Chapter Text
It should have been an exciting time; after all, he and his longtime boyfriend had recently taken the big step of buying a house. Maybe Zee's expectations were too high, but this isn't what he envisioned when he thought of him and Nunew moving in together.
It wasn't the best location, and Zee often worried about NuNew's safety. But it was all they could afford, and honestly, the price was good for a centrally located place. That should have been the first red flag.
Nunew saw the potential in the fixer-upper and thought they could replace the flooring, tear down the peeling wallpaper, and bring some life and charm back into the house while keeping the elements that gave it character.
Zee always loved his optimism.
The layout wasn't bad, and the neighborhood was nice; the neighbors were welcoming and friendly.
He just wanted better for Nunew, and he hated that they had to settle like this when he had expected to make more money than this, but this was their budget. It was small and cozy with uneven wooden flooring that was warped from moisture, peeling wallpaper from age, and the heat.
The hallways were narrow, and the kitchen was sad, especially since they both loved to cook together. The counter was a concrete slab, old cabinets in an ugly old oak color, and the counters were sandwiched between a stove.
The sink was a shallow metal basin with a pipe that drained directly outside. The faucet dripped constantly, leaving a small wet circle on the concrete. There was a small round table, enough for two people to eat, and old wooden chairs tucked underneath it, styled with a rug for decoration.
An old light cast the room in a soft golden hue. There was a door that led straight to the garden, one of the reasons why Nunew wanted this house. He always wanted to grow his own fruits and vegetables, but prior to living in an apartment, he couldn't do that.
The space was small, and they had a two-bedroom house; the narrow hallway led to the two bedroom doors on the right, and a small bathroom on the left.
Zee still didn't understand why they got this place for so cheap. While it was old and rundown, it had two bedrooms, a spacious backyard, and was centrally located to the stores and the closest bus stop.
It almost felt too good to be true. Maybe because it was.
He couldn't ignore the uneasiness he felt when he heard that the last owner had vanished, but he assumed it was because this was the person's home, and anybody would have been unsettled after hearing the last owner had disappeared and was still considered missing.
Though the plumbing was terrible, the floors creaked, and there were constant leaks and things that needed to be repaired. Zee hated it, but Nunew, his baby, never complained and cleaned up the house.
He made it their own with decorative plants, pictures, and small decorations to pull it together nicely. Nunew even repeatedly told him, "It didn't matter where they lived as long as they were together."
Zee loved him so much.
But he felt so frustrated that he couldn't offer Nunew the best. He deserved better, but told himself this was temporary. They were young and would eventually build their life together.
Zee was currently an assistant working at an office job, the regular nine-to-five; he already had a degree and wanted to climb up the business world. Mainly, he just wanted to do well so he could help with NuNew's long-time dream of owning a cafe.
His boyfriend was currently a part-time barista and always smelled like coffee, and when he wasn't working, he was studying at university. He was in his last year of university and was expected to graduate soon, and Zee was ready to settle down and propose to him. They had been together for two years, and the timing seemed right. It was perfect.
Zee had roused in the early morning just as the sun cast a glow through the sheer curtains, and his arms tightened around the smaller body pressed against him on reflex. He watched, almost transfixed, staring as the sun cast a beautiful, warm glow over NuNew's soft features.
He could watch him sleep for hours.
Nunew always claimed it was creepy, but Zee justified himself and declared he was just gazing at him because there was something about Nunew, relaxed, safe, that just tugged at Zee's heart. His boyfriend has been so overworked with his job and his studies that he really doesn't get enough sleep. Sometimes he literally has to drag him to bed just so Nunew can catch a few hours of sleep before waking up early to work his morning shift.
It worried him that Nunew didn't take care of himself if it wasn't for Zee being there to feed him and take him to bed. Back when they were dating, Nunew looked so tired—still gorgeous as ever, his hair was longer then, he had auburn prince hair that just accentuated his features, made him look softer, but he had dark circles under his eyes, but a contagious smile.
It was the first thing that drew Zee in when he first saw him behind the counter. His smile and his eyes—his sparkling boba eyes that he would call it. He was just so beautiful, and when he learned more about Nunew and who he is as a person. He fell hard.
Nunew was hardworking, almost too much. He was so kind and down to earth, and he helps others in need. Zee would never tell Nunew this, and he probably would tease him as he does now, calling him a creep for watching him sleep, but when he first saw Nunew. He was so intrigued, he couldn't help but watch him.
There were a few instances where he saw him outside the cafe, but he hadn't purposely followed him. Perhaps it was fate; they were just at the same place at the same time. And as soon as his eyes found him, they never left.
Nunew was always doing something.
Feeding the stray cats and keeping them company, petting them, or sitting near where he could give the stray lonely cats a little bit of love and companion. Other times, he was helping elderly people cross the street, and even gave a homeless person food he fetched down the street.
Zee was just in awe.
He wasn't used to seeing people with genuine intentions, people who just helped without asking for anything in return.
Looking at Nunew like this, pressed against his arms and feeling the warmth of his body heat radiating against his own, and his arms around Nunew. He wanted his mornings to start with Nunew, to kiss him senseless—not caring about morning breath.
He wanted to make sweet love to him every night, to cook him breakfast, and ensure he eats something to start off the day with energy. He wanted to text him during periods when they were both free. More than anything, he wanted to build a life with him.
Zee wanted to be a part of Nunew's wins, his losses, his accomplishments, and his struggles. He wanted to watch Nunew grow, evolve, and figure out who he wanted to be. He wanted to hold his hand through all of it and be a partner, his support person.
He couldn't imagine his life without him.
It physically pained him.
He wanted to go somewhere he could follow Nunew. The thought didn't startle Zee even though it was seven sixteen in the fucking morning. The thought has been there for a while, and honestly grounded him. It made him look forward to their future.
He had so many plans.
Nunew shuffled closer and even in his sleep, reached for him, and Zee was so, so, so deeply in love. He hummed and pressed his face into Nunew's neck.
He rubbed his back soothingly, not wanting to wake him up, but he knew this was the time when Nunew had to get up for work. Still, he gently rubbed his back to wake him up. His hand moved to run his fingers through his now black dark strands.
Nunew shifted to lie on his back as a soft sigh left his lips, and his eyes fluttered open. Blinking bleary sleep eyes in his direction. Zee watched him with heart-shaped eyes. He looked so beautiful. His black hair spilling like ink across the pillow. Long bangs cover his eyes, causing him to brush them away so he can properly look at him.
"Morning, baby," Zee says as he leans over him and presses a soft, chaste kiss to his mouth. The younger boy below him only hummed in appreciation, returning the kiss even though he was half asleep at this point.
"What time is it?"
Zee glances at the analog clock behind him to catch the time before he looks back at Nunew, "Seven twenty." He sighed softly, knowing it's a busy day ahead for both of them.
Nunew lets out a pitiful whine as he presses closer, face buried in his chest, as he closes his eyes for a few moments longer. Zee allowed him a few moments, knowing it would be very shortly before his boyfriend would begrudgingly crawl out of bed to get ready for the day.
