BUILD
Build was still reeling from the confession Bible had made earlier.
His heart was racing, unable to settle after hearing Bible's direct admission of feelings.
"I have had feelings for you for a long time now," Bible had said, looking straight into Build's eyes.
Build could hardly believe his ears. Bible had just told him, without the haze of alcohol clouding the moment, that he liked him.
The butterflies in Build's stomach were going wild.
He squeezed his eyes shut, shaking his head to clear his thoughts, but the rapid beating of his heart persisted
."You don't have to say anything," Bible continued, "I am not forcing my feelings for you. I will never do that. I just wanted to say it, and I understand if you don't like me back."
Build was overwhelmed, struggling to find his voice.
He was suddenly reminded of Us, and his heart sank. Had Bible been cheating on Us?
The idea of Bible choosing him over his best friend was too much to process.
Build felt a mix of betrayal and confusion.
"How about Us?" Build had asked, his voice tight with anxiety.
Bible's expression shifted to one of annoyance.
"I thought I've told you about me not liking him," he said, clearly frustrated.
Build felt a wave of embarrassment and frustration.
He wanted to confess his feelings too but was torn by the thought of losing his friendship with Us.
His thoughts were a chaotic mess, and he didn't know what to say.
"I like you, I love you rather, and it's fine if you don't or can't like me, really. Us and I are nothing but friends, he is dating JJ," Bible had stated.
Build's mind raced. Bible loved him? And Us was dating JJ? The realization hit hard, and he felt a pang of betrayal.
How had Us kept this from him?
"Let's go back," Bible said, breaking the silence.
Build watched as Bible stood up, he walked behind Build, but held the door open for him.
They drove back to the hotel in silence.
Build was too overwhelmed to speak, and the awkward atmosphere only deepened his anxiety.
When they reached their hotel room,
Bible said, "You go first, I'll be there later."
Build forced a smile, feeling the weight of his unspoken words.
He went into their room and closed the door, his heart still racing.
Sitting on the couch, he hugged a pillow and let out a scream of frustration and joy.
"He said he loves me," Build murmured to himself
***
Hours passed, and Build, unable to wait for Bible any longer, lay on the bed.
He was about to close his eyes when he heard a knock at the door.
Eagerly, he opened it, only to be surprised by the sight of Bible and Us.
Bible was clearly drunk, and Us was assisting him inside. "What happened?" Build asked Us.Us looked at him with a mix of irritation and amusement.
"YOU! YOU happened."Build's confusion was evident.
"What do you mean?"Us sighed and tapped Build's shoulder.
"Take care of him, and please stop with the misunderstanding. You two are giving me a headache!"
"You didn't tell me you're dating JJ!" Build almost shouted, feeling hurt and betrayed.
Us turned his attention to Bible, who was now on the couch.
"Who—oh Bible, you freak!" Us shouted, but Bible was too drunk to respond.
"Hmph," Build folded his arms, annoyed. Us walked over to him and hugged him.
"I'm sorry, I was supposed to tell you. But this man here can't keep his mouth shut," he said, pointing to the snoring Bible.
Build pulled away from the hug, feeling both relieved and conflicted.
"Take care of him, okay? And talk," Us said, closing the door behind him.
Build looked at Bible, who was sleeping peacefully.
He gently removed Bible's jacket, wiped his face with a wet cloth, and took off his shoes.
As he looked at Bible, a tear rolled down his face, and Build wiped it away.
"I like you, I love you, okay? Don't cry, please. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I'll tell you tomorrow, when you're sober," Build whispered, hugging Bible before falling asleep beside him.
***
The next morning, Build woke up early to find he was still hugging a sleeping Bible.
Smiling, he poked Bible's cheek and then took a shower.
When he emerged, he found Bible drinking coffee.
"Good morning," Build greeted him.
Bible looked up, offering a faint smile.
They packed their things and prepared to return to Thailand.
Build noticed Bible's avoidance of him throughout the day.
He felt a pang of sadness when Bible didn't sit next to him on the plane or the bus.
The distance between them was painful, making it hard for Build to express his feelings.
***
A week later, Build learned from P'Pond that Bible had a fever and couldn't come to the studio.
Build saw this as an opportunity to visit Bible and bring him porridge as a peace offering.
After getting ready, Build stood nervously in front of Bible's apartment, porridge in hand.
He was about to turn away when Bible's brother appeared.
"Yo," he greeted.
Build smiled nervously, and Bible's brother noticed the porridge.
"You're one of my brother's colleagues," he said, opening the door.
"Wait here, I'll call him."
Moments later, Bible's brother returned with Bible, who looked disheveled and sleepy.
Seeing Bible like this made Build's heart flutter.
Bible looked at him with a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"Why?" he asked in a deep voice. Build's confidence wavered, but he managed to smile.
"I brought you porridge, knowing you had a fever. It's a peace offering porridge. I cooked it myself," he said, feeling embarrassed.
Bible took the porridge, their fingers brushing briefly, and Build felt a surge of happiness.
Bible's smile a little but it was like a balm to his wounded heart.
"I missed you," Build whispered, almost too softly to hear.
