The Morning After
Warich woke to the sounds of nature and for a moment forgot where he was, until he heard the faint rustle of another tent unzipping.
But Klao wasn't beside him. His side was cold where he should've been, the pillow still fluffed and ready for sleep. Warich reached for the spot instinctively, fingers brushing against the ring. Still sitting there where he had left it. Untouched.
He sat up slowly, dragging a hand through his hair. He rubbed at his jaw, guilt gnawing at him like a bad taste that he couldn't get rid of.
You're not mature at all.
You cornered me.
You embarrassed me.
The words circled inside his mind like hungry vultures. Words that had tasted so sharp last night were just bitter remnants this morning. He didn't even know why he said them like that. Maybe because it was easier to attack than admit he was afraid and panicked. Much easier to hurt Klao than admit that a part of him wanted to say yes, but he was honestly afraid he wasn't enough for the new mature and responsible Klao.
Warich picked up the ring and held it in his palm. It felt much heavier than it should.
💔
By the time Warich left the tent, the sun was high, and everyone was scattered in small conversations. Nothing looked wrong. Sand gave him a tight smile from where he sat beside Pond. Arm waved lazily from the picnic table, nestled against Arm's shoulder. Faifa and Wine were off chatting quietly by the edge of the water.
Warich could feel everyone's eyes shifting and conversations softening. Like everyone had heard a version of a story he hadn't even told yet.
"Hey," came Yotha's voice beside him. "Can we talk for a second?"
Warich didn't want to look up and just nodded. He stood up and followed Yotha away from the common area toward a shaded spot by the trees. They stopped where the noise couldn't reach them.
Yotha didn't waste any time. "Klao left this morning."
The words didn't register with Warich at first. Then... "What?"
Yotha looked him straight in the eye. Calm, not cruel. "He asked me and Gun to drive you home."
"He... what? Why?"
"He said you two needed space," Yotha went on. "Said he didn't want to make a scene. Just wanted to go."
Warich's throat tightened. "He left without saying anything to me."
Yotha hesitated for a moment, then said, "He thought you'd say something worse if he did."
That hit Warich hard. He looked away, jaw clenched. The ring was in his pocket, burning a hole into him. "Where did he go?"
"Didn't say. Just asked us to make sure you got home safe. He still cares, but I think he finally hit his limit."
Warich didn't respond. What was there to say?