Nawe had always been the bold one, the instigator of adventures. Today, however, she stood at the edge of the garden, her eyes fixed on James. With a subtle yet determined gesture, she signaled to him, asking if she could join their escapade. James, caught off guard, raised a hand in a silent refusal. His expression was serious, his brow furrowed in concentration. He was not looking at her; instead, his gaze was locked on Jake, who seemed lost in his own world, puzzled by his emotions.
Today, his hair was tousled by the gentle breeze, and he appeared to be contemplating something profound. As he meandered through the garden, he absentmindedly uprooted a blue rose, its petals soft and inviting. In his distraction, a thorn pricked his little finger, drawing a bead of blood that contrasted starkly with the vibrant hue of the flower. He winced but quickly dismissed the pain. The thorns were nothing compared to the thornier issue tugging at his heartstrings.
Why is Alex so upset? It was a mystery that gnawed at him, when did Alex had recently shown interest in a girl. Wasn't that supposed to be a cause for excitement? Instead, Alex seemed burdened, weighed down by something unbearable. What is going on?! Jake's question hang in the air.
As Jake wandered deeper into the rose bushes, the thorns snagged at his shorts, leaving small marks on his skin. He barely noticed, his mind consumed by thoughts of Alex. Why was he suffering because he loved someone? Why did the prospect of liking someone feel like a double-edged sword—exciting yet terrifying? Jake's heart ached for Alex, wishing he could unravel the knot of emotions that seemed to bind him.
James, meanwhile, felt a growing concern for Jake. As he approached, he could see the boy's fixation on the roses, his fingers dancing over the petals as if searching for answers among their delicate beauty. James had always been the protector, the one who would step in when a friend was in distress. He reached out, gently pulling the thorns from Jake's leg, their shared discomfort a reminder of the risks that came with vulnerability. I wish you won't be hurt you both deserve to be loved not to be hurt. How will you react when you findout? James lifted his head and gazed at Alex's window and then looked at Jake.
Hey, you need to be careful, James said, his voice steady but laced with worry. These roses are beautiful, but they can hurt you. There was an unspoken understanding between them. James cared more about Alex and Jake's well-being than his own, a testament to their friendship.
James looked up, meeting Jake's gaze. I just don't get it, he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. If Alex likes a girl, why does he look like he's carrying the weight of the world?
James shrugged, contemplating the question. Maybe it's more complicated than that. Feelings can be messy, especially when you're young. It's like these roses—beautiful but sharp. He gestured to the garden around them.
The boys stood in silence for a moment, each lost in their thoughts. The garden, once a place of carefree play, had transformed into a landscape of introspection. The beauty of the roses contrasted starkly with the thorns that surrounded them, much like the complexities of their friendships.
Jake took a deep breath, the scent of roses filling his lungs. Maybe we should talk to Alex, he suggested, his voice gaining strength. He might need us more than we realize.
James nodded in agreement, the worry iin his eyes.
I wish you told us Jake when Alex asked about the lady you liked! I wish. He thought staring deep into Jake's eyes that made Jake uncomfortable he walked slowly tapped his shoulder James seemed have traveled back into his body.
Bro are you ok Jake asked not broking the eye contact. Yes am fine we should go back James replied in a low tone walking.
As they made their way back through the garden, Nawe watched from a distance, a worry placed on her face. She question and wondered why their faces seem so serious even James's, he was convinced their was more and she needed to findout.
Meanwhile in Alex's room, I said don't say that name. Please don't. Alex's voice trembled, a mix of frustration and longing. The room felt heavy with unspoken words, and Nicky watched his friend with a blend of worry and concern.
She has changed, Alex continued, his eyes distant as he recalled that night by the lake. You know I've been following her. I even attended her course, all just to meet her again. That night… when I saved her… her warm, cold hug and watery eyes are still stuck in my mind. I see her in that dark, cold night, drowning.
Nicky leaned in, trying to grasp the weight of Alex's emotions. She called for help, Alex said, his voice dropping to a whisper. Iheard her. You know we were four near the lake, but I heard her loud and clear. I told you someone was calling out; you all didn't pay attention. I walked near the lake, and when I saw some bubbles and long hair, I didn't think about myself. I went into the cold water. Nicky, you saw her. She is the one.
A silence enveloped them, punctuated only by the soft rustle of leaves against the window. Alex ran a hand through his hair, the memory of that night rushing back, vivid and painful. From that night, I tried to look for her. I couldn't find her until I saw her walking past me one day. I knew it was her.
