A bitter smile formed on his lips. "It's true, Theron. I have certain responsibilities at the university. I'm sure you're aware of that."
Theron's voice carried a tinge of surprise. "Even during vacation?"
It had slipped Kith's mind that their vacation was scheduled for the upcoming week. He simply nodded, hoping to avoid an argument.
"Are you angry?" Theron inquired, his tone serious. This time, Kith didn't know how to evade that question. Theron's face held a solemn expression. "I can sense it in your unusual reaction. Don't you approve of Syd for me? He's a kind-hearted person, much like you."
Should I force myself to be happy? Kith whispered to himself internally. I'm hurting, don't you notice? He longed to cry, but he fought back the tears that threatened to escape. If I were merely a scar that had partially healed, I'm certain I would suddenly reopen and start bleeding again.
"I wanted to tell you." Theron's voice resonated with a hint of regret. "But I wanted to hold onto it for a little while, just for myself. I'm sorry." He extended his sincere apology.
"It's okay." Kith lied once again, masking the inner turmoil that shattered him.
"Would you come along with us?"
"For heaven's sake, Theron. That's the one request I decline this time." He forced a strained smile.
"Please."
"I can't."
What kind of request was this? No matter how persistently Theron pursued, Kith would adamantly refuse. He didn't want to become a pitiful bystander or witness the tender moments shared between Theron and Syd. Who was he to accept such an offer from someone like Theron Amherst?
"So what's the problem here? I sensed that you don't approve of Syd." Theron's voice grew louder, evidently becoming annoyed.
"It's not about that. I couldn't care less about who you choose to be with." But the truth was that it wasn't just his heart that cared; it was his mind, his thoughts, his very core.
"Is it because he's bisexual? Wait, are you homophobic?" Theron questioned, his tone laden with accusation.
"No and never. You know why, Theron?"
"C'mon, Kith."
"You don't need to know any further," Kith muttered, his voice filled with frustration.
"Damn it, why do you feel the need to explain your behavior to me, Kith?" Theron's initial disgust had now transformed into pure outrage, evident in his vehement outburst.
Kith shook his head in resignation. "It's something that seems insignificant to me, Theron."
"In other words, I'm not important to you? When did this happen, and why?" Theron's forehead creased with confusion and hurt.
"Well, it's not exactly like that, Theron."
"I feel utterly confused, unable to comprehend your attitude or your words. What in the world, Kith?"
"You poor fool, Theron." Kith sighed, his disappointment evident. "I hope you possess the ability to truly understand the people who surround you. I hope you learn to appreciate the person who loves you unconditionally, yet is never shown even a sliver of that love in return. I hope you can see that person."
"Kith, what exactly do you mean?" Theron's voice trembled with uncertainty and turmoil.
"I just..."
"Is that person you?" Theron's jaw tightened as he raised his voice, searching for the truth. "Tell me now. Do you love me? Do you truly love me, Kith? Is your love for me more than just friendship?"
He was momentarily stunned, unsure of what to say next. Should he burst into tears and sob uncontrollably? Or should he simply walk away and not answer Theron's question? Maybe he should apologize? But he couldn't find it within himself to choose any of those options. This moment was perfect yet agonizing, the right time to confess his true feelings. With a nod, he confirmed his answer to Theron's query, observing the shock and disbelief that overtook Theron's expression.
"Kith, have you lost your mind? Tell me this is some kind of joke," Theron demanded, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"It's not a joke, Theron. Loving someone is never a trivial matter," Kith replied softly, trying to make Theron understand the depth of his emotions.
"You love me?" Theron's voice rose with astonishment. "I can't believe it! This isn't right, Kith. You've completely misinterpreted everything. It's a mistake."
"Loving you has never been a mistake, Theron. Even if it hurts, I can't help how I feel," Kith explained, his voice filled with emotion.
Theron's eyes narrowed with anger and frustration. "What the hell is wrong with you? You can't just expect me to reciprocate your feelings out of nowhere!" he shouted, feeling both angry and conflicted.
"I never expected anything from you, Theron. I just had to be honest with myself and with you. I think it's time for me to go," Kith said with a sad look in his eyes, ready to leave the situation behind.
"But it's still wrong... I have no intention of loving you beyond the boundaries of friendship. I knew you were hurting, but did you ever take a moment to consider my feelings?" A solitary teardrop escaped from the corner of his right eye, tracing a delicate path down his cheek. "You yourself admitted that I couldn't possibly reciprocate your love. So why didn't you try to suppress these emotions?"
"I would rather be shattered and profoundly wounded than dismiss the authenticity of my feelings. I have never taught myself to deny my emotions, nor have I ever denied myself the right to experience them fully," he explained with raw honesty, his voice tinged with both sadness and determination. With a heavy heart, he took a step forward, signaling his intention to move on.
"Where are you going?" Theron's voice carried a mix of concern and desperation.
"To a place where I can find peace for my wounded soul, to a place where I can heal. The choice of whether we continue our friendship is now in your hands," he responded, his voice choked with emotion. As he turned to leave, a torrent of tears welled up and spilled down his cheeks.
"Wait, come back. Let's talk, we need to discuss this. You owe me an explanation," Theron implored, his voice laden with urgency and regret.
He stood frozen in place, his thoughts racing, his heart heavy with sorrow. "What good would it do to talk now? I have already confessed. I have betrayed our friendship, tarnished what we had. From this point forward, we must go our separate ways, for I have taken the initiative. I know that you will now avoid me, casting me aside like a forgotten memory. I can only wish for the best for you," he whispered, his voice cracking with the weight of his emotions, tears streaming down his cheeks as he slowly stepped away.
"Please, let's talk," Theron pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. But he couldn't bring himself to turn back, couldn't bear the pain he had caused.
He pushed forward, his feet carrying him faster and faster, as if he were fleeing from an unbearable truth, until he disappeared into the somber depths of the night. Only the sound of his stifled sobs echoed through the desolate streets of Arrelaño.
Left behind, Theron was left in stunned silence, his mind swirling with questions and regret. The weight of realization settled upon his shoulders, filling his heart with a profound sense of grief and sorrow for the loss of a friendship that could never be mended.
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