Chapter Text
"Okay… has everyone suddenly lost their voice? I mean, I get it—this guy here is ridiculously handsome… I know… but that doesn’t change the fact that I’ve never seen him before," Luke commented after what felt like an eternity, noticing that everyone was still staring in shock and disbelief, as if they couldn’t comprehend what had just happened.
The room was heavy with tension, and everyone swallowed hard as Luke, still puzzled but somehow amused, continued to gaze at Josh. Josh, on the other hand, was slowly losing color in his face as his brain struggled to process what had just unfolded.
Mintra was the first to move, slowly rising from Luke’s chest. She stared directly into his eyes, her expression unreadable.
“Luke…”
“Yes, baby?” Luke responded softly, his voice filled with affection as he gently ran his hand through Mintra’s hair, gazing at her with the same love he’d always had. Mintra let him, even though her cheeks flushed slightly, and she avoided his intense gaze.
“Um… what exactly do you remember?”
“You mean, like… what do I remember about what happened to me?”
“Yeah… I mean… before the accident…”
“What? I had an accident?” Luke asked, feigning shock, his eyes wide with mock surprise as everyone stared at him with equally wide eyes.
"Hahaha, calm down. I’m just messing with you. Jeez, can’t anyone take a joke these days?" Luke quickly corrected himself, laughing nervously as he noticed the offended expressions on everyone’s faces.
Gawin quietly watched Josh out of the corner of his eye, painfully aware that Josh was not handling the situation well at all. Josh seemed to be trembling non-stop, his usually warm, bronzed complexion now pale. He looked like he had seen a ghost—a ghost that had cast a terrible spell on him. His eyes welled up with tears, but he held them back, still overwhelmed by the reality unfolding before him.
Bright had inched closer to Win, wrapping his arms around him from behind and planting a kiss on his neck while watching Luke sadly. Luke, on the other hand, was the only one seemingly unfazed by everything. No wonder—he had no clue that he had completely forgotten one of the most important people in his life.
“Okay… since you all want to act weird and spooky today…” Luke began, taking one of Mintra’s delicate hands into his, playing with it as he gazed at her with admiration. It was as if Luke had fallen in love with her all over again, and the warmth in his eyes was like a dagger piercing through Josh’s already fragile heart.
“…So, I remember visiting my buddy Bright here, right? I think I was upset about something. I wasn’t doing well. I used some… you know… stuff to get high and forget whatever it was. I just can’t seem to recall what it was. I’m pretty sure it had something to do with a fight we had a while ago. I think… I messed up, because I remember you threatening to break up with me. We talked on the phone, and you were furious. It broke me. I was shattered.
I needed advice on what to do next. And… yeah, now I remember. That’s why I went to Bright’s. To ask him how I could win you back. And after we talked, I remember stepping outside his studio. I pulled out my phone… and I texted you, because I needed to talk to you. My heart was aching for you. I needed to see your face and fix what I’d done wrong…” Luke paused, gently caressing Mintra’s cheek with his large hand, wiping away her tears. Mintra was overwhelmed. She had thought she could be strong, that she had everything under control. But at that moment, she realized how deeply she had fallen for Luke, and it was far stronger than she had allowed herself to admit.
Luke’s soft, intimate touch made her heart swell with love, and Win could see the radiance of that love in his sister’s eyes, just as he saw the same longing in Brights gaze whenever he looked at him.
Win watched his sister with sorrowful eyes, knowing all too well the pain of loving someone who didn’t feel the same. Luke was channeling his emotions meant for someone else toward her, and everyone in the room knew it wasn’t right.
"Can you look at me, Mini?" Luke whispered tenderly, gently tilting her head up to meet his eyes.
“I love you. So much. And it breaks my heart to see you hurting. I never wanted to hurt you. I can’t live without you, and I don’t want you to break up with me. Please. I… I think I was saying just that when I got hit by that car… standing in the middle of the road, everything went dark after that. I remember Bright calling my name… and then seeing your face. I remember thinking… that if I were going to die, I just wanted to see the person I love the most, one last time…”
Josh suddenly snapped out of his daze and bolted from the room. He couldn’t take it anymore. Gawin looked after him, stunned, torn between following him and staying. What would he even say to him if he followed? Was there any hope left for them? Could Luke’s memory loss somehow give them a chance at their relationship? Or was Gawin simply running away from a truth he had been afraid of all along?
As a thousand thoughts raced through his mind, he made his decision and followed Josh out the door.
Luke blinked in confusion as the two visitors, whom he clearly didn’t recognize, abruptly left the room.
“Did I say something wrong?” he asked, puzzled by the sadness in everyone’s expressions.
Mintra, with tears in her eyes, smiled softly, pressing Luke’s large hand against her cheek.
