Chapter 8 - Moonlit Confessions

Under the enchanting glow of the full moon, the night was drenched in an eerie stillness. The clock marked 1:30 am, a time when the world seemed to hold its breath, enveloped in an uncanny silence. The darkness draped over everything as if nature itself had been cloaked in a shroud of obscurity. At this heart-pounding juncture, Nib stood on one side of the college road, a lone figure amidst the hushed surroundings.With determined steps, he crossed the road and embarked on a journey toward Kimsy's villa. The engine's soft purr harmonized with the night's tranquility, and a tranquil smile graced Nib's lips. There was an unmistakable glint in his eyes, a fervent spark that resembled a resolute vow to claim Win as his own.Inside Nib's condo, a sense of gravity hung in the air as Jian and the others sat on the sofa, their expressions marked with profound seriousness. Jian's voice resonated with simmering anger, ''If anything has happened to Nib, I won't spare Win.''Sky remained silent, his thoughts seemingly distant.Pit, lost in contemplation, refrained from speaking.Nine proposed, ''Should we try calling Win?''Sky responded, ''Jian already attempted, but Win isn't picking up.''Pit cast a pointed gaze at Jian and teased, ''Jian, your affection for Mew was quite evident. But now, I'm starting to suspect that your attention might have shifted toward Nib. Is that true?''Jian's intense gaze fixed on Pit, and Sky joined the inquiry, ''What's the truth behind this, Jian?''Jian's silence persisted as Pit continued, ''Perhaps you have a soft spot for Nib.''In a swift motion, Jian kicked Pit, toppling him off the sofa. Grunting in pain, Pit held his backside, ''Ouch! You brute!''Jian retreated into a nearby room and slammed the door shut.Meanwhile, a woman clad in crimson attire sauntered down the street with an air of enigma, a knife clutched in her hand. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back, shrouding her in an aura of mystery. Her footsteps resonated through the serene night, each step punctuating the stillness.Abruptly, the woman stumbled precariously, nearly colliding with Nib's car. His eyes widened in shock, his heart threatening to shatter. Yet, as fate would have it, the woman made an impact with the car. Nib's exclamation escaped his lips, laced with astonishment and anguish, ''Mom...!''In a flurry, he hurried out of the car, a palpable unease consuming him. Sweat dotted his brow, his trembling hands a testament to his disquiet. He scanned his surroundings, searching beneath the car, behind it, and across the deserted road. An eerie silence prevailed. He covered his face with a shaky hand, his words faltering, ''H-How could it be?''''It felt as if I saw my mother...'' A sigh of profound emotion escaped him, ''I can't comprehend this sensation.''Nib swiftly dialed his father's number, his heart pounding with unease. After a tense moment, his father's voice echoed through the phone, ''What's the matter, Nib? Why are you calling at this hour?''Nib's breath caught, urgency in his tone, ''Where's Mom?''Mr. Anog's voice tinged with concern, ''Nib, what's wrong? Are you okay?''Nib pressed, his voice quivering, ''Dad, please, where's Mom?''Mr. Anog reassured, ''She's right here, sleeping next to me. Do you want to speak to her?''Nib's astonishment reverberated, ''Are you absolutely sure?''Mr. Anog, his worry deepening, questioned, ''What's going on, Nib? Why are you so distressed?''However, Nib abruptly ended the call, his relief palpable, ''Perhaps it was just a disturbing hallucination...''''Calm down, Nib. There hasn't been any accident.''''I'm on my way to you, Win...'' (A quiver of a smile)He started the car, determination propelling him towards Kimsy Villa once again. As he departed, an enigmatic silhouette emerged on the road, shrouded in mystery.Now outside the confines of 'Kimsy Villa,' Nib surveyed his surroundings. The stillness of the night was punctuated only by a gentle breeze. Resolute not to disturb Win in the dead of night, Nib sought a discreet entry. His gaze wandered, landing upon a balcony that extended into a room, the edges adorned with a majestic teak tree. Uncertain if this balcony belonged to Win's room, Nib decided to venture forth. A first attempt to scale the tree ended in failure, sending him tumbling to the ground. Undeterred, Nib made another attempt, this time successfully ascending the tree. Yet, the balcony's formidable walls thwarted his efforts to grasp onto them. He plummeted once more, this time a twinge of pain coursing through his ankle, ''Ah, darn it...''Perched on the ground, Nib cradled his ankle, determination burning in his eyes. He made a solemn vow, repeating it like a mantra, ''Today, I will meet Win.''''Today, I will meet Win.''''Today, I will meet Win.''Fuelled by newfound resolve, he rose to his feet and tackled the balcony once again.Placing his hand on his