Different To Me (Egobang)

CHAPTER ONE: In Courage I Seek

(present day)

Have you ever fallen in love with your best friend? One day realizing that the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, was in front of you the entire time. One year ago, I looked at him. Just a glance... But that split second changed everything.

His hair was so soft, like a cloud that fell neatly around his pale neck. It framed his face, driving me crazy with his soft fawn eyes...

I craved his delicate skin...
His touch...
I couldn't tear my eyes away from him...

Each cocoa colored ringlet cascaded down his slender back, transitioning to a tawny awburn hue. The mass of curls seemed to reflect his every emotion, they bounced with his laughter. And fell mop in his sorrow.

Dan had this kind of soothing nature, that could make me so mad... But seem to solve all my problems simultaneously. How could he do that? I guess That's just Dan, I chuckle to myself.

I think I-- WAIT A SECOND!

I scolded myself. What was I thinking? I can't be with Dan. I'm straight, HE'S STRAIGHT.

For fuck's sake Arin. Get your mind outta the goddamn gutter.

I scolded myself again. Scooting away from Dan a few inches. Dan noticed, frowning in confusion.

"Arin?"

Dan's thick brows furrowed.

I pretended to be too engrossed in the game to notice his soft voice.

"What's wrong?"

He spoke up this time, pausing the game, giving me no choice but to look into his dark eyes, and soft features. His hair seemed to reflect the expression of his face, worry.

I couldn't help but try to dodge his intrepid gaze, but to no avail. Dan put his hand on my cheek, moving my face to look at him. His thumb traced my jawbone, trying to calm my nerves. This only made things worse. My cheeks flushed red as I slapped his hand away, hiding my embarrassment.

"Big cat?"

I could hear Dan's voice from where I buried myself in a blanket... Dan's blanket, it was cream colored, and as soft as a cloud.

No wonder Dan is so fond of this thing

I smiled, breathing in the smell of him. It was so light, and almost refreshing, with just a hint of sweetness. I sighed, popping my head from an opening in the fuzzy mass. I smiled at Dan, he gave me a confused smile back.

"What's going on with you big cat?"

He said quietly as he brushed my blonde hair out of my eyes. He gave me a worried glance as he played with my hair.

"oh nothing..."

I sighed wistfully, obviously not telling the whole truth.

"Well okay..."

Dan said, not buying a word of it.

"Just let me know if you wanna talk, mkay?"

He sighed, standing up. As he began padding off to the kitchen he stopped for a moment.

"You know you can always talk to me Arin, whatever it is, I'll be here for you."

He smiled, slipping through the doorway...