The sky was clear, with soft cotton-like clouds drifting lazily. Saval gently squeezed Semiel's hand as they walked through the mall. Their date had started hours ago, but to both of them, it felt like time had stopped just for them.
—Look, that one over there seems good —said Semiel, pointing to a ramen shop.
—You always want ramen —Saval laughed—. Sure you don't want to switch it up today?
—Switch? Impossible. Ramen is my religion.
Saval rolled his eyes affectionately and nodded. They ended up eating in a quiet corner of the restaurant, laughing at bad jokes, reminiscing about stream moments, and talking without hurry. Every word felt like a tiny celebration.
He looks so beautiful today, Semiel thought as he watched Saval slurp his noodles, forehead slightly damp from the steam. I don't know when we got here… but I want to stay like this forever.
After eating, they stopped by a retro game store, where Saval found a shelf of Japanese animation artbooks. One in particular caught his eye, but he hesitated.
—It's pricey —he murmured, running his fingers over the cover with a resigned smile.
—You like it?
—A lot. But I can wait. Other expenses come first.
Semiel didn't say anything. Just made a mental note.
They spent another hour browsing shops, got ice cream, and settled in a quieter corner of the second floor to rest. There, Semiel pulled something from his bag.
—Here.
Saval unwrapped a small box covered in light paper. Inside was an animation book. The same one he'd seen earlier.
—But… how?
—Bought it a few days ago. Knew you'd love it.
Saval looked down at the book, eyes shining.
—Semiel…
—Happy perfect day. Or whatever you want to call it.
—You're an idiot —Saval said, smiling as he pulled him into a tight hug.
He hadn't known happiness could feel this simple.
By evening, they ended up at Semiel's place. They kicked off their shoes, collapsed onto the bed without a word, and just breathed. Then they looked at each other.
And kissed.
It wasn't one of those shy kisses they'd been exchanging for weeks. It was slow, deep, with the urgency of someone trying to memorize every second.
It's him, Semiel thought, heart pounding wildly. It's him, and I want it to be him every day.
Clothes became obstacles. Touches grew bolder. Laughter, muffled. But what mattered wasn't what they did—it was how they looked at each other after. Like no secrets were left.
—You okay? —Semiel whispered, lips still close to his.
—Yeah. Never better.
The sun had long set. The room was dim, lit only by the blue glow of the still-on monitor in the background.
I wish I could box this moment up and reopen it whenever I need to.
....
As they curled up together, the scene faded into shadows.
And far away, in a narrow room illuminated by the dull glow of three screens, a man leaned his elbows on his desk. In front of him, a pixelated image of Semiel and Saval.
Santiago smiled without joy.
—Everything's ready now —he whispered, closing a folder on his computer labeled Antonella_Xavier Report.
He stood, grabbed a jacket, and checked himself in the mirror. His face looked thinner, sharper, but his eyes burned with something new: hunger.
—Time to go after those two —he said, smoothing his hair—. And Antonella… she'll fall first.
He turned off the lights and stepped into the hallway. The echo of his footsteps was all that remained.