I walked slowly toward the glass wall, hoping I could pass through it, though who knew. The view from Will’s apartment had always been my favorite spot. I pressed my forehead against the cold glass, occasionally letting warm breath escape my lips.
Click, click......
I heard the shutter button being pressed several times and immediately turned toward Will, who was still trying to photograph me from the angle he wanted. I gave him a small smile, then posed with a melancholy air as I lifted the hem of my dress slightly, revealing the expensive high heels I had bought after saving for three months.
Click......
“Will, are you going to keep taking pictures of this heartbroken model?” I asked as I adjusted my dress and posed against the glass wall, turning my gaze away from Will.
“You’re perfect, Che. You’re always perfect in my eyes. I don’t want to miss a single moment of taking your picture. No other model suits that glass except you.”
I chuckled softly. “As far as I know, I’m the only one you allow into this apartment. But maybe soon you’ll have to find another model, Will.” My voice caught as I said aloud the reality I would have to accept sooner or later.
Will set his camera on the table, then came over to me and stared sharply, as if a storm had begun raging in his blue irises, made dangerous by anger at my words.
But he kept it to himself. Gently, he took my hand and helped me stand, then carried me bridal-style. It was as if today were the wedding day we had been waiting for, his eyes never leaving me.
“I don’t like you saying that, Che. My eyes will look only at you, now and forever.” I fell silent in his arms. I could only remain quiet as he gently laid me on the bed whose familiar scent still lingered. Chocolate and mint. My scent and Will’s.
Then Will took off my high heels and pulled the blanket up over my shoulders. He sat dejectedly on the edge of the bed. I wasn’t the only one hurting. The two years I had spent with Will had left a deep impression on both of us.
Love had blossomed in both our hearts.
I tugged on Will’s arm and told him to lie beside me, shifting over to make room. His blue eyes met my black ones. His hand pulled the blanket over both of us, shielding us from the cold night and hearts that were growing colder by the moment. I flinched when his arm wrapped around me and drew me closer. I was only as tall as his shoulder, so I had to tilt my head up when we were separated by only a few inches.
My eyes closed when Will erased the distance between us and gave me a long, soothing kiss. A kiss that seemed to rebel against all the truths we could no longer deny. The truth that he was no longer my lover, but my older sibling.
And how love casts such a faint shadow. Together, Will and I betrayed reality. Tears slipped down my cheeks during the kiss, as if I realized that nothing would be the same tomorrow—as if this kiss were a true symbol of parting.
“Will,” I murmured softly, gripping the front of Will’s shirt tightly.
“Hmm... any problem, Che?” Will asked as he brushed the tear-wet curve of my cheek.
“Tell me that you love me, Will. I miss hearing you say that,” I replied, blushing.
“I love you, and I’ll never let you go. I promise. You can find me anywhere and hold me to this promise, Che. Now go to sleep. I know your head is pounding because of that damn bartender.”
“Hehe... just call him Antonio. I already think of him as my own older brother.” I closed my eyes and hugged Will, so warm and comforting, unaware that the body in my arms had jolted in shock at my words. I only wanted to enjoy this night with him. William, my lover, not my brother.