“Will you forgive me?” Luke asked lovingly, brushing his nose against hers as she got lost in his beautiful, almond-shaped eyes.
“I… I… don’t…”
“Please don’t say no. I’ll do whatever it takes. I promise. I love you, Mini. Just you. That feeling I had when I was lying on the street, my lungs filling with blood, almost dying… I’ve never felt love like that before. It was deep, and… powerful. I knew right then that I could never love anyone as much as I love you. So please… give me a second chance. Bright… tell her how much I cried, how much I wanted her back, please…”
Luke’s eyes turned to Bright, pleading desperately. Bright felt overwhelmed. Yes, Luke had broken down and gotten high to escape his emotions—but those emotions had never been for Mintra.
“Please, buddy… I’m losing her…” Luke begged, and Mintra suddenly cupped his face and pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss.
"Fuck… how did this even happen? How did I fall in love with you so quickly?" Mintra whispered, her eyes still closed as she slowly pulled back from Luke's lips.
Luke just stared at her, completely mesmerized by the kiss and her stunning beauty.
"Well… I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I mean… look at me?" Luke joked, wiping away a few of Mintra’s tears, which made her chuckle softly.
"Does that mean you’ll forgive me?" Luke asked, his voice hopeful. Before Mintra could respond, her brother Win interrupted.
"Mini? Can we go outside and talk?" Win asked, seeing his sister lost in her emotions, sinking into Luke's chest, still in his hospital gown.
"Do you really have to take my angel away?" Luke protested, holding Mintra a little tighter, but Bright quickly jumped in to help Win.
"I actually wanted to talk to you too, Luke…" Bright added, giving Win a quick wink.
"Of course you did… bro…" Luke muttered, under his breath, still holding Mintra’s delicate hands as if he was trying to pull her back into his arms. Mintra chuckled and finally broke away, giving Luke a soft push before following her brother outside.
**
Meanwhile...
"JOSH! JOSH! Please... STOP!" Gawin was breathless as he tried to catch up to Josh, who was practically running away, clearly wanting to escape from everyone.
Josh was a mess. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, and he didn’t know what to think, let alone how to feel. All he knew was that this wasn’t fair. Gawin didn’t deserve this. But still, Josh couldn’t face him—not now, not with his worst fears unfolding in front of him.
"Gawin… please… just…" Josh’s voice cracked as he kept walking.
"Please… wait…" Gawin pleaded, managing to catch up. Josh stood with his back to him, and Gawin hesitated, reaching out a hand, unsure if it was okay to touch him.
"Gawin, I…," Josh began, turning slowly toward Gawin, his face a mixture of pain and confusion. He didn’t know what to say because there wasn’t anything that could make things right.
"I… I…" Josh repeated, as Gawin closed the distance between them and pulled him into a tight hug. Josh hadn’t expected it, but he melted into Gawin’s arms, breaking down completely.
"I’m so sorry…" Gawin whispered, holding him tightly, trying to convey all his love and tenderness. Josh clung to him as if he were a lifeline, crying his heart out.
**
"Mini… what are you doing?" Win’s voice was soft but firm.
"I KNOW! I know, okay? I know what I’m doing is wrong. Luke doesn’t love me. I know that… but it feels good, okay? For once, it feels good to be loved…" Mintra’s voice cracked as she wiped away more tears.
Win looked at her, sadness filling her eyes.
"Mini, you have to tell him the truth. He’s going to remember eventually…"
"What if he doesn’t?" Mintra shot back, her voice rising.
"What?"
"What if… what if Luke stays like this? What then?"
"Mini…"
"We could be a real couple, Win. For once, with real feelings…" Mintra’s voice wavered.
"Mini, you don’t mean that…"
"We could get an apartment together, start a life…"
"Mini, stop." Win’s voice was firmer now.
"I’m IN LOVE WITH HIM, WIN! I want him to be mine!" Mintra cried out, her emotions spilling over.
"I know… but it’s wrong…"
"I KNOW! You don’t have to remind me!" Mintra yelled before breaking down into sobs.
"I just… I don’t want you to hurt yourself, Mini." Win said gently, moving closer to try and comfort her.
Mintra turned away, tears streaming down her face, "It’s not fair, Win…" she whispered.
Win nodded and pulled her into his arms.
**
"You and Win seem pretty solid," Luke said, grinning at Bright, who looked like he couldn’t be more proud.
"Yeah… we’re doing well."
"I’m happy for you. After all that stuff with the coma and drugs, you were pretty shaken up."
"Yeah… uh, Luke…" Bright started, hesitant.
"Yeah?"
"How… how are you doing?" Bright asked cautiously.
Luke shrugged and chuckled. "I guess as good as I can, given the situation."
There was something off about Luke’s happiness. It seemed too forced, too out of place.
"Luke… Mintra…" Bright began, unsure of how to approach the topic.
