Laverne couldn’t believe what Keith had just said. He was shocked but he couldn’t help but feel happy about it. He was really afraid when those men were trying to rape him. He was so scared because he couldn’t do anything. He was still terrified, but having Keith by his side made him felt a lot safer.

He couldn’t understand how it happened, and it wasn’t important to Laverne anymore. He could touch Keith, he could hold him, and finally, he could feel him. Laverne was just so happy that the two of them could finally feel each other. That moment was simply magnificent.

Love. That might be what he was feeling for Keith all along. That’s must be why he wanted to touch and feel Keith so badly, why he was always so comforted and happy whenever Keith was around, why his heart would skip a beat because of Keith’s smile, and why he wanted Keith to stay with him instead. But Laverne was very afraid because, at that moment, he still had feelings for Evan.

Laverne felt like a total jerk. He was still in love with Evan, but he was deeply falling for Keith, but, he had made his choice. Between a man who lied and cheated on him and a sincere and kind man who could disappear at any moment, the choice was clear for Laverne.

Suddenly, Laverne felt the pain from the assault come back to him. It felt like his stomach was being squeezed from within. If Keith wasn’t holding him tight, then he would have already fallen on the floor.

“Lav!” Keith sounded very worried. “I’ll bring you in your room, hang in there.” Keith said and then carried Lav gently. Keith brought him to his room and placed him gently on his bed. “You should rest.” Keith said with a gentle smile. “I know that you were afraid, but you shouldn’t think about it anymore. I’ll protect you.”

The weird thing was Laverne wasn’t afraid anymore. The moment that he touched Keith and felt him, all those negative feelings were washed away. When Laverne looked comfortable on the bed, Keith stood up and walked towards the door.

“Where are you going?” Laverne asked. He wanted Keith to stay, like always. If was there then he would feel safer and more at ease. Laverne felt sleepless and very paranoid, after what happened, and only Keith’s presence could ease that feeling.

“I think, I’ll just wait for you to wake up outside. I can touch and feel you right now, that’s why…” Keith blushed and he looked very nervous. Laverne wondered what’s going on, but he didn’t bother asking Keith.

“Stay here, like you always do. I’ll be able to sleep peacefully, then.” Laverne said with a little smile. He was too embarrassed to even say it, but he was afraid to be left alone that night. No matter how much he tried to calm himself down he ended up simply failing. But whenever Keith was by his side, he would immediately feel safer and calmer.

“I understand.” Keith said hesitantly as he sat on the couch across the room.

“You’re too far away, come closer. Stay beside my bed.” Laverne said innocently. The closer Keith was, the calmer Laverne felt.

Keith took the chair by the coffee table and placed it beside Laverne’s bed. “Is this close enough?” He asked with a smile.

“Yes, that’s better.” Laverne couldn’t say it honestly, but he was still scared. He was frightened that those men might come back, and having Keith as near as possible was the only way for him to calm down. But, something else was still missing, he wanted to hold Keith. “Keith, about what you said before…”

“It’s okay, you don’t have to say anything. I know our situation, I know impossible it is for the two of us, and all I want is to continue being your friend and stay by your side. I’m contented, just seeing you happy.” Keith said in a very nervous voice.

True, Laverne still had feelings for Evan. But, he was falling deeper for Keith every moment, and he wanted to fall even deeper. He wanted Keith to push Evan away from his heart. Because while Evan gave him the greatest heartache, Keith healed those wounds instantly just by being with him.

“If it’s you, then I am sure Evan could be pushed away from my heart. Love is itself a miracle, so there’s no such thing as impossible when it comes to it. What’s important is what two people feel for each other, and everything else would follow.” Laverne said with a smile. “So I’m asking you, can you push Evan out? Ahhh…” Lav groaned in pain.

“Are you alright? Does it hurt somewhere?” Keith asked worriedly as he leaned closer to Laverne. “Tell me, you don’t have to hold in the pain.”

Laverne felt guilty, for having feelings for Evan at the same time falling for Keith. He was thinking that he was no better than the cheating Evan, that’s why until Evan was totally out of his heart, he could never tell Keith what he truly felt. “I’m fine.” Laverne said as he clenched his fist as the pain in his stomach came back.

