Waiting...

The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, but Victor's heart felt heavier with each passing moment.

Today was Milo's birthday, and Victor had planned everything meticulously. A bouquet of Milo's favorite flowers, a beautifully decorated cake, a bottle of champagne, and a carefully chosen gift-all arranged with an almost childlike excitement.

As he drove toward Milo's apartment, he couldn't help but smile. He had even called his father on the way.

"Victor, are you coming home tonight?" Mr. Henry's warm voice echoed through the car's speakers.

"Not tonight, Dad. It's Milo's birthday. I'm heading to his place to surprise him," Victor replied, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

"Ah, wish him from my side too," Mr. Henry said with a chuckle.

"Of course," Victor said, laughing lightly. But as his eyes drifted to the street, his laughter faltered.

There, on the sidewalk, was Milo. And with him was the same man Victor had seen before-the one who had made his chest tighten and his thoughts spiral.

The two of them were laughing, their conversation animated and lighthearted. The man leaned closer, saying something that made Milo throw his head back in laughter. It was a sound Victor had always loved, but now it felt like a knife twisting in his chest.

His grip tightened on the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white.

"Victor?" his father's voice brought him back.

"I have to go," Victor said abruptly, hanging up before waiting for a response.

He parked the car near Milo's apartment but didn't get out immediately. For a moment, he just sat there, staring blankly at the dashboard. His heart was racing, a mix of emotions swirling inside him-sadness, anger, jealousy, confusion.

What is this feeling? he wondered, running a hand through his hair.

Finally, he stepped out of the car, gathering the bouquet, cake, champagne, and gift. His steps felt heavy as he approached Milo's door.

Victor sat down outside the door, leaning his back against the cool wood. He placed the bouquet, cake, and other items neatly beside him, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

Why didn't Milo tell me he was meeting someone?

Who is that man?

Why does it bother me so much?

The questions came relentlessly, each one piercing deeper than the last.

Victor rested his head against the door, closing his eyes. He tried to calm the storm inside him, but the image of Milo laughing with that man refused to leave his mind.

His hand unconsciously tightened around the ribbon of the bouquet.

Minutes turned into hours. The hallway grew quieter as the night deepened, but Victor didn't move.

He kept telling himself that Milo would return soon. But as the minutes dragged on, doubt crept in.

What if he doesn't come back tonight? What if he's with him?

Victor's heart sank at the thought. He glanced at the bouquet beside him, the vibrant flowers now seeming dull in the dim hallway light.

Despite the coldness of the floor and the ache in his back, he stayed. He didn't know why-he just couldn't bring himself to leave.

***

As the clock ticked closer to midnight, Victor heard footsteps echoing down the hallway. He straightened up, his pulse quickening.

When Milo finally came into view, his smile faltered the moment he saw Victor sitting there.

"Victor?" Milo asked, confusion and concern evident in his voice.

Victor stood up slowly, brushing off his trousers. He tried to muster a smile but failed miserably.

"Happy birthday," he said quietly, holding out the bouquet.

Milo's eyes softened, and he took the flowers with a small smile. "You didn't have to-"

"I wanted to," Victor interrupted, his voice firmer than he intended.

There was an awkward silence between them, the air thick with unspoken words.

"Were you waiting long?" Milo finally asked, his tone gentle.

Victor looked away, his jaw tightening. "Does it matter?"

Milo frowned, sensing something was wrong. "Victor, what's going on?"

Victor let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Nothing. I just thought... Never mind."

He turned to leave, but Milo grabbed his arm, stopping him.

"Hey," Milo said softly, his grip firm. "Talk to me."

Victor closed his eyes, exhaling shakily. "I saw you today. With him."

Milo's eyes widened slightly. "You mean Liam? He's just a friend-"

"Do you have any idea how I felt seeing you with him?" Victor's voice cracked, his emotions spilling over. "I sat here for hours, not knowing if you'd even come back tonight. And for what? For you to tell me it's nothing?"

Milo stared at him, stunned into silence.

Victor shook his head, stepping back. "Forget it. Happy birthday, Milo."

He turned and walked away, leaving Milo standing in the doorway, clutching the bouquet tightly.