Just Friends

Chapter Fifteen

Gulf was feeling better: karaoke was definitely not his kind of thing but he needed a night off with his friends more than anything after the latests events. For once he didn't refuse his sister's help to find the right outfit for the occasion. He also wanted to get her mind off of Phailin and her friends, he knew she was still thinking about it, even more than him. "I can't believe you're the one going out while I'm staying here at home". Gulf rolled his eyes while his sister was styling his hair. "You can come if you want. Malai and Mild can't wait to have some backup with their teasing". She smiled, running her fingers through her brother's hair to mess it up a little. "As tempting as it is, this is your night and I don't want to stand in your way to finally have a boyfriend". Gulf tried to catch her hands but she pulled away, laughing. "I take it back, you spend too much time with my friends". She grinned, pulling a leather jacket out of the closet to complete his outfit. "I don't need to talk with them about it, I can tell just by looking at you". Gulf didn't know what to say so he just grabbed the jacket. "I didn't even remember having it". 

The honking of a car interrupted their teasing and Grace walked him to the door. "Please do everything I would do". Gulf gave her a nudge, opening the door only to find Mild and Malai bickering as usual. "Hey beautiful. Oh, hi Gulf". Malai rolled her eyes, slapping her best friend's neck. "Stop flirting with her, she's not interested, take a hint. Also, you have no shame, right infront of our Gulf". Gulf protectively hugged his sister, who didn't snort for once. "Sorry Phi, I already have my eyes on someone else". Gulf opened his eyes wide. "Who?". Grace smiled innocently and then Mew blew the horn again. "Youshould go, someone is waiting for you". Grace practically pushed him out of the house, arm in arm with Malai and Mild. "This conversation isn't over!".

Gulf was glad the bar wasn't as crowded as he expected. He knew his friends were probably going to make him sing embarassing songs and at least there weren't too many people to witness it. "I'll go first because it was my idea in the first place. And I wouldn't want to outshine you guys". Malai winked at them while Mild was filling Gulf's glass with something which surely wasn't alcohol-free. Malai started singing a rock song and Mew bumped his shoulder against Gulf's to get his attention. "Have you decided what you're going to sing?". Gulf nervously flipped through the catalog, scratching his head. "Not really. I was kinda hoping everybody would be too drunk to remember it was my turn to sing". Mew took his glass, watching him closely. "Ok, I'll try to delay it as much as possibile. Let's make a toast first". Gulf nodded, playing with his cocktail. "To more days like this. Carefree. Together. What do you say?". Gulf smiled widely, already feeling his head a little dizzy. This time he didn't mind though, because he wasn't drinking out of anger or jealousy. He was happy because he was realising how many people actually cared about him. That very day was yet another proof. And Mew... "I say...that I want the same thing. Cheers". They gazed into each other's eyes until Mew looked away for some reason. "I'll go first. But listen carefully".

When Mew started singing Gulf recognised the song almost immediately– he had actually just started listening to Stamp because Mew couldn't shut up about him. It wasn't the kind of music he usually listened to but he wanted to give it a try for him. But even if he had listened to "1%" many times already, he had never really paid attention to the lyrics as much as he was doing now. He didn't know if it was Mew's captivating voice, forcing him to really listen to every word or if it was because of his previous request. However, when Mew started singing the refrain, a sudden realisation hit him.

"What you realize, what you know, what you can see

Is just 1% of my heart

Because what's left is a love that's more than friends

I'll never tell you

I just ask that we can keep talking like this,

let me keep the 99 percent of love

that I have swallowed down inside"

Mew had always been for him, even when Gulf was acting like a jerk or not letting him in. Gulf had admitted there was something going on between the two of them but he knew it wasn't enough for him. He knew he was holding back and the fact he chose that song specifically...well, it was no coincidence. He was trying to tell him what he was feeling without pressuring him, because he didn't want to scare him away once again. Gulf finished his drink real fast and also what was left of Mew's – even if there was no alcohol in it. Now he knew what he needed to do. And the liquid courage was a must. When Mew got off the stage, everyone gathered around him to give him a hug. "I can't believe we have such a star in our group. Don't forget us when you're famous". Mew shook his head, smiling at his friends. "It's highly unlikely. Also, what kind of person do you think I am?". He pouted and then turned, only to find Gulf staring at him in a weird way. "Are you okay?". Gulf quickly stood up, impatient. "Yes...no...well, can I talk to you?".

Mew followed him in a quieter corner, looking a little corcerned. "Are you sure you're okay? Should I be worried?". Gulf sighed, resting his hands on Mew's shoulders. "Just...let me do the talking for once, okay? Because...I may or may not be a little drunk right now but I need to say this at least once and you need to hear it before I chicken out again". Mew nodded, falling silent. Gulf cleared his throat, his heart beating so hard it was about to burst. "I don't want you to keep your feelings all inside. I still need to figure out so much but...but I want to do it with you. I'm done trying to fight you. To fight this". The shock in Mew's face was quickly replaced by a dazzling smile, the kind of smile always driving Gulf crazy. And then Mew wrapped his arms around Gulf's waist, looking a little lower than his eyes now. "Told you I'd find my way into your heart". Gulf looked up, vigorously cupping his face in his hands. "Oh, shut up". 

Next thing he knew, Gulf was crashing his lips to his, all his frustration channeled in the long-awaited kiss and his hands tangling inMew's soft hair. Driven by the passion and urgency of the moment, Mew pressed him against the wall, sending both of them into overdrive. Their tongues started chasing each other almost simultaneously, causing some guttural sounds on both parts. It all turned into a laugh when they pulled away to catch some air. As they looked at each other, breathing heavily and eyes sparkling, they suddenly remembered their friends were waiting for them not far from there. "We should...". Gulf bit his lip, not really letting go of his arms though. "Yeah...". Mew caressed the sides Gulf's face, licking his lips without even realising. It was impossible for Gulf to even think of resisting him now. "Maybe just one more minute". And then Mew came to kiss him again, more and deeper.