Work Text:
It was late at night when Akk decided to take a break. He had been too focused, losing track of time studying Criminology 101. Looking at the clock at the lower corner of his laptop, it flashed 00:05, which meant it was probably ten O’clock now in Japan.
A sigh skipped Akk’s throat when he checked his phone, and there were no new messages or calls. The last received message was five hours ago. When a string of overthinking started to pull in his mind, Akk cut it off quickly before it took a dangerous route as he grabbed the now half-filled and cold cup of tea and moved to the window to take a fresh breath of air. When he opened the window, Akk was welcomed by a gentle cold spring breeze. It kissed his warm skin, refreshing his thoughts again.
It had been a whole month since Ayan left to study in Japan. A whole month yet, Akk still couldn’t adjust to the emptiness that Ayan left behind. They managed to do a few things together despite the distance, time differences, and busy schedules, like watching series or movies together while video calling. However, it always felt more real and lonely when Akk ate by himself.
Or just like now, watching the beautiful full moon up high all by himself. They could have been cuddling right now while staring at it.
A sudden buzz broke the silence and ignited the spark in Akk’s heart. A smile stretched from ear to ear as the name of the most wanted caller filled the screen of his phone.
Ayan. My Boyfriend ♥️
Clearing his throat, Akk took a deep breath before answering his phone. “Hello”
“I am so late, I know. I am so sorry.” Ayan said, sounding in a hurry.
Akk shook his head even though Ayan couldn’t see him. He knew how busy Ayan was. Not only with university and studying, but he was doing a part-time job after classes. Even though Ayan’s mom fully supported his studies, he didn’t want to burden her more with his living expenses. “You aren’t that late, don't worry. Are you home yet?”
“Actually not yet,” Ayan said, and Akk couldn’t imagine how busy he must have been today. “Are you looking at the moon right now?”
Akk froze in his place. And even though he knew Ayan was in a different country, and there was a whole ocean between them, he did a double check and looked down at the streets, but there was no one. Then he looked up at the sky as if Ayan would magically appear and descend from the sky. Idiot. Akk thought to himself as he replied to his boyfriend. “How did you know? Are you watching me?”
A chuckle filled the other side of the phone, sending a warm wave down Akk’s core. He missed his laughter so much. “No, I am sitting in front of my condo now, and I looked up at the sky and saw the moon. I thought you could not miss that sight. It is so beautiful and calm tonight.”
“Yeah, it is.” Akk gazed back at the moon. With the refreshing breeze tickling his skin, this moment could be too perfect. Except nothing is completely perfect. A sigh skipped Akk’s throat, sounding as heavy as how Akk felt.
“What’s wrong?” Ayan’s voice became more alert and attentive.
Akk scrolled and scolded himself for letting his emotions out again. “Nothing.” He said, trying to sound more cheerful.
“You suck at lying.” Akk almost got offended at Ayan’s remark. He was brilliant at lying, just not to Ayan. “Come on, tell me. What’s on your mind?”
Taking a deep breath, Akk collected his thoughts as he said, “Nothing serious for real. I just miss you. We always look at the full moon together… and… don’t worry. I am okay. I promise you. I just miss you and wish you were here.”
Akk found it amusing how he could tell when Ayan was smiling even though he couldn’t see him. His words just come out softer and gentler. His words could be the cure to all of Akk’s overthinking; they healed him. “I miss you too. And even though we are not physically together now, we are always together.”
“It is not the same,” Akk said and hated that he was whining about a situation that neither of them could help.
“I know it is not the same, but at least we are looking at the same moon right now. Look! I am sending my love through it now. Do you see it?”
Taking a deep breath, Akk couldn’t help but smile as he shook his head at his boyfriend’s silliness. “Idiot. I cannot see anything.”
Ayan fake gasped as he said, “How? Look carefully, focus on the moon. There, ‘I love you so much, Akk’ is written all over the moon. Do you see it?”
No one, no one ever could make Akk smile this widely. Warmth filled his heart as he appreciated Akk’s effort to make him feel better. It worked. For a bit, but it is assuring. Ayan was thinking of him, too. Ayan was looking at the same moon. Ayan loved him just like how he loved him. Deciding to play along, Akk replied. “It is written in the smallest font. I almost missed it.”
“Oh no, we cannot let this happen. Look again, this time it is bigger, clearer, and brighter. ‘Ayan loves Akk so much.’ Do you see it?”
Chuckling, Akk nodded, “Yes, yes, I see it now. So beautiful.”
“Good. Now send me yours.” Ayan requested.
“Here, can you see ‘I love Ayan so much’ written on the moon?”
“Yeah, I do, but it is not enough,” Ayan said. “Sigh, maybe I need to hug you and kiss you so the message will be clear.”
“You are not playing fair,” Akk complained before both of them chuckled. After a moment of silence, and just listening to each other gently breathe over the line, Akk was the first to break the silence. “Don’t stay out late. Did you eat well today?”
“Yes, I had a sandwich. I prefer having you.”
“Oh god, you don’t miss your chances, do you?”
“Never.”
“Well…”
The End