"She’s incredible, isn’t she? Absolutely gorgeous…" Luke’s face lit up.
"Yeah… but that’s not what I…"
"Bright, what’s wrong? I know you and Mintra haven’t always seen eye to eye, but she’s your fiancée’s sister. She’s going to be your sister-in-law soon, so you’ll have to deal with her eventually," Luke said with a playful grin.
"I don’t have to do shit," Bright shot back, his voice firm as he watched Luke chuckle.
"Look, Luke. I’m your friend…"
"One of my best, man. Why so formal?" Luke interrupted, smiling wide.
"Yeah, and because of that, I need to be honest with you, okay?"
"Of course… as do I… wouldn’t expect anything less from you," Luke said, still smiling, holding out a hand with the tube of his dialysis attached, feeding him liquid nutrients. Bright took his hand and squeezed it warmly.
"Bright… what’s wrong? I know you… what are you not telling me?"
"Luke… I… you really don’t remember anyone else? Someone important to you?"
"What do you mean? Of course I remember my parents, but…"
"No, not your parents… I mean, someone our age."
"No… I don’t. Not really? Of importance? No… why?" Luke asked, and Bright took a deep breath, sighing. He wasn’t sure what to do. Should he tell him about Josh? Was it even his place to bring it up? Just as Bright was about to speak, the doctor came in, followed by Mintra and Win.
"Bright… babe, you should come outside and let the doctor do his thing. He’s explained everything to us…" Win said, stretching out his hand for Bright to hold. Bright immediately walked over, took his hand, and closed the door behind him. He turned and saw Luke blowing Mintra kisses, his eyes full of love.
"What the hell is going on, Mintra?" Bright hissed in her direction. Mintra ignored him, walking down the hall to get some refreshments.
"What the… did she just completely ignore me?" Bright asked, shocked. Win shot him a warning look.
"You can be so frustratingly insensitive… how do you even live with yourself?" Win said, rolling his eyes.
"What did I do this time?" Bright asked, sounding defensive.
"The fact that you even have to ask is the problem. Can’t you see she’s completely shattered?"
"Why does it always have to be about your sister?" Bright snapped.
"What?"
"She had it coming."
"I am NOT having this conversation with you," Win said firmly, turning away.
"We ARE having it, Win."
"No! This isn’t about you."
"And it isn’t about your sister either, but somehow she’s always the center of everything!" Bright yelled back, as Win turned his head, ready to retaliate.
"CAN BOTH OF YOU JUST STOP FOR A DAMN SECOND?!" Gawin shouted, stepping in between them. Mintra was beside him, and Josh was nowhere to be seen.
"This is about neither of you. It’s about Josh and Luke… and two friends who are dealing with something deeply painful," Gawin said, his voice shaking. Everyone fell silent. Win looked down, turning away from Bright, who shook his head and walked toward the exit, needing to clear his thoughts. Mintra stepped closer to Gawin, gently patting his back before leaning her head on his shoulder. She admired him so much. How could someone have the strength and grace to defend the very person who had just broken his heart? Gawin was so selfless. Life was unfair to let someone like him suffer so much.
"Mini? Could you… please? I need to go in there," Gawin said, nodding toward Luke’s room.
"What? Why?" Mintra asked, alarmed, not understanding what Gawin meant.
"Gawin, listen, you have every right to be upset, but Luke is in no condition to have any more stress right now."
"Mini…" Gawin said softly, looking at her with sad eyes. "This… this isn’t right. What you’re doing… I understand it, more than anyone else. But you’re only going to hurt yourself in the end."
"I don’t know what you’re talking about," Mintra said, pretending not to know.
"You love Luke, don’t you? You want this to continue…" Mintra swallowed hard, shaking her head in denial.
"No… I don’t…"
"Yes, you do. But you can’t have him. He’s not meant for you," Gawin said, hugging her tightly. And in that moment, Mintra could feel what he meant. It was hard to accept, especially when the possibility felt so close.
"I have to go inside, okay?" Gawin said gently. Mintra nodded, her eyes sad and resigned.
Gawin knocked three times before entering the room.
"Hey, Mini… I was just—" Luke paused, taking a moment to realize it wasn’t Mintra.
"Oh… hey, stranger. Come on in, but please, don’t treat me like I’m some kind of lunatic. I’ve had enough of that for today," Luke said, grinning like a mischievous child. Gawin smiled, though he was visibly tired.
"Alright… may I sit?" Gawin asked respectfully.
"Of course. I don’t bite. Maybe you can tell me why everyone’s acting so weird around me… Gawin, right? One question: are you by any chance interested in the person I love? Because if so, we might have a problem," Luke joked, though his tone was tricky. Gawin wasn’t sure how to respond. The question had layers. He could’ve said yes, but knowing Luke was thinking of the wrong person, he shook his head.
