Hate is Love

Chapter 3: The Confession

Thyme couldn't shake the image of Namcha's eyes from his mind. It gnawed at him until he couldn't take it anymore. The encounter had stirred something deep within him, a long-buried feeling he couldn't ignore. One evening, driven by an impulsive need for clarity, he made his way to Beta's headquarters, ignoring the curious glances from both groups.

The Beta headquarters was a stark contrast to Alpha's. The dimly lit hallways and the pervasive air of tension mirrored Thyme's own turmoil. As he walked through the corridors, he could feel the weight of his decision pressing down on him, but he knew he couldn't turn back now.

He found Namcha alone in his office, staring intently at a map spread across his desk. Namcha looked up, his expression shifting from surprise to confusion.

"Thyme? What are you doing here?" Namcha's voice was guarded, tinged with suspicion.

Thyme took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. "I can't do this anymore," he began, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside him. "I can't be your enemy."

Namcha's eyes widened in shock. "What?"

Thyme stepped closer, his resolve strengthening with each word. "I've fallen in love with you, Namcha."

For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of Thyme's confession hanging heavily in the air. Namcha's expression was unreadable, his deep blue eyes searching Thyme's face for any hint of deception.

"You're serious?" Namcha finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Thyme nodded, taking another step forward. "I mean it. I can't stop thinking about you. That night in the locked room... it made me realize what I've been denying for so long."

Namcha's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. "You can't be serious. After everything we've been through? All the fights, the betrayals... no."

Thyme's heart sank at Namcha's words, but he refused to back down. "I know it's complicated. I know we've hurt each other, but I can't ignore what I feel anymore."

Namcha shook his head, his jaw clenched. "This is ridiculous. You're just confused, Thyme. This is some kind of... phase."

"It's not a phase," Thyme insisted, his voice rising with desperation. "I love you, Namcha. I have for a long time. I just didn't realize it until now."

Namcha turned away, his back to Thyme, his shoulders tense. "You need to leave," he said quietly. "This can't happen."

Thyme felt a wave of despair wash over him, but he knew he had to respect Namcha's wishes. He took a step back, his heart heavy. "If that's what you want," he said softly, his voice breaking. "But know that my feelings won't change."

Namcha didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the map before him. Thyme stood there for a moment longer, hoping for some sign that Namcha might reconsider, but none came. With a heavy heart, Thyme turned and left the office, the door closing behind him with a finality that echoed in his soul.

As he walked back to Alpha's headquarters, Thyme replayed the conversation in his mind, analyzing every word, every expression. He had hoped that his confession might bring them closer, but instead, it seemed to have driven a deeper wedge between them.

Back at Alpha's barracks, Thyme found it difficult to focus on anything else. His thoughts were consumed by Namcha, the image of his face, the sound of his voice. The rejection stung, but it hadn't diminished his feelings. If anything, it had made them stronger.

Lucas noticed Thyme's distress and approached him cautiously. "Hey, what's going on? You seem... off."

Thyme sighed, rubbing his temples. "I went to see Namcha."

Lucas's eyes widened. "What? Why?"

"I had to tell him," Thyme said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I had to tell him how I feel."

Lucas's expression softened with understanding. "And how did that go?"

Thyme let out a bitter laugh. "Not well. He didn't take it seriously. He thinks I'm confused."

Lucas placed a reassuring hand on Thyme's shoulder. "These things take time, Thyme. Emotions are complicated, especially given your history. Don't give up hope."

Thyme nodded, appreciating Lucas's support but still feeling the weight of Namcha's rejection. "I just don't know what to do now. I can't keep pretending everything is normal."

Lucas squeezed his shoulder. "Then don't. Focus on what you can control. Give Namcha some time. Maybe he'll come around."

The days that followed were some of the hardest Thyme had ever faced. He tried to throw himself into his work, to focus on the missions and the responsibilities of leading Alpha, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Namcha. Every encounter with Beta was tinged with a new tension, a silent question hanging between them.

One evening, as Thyme was reviewing plans for an upcoming mission, Lucas entered his office, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"I've been thinking," Lucas began, taking a seat opposite Thyme. "Maybe you should try talking to Namcha again. Give him another chance to process everything."

Thyme looked up, surprised. "You think that would help?"

Lucas nodded. "I do. Sometimes people need time to come to terms with their feelings. Maybe Namcha just needs to know that you're serious, that your feelings haven't changed."

Thyme considered Lucas's words, a flicker of hope sparking within him. "You're right. I'll give it another shot."

With renewed determination, Thyme decided to seek out Namcha once more. This time, he would be patient, understanding, and above all, honest. He couldn't predict the outcome, but he knew that he had to try.

As the night settled over the city, Thyme made his way back to Beta's headquarters, ready to lay his heart on the line once more.