As Kaelix and Zeal got to know each other better, communication by text messages have gradually turned into phone calls. Having a phone call at night has turned into a habit of theirs, regardless of if they’ve spent time together today. Kaelix was usually the person who does the talking, and Zeal was his best listener. Sometimes, they would talk about trifles; sometimes, they would ask each other’s hobbies and preferences; sometimes, they would just leave the call on and do their own things in each other’s company. The interaction not only deepened their connection, but it also had Zeal being used to Kaelix’s presence. He was starting to look forward to their nightly conversations, the stories the prep would bring.19Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyzgUegSlw
“Didn’t you mention something about me putting my music on the internet before?”
“Oh yeah! Did you do it?”
“Yes.”
“Oh! I need the link! I’m going to like, save, and put it on loop!”
“Here.”
Kaelix clicked on the link, it was a song called Medusa’s Masquerade. As he pressed play, grand music flowed out of the speakers, one so familiar.
“It’s the one that I’ve heard before, isn’t it?”
“Yes, that’s the one.”
“This one’s amazing, no matter how many times I’ve heard it.”
“Thanks.”
“This one’s going to go viral, I know it.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
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-7 days until Zeal leaves for uni
Kaelix got a last minute job for modeling. He was asked to take someone else’s place for a photo shoot, resulting in less spare time. It crushed Kaelix’s spirits, and the realization of him not being able to fulfill the promise of hanging out with Zeal crushed it even more. How he hated to not be a man of his word.19Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJGWXt6lZD
“Sorry for not being able to uphold my end of the promise. I have a couple of photo shoots to attend.” Kaelix said. Although trying very hard to cover it up, Zeal could still hear the annoyance in Kaelix’s voice.
“I can go visit you at work if you’d like.”
“No, you don’t have to inconvenience yourself like that.” Kaelix responded, but deep down, anticipation bubbled with a hint of sweetness.
“It’s fine, I don’t have much to do. A walk would do me some good anyways.”
“Really? Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Yay! I’ll send you the address of the studio. But I think you know where it is.” Kaelix’s voice regained its usual cheerfulness, which made Zeal smile at on the other end of the phone. That’s the Kaelix he knew and loved.
“Should I bring anything?”
“Oh, no. Don’t do that. You being there is more than enough.”
“Then let’s have dinner at the coffee shop together after.”
“Sure!”
“See you tomorrow?”
“See you tomorrow.”
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-6 days until Zeal leaves for uni
Zeal arrived a little early, he leaned on the door, watching Kaelix work. He had a different aura as he poses under the photographer’s command. In front of the camera, he was an art piece of elegance; at school, he was a gentleman; in front of Zeal, he was the warmest ray of sunlight. No matter which Kaelix it was, they were all undoubtedly beautiful. Kaelix’s versatility was drawing Zeal in, he wanted to collect and uncover more sides of this boy. The director signaled the end of the photoshoot, the whole studio burst in cheers. Zeal saw Kaelix share a few words with his coworkers before running to greet him.19Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJs8LVlWo2
“Zeal! You’re here!”
“Here, I got this for you.” Zeal passed over the drink he brought.
“I thought I told you to not bring anything?”
“I’ve brought it already, might as well take it.”
“Fine, thank you. Let me buy you dinner after, then.”
“Deal.”19Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSD6YXZlDI
Kaelix took a sip, the fine scent of green tea flooded his nose, within he caught faint notes of honey. The sweetness of the honey blended with the bitterness of the tea, meddling, rounding its sharpness. He liked his tea with a bit of honey, he’s mentioned it before, but he didn’t expect Zeal to show up with it, whether it be a coincidence or with thought. The lukewarm tea brought warmth to both his body and heart in the cold studio air.19Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlHkER4zFH
“Tea with honey.” He smiled softly.
“Yeah, you mentioned that you liked it, so I brought one.” The answer made Kaelix’s heart flutter. He wanted to ask Zeal if he was that nice to everyone he knows. But as he opened his mouth, the question dissipates, leaving only an expression of gratitude.
“It’s great, thank you.”
“Kaelix, you still have to change.” A staff walked towards them. He took a quick glance at Zeal from top to bottom.
“Your friend?” He turned to Kaelix and asked
“Yes, a friend of mine.” Kaelix answered, a bitter taste crept on his tongue, his grip on the drink tighter.19Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7IMDLPwp7
Kaelix tried to wash down the bitterness with more tea, but his attempt were in vain. As the bitterness stemmed not from the mouth, but the heart.19Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWyCphq88H
“Here to see you work, I assume?”
“Yes, I hope it wasn’t a bother.” It was Zeal who answered this time.
“No, in fact, quite the contrary. We welcome visitors as long as they don’t interfere with our work. Sometimes we find people with modeling potential, easier than looking for them on the streets. You look fit for modeling, the looks, the aura. Have you considered being one?”
“Thank you for the offer, but I’ll pass.”
“Oh. Such a shame.” The staff member sighed and turned to Kaelix once more “Come on, Kaelix. The earlier you get dressed, the earlier you get to leave. Don’t want to leave your friend waiting.”
“Ah, you’re right. Sorry Zeal, I’ll be right back. There’s a chair over there to sit on while you wait.” Kaelix turned to tell Zeal before leaving with the staff.19Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsulLID6vND
Kaelix rushed to get changed, he didn’t want to leave Zeal waiting for too long.
“Come on, let’s go. I wanna have something sweet tonight.”
Perhaps the sweetness of sugar could mask the bitterness in his heart.
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-5 days until Zeal leaves for uni
ns216.73.216.252da2
and then Add to home screen.