Unwritten Fate [BL]-Chapter 44: I Didn’t Mean to Make Him Wait

Artur led Billy through a narrow path behind the market, the morning light spilling in golden streaks through scattered leaves above. They passed between rows of old stone walls overgrown with moss and low-hanging vines. Billy followed without asking where they were headed—mostly because he enjoyed watching Artur walk with purpose, even if the purpose was a mystery.

"You're suspiciously quiet," Billy said, narrowing his eyes playfully.

"I'm taking you somewhere," Artur replied with a smirk. "Don't ruin the surprise."

Billy raised a brow. "Is this one of those surprises that ends with me falling into a pit?"

"Only if you complain too much," Artur quipped.

They finally stopped at an old abandoned mill, hidden behind a cluster of fig and tamarind trees. Its roof was half collapsed, but the stonework was still strong, and wildflowers had crept through the cracks, blooming bright and reckless. Behind it was a small open field, quiet and untouched, where sunlight danced on the grass and cicadas hummed softly.

Billy turned slowly, taking it all in. "Whoa... this is kind of beautiful."

Artur shrugged like it was no big deal, but the glance he threw Billy's way said he was pleased. "I used to come here when I wanted to be away from everything."

Billy wandered forward, fingers brushing the tall grass. "I like it... it feels like time slows down here."

Artur sat on a large stone, stretching his arms behind him, one leg bent lazily. "It does. That's the point."

Billy sat beside him, and for a while they said nothing. They just sat, the wind moving gently through their hair, the sunlight warming their faces.

Then, out of nowhere, Artur murmured, "I missed you yesterday."

Billy turned to look at him. "You're so dramatic. We were apart for like... two hours."

"Exactly," Artur said with a mock-serious expression.

Billy snorted, nudging his shoulder against Artur's. "I should be worried about how attached you're getting."

"Too late."

Billy smirked, looking up at the drifting clouds. "I made something for you."

Artur's eyes lit up. "Wait—what?"

"Don't ask. You'll get it when I feel like giving it."

"You're cruel," Artur said, pouting exaggeratedly.

"I'm kind," Billy corrected. "You're just greedy."

Artur chuckled, and for a moment, they leaned into each other, a quiet stillness wrapping around them like a shared secret.

"Let's stay a bit longer," Artur whispered.

Billy didn't answer. He just nodded, eyes half-closed, letting himself enjoy the quiet and the closeness.

They walked slowly, side by side, beneath the golden wash of dusk. The path home was nearly empty now, with only the faint sounds of distant chatter echoing from the market and the occasional creak of shutters being drawn for the night.

Billy nudged Artur lightly with his shoulder. "You talk in your sleep, you know that?"

Artur looked sideways, curious. "Yeah? What did I say?"

Billy smirked. "You were begging someone for a kiss... sounded desperate."

Artur laughed, brushing his fingers through his hair. "And you gave it to me anyway."

"I didn't say it was you I kissed."

Artur narrowed his eyes. "You're a terrible liar, Billy."

They both chuckled, their laughter easy and warm.

Billy kicked a small pebble as they strolled, a light breeze brushing past them. "You always take this route back?"

Artur nodded. "It's quieter. And the view from the ridge near the bakery? Even better when the lights come on."

Billy gave a small smile. "You really know how to pick the scenic spots."

Just as they were about to reach the top of the slope, a voice called out behind them.

"Artur?"

Artur paused mid-step, turning slowly.

A girl with chestnut hair tied back in a loose braid jogged toward them. She wore a confident smile and walked like she belonged to the road itself.

Artur blinked in surprise. "Anna?"

She reached them, out of breath but beaming. "I knew it was you! You still walk like a grandpa with those heavy steps," she teased.

Before Artur could respond, she pulled him into a tight, unapologetic hug.

Billy, caught off guard, shifted a little to the side.

Anna pulled back and grinned. "What, no 'hello'? I vanish for a year and this is what I get?"

"I just—didn't expect you," Artur said, his voice softer now.

She looped her arm around his without asking. "Well, I'm full of surprises. Got home this morning. Dad's already making a list of chores for me."

"I didn't think I'd run into you so soon," Anna beamed, still holding onto him.

Artur nodded, stepping back slightly. "Yeah. Wow, you've changed."

"And you haven't," she teased, playfully swatting his arm. "Still charming."

Billy stood beside them, suddenly quiet.