waist, he exhaled tiredly, ''Finally!'' His gaze fell upon a collection of vibrant flower pots, adding charm to the surroundings. A few steps further, he found himself before Win's room. To his surprise, the doorknob yielded easily to his touch. A mixture of astonishment and joy painted his features. The room was bathed in a gentle dimness, and there lay Win, peacefully asleep with his face turned towards him, cocooned in the embrace of a soft white sheet. The moon's ethereal glow illuminated his features as if casting a shower of iridescent pearls all around.Nib released a deep sigh, finding himself unable to resist the pull towards Win.Seated on the floor beside the bed, Nib's hands rested on the edge, and he gazed at Win. Their proximity was intimate; Nib's face was just inches away from Win's. The rhythmic sound of Win's breathing seemed to weave a melody that resonated in Nib's chest.Nib's fingers embarked on a journey, tracing the contours of Win's features. He began at the crown of his head, his touch gentle yet consuming, gliding down to his prominent eyelids, finally lingering on Win's lips like the petal of a tender rose, slightly curled. A soft smile adorned Nib's lips as his hand traveled lightly from Win's cheek to the curve of his jawline. Unexpectedly, Win's grip tightened, pulling Nib closer to his chest in his sleep. Nib's call of Win's name, ''Win...'' held a hint of amusement, until he realized that Win was still lost in slumber. A rush of relief washed over him as he understood the situation. Meanwhile, Win's sleeping voice resonated, ''Nib, never leave me...'' His grip tightened further, ''I won't ever let you go...''Once again, Nib found himself caught between confusion and surprise. He had always yearned for Win's touch, for him to hold his hand and confess the sentiments of his heart. ''Winn, I never wanted to pull you away from me,'' Nib murmured softly, his gaze locked onto Win's face, brimming with emotions.In response, Win's pull became even more fervent, drawing them closer to a precipice of a kiss. Nib's initial instinct was to retreat, yet as moments passed, he surrendered to the magnetic force between them. With closed eyes, Nib inched forward, their lips almost brushing.Abruptly, Win's eyes snapped open, and Nib's eyes followed suit. For a fleeting second and a half, their gazes locked in a potent connection. Then, a startled cry erupted from Win's lips, ''Ahhhhhh...'' Startled by the outburst, Nib swiftly moved, hovering over Win on the bed, his hand pressed against Win's mouth. Win's wide eyes stared up at Nib in astonishment, his mind momentarily questioning if he was still within the realms of a dream. Slowly, reality dawned upon him, his gaze locked onto Nib's, who responded with a mischievous hush, ''You really know how to scream! Keep it down...''.Suddenly, a resounding knock reverberated through the door, capturing the attention of both Win and Nib. The door swung open to reveal Kimsy, her apprehension palpable due to the earlier screams that had pierced the air. "Win, are you unharmed?" she inquired, her voice taut with concern.Win promptly brushed Nib's hand away from his mouth and responded, his fingers entwined in a gesture of reassurance, "I'm perfectly fine, Kimsy! A rather unwelcome lizard paid me a visit." His gaze then shifted to Nib, a fleeting expression of annoyance crossing his features, Nib's mischievous grin firmly in place.Astonishment etched across Kimsy's face as she exclaimed fervently, "A lizard within my abode! Open the door, and let me confront this intruder."Win's throat felt parched as he hesitated, his eyes locked onto Nib's, silently conveying a message. The room held a breathless pause.Kimsy's determination wavered momentarily before she acquiesced, her voice laced with resolve, "Very well, spare yourself the ordeal for now. But tomorrow, I shall equip you with the means to eradicate any lingering reptilian presence.""Thank you, Kimsy," Win offered with gratitude, his words resonating with sincerity.With a nod, Kimsy retreated to her quarters, bidding Win goodnight. Yet, Nib lingered, still perched atop the bed. Suddenly, Win propelled him aside, unceremoniously tumbling him to the floor. The soft luminance of a table lamp was summoned to life, casting its glow upon the scene.Win stood by the bed, Nib now fallen and illuminated by the gentle radiance, Win's gaze settled upon Nib's form. A faint hue of pain marred Nib's expression as he gingerly held his ankle. Win's concern materialized as he approached, lowering himself to Nib's side. Gently, he supported Nib's arm, allowing him to lean against the bed. Trousers were carefully rolled back to reveal a reddened, swollen area just above Nib's ankle. Win retrieved a vial of pain-relieving spray, directing its mist over the afflicted region. Nib's eyes met his, a wordless understanding passing between them as Nib's hand came to rest atop Win's, a