I Don't Love You(Ianthony au)

Chapter 3: I Want to Understand You

As the morning light gently filtered into Ian's room, he stirred from his sleep and reached out, only to find the absence of Anthony beside him. A subtle pang of sadness tugged at his heart, but he couldn't help but smile as he reflected on the sweet moments they had shared the night before. It offered some solace.

With a renewed sense of determination, Ian get up and prepared himself for another day at school.

Walking to school alone felt like a heavy burden on Ian's shoulders. The absence of Anthony by his side is still unbearable. He really need to get used to this.

Arriving at school, Ian couldn't help but notice how Anthony continued to ignore him, as if the events of the past day were nothing more than a distant memory. Ian longed to understand what was going on in Anthony's mind, but still he couldn't.

He knew that Anthony cared for him deeply, but the complexities of their friendship left him feeling bewildered and hurt. Why couldn't they just hang out like real best friends, he wondered. The love between them was undeniable, but understanding the intricacies of Anthony's actions remained a challenge Ian was determined to unravel.

Ian couldn't help but watch as Anthony mingled with his so-called "not friends" friends, a mixture of frustration and longing tugging at his heart. Why can't I be having fun with him like them?

Before the class started, two friendly faces approached him. It was Mari and Melanie, the only people apart from Anthony with whom he hung out regularly. They greeted him with warm smiles and settled in beside him.

Mari, with her bright eyes, grinned and complimented, "Ian, you're looking even cuter than ever"

Melanie chimed in, " Yeah, the bowl cut suits you omg"

Ian blushed at their kind Words. These girls are like a ray of sunshine. Anthony doesn't really bother them hanging out with me unlike when Ian tried to make friends with other guys. Ian really appreciate and grateful for their presence in his life.

Mari's sharp eyes caught him off guard as she observed him staring at Anthony and his friends from across the room. She didn't mince words, stating, "Anthony no longer hangs out with you?"

Ian, caught in his emotions, quickly responded, "No, we're still friends. He's just... well, he doesn't want to hang out in public, like last year."

Mari and Melanie, both concerned and upset, didn't hold back their feelings. Mari's voice carried a note of frustration as she said, "Ian, that guy is such an... well, excuse my language, he is a fucking asshole. I don't think he's your best friend."

Melanie added her own thoughts, her expression showing genuine concern. "Maybe it's time to make some new friends, Ian. You deserve friends who treat you better."

Ian, his heart aching, tried to defend Anthony, concealing his own inner turmoil. "No, really," he said, even though his heart was breaking inside. "I'm okay with it. I just... I don't want new friends."

Deep down, only God know how much he longed to be someone Anthony not ashamed of being a best friend with. Why can't he be the one?

To lighten the mood and divert his attention, Ian shifted his focus to Mari and Melanie. They chatted animatedly about school and upcoming assignments, as the class began, leaving the complexities of his friendship with Anthony behind, at least for the moment.

-</3-

As the class came to an end, Ian bid farewell to Mari and Melanie, putting on a brave face despite the turmoil in his heart. However, his attempt to distance his feelings from Anthony didn't last long.