She finally noticed Billy standing close but quiet. Her eyes flicked to him briefly, assessing, curious.

"Oh. Friend of yours?" she asked Artur.

Before he could answer, Billy offered a polite nod. "Billy."

"Anna," she replied, her grip still firm on Artur's arm. "We used to be best friends. He followed me around like a little puppy."

"I did not," Artur muttered.

"Did too," she said sweetly. "You remember when I made you carry that bucket of mud because I didn't want to ruin my shoes? Or when you made me that crown of flowers and told everyone I was your wife?"

Artur groaned under his breath, embarrassed. "You made me say that."

"I bossed you into it. There's a difference," she laughed.

Billy's shoulders stiffened, the playful ease in his eyes slipping away. His gaze lingered on the hand still looped through Artur's arm, but he said nothing.

Anna leaned into Artur's shoulder like it was a natural place to be. "And remember when I made you clean the mango stains off my school bag because you were the one who climbed up and squished them?"

"You threw one at me first."

"Details," she waved him off, smiling.

Billy crossed his arms and looked ahead. "Sounds like you kept him busy."

"Oh, I owned him," Anna said with a chuckle. "Didn't I, Artur?"

Artur's laugh was nervous. I was seven.

Anna shrugged, grinning. Still counts. First loves stick, right?

She glanced at Billy then, her smile too sweet. "No offense."

Billy's jaw tightened just a little.

Anna didn't seem to notice. Or maybe she did.

"Well," she said, finally stepping away, "I guess I'll see you around. Unless you've gotten too important for your old bossy friend."

Artur shook his head. "Not at all."

"Good. Don't go hiding," she said, then winked at Billy. "Nice meeting you."

Billy gave a tight-lipped smile. "Likewise."

As she walked away, Billy remained still, then started walking again without a word.

Artur caught up beside him. "You're quiet."

Billy shrugged. "No reason."

Artur looked at him sideways. "You always get quiet when you're overthinking."

"Do I?" Billy asked, eyes on the road.Didn't know I had competition from flower crown girls."

Artur gave a slight chuckle. "You don't."

Billy raised a brow. "Seemed like I did."

Artur walked a little closer, brushing their arms. "She's the past, Billy."

Billy looked ahead, not quite meeting his eyes. "Yeah. Just... funny how the past can cling."

Artur stopped walking and gently took Billy's wrist. "You're the only one I want to cling to now."

"I only made her that crown because she wouldn't stop yelling about it," Artur said after a pause.

Billy tilted his head. "So if she asked again—would you still make her one?"

Artur met his gaze, unflinching. "Only if you helped me pick the flowers."

Billy finally glanced at him, a teasing glint in his eyes. "And the marriage?"

"She drew it in chalk. I wasn't even sure I agreed."

Billy smirked, but didn't answer. A moment passed before he muttered, "Puppy, huh?"

Artur laughed and pulled him close by the wrist. "I'd rather be your idiot now than her puppy then."

Billy smiled finally, soft but genuine. "Good answer."

They continued walking, the tension loosening between them again as the village lights flickered on behind them.

As they walked away from where Anna had vanished into the night, Artur noticed Billy's expression had softened, but there was a subtle distance in his eyes.

"Hey," Artur said, nudging him lightly with his elbow. "You're still all quiet on me. I was only teasing."

Billy glanced up, catching the warmth in Artur's eyes. He shook his head slightly, half-smiling. "I know. I'm fine."

"Uh-huh. Sure you are." Artur raised an eyebrow and smirked. "You know, I could always bribe you with something better than flower crowns."

Billy turned his head, glancing at him. "Like what?"

Artur paused for a moment, walking slower as if considering it carefully. "How about... I cook tonight? Your favorite dish?"

Billy's lips curled into a faint smile. "Yeah? I doubt you even know how to cook."

"Rude," Artur teased. "I can make a mean pasta."

"Sure, but can you handle the art of tea-making?" Billy raised an eyebrow. "That's real skill."

Artur grinned mischievously, his eyes glinting. "Oh, I know how to make the perfect tea. You'll be amazed."

Billy gave him a playful side-eye. "You don't even know what my favorite tea is."

Artur laughed, tapping his chin as if deep in thought. "I don't? Hmm... How about ginger-lemon? Everyone loves that one."

Billy chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Okay, I'll give you points for trying. But that's not it."

Artur's teasing grin widened. "Then I'll just have to figure it out for myself. How's that sound?"

