Chapter Ten: Truthful

   "What is it?" Syne asked. 

   Chris had been giving him subtle gazes every few seconds. And he thought he stared a lot, here Chris was competing with him. He knew their conversation was unfinished because Chris said next to nothing and he'd yet to explain anything to him. He knew that his crush probably didn't know how to say what he wanted to say and he didn't mind. He was just glad he'd said something, he didn't care too much about whatever Chris wanted to say, he could remain speechless for twenty years, he didn't care anymore.

   "I'm sorry".

   Syne placed the book he was reading down and raised a brow at him. "For staring at me or for annoying me?"

   Chris sighed. "Both, I guess". He looked at Syne intently. "I know I'm being incredibly insensitive to your feelings– "

   "You are", Syne interrupted. He didn't feel sorry for interrupting him but he kept quiet because he wanted to know what he wanted to say to him. 

   Chris continued. "I care about you a lot, Syne and I care about your aunt, too".

   That was not what he expected to hear. Was he trying to tell him something or what?

   He kept silent though, deciding to let him finish. No reason to interrupt anymore, he didn't have the strength to anyway.

   Chris looked down at his fingers which were intertwined before continuing.

   "I'm not 'sex-starved' exactly, Syne. I mean… I am sex-starved but for you. Basically, jerking off to thoughts of you– disgusting and stupid, I know. I apologize for that".

   Syne's eyes widened at Chris's red face. He knew he wasn't lying, especially with the way he was avoiding his gaze. The Chris that he knew was never embarrassed and well, that was all he needed to know.

   "I'm sorry I made it seem like I didn't care about you, I do. I guess I'm just terrible at showing it".

   He looked up into Syne's eyes, eyes red and looking like tears want to fall.

   "I'm pretty sure I don't think I know what 'love' is, but I know I feel nothing at all for Sophie, unless it's annoyance and anger. I think I'm more enamored with her because I want to make her happy and stuffs– I never do though, at least from what I've seen".

   "What exactly are you saying, Chris?"

Syne wanted Chris to get straight to the point but he also didn't want to rush him as he seemed to be having some difficulties.

   "I'm going to break up with Sophie", Chris said. "Today".

   Syne paused to take that in before looking back at Chris, feeling a bit uncertain. He'd believe it when he sees it. He knew Chris was serious and emotional and all, but he still doubted.

   "I won't be a coward, Syne", he said, as if to reassure him. "I'll break up with her as soon as possible and you'll see, you'll stop doubting me".

   Syne sighed. It was unlikely that his aunt was going to take the breakup like a grown woman and even if she didn't give a shit about him, she's sure to cry and scream for all hell to break loose. She'd never been dumped before and he should know because she's his 'family'.

   He hoped Chris wasn't going to back out on his decision though. 

*****

   Syne didn't know whether to laugh or cry because of the way Chris was shivering, either with anticipation or fear, he didn't know.

   Chris was supposed to go out with Sophie for dinner but he'd insisted she came to his house and talk. Then after trying to explain next to nothing to her on the phone, he tried to convince Syne to stay and hide, so that he'd see for hisself.

   And that was what he did.

   The kitchen was close to the living room so he was within hearing space, and there was food, too, so it wasn't so bad.

   "Hi, baby", Sophie's squeaky and annoying voice was heard as Chris opened the door.

   Syne and Chris winced at the same time when Sophie tried for a hug.

   Sophie looked confused and annoyed when her boyfriend didn't hug her or reciprocate the kiss she gave him on the lip.

   "Chris? Is something wrong?" She asked.

   Syne didn't know that his aunt was capable of showing concern. Nah, she was always happy and excited no matter the mood– angry too, oh, and not to forget annoyed. Something told him that there was going to be a burst of emotions and they were going to be terrible and he'd probably have to come out in order to stop it. He hoped not, this wasn't his fight.

   "I need to tell you something", Chris said, hand in his pocket, the other pointing a chair for her to sit down. 

   Just like that, her expression changed and she became flirty again. It was either she was too foolish to notice how not happy her boyfriend was or, she didn't care and just wanted to do her own thing.

   "Are you missing me, baby?" She bit her lip.

   "No– " 

   "Sex? I'm horny".

   "Sophie, no– " 

   "Are you sure? I bet you miss my body so– " 

   "We need to break up", he snapped, pushing her off of him.

   Then there was silence.