change of heart 2

Liam never thought much about friendship. He had drinking buddies, coworkers he got along with, and a few people back home he still kept in touch with. But deep, meaningful friendships? That wasn't really his thing.

Until Daniel.

Over the past year, Daniel had gone from "that guy at work" to one of Liam's closest friends. They had a rhythm now—grabbing beers after shifts, hitting the gym on weekends, and roasting each other over terrible life choices. Liam had long since stopped thinking of Daniel as his gay friend and just thought of him as Daniel.

But not everyone saw it that way.

One Saturday afternoon, Daniel invited Liam to a barbecue at his apartment complex. "It's just some friends," he had said. "Good food, good music, no pressure."

Liam hesitated at first. He had never really been to a party where he'd be one of the only straight guys. But then he reminded himself that a year ago, he wouldn't have even given Daniel a chance. And now? Daniel was like family. So he went.

The party was… different from what Liam was used to, but not in a bad way. People were welcoming, cracking jokes, handing him a beer, and pulling him into conversations like he had always been part of the group. There were couples—some same-sex, some straight—just enjoying themselves like at any other party. It was easygoing, laid-back, and honestly? He was having a good time.

Then, halfway through the night, Daniel pulled Liam aside, grinning.

"Dude, I gotta ask. Have you noticed that Eric's been watching you all night?"

Liam frowned. "Who's Eric?"

Daniel smirked and subtly nodded toward a guy by the grill. Tall, good-looking, confident.

Liam blinked. "Wait—hold on. You think he's—?"

"Oh, he's absolutely into you." Daniel chuckled. "You're his type."

Liam didn't know whether to laugh or panic. "I'm not his type. I'm not any guy's type."

Daniel held up his hands. "Relax, man. No one's saying you have to marry the guy. It just means you're a good-looking dude."

Liam groaned, rubbing his face. "This is not how I saw my Saturday going."

Daniel laughed. "Welcome to my world."

The moment passed, and soon, they were back to joking around. But later that night, as Liam walked home, he thought about it more. A year ago, the idea of being at a party like that—of being mistaken as gay, of being fully immersed in a world he never understood—would have made him deeply uncomfortable.

Now? It was just another night with friends.

He pulled out his phone and texted Daniel.

Liam: Next time, warn me if I'm gonna be someone's type.

Daniel: No promises.

Liam chuckled, shaking his head. If this was growth, he'd take it.