At exactly six forty, there was a knock on the door of Kith's apartment. "I'm ready," he said, flashing a smile before hastily stepping out. He was greeted by the striking presence of Theron Amherst, who was undeniably handsome.
Kith welcomed him with a warm smile. "Ohayo."
Amherst smiled in return. "You look adorable. That outfit suits you perfectly."
He was donning a pair of well-fitted trousers, neatly tucked in his pristine white shirt, and complemented by a pair of pristine white sneakers. "I'm ready."
"Yes, you certainly are," Theron replied, extending his arm to offer support.
Kith playfully complained, "Your arms are heavy."
"We've been friends for two years, Kiddo, so don't be dramatic," Theron teased as he pulled Kith closer.
"I'm famished. Isn't it your treat?" Kith concealed the slight flush on his cheeks and the palpitations in his chest caused by the proximity of their bodies.
Theron nodded. "Where are we going?" he inquired.
Kith paused for a moment, taken aback. "Hey, you're the one who invited me, and now you're clueless about our destination. Hello, Theron Amherst?" Kith playfully mentioned his best friend full name.
"Let's go somewhere upscale, where the prices are sky high. We might have to wash dishes to pay the bill," Amherst suggested with a mischievous grin.
"Oh, you're quite extravagant. Is this day significant?" Kith tried to recollect something, his eyes widening suddenly.
"Kiddo? It's our two-year anniversary of friendship?"
Theron smiled and nodded.
Kith hugged him tightly. "Thank you, sorry I forgot it."
"It's okay, but you always forgot it." Theron ruefully laughed.
Kith hugged Theron and held onto him tightly.
"Okay, let's go now," he said while releasing Theron's embrace. Kth didn't want him to feel the strong and fast beating of his heart.
As he glanced at Theron again, Kith noticed a hint of sadness in Theron's eyes. He didn't know why or what it was for, but he didn't want to ask any further.
"Let's go to Drawbridge."
"Ah, Drawbridge is good. But it's expensive," Kith followed him. The way he spoke made it seem like he didn't have any money. Even if he could buy the entire Humphrey University, he could afford it.
"Are you considering that? If Koronadal had something better than Drawbridge, I would take you there. Do you know that you're special to me?"
If I'm special to you, then you should love me too! Should I confess tonight? Maybe I still have a chance, maybe Theron also feels something for me and has been waiting for me to make the first move.
"Are you doing this because we've been friends for two years? But on an ordinary day, there wouldn't be any Amherst asking me out," Kith guffawed.
"Didn't I say this morning that I have something to tell you?" Theron said, opening the passenger side of his car and gesturing for Kith to get in. Theron helped Kith fasten his seatbelt.
He smiled. "Yeah, I remember. What is it?" he asked when they were both inside the car.
Kith didn't hear a response from Theron, so he just let him be and remained silent until Theron parked his car in the parking lot of Drawbridge on Arellaño street.
The wine steward approached the table where Theron and Kith were seated, holding the wine list.
"Pinot Noir, please," Theron quickly requested.
"Copy, sir," the wine steward responded with a smile, then turned around and went to the counter.
Kith looked into Theron's eyes and saw the sadness forming in them. He was about to ask him about it, but Theron suddenly spoke.
"Kiddo, the vacation is coming up soon. Where are you going?"
"Maybe, Quezon and..."
"And you'll miss me," Theron interrupted.
Kith grinned. "Yeah, I do effing care for you."
"And I'm always grateful for you. I care about you the same way. You're special to me."
For heaven's sake, the repetition of his last words echoed inside Kith's head. I care about you the same. You're special to me. That's a bit dramatic. But Theron cares about him in the name of friendship. Maybe he forgot Theron's rules.
There stood a formidable wall between them, a boundary that Kith was unable to surmount. His feelings for Theron remained locked away, destined to remain a secret forever. There was nothing he could do about it. Theron cherished their friendship too much, rendering it impossible for Kith to hope for reciprocation.
He no longer needed to respond to Theron's last statement, for before them stood the steward, bearing a bottle of Pinot Noir wine.
"You look so sad," he vocalized, his words hanging in the air. Then, he offered a smile to the steward, who observed their interaction, capturing the moment perfectly. After a moment, the steward turned and left them alone.