He turned to the window, gazing out at the garden bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. You see how beautiful that garden is right now? If you step into it barefoot, it can hurt you like crazy. That's how Mia is. His voice cracked, the pain of unreciprocated feelings flooding his heart. She's beautiful, but she's sharp, too.
Nicky shifted, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions swirling around Alex. So you like her? he mumbled, his tone cautious.
Like her? Alex repeated, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. Nicky, I love her.
The confession hung in the air, heavy and raw. Alex's heart raced as he spoke the words he had kept locked away, afraid of the weight they carried. Don't ask me how it started or any questions. I just… I love her.
Nicky, ever the pragmatist, furrowed his brow. But Alex, you barely know her. What if it's just this… this infatuation?
Infatuation? Alex scoffed, his voice rising. You didn't see her that nightans and also i met her here you that all but you are acting like. Leave it. You didn't hear her cries. It was as if the world faded away, and all I could hear was her voice. I felt it in my bones, Nicky. It was real.
But she was in trouble, Alex, Nicky countered gently. You saved her. That's a heroic moment. It's easy to confuse gratitude with love.
Maybe, Alex conceded, his shoulders slumping. But it's more than that. There's something about her—something that pulls me in. I feel like I've known her forever, even though we've barely spoken. It's like she's a part of me, and I can't shake it off.
Nicky's expression softened, understanding dawning. So what's stopping you from reaching out to her? Why not talk to her?
when Jake phone buzzed with a familiar name: Sara. The moment he answered, he felt the weight of her words crash down on him like a tidal wave.
Why are you calling me? he burst out, his voice sharp and filled with frustration. James, who was ahead of him on the way to Alex's door, paused mid-step, turning to gauge the situation. The concern etched on James's face mirrored that of Jake, who had been walking beside him.
I said I don't love you! Are you a fool? Can't you accept when someone tells you they don't like you? Grow up! If you're crazy, please go to the hospital and leave me alone! Jake's voice rose, laced with anger and hurt. As he spoke, he felt a strange mixture of relief and dread; relief that he had finally laid his feelings bare, but dread at what was to come.
I love someone else, he added, the words tumbling out like stones from a crumbling wall.
Inside Alex's apartment, the atmosphere shifted as the door swung open. Alex stood there, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern, with Nicky at his side. The three men listened intently, their hearts pounding as Jake continued his tirade.
Who is it? Alex asked, his voice steady but his eyes betraying a flicker of anxiety.
Mia, Jake replied, his tone softening, almost dreamlike. I've fallen for Mia. The declaration hung in the air like a heavy fog, and Sara's voice crackled through the phone, filled with venom.
Why does Mia always come between what I want? she screeched before abruptly hanging up, leaving a void that echoed in Jake's mind.
Alex stood frozen, his world momentarily suspended in disbelief. Nicky and James exchanged worried glances, sensing the storm brewing. Jake, stepped closer to Alex, concern etched on his face.
Are you okay? Jake asked, his voice low and steady, but the air around them felt thick, almost suffocating.
Suddenly, Alex's breath hitched. The air he inhaled felt insufficient, and he wobbled on his feet. Nicky, quick to react, reached out, steadying him. Hey, are you alright? he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Alex's gaze remained locked on Jake, his heart racing. Do you like Mia? he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, cracking under the weight of his emotions.
Jake's response was instantaneous, a wide smile breaking across his face. Yes, I love her. She is the love of my life. Each word felt like a dagger to Alex's heart, twisting deeper with every syllable.
Nicky felt the shift in Alex, the way his body seemed to sag under the revelation. James, standing nearby, felt tears prick at his eyes as he watched his friend's world unravel in real-time. Alex, was already upset, now appeared fragile, a porcelain figure on the verge of shattering.
In that moment, the door swung open again, and Nawe, Alex's little sister, stumbled into the scene. She had been sitting on the ground, her face pale as she processed what she had just overheard. What? You like who? she asked, her voice rising in disbelief.
The trio turned to her, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern. Alex, feeling a sudden urge to escape the weight of the moment, rushed downstairs to help her up. Are you okay? he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.
To his astonishment, Nawe cupped her brother's face in her hands, tears streaming down her cheeks. Are you okay, brother? What will we do?
Her words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the emotional that had just unfolded. Nicky and James felt the gravity of the situation, their worlds colliding as they stood between their friends, each grappling with the implications of Jake's confession
The room was thick with unspoken words, and the silence that followed was deafening. Each friend was lost in their thoughts, the weight of loyalty and love pressing down on them. Alex's heart raced, torn between the pain of unrequited love and the loyalty he felt towards Jake, who had just laid bare his feelings.
He knows, James said and Nicky heard him shaking his hand keep it together James Nicky commanded.