fleeting touch that prompted Win to wince involuntarily.Win's attention shifted, his wrist coming into view. Nib's question hung in the air, and Win's response remained silence-laden, eyes locked in contemplation.Yet, Nib's own realization surfaced, and he spoke with contrition, "Forgive my impulsive behavior. Such treatment was deserved."The room held a quietude, the threads of their unspoken bond weaving an unbreakable connection.Win made no utterance, poised to return the spray bottle to its designated spot. Before he could act, Nib's firm grip intercepted his movement, guiding him to settle beside him. Gently, Nib cradled Win's right wrist, administering the healing mist. Win's gaze brushed Nib's, a fleeting connection that stirred an unexpected reaction. Laughter bubbled forth from Win, a spontaneous eruption that caught Nib off guard.Astonished, Nib queried, "What's so amusing?"Through his laughter, Win managed to retort, "You, in pain..."Nib quirked an eyebrow, a playful retort forming on his lips, "So, my suffering brings you joy?"Win's laughter subsided, a genuine reassurance coloring his voice, "No, not at all."Silence lingered an unspoken understanding bridging the moment. Win's voice resonated, laden with introspection, "In the end, we both share the scars."Nib's laughter melded with Win's, a harmonious symphony of mirth filling the air.Time slipped by, casting Nib reclined upon the bed, while Win settled beside him, legs drawn close. A contemplative aura enveloped Nib, his gaze fixed upon Win, as though words yearned to escape his lips. Win's own curiosity surged, his query hanging in the air, "Is there something on your mind?"Nib's response surfaced, tinged with uncertainty, "A hunger stirs within me..."Win's annoyance flickered momentarily, then receded as he strode out. Minutes later, he reentered, a steaming bowl of corn soup cradled in his hands. Placing it within Nib's reach, Nib eagerly partook, savoring every spoonful until the last drop was consumed. Win's unwavering stare hinted at a query unspoken, a moment pregnant with the need to share.Nib broke the silence, his words tentative, "Is there something you wish to ask me?"Their connection deepened, a poignant resonance weaving their fates."Win, what brings you to my room at this hour?"Nib quipped, "You beckoned me."Win, bewildered, countered, "What? I never called for you."Nib scoffed, "You're quite the fibber."Win remained silent.Presenting his call log, Nib retorted, "Behold, the evidence—a missed call from you."Rubbing his temple, Win recalled his phone's activity upon entering the room. "I must've dialed by accident.""Now—"Nib interrupted, sprawling on the bed with a sheet draped around him. Win inquired, "What's this?"Nib's reply dripped with mischief, "Why should I suffer your blunder?""I won't allow you to stay."Undeterred, Nib pulled the sheet tighter, retorting, "Why should I bear the consequences?""I won't share my bed."Eyes widening, Nib playfully tugged the sheet, "Watch how you can't stop me."Straining for control, Win lunged for the sheet, their eyes locking.With a roll of his eyes, Win relinquished his grip, doused the light, and headed to the sofa, pillow in tow. Nib's mischievous smile lingered in the darkness. "So, you'll sleep on the sofa, just as I wanted."He added teasingly, "You fear you won't restrain yourself from sharing a bed with me."Win clenched his teeth."Why glare? Aren't you anxious, Win?""It's your doing, Nibb."Nib continued provokingly, "Anyone would succumb to temptation sharing a bed with me."Win, seething, shot back, "Your fault, Nibb."Nib challenged, "Prove it, then."After a pause, Win sighed and laid his pillow across from Nib. Nib exultantly slapped his own shoulder, victory apparent.Moonlight filtered in, the room embraced by a tranquil ambiance. Nib and Win lay parallel on the bed. Nib's voice softened, "You proposed in your sleep."Staring, Win queried, "When?"Nib replied, "In your slumber..."Win hesitated.Nib persisted, "You did..."Win sighed, "You must've misheard."Unfazed, Nib continued, "And by the way, no need for imaginary fantasies. Just utter, 'Nib, my love, I crave you,' and I'll satisfy you even in public. Vast experience, you see."Enraged, Win's face flushed. Seizing Nib by the collar, he growled, "Define 'experience.'"Nib grasped his wrist, drawing him close.Flustered, Win stammered, "What...are you..."Nib gently swept his hair aside, "I won't let your unruly hair obscure you from me."Win's breath hitched."And your hidden side...I've yet to witness it. As for 'experience,' prior to you, I've had about 100 girlfriends, countless moments."Win's eyes darkened, the desire to overpower Nib rising, but Nib held firm, drawing him closer. Nib's voice grew sultry, "Never shared with a man, but tonight, I explore that with the one I love most." With a breathy tone, he brushed his lips against Win's. Win wanted to push him but couldn't...