The Competition

Viktor

I wake up early, the sun barely peeking over the horizon. It's already six in the morning and sleep had been impossible as my mind replayed every word I'd shared with Yelena the night before. Telling her about my past felt like tearing open a wound I had tried to ignore for so long. As I lie in bed staring at the ceiling, I wonder if she'll see me differently now, if the weight of my confession will push her further away or draw her closer. Restless, I decide I need some fresh air. I lace up my running shoes and head out the door, the morning chill hitting my face as I begin a slow jog. The streets are quiet, the only sounds my footsteps and the occasional bird. The rhythm of running usually calms me, but today it serves only as a backdrop to my swirling thoughts. I find myself in the park, its usual bustle replaced by a peaceful quietness. I slow to a walk, my breath visible in the crisp air. I sit on a bench, my head in my hands, replaying the moment when I saw the understanding but emptiness in Yelena's eyes. She had listened, really listened, and I felt something shift between us. Needing to talk about it, I pull out my phone and text Carson. Within seconds he replies, suggesting we meet at his place. I make my way there, the familiar route grounding me. Carson greets me at the door, two cups of coffee in hand. "Morning," he says, his tone light but raspy. I follow him into the living room, where we sit on the couch. I take a seat across from him, wrapping my hands around the warm cup.
"Breakfast?"
"I don't do that."
"You did last time."
"We have more important things to talk about, Car."
He disappears into the kitchen for a second and comes back with a donut.
"I'm all ears."
"I told her," I say, my voice hoarse. "I told Yelena everything."
Carson's expression tightens. "And how do you feel about that?"
I take a deep breath, letting the warmth of the coffee seep into my hands. "Terrified. Relieved. I don't know."
He leans back, studying me. "You did the right thing, Viktor. She needed to know, and now you've given her a piece of yourself. The rest is up to her."

I nod, taking a sip of coffee. I sit back, enjoying the warmth of the coffee and the quiet of Carson's living room. For a moment, the silence settles in, but it's short-lived. A nagging thought claws its way to the surface, something Noah said yesterday. "Carson," I begin carefully, watching his reaction, "I need to ask you something." He looks at me, curiosity mixed with concern.
"Sure, what is it?"
"Noah said something strange yesterday. He implied that there was something going on that I didn't know about. About a bet you two did? He seemed pretty smug about it and you were pissed about it. Do you know what he was talking about?" His expression changes immediately. His face pales, and he avoids my gaze, staring into his coffee instead. "It's not the right ti-..."

"Not the right time? Carson fucking Renault," I cut him off, leaning forward. "If something's happened, you have to tell me. What did Noah mean?" Carson shifts uncomfortably, the usually confident and joking demeanor completely gone. He takes a long sip of his coffee, then another, still not meeting my eyes. "It doesn't matter, man. Forget what Noah said." Frustration bubbles up inside me. "Come on, Car. We're best friends. If it's important, I need to know." Carson still doesn't look at me, his focus is on the empty coffee cup in his hands. "I'm serious, Viktor. This isn't something I can explain. It's... really nothing. I did something for bet, because I lost at gambling. Now everything is fine." I stare at him, feeling a mixture of anger and betrayal. Carson has never been this avoidant before and it only makes me more desperate to understand what's being kept from me. "All right," I say slowly, trying to keep my voice steady. "But if this is something that concerns me, I need to know." Carson finally looks up, his eyes filled with regret and guilt?
"I know, Viktor. Just... trust me on this, okay? I can't explain it right now." I nod, though it does little to ease the growing tension in my chest. The day stretches out before me, and now, more than ever, I feel the weight of the unknown pressing down on me. Carson's behavior only adds to the unease, and I can't shake the feeling that something big is being kept from me.