The story continues after Haesoo breaks up with Taku. Taku leaves to Japan after the exhibition. The pain from the heartbreak of his first love is still fresh.

(Back at his studio in japan)

Weeks have gone. Days seem to be going by indifferent to the condition of my heart. Is this what they call a 'heartbreak'? Why does it feel like I'm drowning? Air slowly sucked away from my lungs. Yet I'm alive. My heart and lungs are still beating and breathing.

Life after Haesoo felt impossible. I watched him drift away from me and I couldn't do anything. I don't know how to hold back someone when they ask to be let go.

I thought love was all about us holding each other, our breaths mingling, the heat of our bodies warming us both and those passionate kisses. But this 'love' was different, it warmed my heart and made me feel safe. It changed me. It made me a little selfish too. I wanted him to be mine forever and just be in my arms. But the story came to an end sooner than I expected.

 Hae-soo, you taught me how to love, how to be in love. But you left before you could teach me how to live with a heartbreak. I thought I could forget you if I came back home. I thought I could live the same as before if I could indulge in work and never let my mind drift to your memories.

But you come to me in the loneliness of the night. The hint from the sweetness of your lips still lingers on mine. And I still hope you are by my side when I wake up in the morning.

Taku knew he couldn't keep running away from his fate like this. So he tried and did what he knows best. Pouring all his emotions into photography. He still had a semester to finish. The lectures during the day kept him distracted. Miwa has been a great help. Always checking on her heartbroken friend.

It's my first time seeing Takuto so gloomy. His eyes seem to carry the unhidden sadness of his heart. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, it would have been hard to believe he could ever fall in love. His eyes have changed. He has changed. And I hope this change is for a good reason.

As a friend, I couldn't leave him there. In a country with an unfamiliar language and no friends. He doesn't belong there. After the exhibition and after meeting Hae-soo, it seems Taku was lost. Like a puppy, his eyes begged for warmth. We helped him move back home. But a part of him was still left behind. 

The pictures from the exhibition stay open on his desktop even now. Under the fluorescent light of the studio and the flash, Hae-soo indeed looked beautiful. But now the same pictures, the same face haunted him. But how could he come to hate someone who he loved dearly?

Miwa, who was observing Taku, couldn't watch it anymore and decided to take her friend out.

Miwa: I'm tired of this gloomy studio. Let's go get some drinks. I'll call Ryu too.

Taku: I don't think I can come. And it's too early for drinks. I hope you have a good time.

Miwa: No one was asking for your opinion. We are leaving now. Go get your coat. A new restaurant opened around the corner. We'll go check it out.

Taku gave in and followed his friend to whatever the plans she had for the night.

(At the restaurant)

The weather was weird today. It was 4 in the afternoon but dark clouds have hidden the sun.

It's going to rain today...

The place was livelier as it was close to the university. When they reached their table, to Taku's surprise, there were more people at it than he had expected. They were his classmates. Though he wasn't very close to them, they had worked on projects together.

Miwa: What are you guys doing here?

Friend 1: Ryu invited us.

Friend 2: He told Taku was back, so we thought we could meet up and congratulate on the success of the exhibition.

Taku smiles at his classmates as Miwa and he takes their seats.

Ry: I met them when I was on the way here. I asked them to tag along. Hehe

Miwa grunts at her friend's stupidity but keeps a straight face as she thinks this would at least distract Taku for a while.

(chatter chatter)

Friend 1: Taku have you read the review of your exhibition. XXX magazine covered it.

Taku: No, I haven't read any.

Friend 2: Though the response was mixed,  most of it is positive. They were shocked to see the shift in your style when compared to the previous shoot.

Friend 1: I think it was mostly because of the model. He was amazing but since it was his first time, you could tell.

Friend 2: I think the photos you selected were amazing. It covered up for the inexperience of the model. Lee Haesoo, right? I heard he was a writer.

The air is heavy now. The trio who were aware of it couldn't speak much. Someone had to speak up before it got too awkward.

Ryu: Yeah he is. But then Taku worked very hard for this exhibition and it showed in his work.

Friend 1: Oh that's true. We are so happy everything went well for you, Taku

Taku: Thank you.

The rest of the conversation faded in his head as the name kept ringing in his ears. The uneasiness that he had forgotten about started resurfacing and along with it came the ache he felt in his chest.

Taku: I'll be back. I need to get some fresh air.

Miwa and Ryu shared a worried glance at each other.

(Outside the restaurant)

The sun had already set. Time seems to be flowing in tides. Sometimes faster, higher waves and some painfully slow and lower tides. It was pouring as predicted. It surely was a weird day.

The wind blew some raindrops to him. Some landing on his face, some dripping down from his hair. It was cold and yet the downpour was refreshing.

