Semiel kept his hand on Saval's thigh, barely breathing. The silence felt delicate—like any word might shatter something fragile. The taste of their kiss still lingered on his lips, his heart pounding as if he'd just run a marathon.
Saval stared at him. Intently. With a focus he rarely showed. Semiel felt something shifting in that quiet space. Something drawing nearer.
Then Saval leaned in—sudden, unasked-for, unexpected—
And kissed him.
Semiel barely had time to close his eyes before feeling that warmth again. But this time, he hadn't made the move. Saval had. He'd chosen this. Soft, slow, hands trembling awkwardly on his own knees—but certain.
God... is this really happening?
Saval pulled back just slightly, as if gauging the consequences of what he'd done. He searched Semiel's face, and for the first time in so long, there was no doubt in his expression.
—When you told me how you felt... at the beach... —his voice was low— I couldn't. Not because of you. Because of me. I was confused. Everything with Antonella, with Santiago... Felt broken inside.
A pause. Semiel didn't move. Just listened.
—Didn't know if I could give you something real. Didn't want to hurt you. Or take advantage of what you felt.
And now? Semiel thought, holding his breath.
—But now... after everything. After all we've lived, the times we talked, the times we didn't... your gestures, your care, your silences... —Saval swallowed, throat trembling slightly— I think I finally know.
Semiel watched him, breath caught.
—I want to be with you, Semiel. Not on impulse. Not out of confusion. Because I choose you. Because I want to stay by your side.
That was when Semiel smiled. Not the nervous, tight-lipped smile he used to hide behind. A full one—the kind that starts in your chest and spills into your eyes. He leaned into Saval, hugging him with almost childlike tenderness.
—I'll take care of you. Always. Promise.
But Saval shook his head, eyes damp, voice firmer now.
—No. Not just you taking care of me. Us taking care of each other. Like a team. Like... like what we are.
Like what we finally are, he thought, feeling his chest lighten as if some weight had lifted.
Semiel held him tighter. Didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he did both. Pressed his face into Saval's neck, memorizing his scent, his warmth, the way his heartbeat echoed so close to his own.
—We'll take care of each other, —he whispered.
—Yeah. Both of us.
They stayed like that awhile, seated on that half-empty mall bench as the fluorescent lights dimmed. Outside, dusk settled, but they didn't notice.
Doesn't matter where, Semiel thought. It's him. Always been him.
Saval, meanwhile, rested his head on Semiel's shoulder and closed his eyes. Felt something click into place inside him—like a paused part of himself had finally found where it belonged. The sadness that had followed him for years felt farther away. Not gone, but no longer his to carry alone.
Might not always be easy, he thought. But I'm not alone now. And that changes everything.
Minutes passed without words. None were needed.
Until Semiel murmured:
—Realize we're two guys sitting on a mall bench after eating ice cream and making out? Sounds like some weird manga plot.
Saval huffed a quiet laugh.
—As long as no one dies, I like this story.
—Promise not to die, —Semiel raised a hand in oath.
—Don't promise what you can't control. But promise me something else.
—Anything.
Saval met his gaze. His eyes, though still shaky, shone with resolve.
—Promise if I ever get lost again—if I get confused or scared—you'll wait. And find me again.
Semiel took his hand.
—I promise.