"How long is your shift?" Zee asked as he scratched his scalp gently, his hand running down the span of his back.
"Not long," Nunew mumbles, and he pulls back to meet Zee's eyes. He was a part-time worker while he was in school. Most of the time, he didn't work long hours; he only pulled doubles or took shifts if he was needed.
Zee didn't like that Nunew stayed longer than his allotted time. He hated that he constantly covered for coworkers, and for that, a lot of them took advantage of his kindness. He didn't balance work and his schoolwork, and because of that, he became overworked and stressed out.
"Five hours." Nunew stretched his body, and he sat up, running his hand through his messy and unkept hair. Zee followed him up, arms still wrapped around him like he was anchored to him, and he dropped his face on his shoulder, pressing a kiss there.
"Mm," Zee hummed. "How's your day looking?" He peered up at his boyfriend, who didn't look pleased, and instead lay back into the circle of his arms.
"Classes until five." Nunew grabbed Zee's hand and interlocked their fingers, glancing at the clock that seemed to be moving faster than he would have preferred.
"Make sure you eat. I packed you a lunch," Zee tells him, causing Nunew to huff in amusement but give a nod of his head.
"Be mindful of your schedule and take breaks at the time it says, don't let your managers push you around," Zee added after a moment, and Nunew rolled his eyes playfully at his boyfriend's protectiveness, but internally, he loved how well Zee takes care of him.
They both took care of each other.
While Zee takes on the caregiver role, tends to baby Nunew, and gives him princess treatment. Nunew also had his moments, while he was almost too nice, and as Zee says, he doesn't like letting others down, and often times ends up being taken advantage of. He speaks up when it comes to people disrespecting his boyfriend, and while he isn't as good a cook as Zee, he will cook for him and is actually pretty decent at making Zee's favorite dishes.
Maybe it was because he wanted to show his love and care for his boyfriend, and see Zee's smile when he was eating his favorite dish that he had made for him. Nunew also gave Zee encouragement by hugging and kissing him, and other means.
They both would do anything for each other, taking care of each other and doing small things for each other was their love language.
"What's your day looking like?" Nunew turned towards him as he reached for his phone, quickly checking his notifications before looking up at his boyfriend.
"Probably going to fix some things around the house, unpack a few boxes," He didn't have work today, and it seems only right to do things he's been putting off. He knows he needs to get it done eventually, even if he is dreading it.
"Be careful, Hia," Nunew shoots him a pointed look, "If I get a call from the hospital saying you sliced your hand open again, I will kill you." He pouts at him, not letting go of the last time Zee attempted to repair something but ended up in the hospital instead.
Zee laughed, even though a part of him was a little scared to face Nunew's wrath like he did that time, but he knew how worried Nunew was. He was so stressed, and was in his arms less than five seconds after exploding on him, close to tears.
"Don't worry, baby, I learned my lesson this time. I won't do anything that I can't manage, and it's small things like installing a door to the guest bedroom and fixing up the walls. Easy things." Zee promised.
Nunew shoots him an uncertain look but nods after a moment. He gives himself a few moments to enjoy the silence and the warmth of his boyfriend. They exchange a few lazy kisses until Nunew really has to start getting ready, and stands from the bed to make his way to their joined bathroom, where he proceeds to start getting ready, much to his dismay.
Zee made a quick breakfast for Nunew, nothing extravagant, because his boyfriend didn't eat much in the mornings, so he settled for something light on his stomach, which was eggs and toast. Nunew emerged from down the hall, looking adorable in one of Zee's shirts that looked oversized on him, and they ate their breakfast, which was rushed since Nunew had to be out the door and already on his way to work.
"Bye, baby," Zee pressed a kiss to his mouth, and another peck, attempting to deepen the kiss and give Nunew a reason to stay, but he won't. He cares too much about his studies, but sometimes he selfishly wishes he could keep him from leaving the house.
God, he was so obsessed with his boyfriend.
Nunew, already halfway out the door, sighs, but responds and gives his mouth a few pecks and chaste kisses. It goes on longer than it should, but no one is complaining. They part, and Nunew bids him with a, "Bye, Hia, love you!" before he's out the door, leaving Zee with his absence, who sighs and looks around the space.
The day feels long already, and it hasn't even begun. Zee, forcing his feet to move, heads back in the kitchen to clean up the mess. He collects the dirty plates, the dirty, greasy pan, and starts cleaning up. He looked around the space with satisfaction before he started to get ready. He took a shower and drank the remainder of his cold coffee before grabbing himself another cup.
He needed caffeine before he could even tackle what needed to get done. The coffee zipped through him, giving him a caffeine high, and he moved freely around the house, unpacking and placing things in the designated spots. Most of it was Nunew's things, and he knows his boyfriend would be too stressed with everything else going on, even to attempt to unpack.
He unwrapped the bubble wrap from the picture frames, smiling at the frozen frame picture of them, and he couldn't wait to add new pictures around the house. He sets a few down on the mantle in the living room. He hammered a nail into the wall to hang a few more of them, their families, and a few of their friends.
The more he added pictures around the space, the room began to come together, and feel like their home. So much so, he can even look over the flaws and imperfections of the house. It was a work in progress, but he did love the old charm and the small details that made it theirs.
Zee wiped the sweat from his forehead, and he pulled out his phone only to see that two hours had passed, and it wasn't even noon yet. He plopped on the couch as he sent his boyfriend a quick text that he probably won't see until halfway through his shift.
He moved to the backyard and entered an old shed, and there was something strange about this space, but he dismissed the feeling, and he looked around, wondering where he had placed his tools. He needed to get started on installing the door. He opened one of the cabinets, sighing in frustration before he carried on with his search, opening one of the drawers. Something stopped him in his tracks; it was nothing interesting, really.
Yet it stood out to him at how odd and out of place it was in here.
It was a single black key.
He doesn't remember seeing that when they first moved in, and they already had the keys that belonged to the other doors inside the house. What was it for?
He picked it up and looked it over, confusion settling over him as he tried to think of where this key could go to. It was possible that perhaps it belonged to a safe, maybe it was Nunew's? He didn't have a jewelry box or a safekeeping box; it was far too big. This seemed like an important key. It was quite large, like it would fit a door. It was also heavy in his hand.
He abandoned his plans as he made his way inside, mind blanking as he stared obsessively over this key. He needed to know where it went, and as he settled on the couch, looking over the key like it was a foreign object. The key started moving, like an invisible force was pulling it in a certain direction. Confused and startled, he drops it, and it yanks to the other side of the living room, almost like a magnet as it slams down on the wall next to the archway.
His eyes were nearly blown out of his eye sockets at how strange this was. Was it a magnet? If it was, why was it magnetic towards the wall?
Zee slowly approached the wall warily and cautiously, not knowing what to expect as he stared at the key. Without thinking, he dials Nunew's number. The fact that he was at work wasn't occurring to him; somewhere deep down, he knew he was, but he was too freaked out.
A hushed and confused, "Hia?" responded on the other line. Zee immediately wanted to smack himself when he heard the loud background sounds—voices, it sounded like they were in rush hour, judging by the different sounds he could make out. Someone was calling him, sounding frantic. He can make out the person, it was Nunew's friend.
