Days Go By | lavashipping

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Kai was already waiting for him near the coffee shop, leaned against a wall with two cups in his hands. They greeted each other and he handed Cole one of the cups. He took a sip and they were on their way.

"Hey, can I... talk to you about something?"

"Yeah, of course. I actually wanted to talk to you about something too."

"Really? Well, go on."

Cole waved with his hand dismissively. "No, you asked first, you go first."

"Well, okay... It's about Lloyd."

"Oh."

Kai glanced at him but other than that, they kept looking ahead for the rest of their speech.

"He didn't have the best luck in relationships and stuff so he's now a little untrusting and paranoid, you know? Anyway, he – it's kind of funny, actually – he thinks you're a cheater or something because of that texting thing. Which is kind of ridiculous, we're not even dating properly or anything... But yeah, he's been all 'Kai, you gotta be careful' and stuff. Not that I don't trust you or anything! But it's been bothering me since and I thought maybe if I talked to you about it..."

"No, it's fine, I get it."

"Really?"

"Yeah, actually... I wanted to talk to you about it too." As much as he was glad to know the reason behind Lloyd's strange behaviour, Cole couldn't not focus on something else. It was fine, he had enough distractions at hand, it shouldn't be a problem.

"I– I contacted my ex, that's who's been texting me. We didn't have the best breakup... Well, I don't think it can count as a breakup, I just skipped town with my dad and haven't talked to him since... And I feel like it's been haunting me everywhere. I wanted to apologise to him so many times before but I was so scared he'll hate me and it would be even worse but then you–" He avoided Kai's eyes, he tried not to feel his gaze as difficult as it was. "You came along and I realised that it's just better to go and face it even if it can be hard and uncomfortable... So that's what happened, he texted me back and I was just glad to see he reacted, it wasn't Vania, I'm sorry I lied, I just wanted to make sure it's taken care of before I tell you."

"Oh? Well– I'm glad it went well, then. It went well, right?"

"Yeah, it's all sorted out now, no ghosts around here." Cole motioned around himself and hoped that maybe turning into a joking tone would help him lighten up but it wasn't as effective as he thought it would be. "It feels kind of freeing. Like a weight got off my shoulders."

"I'm really happy for you, Cole." He wanted to wake up to that smile every morning that has yet to come. But was he sure Kai wanted the same thing? He should just ask, he should just speak up but he couldn't and letting Kai take over the conversation was way easier.