Under a Million Stars

Chapter Twenty-two

5 years ago.

Gun was never the irrational one. He would always weigh things before acting because he didn't like blowing things out of proportion. That was why he waited for Off to approach him first after the petty fight they had last time. He wanted to give Off the time and space he needed. And if there was one thing he regretted, it was the way he lashed out on him last time. It gave him so much remorse he had a hard time sleeping. He couldn't even finish his requirements which were already past due date.

But as much as he tried so hard to keep things under control, all his rational reasoning went downhill as he stared at the Mild's newly uploaded photo on IG. He didn't wanna spy on her profile but he got curious about her relationship with Off. So with indecisiveness and a churning feeling in his stomach, he searched her name on the app and clicked her profile.

He clutched the phone tightly as he read the caption of the photo. They were with their families in what seemed to be an engagement party.

itsmemild: We're getting married! 💍🙈

With tears slowly streaming on his face, he grabbed his bag and stormed out his room oblivious to the fact that his slippers were mismatched and his shirt torn.

———

Gun couldn't reach Off no matter how many times he dialled his number so he went to his unit and punched in the security code he had given him when they started dating. He was about to call out his name when he heard someone shouting and who else would it be, the one and only Mild. So instead of butting in their conversation, he concealed himself behind the shelf.

"Oh come on Off! We're already engaged! Of course we have to start preparing for the wedding. As much as poss—"

"Yes we're engaged because you left me with no choice! You're practically holding me on the neck by blackmailing me with that stupid video! I don't even fucking know how you got inside!"

"You know me Off. I always get what I want. Now get your ass moving or your father will be watching you banging a man!"

"Oh shut up!"

Gun stilled, confused on what he should do. His feet remained rooted on the cold tiled floor of Off's unit as he tried to process what he just heard.

"Oh, Gun!" Mild, who was on her way out saw him standing behind the shelf. Off immediately followed obviously shocked of his sudden appearance.

"Gun-I..uh.. What are you doing here?" Off stuttered. His hands clenched like he was using them as a source of strength to talk to Gun. "When did you arrive?"

But Gun couldn't find his voice. Instead, he bit his lips to prevent himself from crying.

"I uh. I just got in. I just wanna ask something about the requirements for the major. But I-I guess you're busy. I'll just come back later," Gun made his way towards the door in the fastest pace he could ever make.

"Gun wait!" Off tried to follow him but Mild quickly grabbed his arm while giving him the you-know-what-will-happen look.

Gun closed the door behind him while slowly clutching his chest, sniffing along the way as he let his tears cover his entire face.

———

30 missed calls

1 message received:
Gun can we talk, please? I'll explain everything to you.