"Baby, fuck, sorry. I just—" Zee was at a loss, unsure if he should worry Nunew about this key, but maybe it did belong to Nunew, and he had placed it there. But then again, his boyfriend would tell him about this kind of thing.
"What is it, Hia? Are you okay?" Nunew sounded concerned, which had Zee mentally cursing himself for worrying his boyfriend while he was at work.
"Yes, I'm fine, don't worry," Zee assures him, scratching his head as he debates whether he should tell him or not. "I was just looking for my tools in the shed in the backyard, and I found this strange-looking key. Is it yours?"
Nunew, who was preoccupied with ten different tasks, was attempting to make a drink while he listened to his boyfriend. He really should not have taken the call, but he was worried. And he was situated in the back, thankfully.
"A key? Hia, no, I don't know what key you're talking about."
"It's black and has weird little scriptures on it. It looks kind of ancient, actually." Zee says as he observes it on the wall.
Nunew paused and looked down at his phone, frowning before he picked up his phone and put the speaker closer to his ear. "You found that?"
"Yeah, do you know what I'm talking about, Nhu?" Zee asked hopefully.
"No, I don't, Hia."
"Hmm," Zee humbled and tried to pull it from the wall, but it was hard; it really was latched on there. "It did this weird thing when I brought it inside. I don't know, it shot across the room and is stuck on the wall like a magnet or something."
Nunew's frown deepened as he tried to recall the key Zee was describing, but came up blank. "Hia, maybe it was the past owners. Or maybe the realtor left it; either way, I don't think you should touch it. Just let the realtor know you found it."
"Maybe you're right," Zee says after a beat, sighing, "Sorry I disturbed you at work, baby, I'll let you get back." He smiled as he turned his back to the key that started to move closer towards the frame of the archway.
"Okay, Hia. I'll call you on my break, don't stress about keys, take it easy, hmm?" Nunew smiled before they both exchanged I love yous and bid goodbye.
Zee shoved his phone in his pocket before he turned around to grab and store the key back in the shed where he found it. With great strength, he managed to yank the key off, almost flying back as he did so. "The fuck," He curses, and he wasn't weak. He strength trains at the gym.
It almost seemed supernatural.
He noticed a hole in the archway, causing him to curse, "Another hole I need to Spackle?" He groaned as he ran his finger over it, and when he looked closer to observe the severity of the hole, he noticed it perfectly matched the shape of the key.
It was a keyhole, not a hole.
But why would there be a keyhole in the archway? Was it a door before?
Zee curiously looked down at the key before he lifted it, and without needing to push the key into the keyhole, it instead flew and fit perfectly inside. He was beginning to feel off, shaking his head and going back to his initial plan of putting it back in storage. He tries to pull it out but is unable to, groaning, he stares, ready to leave it where it is.
But something entices him to turn the key, curiosity maybe, but he manages to twist the key, and he hears a click in place. Nothing happens, which was typical. It probably was a door, but he isn't sure why a keyhole would be next to the archway, even if it was a door before.
Then something started flickering inside the archway, cocking his head to the side, a light started to appear, so bright it blasted through the entire room, causing him to close his eyes and shield his face. The light disappeared and only appeared inside the archway.
His eyes widened in horror as he discovered the archway looked like—a portal. There was something on the other side, a bright light beckoning him to cross through. He leaned closer, trying to see through the light. He reached his hand through and quickly yanked it back as if it burned him, staring at his hand like the light did something to it.
"What the fuck?" Zee looked his hand over, and with his newfound courage, he peered his head through the portal and saw nothing. Just the other side of the hallway.
"Weird." Zee shakes his head, assuming it was nothing, and finds the strength to cross through only to see light, his vision tunneled, and before he could even make sense of where he is, suddenly he is inside a room. There are voices, and he can't even make out where he is.
Nothing looks familiar, he realizes.
He turned towards a shelf where he saw a picture frame, he picked it up, and immediately he recognized his Nhu. But…
Who was that girl and woman with him?
It wasn't Nunew's mother, and he couldn't recognize the girl posing next to him. Her arm thrown over his shoulders. Something seemed different about this Nunew.
He knows his boyfriend inside and out, yet his smile was different, and so were his eyes. There was also the fact that he was wearing Chuck Taylors. Nunew wore sneakers, but he didn't like Converse. They hurt his feet.
And he didn't like wearing shorts because of his thighs. He never understood that, since he loved and worshiped his thighs. Yet the Nunew in this picture was. They weren't short, but they went down to mid-thigh. He placed it back down on the shelf, surveying the room.
He hears a voice and panics, hiding behind the bookcase and looking around for an escape. That's when a boy with a similar build enters from a bedroom. "I'll be back, Ning,"
Ning?
Zee felt fear paralyze him as he recognized his own voice. He stared harder at the man's back, and that was—that was—it can't be possible.
The boy crosses the space and knocks on another door.
Footsteps padded to the door before it opened, and Zee couldn't see the other person. They must be shorter; all he sees is black hair.
"San?"
Zee's heart beats frantically inside his own chest. That was…Nhu. His Nhu. He tries to get a better look, but the floor creaks, causing him to jump behind the couch just as San turns around to inspect the noise.
"Do you have someone over?" San asked, not sounding pleased.
"What? No." The not Nhu answers.
Zee peeked over the couch and got a better look at the other person. It was Nunew. But not Nunew? He had his exact face, even the same hairstyle. Black hair, bangs covering his forehead, boba shiny eyes, plump lips, even the slope of his nose was the same!
"Weird," San commented, shaking his head as he looked back at Non. "What's this about you not needing a ride anymore? I told you I don't mind."
"I told you, San, I got a ride from…"
"Mark?" San questioned, and Zee could see from his backside how tense he was. Who was Mark? Wait…was he and his not Nhu…not dating? He couldn't fathom a version of himself not being with Nunew. This seemed like a nightmare.
Where was he? And why was he in this strange place?
"So what, you like him now? Things were fine with me giving you rides, weren't they?" San asked, pouting, causing Non's lips to quirk up in amusement.
"C'mon, San, you also give Ning a ride. I don't want to be a burden," the Not Nhu says as he makes his way out of the room, and Zee's breath caught. Even the Not Nhu was so fucking beautiful. This San guy is a real idiot.
"Hey," San grabs his wrist and turns him around. "You're never a burden to me, Non. I like giving you rides, and I know that you're safe. It's my job as Ning's boyfriend to look after her baby brother." He teased.
"Yeah…" Non mumbles, and there was something in his tone that sounded too much like Nunew when he wasn't pleased to hear something.
Non was his name.
"It's fine, San. Mark is very nice, and we're in the same faculty, and anyway, he said picking me up is on the way." Non says as he fiddles with his stack of beaded bracelets on his wrist. They even fidget the same way when they are anxious.
"I don't like this, Non." San protests.
"When do you like anything?" Non humored, shrugging as he sighs. "Our schedules don't even align, San. You're just wasting gas."
