Sweet Rivalry : From Bitter Enemies To Sweet Lovers (BXB)

18- Yes? No!

After arriving home, Charles settled Neo in the bed and made his way to the kitchen. He was preparing a nourishing porridge for both of them, taking into account their empty stomachs.

It was crucial to ensure that Neo's stomach was filled before administering his medication. The aroma of the simmering porridge filled the air, creating a comforting atmosphere in the kitchen.

Charles carefully stirred the pot, ensuring that the porridge was cooked to perfection, ready to provide them with the sustenance they desperately needed. As they both had a long day.

Charles whipped up a delicious bowl of porridge for both of them and served the dinner in bed for sick Neo.

As Neo gathered his courage to share his haunted past with Charles, he took a deep breath.

Neo: I'll te-...

But before he could utter a word, Charles gently interrupted him by placing a spoonful of warm porridge in front of Neo.

Charles: Eat first. You need to nourish your body and take your medicine.

The steam from the porridge danced in the air, tempting Neo with its comforting aroma. Neo reluctantly nodded.

With each spoonful of porridge, Neo felt a sense of warmth and comfort, knowing that Charles was there to support him through both the physical and emotional challenges he faced.

As Neo took a few more bites of the nourishing porridge, he felt a surge of courage welling up inside him once again.

Charles, sensing Neo's need to share, gently placed the dishes on the side table and tenderly held Neo's hands.

Their eyes met, and in that moment, Neo knew he had Charles's undivided attention. The room seemed to fade away as Neo began to pour out his heart, recounting the haunting experiences that had plagued him for so long.

Charles listened intently, his touch providing a comforting anchor for Neo in this vulnerable moment.

Neo: It started when I was in high school.

.........

Neo's Pov (Past)

I changed schools in highschool and everything was new to me. It was my first day and I was nervous as I knew no one there. I quietly went to my classroom and sat alone in the middle row, on the first bench.

Then a boy came to approach me,

Boy: Hey! New face. What's your name?

Me: Neo what about you?

Boy: I'm Nathan. Don't sit there alone dude come and join us.

He took me to his group, George, Holim, Zab was the part of their friend group. Those guys were pretty nice. They treated me well. A year passed in a blink. But things started getting messy when Nathan got a girlfriend....

(On a phone call)

Nathan: Dude if my mother calls you and asks about me, tell him I'm with you. Nora and I are going on a date. Save me bro!

Me: Sure dude.

(In school)

I was sitting with Nathan and others then he told me swap seats with Nora so he could sit with her. For the sake of my friendship with him I had his back all the time.

In October, Nathan made a plan to hangout with Nora's friends. His groups and Nora's group started getting close because of them. They went to movie, lunch with other often

But I ditched them all the time as I wasn't feeling like socialising. But this time Nathan and Zab forced me to come.

Then I agreed to go out as other guys were going too. I thought maybe it would be fun to socialise with people. Let's give it a try.

It was a fine afternoon we all gathred for camping. Our group reached at the location first. We waited for Nora's group.

Few moments later they all showed up. I was sitting under a tree after arranging seats for all of us to sit whille barbecuing. I heard some footsteps approaching towards me.

I turned my head and saw a boy standing all tall and stiff beside me. He passed away a warm smile and offered me a handshake.

Boy: Hey! You are with Nathan right? Haven't seen you before.

Me: Oh yes. I don't go out for get togethers much.. I came out today for a change. Btw Nice to meet you I'm Neo.

Boy: And I'm Tim. What's your i*sta handel? Let me add you as a friend.

Me: Sure.

After having dinner we all went inside our camps to sleep but I stayed up all night scrolling his I*sta, waiting for his text, feeling the weight of each passing minute.

Little did I know that the darkness of the night has already started to creep into my soul, consuming me bit by bit.

Soon, Tim and I, we had something special going on. Every night, we'd dive into deep conversations that lasted for hours on end.

It was like time stood still when we were together, and the smiles we exchanged spoke volumes. Whenever our paths crossed in school, we shared knowing glances as if we were the only ones in a secret.

And when we ended up in the same class, the gossip sessions were legendary. It felt like we were in our own little world, where everything else faded away and it was just us, bonding over shared secrets and laughter. Those were the moments that made me feel alive.

A month passed and my feelings towards him grew stronger. It felt like I had a whole carbonated soda party going on inside me. I had bubbles whenever I thought about him.

I just wanted Tim to spend more time with me. Like, just sitting together, locking eyes, and feeling that connection.

One day I got a text from him

Tim: Meet me at the storage room after lunch break.

So, there I was, stepping into the dark room, barely able to see a thing. I was about to turn on my flashlight when BAM! Suddenly, all the lights were on me, like I was the star of some crazy show.

I looked around me I was surrounded by my friends who were holding their phone for the flashlight for us and Tim was there, holding a bouquet of roses. It was like a dream.

That time Tim asked me out, and it felt like a lifetime achievement unlocked. I was on cloud nine, bouncing on my toes with happiness.

I looked at Nathan, as he was my bestest friend he gave me this approving nod. And with all the excitement in my heart, I shouted a resounding YES to Tim. Best. Moment. Ever. Ig!? You must be thinking everything was perfect? Then where did it go wrong?

E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G WAS W-R-O-N-G.

I shouldn't have said Yes to him at that time.