"Okay, good way to start a conversation," Luke said with a smirk. "I’m Luke. Nice to meet you."
"Gawin. Nice to meet you too."
"Alright, now that we’re best friends, what’s going on with everyone?"
"What do you mean?" Gawin asked cautiously.
"I mean exactly that. Everyone’s treating me like I’m a fragile thing that’s about to shatter. Sure, I got hit by a car, maybe I even almost died, but I’m still me, alright? I don’t need to be treated like I’m anything less," Luke said, clearly frustrated. Gawin understood. It must have been exhausting, being desperate for answers but treated like you couldn’t handle the truth.
"Can you help me?" Luke asked, looking at him with hopeful eyes.
"I… Look, Luke, I’ll be honest with you. You deserve that. Because I would’ve wanted someone to treat me the same way," Gawin said softly.
"Okay, thanks," Luke said as Gawin gave him a look that screamed, 'Don’t thank me yet…'
"Look, Luke... we’ve never talked like this before... Not because you don’t know me that well, but because you never really liked me," Gawin began, watching as Luke furrowed his brows.
"What? Did we have some kind of beef?" Luke asked, confused.
"No… I mean, I’ve always liked and admired you, but you never really acknowledged me. I think you were jealous…"
"Jealous?"
"Yeah…"
"Of what? You? Why? Wait, I knew it! You did something with my girl, Mini… I saw you two getting all giggly outside."
"NOOO! No. I love Mintra, but only like a sister. She’s amazing, a beautiful person…"
"Gorgeous."
"…but no. She’s my best friend. Nothing more."
"Okay... then you’ve lost me, bro," Luke said, leaning back as Gawin took a deep breath and let out a long sigh.
"Okay. I don’t know how much the doctors told you about your condition."
"They said I have partial amnesia caused by trauma, but I don’t remember anything traumatic happening. I remember all of your faces—even yours. And according to you, we didn’t even know each other that well, so… amnesia? Not really."
"Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about… You remember the guy who was standing next to me earlier?"
"Yeah, that tall, insanely good-looking guy with the earring?" Luke recalled, still amazed and mesmerized.
"Yes, him. His name is Josh. And Josh… is… um…"
"What? Is he a serial killer? 'Cause if so, he’d be a sexy one, that’s for sure."
"No, he’s not... at least, not that I know of. No, Josh is… He’s your best friend."
Luke almost choked on his water.
"What? There’s no way I wouldn’t remember that! A guy that hot, being my best buddy? Come on… We would’ve broken hearts left and right together. There’s no way I’d forget a face like that… No, you’ve got it wrong."
"I wish I did. Oh, how I wish I did..." Gawin sighed, and Luke’s laughter slowly faded. His expression still showed disbelief, but something in his demeanor started to shift.
"I mean… I just don’t get it."
"I know. This must be hard for you, and for him too. He loved you—no, he *loves* you—a great deal. You guys were like brothers."
Luke shook his head, but tears started falling silently. It was like fragments of memories tried to break through, but he couldn’t piece them together.
"When he found out you were in a coma, he dropped everything to be by your side. You two were inseparable. Like glue. You lived together, did everything together. And then…"
"And then what?" Luke asked, still puzzled.
"And then we started dating."
"Wait… who? You and *me*?"
"No…"
"You and *him*?" Gawin nodded, and Luke felt a pang in his chest as he said it aloud.
"And you didn’t like it."
"So… he’s gay?"
"No, he’s not."
"But he loves you?"
"That doesn’t make him gay."
"Well, last time I checked, you’re both guys, so…"
"That still doesn’t make him gay."
"In this society, it does. But I still don’t understand."
"The reason you didn’t like me, and why you and Josh fought and drifted apart, was because you hated the idea that he was with me, and he was planning to move out because of me."
"Okay…"
"Because you were jealous."
"What? Now this is getting wild… Are you telling me I’m gay and I’m into Josh?"
"Yeah… kind of. And he’s into you, even though he doesn’t want to admit it. He loves you. Like… very much." Gawin finished, watching Luke burst into laughter, almost hysterical.
"That’s total bullshit, man. I love Mintra. I’m crazy about her. How could I not remember something this important, if he’s so special to me?"
"I can’t tell you why, but he must have meant the world to you if your own mind is shielding you from the pain of a broken heart. Sometimes it’s easier for the body to erase someone completely rather than deal with that kind of trauma. The human mind is incredible. I wish I could do that right now," Gawin said, a sad smile on his face as he stood up and headed toward the door.
"Where are you going?" Luke asked, his voice small.
"Home. My work here is done. There’s nothing keeping me here now. I hope you two can talk and figure it out. I wish you the best, Luke." Gawin gave a small wave as he left the room.
Luke just sat there on his bed, wanting to cry.