Couple Love is not the Only Love

Kit's POV

"Ai'Ruj, where are you? It is pretty late. I have bought your favourite food for dinner. Come soon." I called my best friend and roommate, worrying about him. He told me that he would study in the library but would be back early. I was worried he might be in trouble or something might have happened to him. Talking to him on the phone and knowing he was almost at the dorm, comforted me. I have known Ruj for 5 years, since we met at the age of 13. We somehow managed to get into the same university and the faculty! Maybe we have known each other for so long that I became protective towards him, and worried when he came late. Truth be told, dinner was just an excuse to have him back in the room. I have been in love with him for 3 years now. I never confessed to him as I didn't want to lose him as a friend, and make things awkward in the room. Prom gave me the confidence to finally start thinking about asking him to prom. I noticed how he took care of P'Lop during the preparations, and I would feel jealous. When I found him working alone, I surprised him with his favourite food. It was a relief to see his cheerful smile and the gleam in his eyes whenever we talked. Sharing a room with him was the hardest. I wanted to touch and kiss him badly, but I didn't want to invade his space. The most we did was hug each other sometimes, without making things uncomfortable. Tonight though, things could go bad. I brought his favourite food and a special bouquet for him composed of red carnations and white roses to ask him to be my prom date. I was afraid of being turned down but decided to risk it anyway. I fiddled around on my phone waiting for Ruj to come. After what felt like ages, I heard the keys turn in the door and he walked in. One look at him, and I knew something was off. "Ai'Ruj, are you okay? Who gave you the bouquet?" I asked him as he placed the rose bouquet on his desk, and silently collapsed on his bed. He just muttered "I'm okay" and went to change. I reheated the food and waited for him. "Ai'Ruj, come have dinner. It is getting late." I led him to the table and sat him down. I waited for him to say something and he finally asked me, "Ai'Kit, have you ever been in love with someone but was not sure if you want to pursue them because you didn't want to ruin your friendship with them?" I was rather taken aback by his question. Being the one that secretly liked him and was about to confess to him, I didn't know how to reply. I decided to tell him the truth, putting our friendship at stake. "Yes, I have been in love with someone but never confessed, because I didn't want to ruin our friendship. But I have waited long enough for him. I am confident now and want to say this- Will you go to the prom with me Ruj?" I handed him the bouquet I had brought for him. He stared at the bouquet, and replied, "Ai'Kit, I'm sorry. I can't give you an answer right now. I am not sure of my feelings". My heart sank when he said those words. " I will give you my answer on prom night." Ruj said, which gave me a bit of hope. I withdrew my hand that was still holding the bouquet and replied with, "It's fine. I will wait for your answer ''. We had our dinner in silence. After finishing, I got in my bed and said, "Ai'Kim wanted me to go to the university early tomorrow morning to help with something. We should sleep now. Good night." I dimmed the lights and went to bed with my back to him. I heard him cry silently and was surprised. I had no idea what happened to him before he came home. I thought back to the day we first met and became friends to everything we have been through together. I fell asleep wondering what Ruj's reply would be on prom night. I hoped that even if he rejected me, we would remain friends, and nothing would change between us.