The Calm Before Her Storm

After a long talk, the two decided to just sleep for now and think about it tomorrow. Like the coach said, it's a big decision one he better take his time with.

The Next Morning

Jay's POV:

"Jay, c'mon dude I really need to use the bathroom" Aidan complained, sounding impatient. Yeah, I've been taking my sweet time in the shower, and honestly, I forgot the other boy was even there.

"Fine, shut up. I'll be out in two minutes."

I know I've been repeating that for the last ten minutes, but morning showers hit different. Still, the sudden silence from Aidan made me panic. What the hell is he planning with that devilish mind of his?

"You know what? Take your time, bro," he finally said after what felt like forever.

Now I'm really stressed. "Really? Why… what's going on?" I tried to sound calm, but we both knew better.

"Nah, I'll just go to our neighbors"

Before he could finish that sentence, I was already out, towel wrapped around my waist, shooting him a death glare. "Don't you dare bring the neighbors into this." It wasn't fair, and he knew it.

"And I DO NOT have a crush on her. So just drop it," I added, making sure it was loud and clear. Not just for him, but maybe for me too. I wasn't lying I think. I mean, I just met her a few times, there's no way I'm catching feelings already. Right? But why did it sound like I was lying to myself?

Aidan's POV:

Jay told me to drop it, and I would… if he wasn't lying through his teeth. I've known this boy long enough to know when he's trying to convince himself, not me. He likes her. He just doesn't realize it yet.

Guess I'll keep teasing him until he admits it.

After getting ready, Jay went off to work at the café while I headed to campus.

Jay seemed off today zoning out more than usual. Even Jacob noticed it and eventually walked over to check on him.

Jacob's POV:

I asked Jay what was up, but the guy kept brushing me off, saying he was fine. Yeah, right. Still, near the end of our shift, he finally came over and said he needed to talk.

He started off excited, talking about the boxing competition, but then his face dropped when he mentioned college. Dropping out was the word he used.

I took a minute to think about it. "Well… if you're scared but also excited, why don't you take a gap year?"

Jay looked shocked, like the thought had never crossed his mind.

Jay's POV:

How the hell did I never think of a gap year? In my head, it was always either drop out or stay. No in-between.

"I… I never thought of that," I admitted.

Jacob just smiled. "I've seen you compete, bro. You're good. Go for it. Regretting doing it is way better than regretting never trying. Trust me on that one."

I was surprised he'd watched me compete… but hearing that from him? It meant a lot.

Jacob kept reassuring me, telling me I needed to stop letting fear control me and just go for what I want. He always saw me as the cold, collected type but he knew better. That's probably why he's always been there… to be the help he wished someone had given him once.

After our shift, I went where I always do when I feel lost my mom's grave.

"Hi, mom… it's me again. Yeah… you guessed it. I'm stuck."

My voice shook as I talked.

"I really want to do it… but I keep wondering what you'd say. What if I'm not good enough? What if I embarrass myself… and the coach… and our club?"

I felt my eyes burning, but I shook my head. "No. I promised I wouldn't cry. Life's hard, mom, but I'm strong just like you raised me to be. I'll be the man you wanted me to be. I promise."

Aidan's POV:

After a long, boring day of lectures, I finally made it home only to find the place empty. Weird. Jay should be back by now.

I was about to call him when my phone suddenly lit up. Diana? Why the hell is she calling me?

Jay came back a while later. I was just sitting there, staring at nothing when he walked in.

"You okay?" he asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Oh my God, finally! Where were you?" I shot back.

He looked confused. "Just… walking around. You good?"

Am I that obvious? I debated lying but why bother? He'd see right through me.

"Diana called me," I finally said, trying to sound chill. Jay's reaction was instant he tensed up. Subtle… but I know him too well.

"Diana? Like Diana?" He was visibly uncomfortable.

"Yeah… and she's visiting next week."

"NEXT WEEK?!" Jay's voice was loud, way too loud. I just nodded.

He sat down next to me, saying nothing. We both knew this was going to be a hell of a week prepping for her visit, and surviving it.

"We're gonna have to clean everything," I mumbled.

Jay just looked at me and mouthed "I know." We stayed quiet after that, both lost in our thoughts.

The Next Morning

Jay's POV:

"I'll take a gap year."

I'd thought about it all night. It was time to decide.

"Really?! You're going for it?! Yesss! I'm proud of you, my man!" Aidan's excitement made me feel… lighter. Confident.

I went to campus to handle the paperwork. After wrapping it all up, I stopped by the gym to tell coach I was in.

The coach was… genuinely happy. Damn, am I really that good? I mean, I've always been serious about boxing, gave it my all but hearing that from him? It hit different.

On my way home, my mind drifted back to Diana. What does she want? I don't wanna assume the worst she's his sister, after all but something feels off. This visit doesn't sit right with me.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see…