"Why do they call it a crush? Because that's how you feel when they don't feel the same way in return. And I don't know why I am still hoping..."
Story is especially requested by GouriAsokan 💜
Saint trudged downstairs, sluggish from the early wake-up call caused by his father's rattling cutlery in the kitchen. He headed straight to the water dispenser, hoping a glass of water would help shake off his drowsiness, before greeting his parents with a sleepy "good morning." His mother, engrossed in her phone and reading online news, barely noticed him as he sat down beside her.
Saint glanced at the screen and saw the article titled "Looking for the 'One Man' Son?" His mother startled at the sound of his voice and quickly rubbed her chest to calm herself, which made Saint chuckle. As he read more, a frown slowly appeared on his forehead.
"A man who gave birth 18 years ago," Saint read aloud for the second time.
"Mom, what article are you reading? It's full of shi—" he started, but then cut himself off, "nonsense."
"Saint, watch your language!" his mother warned, setting her phone aside.
"But it's true. 'A man giving birth'? No way!" Saint said, exasperated, as he got up to help his father set the table.
"You said you're going out today?" his father asked, changing the subject.
"Yep," Saint replied.
The change in topic was a relief to his mother, who was glad to escape from Saint’s scrutiny of the article. It was the weekend, and Saint finally had a chance to relax. Zee had invited him to meet his friends, and it was good timing since he had recently recovered from injuries he sustained during the festival.
___
Saint found himself sitting at a restaurant surrounded by Zee's friends on a Saturday night. Despite Zee having introduced him to everyone only a few minutes ago, Saint was already fidgeting. His unease wasn't because Zee's friends were unfriendly, but because it was his first time meeting Zee's circle of friends.
"Childhood besties, you say? What was Zee like when he was young?" Mew asked, eyeing Saint with curiosity.
"He... he was—"
"Enough questions, Mew. You're making him uncomfortable," Zee interrupted, allowing Saint to relax a bit in his seat.
"What? I'm just curious about baby Zee," Mew teased, earning a sharp glare from Zee.
Their banter continued as Janis tapped Saint on the shoulder to get his attention. Saint, who was amused by the playful exchanges between Mew and Zee, turned to Janis.
"They're always like this, plus there's this guy over here," Janis said, side-eyeing Billy beside her.
"Ah, I... I see," Saint responded with an awkward chuckle.
"You'll get used to it one of these days," Janis added with a reassuring smile.
Saint could only smile at Janis's comment. He wasn't sure if he could keep up with the energy of Zee's friends, but he was willing to give it a try since they were Zee's friends anyways.
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