Transcending To You

Chapter 5: KEEPING IT PRIVATE

Bright and Win returned home that afternoon, feeling drained and longing for rest. As they wearily crossed the threshold, they were greeted by Shyle, standing expectantly at the door.

"How did it go?" Shyle inquired eagerly.

"It was a waste of time, just as I suspected," Bright replied, his tone lacking enthusiasm.

Win nodded, feigning disappointment.

"I had such high hopes," Shyle sighed, retreating to the kitchen with a hint of sadness.

"I only came to see you, and now I'm heading back to my apartment," Bright announced.

"What? You're leaving already?" Win's disbelief was palpable.

"Of course," Bright shot Win a warning glance, silently urging him not to press further in front of Shyle.

"Fine by me. I don't need to see your face anyway," Win retorted, pretending to be offended as he stormed off to his room.

"What did you do this time?" Shyle asked, handing Bright a glass of juice.

"Nothing, Mom. Win's just being dramatic. He'll get over it," Bright reassured her.

Shyle glanced sympathetically towards Win's closed door. "Poor boy. He's wasted so much time on someone like you."

"Someone like me?" Bright bristled at the implication.

"Someone who doesn't understand love, who keeps their feelings bottled up, who's... well, boring," Shyle explained before heading off to comfort Win.

"I'm not boring," Bright protested to the empty room.

"Boring, very boring," Shyle's voice trailed off as she approached Win's door. She knocked on the door.

"Here's your juice," Shyle offered as Win opened the door.

"Thanks, Shyle," Win accepted the drink.

"You're still here?" Win observed before closing the door once again.

Bright couldn't help but smile at Win's antics; he found them endearing, despite himself.

"What are you smiling at?" Shyle asked.

"Nothing," Bright said and began to leave.

"Eat well, get some rest, take care," Shyle advised as Bright prepared to leave.

Turning back, Bright nodded. "I'm not that bad," he joked before departing.

Watching him go, Shyle couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for both her Bright and Win.

As Bright left, he received a text: "See you tomorrow ❤️."

Bright's reply came swiftly, accompanied by a smiley face: "You played your part well."

Win chuckled. "But Shyle will figure us out."

"With that performance? Not a chance," Bright reassured him.

Win laughed, feeling a warmth spreading in his chest.

In the meantime, Shyle entered Win's room, her curiosity piqued.

"What happened?" she inquired.

Win quickly concealed his phone. "Well, you know Bright. He's just not that into me. I guess he's not as special as I thought."

Shyle's heart went out to Win. "I was really hoping for the best. But don't worry, I'm here for you."

"I'll be fine. This might be for the best. Now I can move on," Win forced a smile, hoping to ease his Shyle's concern.