BUILD
Build had heard Bible's confession the night before, but he found it hard to fully believe it.
He wanted to, desperately, but they were both drunk.
Perhaps Bible's feelings were a product of the alcohol, or maybe Build was convincing himself that Bible's confession wasn't real so he could remain close to him without the awkwardness that might come with it.
Build woke up next to Bible, using his forearm as a pillow. He felt a pang of guilt, realizing Bible might have felt numb. Glancing at the clock, he saw it was only 2 a.m.
He got up and took a shower, trying to wash away the lingering effects of the previous night, especially the weight of Bible's confession. He wished fervently that Bible had been sober when he spoke those words.
After changing clothes and taking a final look at Bible, still peacefully asleep, Build felt a deep longing.
Bible looked so calm and serene, and Build wished he could embrace him forever and express his love. But considering the circumstances, he felt he couldn't.
Build struggled with the fairness of telling Bible he had feelings for him. He didn't want to be seen as selfish or to ruin something for anyone else just because he had fallen in love.
Sometimes, he wished he could be as brave as Pete, to just let his feelings out and be happy with Bible.
He had liked Bible for a long time now. Bible had raised his standards, and Build couldn't help but fall for him.
Bible loved cats, was caring, and had a cute, clingy side when they were alone. He was hardworking, crafting gifts like a "knife," necklaces, and bracelets with great effort.
Build wouldn't deny that Bible was attractive, from head to toe. Bible was funny, kind, smart, and always respected Build's space while giving him endless assurance.
He complemented Build often, comforted him in times of sadness, and reminded him that many people still loved and supported him.
Build was overwhelmed with his feelings for Bible. The way Bible made him feel—giving him butterflies and being the sunshine in his life—was something he cherished deeply.
He wanted to tell Bible how much he loved him, but it was complicated.
As a tear rolled down his cheek, Build wiped it away and lay back beside Bible, who was still snoring softly.
He touched Bible's face gently, afraid to wake him.
"I wish I could tell you the same thing. I really wish I could," Build whispered
"but I just can't. I know you can't hear me, but... can you not fall in love with anyone? Will you wait for me until I'm ready to choose you? Can you do that for me?"
Build saw Bible shift slightly, so he withdrew his hand, scooted away, and pretended to be asleep. Bible turned to the other side, and Build stared at the ceiling, imagining scenarios that might happen if only he could confess his feelings.
He regretted not being honest with Us when he had asked about his feelings for Bible.
"Do you like him?" Us had asked, pointing at Bible, who was reading as usual.
Yes, Build did.
Bible looked incredibly handsome.
But Build didn't want to be teased, so he lied.
"No! We're just f-friends, a good colleague," Build said, sipping his half-cold coffee.
Us smiled and sighed with relief. "Thank God, because I do."
Build's heart sank. "Oh," was all he could manage.
"But I don't think he likes me. I think he only sees me as a friend," Us said, his sadness evident.Build watched Us talk about his feelings for Bible, feeling a mix of sadness and empathy.
He wanted Us to be happy, to hear him talk with such enthusiasm, but it also hurt. Bible and Us would make a great couple, and Build knew it.
"I'm going to tell him soon," Us had declared.
"When?" Build had asked.
"When the time is right," Us replied.
Weeks later, Build noticed that Bible and Us had grown closer.
They didn't interfere in each other's private lives, but Build could see the change.
Us came to Build again, looking somber. "I asked him if he likes someone," Us began, his genuine smile failing to mask his sadness.
"Sadly, he does. He's in love with someone," Us continued.
Build's heart shattered. Bible loved someone else.
The pain was almost unbearable. He tapped Us' shoulder, and Us hugged him, sharing in the sadness.
Build felt a deep sense of loss.
Bible had found someone he loved, and it wasn't him or Us.
With a heavy heart, Build resolved to keep his feelings hidden.
He would continue to act as if he didn't have feelings for Bible, just as he had done all this time.