Billy let out a small laugh, the tension from earlier melting a little. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Yeah, but you love it," Artur shot back, nudging him again.

Billy playfully pushed him back, and for a moment, the lightness between them returned, the earlier mood now forgotten.

They walked on for a few moments, the road ahead leading them toward the small workshop where they had agreed to go. The air was still cool, and the village was quiet except for the distant sounds of the evening.

Eventually, Artur cleared his throat and glanced at Billy. "So, ready for today?"

Billy sighed, stretching his arms out. "I guess. Can't exactly skip out on work."

"I'll try not to make you too bored," Artur said with a grin. "But hey, if you're still upset about Anna... we can always take a detour." His tone was light, but there was a genuine softness to it, a reassurance.

Billy glanced at him, then smiled softly. "It's not about that. I'm good now."

Artur nodded. "Good. I didn't want to have to go all puppy-dog eyes on you to cheer you up."

Billy raised an eyebrow. "You? Puppy-dog eyes?"

Artur winked. "Oh, yeah. I've got a whole arsenal of tricks."

Billy shook his head with a laugh. "You're ridiculous."

But despite the teasing, there was warmth in his smile, something that softened the edge of the evening.

As they walked on, the village lights flickered behind them, casting long shadows that faded the farther they moved from where Anna had stood.

As they approached the workshop, Artur nudged Billy again. "Alright, work time."

Billy groaned. "Ugh, fine. Let's get this over with."

Artur grinned, turning to him as they entered the small, quiet building. "You say that now, but you'll be glad you didn't skip it."

Billy rolled his eyes but followed him inside. "You and your optimism," he muttered.

And just like that, the easy camaraderie between them resumed as they stepped into the workshop, the door creaking gently behind them.

The afternoon sun dripped golden light through the dusty panes of the workshop, casting long, amber streaks over the wooden floor. The quiet hum of work filled the air—Artur moving steadily between tools and timber, while Billy sat beside him, helping smooth a plank with focused hands. Silence between them wasn't awkward, just easy—each of them occupied, yet somehow still aware of the other's presence.

But then, somewhere between the rhythm of the sanding and the shifting light, a memory crept into Billy's thoughts—bright and sudden.

The teacup.

His eyes widened a little as he sat upright, remembering the delicate piece he'd carefully crafted yesterday in Mr. Lucas's workshop. A smile tugged at his lips. He hadn't thought of a perfect time to give it to Artur, but maybe—just maybe—now was the right moment.

He stood abruptly, brushing the dust from his clothes.

"I'll be right back," he said, already moving toward the door.

Artur looked up from his half-carved wood piece. "Where are you going?"

"Just nearby. Around here. I won't be long." Billy paused at the doorway, glancing back. "Don't leave, okay?"

Artur straightened, placing his tool down slowly. "Alright. But hurry up," he added, frowning faintly. "I don't want you away too long."

Billy smiled to himself at that and stepped outside, letting the sunlight hit his face as he picked up pace. The idea of giving the cup made his chest flutter. Would Artur smile? Laugh? Say something ridiculous? He shook his head at himself, amused.

The closer he got to Mr. Lucas's workshop, the more anticipation twisted in his gut. The breeze was soft, rustling through trees that lined the path like spectators. His heart thudded—not with nerves exactly, but something quieter, warmer. Hope, maybe.

At the workshop, Mr. Lucas was arranging finished pieces on a shelf when Billy walked in.

"Billy! You came back," Mr. Lucas greeted, brushing his hands on a cloth.

"Yeah." Billy grinned. "Just... wanted to check if it was ready."

"Of course," Mr. Lucas said, gesturing to the corner. "It's been waiting for you since morning."

Billy stepped closer, eyes lighting up the moment he saw it. The little cup sat in the dim light, delicate and shaped just the way he remembered. The glaze had dried smooth—a clean, gentle white. On one side, a small sun sketch spiraled outward like a soft flare, hand-drawn by Billy himself. He'd done it late, half-tired, but full of thoughts. The sun meant something—because Artur always woke before him, always the first warmth in his day.

Mr. Lucas handed it over carefully. "You did a fine job for a first-timer."

Billy accepted it with both hands, a soft smile on his face. "Thanks... I really wanted it to come out right."

He lingered a little—Mr. Lucas asking about how things were going at home, Billy laughing lightly, the cup balanced between his fingers.