"Gas is never wasted on you," San says adamantly. "Maybe I should meet this guy and decide if he is trustworthy, you know?"
Non groaned in exasperation, "So what? So you can scare him off as you do with everyone else? At this point, my only friend will be Thi."
"Non, I'm just worried. You're now in your second year at uni, and…men can't be trusted. And you're too innocent, okay? I just worry about you." San defends, sounding uneasy, which Zee can recognize. He often felt the same way with Nunew.
But he didn't like this San guy who wore his face. He was with not Nhu—Non's sister? And obviously, he cared for Non; he could already see it from his tone and his body language. He liked Non, far too much, than he should, with Non being the brother of his girlfriend.
"San, please, I'm not a baby, I can look out for myself. So save the protectiveness for Ning. I can manage just fine without you taking me to class every day." Non assured as he squeezed San's arm reassuringly.
San's jaw clenches, and he exhales through his nose. "What if I want to see you, and that's why I take you? We barely run into each other on campus. And I like talking to you in the car. Is that so wrong?" He asked. "Aren't we friends?"
"Friends?" Non echoed.
Zee knows his Nunew so well—and this Non seemed to be a replica of him, even to his mannerisms and the way he talks. He knows Non doesn't like hearing that word from San.
"Yeah," San answers—and my god, he sounds so dense. He probably isn't even aware of his feelings. This was going to be so messy. Two people yearning for each other, when one of them is dating the other's sibling.
"Sure, San." Non is not happy, Zee can tell. "Fine, I'll just let Mark know I have a ride." He gives in—much like how Nunew does with him. But with his Nunew, it's a give and take. Much like how they both do, they compromise and make things work. It's a balance; they both yield, and that is what makes their relationship so healthy.
He isn't sure if it's the same for…whatever these two are.
"Yeah?" San sounds way too happy.
"Mm," Non hums. "Pick me up at one tomorrow, I have to film for my project with Thi." He informs him, and the other one says something in agreement before he heads back to Ning's room, probably. The door clicks shut behind him, and Non sighs.
He raked his fingers through his hair, and he heads back to his room, closing it with a resounding click, causing Zee to spring into action and cross the room to the front door, yanking it open and walking through.
Nothing happens.
He’s in the hallway outside the apartment. There are doors on either side with apartment numbers. Panic arises, but he forces it down as he re-enters the apartment and closes the door. He tries to think of plausible reasons why this is happening.
He’s dreaming—he pinches the skin on his wrist, which hurts, but nothing happens. Another, he died, and this is his Hell.
But if he is dead. Is this his afterlife? Watching versions of him and Nunew fall in love? He just wants Nunew.
“Okay, you’re okay, everything is fine.” He mumbles, gasping as he remembers his phone in his pocket. He clicks on the screen and dials Nunew’s number. However, he gets an automated response that this number is disconnected and not in service.
Fear builds in his chest as a suffocating weight. He can't breathe, and he pulls his phone back from his ear as he pockets it.
The key! Zee yanks around to look at the door he came in, but he doesn't see a keyhole. It was just a normal door. He looks around, spotting the key on the floor that he grabs urgently.
It must have fallen when he transferred through this place. Through the portal, but…how was he supposed to go back if there was no keyhole?
There has to be a way…
Zee stared at the door until his eyes hurt, and he slowly turned around, staring at Non's bedroom door like it was taunting him.
He swallowed past a lump in his throat and knew he couldn't stay hidden for very long. Maybe he is supposed to do something here.
Was he sent here for a reason or because his dumbass walked through a portal? He needed to get back to Nunew.
Maybe it was a different door?
He slowly approached the door just as the door opened, and Non walked out with a towel, seemingly on his way to take a shower. Zee prevented him as he walked forward until Non stumbled back into the room, startled.
The door closes with a slam that echoes through the apartment.
"San?" Non asked, confused. But freezes as he takes in the man standing in front of him. There was something off about him.
It was San, but not.
His eyes widen in horror, and he opens his mouth to scream, no doubt, but Zee clamps his hand over his mouth as the two fall backwards onto his bed. There's muffled screaming.
Zee hated the look in Non's eyes; it made him physically sick because all he saw was Nunew's eyes terrified.
"Shh," Zee hushes as softly as he can offer. "I'm not going to hurt you, I swear," He tells him, and something in Non relaxes. Maybe it was because he had the same form as his crush, and he feels inclined to believe him, or maybe he sees that his intentions are genuine.
"I'm gonna remove my hand now, please don't scream," Zee begs, and he removed his hand after a moment of hesitation.
Non doesn't scream, but he stares, and stares. He blinked at him like he was a mirage. "W-who are you? You're not San." His voice cracks with fear as he scoots back and away from the imposter. On the other side, there is a knock.
"Non?" Ning asked.
Followed by another voice—San's. "Non, are you okay?" Non's attention turns towards the door before returning to Zee.
Horror filled his features as he heard San's voice while staring at his look-alike. Tears gathered at his lash line.
It was like that creepypasta where a mother is calling for her daughter, but the real mother pulls her away from the door and hides her from the monster impersonating her.
"Answer." Zee mouthed as he leaned over him, ready for anything. He would never hurt him, but he can't risk it if he screams bloody murder and alerts the others.
"I-I'm okay." Non's manages to level out his voice and sound somewhat normal.
"Okay, I'll be cooking dinner soon. Call me if you need anything." Ning says after a moment, and the footsteps walk away from the door.
Zee waited, glancing towards the door, and once he heard the faint click of the door closing from down the hall, he turned to Non.
"I didn't mean to frighten you."
"Who are you?" Non manages.
"My name is Zee Pruk Panich. I honestly don't know…How I'm here. I came through a portal, I think." He explained, sounding detached and besides himself.
"A portal?" Non echoed in disbelief.
"Yes," Zee answers and sighs after a moment, "You heard San's voice, and I'm sitting in front of you. Obviously, I'm not your crush."
Non's cheeks flushed, "He is not my crush!" He fought as he sputtered in disbelief.
"I saw you two interact. I would say otherwise…anyway, I come from a world where you—not you, but my Nunew, we are together, and I don't know why I'm suddenly in a place where I'm seeing versions of us." Zee carried on to say as he looked around in distress.
Non perked upon hearing that. "What? You mean—me, I mean, there's another version of me walking around? And he's with you?"
"Yeah," Zee confirmed, "His name is Nunew, and he has your face and your voice. Even your mannerisms, but at the same time, you're different. You're him but not him."
"Where is he?" Non asked.
"He's in my world. I don't think I was supposed to come through here, but somehow I moved through time and space, and now I'm here, and I need to get back to him."
Non stared at him, wide-eyed, and not knowing what to say. "Okay," He says after a moment of silence, and he looks beside himself, incredibly overwhelmed by this information.
Zee observed him for a moment before he spoke, "I came through the front door…the key fell when I stepped through the portal. But…there was no keyhole on the door like the one I came through, so…the portal must be somewhere else."
Non blinked dumbly at this, and he looked at the imposter like he had grown three heads and didn't know which one of them to talk to. He turned towards his bedroom door, hearing faint muffled noises as his sister moved around the kitchen.
