Welcome

December 12th, 2020

The orange-red colored sky begins to fade as darkness spreads. The scenery passing by becomes blurry as I struggle to keep my eyes open. Aseo and I should arrive at gran's house early tomorrow morning.

I look around the bus, all it's passengers seemed to have passed out, and decide it's fine if I get some sleep as well.

"Hey, wake up," Aseo whispers while shaking me.

I hum, mumble, then move around a little.

"The bus is about to arrive at the station," He says.

I slowly open my eyes and nod. Once my vision is stable enough I look towards Aseo.

Smiling I say, "Thanks for waking me."

He nods and gives a smile back.

Three hours later, we arrived at my beloved gran's house.

The taxi leaves as Aseo and I stare at the cozy house in front of us. It wasn't huge, but it wasn't that small either. I sigh contently and tell Aseo to follow me.

Arriving at the door, I put my luggage down and knock.

We hear gran's sweet voice from inside the house and just the thought of her makes me smile widely. She eventually arrives at the door and opens it for us.

Our greetings happened in a flash. We entered, set up our room, ate, and sat on the couch to talk. As predicted, gran didn't mind the extra guest and welcomed him happily. The three of us got along amazingly. In just a short amount of time it seemed as though Aseo had known gran his whole life.

The day passed quickly; night fell and the air became chilly.

"Well, it seems it's time for bed. We'll talk more tomorrow. Now, go rest in your room," Gran said.

We nodded and followed her instructions.

The room Aseo and I were staying in wasn't that small. It had one bathroom and one bed, we didn't mind sharing, but it still had quite some space. This room was actually the master bedroom, but gran thought it was too big for just her. There's also a guest room in the house, though it has now become a library/office.

I yawned and finished getting changed.

"I'm going to bed now," I say. Aseo nods and closes the door to the bathroom.

The night was nothing but calm and peaceful. Being in the same house with the two people I love the most was everything I could've asked for. No Ezial, no school, no worries, and no pain. I felt nothing but calmness.

The next morning was as expected. The three of us had fun and laughed over breakfast. Later, I decided I wanted to show Aseo one of my favorite places here.

"Aseo?"

"Yeah?"

"wann go to the park?"

"Of course!"

Aseo and I arrive at the park late in the afternoon. We had coats on as the winter air hit our noses. Kids ran around with red cheeks as their parents chased after them. Bare trees surrounded the park with a few initials carved into the bark. The names would forever be there and I wondered who had put them there. What did the initials stand for, when were they carved there, and were the people still together?

I snapped out of my daze when I almost ran into Aseo who was standing in front of me. He laughed a little at how lost in thought I was. I only smiled as he began to walk in front of me.

"You know…I remember one time when the two of us had lunch at the same coffee shop. It wasn't planned, but I was going to invite myself to your table. Halfway there, I realized you hadn't noticed me. You were so lost in thought that I decided to just leave. You seem to do that a lot." He laughed a little at the end and I could see the happiness in his eyes. He truly seemed to have no care in the world.

I tried to remember when Aseo's story had taken place. I tried, but I couldn't remember it. I never did notice Aseo then. Out of curiosity I asked Aseo when the incident had happened, "Hey. When did that even happen?"

Aseo stopped walking and remained silent. I quickly tried to think of something I had done wrong, however, I couldn't find anything. He apologized after a minute and then said it was about two years ago. I let it sink in and was reminded of the painful pause in our friendship. Two years ago we didn't even spare each other a glance, let alone eat lunch together.

I quickly replied with an 'Oh' and caught up to Aseo. I didn't know if he was feeling regret or shame but I wanted to see his smile again. Before I had the chance to speak Aseo blurted something out.

"I have a confession to make," while saying this he looked me straight in the eyes. I was taken aback to say the least.

"Ok. What is it?" I managed to let out.

He looked around for a moment then told me it was best to talk at home We quickly made our way back to the house and took off our coats after entering. We greeted gran and then made some coffee.

"I'll meet you upstairs. How about get some pillows and blankets so we can make a fort? Ill get snacks." I tell Aseo. He seemed so anxious the whole way here. I don't know what he wants to tell me but I want him to feel comfortable. He nods and runs to our room. I stay in the kitchen and prepare some comfort food.

Once our fort is built we start to get let loose. Aseo and I have a pillow fight with the extra pillows and then set up our small bed inside. I get the snacks open as Aseo sip from his mug. Everything is in place and I can tell this conversation is going to be serious. I know what he is going to tell me has something to do with our friendship. I know whatever he says now will not effect our improving relationship though. I am ready to hear what he has to say. I might even get some things off my own chest.

We share a look. The look tells the other that we are ready. We aren't alone.

"Well," I begin

"Let's talk," Aseo finishes up.