Moments in Between

Chapter 2: Cracks in the Facade

As the summer approached, Axel did his best to adjust to the new dynamic. He focused on his studies, spent time with other friends, and tried to find distractions to keep his mind off Anna and Zean. However, it was impossible to completely avoid them, especially since Anna made a point of including Axel in their plans whenever she could.

Zean, meanwhile, began to show subtle signs of discomfort. While he was polite and friendly toward Axel, there was an underlying tension that Axel couldn't ignore. It became increasingly clear that Zean wasn't entirely comfortable with how close Axel and Anna were.

One afternoon, Axel was in the library, engrossed in a book, when Anna and Zean walked in. Anna spotted him immediately and waved enthusiastically. "Axel! Come join us."

Axel hesitated but then closed his book and walked over to their table. "Hey, Anna. Zean."

"Hey, Axel," Zean said, his smile tight. "We were just about to grab some coffee. Want to come with us?"

"Sure, why not," Axel replied, trying to sound upbeat.

They made their way to the campus café, and as they sat down, Anna launched into a story about one of their mutual classes. Axel listened, genuinely interested, but he could feel Zean's eyes on him, watching his every move.

"Axel, you should come with us to the summer festival next weekend," Anna said excitedly. "It's going to be so much fun."

Axel glanced at Zean, who was trying to mask his discomfort. "I don't want to intrude. It sounds like something you two should enjoy together."

"Nonsense," Anna insisted. "It'll be great to have you there. Right, Zean?"

Zean forced a smile. "Of course. The more, the merrier."

As the days went by, Zean's unease became more apparent. He would occasionally make offhand comments that hinted at his discomfort, and his body language grew increasingly guarded whenever Axel was around. Axel did his best to minimize the tension, but it was clear that his presence was becoming a point of contention.

One evening, after a group study session, Axel found himself walking back to the dorms with Zean. Anna had stayed behind to finish some work, leaving the two of them alone. The silence between them was thick, and Axel could sense that something was brewing.

Finally, Zean broke the silence. "Axel, can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Axel replied, bracing himself.

"What's really going on between you and Anna?" Zean's tone was direct, his eyes fixed on Axel.

Axel took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Anna and I are just friends, Zean. We've been close since we started working on that project together. That's all."

Zean's expression remained skeptical. "I see how you look at her. And how she lights up when she's around you. It's hard to believe there's nothing more to it."

Axel felt a pang of guilt and frustration. "I won't lie to you, Zean. I care about Anna a lot. But I know she's with you, and I respect that. I'm not trying to come between you two."

Zean sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I appreciate your honesty, Axel. It's just... difficult. I love Anna, and seeing you two so close makes me worry."

"I understand," Axel said quietly. "And I don't want to make things harder for you. If you think it's best, I can keep my distance."

Zean looked at him for a long moment, then shook his head. "No, that would hurt Anna. She values your friendship, and I don't want to be the reason she loses that. Just... be mindful, okay?"