"I-I can look and see if I notice any keyholes." He offered, and Zee nodded, looking relieved as he settled back, giving his replica boyfriend his space.
"Don't just look on the door but on the frame, even on the walls, and here," Zee handed him the key, "Hold it and see if there is any force that pulls this key in a certain direction, like a magnet. Bring it back to me if there is none." He instructed.
Non stared at Zee, before looking down at the key he placed in his hand and gave a curt nod as he rose from the bed, moving cautiously around the other before he reached the door, and stepped out of his room, closing the door behind him.
He is immediately met with San relaxing on the couch, causing him to jerk back in shock, his back colliding with the wall. A faint blush colored his cheeks.
He was surrounded by the face of the boy he had a raging crush on.
"Non?" San lifted his head from his phone as he eyed him suspiciously, noticing how strange he was acting. "You okay?" He asked as Non's fingers curled around the key anxiously.
"Yeah," Non confirmed as nonchalant as he could manage, before his eyes surveyed the room, wondering how he was able to hold up the key with his sister cooking across the space, and San situated on the couch watching his every movement.
San didn't say anything and proceeded to go back to typing a message to Thorn, probably. Once both pairs of eyes returned to their tasks, he moved around, aimlessly moving around as he approached the different doors in the apartment.
He roamed down the hallway between his mother's room and the bathroom, not seeing any keyholes, and he slowly lifted the key, but there was no force pulling the key like Zee mentioned. He studied the shape of the ridges, and it didn't look like a normal household key. He felt unsettled by it, somehow. It was very old-fashioned and uncommon in this day and age.
He tried to figure out what the scripture on the key said, but he didn't understand a word of what it said. Was it in Latin? Some dead language?
Non chews on his lower lip as he continued around the house, but nothing happens. No force is pulling the key to a wall or a door. He lands back in the center of the living room, staring at the front door Zee said he came through. He wonders if he was having a psychotic break from his crush and the stress of finals. Was Zee even real? Was he a hallucination?
Non shook his head, feeling ridiculous as he rationalized that if that was the case, he wouldn't physically feel the weight of the key he gave him. Right? Besides, San and Ning both heard him when Zee pressed him against the bed and covered his mouth in a panic.
Well, they heard him, not Zee. Non, feeling more confused, sighed as he headed back to his room, and he saw the imposter there, patiently waiting.
The man is real. Of course he was, otherwise how did his touch feel so real? He felt his calloused hands and the heat of his palm against his mouth.
"Nothing happened, and there were no keyholes," Non says as he approaches the man and hands him back the key.
"Fuck," Zee curses and plops back down on the mattress with a bounce, raking a hand through his hair in frustration. He sits up after a moment as Non stands there observing him, watching him like he was some newfound species he wanted to learn about.
"It makes no sense, if I managed to come here…obviously, I can go back, but maybe I missed something." Zee rambled before his voice drifted off as he thought his thoughts aloud. "I mean…there is no way I'm stuck here."
"Well, until you figure it out…you can stay here, in my room. If my mom or sister found out…they would freak out, so you need to be careful." Non warns.
"Don't you mean your crush, San?" Zee snorted in amusement, shooting him a knowing look, causing Non to flush and turn as red as a tomato at the insinuation.
"I don't know where you got that from, but San is my sister's boyfriend—obviously, he is worried because he's dating my sister. We're just friends." Non huffed out, "Not that I need to explain it to you." He grumbled.
"Friends, huh? I know you don't want to be. You sound too much like my Nhu, and I know how he sounds when he isn't happy about something. You're the same." Zee noted as he stood up, and Non crossed his arms, glaring at him.
"Even now, you look just like him. Like an angry kitten…cute." Zee grinned, and Non groaned, shoving him back on the bed, and Zee landed on the mattress with a bounce.
"I'm not your…boyfriend. Just because there's another version of you and him, doesn't mean me and San are destined to be together. If we were, he would be with me and not my sister." Non says, unable to keep the emotion out of his voice. There was an edge of sadness and bitterness that Zee could see right through.
"I was sent here for a reason. Maybe this is the reason." Zee pointed out, and Non laughed at the absurdity, causing Zee to furrow his eyebrows in confusion.
"And what's that? To play matchmaker?" Non humored. "That is just not reality; things like that don't happen. I mean…my sister's boyfriend's look-alike coming through a portal because of a secret mission of getting his and his boyfriend's doppelgangers together?"
"Why not?"
"Because San is not mine, he is Ning's…and…" Non's voice trailed as he turned his head towards the nightstand, staring at a framed picture of him and Ning.
"I wouldn't do that to her."
"You don't choose who you love…or who you're meant to be with. Truth is, Ning and San were never supposed to get entangled together. Maybe the whole purpose of them was for him to meet you." Zee rationalized, and Non's face twisted up in protest.
"That is severely fucked up. Are you really justifying cheating and affairs?"
"If it's how I was supposed to meet my Nhu, then yes. I don't give a flying fuck if it ended up hurting people. The truth is, I would have settled for that person, and I know in my heart, Nunew was the one I was supposed to be with from the start. Maybe San knows that, too."
Non blinked his eyes at his words and looked at Zee, who cocked his head to the side, watching him, "You know it too, don't you?"
"Don't." Non shakes his head, tears forming at his lash line, closing his eyes, "Don't give me hope, what you're saying sounds like a fairytale. In reality, my crush is not reciprocated."
"That's what you think, but I watched you both. San was jealous of that Mark guy; he was so adamant about being the one to take you to class." Zee pointed out, "You can deny it, but he is me in a way. And I can tell by the way he reacted that he was jealous, and he wanted to stay close to you. You were slipping away from him. You even said at this point, your only friend will be Thi. So he makes a habit out of chasing away anyone he deems a threat, right?"
Non contemplated his words and blinked, hope blooming in his chest as he realized Zee had a point. San was always popping up whenever another guy breathed next to him. Of course, he justified it in him being protective and looking out for him, and Non believed him.
"I…I don't know." Non feels so lost.
"Trust me, he is jealous, and I will prove it. If I were sent here to play matchmaker…then, I'm not leaving until you and San are together. I can't stand the idea of a version of me not being with a version of Nunew, and it won't take long with the way San is already acting towards you."
One Month Later
Zee spent the majority of the morning and into the later part of the day in Non's room, and he felt like he was going stir crazy. He took a nap, then paced the room as he waited for Non. But then he realized he needed to do something. San and Non weren't going to get together on their own, especially if that's the way things were going.
Obviously, things were going askew, and that is why he was sent here.
It was the only plausible reason.
Zee managed to slip out of the apartment and locate Non's university, and after asking around for him, he located the Comm Arts building. He found his boyfriend's replica, and he stayed hidden as he watched Non handle camera equipment. He was talking to a boy who looked like Yim—one of Nunew's friends. His heart pangs in his chest, missing Nunew dearly.
He glanced around as seniors passing by greeted him, and he blinked, offering an awkward wave in return. They must think he is San, which made him panic. He couldn't do anything reckless and stupid. He locates the door to the room and walks in.
