The Stars Have Known | In Another Universe

Epilogue: Reunion

Two months after their meeting on Westminster Bridge, William sit at his desk, grading the paper with a heavy heart. The memory of Michael's trembling hands and whispered goodbye refuse to leave his mind. He hasn't heard from him since that night as well.

Then, a knock at his door breaks the silence. Frowning, William stand up. When he opened the door, his heart skip a beat.

There stand Michael, drenched from the rain, his curls plastered to his forehead. His eyes, although tired, hold a fire that William thought he had lost forever.

“You came back,” William whispers, his voice trembling.

Michael nods, stepping inside, his hand shaking. Afterward, he explained, "I couldn't stay away. I tried, William. I tried to do what the world always wanted, but it's you. It's always been you."Michael mumbled, his eyes locking with William's.

William closed the door and pulled him into a tight embrace, as if the months of longing and heartbreak had finally been paid.

---

Act 6: Different Path

Michael explain of how he left Hollywood behind, cutting ties with the people and contract that demand him to deny who he truly was

"I sold everything." Michael say as they sit together in William's apartment. "I don't need a spotlight anymore. All I want is a quiet life with you."

At first, William hesitated, not sure if this love could survive. But when the day turns into a week, they find peace in a ordinary moment. Like sharing breakfast and walking hand in hand through the park of london.

The world still whispers everytime they saw Michael and William, but the couple learn to drown it out.

---

Act 7: A New Beginning

Years later, they move to a small cottage in the countryside, far from the prying eyes of the city. Michael wrote his memoir and dedicated it to William.

"This memoir was made specifically to dedicate to the man I cherish, the one who taught me that love is worth fighting for."

As for William, he continues to teach, inspiring a new generation and the courage it takes to live authentically, without worrying about the judgment of others.

...

In the spring, their garden is filled with lilacs.

One evening, as the sun set and the sky was painted with golden hues and lavender. Michael pulled William close to his chest and whispered in his ear. "Do you remember what I said about lilacs? They're beautiful, aren't they? But they fade quickly in the wind."

William smiled, his fingers gently caressing Michael's knuckles before he answered, "You're wrong about that. Lilacs bloom every year, just like us, Michael. No matter what happens, we'll always return."

Michael chuckled, his eyes crinkling with joy at William’s words. He placed a hand on William’s waist and leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. William didn’t pull away. Instead, he leaned in closer, his heart filled with contentment.

It's not a dream, the past is his nightmare and now he's awake.

Final: The Stars Have Known

When the time comes for Michael and William to leave this world, they go together, peacefully in their sleep, arms around each other. Their story doesn't end there, though.

The lilac garden they planted had become a cherished place, carefully maintained by the locals. Many couples in the countryside, and even those from the city, would come to see it, drawn by the beauty of the flowers and the story of their loves, passed down from ear to ear through tales of their 'forbidden love.'

On their shared gravestone, a sign reads:

..."*They, who loved in shadow, but lived in light*."...

And as the lilacs bloom each spring, their love lives on, not just in memory, but in the hearts of those they continue to inspire.

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