Tret found himself grappling with a sense of regret over confessing his feelings. If only he could rewind to the previous night, he would alter the sequence of events. Perhaps he would choose to conceal his emotions, preventing them from surfacing. However, the moment Heo's gentle lips touched his, it erased all fears and reservations. Amidst the bittersweet regrets, Tret felt gratitude for his best friend's understanding. Alternatively, could it be that Heo wasn't caught off guard? Could Heo have been aware of Tret's feelings for years? After all, that's what he heard from Heo last night.
But why did Heo kiss him... and mistakenly recognize him as his ex? It feels unreal because at the end of their lips meeting, Heo recognized every feature of him. There must be an answer to clear the blurred lines. Nonetheless, Tret knew too well that expectations only lead to the greatest disappointment. He hated creating delusional love stories that only lived in his head.
He sighed, trying to calm his thoughts, and checked his messenger again. He received a chat message from Han, saying he was on his way home. Tret smiled and replied, asking him to bring him something. He noticed that Heo was online. He felt a pang of hurt that Heo hadn't messaged him. It felt odd because in the past, when Heo didn't send him a message, he felt okay.
But recently, seemingly out of nowhere, he needed time and assurance from Heo. Tret thought he was being selfish. He didn't want to be like that. He hated to raise red flags. He didn't want to be negative about things that seemed trivial to Heo.
Their semester break was just a few months away. He remembered the night he woke up crying and went to Han's room. Han asked him if he planned to spend the semester break with Heo. Han's goal had always been for Tret to confess to Heo. Maybe Heo would be happy to hear that he finally confessed.
Han was the only one who always supported him and his feelings. Tret still doubted whether he should tell Han that he had already confessed his feelings to Heo. What if Han asked him about Heo's reaction? Heo's response, and everything that came after that confession. It would be weird, wouldn't it? He decided to keep it a secret from Han for the time being.
"H-hey."
Tret turned around. It was Wren behind him. It was obvious that Wren had just woken up because it was evident in his eyes. Wren's hair was messy, and his lips twitched. Wren let out a deep sigh before sitting in a chair a meter away from him. Tret didn't take his eyes off Wren; he was still observing him, finding it weird how this strange Wren managed to survive, spending time in the bar until early in the morning and battling drowsiness in class. Jerk!
"You seem to be lost in thought," Wren said, eyes closed. He held a glass of cold water.
"Not with profound thought. Just hanging out here. Have you eaten something? There was leftover food that Tret cooked earlier. You can warm it up." He smiled and looked away. He despised himself for getting lost in Wren's face. Wren was good-looking too. Wren was a boy who probably had more one-night stands than Heo and Han combined.
"Speaking of the devil, but an angel to you, where is he?" Wren asked, referring to Heo.
"He left earlier. I don't know where he went. He was dressed up." He checked his cup of iced tea; it was empty.
"Perhaps he went on a date," Wren concluded.
That never surprised Heo. Women were after his best friend Heo. For some absurd reason, Heo sometimes was a source of disappointment to Tret, but Tret felt he wasn't entitled. As they say, a best friend must know his place. He couldn't expect himself to react, as it would reveal his feelings too soon. Now, with his feelings unveiled, he would act weird and might even show that he was hurt. Unlike before when he just hid everything.
"Can I ask you something, Wren?"
Wren opened his eyes and looked at him. "You're asking me? What a miracle! We all know you usually avoid me like always. And now, you're asking me if you could ask me a question? What got into you? You can ask a question, but let me ask first. Deal?"
Tret smirked. Wren was right; sometimes or often, he avoided him. There wasn't really a deep reason why he did that. He just clung to the idea of Wren being straightforward and strict. Wren didn't lower his gaze, seeming to wait for his answer to his request. He just nodded in response.
Wren sat up straight. "Okay, why do you avoid me? Why am I the only one you're not close to among the three of us, Heo, Han, and me?"
He laughed before answering. "If you only read my mind, you would probably get the answer. I just answered it before you asked the question. There's no real reason, Wren, you just seem strict and standoffish!"
Wren laughed too. "Really? Most people's first impression of me is standoffish. Sometimes I wonder if it's a blessing or an added touch to my standoffish appearance."
"You're handsome. Your narrow eyes suit you," he said, glancing into the distance.
"Really? Your tone sounds like you're interested in me," Wren teased before continuing. "I was under the impression that Mr. Heo Marcus held the position as the apple of your eye."
Upon hearing Wren's words, Tret immediately looked back at him. He wanted to ask Wren to explain what he said. Wren's expression was teasing. Tret didn't break eye contact with Wren.
"I'm not blind. People reveal themselves through their actions," Wren declared, turning his back as if ready to leave. However, he stopped and turned back. "Maybe the reason you don't talk to me often is because you're apprehensive about revealing your orientation. Tret, am I wrong? But I'm your friend, and what's the point of friends if not to empathize? I never belittle anyone's feelings or identity; it's unconventional and challenges societal norms. On the other hand, Heo seems like a good match for you. You both have chemistry."
Tret found himself speechless. He sensed the sincerity in Wren's expression. Wren's words enveloped him, touching his very core. Despite his inner doubts suggesting that those around him harbored secret animosity, his heart clung to the belief that genuine kindness existed in his interactions. His preconceived notion that, as a bisexual, he couldn't be friends with straight people, seemed like an unfounded stereotype. It was a perception he shouldn't hold onto, as it would only perpetuate marginalization and stigma against the bisexual community.
He wanted to say thank you, but the words wouldn't come out. His lips were sealed, unable to form words. Yet, in his heart, he was grateful for the words he had just heard.
"See you later, Tret." Wren walked away.