Hi Guys!
I really appreciate you for leaving reviews. So, due to your demand, I'm going to make an alternate ending to my one and only story. I hope to post it next week.
Super thanks to everyone!
-Ceej
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After one week:
Hi everyone! This next chapter is a part of what I promised. This answers the what-ifs left in the last chapter. Like, what if Alex didn't wait for Mew and what if Tong followed Mew. I hope you enjoy and please tell me what you think!
Chapter 9
Mew woke up with a start. He hurriedly looked at his watch and cursed as he saw that it was almost 9pm. He just closed his eyes earlier to think whether to go to Alex or not… but of course, he didn't realize that he dozed off. Now however, he already knew that he needed— wanted— to go to Alex. He doesn't know how he would react when he sees him but right now, his heart aches with longing… He shouldn't be feeling it anymore after what has happened but well…
He's sure of one thing though. Only one of two things can happen tonight: the final closure of their relationship or the start of a new beginning.
***
Mew's heart was pounding as he went out of his house a few minutes later. Alex said he'd be at the bus station by 7 so he's already two hours late. He was afraid that by the time he arrives everything would be too late. But he has to wait for me, Mew thought.
Me was never a big believer of romantic stories but he wished with all his heart, in the name of all the sappy movies he ever watched, for Alex to wait for him. Please wait for me… Mew whispered.
Unnoticed by him however, was the worried Tong looking at him from the other side of the street. As Mew passed by, Tong can't help but feel cruel pins prick his heart. But he's already used to it by now, since this feeling found him the moment he let go of Mew.
***
It has been more than two hours since Alex arrived in the bus station. He was a mixture of emotions: stressed, troubled, hurt, in love, nervous, and fatigued—like he was a hub of emotions, which morphed into a human being. Finally, he settled into just being sad as he accepted the fact that Mew will not come anymore. He wanted to call him earlier but his mobile phone battery is already empty and he didn't want to look for a pay phone because he might miss Mew when he comes.
Alex stood up from where he was sitting and decided to leave; the bus station is already closing anyway. If Mew doesn't want to see me, then fine, I'd go look for him… Alex thought. With a new resolve, he carried all his bags and went out.
***
Mew was panting when he reached the meeting place. He stood in front of the dark terminal and berated himself, "What was I expecting?" he smiled bitterly and inhaled deeply. He closed his eyes tightly before his tears decide to fall. He willed himself not to cry even if his heart feels like being squeezed to a pulp.
"If you want to go to Chiangmai, I promise to bring you there tomorrow."
Mew turned back and saw Tong standing near him. Mew was startled; he couldn't move a muscle. His mouth was agape as he watched Tong came and hugged him tightly. Mew would have wanted to hold his tears back but he failed, miserably. He found his hands embracing Tong while his head leaned on Tong's left shoulder as he softly cry.
As Mew cry his heart out on Tong's shoulders, Tong's heart was experiencing its own aches. He thought of what a character on TV once said: Don't befriend the one you love, she will only cry on your shoulders. Well, I guess that's me then, Tong thought, the friend who gets to comfort the hurt loved one even though it was a fault of someone else.
"Everything's going to be okay…" Tong said, still embracing Mew. Both boys were oblivious of the outside world, of some people looking at them, of the cold breeze, and of the clear night that appeared after a season of dark clouds and rain. Mew pulled from the embrace and smiled weakly at Tong. "You shouldn't be following me around or I'll only cry on your shoulders," said Mew.
Tong felt out of breath. Don't rub it in, he thought; but said, "It's okay, I wouldn't want you crying on another guy's shoulder anyway."
Mew inhaled again and smelt Tong's scent. He felt a bit weird but he kind of missed that smell – that fresh sweet smell of young wood. "Thanks, by the way. I now feel better."
"Uhm, but why are you going to Chiangmai at this hour?"
"No, I wasn't going there. I was just supposed to meet someone."
Damn! I should have known, Tong thought. "Alex, huh?"
"Who else?"
"Lucky bastard." Tong smiled at Mew. "But since it looks like it didn't go well, would you like to tell me about it?"
"Yeah, I guess… uhm… would you walk me home?"
"Sure"
"Anyway..."
"How did you know I was going here?"
"Well, I heard someone calling my name and I thought it might be you." Tong smiled sweetly and leaned to kiss Mew on the nose. Mew blushed. "Hehe, sorry. I got… uhm… I mean, uhm.." Tong tried to explain.
"Silly... hehe... Let's go?" Mew was flattered with how he can make the cool Tong react like this.
Tong held his hand and they started to walk home. "I hope it's okay if I hold your hand," said Tong. Mew was a little uncomfortable but he nodded. Although he was feeling a little guilty, at the back of his mind, he thought that this was his revenge to his dick of an ex-boyfriend.
Tong, on the other hand, was like walking in the clouds. He never thought this would still be possible. He suddenly became aware of the bright moon, the countless stars that decorated the sky, and the happiness that he felt—even though Mew was tearing up as he talk about his sad year. I guess I still have hope, Tong thought happily. But of course, he didn't let Mew see it.
Tong wanted the moment to last longer but in no time, they were already near Mew's house. He was looking at Mew lovingly when he saw him froze. He followed his gaze and saw Alex standing in front of Mew's door, looking at them. His clenched his left hand at the sight of Alex. He then felt Mew free his hand from him.
***
Alex's heart was pounding. He wanted to punch Tong but he wanted Mew to forgive him more. He went to them and talked to Mew, completely ignoring Tong.
"I wanted to see you to apologize."
Mew looked at him expressionless, and then spoke, "I came to look for you at the bus station."
Alex's heart skipped a beat and tears started to fall from his eyes. "I'm sorry Mew…" He wiped his tears away before he totally breaks down. Mew was stricken by what Alex did. He never thought Alex would sincerely regret what he did. But nothing could have prepared Mew from what happened next.
Alex grabbed his hands and asked, "Can I sleep in your house tonight? I don't have a place to stay for tonight…"
Before Mew could react, Tong spoke. "Mew, can you please let me stay with you tonight? I also don't have a place to stay…"
