's shoulder and hopped on the motorbike.

-----

The cold wind slapped both their skin as they went on their way. Off was cold but Gun's warmth behind him was enough for him to keep his sanity as he gripped on the motorbike's handles.

Off smiled as Gun tightened his arms around his waist. He knew Gun was cold since he was only wearing one layer of shirt and he felt sorry for him. He didn't really have a destination in mind. He just wanted to feel Gun and ward off the negative thoughts he had in mind. He just wanted to live in the moment, with Gun as his fortress and the only way to keep him on the right track.

After almost 20 minutes of mindless driving, they stopped by a bridge. Off looked at his watch and it was only ten minutes before Christmas.

"What are we doing here?"

Confusion was evident on Gun's face as he went down the motorbike. Off helped him remove his helmet before removing his and joined Gun who was now looking at the city lights.

"Just wanna catch some fresh air and be the first one to greet you a Merry Christmas," Off snaked his arms around Gun's waist hugging the latter from behind.