When Silence Speaks

Liam's POV

Saturday

As I headed to Aaron's place for tutoring, the atmosphere felt different this time. It was just two young men studying together, and the reality stung. I had ended our friendship, and in doing so, I had also broken my own heart. It hurt because I not only liked him; I loved him. I loved Aaron.

"We're here, sir," the taxi driver announced.

"Oh, thank you," I replied, paying the fare before stepping out of the car. I walked straight to the gate, opened it, and knocked gently on the door. When it swung open, I was greeted by an eager Jamie who wrapped his arms around me. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes as I took in the somber atmosphere of the house, so different from the last time I had visited.

"Where's Aaron?" I asked, scanning the living room.

"He hasn't left his room in two days. He's been crying," Jamie responded, his expression heavy with sadness. I felt a surge of guilt; all of this was my fault, and I longed to comfort him.

"I'll go check on him, okay?" I told Jamie, struggling to keep my own tears at bay as I made my way toward Aaron's room.

I knocked softly on the door.

"Jamie, leave me alone," he called out, his voice thick with emotion.

"It's me, Liam," I said hesitantly, nearly losing my composure.

The door opened, and I enveloped him in a tight hug. In that moment of silence, my heart felt a little lighter, and all I wanted was to stay in his embrace.

Aaron's POV

I wanted to linger in his embrace a while longer. I missed him deeply, and I understood his decision to end things between us. When he pulled away, it only intensified my longing for him.

"Are you okay?" I asked, tears streaming down my cheeks.

"I am, how about you?" he replied, tears now cascading down his own face. We were both emotional wrecks. I loved him fiercely.

"I'm okay," I said, avoiding his gaze.

"Why are we like this?" he questioned, and I desperately wanted to know the answer as well. We both felt the need for each other, but our pain had overwhelmed us. After getting hurt once, we had stopped trying. I was determined to fight for what we had, convinced that one day, he would be mine completely.

"I don't know. All I know is that I love you. I love you, Liam. I realize it might sound cheesy, but you are the only one my heart beats for. Kissing Linda was just an experiment; I only wanted to see if I was straight," I admitted, tears continuing to flow. I felt Liam gently wipe my tears as he turned me to face him.

"I love you too, and I'm sorry for whatever I did," he said, and I felt his lips against mine. I paused for a moment to process everything before finally allowing my lips to respond to his.