The Faith Of The Dream.

Chapter 17

He was about to leave the seat when a hand pushed him back. Cole looked up, staring at Jay's blue eyes.

"Relax, man. The cafe is all ours now," his friend smiled gently.

"But you... You wanted to leave, didn't you? I shouldn't hold you back. I'm going home now."

"Nah, I don't really fancy eating at that restaurant. Too classy for me." Jay sat next to him and placed both arms on the table. His head was resting on them. "Phew! Today was crazy!"

"You should go home and rest. I should, too."
Jay glanced at him. "So you'll stop waiting for him?"

"He won't come. I just know it." Cole stared blankly at the window. "I'm just a fool for believing him."

"He's the idiot one here." Jay's comment was sharp and it sounded like he had prepared to say it since a long time ago.

"He should be feeling lucky. He has your heart all for himself! Man! There are people trying hard to get your heart out there, to be your lover, to hold your hands, to stay by your side forever. And this guy didn't even do anything, but he still got what those people want anyway! I mean, what's better than being loved by you?"

Cole felt a blush creeping on his cheeks. "What's that supposed to mean? You're exaggerating!"

"Maybe I am, maybe not." Jay half-shrugged. "But this guy is really weird. Do you still remember when you first met? He asked you to be his partner for this college project, but if I'm not mistaken, college hadn't even started back then."

"He said the project was for his final term."

"Even if I don't understand much about college, it's still sus, if you ask me." Jay straightened up, and faced Cole. "What do you say if we pay him a visit?"

Cole shook his head. "I don't know where he lives."

Jay's eyes went twice wider. "What? You don't know where he lives? And I thought you two are dating?"

"We're not dating." Cole sighed. "It's just that he always shifted the topic when I asked about his address."

One of Jay's eyebrows was raised. "That's so... suspicious. It's like he's this kind of person that has double identities or such and does bad stuff..."

"He's not like that." Cole waved a hand in front of his face. "He's just... different."

"One sec you said you'd stop believing him, one sec later you simp for him."

"What?"

"What?"

Jay  huffed, then rolled his eyes. "Admit it, Cole! You're just too in love with him that you're blind! Even your way of thinking is somewhat unclear! I've known you for ten years now and I know when you're too preoccupied with something that you ignore anything else. It's that side of yours that irks me as your bestest friend, sometimes."

"What about it?" Cole didn't know what force was driving him to stand up, towering over Jay with his fists clenched. Head bowed, and lips were trembling. "What if I am just like what you said?"

"Well, it's not bad. Really... Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Even me. I think... You just need to be true to your heart and—"

"You don't know what it feels!" His voice was shaking, just like his whole body. His eyes were bleary now. And all he could feel stirring in his chest was anger. "Because you've never fallen in love!"

Jay suddenly slammed the table hard and stood so fast that his chair almost fell over. His face hardened. His brows furrowed, and blue eyes sharpened as if he was facing his mortal enemy now. Even one corner of his lips was lifted, forming a slanted arch that spoke of hostility.