Unspoken Words

A month had slipped by in a blur, and the air in the shared house felt thick with unspoken words. Noah and Oliver, once so connected, had retreated into separate worlds, their paths barely crossing. They left for the cafe and returned home at different times, and evenings stretched into silence, punctuated only by the faint sounds of doors opening and closing. Each felt the absence of the other, yet neither knew how to bridge the chasm that had formed since their confession.

As Oliver prepared for his final days of high school, he buried himself in painting and packing his luggage, channelling his feelings onto the canvas rather than confronting them. It was an escape that brought momentary relief but left him feeling hollow.

One afternoon, as the sun cast long shadows across the cafe floor, the familiar jingle of the doorbell broke the stillness. Noah looked up to see Eli standing there. But this time, the usual goofy smile was absent; instead, Eli's expression was sharp, his eyes narrowing like blades.

"Two coffees," he ordered, his tone brisk and commanding, a stark contrast to his usual lightheartedness. Noah nodded, already reaching for the coffee machine, feeling the weight of Eli's intensity.

After preparing the drinks, Noah slid the steaming cups across the counter. "Everything okay?" he ventured, sensing the storm brewing in Eli's demeanour.

Without a word, Eli grabbed both cups and gestured for Noah to join him at a table in the corner. They sat across from each other, the atmosphere thick with tension. Eli leaned forward, his gaze piercing through the silence. "Do you have feelings for Oliver?"

Noah's heart sank. He nodded, disappointment washing over him like a cold wave. "Yeah, I do."

Eli's expression softened for just a moment before hardening again. "Look, he's moving to Bangkok in a week. Right after graduation. If you don't get honest with Oliver, you might lose him forever."

Noah's breath caught in his throat. "What do you mean? Where is he?"

Eli leaned in closer, his voice low and threatening. "Listen closely, Noah. Upset him one more time, and I swear I'll make your life hell. He deserves better than this silent treatment, and if you don't step up, I won't hesitate to intervene. Understand?"

Noah swallowed hard, a faint smile breaking through his worry. "Thanks, Eli. I appreciate it. I really do."

Eli's demeanor softened slightly, but the intensity lingered. "Just remember, it's not too late. You two are living in the same house. Don't waste the time you have left."

With that, Eli stood up, the weight of his warning hanging in the air like a storm cloud. Noah watched him walk out of the cafe, the door swinging shut behind him with a finality that echoed in his mind.

Sitting alone at the table, Noah felt the familiar ache of longing and regret settle deep within him. He couldn't continue like this, trapped in silence while the chance to connect with Oliver slipped away. He needed to find a way back to him—before it was too late.