Between Choices and Chance

Jay walked back to his apartment, his heart racing uncontrollably as if he just finished a marathon.

Meanwhile, Sissel stood frozen by her door, still trying to process the fact that the mysterious green-eyed boy she misjudged on the bus was now her neighbor and worse, she'd be seeing him more often than she ever thought possible.

The moment Jay stepped in, Aidan immediately noticed his odd behavior. "What's up, bro? okay, nah, why are you looking like that?" Aidan asked, raising a brow."Like what?" Jay tried his best to sound casual, forcing a straight face, but it was pointless it's Aidan after all. If anyone could see right through him, it was him."You know me, Jay. I think it's better if you tell me yourself. You don't want me to figure it out, do you?" Aidan teased, sitting comfortably like he was ready for a full confession.

Jay sighed, his intimidating aura fading in front of his best friend. "Fine... it's the girl next door. And no more questions," he mumbled, knowing full well that wouldn't be the end of it.

As expected, Aidan smirked, sitting up straight, eyes gleaming with mischief but Jay was quick to change the topic before things got worse. "And... my father came to the café today. Just to let me know he's the one who bought the house.""He did what?" Aidan said in disbelief. "Why the hell would he do that? Oh my god, this ugly old man no offense to you but he's a real jerk, dude."And just like that, the subject shifted. The two spent the next hour cursing Jay's father until Jay finally decided to take a long shower, needing to clear his mind, while Aidan stayed hyped about his first official day at the art school tomorrow.

The Next Day

Both boys woke up early, getting ready for their separate campuses. But the second Jay opened the door, he froze and Aidan immediately knew why. He smirked, shoving Jay gently to the side just to get a better look. And there she was Sissel closing her apartment door.

Jay put his best poker face on and casually walked out like she wasn't even there. Aidan, of course, trailed behind, grinning. "How do you manage to keep such a cold face when your crush is right there? I'm impressed. But man, she's beautiful though.""She's not my crush." Jay deadpanned. "Oh look, your bus. Don't wanna be late, huh?" he added, pushing Aidan toward the bus before he could say more.Aidan laughed, knowing exactly what Jay was doing. 'He just can't help himself, huh?' Aidan thought as Jay turned and made his way toward campus.

Jay's day went by slowly. He attended his lectures, barely paying attention, skipped taking notes, and just counted down the minutes until his shift at the café. Afterward, too exhausted for practice, he walked home all he wanted was his bed.

But the moment he stepped inside, Aidan was there, waiting with a grin plastered on his face."What?" Jay asked, suspicious."Guess who's my classmate?" Aidan teased, wiggling his eyebrows.Jay's stomach dropped. "There's no way... tell me you're joking."Aidan burst out laughing, "I wish I was. Her name is Sissel nineteen, two siblings, social butterfly. You're screwed, bro.""You talked to her?" Jay hissed in a whisper-shout."Relax, kid. She was talking so loud, I think the whole campus knows by now. Maybe tell your girl to lower her voice next time," Aidan teased dramatically."Go to hell," Jay muttered, shaking his head.

What Jay didn't know was that Aidan and Sissel were paired as project partners for one of their classes. And of course, Aidan — being Aidan — suggested they work on it at his place, knowing damn well the chaos it'd create. But he chose not to tell Jay just yet. What's life without a little fun, right?

Later That Night

Jay's phone buzzed, the coach's name flashing on the screen. With a deep sigh, he grabbed his jacket and left the apartment, heading toward the boxing club.

"Jay, son, there's a big competition coming up. And you're my best shot," the coach started. Jay's eyes lit up for a second, but his face stayed calm, emotionless."But listen... this is huge, kid. It could change your life or end it. If you decide to enter, there won't be time for college. You'll have to pick."

Jay remained silent, nodding slowly, the weight of those words sinking deep into his chest."I'll think about it, coach. I'll let you know.""Good. Take your time, son. I believe in you."

Jay walked back home that night, his head full of doubts. He loved boxing more than anything the ring was his home but what if he failed? What if he gave up his diploma and ended up working at the café forever? Could he really risk it all for one shot at his dream?

He found Aidan still awake, sitting on the couch."Why are you still up?" Jay asked."I got worried when the coach called you that late," Aidan shrugged, trying to sound casual but his eyes gave him away.

For the first time that night, Jay felt... cared for. Really cared for. And damn, did he miss that feeling. Without holding back, he told Aidan everything his doubts, his fears, every ugly thought he tried to bury. And Aidan listened. He understood.

Because he had been there too...

Flashback:"Are you kidding me, Aidan? I can never accept my son doing this.""But mom, this is my life. This makes me happy. You can't decide that for me.""If you keep going, forget I'm your mother."

End of Flashback

After a long, heavy talk, the boys agreed to sleep on it. Big decisions needed clear minds and right now, neither of them had one.