Transcending To You

Chapter 3: THE FIRST DATE

Upon hearing those words, Win felt a sudden surge of activity in his mind and body. "No harm in sleeping together, what does he mean?" His intoxicated mind spun various scenarios from that single sentence.

The mere notion of sharing a bed stirred arousal within him. His heart raced, and he could feel the blood coursing through every vein. Just as he tried to calm his pounding heart, Bright emerged, saying, "Aren't you coming in?"

Win hastily grabbed a pillow, discreetly shielding his embarrassment, and turned around, stammering, "Yes, yes, coming."

Bright entered the room, and Win hurried to the kitchen, gulping down water in an attempt to regain composure.

"What is wrong with me? How can I be this easy?" Win muttered to himself.

The anticipation was overwhelming. He glanced at the room and ultimately decided to enter.

Bright was already settled on the bed, ready to sleep.

"Sleep facing the other side," Bright instructed Win to lie in the opposite direction.

Win nodded and swiftly nestled in, feeling a mixture of disappointment and relief from that single sentence uttered by Bright. "Goodnight," he mumbled.

Bright echoed the sentiment.

As time passed, Win noticed a distinct absence of Bright's voice. His heart settled, yet he couldn't shake the self-cursing for entertaining such whimsical thoughts.

"Are you asleep?" Win probed.

"Nope," came Bright's response.

"Alright," Win replied, grappling with what to say next. After a thoughtful pause, he ventured, "I stumbled upon your high school shirt in your cupboard."

"Hmm," Bright acknowledged.

"You remember when you promised to be my best friend forever?" Win reminisced.

"We were just kids then, ignorant of life's realities," Bright explained.

Silence enveloped the room.

"Why do you struggle to sleep?" Bright inquired.

"Loneliness, perhaps," Win chuckled.

"Make some friends or find a partner," Bright suggested.

"I have friends, plenty of them. It's just that my heart seems tethered to you. I can't seem to think beyond that," Win confessed without forethought, quickly covering his mouth in realization.

"Do you think it's because I'm your fantasy? Maybe if I date you, you'll realize there are better options?" Bright pondered.

Startled, Win sat up. "Will you? Will you date me?" he blurted out.

Bright turned to face Win, catching him off guard.

"I'll go on one date with you, just to help you understand that I'm not the one you want. It might help you sort out your emotional issues. Maybe it'll make you feel better," Bright explained his intentions.

Win, however, had different plans. "How about fifty-one dates?" he suggested.

"I said one," Bright reiterated, turning away.

"Okay, let's start with one. If we like it, we can extend it to fifty more dates. And if things go well, who knows? Marriage might be on the cards," Win spoke, realizing the audacity of his words as he covered his mouth and returned to the bed.

Bright smiled, turning towards Win and finding him lying there, a mix of embarrassment and anticipation on his face.

"You sure have some ambitious plans," Bright remarked.