Kith poured himself a glass of wine, all the while observing Theron's every movement. There was a part of him that yearned to hear or discover what Theron truly wanted to say. But for reasons unbeknownst to him, that excitement had faded away, leaving behind a void he could not fathom.
He cleared his throat upon realizing his own silence, unable to find his voice. It turned out, Theron had been observing him, likely studying him while processing the thoughts that played in his mind.
"Is there something bothering your mind?" Theron inquired, breaking the silence.
It felt as though a bucket of icy water had been poured over him, instantly sending a chill through his veins. Alongside that question, Theron's sudden smile and the touch of his hand sent a shiver down his spine. Cold. Yes, Theron's palm was cold, mirroring the demeanor and heart of this person.
"Is there something bothering your mind?" Theron repeated, retracting his hand and directing his attention back to the menu book.
"Oh, nothing," Kith replied, feigning interest in the contents of the menu book. However, his mind was focused on something else entirely. He sensed a certain energy, a feeling that compelled him to seek answers. Without further ado, he mustered the courage to ask what Theron wished to say to him.
Theron smiled. "Ah, thanks for reminding me, Kiddo," he replied.
Should Kith say "You're welcome?" The anticipation he once felt for Theron's words had vanished. He could sense it. Theron was in a relationship - it was not news to him, though.
He knew about Theron's girlfriend, but he had almost forgotten about Theron's playboy nature and his knack for getting what he wanted. Most likely, Theron would now regale him with tales of how he had won over his new girlfriend.
Little did Theron know that while he happily shared those details, a deep wound in his chest had worsened. Would Theron even care if he found out?
"I finally got a 'yes'-" Theron began.
Should Kith act surprised? He already knew that Theron could obtain everything he desired. Unlike himself, who had to keep his beloved hidden. Unlike himself, who never stood a chance of being loved in return. Nonetheless, he asked Theron, "Who is she?"
Perhaps it would be a repeat of the past. Just like the girl Theron had introduced to him before, he later discovered that Theron and that girl had become a couple. What saddened him was not the fact that Theron was in a relationship with that girl, but rather the complex emotions he harbored for his best friend.
"What about Irish?" Kith referred to Theron's girlfriend, the one who seemed to always accompany them whenever they went out.
"I'm no longer satisfied with her," Theron responded.
"So, who is the new person then?" he asked, attempting to conceal his lack of interest.
"Syd," Theron enthusiastically declared.
"Syd." Kith eyes widened in surprise. If he remembered correctly, Syd was a well-known med student at Humprey. What puzzled him was why Theron had taken an interest in Syd.
Syd was a man. Suddenly, Kith's heart began to race, as if a knife was slowly cutting through his still-beating heart.
"Syd is bisexual," Theron blurted out, realizing that Kith seemed confused. "I met him at a pub somewhere in General Santos City."
Kith sat there, maintaining a calm demeanor while hiding the immense pain he felt. Why Syd? He couldn't help but wonder if he had mustered the courage to confess his true feelings, would he have had a fighting chance? The weight of regret gnawed at him, tearing through his heart like countless sharp needles.
"Can I ask why-" he began, his voice faltering.
"If you're asking why I chose to be with someone like him? I don't believe that should be the focus, Kith. We're living in a modern era where love knows no boundaries. Two men being in love is perfectly normal. There's nothing inherently wrong with it."
And if I were to reveal my true emotions back then, would you have accepted me?
"We have a date planned for next week. As usual, I'm extending the invitation for you to join us. Declining is not an option, as I will do my best to convince you," Theron stated, a charming smile gracing his face.
"I can't, Theron," he replied with a sorrowful laugh. "Next week happens to be an overwhelmingly busy period for me." Inside, he felt an overwhelming desire to break down and let the tears flow.
"I'll reschedule it for the following week, so please, consider coming with us," Theron pleaded, his eyes filled with hope.
"I can't, Theron. I told you," he desperately wanted to scream, to release the pent-up emotions welling within him.
"Even for me? Why does it seem like you're putting up a barrier, a shield that prevents us from being truly close? Why do you suddenly seem so self-centered?"
Kith felt a pang of disappointment hearing Theron's accusation.
"Don't tell me-" Theron added, he let out a long, profound sigh. "You never used to refuse in the past."