The Day We Met

Three: Confusion

On a Saturday afternoon in the park, the air is alive with the sounds of laughter, birdsong, and the rustle of leaves in the breeze. Families and friends gather on the lush green grass, spreading out blankets and picnic baskets beneath the shade of towering trees.

*Jared's Point of view*

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the park, a gentle breeze danced through the trees, causing the leaves to whisper secrets to one another. Amongst this serene setting, my heart raced as I caught sight of Oliver sitting on a wooden bench, completely engrossed in a book. I heard a lovely music playing through my ears.

With each step I took towards him, my anticipation grew, butterflies fluttering wildly in my stomach. The soft rustle of the pages turning was a melody that only heightened my eagerness. As I finally stood before him, I couldn't help but admire the way the sunlight painted  features, casting a soft halo around him.

"Hey Oliver, what a coincidence" I said

"Oh hi Jared. What are you doing here?" Oliver asked

"I go here every weekends"

"It helps me forget things and gain some peace" I replied

"What about you? What you doing here?" I asked

"I just found this beautiful place... And I thought of stopping by and read my favourite book for awhile" Oliver answered

"I never thought that we have this place here in Camden" Oliver added

I looked at him and asked about what he just said.

"What do you mean? Have you not seen this before?"

"I mean how could you not know?" I asked, with curiosity in my eyes

"It's a long story. I should keep it to myself " Oliver said, his voice was low, his eyes were about to cry.

"Ohh... I'm sorry, but you can tell, my mouth is super sealed" I said while acting of threading my lips

"(Chuckles) You're so funny"

(Both of us chuckles)

"When I was 3 years old my mum left me in the orphanage--"

"You're mum?!" I asked and was shocked

"Not this mum I have right now, my real mum, from blood to flesh."

"I really don't remember anything when she left me there, but Mr. Williams, the head there told me that my mum loved me that is why she left me there. But of course I didn't believe him, what kind of love does she have?"

"So that's why I have no idea about this place in here, cause I lived in the orphanage for 7 years. My parents right now, they are not my real parents but they have loved me as their own" Oliver told me with a cracking voice and tears flowing from his eyes

I noticed that Oliver who were sitting on a bench, lost in a cloud of melancholy. Determined to chase away the shadows, I bounded over, a radiant smile lighting up his face.

With a playful wink, I extended my hand, inviting Oliver to join me in an impromptu adventure. At first, Oliver hesitated, weighed down by the burdens of the day, but the sparkle in his eyes was impossible to resist.

With a gentle tug, I pulled him to his feet, our laughter mingling with the cheerful chirping of birds overhead. As we  wandered through the park, I regaled Oliver with silly stories and outrageous jokes, each one eliciting a giggle or a smile.

We paused by a sparkling fountain, the sun casting shimmering ripples across its surface. Seizing the moment, I scooped up a handful of coins and made a wish, my earnest expression coaxing a chuckle from Oliver's lips.

Our laughter echoed through the park, a symphony of joy that seemed to chase away the last traces of sadness. Oliver is so happy and I looked at him with affection and I smiled because of his magical smile.

"WHOOOOO!! THIS IS FUN!!" Oliver said joyfully

"THANK YOU JARED!!" He added

I just put a smile on my face and was astonished by Oliver.

I walked Oliver home, and as we were walking, we had a very good conversation.

"Thanks again Jared, I had an awesome day" Oliver said with a soft voice

"I will do anything just to make you happy" I replied with a low and cute voice

"Are you saying something?" Oliver asked

"Oh I mean no biggie, making you happy is making me happy also" I said

Both of us chuckles. Oliver and I stopped walking and we turned to face each other, our eyes filled with an unspoken understanding of the joy we have shared during our adventure. With a tender gaze, Oliver began to speak again, his voice filled with gratitude and affection.

"Wow, today was just... amazing."

"Yeah, it really was. I'm so glad that it made you happy."

"I can't thank you enough for it. I haven't felt this happy in ages."

After Oliver said that, I kissed him and while kissing him I put my hand in Oliver's head. But Oliver pushed me away and was shocked by what I just did.

"I-Im so sorry Oliver, I d-didn't mean it" I said

Oliver didn't answer me and he immediately left. 

*Oliver's point of view*

As I arrived at my house, I rushed to my bedroom, and my parents were so worried about me thinking that something happened. I laid down to my bed and looking up in the ceiling, thinking about that kiss. I don't know what to think anymore like I lost my mind. I thought of calling Arthur and tell him about what happened, but I am  having second thoughts so I just kept it on myself. I am gazing up at the ceiling. My room is dimly lit by a soft lamp, casting shadows across the walls. My expression is a mix of contemplation and uncertainty.

"What if... what if I like him?" whispering to myself

I fidget with the edge of my blanket, my mind swirling with questions and doubts. The image of Jared, flashes in my mind, accompanied by a warm sensation in my chest.

(sighs)

"I've felt this way before, with Theo. It's like... my heart skips a beat whenever he's around."

I closed my eyes, trying to make sense of my emotions. Memories of shared laughs and stolen glances flood my thoughts, each one leaving me more confused than before. I am now confused of what really I'm feeling towards Jared cause I like Theo.

"Why am I feeling like this?" I asked myself

"Why does it have to be so complicated?"

I tossed my phone aside and lies back, staring up at the ceiling with a heavy heart. My feelings for Jared swirl inside me, mingling with confusion and self-doubt.

"I can't love two person at the same time. I love Theo, but--- arghhhh" I said, with a grunting voice

"What if... what if I like him?" I whispered through the air

"Okay, Oliver, breathe. You just need to figure this out." I run a hand through my hair, frustration evident in my movements.

"You like Theo, right? I mean, you spend every waking moment thinking about him."

I paused, biting my lips as doubt creeps in.

"But it seems like, I like Jared too? Or am I just... just confused? Maybe it's just an admiration, or maybe I'm mistaking friendship for something more." I said, my voice tinged with uncertainty

I flopped down onto my bed, staring up at the ceiling again, searching for answers that seem just out of reach.

"No, I can't risk it. I have to push these feelings aside and just be his friend. It's better this way." speaking with resolve

I repeat the words to myself, trying to convince my heart to fall in line with my mind.

"But what if... what if I'm making a mistake?" Barely above a whisper

The doubt lingers in the air, heavy and suffocating. I buried my face in my hands, feeling torn between what I think I should do and what my heart yearns for.