Lưu ý: Truyện chỉ đăng tải trên Wattpad của Alph16 và không được đăng tải trên bất kì website Việt Nam nào như truyenwki.com hay truyen2u.net;... Tất cả các website Việt đăng tải đều là ăn cắp và re-up trái phép, mong bạn đọc có tâm hãy chỉ đọc ở Wattpad chính chủ để ủng hộ và bảo vệ quyền lợi của cộng đồng tác giả Việt Nam.

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(each chapter in ASC will include 2 parts: Summary and Reading, so please pay attention)

1. Summary:

"Perhaps, one day, the taste of strawberries would no longer evoke the ache of lost love. Perhaps, one day, they would transform into a tender, nostalgic reminder of a summer that had slipped through their fingers."

-Gernes: short story / romance / queer / songfic

-Motif: unidentified

-Characters:

Caleb: a gay guy

Tyler: another gay guy

2. Reading:

 The neon signs flickered and buzzed, casting a hazy, otherworldly glow across the midnight air, enveloping Caleb in an ethereal light as he stood on the fire escape, his silhouette obscured by the surreal luminescence. He raised the cigarette to his lips, the tip glowing like a distant star in the night sky as wisps of smoke curled and danced around his fingers. In the glow of the neon light, his eyes sparkled with a quiet but powerful fire, mirroring the turbulent emotions churning within him.

🍓

 Tyler reclined confidently on the opposite side of the fire escape, exuding an effortless and relaxed demeanor. A carton of succulent strawberries lay nestled in his lap, adding a touch of vibrant color to the scene. In his eyes, there is a hint of mischief. He carefully plucked a ripe red berry from the carton, then gave it to Caleb, wordlessly conveying an invitation with playful charm.

 Knowing full well the consequences, Caleb accepted the offering. The vibrant redness of the strawberry was a stark contrast to the somber night enveloping them. "You know they'll stain," he muttered, cradling the fruit delicately in his hand.

Tyler flashed a knowing grin, "Just another reminder, right?"

 As Caleb tentatively bit into the strawberry, the sweetness exploded on his tongue, an unexpected sensory indulgence that momentarily drowned out the bitter tang of the cigarette smoke lingering in the air. The interplay of flavors was a poignant reminder of their incendiary summer romance when every stolen moment was infused with a heady mix of yearning and recklessness.

🍓

 The passage of time had proven to be both a friend and a foe. The carefree days of summer love eventually succumbed to the relentless march of change. College acceptances heralded the end of an era, scattering their once-unbreakable bond like leaves in the autumn wind. Despite their passionate promises to defy the odds, their love was swept away by the currents of change. Years later, a twist of fate reunited them on that same fire escape where their story began.

"Long nights, daydreams, huh?" Tyler's wistful chuckle lingered in the air, infused with a hint of melancholy.

Caleb nodded, and a lump formed in his throat, "Sugar and smoke rings. We were fools, weren't we?"

"Maybe," Tyler murmured, his gaze wandering into the distance. "But strawberries and cigarettes, they still taste like you."

 As the first blush of dawn streaked the horizon with vibrant hues of orange and pink, Tyler extinguished his cigarette and disappeared into the city, a silent specter fading into the urban landscape. Neon spilled its sickly green hue onto the damp pavement, a haunting echo of the vibrant world they once inhabited.

 Left alone with his thoughts, Caleb was engulfed by the lingering memories of their summer love and the uncertain path ahead. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves, carrying the faint scent of strawberries, a bittersweet reminder of what once was. As he gazed up at the star-studded sky, a solitary tear traced its path down his cheek, a poignant symbol of his enduring grief.

 Perhaps, one day, the taste of strawberries would no longer evoke the ache of lost love. Perhaps, one day, they would transform into a tender, nostalgic reminder of a summer that had slipped through their fingers. But for now, beneath the indifferent gaze of the stars, Caleb allowed himself the simple luxury of grieving, of embracing the painful beauty encapsulated in the taste of strawberries and cigarettes, a fitting epitaph to a love that blazed brightly before fading into the night.

🍓

 The sun, now a fiery orb, painted the city in hues of gold and orange. Caleb watched as the last rays of daylight kissed the rooftops, casting long, dancing shadows. He took a deep breath, the crisp morning air filling his lungs. The taste of strawberries and cigarettes lingered on his tongue, a bittersweet reminder of the night before.

 As he descended the fire escape, he could not shake the feeling that something had changed. The city, once a bustling metropolis, seemed quieter, more serene. Perhaps it was the early hour or the lingering effects of the night's emotional turmoil.

 While walking down the street, he could not help but think about Tyler. Their reunion had been unexpected. It was a whirlwind of emotions that had left him reeling. He wondered if Tyler would reach out again or if their encounter had been fleeting.

 Caleb stopped at a small café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enticing him inside. Sitting at a table by the window, he ordered a cup of coffee and a croissant. As he waited, he watched the people passing by, their faces a blur of colors and expressions.

 A familiar figure caught his eye. Tyler was walking towards the café, a relaxed smile on his face. As he approached, Caleb could not help but feel a surge of excitement and apprehension.

"Good morning," Tyler said, his voice warm and inviting.

"Good morning," Caleb replied, his heart pounding in his chest.

 They sat at a table together, the air charged with unspoken words. As they talked, Caleb realized that their connection was still there. It had been better than ever. The night before had been a catalyst, a reminder of the love they had once shared.

 As they finished their coffee and croissants, Caleb knew their story was far from over. The taste of strawberries and cigarettes might always be a bittersweet reminder of the past and a symbol of their enduring love. And perhaps, in time, they would find a way to write a new chapter filled with hope and promise.

[The End]

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p/s: there will be an extended version of songfics based on this song