"What are you reading?" The girl asked as soon as she sat down across from her friend. The cover of the novel featuring a girl with auburn hair and four silhouettes surrounding her. "Wait a minute! That's literally the one I told you about! I didn't think you'd actually read it..."
Her friend scoffed. "You were the one that wouldn't shut up about it! Why are you acting all surprised now?"
She rolled her eyes as she placed her own books down on the table in between them before resting her chin on her palm. "Sooo....what chapter are you on...?" She leaned closer. Eager to hear what her friend thought about her favorite novel at the moment.
"I'm only on chapter five," she put the book down, "but I think my favorite character so far is Castiel..."
"Really? I assumed you'd be more into Sohan than someone like Castiel, but he's a good character, too." She could see the scowl on her friend's face form as the words left her lips.
"Oh yeah? Then who's your favorite?"
"I absolutely love Sorin!" Ignoring the attitude behind her friend's question. "He's just so kind and gentle to Hefeli~! If only a man like him existed in real life." She sighed softly.
"That's so cliche."
The girls continued to bicker over the book. They're voices rising over the other. Gradually gaining the attention of everyone one else in the cafe before they were asked to leave.Arien couldn't help but listen to what the girls had to say. It was his book they were talking about after all. The one he published online years ago at the ripe age of 20 and in his second year of college. The Forsaken Maiden was what he titled it. Thinking back, he saw it as juvenile and immature compared to his current works now at 26. So many things he'd change if he could rewrite it. Since then, he's published two more books under genres aligning with his first novel.
Completely different from what he originally planned.
Arien was sat in the corner of his favorite cafe. His new draft unfinished with his main focus being the character sheets. His hazelnut coffee steaming next to the untouched bagel. His dark brown hair grew shaggy and pointed in different directions. His eyes a dull green with dark bags bordering his lower lashes. He felt his eyelids grow heavier and heavier every second before they closed. Reopening a moment later. His complexion was pale and his fingers twitched with every movement of the pencil.
In the next second, he felt a throbbing pain in his head. The pencil fell onto the table as he dug in his bag for the pain relief pills. This had been a common occurrence. One that was affecting his ability to focus on what he had to quickly finish before the deadline.
"When was the last time you got some sleep?" He heard his voice in his head again. The memory replaying as though he was right there telling him off. "Didn't I tell you not to get carried away?" He was gone now. Somewhere in the world with his fiancé. Didn't even bother to call, but Arien made no attempt to do so either. Their friendship was ripped to shreds by the cunning snake he kept by his side.
"Would you like me to warm this up for you again, Arien?" He suddenly heard from above him. The voice was elegant and refined with a youthful linger to the end of it. The voice belonging to a young woman with muted light brown hair. As though her hair was covered by a gray tint. Her eyes so hypnotizing, he forgets what color they are every time he looks away. Maybe he really should catch up on his sleep?
"Ah- No thank you. But can you get me one of the smaller boxes to go?"
"Of course." She smiled, before going behind the counter and returning with a plain white box. "How is your new book coming along?" She sat down in the chair across from his.
"I don't know..." he mumbled. "I know I should be writting, but...I can't seem to keep my focus..." Placing the untouched bagel in the box before shutting it closed. "The deadline is weeks away, but for some reason, I feel as though I need to finish it now."
"Is that so?" She looked over the loose documents scattered across the table. Pencil over print, red over blue. A sense of disorganization she never thought she'd see with the man in front of her. "Do you have anything else to do today?"
He sighed. "I still have a dinner I have to attend..."
"You still have a few hours. You should get home and rest as much as you can before then." She lectured. Grabbing all the loose papers and stuffing them in his bag.
"But--" Before he could even blink, she practically picked him up and threw him out the cafe. "What about the tab--?" The only response he got from her was through the window. A discerning look with one hand on her hip and the other pointed in the direction of his apartment.
He huffed. His bag slung over his shoulder and the small box with a single bagel inside in his hands.
The sun was covered by dark clouds. Blocking the rays of sunlight from dancing on his pale skin. He felt a single water droplet land on his cheek as many more soon followed. A yawn escaped his lips. He pulled out his umbrella and walked back to his apartment building just a block away.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Kallistae!" He heard two distinct voices call out to him in unison as he stepped inside. One louder than the other. Twins no older than the age of 10 both with brown hair, however, one was more reddish while the other a little more natural. They lived in the building since before he moved in, but that was all he really knew. He wasn't actually that close to them, but they were always playing around in the lobby and greeted him every time he entered. Following him just until he reached the elevator.
"Hello, you two." Such unique children always greeting him in and out.
"We saw a funny looking person hanging around in front of your home..." the boy whispered. As though the person would be able to hear him from two floors up.