Every time he closes his eyes, Laverne would only remember what those men did to him. The pain in his stomach wasn’t helping at all. But all those pains and memories were wiped away once Keith held his hand. “Sleep peacefully, I’ll just be here watching over you.” Keith said with a comforting smile. Laverne didn’t want that moment to end, he didn’t want to let go of Keith’s hand. And that’s the last thing Laverne remembered before falling in a deep slumber.

Laverne woke up the next morning, refreshed and energized. Somehow, he had a very peaceful sleep. It must be because Keith was with him the whole time. The sight of Keith looking out the window greeted him when he woke up. He stepped out of bed quietly and then walked towards Keith.

Slowly, Laverne reached for Keith. Keith suddenly turned around and when he saw Laverne reaching for him, he stepped aside. Laverne was confused for a moment and tried to touch Keith again, but once again Keith avoided his touch. He had no idea why Keith was avoiding him, unless…

“Stay there. Don’t move.” Laverne said in a serious tone. He was very nervous and very afraid that his suspicion might be true. He wished that he was mistaken. He wished that it was only his imagination.

“Lav, don’t do it…” Keith said sadly when he was about to reach for him. That disappointed look in Keith’s face told Laverne everything, but still, he was hoping that it wasn’t true.

Laverne started shaking nervously. He reached for Keith but his hand only passed through him. His heart sunk and he felt depression conquer his emotions. “This can’t be…” Laverne trailed off sadly. “I was finally able to touch you… we were finally able to hold each other… why?” He said in a very frustrated voice. He was very disappointed at that moment and his heart broke. If only he knew that the miracle would be gone by the next morning then he wouldn’t have slept at all.

“Why do you look more disappointed than I am? I am fine with it, I’m used to it.” Keith said with a smile. “It is fine, Lav, it’s not like what I feel for you would change because of this little thing. Even if I can’t touch you, my heart would still stay the same. Besides, I loved you even before I could touch you.” Keith said convincingly, but he looked sad as well.

Laverne’s heart skipped a beat. He was disoriented for a while, he was shocked but very ecstatic to hear Keith say that. “I just thought that finally there is one less boundary between us…” Laverne was still very depressed.

“I can still push Evan out without touching you.” Keith suddenly leaned closer to him and smiled beautifully and confidently at him. Laverne’s heart started to pound faster and faster, his mind was starting to get cloudy, and all because of Evan’s simple words.

Laverne blushed shyly. He couldn’t believe how bold Keith was getting. “You pervert ghost!” He said then shyly looked away. Even though he was very embarrassed at that moment, he was also very happy.

He heard Keith laughed happily. Laverne felt relieved, at least Keith wasn’t feeling that down. “Can you stop calling me a pervert? I’m starting to think that I really am.” Keith complained. “But, maybe I really am, I just watched you sleep all night, and I really enjoyed it. You really look beautiful while sleeping.”

“Hey!” Laverne complained. “Stop talking like that, it’s really creepy… You sound like a total perverted stalker…” He complained childishly.

“Ohh… your childish look is also very cute…” Keith said fondly. Laverne was turning red in embarrassment when the doorbell suddenly rang. “Stay here. I’ll look who it is first. You should be very careful from now on…” Keith said. He must still be very worried because of what happened the night before.

Truth to be told, Laverne was more disappointed than Keith that the miracle didn’t last. The feeling of Keith’s touch was just so comforting that he grew to really love and long for it. He wanted that miracle to happen again and last forever.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Keith was contented with everything. As long as he is by Lav’s side, he is happy. He had forgotten about recovering his lost memories and passing on completely until Lav opened his violin case. “A Stradivarius…” Keith trailed off. The violin seemed very familiar to him.

“How did you know?” Lav asked, looking at him very curiously. Keith, himself, had no idea how he recognized that Lav’s violin was a Stradivarius. It was just that when he saw it, he knew instantly. It was like he had already seen that violin before.

“Just a guess…” Keith lied. He couldn’t shake the thought in his mind. He had seen that violin somewhere before, he was sure of it. He didn’t dare tell that to Lav, because he had already decided to stay by Lav’s side.

“It’s been so long since I last opened this case.” Lav said with a serious tone. “I thought I would never open it again, but because of you I got to play it again.” Lav smiled at him.

