Patience and Affection

#32 - ❝Confronting Feelings❞

Wayne's phone buzzed early in the morning, stirring him from his thoughts. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft light through his window. He picked up his phone, seeing a message from Minghao.

"Wayne, can we talk? I need to tell you something about Maxwell... I think it's time I let go of him."

Wayne's brows furrowed as he read the message. He wasn't sure what to expect from this conversation, but he knew it was bound to be important. His relationship with Maxwell had been strained recently, with Minghao's presence causing unspoken tension between them. This could be the turning point they needed, or it could complicate things even further.

"Saan tayo magkikita?" Wayne replied, trying to keep his tone neutral.

"Sa coffee shop malapit sa Engineering Building. Mga 9 AM?"

Wayne agreed, setting his phone down as he let out a deep breath. He knew this conversation was necessary, but it didn't make it any easier. Minghao had been Maxwell's childhood friend, and despite everything, Wayne couldn't bring himself to dislike the guy.

At 9 AM, Wayne arrived at the coffee shop, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee greeting him as he entered. Minghao was already there, sitting by the window, a cup of coffee in his hand. Wayne ordered a drink and joined him, the atmosphere between them heavy with unspoken words.

Minghao didn't waste any time. "Wayne, alam kong hindi naging madali para sa inyong dalawa ni Maxwell ang sitwasyon na 'to. Lalo na nang bumalik ako. Pero gusto kong malaman mo na, I've decided to let go."

Wayne looked at Minghao, studying his expression. There was a certain sadness in his eyes, but also a resolve that Wayne hadn't seen before.

"Bakit ngayon mo lang naisipan 'to?" Wayne asked, his voice steady.

Minghao sighed, taking a sip of his coffee before responding. "I've been thinking about it a lot. I love Maxwell, I always have. But I see how happy he is with you, and I can't keep holding on to something that's not mine. He deserves to be happy, and I can see that he's happy with you."

Wayne felt a weight lift off his shoulders at Minghao's words. He hadn't realized just how much the situation had been weighing on him until now.

"Salamat, Minghao," Wayne said sincerely. "I know this isn't easy for you, pero appreciate ko 'yung ginagawa mo para kay Maxwell."

Minghao nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Gusto ko lang maging masaya siya, Wayne. At nakikita ko na ikaw 'yung nagpapasaya sa kanya ngayon."

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The conversation felt like a long-overdue release of emotions, and for the first time in weeks, Wayne felt a sense of clarity. But just as he thought the conversation was over, Minghao hesitated, as if debating whether or not to say something else.

"Wayne, there's something else I need to tell you," Minghao began, his voice softer now. "I think... I think I'm falling for Isabel."

Wayne's eyes widened in surprise. Isabel was one of Maxwell's closest friends, and she had always been there for him. But there was something about this that didn't sit right with Wayne.

"Isabel? Alam mo ba kung ano ang sasabihin ni Jaxxon kapag nalaman niya 'to?" Wayne asked, his tone a mix of concern and disbelief.

Minghao winced at the mention of Jaxxon. "I know. Alam kong complicated 'to, lalo na kay Jaxxon. Pero hindi ko mapigilan eh. She's... she's different, Wayne. I don't know how to explain it, but there's something about her that just draws me in."

Wayne leaned back in his chair, thinking about the situation. Jaxxon was fiercely protective of Isabel, and any potential suitor would have to go through him first. The idea of Minghao pursuing Isabel seemed like a recipe for disaster, especially with Jaxxon in the picture.

"Alam mo, Minghao, hindi ko alam kung ano ang magiging reaksyon ni Jaxxon dito. Pero sigurado ako na hindi magiging madali 'to," Wayne warned. "Kilala mo naman si Jaxxon. He won't let anyone get close to Isabel without a fight."

Minghao nodded, fully aware of the challenge ahead. "I know. Pero sa ngayon, I just want to be honest with myself and with you. I'm not going to do anything about it unless I'm sure of my feelings, and unless Isabel feels the same way."

Wayne appreciated Minghao's honesty, but he couldn't help but worry about the complications this could bring. Still, he respected Minghao's decision to be upfront about his feelings, even if it meant potential trouble down the line.

"Basta, ingat ka, Minghao," Wayne said, finishing his coffee. "At kung may kailangan ka, andito lang ako."

Minghao smiled, a genuine one this time. "Salamat, Wayne. I appreciate it."

As they parted ways, Wayne couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get even more complicated. Minghao's decision to let go of Maxwell was a relief, but his newfound feelings for Isabel added a new layer of complexity to their already intertwined lives.

Walking back to campus, Wayne's thoughts drifted to Maxwell. He knew he needed to talk to him, to reassure him that everything would be okay. But for now, he just wanted to enjoy the brief moment of peace that Minghao's words had given him.

Even if it was only temporary.

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