"Yeah! He was wearing a black sweater and funny looking blue shoes!" the girl exclaimed. As though the person wouldn't be able to hear her from two floors up.
"Really now?" Arien played into their little game.
"Uh-huh! And he--"
"Now, now, twins. You shouldn't bother Mr. Kallistae." A woman suddenly appeared. She was the mother of the twins. Her hair was the same reddish brown as the girls, however, for some reason, her face always looked so blurry to Arien. "You gave us quite a scare last week."
"Ah- yes, I apologise. It must have been quite shocking..."
"Make sure you're taking care of yourself. Who else is going to look after for that thing you call a dog?"
"Yes, of course."
"Well then, have a good afternoon." She waved him off. Walking away from his standing figure. The twins following suit.
"Good bye, Mr. Kallistae!" The twins speaking in unison once again.
All he did was wave goodbye as he walked into the elevator and pushed the button for the third floor.
His eyes subtly closed. His long lashes pressed against his smooth skin. He leaned his head back against the wall. His lips parted slightly.
'Just a little rest,' he thought.
DING
His eyes opened. Arien straighten himself as the elevator doors pulled away from each other. Stepping out into the wide hallway, he turned left and walked to his room. A few spaces away was a young man sitting next to the door. His long blonde hair drooped over his face as he leaned down to rest on his knees. He wore a black hoodie and cargo shorts with a gray bag nestled next to his right side. Blue platform sneakers on his feet.
'He looks closer to the other door,' Arien tried to convince himself. 'He's probably not here for me.'
Using his keycard to unlock the door, a beep sounded after. Gaining the attention of the young man sitting against the wall.
"Arien?" That sweet, billowing voice enveloped his ears. It hadn't changed at all since the last time they saw each other.
His dull green eyes met clouded blue hues. His eyes red and swollen and purple bruise on the corner of his mouth.
"James..." He let him in. What else was he suppose to do? He couldn't just turn him away when he's obviously hurt. "I'm home." He called out.
'Someone else...is here....' The blonde thought to himself. Maybe he shouldn't have come to see Arien. But he really needed to see him again.
"Would you like something to drink? Water or-?"
"Water is fine. Thank you." The blonde looked around. It wasn't the same place from six years ago. The tiny studio room became a two bedroom apartment with an actual living room and a spacious kitchen.
He moved to sit on the sofa. His clouded eyes starring down at his clasped hands. The last few days replaying in his mind before it turned to the last few years. Where did he go wrong?
Then he heard a low growl rumbling from his left.
When he turned to look at the sound, he saw a dark shadow looming over his figure. Sharp glowing eyes starring straight into his own. Pearly white canines bared as if warning the stranger. He didn't want to look away from the beast in front of him in fear of what it might do.
"Sorry. He gets a little defensive towards strangers." At the sound of Arien's voice, the beast's growl subsided and it's gaze turned soft as its attention was no longer on the blonde. "He's blind in both eyes, but sometimes it feels like he sees more than I do."
Arien handed him the cup of water. His hands shaking slightly. He sat down across from him. A smile twitched on the blond's lips. At least some things still stayed the same.
"...What is his name..?" He looked up a little to meet Arien's gaze.
"His name?" The large canine that was growling at the stranger before was laying next to the coffee table in between himself and Arien. Keeping a watchful eye in the direction of the blonde. "Anyways, what happened?"
The atmosphere grew tense. He wasn't sure what to say.
"I-I...you were right." His voice was soft and weak. His eyes watered until the tears slid down his cheeks. He took a breath in. "I c-caught him with someone else...a-and then he—" The words were stuck in his throat. "I'm so s-sorry..." He couldn't look into those sharp green eyes. He felt like he'd only see disdain and anger.
There was only silence before he felt the sofa sink in a little next to him. His clenched fist was engulfed by the others larger hand. He looked up. All he saw in those eyes were regret and relief.
"I...I'm sorry..too."
--
It was dark now. The curtains were still open. Letting the glistening moonlight pour into the apartment. The blond stirred before opening his blue eyes. He stretched and yawned before looking around. It was deafeningly silent. He thought he'd hear Arien's dog running around and making noise, but he wasn't to be seen.
He would have thought it was all just a dream if it weren't for the unfamiliar surroundings and the sleeping Arien right beside him. He was glad to have his friend back. After everything that's happened, he'd rather this moment last forever.
But, of course, that was too good to be true.
He reached out to hold the hand of his childhood friend, but the touch was cold. His eyes did not flutter open when he called out his name and his lips did not twitch when he touched his face. His heart did not beat when he placed his head to rest on his chest.
All they could do was watch as the dear friend to their beloved creator drowned himself in his sorrows. A lost soul with no where to go.