There were moments when Keith was envious of those who are still living. There were times where he wished that he was still alive. And seeing Lav holding the violin happily was one of them. He couldn’t explain why but seeing Lav so excited while holding that violin made Keith so happy.

No matter how much he tried to keep it in, Keith’s desire to touch and hold Lav was getting stronger by the second. It is in nature of any human to desire to hold and be held by the ones they love. It is a way of connection, of affirmation, and of satisfaction. There are things that words cannot express but a single could. And that’s what Keith wanted to do at that very moment.

He could think of thousands of words, and he could say that he loves Lav millions of times, but he felt that it wouldn’t be enough to express how much deep and strong his feelings were.

When Lav started playing the violin, Keith closed his eyes and listened to the music with his heart. For some reason, even the music and the way Lav was playing were all too familiar to him. He became distraught that his memories might be coming back. Although it was not totally a bad thing, Keith was afraid that things between him and Lav might change once his memory returns.

“You really are good at it.” Keith said proudly when Lav was returning the violin in the case. “You should consider playing professionally.”

“My mom says the same thing, but I don’t like the idea. I want to play because I like it, because I love it, not for money, fame or anything else.” Lav said with a smile. “Besides I’m contented in playing for the people special and important to me.” He said while looking at Keith.

Lav stayed inside the whole day. When Keith would suggest for him to go out, Lav would simply reply that he was not in the mood, but Keith knew differently. He could clearly see that Lav was still shaken by the events of the night before. Lav was still scared and very frightened, and his way of coping up was with locking himself up in that hotel room.

The sun was about to set and Lav was lying on the couch taking a deep nap. Keith watched Lav sleep. He was very worried by the brave front Lav was keeping. He knew that Lav simply didn’t want to worry him, but the truth was Lav was still very afraid.

He walked slowly towards the couch and then knelt just by Lav’s face. “I already told you not to worry, because I’ll protect you, but in the end, I ended up being in this useless situation again. I’m disappointed too, that the miracle didn’t last…” Keith said as slowly reached for Lav’s face but stopped.

The sunlight was slowly crawling out of sight reaching only the window sill. Keith leaned closer to Lav, but he stopped when his lips were close to Lav’s. The sun was setting. As the sunlight disappears from the sky, Keith leaned closer and then sweetly kissed Lav’s forehead.

To Keith’s surprise, his lips touched Lav’s. He moved away in surprise. He fell on his butt on the floor with his hands covering his mouth. His eyes were wide in surprise as he looked confusedly at Lav.

Lav’s eyes moved, and slowly it opened. “What are you doing? You look like an idiot there.” Lav said when he woke up, still had no idea what was happening.

Keith gulped as he regained his balance. He slowly moved his hand, reaching for Lav. He didn’t know what really happened, he wasn’t sure if it was true or only his imagination, but deep inside he was hoping that he was not mistaken. Keith stopped moving his hand when it was very near Lav’s cheeks.

How he wanted to touch that face. He would do anything just for that miracle to happen again. The darkness outside was getting deeper and the moon shines down the street. Lav suddenly moved. He tried to sit up straight on the couch, but as he did, his cheeks touched Keith’s hand.

Lav looked shocked as well. For a moment they were both very quiet. And then Lav moved his own hand and placed his palm in front of Keith’s palm. Slowly, they made their palms touched. “It happened again, that wonderful miracle. I thought I could never touch you again.” Lav said in a serious an emotional tone.

Keith was truly grateful and happy at that moment. And he became even happier when he saw Lav genuinely smile Keith couldn’t find the right words to say. He was just too happy to say anything. He was about to stand up when Lav suddenly pulled him closer for a hug.

“I… I’m just really happy…” Lav said as he hugged Keith tight. Keith’s heart was so fast and loud that he couldn’t even hear his own thoughts. “This time, I would not waste any moment…”

“Me too.” Keith said. “You know what? I think we should go out tonight, to sort of celebrate...” Lav looked very hesitant and Keith was starting to worry even more. “There’s nothing you should be worry about anymore, I can protect you now.” Keith said as he moved away from Lav.

“Fine, if you say so.” Lav said enthusiastically. He must be really happy that he listened so easily, Keith thought.

They went to dinner and then to a bar, Lav was really enthusiastic about celebrating that he is just one step from going out of control. But seeing that he was smiling so widely washed away all of Keith’s worry. If Lav was happy, then so was he.

