Midnight Publishing Main Office - 8:44 in the morning.

It was a bright, sunny day.

Everyone is excited. It's a big day for two of the publishing house's most prominent writers. Today marks the release of the books "A Warning Sign" and "Flicker." While everyone was busy running around, preparing for the grand book signing event, the two authors were in another room, getting ready.

Standing in front of the mirror is a blonde guy fixing his black pullover jacket.

"Hervy, do I look good in these?" he asked.

"Ha! You look good in anything. As a matter of fact, you can go to the book signing event in diapers, and everyone will still love you." Hervy answered jokingly. 

"You always say the darnedest of things, Hervy." Nyle pointed out.

Hervy hugged him tightly from behind. He leaned over his ears and whispered.

"Trust me when I say you look good in everything, Nik."

Nyle turned around and faced Hervy; he was slightly looking up at him - Hervy's tall, standing at 6 feet. Nyle sometimes feels small whenever he's near Hervy; he's 5 feet and 8 inches.

"I'm nervous, Hervy," said Nyle, "what if nobody shows up? I haven't released a book in almost two years".

Hervy just looked at Nyle's blue eyes. He seemed very concerned. He held Nyle on both shoulders.

"Everything will turn out great, okay? The last thing I want you to do is to worry about your book not selling out. I'm sure your readers will understand. A good book doesn't take overnight to make.

And you're not a mediocre writer - you're one of the best writers I know." Hervy assured Nyle.

Nyle felt relieved, "Thanks, Easton."

Hervy raised one eyebrow, "Easton?".

Nyle laughed. "Hervy, you were given a middle name so you can use it." "Easton is an overused name," Hervy replied.

Nyle looked into Hervy's eyes, his own blue eyes piercing Hervy's soul. "Easton, I need to ask you something."

"Will you still love me even when I'm not around?"

"Of course, I will. What's with this suddenly?" Hervy asked. 

"And didn't I tell you to stop calling me Easton?"

"Why not? Your name is Hervy Easton Styles, right?"

"It is, but I'm not used to being called Easton. You're literally the only person who calls me that." Hervy answered in a rather annoyed tone.

"I know, and I want to be the only person who calls you Easton. Promise me, you won't let another person call you Easton." "I promise..." Hervy answered.

Nyle closed his eyes as Hervy leaned closer. He could feel Hervy's warm breath on his cheeks trailing up to his ears.

Hervy breathed heavily before whispering, "I love you, Nyle."

"I love you too, Hervy," Nyle answered. His heart is racing. He always feels this way every time he looks at Hervy. The tall guy never fails to make him feel good, loved, and warm. It's butterflies all over every time Hervy looks at him, just like the first time he set his eyes on him.

Hervy leaned even closer to Nyle, who closed his eyes again by the way. Hervy can see that Nyle is blushing, holding his breath, anticipating what's to come.

"After all this time?" Hervy thought to himself. 

He thought it was cute.

Hervy moved his lips closer to Nyle's, and the two lovers shared a passionate kiss, not a single care if someone suddenly barged in.

They can't think of anything. All they care about right now is the feeling they both have for each other. 

It has always been love. And it's a beautiful, wonderful feeling.

Their lips parted shortly after. 

Hervy gently kissed Nyle's forehead.

"What am I ever going to do without you, Mr. Hannigan?" he said.

Nyle can feel his cheeks getting warm. He's blushing again. Unable to say something, he pinched Hervy on the nose instead.

Hervy hates to admit it, but he's feeling nervous as well. Neither one of them thought they would make it this far.

Nyle and Hervy first met at a book writing expo when they were just 17 years old. They instantly clicked as they shared the same love for reading. They also aspired to become prominent authors one day. Hervy was fond of writing poems, while Nyle loved making short stories.

They both decided to start working on their first books when they were in their last college years. They became roommates and made sure they were always there to cheer each other up if either one of them was on the brink of giving up. They also proofread each other's works and act as an editor.

Shortly after they graduated, they started submitting their works to every publisher they knew. After several broken hearts and rejections, Midnight Publishing took an interest in their works, and the rest was history.