Finished: Nov. 15 2023 Edited: July 31 2025"What are you reading?" The girl asked as soon as she sat down across from her friend. The cover of the novel featuring a girl with auburn hair and four silhouettes surrounding her. "Wait a minute! That's literally the one I told you about! I didn't think you'd actually read it..."
Her friend scoffed. "You were the one that wouldn't shut up about it! Why are you acting all surprised now?"
She rolled her eyes as she placed her own books down on the table in between them before resting her chin on her palm. "Sooo....what chapter are you on...?" She leaned closer. Eager to hear what her friend thought about her favorite novel at the moment.
"I'm only on chapter five," she put the book down, "but I think my favorite character so far is Castiel..."
"Really? I assumed you'd be more into Sohan than someone like Castiel, but he's a good character, too." She could see the scowl on her friend's face form as the words left her lips.
"Oh yeah? Then who's your favorite?"
"I absolutely love Sorin!" Ignoring the attitude behind her friend's question. "He's just so kind and gentle to Hefeli~! If only a man like him existed in real life." She sighed softly.
"That's so cliche."
The girls continued to bicker over the book. They're voices rising over the other. Gradually gaining the attention of everyone one else in the cafe before they were asked to leave.Arien couldn't help but listen to what the girls had to say. It was his book they were talking about after all. The one he published online years ago at the ripe age of 20 and in his second year of college. The Forsaken Maiden was what he titled it. Thinking back, he saw it as juvenile and immature compared to his current works now at 26. So many things he'd change if he could rewrite it. Since then, he's published two more books under genres aligning with his first novel.
Completely different from what he originally planned.
Arien was sat in the corner of his favorite cafe. His new draft unfinished with his main focus being the character sheets. His hazelnut coffee steaming next to the untouched bagel. His dark brown hair grew shaggy and pointed in different directions. His eyes a dull green with dark bags bordering his lower lashes. He felt his eyelids grow heavier and heavier every second before they closed. Reopening a moment later. His complexion was pale and his fingers twitched with every movement of the pencil.
In the next second, he felt a throbbing pain in his head. The pencil fell onto the table as he dug in his bag for the pain relief pills. This had been a common occurrence. One that was affecting his ability to focus on what he had to quickly finish before the deadline.
"When was the last time you got some sleep?" He heard his voice in his head again. The memory replaying as though he was right there telling him off. "Didn't I tell you not to get carried away?" He was gone now. Somewhere in the world with his fiancé. Didn't even bother to call, but Arien made no attempt to do so either. Their friendship was ripped to shreds by the cunning snake he kept by his side.
"Would you like me to warm this up for you again, Arien?" He suddenly heard from above him. The voice was elegant and refined with a youthful linger to the end of it. The voice belonging to a young woman with muted light brown hair. As though her hair was covered by a gray tint. Her eyes so hypnotizing, he forgets what color they are every time he looks away. Maybe he really should catch up on his sleep?
"Ah- No thank you. But can you get me one of the smaller boxes to go?"
"Of course." She smiled, before going behind the counter and returning with a plain white box. "How is your new book coming along?" She sat down in the chair across from his.
"I don't know..." he mumbled. "I know I should be writting, but...I can't seem to keep my focus..." Placing the untouched bagel in the box before shutting it closed. "The deadline is weeks away, but for some reason, I feel as though I need to finish it now."
"Is that so?" She looked over the loose documents scattered across the table. Pencil over print, red over blue. A sense of disorganization she never thought she'd see with the man in front of her. "Do you have anything else to do today?"
He sighed. "I still have a dinner I have to attend..."
"You still have a few hours. You should get home and rest as much as you can before then." She lectured. Grabbing all the loose papers and stuffing them in his bag.
"But--" Before he could even blink, she practically picked him up and threw him out the cafe. "What about the tab--?" The only response he got from her was through the window. A discerning look with one hand on her hip and the other pointed in the direction of his apartment.
He huffed. His bag slung over his shoulder and the small box with a single bagel inside in his hands.
The sun was covered by dark clouds. Blocking the rays of sunlight from dancing on his pale skin. He felt a single water droplet land on his cheek as many more soon followed. A yawn escaped his lips. He pulled out his umbrella and walked back to his apartment building just a block away.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Kallistae!" He heard two distinct voices call out to him in unison as he stepped inside. One louder than the other. Twins no older than the age of 10 both with brown hair, however, one was more reddish while the other a little more natural. They lived in the building since before he moved in, but that was all he really knew. He wasn't actually that close to them, but they were always playing around in the lobby and greeted him every time he entered. Following him just until he reached the elevator.
"Hello, you two." Such unique children always greeting him in and out.
"We saw a funny looking person hanging around in front of your home..." the boy whispered. As though the person would be able to hear him from two floors up.