Things made a turn to the unexpected when they encountered Evan at the bar. He was getting drunk with his friends. “We could go to other places, if you want.” Keith was worried that Lav’s feelings might waver at that moment. Keith was afraid that Evan might stay in Lav’s heart and lock him out.

“No, we’ll stay here. It’s not like I could avoid him forever. And if I really want to move on, then I should get used to being near him without being swayed by him. Besides, you’re here, so don’t let me get swayed by him.” Lav said with a small smile.

“I understand, but don’t drink too much… you get really weird when you’re drunk. I mean, crazy weird.” Keith said teasingly.

“What are you, my mother?” Lav complained. He sounded spoiled and a bit childish and Keith found it cute. But Keith stayed strong and firm.

Keith looked at him strictly. “Lav…” He said in a very reprimanding tone. He was simply worried that Lav might do something crazy when drunk, he was afraid that Lav might end up hurting himself.

“Alright, I get it already…” Lav complained and then took a sit in a booth. Lav looked like a little kid being denied of a toy. “I’ll buy some drinks, what do you want?”

“I’ll buy it for you, you stay here instead.” Keith was worried that Lav might encounter Evan on the way. He decided that he would do everything to keep Evan away from Lav.

When he went to the bar to order some drinks, he saw Evan having some fun with his friends, he looked pretty drunk. He also noticed Evan staring at him. Keith realized that Evan might be recognizing him from the night before. Keith only grinned and then walked away.

Lav was really doing great on ignoring Evan. He was talking to Keith the whole time and looked very happy. At one point, Lav held Keith’s hand tight. “What’s wrong?” Keith asked.

“Nothing, I just want to hold you as much as I could.” Lav said seriously. “When I found out that I couldn’t touch you anymore this morning, I was really disappointed. I was thinking that I should’ve done more. Every time I touch you everything else around me would disappear, I would forget everything and everyone, and nothing else would matter.”

“I feel the same way.” Keith said with a smile. “I never really craved to touch or hold anything or anyone before, until I met you.” Keith said and squeezed Lav’s hand.

“That’s a relief…” Lav said shyly and then smiled at Keith. “Tonight, we should celebrate and have as much fun as we could. I am thinking of focusing on practising for the contest next week. Thomas would get angry if I don’t take it seriously.” Lav said.

Keith knew that Lav was just embarrassed to say the truth, that he was excited about the contest himself. “I think that’s a great idea. I’ll help you in any way possible. But, I’m pretty sure you have a big chance of winning. You’re really great, after all.” Keith said. Lav had his full support. Keith imagined how wonderful Lav would be, playing in front of many people.

When Lav left for the comfort room, Keith wasn’t worried at first, but when he was gone for too long, Keith started to get really nervous. He was worried that something might have happened to Lav, or worse, Evan might have found him.

Keith left the booth and followed Lav on the comfort room, but the bar was already crowded at that time because of some sort of group party. He scrambled through the crowd and shoved his way to the comfort room, only to find Evan cornering Lav on the wall.

Lav looked like he was troubled, he tried pushing Evan away but Evan didn’t even budge. Keith’s heart was beating fast at that moment. He didn’t want Evan to stick around Lav for too long. He couldn’t let Lav get swayed by Evan any more.

Anger started to fill Keith when Evan leaned closer to Lav. Lav looked away but Evan just followed. Evan leaned closer and closer to Lav and Keith’s heart was beating painfully hard each moment.

“No, push him away… Don’t let him get any closer… Lav, don’t get swayed by him… please…” Keith thought as his heart sunk in sadness.

And when Evan forced a kiss on Lav, Keith’s heart simply exploded. He’s going to get swayed… He was very depressed. Evan would sway Lav back to his side again… I would lose Lav… I lost… Evan won… His mind went blank.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Laverne felt slowly getting swayed by Evan once again, but once he saw Keith looking at them, his feeling changed. He felt guilty and really bad for making Keith see that. He didn’t want Keith to think that he got swayed by Evan once again. He didn’t want Keith to misunderstand. That’s when he realized that Keith weighs more to his heart than Evan. That’s when he realized that Keith had finally pushed Evan out.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” Laverne shouted angrily as he pushed Evan. He was about to walk away and went to where Keith was when Evan suddenly pulled him. Evan’s kiss didn’t have that much effect on him anymore, because, at that moment, all that he could about was Keith’s feelings.

