Next Stop, Us

I Think I'm...

"nah. I just wanted to say thx for accompanying me today. It means a lot to me. Luv ya"

What is this feeling I'm getting inside? It's sudden and I feel my heart beating really fast. ARGHH!!

I grabbed my bag and left the house again. I went to a nearby convenience store, looking for something to drink. I browsed the store, slowly walking, picking up bread every once in a while, and putting it back on the shelf.

"Matcha Mochi Puff...How does that even taste? It's even priced at $7.50..."

"It's pretty delicious actually," A voice said. I turned around to see another boy standing beside me. "Is it?" I questioned again before taking it. "I'm assuming you've tried it before?"

"Nope. I can tell just from looking at it," He replied with a smile. "Mind if I join you?"

I ended up sitting down with a stranger, eating Macha Mochi Puffs that cost $7.50 each. Quietly, I was chewing my Mochi and I can feel the stranger staring at me. "Is there something bothering you? You look frustrated,"

"I'm confused. For once, I feel lost and I'm not sure what to do," I explained. He just kept staring, with no words, a few nods. "You didn't exactly tell me your name and you're sitting with me, listening to my personal problems,"

"Theo. My name is Theo. Nice to meet you,"

"Nice to meet you too. My name is Owen,"

"Do you want to exchange Instagram? Mine is @th30," Theo said as he shows me his Instagram profile.

"Followed,"

"Do you feel better now? About what was bothering you?" Theo asked. I'll be honest, I wasn't sure what I was feeling and this isn't something I can tell Theo about it either.

"I'll be better...I guess," I replied while trying to force a smile. "Take your time. I'm sure you'll be able to overcome it," Theo reassured me. It's weird really to be this expressive toward a stranger. The only reason I came out tonight was that I feel confuse. I've been spending a lot of time with Albert lately and our interaction feels different. His recent message has stirred something inside. Every time I am with him, there's a different kind of joy that I don't feel when I am with others.

I think I'm...GAY?!

"Are you okay? Your face is really red," Theo asked as he reaches for my face. "I'm fine! Don't worry about me. I'll see you next time," I said as I upped and left.

"I'll catch you next time for a meal?!" Theo shouted to me giving him a thumbs up while running off into the distance.

While walking home, I kept thinking to myself.

Okay...maybe I do like him but he doesn't know. There's nothing to worry about. I have better things to worry about.

As expected, with this running through my head, I couldn't sleep a wink at all. I stayed up all night, tossing and turning. "Owen, are you okay?" Elly asked me.

"Okay....one more time I hear that question..." My head is on the table, trying to catch even a few minutes of sleep but I've been asked the question 'Are you okay?' throughout the entire day.

"What's up with you?" A familiar voice asked. This voice is Albert's. I know for sure. "I'm fine. There's nothing wrong with me," I answered with a muffled voice, my head still on the table. I felt a hand on my head, ruffling my hair.

I slowly lift my head like some sulking pet, with Albert standing in front of me, still patting my head. For some reason, it feels nice and I want him to continue doing it. "I'm fine," I answered again.

"What's up with both of you lately? You've been awfully close," Elly questioned with a smirk while looking at both of us. "Are you two going out and secretly dating?" Adam asked.

"We're just really close friends," Albert answered as he puts his arm over my shoulder. "Yeah, just close friends," I answered but with slight hesitation. There was a moment of silence between us before I picked up my bag.

"I forgot I have to head to the Management Office to settle something. I'll see you guys later," I said as I turn to leave but Albert grabbed my hand, holding me back.

"I'll follow you," Albert said as he got up and left with me.

"There's definitely something going on between them, right?" Adam whispered as we left. "One hundred percent!"

As we are walking, Albert reached for my hand, holding it tight. I looked over to Albert and all he does is smile.

What does this mean? Am I overthinking right now? ARGHH STOP THINKING ABOUT IT, OWEN!

"Hi, Owen," Someone called out to me. It was Theo...IT WAS THEO!? I immediately free my hand from Albert's grasp.

"Theo?! You attend Maple Gold University too? What course? Which year? I haven't seen you before," I started questioning, not giving Theo a chance to answer.

Theo laughed before answering me. "I'm in the Journalism course, a second year. I didn't know you attend Maple Gold too,"

"My name is Albert, third year in Music Studies. Nice to meet you, Theo," Albert interrupted while offering a handshake to Theo. Theo returned the handshake with an added smile.

"Where are you headed off to?" Theo asked, turning his head back to me, still smiling away.

"I'm heading to the Management Office," I replied. "I see. Then I'll catch you sometime soon then. Goodbye now," Theo said as he waved to both me and Albert.

"You two seem close," Albert asked as we continue walking. "He is a new friend I met recently,"

"You seem happier now. I guess what was bothering you before isn't bothering you anymore," Albert said as he sees me smiling.

It's true I'm happier now but I'm always happier when I'm around friends. I'm still confused about my feelings toward Albert. Everything is new and there are just so many things to focus on right now. Besides, there shouldn't be much to stress about, am I right? Albert said we're just really close friends.

Just close friends.