"Yeah! He was wearing a black sweater and funny looking blue shoes!" the girl exclaimed. As though the person wouldn't be able to hear her from two floors up.
"Really now?" Arien played into their little game.
"Uh-huh! And he--"
"Now, now, twins. You shouldn't bother Mr. Kallistae." A woman suddenly appeared. She was the mother of the twins. Her hair was the same reddish brown as the girls, however, for some reason, her face always looked so blurry to Arien. "You gave us quite a scare last week."
"Ah- yes, I apologise. It must have been quite shocking..."
"Make sure you're taking care of yourself. Who else is going to look after for that thing you call a dog?"
"Yes, of course."
"Well then, have a good afternoon." She waved him off. Walking away from his standing figure. The twins following suit.
"Good bye, Mr. Kallistae!" The twins speaking in unison once again.
All he did was wave goodbye as he walked into the elevator and pushed the button for the third floor.
His eyes subtly closed. His long lashes pressed against his smooth skin. He leaned his head back against the wall. His lips parted slightly.
'Just a little rest,' he thought.
DING
His eyes opened. Arien straighten himself as the elevator doors pulled away from each other. Stepping out into the wide hallway, he turned left and walked to his room. A few spaces away was a young man sitting next to the door. His long blonde hair drooped over his face as he leaned down to rest on his knees. He wore a black hoodie and cargo shorts with a gray bag nestled next to his right side. Blue platform sneakers on his feet.
'He looks closer to the other door,' Arien tried to convince himself. 'He's probably not here for me.'
Using his keycard to unlock the door, a beep sounded after. Gaining the attention of the young man sitting against the wall.
"Arien?" That sweet, billowing voice enveloped his ears. It hadn't changed at all since the last time they saw each other.
His dull green eyes met clouded blue hues. His eyes red and swollen and purple bruise on the corner of his mouth.
"James..." He let him in. What else was he suppose to do? He couldn't just turn him away when he's obviously hurt. "I'm home." He called out.
'Someone else...is here....' The blonde thought to himself. Maybe he shouldn't have come to see Arien. But he really needed to see him again.
"Would you like something to drink? Water or-?"
"Water is fine. Thank you." The blonde looked around. It wasn't the same place from six years ago. The tiny studio room became a two bedroom apartment with an actual living room and a spacious kitchen.
He moved to sit on the sofa. His clouded eyes starring down at his clasped hands. The last few days replaying in his mind before it turned to the last few years. Where did he go wrong?
Then he heard a low growl rumbling from his left.
When he turned to look at the sound, he saw a dark shadow looming over his figure. Sharp glowing eyes starring straight into his own. Pearly white canines bared as if warning the stranger. He didn't want to look away from the beast in front of him in fear of what it might do.
"Sorry. He gets a little defensive towards strangers." At the sound of Arien's voice, the beast's growl subsided and it's gaze turned soft as its attention was no longer on the blonde. "He's blind in both eyes, but sometimes it feels like he sees more than I do."
Arien handed him the cup of water. His hands shaking slightly. He sat down across from him. A smile twitched on the blond's lips. At least some things still stayed the same.
"...What is his name..?" He looked up a little to meet Arien's gaze.
"His name?" The large canine that was growling at the stranger before was laying next to the coffee table in between himself and Arien. Keeping a watchful eye in the direction of the blonde. "Anyways, what happened?"
The atmosphere grew tense. He wasn't sure what to say.
"I-I...you were right." His voice was soft and weak. His eyes watered until the tears slid down his cheeks. He took a breath in. "I c-caught him with someone else...a-and then he—" The words were stuck in his throat. "I'm so s-sorry..." He couldn't look into those sharp green eyes. He felt like he'd only see disdain and anger.
There was only silence before he felt the sofa sink in a little next to him. His clenched fist was engulfed by the others larger hand. He looked up. All he saw in those eyes were regret and relief.
"I...I'm sorry..too."
--
It was dark now. The curtains were still open. Letting the glistening moonlight pour into the apartment. The blond stirred before opening his blue eyes. He stretched and yawned before looking around. It was deafeningly silent. He thought he'd hear Arien's dog running around and making noise, but he wasn't to be seen.
He would have thought it was all just a dream if it weren't for the unfamiliar surroundings and the sleeping Arien right beside him. He was glad to have his friend back. After everything that's happened, he'd rather this moment last forever.
But, of course, that was too good to be true.
He reached out to hold the hand of his childhood friend, but the touch was cold. His eyes did not flutter open when he called out his name and his lips did not twitch when he touched his face. His heart did not beat when he placed his head to rest on his chest.
All they could do was watch as the dear friend to their beloved creator drowned himself in his sorrows. A lost soul with no where to go.
Finished: Nov. 15 2023 Edited: July 31 2025