BIBLE
The night of the finale was supposed to be a celebration.
The entire cast was expected to be together, but things didn't turn out as planned. Mile tested positive for COVID, Jeff had other commitments, and Build—Build wasn't allowed to be there. Bible couldn't help but feel a deep sense of loss.
Build deserved to be praised for his portrayal of Pete, and more than anything, Bible needed him there by his side.
As the final VegasPete scene played out on the screen, Bible's smile faltered.
When Vegas was shot, Build's cry echoed through the room.
Even though Bible knew it was just acting, it felt all too real, tugging painfully at his heart.
There was something about hearing Build's voice, even in a performance, that made Bible's chest tighten.
After the event ended, Bible found himself dialing Build's number almost instinctively.
"Hello?" Build's voice came through the line, soft but noticeably somber.
"Hey," Bible replied, feeling an unexpected wave of nerves.
"I thought you might already be asleep, but I just wanted to check on you. The event ended, and everyone was saying how much they wished you could've been there."
"Oh, Bible... I'm fine. Really. I watched it from home. You should worry about yourself though—I saw some tweets saying you looked sad. What's going on with you?"
"I don't know," Bible admitted, a heaviness settling in his chest.
"It just didn't feel right without you there."
There was a pause on the other end. Bible held his breath, waiting for Build's response.
"I'll be there for the world tour. I just need a little time," Build said finally, his tone steady but distant.
"Okay, just... take care of yourself," Bible said, struggling to find the right words. "I guess I'll see you soon."
"Thanks, you too. Goodbye."
Bible hesitated for a moment, his heart racing as he impulsively added, "Uh, Build—"
"Yes?" Build's voice softened.
"I'm proud of you," Bible blurted out before quickly ending the call.
As soon as the words left his mouth, Bible's mind began to race.
Why had he said that? Sure, Build probably needed to hear it, but Bible couldn't shake the fear that maybe he'd been too obvious.
Was it normal for a friend to call like that? To say things like that? What if Build realized how he really felt?
"Stop pacing, Bible," P'Tong called out with a teasing grin. "You look like you just talked to your crush."
Bible froze, swallowing hard. P'Tong wasn't wrong.
He had just talked to his crush, and now he was terrified that Build might know how he felt.
The thought of losing their friendship was unbearable.
Taking a deep breath, Bible forced himself to stay calm.
He needed to be more careful. He couldn't afford to let his feelings ruin everything.
***Build had returned to the studio the previous week, but things had changed between them. Instead of hanging out with Bible like before, Build was spending more time with Nodt.
