Zeal had always wondered what family raised Kaelix, this little walking ball of sunshine. Now he knows. It was more sunshine.
The Debonairs were all warm and affectionate people who constantly wore smiles on their faces, bright balls of sunshine indeed. Kaelix’s parents even gave Zeal a hug as a greeting.14Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1Blq8pOyt
“You must be Zeal that Kaelix has constantly been talking about.” Mrs. Debonair was the first to talk, her voice kind and warm.
“Mom! Don’t expose me like that!” Kaelix was embarrassed, panicking even.
“But it’s true.” It was Kaelix’s brother that chimed in this time “Every time we ask him if there’s anything interesting, he talks about you.”
“I’m flattered.” Zeal said, looking at Kaelix with a hint of amusement.
Kaelix buried his head in his hands as the conversation unfolds even more, he didn’t expected to be betrayed, especially by his own family.
“Outed by your own family, huh?” And Zeal speaking his thoughts out loud wasn’t helping.
“Now you know how much you’ve been on my mind for the past years.” Kaelix responded, deflated. This wasn’t the impression he wanted Zeal to have of him.
“I kinda like it. Now I know how much you love me, back then and now.” Zeal says as he gave Kaelix a kiss on the cheek.14Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS6sXC555M
Zeal’s family was the almost polar opposite to Kaelix’s, calm but not to the extent of coldness, and less physically affectionate. They shook Kaelix’s hand in form of a greeting, along with “It’s great to finally meet you in person.” Zeal’s father gently pats Zeal’s shoulder as he walks past him, a gesture which only Zeal could tell, it was an approval.14Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXBMRM5gKN
“Do you think that they like me?” Kaelix asked, unsure of the answer.
“I know for a fact that they do, and will for the rest of their life.” Zeal replied, remembering the affirmation his father gave.
The two families were taking time to know each other. Kaelix has a close relationship with his siblings, it was without doubt that he would form that same relationship with Zeal’s. Within a matter of minutes, the three of them were talking about memes and brain rot. Things which Zeal was deemed “too old” to understand. What Kaelix didn’t know was, Zeal was great at handling children. He’d thought that Zeal was more unbothered or nonchalant towards them. But then the newfound fact should’ve been no surprise, considering the age gap between Zeal and his siblings. Even though he wasn’t able to understand the “younger” generation’s language, he had patience and the will to learn about these new things. Zeal was also a great giver of advice, in minutes, he was solving problems for Kaelix’s siblings like a counselor.
“Mr. and Mrs. Debonair, may I have your son’s hand in marriage?”
“Say ‘no’ mom! Dad!”
“Why? Do you not like him? He seems like a polite young man.”
“No! He’s sneaky, sly, and evil!” Kaelix whined.
“Eugh, that hurts Kaelix.” Zeal replied, acting as if he was hurt by Kaelix’s words.
Everyone laughed at the playful banter the soon-to-be newlyweds put up, even the couple themselves laughed along.
Their siblings wanted to do something outdoors, Kaelix joins them under the sun, while Zeal silently watches by the door with his father beside him.
“Don’t be like Icarus.”
“Hmm?”
“Don’t fly too close to the sun, or your wings will melt.”14Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2IE42jSun
Although subtle, his father was showing his worry in his own ways, and he’s grateful for that. Not everyone has a supporting family like him or Kaelix does.
He looked at the grass lawn, where Kaelix and their siblings were playing a game of tag. The white haired man was smiling, laughing, bearing a brightness so radiant that he himself was unaware of. A sun that shone ever so brightly, naturally drawing people closer to bask in its warmth. Zeal was one of them, entranced by the light and flew towards it, trying with all his might to get closer, even if it was only an inch or two. And when he finally came back to his senses, he had already fallen into the sea, sank deep in love’s embrace.14Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFDredzNps
“I’m sorry dad, but I may have already burnt my wings.”
He heard the man sigh in response, not in disappointment, but in more of a “I knew it” tone.
“You love him that much?” It wasn’t his father who was asking the question, it was Kaelix’s. Zeal had no idea how long had the man been eavesdropping on them.
“Yes, with all I have.” He answered without hesitation, it was a no-brainer.
“Treat him well.”
“Without question.”
As how in the world would he ever let his happiness go?14Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetX1eE0TL3
Kaelix glanced at Zeals way, he sees the man with their fathers, the three sharing a conversation. A soft smile was showing on Zeal’s face, Kaelix couldn’t help but wonder what they were talking about.
“Tag! You’re it!” Someone tagged Kaelix as he was busy being mesmerized by Zeal’s soft smile.
“Come on Kaelix, you’re getting distracted! And that’s no fun.” His brother yelled.
“Hey! Just you wait!”
He’ll ask about it later, for now, he needs to finish, and win this game of tag.
“Come home whenever you’d like. Marriage doesn’t mean dissociating with your family.”
“Remember to come to family reunions okay? Bring your husband.”
Husband, Kaelix liked how the word sounded. Especially when describing Zeal.14Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTZ8sAOQiq
“Take care of yourself, alright?”
“Come visit when you guys have time.”
Although not vocally showing, Zeal’s family cared.14Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBpv8g1Dgm
As they said their goodbyes, the three groups of people went on their own separate paths. Even though in three different locations, their hearts are still connected as one.
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