The painter's lover

The start

The sound of distant laughter echoed through the crowded café, but for Gulf, it was as if the world had muted itself. He sat alone at a small table near the window, his gaze fixed on the rain-soaked streets outside. The warmth of the coffee mug in his hands offered little solace against the chill that seemed to permeate his very being.

Lost in his thoughts, Gulf barely noticed the figure that approached his table until a soft voice broke through the haze of his mind.

"Sir, you've been standing in the same place for hours. Do you need anything else?"

Gulf was barely focused on the waiter and simply stood to pay for his coffee before leaving.

Gulf rarely speaks with anyone besides his boss, who happens to be his childhood friend. On his way home, he noticed a large paper advertisement posted on a garage:

"Discover the art of self-love through painting. Join our classes and unleash your inner artist while embracing every brushstroke of your unique journey."

Nonesense...

As Gulf continued walking home, the crowded street buzzed with the energy of Christmas shoppers. Suddenly, a stranger brushed against him in the throng of people.

"Don't touch me! Keep your hands far away!" Gulf's voice trembled with panic, his face flushed with embarrassment. He knew he was overreacting, but the fear of being touched gripped him tightly.

"What's wrong with you, you freak?" The stranger's harsh words pierced through Gulf's already shaken demeanor before pushing past him and disappearing into the crowd.

Fuming with anger, Gulf wanted to confront the stranger, but he was already lost in the sea of bustling holiday shoppers.

As Gulf changed course and veered onto a quieter street, he found solace in the diminished crowd. The tension that had gripped him moments ago began to ease, replaced by a sense of relief.

Turning a corner, Gulf's eyes fell upon the familiar sight of the advertisement he had noticed earlier. The words seemed to leap out at him, beckoning him with an unspoken promise of refuge.

the familiar voice from his past pierced through his thoughts, each word dripping with venomous intent.

"What the hell are you doing on the wall, you freak? You ruined everything. I guess you should get some punishment today, no?"

The cruel taunts transported Gulf back to a time of vulnerability and pain, a time when he felt utterly alone and misunderstood. The memories clawed at his psyche, threatening to engulf him in a tidal wave of self-doubt and shame.

With a heavy heart, Gulf shook his head, banishing the ghosts of his past as he pressed forward. He refused to let their voices define him any longer.

As Gulf approached his apartment building, a sense of relief washed over him. "Finally," he muttered under his breath, eager to retreat into the sanctuary of his own space. However, his plans were momentarily thwarted when he spotted someone sprawled out in front of his door.

A smile tugged at the corners of Gulf's lips as he recognized his friend, Bright. "Oi, wake up! I want to sleep, and you're blocking the way," Gulf teased, nudging Bright with his foot.

Bright stirred awake and immediately reached out to grab Gulf's hand. "Why didn't you come to the office dinner today, Gulf? Everyone was asking about you."

"Yeah, I know. That's why I didn't come. Now, can you please move?" But he didnt  push Bright's hand away,  he couldn't hide the warmth in his eyes as he looked at his friend.

"The kids and Tu missed you a lot. They keep asking me, 'Where is Gulf? Where is Gulf?'"

Bright's words tugged at Gulf's heartstrings, filling him with a mixture of guilt and longing.

"I miss them too. I'll drop by one day to say hello,"

Bright squeezed Gulf's hand affectionately. "Tomorrow is Christmas, Gulf. You should come."

"I'll think about it later,"

Gulf replied, his voice tinged with feeling a pang of sadness because he know he wont go

As Bright stood up and pulled Gulf into a tight hug, he whispered softly,
"I love you, Gulf. Tu loves you, and the kids definitely love you."

Gulf's heart swelled with emotion as he watched Bright disappear into the distance, his words lingering in the air like a comforting embrace. Despite his inner turmoil, Gulf couldn't help but feel grateful for the unwavering love and support of his friend's family....

Should i stop ???