Theron Amherst's entire existence revolved around one steadfast purpose: to shield and safeguard Kith Sylvester. He keenly understood Kith's inherent fragility, and he knew just how much Kith relied on his presence. In the eyes of the delicate and vulnerable Kith, Theron stood as a protective figure, a nurturing older sibling. However, unbeknownst to Theron, his perception was tragically distorted.
Little did Theron anticipate that it was Kith, the seemingly feeble and defenseless soul, who harbored an ardent love for him. It was a love that lingered in secrecy, veiled from the world until that fateful night when he made the life-altering decision to unveil his relationship with Syd.
Kith Sylvester, an intellectual prodigy, a self-proclaimed nerd, and an insatiable devourer of knowledge. Relentlessly tormented by his callous seniors, the details of Kith's prior educational journey remained elusive to Theron. Kith was a transfer student, and despite not sharing the same classes, their paths inadvertently collided.
A seething rage ignited deep within Theron, compelling him to unleash a physical blow upon Kith's delicate countenance. However, as Theron's eyes met Kith's visage, his fury dissolved into an overwhelming wave of pity and compassion. The innocence that radiated from Kith's demeanor was profoundly moving. Witnessing the ceaseless torment Kith endured on a daily basis shattered Theron's heart. Consequently, he took it upon himself to extend a hand of friendship, vowing to shield Kith from the cruel world that sought to break him.
Little did Theron realize that for the past two years, Kith had been quietly falling in love with him. Oblivious to Kith's hidden desires, Theron never suspected that there was more to their relationship than meets the eye.
What could have prompted Kith to develop such affection for him? Was it because of the boundless kindness and care that Theron showered upon him, or perhaps it was the way he treated Kith with genuine warmth and sincerity?
Theron had never allowed himself to perceive their interactions through a romantic lens. Firstly, he acknowledged the fact that Kith was a man. Secondly, their friendship ran deep, akin to that of siblings. The conflicting thoughts and emotions swirling inside Theron's mind left him overwhelmed and distressed.
Unable to quell the surge of self-directed anger, Theron grappled with a reason he dared not admit to himself. Kith's image played incessantly in his thoughts, his eyes reflecting a sense of apology that seemed to convey the profound pain he carried within.
Kith loved him, a love that Theron couldn't reciprocate, no matter how much he wished otherwise. It was a painful truth that resided deep within his heart, defying any attempt at resolution.
Theron completely disregarded Kith's bisexuality, displaying an absolute indifference towards Kith's sexual orientation. He had reached a point where he no longer concerned himself with the identity of the person Kith truly was. Did that lie hidden beneath the surface all this time?
Whenever he attempted to delve into Kith's personal life, probing for intimate details, Kith skillfully evaded his questions, leaving Theron with a sense of unease. Perhaps it was all part of Kith's intricate web of secrecy and pretense.
This evasion hurt Theron deeply, compounding the pain he already felt. Why did this revelation occur on such a momentous occasion they held dear? He reluctantly admitted his anger, directed both towards Kith and himself.
As the hands of the clock continued his relentless motion, Theron muttered whispered words into the air. "Time cannot change you, Kith. You remain the same, vulnerable and fragile." However, despite the passage of time, those consequential events could not be rewritten.
Forgiving became an insurmountable challenge for him, a task laden with complexities and emotional turmoil.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kith in some way for being there for him during the tremendously challenging days when he found himself engulfed in a deep sense of hopelessness and despair. It was during this time that his father's business began to gradually decline, casting a gloomy shadow over his life. But through it all, Kith stood by his side, offering not only emotional support but also crafting a strategic plan to triumph over this formidable obstacle.
And triumph he did, once again reclaiming success and restoring honor to the Amherst family. Overwhelmed with appreciation, he couldn't help but acknowledge the profound impact that Kith had on his life. However, amidst all the goodness and support Kith had demonstrated, a lingering annoyance would occasionally consume him whenever thoughts of their interactions resurfaced in his mind.
Seeking solace, he let out a heavy sigh and delicately placed a cigarette between his lips, the burning end illuminating his troubled countenance as he exhaled a thick plume of gray smoke. With turmoil clouding his thoughts, he felt utterly perplexed, uncertain of how to escape the relentless grip of his own ruminations. Desperate to evade the haunting memories of the previous week, he contemplated seeking refuge in the refuge of intoxication, hoping to drown himself in oblivion and momentarily erase the ceaseless torment plaguing his mind.
But, despite his best intentions, his troubled mind persisted in focusing on the scenes from the past week, particularly Theron's persistent disregard and indifference towards him.
Kith departed, leaving him deserted and solitary on that eventful night. Eagerly, he awaited Kith's return, hoping for a remorseful plea for forgiveness. However, Kith vanished into the obscure abyss of Arellaño street, vanishing like a fleeting ball. Undeterred, he persevered with the night's festivities, though the absence of his cherished companion cast a pall of desolation upon him. That was meant to be a night of camaraderie and shared joy, but instead, he found himself navigating the uncharted waters of solitary merriment.
Devouring his meal and imbibing his drink in solitude, he lamented the unfolding of this calamitous chapter in their shared history. Why, in the depths of his despair, did his impeccable dinner companion inexplicably dissipate, akin to a minuscule speck of dust whirling into oblivion? Frustration welled within him, luring him back to his former life, where he would assume the role of one of those contemptible, insolent brats who incessantly bullied Kith. In that moment, he yearned to be unfeeling, indifferent to Kith's plight. The bonds of their friendship seemed irreparably severed, crumbled away to fragments of reminiscence.
"Theron, this isn't who you are..."