8 years ago. 6 months into Freshman year.
"Where did you go during the holidays by the way Off? We didn't hear anything from you during the semestral break," Arm asked as they were making their way to their fourth-period class that day. It was their second semester already. Their classes open in August and the first semester ends in December while second sem starts after the holidays.
"Well, I just stayed in my unit since my parents were out of the country for some business," Off replied.
Off's parents were usually out of the country for some business trips and holidays were no exception. And being an only child, he was sometimes left with no one to celebrate some special occasions.
"Heard you celebrated New Year with somebody," Arm threw Off an intriguing look.
"Well, I guess I don't have to ask who it issss," Tay singsonged and walked ahead.
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8 years ago. 12 hours before New Year's Eve.
Wer r u?
Off hit the send button. For the times he had spent with Gun, they casually sent each other messages mostly about where they were or if one wanted to hang out.
home. making some desserts 4 l8r. -Gun
Okay. u myt wanna come over l8r. Well, after celebr8ng wd ur fam of course. -Off
I'll see wat I can do. -Gun
And for the first time in his life, Off wanted the night to come faster and he didn't even know why.
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20 minutes before New Year's Eve.
Off was sprawled lazily on his bed, waiting for Gun to send him a text message. He hadn't heard from him since lunch time and he was starting to doubt if Gun would come over. Well, he'd understand cause it was a family event but he didn't wanna welcome the new year alone. He could not even ask Tay and Arm to come over since they were both overseas together with their respective families. He was starting to regret not taking his parents offer of spending the holidays abroad for a part of him wanted to spend it with Gun and he couldn't understand why he was feeling that way. He was not able to meet Gun during Christmas cause Gun and his family went to visit their grandparents in the province, so he was having his high hopes of celebrating the new year with him.
*Gun shorty calling*
"Hello, where are you? Are you still at home?" Off asked upon answering the call.
"I'm at your door. I've been knocking but I guess you were sleeping."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
Opening a door had never been this exciting for Off, and he himself was oblivious to the fact that he was smiling from ear to ear as he swung the door open letting Gun in.
"What are those?" Off asked pointing at the food boxes Gun was holding.
"Oh, I brought some food. I know you don't cook and I'm tired of eating take away food."
Off helped Gun arrange the food on the table in his balcony overlooking the city. The moon was at its brightest and the city lights were vibrant that night signifying the occasion people were too excited about. Off went back inside to get the portable speaker he had in his room.
"Let's listen to some music while we wait for midnight." Off placed the speaker on the floor near their table, soft music now playing on it.
They started eating the food Gun brought. There were also some desserts and Off was sure Gun made them based on his message earlier.
"Hmm. These are good. You made all these?"
"No, just the sweets. Mom made the dishes."
⬠What time you coming out?
We started losing light
I'll never make it right
If you don't wander off
I'm so excited for the night
All we need's my bike and your enormous house
You said some day we might
When I'm closer to your height,
Till then we'll knock around and see
If you're all I need â¬
"Aren't your songs too mellow to be celebrating new year?" Gun chuckled a bit.
"Nah, I don't really like songs that are too loud.."
"So you never go to clubs then?"
"Well sometimes just to avoid Tay's nagging about me not living my life to the fullest."
⬠Don't you see me I
I think I'm falling, I'm falling for you
And don't you need me I
I think I'm falling, I'm falling for you
On this night, and in this light
I think I'm falling (I think I'm falling), I'm falling for you
And maybe you, change your mind
(I think I'm falling, I think I'm falling) â¬
Silence filled the air between them once again. All they could hear was the voices of the people who were clearly excited about the new year. Off's unit was situated on the 35th floor of the building and it had a good spot for stargazing.
10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1! Happy New Year!
Different colors flashed before their eyes, but Off was not looking at the fireworks in front of them. He was looking at the man sitting across him. The light from the fireworks illuminated Gun's face and he couldn't help but gaze at it for a long time.
"Happy new year, Off!" Gun shouted excitedly without his eyes leaving the fireworks display in front of them.
But Off didn't reply. He just continued staring at the man, wondering why his heartbeat was beating louder than the ongoing fireworks. With the muffled sound of the song currently playing on his speaker, he muttered something, and he wasn't even sure if Gun heard him.
"Gun, 3:29-3:34."
"Hmm. Are you saying something Off?" Gun finally looked at him, still with eyes glowing from the lights.
But Off didn't have the courage to say it again, not after realizing something unexpected and confusing at the same time.
â¬On this night, and in this light
I think I'm falling (I think I'm falling), I'm falling for you
And maybe you, change your mindâ¬
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Author's note:
The 1975- fallingforyou
You can check the timestamp to know what Off was talking about. xoxo