Days turned into weeks, and Mark and Alex continued to hang out as friends. Mark tried to push aside his feelings for Alex and act like everything was normal, but he couldn't deny the constant ache in his chest.
One night, they were sitting on Mark's balcony, watching the stars. The air was cool, and they had a blanket wrapped around them. Mark couldn't take it anymore. He had to tell Alex how he felt.
"Alex," Mark said, his voice shaking. "There's something I need to tell you."
Alex turned to him, and Mark could see the confusion in his eyes. "What's up?" Alex asked.
Mark took a deep breath. "I know we've been friends for a while now, but I can't help how I feel about you. I know it's probably not what you want to hear, and I don't want to make things awkward between us, but I had to tell you. I really like you, Alex. Like, more than just a friend."
For a moment, there was silence between them. Mark felt like he was going to be sick. Had he just ruined their friendship?
But then, to his surprise, Alex smiled. "Mark," he said, "I had no idea. I've actually been feeling the same way about you for a while now."
Mark's heart leapt in his chest. "Really?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Alex nodded, still smiling. "Yeah. I was actually hoping you felt the same way."
Mark felt like he was dreaming. He couldn't believe that Alex liked him back. They leaned in and kissed each other, and everything felt right in the world.
From that moment on, they were a couple. They still had their game nights and movie nights, but now they also had something more. They had each other, and they were happy.
YOU ARE READING
"Across the Hall: A Love Story"
Roman d'amourIs a romantic story that centers around two young men named Mark and Alex who live across the hall from each other in an apartment complex. Mark is instantly drawn to Alex, who is new to the city, and offers to show him around and help him get settl...