"Hey P'San," Thi greeted, causing Non to turn around, but when he recognized Zee, his eyes widened as he shot him a panicked look.
"San is early," Thi mumbled as he started collecting his things and cleaning up the area, and Non is moving to detach his camera from the tripod.
"Yeah," Non chuckled nervously as he swallowed down his nerves and quickly placed his camera in his camera bag, folding the tripod and storing it in its designated spot in the room, bending over the table to turn off his laptop before collecting the remainder of his things.
"Anyway, we should work more on the project tomorrow. I got a few ideas I think could work. I'll see you later, Non," Thi says as he bids goodbye, glancing at San—Zee and wai'd, before making his way out of the room as the others retreated from the room.
Non smiled as the others bid him goodbye, and he was left alone with Zee. "What are you doing here? San is going to pick me up, are you crazy?" Non explodes to him as he looks around frantically, and Zee merely shrugs as he surveys the room.
"Film student, huh? It fits you." Zee comments, "I'm not surprised, Nunew has always been passionate and hardworking. But Nunew wants to own a cafe, he likes to bake, but also has a creative touch. He was always good at art."
Non blinked at this, and he could see the sadness and longing in his eyes as he talked about his boyfriend. He deflates with a sigh, scratching his head, humming. "Funny, I always wanted to own a restaurant. My dad was a cook, and he had his own food truck."
"Yeah?" Zee replied.
"Mm," Non hummed, "but he died…and…Well, I wasn't really a good cook anyway. The dream was short-lived, but I think I just wanted to be close to him. Anyway, I always loved movies…and Thi kind of forced me to join this film club in high school, and it all fell into place."
Unbeknownst to them, San was watching from the window with a frown etched on his face before he immediately walked through the door. His eyes zeroed in on Non speaking to someone; he couldn't see the man's face. His back was facing him, but he didn't like it.
"Non." San's voice startles them both, and Non's eyes whipped in his direction before back at Zee, who stood frozen, was about to turn his head out of instinct—forgetting how dangerous that could be, when Non is grabbing his face, which only worsens the feeling in San, whose left eye twitches at this, hands clenching into a fist.
Non stared at Zee, whose eyes widened in surprise. His hands were warm like Nunew's, but it didn't feel the same. The younger boy was speaking through his eyes, and Zee immediately understood how reckless he was being, about to turn and meet his own twin's eyes.
There was a reason doppelgangers weren't supposed to meet or cross each other's path. It would be catastrophic. It would create an imbalance, and what if he snapped and wanted to kill and take over San's life? Isn't that what happens with doppelgangers?
Or what if a black hole opens up and sucks everything into oblivion because of the imbalance, and the world ceases to exist? So much can go wrong; he wasn't even supposed to be here.
San looks three seconds away from charging up to the other man and ripping him away from Non, and he grits his teeth as his jaw aches at how hard he was clenching it. "Non, are you ready?" He asked, desperate to get Non away from that man.
"Oh, uh," Non stammers as he drops his hand.
"Who is he?" San demanded.
"Well—" Non stuttered as he looked back and forth between them, feeling stuck between both San and Zee. He wanted to protect Zee, but he also hated lying to San and upsetting him. Wait, why did San look so mad? He had never seen San look so upset, and it was fucking with his mind. Was there truth to what Zee was saying?
"He's my friend," Non manages, and Zee can feel San's glare at the back of his head, but doesn't move, as he observes Non's face, his eyes fixed on Non's anxious reactions and how similar it was to Nunew's own mannerisms.
The desperate urge to get Zee far away from San and vice versa was strong; it was like a vice—fear overtook all his senses, and he was scared what would happen if the two came face to face, and he forced out, "I have a ride, Phi, you don't need to give me a ride. I'm sorry I should have let you know sooner." He blurted out.
San looked flabbergasted, and he shook his head, ready to protest, but didn't get a chance when Non was grabbing the man's hand and maneuvering him towards the other exit, careful to ensure Zee's back was towards him before he ran down the hall.
Non glances behind him and looks back at San. Guilt eats away at him for leaving San behind, but he had no other choice; it was either that or San and Zee finally meeting, which wouldn't go over very well. He tells himself it was for the best as he drags Zee out of the building.
"He's still ignoring your text messages?" Zee asked, looking like a kicked puppy from upsetting Non, who was ignoring him and trying to focus on his studies. He was situated on his bed, looking towards his replica boyfriend who was sitting at his desk.
"I mean, I blew him off, I would ignore me too," Non pouts as he goes over the same line in his textbook that he had spent looking at for the past ten minutes, but it wasn't clicking, and his mind kept drifting to San.
"You know it's a good thing, right? It means he has a reason to be upset…I would be more worried if he wasn't mad, you know?" Zee offered, shrugging. "He saw you with another man, probably didn't help that you held my face, but it also worked in our favor."
Non huffed and ran his hands over his face and through his hair, standing up, stretching, and looking over at Zee in consideration. "I guess, but San has never been mad at me before. It doesn't feel right." He whispered, sulking.
Zee watched him in awe, and he stood up after a moment, too overcome with emotions and how much he looked like Nunew. He stood up and cupped his face, gushing over him, "You really are like my Nhu. Right down to the pout and the way he sulks." He cooed.
"Hey, stop it," Non whined, ready to swat his hands away when there was a knock, and before he could even answer, the door was opening.
"Hey, Non, I—" San's voice was cut off as he took in the sight.
Zee had panicked and leaned down and covered his mouth over Non's, kissing him and angling his face to the side so all the person would see coming in was the back of Non's head.
Non was frozen, and his heart was beating erratically inside his chest, trying to process how this all escalated so fast. San had come to see him only for him to see him kissing his look-alike, whom he doesn't know is his look-alike.
He waited—well, he wasn't sure what for. For San to leave so he could kill Zee in peace? What was the imposter's thought process?
"What the fuck?" is San's response, and he sounds livid, and before he could try to come up with a plan to get San out or Zee away without San discovering his face. He was ripped apart and pulled behind San, who grabbed Zee by the collar of his shirt, but whatever was on the tip of his tongue quickly died as he stared at his look-alike in horror.
Non winced and covered his face—half expecting, for something catastrophic to happen. He almost expected the world to end at this moment. Not just from his dramatics, but the fact that the doppelgangers were meeting and were never meant to cross paths.
The imbalance—the myths about bad omen, evil twin, death. All of it was filling his head and weighing his chest with anxiety.
"Please don't kill San!" Non blurted out, making both men freeze and turn towards the younger boy, startled and confused. Non peaked one eye open before opening the other, overwhelmed and dizzy from seeing two San's staring at him like he lost his mind.
"Huh?" Zee blinked, very puppy-like. "Non, have you lost your mind?"
"Have you?" Non exclaimed, "Why did you kiss me?"
"That's what I would like to know too, but first of all—who the fuck are you? And why are you wearing my face?" San demanded before gasping, "You're a demon, aren't you? You're trying to prey on my Non!" He accused.
Non blinked and was stuck on the My Non, causing his face to flush crimson, and he opened and closed his mouth at how off San was about his theory, but was so cute and protective.
