August was on the floor, his eyes half-closed. Every once in a while, the water in his eyes got too much to hold, and an occasional tear flowed out, his expression unchanging. His vision was blurry, but he couldn't care less. Even... even his bed smelled like Edward. It seemed that there really was no part of his life untouched, untainted by him. Everything he had now just served as a constant reminder of what he's lost.
The doorbell rang. August made no movement to open the door, just continuing to lay down lifelessly. It rang again, but still, the boy on the floor took no notice. The person behind the door seemed to get impatient. He pressed it again and again fruitlessly. After about 15 minutes, there was a click as the door slowly opened, revealing the mess inside to the short-haired boy.
He placed his hand on his mouth in mock distress and sighed, "Oh, is it the ever calm and collected August Castellan looking like that? The perfect person, laying on the floor like this. You know, opening that door took a lot of work."
August didn't acknowledge his presence or show any reaction to his home being broken in. He simply didn't care about anything anymore. Ian looked around as if he had all the time in the world before approaching August. "Hey, August! Look at me, I'm Ian!" he smiled, "I bet you know me, right? The one you saw at the cafe with Edward."
Edward's name finally got a reaction out of him. He slowly lifted his head, looking up at the kneeling boy. He didn't say anything, just silently looking at him with lifeless eyes. Ian laughed, "Remember me? I bet you do." He noticed his bandages, "Oh, did I come at the wrong time? I'm sorry, but this is urgent. So, you must be wondering, what am I doing here?"
August didn't show any interest, but Ian wasn't discouraged. He continued, just as brightly as before, "I know for a fact that you're going to be very interested in a moment. You must be thinking, why Edward left you, right?"
"Still, no interest? I thought you'd be at my collar right now, demanding answers." He chuckled, "But since I'm such a good human being, I'll still tell you." He came closer, and their faces almost touched. There was a crazed grin on his face as he guessed, "He said he hates you, right? That he never loved you, and there were things you don't know of? He did, right?"
August's silence served as an affirmation as Ian's smile got wider. "...I know him all too well. His character, personality, moves... all was clear since the beginning. And you too, August. I know you more than you think."
"You didn't believe him, right? You must be thinking he was lying. After all, people really do say the strangest things when carried away." His smile got wider, August's troubled and anxious expression giving him immense joy. "But guess what, August? That wasn't the case. He really, really freaking hates you. For real, you know?"
"He never loved you, and he wasn't lying when he said that. You must be wondering, why does he hate you? Well, that's not something I will answer. Rather, I can give you something, a definite proof of his seething hatred for you. Listening to it or not... is your choice." He took out a phone from his pocket, throwing it on the carpet. "Here. All your proof... lies here."
He didn't intend to stay around any longer as he went towards the door. Just as he was about to see himself out and shut it, he turned. "You were there on that day, when I met up with him in the cafe, right? I bet you must be so curious what we talked about. That's where this recording is from, August Castellan. Play it... if you dare. You believe in his love for you, right? Let's see how much this belief would be after that because if there's one thing this recording will clear, it's his feelings toward you. Vengeance and revenge... aren't the same as love and care, okay?" He went away, shutting the door.
August was once again left alone, no longer like a lifeless body lying on the floor. He was on his knees, expression troubled. His breaths felt hitched as his heartbeat sped up. Trembling, he picked up the phone. His hands were shaking so much that the phone fell twice due to his unsteady grip. Since he hadn't eaten anything in three days, his body seemed to have no power even for a task as simple as picking up a phone, seeming to exhaust him.
There was no lock, and a single file on the phone screen. Biting his lip, his fingers hovered over the icon, unable to make a decision. Should he... do it? But... but what if Edward really hates him? What if all he's believed in till now comes shattering, his worst fears coming true?
No... no. Denying reality wouldn't change anything. He might run away from it, but him playing the recording doesn't affect Edward's feelings for him. If he hates him... at least August should know, so he can do a final favor to Edward, show him a final proof of his love. He'll always stand by him, fighting with all his enemies, even if that said enemy was his own self. He... he'll make him happy, whatever it takes.
"I don't like August." His voice was full of contempt. "I hate that person more than anything in the world. I'd like nothing more than to see him suffer in misery, burn in the deepest pits of hell. That's how much I hate him."
It cut off, replaying the same thing.
There was no doubt it was Edward. August got a strange look in his eyes as he didn't weep, but rather, laughed, "...Isn't it funny? You really weren't the one lying after all, Edward. Now, I can lie to myself no further. Everything... really is clear now. Edward, I love you."
He smiled fondly as he remembered his face. "I really, really love you. And I'll do anything for you, even if it meant killing someone. Would you... would you be happy when the person you hate so much dies?" He repeated, "You would be, right? You'll laugh with your cheery and bright smile, your eyes curving into crescents. If this is what can make you smile for real because of me... then I have no regrets."
Without a single trace of any regret, he got up, pure happiness radiating from his face.