His hands went into his pocket, to keep them warm. A familiar object came into his fingers. The blue old lighter that his uncle gave him. He took it to look at it. He never liked the bitterness of cigarettes so he never smoked. But he carried along because it reminded of time with his uncle.

But now it reminded him of Hae-soo. The times he lit the cigarette for him. Somehow he got used to the bitterness and accepted it. His gaze never left the lighter in the hand.

A boy came running through the rain. His hair and clothes were already drenched. He took shelter near the restaurant where Taku was standing.

Boy: You do realize you are getting drenched right?

Taku: ....

Boy: Haha looks like you enjoy the rain. Well, it's a weird day to be raining. Didn't predict it.

Taku hadn't realized there was someone by him until he spoke. And he also realized that he was indeed getting drenched. But the raindrops felt good against his skin.

But this boy moved closer to him and ruffled his hair while chuckling.

What is he doing?

Boy: Ah! I'm sorry. Your hair was getting wet so I thought-- I'm sorry

Taku: It's okay. Thank you.

Nervously the boy moved a little. He took out a cigarette from his pocket.

Boy: If you don't mind can you light my cig?

Taku who was still clouded by his thoughts finally snapped out. And saw the boy's hazel gaze looking intently at the lighter in his hand and a cigarette rests between his lips.

The boy raised his eyebrows as if to repeat what he had wanted.

Taku took a step closer. And flicked the lighter. The flames flickering due to the breeze. So the boy brings his hands to cup around Taku's as to save the flame from being blown away. Getting his cigarette closer to light the end.

Taku gaze now moved from the cigarette to his lips to his face and how his hazel eyes lit up under the flame's light. He was young. His smile was kind and his voice was gentle. He kept his eyes on him longer than intended. A habit of his he picked up because of photography.

Boy: Thank you. Oh, do you wanna smoke? I can give you one?

Taku: No. I do not smoke.

Boy: How peculiar. You have a working lighter yet you don't smoke? Were you an addict?

Taku: No...

Boy: It's okay if you don't want to answer. I just found it interesting how you kept gazing at the lighter. Like you were trying to let go of an old habit.

Taku: *smiles a little* ... yeah. An old habit.

Boy: They say if you want to quit an old habit you have to find a new one to replace it with.

Taku: New habit?

Boy: Yeah. It's hard to go cold turkey. It's easier to take one step at a time and find something that keeps you occupied. Staying away from the temptations that feed the addiction.

Taku: Why didn't you try to quit smoking?

Boy: Because I never found anything to replace it with.

He smiles at Taku. Like he was very proud of the answer he came up with.

Why is he smiling? Is he mocking me? What does his smile mean?

Taku: I don't believe replacement is the way to quit an old habit. Replacing only means you do not acknowledge that part of yourself. And rejecting it only leads to a higher chance of withdrawals.

Boy: Can't deny that. But when you label the habit as bad, the only way forward is to detach it from yourself and fill the space with something else. Something good.

The rain had started to pour a little harder. The shelter they were under wasn't saving them from being even more drenched. Taku only now noticed that the boy's clothes were soaked. His body shivering a little every time the cool breeze hit.

Taku: Your clothes...

Boy: Oh, it's fine. When the rain calms down I'll go home.

Taku: I live close by. Do you want to change into something?

Boy: Do you invite strangers to your home? *smirks*

Taku: You don't seem to be a threatening type. *smug face*

Boy: Yeah but you can't judge someone with few words in conversation.

Taku: *shrugs* If you want to save yourself from rain then follow me

Not waiting for him, Taku starts running towards the direction of his studio.

Boy: Hey! Give me a heads up at least!!

The boy follows Taku, trying to catch up.

(At the studio)

Boy: *catching his breath* Hah... hah... we're way more drenched than we were before. What was the stunt for?

Taku: I was trying to see if a stranger is crazy enough to follow... You are crazy.

Taku unlocks the door to the studio. The water drips from their clothes on the floor. Making a trail as they move through the room.

Taku: Wait here I'll get you a towel.

Boy: Hisashi. There. I'm not a crazy stranger anymore.

Taku: Heh. I'm Takuto.

Taku goes to the room at the back. Comes back with a towel and clothes. Hands it to Ashi and starts wiping his own hair with another towel.

Taku: You can use the other room over there to change.

Ashi: Thank you.

Taku uses the same time to get changed from his drenched clothes. He hops in for a quick shower. When he's done, he wears something comfy and heads out. His hair is still damp after the shower.

Ashi walks out and is in his clothes. He had a small frame so he knew his clothes would be a little big for him. But the shirt almost reached the knees. The trousers barely hung on his hips. He looked cute.

Ashi: I know I look weird. So stop looking at me so intently.

Taku: Sorry I didn't mean to stare. *averts his eyes*

Ashi: *nodding* it's not that. Your gaze... it feels greedy. Like it's trying to capture as much as possible before the moment passes away.

It's like he's looking through me. Who is he?

