#waykimforever

Trip (2) Bus Ride

They decided to leave that same night, packing only the essentials, three sets of clothes, and some snacks for the long bus ride away from the city.

Way remembered to bring along some sour candy, knowing that Kim gets motion sick easily, even though the other would never care to admit it.

Kim was dressed down, with loose black pants and a comfy light blue hoodie. He wore a cap that slightly hid his messy hair, but did nothing to mask his handsome features.

After collecting the tickets, Way and Kim boarded the bus, and Way naturally let Kim have the window seat.

In the past, they used to fight for the window seat whenever they went for school trips together.

Way liked to immerse himself in the scenery while Kim preferred to be away from the ruckus as people walked up and down the narrow aisle.

Eventually, after a particular incident where they both rushed for the window seat and almost injured themselves, they settled on an agreement.

If the trip was during the day, Way would get the seat so he could enjoy the view. If it was at night, Kim would get it so he could rest peacefully. It worked out well for the both of them. Like many countless other squabbles they had, they always reached an understanding in the end.

The lights in the bus were turned off and they were engulfed in darkness, with only dim light from the lampposts outside shining in.

It illuminated Kim's face in a way that made him the only view in Way's eyes.

"Hey... Way, " Kim started softly.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for coming with me."

"Mhmm. Don't worry about it. I had nothing to do either." Way lied, not wanting Kim to feel bad for a decision he had made, even if that decision was because of Kim.

"Yeah.. " Kim mumbles, slightly hurt anyway.

"Now go to sleep. You've had a long day."

"Mm. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

"Sweet dreams." Both added silently.

---

The next time Way opens his eyes, it's 3.02am. He glances at Kim sleeping soundly.

At that moment, he thought that it wasn't so bad not to have the window seat.

Way notices that Kim's head is resting on his hand, which was twisted in a weird position that must've been uncomfortable.

Without making a sound, he places his palms on Kim's face and holds it gently while moving Kim's hand down.

Then, he leans Kim's head onto his broad shoulders.

The other boy unconsciously snuggles up against Way, tension from his forehead releasing and lips relaxing into a small smile.

Kim was indeed a light sleeper.

Way closed his eyes again, feeling Kim's soft hair brushing against his neck, but that tickle could not be compared to the itch he felt in his heart.

What was this feeling? Was it the desire to take care of Kim?

Kim is not someone who is used to being taken care of. He has always taken care of himself since he was young. Whenever Khet got sick, Kim was there to care for him. And whenever Kim was sick, he cared for himself.

Despite never having received much love himself, Kim was good at taking care of other people. But he just couldn't do the same for himself. He only took enough care of his physical body so that he could continue to function properly everyday.

Now if only someone would care for him like he cared for others.

And then Way showed up. Way noticed the times when Kim wanted something but held himself back, when he was in pain but pretended not to be, and when he needed some warmth but was too scared to ask.

Way took care of Kim in ways that Kim had neglected himself.

Way's not willing to admit, though, he secretly feels that he's the one relying on Kim more than Kim was relying on him.

He sighs, wishing that he was a better person so he could do more for Kim. He starts to daydream.

If he were a good chef, he would cook nutritional meals for picky-eater Kim, so that Kim could focus on his studies and not have to waste time queuing for a mediocre lunch at the cafeteria.

At least he was a good fighter, Way thought, then at least he was sure he could protect Kim from being hurt, for all that trouble the boy brings.

Immersing himself in these thoughts, he slowly drifts back to sleep.

Kim wakes up with his head on Way's shoulders. He immediately jolts back and mentally scolds himself for wanting to be close to Way even in his sleep, not knowing that it was Way who moved him closer.

The sun is starting to rise now, and the sleepiness is starting to fade. Kim's mind is much clearer than the night before, and with the change of scenery and a good sleep, he's ready to go all out on his trip with Way today.

Way, on the other hand, wakes up with his neck stiff and shoulders sore. He had tried to move around as little as possible so that Kim would not be disturbed.

Well, he guesses that it was worth it anyway.