Chapter 7

August shivered slightly. Since they'd just left the cafe, he was feeling cold due to the sudden change in temperature.

His breath fogged due to the cold, emerging in the form of smoke from his mouth. A gust of cold wind flew by, making him shiver again.

"Here, senior. Wrap this around yourself," Edward extended his scarf to August.

"No, no. How can I? You'll feel cold."

"It's okay. I have this coat and besides, I'm not that cold."

August shook his head and was about to decline again, but before he could do so, Edward wrapped the scarf around him.

He was momentarily shocked, forgetting to speak, "..."

Edward just smiled at his dumbfounded expression. Even he had to admit, it looked a little cute. What a waste of such an innocent face on a vile person like him.

Well, whatever. Edward knew that the person in front of him was a wolf in sheep's clothing anyway. He always acts so clueless and pure, completely unlike his real self. If Edward didn't know this, even he might've been fooled. His disguise was so good, it almost felt like his real self at times.

Right now, he's acting since they're just friends. The moment they get in a relationship, Edward is sure he'll begin to show his real colors, his real side. That's when he'll expose him, shredding the fake perfect image he created for himself to pieces.

"As expected, it looks good on senior."

August couldn't help but go red at that. His cheeks, which were already flushed pink from the cold, became even redder.

At that moment, it felt like they were the only people on earth. The road was empty, save for a few pedestrians.

Both of them just stood there, looking at each other. Time seemed to stop. August felt Edward's gaze burning inside him, every bit of himself exposed. But he didn't feel uncomfortable. No, this was the person he wanted to give all of himself to. Why would he feel any vigilance?

He was the only person in Edward's eyes right now. He could see his reflection staring back at him in Edward's eyes. There was no one....just him. Just like Edward has always been the only one for him.

It was perfect, but also felt calm before the storm at the same time.

Light snow started falling. One wayward snowflake floated down and found its way on August's nose.

He sniffled and felt a little ticklish. Just as he was about to wipe the snow off his nose, Edward stopped him.

"What are you-"

"There's a snowflake on your nose, senior. Make a wish."

"..Huh?"

"-Make a wish," Edward repeated.

August paused for a moment before tilting his head in confusion. "But why?"

Wrapped in the voluminous scarf, his face looked even smaller, lips parted in confusion. Some locks of his neck length hair were stuck inside the scarf while others fell out, painting a rather endearing image.

"Haven't you heard of the legend, senior?" Edward chuckled, "Well, it's to be expected. You're always so busy in this and that, how would you hear of these urban legends."

"-Look, when a snowflake lands on your face, it's considered good luck. People say that wishes made at this time definitely come true."

"...Like that eyelash one?"

"-Yep!" Edward closed his eyes and joined his hands together. He said, "Now, make a wish like this."

August smiled at his somewhat childish and naive behavior. Still, he followed suit and joined his hands in a praying position.

'Please let me stay with Edward forever. Please let me become someone more than a friend to him,' He repeated three times in his mind.

"Done?" Edward asked when he saw him open his eyes.

August nodded. He didn't really believe in this sort of thing, but for once, just went with the flow. Still, he couldn't help but ask, "You really believe in this type of thing?"

"Yeah. I did at one time, at least," The look in Edward's eyes was sad, like he was reminiscing about a loved one.

August felt something wasn't right. He cautiously asked, "...If you're not too uncomfortable sharing it, what happened?"

"I made a wish like that. That my brother lives well."

"Is....Is he okay?"

Edward smiled. Although his lips were curved, there was no warmth in his eyes. Right now, August felt his gaze like he never did before. His eyes were cold and empty, not unlike an endless abyss.

"No, he's not," Edward continued, "He's not alright."

"What...What happened to him?" August knew saying this wouldn't make it any better, but he still added, "-Is there anything I can do?"

Edward stopped and sharply turned back, making them face each other. He looked at August, seething hatred shining in his eyes.

"No, thank you. You already did a lot, senior."

The last words were spat out icily, digging deeper and deeper into August's heart.

August could feel his heart throbbing and anxiety rising. His mind was a mess, a thousand thoughts flashing by. Why was Edward being like this? What did he do? Why....Why is he showing such a contempt filled expression?

Edward saw his confused expression and sneered, "I'm sorry, senior," His tone was still filled with scorn, not sounding sorry at all.

"No, it's my fault for stepping out of the line-"

Edward turned away before August even finished speaking. "Let's talk next time. I have to go now. Goodbye."

Although he said goodbye, it didn't feel good at all.