"I am not a demon!" Zee fought, laughing at the absurdity of the situation, "Okay, how do I explain this…I'm not from this world."
"So a demon," San responded, unimpressed.
"No!" Zee groaned, "Listen," He pulled out the key, "I came through a portal, and I somehow ended up in this world where there's a version of my boyfriend and me. The portal disappeared, and there is no keyhole to put this key through to make it appear again."
"You're a lunatic." San stared at him, backing away and pulling Non with him.
"Yeah? How else can you explain why I have your face or why you have mine?" Zee countered, raising an eyebrow as he watched San attempt to say something, his mouth gaping like a fish.
"Touche," San commented, and he glances back at Non, who met his gaze briefly before looking back at Zee, "So why were you kissing Non if you have a boyfriend?"
"I panicked, I was trying to hide my face from you because I didn't know what would happen if we did come face to face. Don't act like I liked it—"
"Hey," Non pouted, "It was my first kiss, and you didn't even give me the chance to respond!"
"I didn't mean it like that," Zee soothes as he turns towards Non, pausing as he considers his words, "I was your first kiss?" He wonders.
San grinds his teeth, "So you just kiss people when you panic?" He mocks, and his grip tightens around Non instinctively.
"No," Zee growled as he rolled his eyes at himself—at San, "I have a boyfriend who I'm trying to get back to. I'm not trying to get with Non," He paused, "I'm not a threat to you, don't worry."
San sputtered, "Excuse me?" He exclaimed, "Why would you be a threat? Non is not my boyfriend, I was just worried you were some demon feeding off his life force or something like a succubus." He defends himself.
"Save it, we both know you're in love with Non. Otherwise, why would you be so upset that you ignored him after we ditched you?" Zee smirked.
"That's ludicrous! I-I was only upset because Non ditched me after I went out of my way to pick him up." San explained himself, groaning, "Why am I even talking to you? This is insane."
"Right," Zee hummed, "Out of your way, you say? Even though Non told you he had his ride covered and didn't need you to pick him up? But you were adamant on taking him."
"What was his name?" Zee tapped his chin, "Ah, right, Mark, yeah?" He grinned as he noticed the way San's eyes darkened at the mention of the other boy. "That's what I thought."
"That's different…I was just looking out for Non. There's a bunch of weirdos out there, you know. It's my job to protect him." San's defenses are getting weaker.
"Job? Please." Zee snorted, "You're in denial, but keep denying it…one day it'll be too late and someone will sweep in and see how gorgeous Non is and won't care that his sister's boyfriend likes him, and you'll have to watch some guy love Non in all the ways you're afraid to."
Non blinked, cheeks flushing at the compliment as he looked between them. He tried his hardest not to look at San for a reaction, but failed.
"Anyway, sorry to disappoint, but I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying with Non," Zee challenges, knows how to provoke San because in a lot of ways he was like him, especially when it comes to his jealousy.
"What is that supposed to mean?" San snapped.
"I'm here for a purpose and can't leave until it's fulfilled. As much as I would love to get back to my Nhu, I have to stay here until I'm not needed." Zee turned to Non and winked, and he looked back at San, and if looks could kill, he would be dead.
"You're so selfish, you have a boyfriend, and you want Non too?" San accused, huffing out as he looked over Zee in disgust.
"I mean, in a way, he is my Nhu. Same face, same hair, same eyes, same lips—both great kissers, by the way." Zee continued with the act even though he felt sick, saying these things about someone who is not his boyfriend. But he wanted to make San snap, and make him realize his feelings and do something about it.
"I guess you wouldn't know that, though." Zee intentionally licked his lips, and San laughed without humor, scowling at him, but it didn't faze him.
"Non I need to talk to you!" San blurts out suddenly.
Non was startled by his outburst, and he looked up at him, opening his mouth, but the older boy was grabbing his hand and pulling him out of the room.
He glances behind him at Zee, who is giving him a thumbs up with a cocky grin, causing him to roll his eyes before the door clicks closed. He expected San to let him go as they reached the living room, but he was pulled to the balcony with the door closing behind them.
"Non," San turned to the younger boy, and San looked frantic, looking so beside himself, and Non instantly wanted to comfort and soothe the other boy.
"Hmm?" Non hummed.
"I don't know what you feel for him, but…you…you can't!" San blurted out, unable to steady his voice with his heart beating so frantically inside his chest.
"Why not?" Non asked instead of reassuring him that nothing was going on. He should have, he wanted to, but he was also curious about what San was going to say.
"Well…he…he has a boyfriend!" San reasoned, obviously clinging onto something, anything, if it meant he didn't have to reveal his true hidden feelings.
"Yeah," Non hummed in acknowledgement, "but I mean…Zee did say in a way I was him, I mean…he's your look-alike, and his boyfriend is mine." He pointed out.
"That doesn't mean you are him or he is you. I mean—I'm not like that cocky, greedy asshole, that wants to have his cake and eat it too." San fought.
"Zee isn't like that." Non whispered, couldn't help but defend him since he had a soft spot for him—maybe it was because of San and having his face and all.
"Don't defend him," San whispered, trying to keep his emotions at bay and preventing himself from blowing up with jealousy.
"I like him, San," Non says, even though it comes across differently. But it was the truth; he was blinded by San's face, and Zee was also a devoted boyfriend waiting eagerly to get back to his boyfriend. He was nice and very charming, too.
"No!" San blurted out, "You can't like him because I like you, Non! I mean—I mean I have for longer than I can admit. And I don't know when my feelings changed, one day you weren't Ning's brother, and maybe deep down, I always felt more, but I didn't think anything could happen between us, I was scared you would reject me, and everything would fall apart!"
Non was stunned at the confession and could only blink as he processed San's heartfelt love declaration, and his heart skipped a beat in his chest.
"Y-you like me?" Non echoed weakly.
"I always have." San exhaled slowly after catching his breath.
Non smiled after a moment, and tears formed in his eyes, unable to help but get a little emotional. He never let himself hope, never let himself imagine a scenario like this.
It felt like betraying Ning, and he felt like hoping was dangerous, and he loved San so much that he wanted to respect and protect what they had, so he never let himself imagine them together. Loving him was enough, and he was content with that.
At least he thought he was until he heard San's confession.
"San…" Non whispered, at a loss for words and suddenly very self-conscious and shy under San's gaze, "I always, always loved you. It was always you I wanted, and nobody else."
"Yeah?" San grinned, "Not even Zee?"
Non giggled in amusement, "He was just saying stuff to piss you off in hopes you would confess. He has a boyfriend he's waiting to get to. You don't know how distressed he's been, trust me, the kiss was just…a mistake, poor judgment on his side. But he panicked."
San hummed, and he stepped closer, slowly taking Non's hand in his own and interlocking their fingers. "Are you sure you want this? It's going to be a mess when Ning finds out, and all of our friends." He pointed out. "Am I really worth the risk?"
"You know Zee said you don't choose who you love or who you're meant to be with. He says he doesn't care if it hurts people if he met his boyfriend under the same circumstances, because deep down he knows who he was always meant to be with, and being with someone else would just mean he was settling for that person." Non looked down at their joined hands, thinking about his sister and chewing on his lower lip.