Ashi: So is this your studio?

Taku: Yes. I share it with my friends.

Ashi: This is really cool. You sure seem like a person who would belong to this world.

Ashi starts walking past the equipment in the studio. The computer screen catches his eyes. A couple of windows were open with pictures of a model. He goes closer to view it. Taku grew a little uncomfortable as Hae-soo's face stared through the screen.

Ashi: You are really good. Are you a professional?

Taku: I still have a semester to complete.

Ashi: Is this part of your project?

Taku: It was for my solo exhibition.

Ashi: I don't know much about photography but a solo exhibition is like a huge thing, right?

Taku: Probably... Make yourself comfortable, I'll get us some coffee.

Ashi: Yeah sure.

_____

Ashi: Hey Taku, who is this model?

He called me... Taku?

Taku: ...

Ashi: I'm sorry if that was too straight.

Taku: It's okay...

Taku gets two mugs of the hot beverage. Handing one to Ashi, he tries to avoid the computer screen as they move to settle down on the couch.

What is Hae-soo to me now? And what am I to him now? We broke up, so am I now an ex? We never fought, so am I his friend now? But we never spoke after I left for Japan. Are we strangers again? Am I just a side character in his story who will be forgotten as the plot progresses?

Ashi: *scoots a little closer* You know you remind me of a lost puppy. Like you were abandoned in an alley in a box. The one who abandoned you cared about you, so they let you have the box and a small blanket.

Ashi slowly brings his hand to Taku's face. The warmth from the coffee mug present on his palm. Taku could only stay still as he tried to figure what was happening. Ashi's fingertips gently grazed his skin and reached for the curly hair.

Ashi: They are still damp... your hair. Let me dry them.

Ashi placed the coffee mug down, to now bring hands to start rubbing Taku's hair with the towel.

Taku remained quiet as he let this stranger dry his hair.

Did Hae-soo do this? My thoughts still drift to him... But Ashi... he is gentle. His hands are warm and he... is now sitting very close to me. Now I feel very aware of the situation. Am I being tamed by this guy? He talks to me like he can see what's running through my mind and now tries to comfort me even though I haven't revealed anything.

I remember I once comforted Haesoo like this. When he came running to me all wet from the snow. Was my warmth not comforting?

Ashi: Your mind drifts a lot while your gaze intently watches me.

Ashi was going to leave the towel when Taku held them. His eyes and his mind now only on Ashi. The warmth that comforted him a while ago, its absence made him crave for it more.

Ashi: They've dried.

Taku: Why do you talk to me like you can read my mind? Can you read my mind!?

His words made Ashi chuckle a little. But Taku hadn't let go of his hands. So he moves closer to bring his lips to Taku's ears and whispers

Ashi: Yes... And I know everything about you now.

He then moves away and starts to chuckle. Taku's face twisted with irritation and he pinned Ashi on the sofa. Ashi had stopped laughing and now stared at Taku in confusion.

Taku: Why does it feel like you are mocking me?

Ashi: I'm not.

Ashi moves his head towards the computer screen. Taku followed his eyes to the screen which still had Hae-soo's picture.

Ashi: I think you are predictable.

Taku lets him go and moves to sit back.

Predictable? Am I really this open? How many others around me could read me like this?

Ashi, who was still laying on the sofa, lifted his head to look at Taku.

Taku: So you think I'm a broken, lost puppy, someone pathetic enough to mock?

Ashi: You are a lost puppy and maybe a little broken but I never mocked you nor do I consider you to be pathetic. It's your eyes that spoke to me.

Ashi once again sat back and now even closer to Taku. Taku's head was lower looking at the ground. So Ashi brought it closer by lifting it with his chin until their eyes met.

Ashi: Your eyes have a hunger that is never satisfied. Your gaze craves for more and more. But they also give away so much about you. Like they have a language of their own. Asking to be understood.

Taku:...

Ashi closes the distance between their faces as he speaks. Their eyes never leave each other. Taku could feel the light breaths of Ashi on his lips. But soon Ashi realises what he was doing and moves away quickly.

Only now for Taku to hold his by the chin and let their lips meet. His mind was blank. But also very aware of the heat that flowed between Ashi and him. Ashi, who was frozen initially, returned the kiss. Taku took this as an answer to now hold his face with both hands and go deeper with the kiss.

His heart was beating fast. He was barely able to catch his breath. He wasn't ready to let go of the lip because he couldn't let go of the warmth of this weird stranger who he met on a rainy evening.

Ashi's hands moved from Taku's arms to his broad shoulders to his neck and now interlocking around it. As if time had stopped, all heavy thoughts from earlier flew away as they both were glued to each other.

Ashi's lips were like the evening rain they were drenched earlier in. They were warm, a little wet but refreshing. The bitterness from the coffee and the cigarette blending to give a new flavour. A flavour I was getting addicted to the more we kissed.