Hervy's recollection was interrupted by a soft knock on the door. "Hervy, Nyle, let's go."

"We'll be there in a minute." Nyle quickly answered.

He then turned to Hervy. "Let's go. They're all waiting."

Hervy hugged Nyle again. "I love you. Come on, let's break a leg!" He took Nyle's hand and gently kissed it before opening the door.

True to Nyle's word, everyone was already in the lobby waiting for them. They all looked very proud of their star writers.

They were greeted by their boss Simon. "It's your big day today, not that it's your first time. I'm so proud of you two. What a great story for a comeback, Nyle! I'm sure your readers are all excited as we all are right now. And my boy Hervy, thanks for keeping the house alive during Nyle's hiatus. Thanks for keeping our boy Nyle motivated. "

He gave both a pat on the back before beckoning them to get into their rides.

***

The day went by so fast. Nyle was surprised to see many people buy his book and line up so he could sign their books. Hervy even surprised Nyle by standing in line and insisted Nyle also sign his book copy. It's still one more week before Nyle's birthday, but Hervy already got him a cake and the whole crowd to sing him a birthday song which made Nyle cry.

It was an unforgettable experience for Nyle, but more so for Hervy, who only wanted to see his beloved happy.

The event was a success, and everyone went home happy.

"Man, am I tired!" Nyle said as he sat down lazily on the couch. They reached Hervy's apartment at around 1 AM.

"Would you like some coffee?" Hervy asked as he was removing his cardigan.

"Ugh. I would love to." Nyle answered. He's now lying flat, staring at the ceiling.

Hervy went to his room and changed his clothes. He then went quickly to the kitchen and prepared Nyle's coffee.

Nyle was still staring blankly at the ceiling when Hervy returned to the living room. "Here you go."

Nyle took a sip. "This is perfect," he said in satisfaction. "You really know how to make me happy," Nyle added.

He likes his coffee warm. Hervy would put just enough hot water then add cold water to it.

"Are we talking about the coffee or about something I did earlier?" Hervy jokingly asked.

"Both," Nyle answered.

"You always surprise me. I don't know if I'll be able to pull off the same thing for you," Nyle added. Hervy noticed the change of tone in Nyle's statement.

"You really don't have to. Just seeing you happy makes me happy." Hervy assured Nyle.

"I don't even know what I did to deserve all of these, to deserve you, Hervy," Nyle asked.

Hervy sat down beside Nyle.

"You've done more than enough for me, Nyle. You were always there when I needed you. You were there even when I didn't know I needed you. You are the only person who believed in me when I said I want to be a writer, and I know you'll continue believing me. In all my successes, big or small, you were always there celebrating with me. You kept me together when I was about to collapse."

Nyle hugged Hervy. Very, very tightly.

"Thank you, Hervy, for everything."

"Wherever life might take me, I'll always bring your love with me. I may not always be around but know that I'll always stay here." Nyle said, pointing at Hervy's chest.

Hervy is confused. He didn't know why Nyle was blurting this.

"What are you talking about?" Hervy asked. "Where are you going? Are you leaving me?" "Don't be silly, Easton. I'm not going anywhere." Nyle answered.

He wrapped his arms around Hervy's neck and kissed him.

Hervy can feel Nyle shaking as they kiss. Nyle moved on to hug Hervy - he's such a hugger.

Hervy can't see it, but Nyle is crying.

"I have to go now," Nyle said softly. He wiped the tears off before facing Hervy again.

Before opening the door, Nyle turned back.

"Hervy, whenever you feel lost or broken, just think about all the good times we had together. If you miss me, just look up. You'll see me up there, in the constellation of stars. Look for the star that shines the brightest. That is me, looking at you. You may not feel it, but I'll always be beside you."

***

4 AM.

The lights are off. Hervy's room was a complete mess. He was sitting in the corner of his room, hands on his face. His hair was a jumble. He is crying.

A few feet away from him was his phone. Its screen is broken as if it was smashed on purpose. It showed an open message from Hervy's boss, Simon.

"Nyle didn't make it to the hospital. He's gone, Hervy."