"I don't want to hurt Ning, but I think I'll regret it if I'm not honest, and…if Zee reminded me of something, it's that you never know what will happen. You should make every second count, and I don't want to spend it in fear and regret, San." Non looked at him.
"He's right about one thing," San mumbled as he played with Non's fingers absentmindedly.
"What's that?" Non whispered as the space closes between them.
"I settled for Ning, I know that now." San closed the space between them and pressed his lips against his own, and Non made a noise of surprise before kissing back.
Zee waited, his leg bouncing, and he bit the nail on his thumb, praying that this would work somehow. Maybe he needed to fulfill some mission, and then he would be able to leave. He couldn't believe this was his life—stepping through a portal to a universe where he and his boyfriend lived —they were them, but not them. San was definitely not him.
He wasn't that dumb with NuNew. He knew what he wanted right from the start and didn't need another version of him to knock some sense into him.
Fuck it. Zee rose from the bed and made his way out of the bedroom, eyes scanning the dark area of the living room. His eyes drifted towards the terrace, through the clear glass sliding door, and he saw the moment they kissed. His chest aches; it was like a mirror being held up to him, and NuNew, watching himself kiss his boyfriend. But it wasn't him. It wasn't them.
Suddenly, a bright light flashed, causing him to wince as he turned towards the door, his breath hitching as he saw the portal.
His attention turned towards San and Non, who must have seen it as well. They are now stepping back into the room, looking perplexed at the sight of the portal.
"Holy shit, you really came from a portal." San mumbles, a hand coming to rest at the lower of Non's back, who Zee was pretty sure wasn't blinking. He couldn't help but notice the way the light reflected in Non's—Nunew's eyes. God, he missed him.
"You can finally go back to your boyfriend." Non smiled, turning and looking at Zee, pausing as he realized this was where they bid goodbye. His smile faltered slightly. It was such a weird feeling; they hadn't known each other long, but still, Zee was emotional.
This was a version of Nunew he had grown attached to. Even though he wasn't him, he couldn't help but still be fond of him. Yet he didn't hold the same sentiment towards San; he felt like a stranger, and he really didn't understand him.
Maybe he didn't have the time to understand him; it's not like he wanted to anyway.
"Yeah," Zee approached the portal, and he turned towards Non, and he offered a smile. "I was right about San, you should believe in yourself more, Non. You're so much like my Nhu. You're a bright star, and I hope you go far with your filmmaking."
Non's face flushed, and he averted his gaze, looking startled but nodding his head. Zee knew him in ways that were surprising. He knew his insecurities and how small he felt, and how he felt like an outsider to his own family, even doubted whether San reciprocated his love.
Zee opened and closed his mouth, sighing before looking at San. "Treat him well, or I'll come back to knock some sense into you. Also…" He looks back at Non, before looking back at San. "Non's heart is fragile; he is a lot like my Nhu. Don't be dumb, I know you're still with his sister. Don't mess with his feelings, and don't drag this out. It isn't fair to either of them."
"I know," San says, fingers twitching against Non's backside with restrained anger at Zee's insinuation. He always treated Non well, even if he was dumb, as he says, he would never hurt Non. And now that he knows without a shadow of a doubt, his feelings for Non, he doesn't want to waste a second. He also didn't want to lead Ning on. He knows what he has to do.
"Bye, Zee, thank you for helping me even though you wanted to go back to your Nhu. Travel safe and…I'll never forget you." Non's eyes are shiny with tears as he smiles weakly at him.
Zee nodded his head, "I won't ever forget you, either." He breathed out shakily. He was relieved, but happy to get back to Nunew, yet there was sadness he wasn't anticipating. He turned towards the portal, and he stepped through it.
His vision tunneled, and all he saw was in a bright flash, making his vision blur. He opened his eyes, seeing white flashes, his sight blurred, shapes melting and reforming, and dread filled his senses before he even opened his eyes. He realized stepping through Non and San's universe for the first time made him feel wrong…and off somehow. Like gravity was different, the air carried a different weight, and his body was being pulled by a thread, stretched taut.
He didn't feel grounded, and fear gripped him tight as he was pulled through another alternate reality. His eyes blinked open, and he looked around, trying to take in his surroundings. This place was too…grand…too…lavish. It was quite vast; the room he was in seemed to go on forever. There wasn't a single thing out of place, beautiful artwork covering the walls, a huge King-size bed in the center, lots of gold, and neutral accent colors.
He felt like he was tarnishing the room or lessening it in value just standing here. He approached one of the tall ceiling-to-floor windows and peered out of it, eyes wide in horror as he took in the beautiful view. Vast greenery that seemed to stretch on for acres. Horses were frolicking in the distance, and on the other side was a garden.
"Where am I…" He mumbled.
"Charan?" A voice he knew too well broke him from his thoughts, causing him to freeze, and he slowly turned around to see—Nunew?
He looked like his Nhu when he first met him—auburn prince hair, but his mannerisms and the confidence he exuded, the way he was standing with such grace, wasn't like Nunew. His Nunew definitely grew in confidence, but he was still somewhat shy. Not always, Nunew was coming into himself. Yet this version was already there.
His outfit is what threw him off. Expensive fabric, wearing trousers and a blouse that just screamed luxury, he didn't even want to wonder how expensive it was.
"Uh," Zee stammered under the unwavering gaze of this version of Nunew.
Disappointment settled deep as he realized he wasn't any closer to returning to Nunew. Maybe he was—but how many versions were there?
Looking around the room for any clues, he realized how over his head he was. This wasn't like Non and San, who were university students. They came from a world he understood; it was one similar to his and Nunew's. But this version?
Nunew's version had this aura, and he just could sense he was someone of importance. Not just because of Nunew, but the way he presented and looked. And well, the environment they were in. He was either rich or an heir, maybe a prince—
"Your Royal Highness," A shorter man is approaching his not Nhu, from behind. The color drains from his face as his suspicions are confirmed.
“Oh, Charan, I wasn’t aware the King had reinstated you as His Royal Highness’s Royal Bodyguard,” Chakri says as he turns his attention towards him, and Zee is at a loss. His Royal Highness? King? Royal Bodyguard? He was going to pass out.
Has he entered a romance novel? Prince and royal bodyguard?
"Why are you dressed like that?"
"Uh." Zee looks down at his outfit, which definitely looked out of place compared to the others in the room, and he was supposed to be a Royal Guard.
"I, uh, wanted to check on Your Royal Highness." Zee stuttered, earning him strange looks from Chakri and the prince.
Khanin still hasn't said anything and was observing him, and Zee wanted to squirm under his gaze, but he realized that wouldn't be typical of a Royal Guard.
How was he supposed to act like A Royal Guard?
The prince already looked like he suspected him, almost like he knew he wasn't Charan. Non noticed right away—
"Chakri, excuse us." The prince says as he stares at him harder, and the butler, he assumes, glanced between them before retreating out of the room.
The door clicked closed behind them.
And then—"You're not Charan. Who are you?"