“What’s wrong with a kiss? We love each other… This is what you wanted right?” Evan reeked of alcohol, he was drunk. “I want you back, I want so badly… Let’s get back together and live together as we planned.” Evan sounded very assertive and very serious, but the smell of alcohol betrayed his true intentions. Laverne knew that he was only saying those words simply because he was really drunk at that moment.

“Love?” Laverne scoffed. “Don’t kid with me. You call cheating on me love? Hiding the truth from everyone and making me your dirty secret, you call that love? Lying to me over and over again, that’s love for you? Yes, you might love me, but you love yourself even more. You didn’t want to be discriminated, you didn’t want to get hurt, but did you even think what I would feel. Love is not only for one person to feel good. A relationship is not something that only one person is committed to. That might be love to you, but for me, that’s simply your selfishness.” Laverne said seriously before walking away.

He looked for Keith as his heart was beating in nervousness. He just couldn’t imagine how hurt Keith must be. When Laverne saw Evan kissing Cara, his world simply collapsed. Keith must be feeling the same way.

Laverne saw him standing in the middle of the crowd. Keith looked pretty hurt and dazed, and that must be why he didn’t notice the girl getting closer to him. Laverne was getting irritated as he watched that girl get closer to Lav.

The girl suddenly stepped in front of Keith and put her hands around Keith’s neck. She was leaning closer for a kiss and that infuriated Laverne even more. “No, push her away… Keith…” Laverne hissed angrily.

Keith was still frozen on the floor and that girl was about to kiss him. That’s when Laverne lost control. He walked angrily towards Keith and then pulled the girl away. “Keep your hands away from him. He’s mine, and only mine!” Laverne shouted angrily and then pulled Keith away from the crowd and out of the bar.

His heart was pounding and its beating was so loud that it overpowered his own thought. Laverne was just so angry at that girl that he just snapped and lost control of his own thoughts. He didn’t like anyone else touching Keith. No one else could touch Keith, but him. It was a selfish thought, but that’s what he was honestly feeling.

He was still pulling Keith away when suddenly Keith stopped walking. He tried to pull Keith, but the bigger and stronger Keith kept still. Suddenly, Keith broke free from his hold and then pulled him closer instead. Keith was hugging him from behind.

“Say it again. What you told that girl in the bar, say it again.” Keith said in his ears. His voice was calm and gentle and Laverne could feel his cold breath. “I beg you, please, say it again.” Keith added. Keith’s heart was pounding and Laverne could feel every beat. It was fast and strong and knowing that Keith’s heart was beating that way made Laverne even more excited.

Laverne’s heart was pounding so fast that he couldn’t even speak. He wanted to repeat what he just said, but he was so anxious and nervous that he couldn’t even open his mouth. Instead, he placed Keith’s hand on his chest and let him listen to his excited heart. When Keith was touching his chest, it only beat faster and harder. Keith’s every touch simply made him too happy and excited. He couldn’t understand himself anymore. He couldn’t explain why it was so easy for him to fall in love with a ghost that he just met.

Not only was his face blushing, but he felt so hot and his mind was also swirling. Laverne couldn’t think straight anymore. “I understand, my heart is the same too.” Keith said and then hugged him tighter. That hug was something that Laverne would never forget. It was warm and it was very comforting. He felt safe, he felt at ease, and he felt love.

Laverne held Keith’s hand tight and then squeezed it. His heart can’t calm down at all. “I…” Laverne said nervously. His voice was trembling. He was trying to find the right words to say but his mind and heart betrayed him. He was just too excited and happy to even think of the right words to say.

“I understand. You don’t have to say anything anymore.” Keith said. “Feeling your heart beat like that is enough answer for me. I feel the same way about you. My heart would beat so fast that I couldn’t even hear my thoughts whenever I am with you. I am yours, only yours, but your mine, and only mine.” Keith said and then kissed his head.

Time stopped for Laverne at that moment. He was simply so happy. His heart was beating even faster when Keith was talking. He loved the feeling of Keith embracing him and he didn’t want that moment to end.