Mr. Lucas chuckled. "You've got a steady hand. He'll like it."

Billy smiled at the words but said nothing. His chest fluttered with nerves as he carefully wrapped the cup again.

Eventually, he glanced toward the sun outside and stood. "I better go," he said. "He's waiting."

Mr. Lucas smiled, nodding. "Go surprise him, then."

With the cup gently wrapped in cloth, Billy stepped outside, heart suddenly rushing. His steps were quick, but his mind was faster—imagining Artur's smile when he saw the cup, the way his fingers would run over the handle, probably pretending to complain while secretly loving it.

Will he like it? Will he know how much this meant?

Billy's heart beat faster.

He reached the workshop sooner than expected. The sun had shifted—light spilled warmer now, casting shadows across the wooden door. He stood outside for a breath, clutching the gift in his hands.

How should I give it? Should I joke? Pretend it's nothing? Or just... say it?

He was still deciding when a familiar voice echoed from inside.

Soft. Feminine.

He froze.

Billy tilted his head slightly and glanced through the narrow opening of the door.

There, standing by the worktable, was Artur. And beside him—Anna.

Billy's breath hitched.

Her dark braid hung over her shoulder, her blouse pressed neatly, almost too neatly, like she'd dressed with someone in mind. She stood close—too close. Her hand rested on Artur's arm as she smiled at him, eyes bright with something too warm to be friendly.

"I haven't forgotten our promise, Artur," she said, her voice low and teasing. "Maybe that's why I'm still single, you know. Maybe I'm still waiting for you."

The smile Billy had carried all the way back faded.

Billy's brows drew together. His hand tightened around the wrapped cloth.

Anna leaned closer, bold and familiar, her shoulder nearly brushing Artur's. "I hope you're not taken yet," she murmured. "Because I don't want to waste the wait."

She reached for his hand—fingers curling around his slowly.

Billy's chest hollowed. His heart thumped, but not in excitement now. The ache burned sharper than expected. The sun on his back felt cold.

Billy stood silently outside the workshop, the wrapped teacup warm in his palm, his knuckles slightly pale from how tightly he held it.

Inside, Anna's voice rang out again, sweet with memory, syrupy with meaning.

"See this necklace?" she said, brushing her hair aside with a dramatic flick.

Billy instinctively leaned forward just a little, his heart thudding.

She held up a thin chain—a silver pendant glinting softly in the light. Two letters, curled together.

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"A & A," she said softly, smiling up at Artur. "You gave this to me before I left. Remember? You said it was our initials—Anna and Artur." She let out a light laugh, fingers touching the pendant. "I still wear it. It's beautiful."

Artur shifted, shoulders stiffening faintly. "That was years ago—"

"But you meant it," Anna interrupted, her tone teasing but laced with something serious beneath. "You even said if I wore it, you'd know I didn't forget you."

Billy didn't hear the rest. He didn't want to.

His chest tightened as he looked down at his hands. The teacup—white and delicate, with a little sun he had drawn just for Artur—suddenly felt like nothing. Like a fragile toy held up against something stronger, something older. Something that had history and promises and initials etched in silver.

He blinked hard, a sharp ache blooming behind his eyes.

You're my sun... and I thought this would show it. But maybe I'm just late.

Without a word, he turned and walked away, the wrapped cup still in his hands, the joy drained from his steps.

Inside, Anna tilted her head as she looked up at Artur, still holding his hand with ease.

You're still the same, she said with a light laugh. "Serious, quiet. Remember how I used to boss you around? You always gave in.

Artur slowly pulled his hand away, expression unreadable. "We were just kids," he said, voice flat.

Anna grinned, unfazed. "Maybe," she said. "But some things stick. Childhood promises... first crushes..."

Artur shifted a step back, folding his arms. "That was a long time ago."

She leaned her elbow on the table, watching him with an amused glint. "Still. It'd be nice if something came out of it, don't you think?"

Artur didn't answer.

Instead, his eyes flicked toward the door—where there should've been a figure standing with warm eyes and quiet hands. But no one was there.

"Were you waiting for someone?" Anna asked.

He didn't answer.

He walked to the door, glanced outside—but there was no one there.

Billy was gone.

And the sudden stillness in his chest felt unfamiliar. A silence that didn't come from the absence of sound, but something else.

Something—or someone—missing.

And for some reason, that empty doorway made something inside him sink.