The mall was busier than he'd expected. People rushing everywhere, flashing lights, advertisements, phone conversations—just another typical day. Semiel wandered through the aisles with his hands in his pockets, his heartbeat slightly quicker than usual. He'd been here almost an hour, browsing stores without making a decision.
—Not for a birthday, —he muttered passing a clothing store—. Not an anniversary either. Just... something that says I care. That I want him.
He'd looked at necklaces, keychains, even a cheesy quote mug. Nothing felt sufficient. Nothing felt like them. Like Saval.
Turning a corner without much hope, he stopped at a small wooden kiosk displaying bracelets—some handwoven, others with colorful threads. But what caught his eye were the ones with tiny stones and metal accents. One in particular, with warm-toned beads and delicate cherry blossom details.
The vendor—a long-haired man with kind eyes—approached with a smile.
—Shopping for someone special?
Semiel nodded, gaze fixed on the bracelet.
—Yeah. He's... important.
—That one, —the man pointed— is quite popular. Made with sunstone, jasper, and cherry blossom motifs. Symbolizes unconditional love. Perfect for a girlfriend.
Semiel stared at the bracelet.
—Yeah, —he said, something tightening in his chest—. He'll love it.
He wasn't sure if he was telling the vendor or himself. Just speaking the truth.
The man packaged it in a discreet ribboned box. Semiel carefully tucked it into his backpack before heading to the bus stop, unhurried, the city noise around him fading beneath his thoughts.
That night at home, he placed the box on his desk. Studied it like it held answers. Then collapsed onto his bed, arms folded behind his head.
—How do you say something like this without ruining it? —he whispered to the ceiling.
He remembered Mia's advice—don't make it a script, just speak your truth. But words still tangled in his mind. Not because he didn't know what he felt, but because he felt too much.
He thought of the first time Saval spoke to him in class—just kids then, barely aware of each other. Of streaming together, late gaming nights, laughing until everything else faded. How gradually, his affection had deepened into something tender. Something aching.
This wasn't just wanting to be with him. It was wanting to safeguard the part of his world where Saval existed. Not as a promise, but as a presence.
He checked the time. Not too late. Grabbed his phone and opened Saval's chat. Hesitated, then typed:
—Meet at the station at 3?
He waited a few unnecessary seconds. Saval usually replied fast.
—Yeah, perfect
Semiel smiled. Reread the message. Set the phone aside.
Tomorrow was the day. No guarantees how it'd go. Could be good. Could be confusing. But one thing was clear—if he didn't say it now, he never would.
He got up, placed the box in his backpack. Turned off the light. Slid into bed.
—Let this go right, —he thought, stomach knotted yet sparking with stubborn hope as he closed his eyes.