FROM FRIENDS TO MORE || Gavi x Pedri

Chapter 21 :: Nothing

Gavi stared at his reflection in the mirror, his face pale and drawn. The weight of João's words, the intensity of his emotions, pressed down on him like a physical burden. He couldn't shake the feeling of guilt, of having hurt João, of having shattered his hopes.

He knew he couldn't reciprocate those feelings. He didn't love João in the way João loved him. But the thought of rejecting him, of hurting him further, was unbearable. It felt like a betrayal, a betrayal of the trust and friendship they had built.

The razor, a familiar object of solace and self-destruction, lay on the counter, gleaming under the bathroom light. It beckoned him, whispering promises of escape, of oblivion. He picked it up, the cold metal a stark contrast to the warmth of his trembling fingers.

He closed his eyes, picturing João's face, his heartbroken expression, his pleading voice. The guilt intensified, twisting in his gut like a knife. He couldn't bear the thought of causing him more pain. He couldn't bear the thought of living with the burden of his sorrow.

He lifted the razor to his arm, the sharp edge a promise of release. He was about to let go, to let the pain wash over him, to finally escape the suffocating weight of his emotions.

Suddenly, the bathroom door burst open, and Pedri walked in, his face a mixture of surprise and concern. He stopped short, his eyes widening as he saw Gavi, the razor glinting in his hand.

"Gavi, what are you doing?" Pedri asked, his voice sharp with alarm.

Gavi flinched, startled by the intrusion. He quickly lowered the razor, his hand shaking uncontrollably. He couldn't meet Pedri's eyes, his shame and guilt overwhelming him.

"Nothing," he mumbled, his voice barely a whisper.

Pedri, sensing something was terribly wrong, stepped closer, his eyes searching Gavi's face. "Gavi, you're not okay. What's going on?"

Gavi, unable to hold back any longer, let out a choked sob. Tears streamed down his face, blurring his vision. He couldn't speak, couldn't articulate the torrent of emotions swirling inside him.

Pedri, his heart breaking at the sight of his friend's distress, gently took the razor from Gavi's hand. He held it away, his expression firm yet reassuring.

"It's okay, Gavi," Pedri said, his voice soft and soothing. "It's okay to not be okay. Let's talk. Let's figure this out together."

Gavi, overwhelmed by Pedri's kindness and understanding, leaned against him, his body trembling with suppressed sobs. He felt a wave of relief wash over him, a sense of safety and security in Pedri's presence. He knew he wasn't alone. He had Pedri, and Pedri would help him through this.