In the days that followed their dinner, the tentative peace between Andy and Kennedy began to grow. They didn’t rush back into being best friends or try to force things back to how they were. Instead, they allowed their relationship to evolve naturally, understanding that it would take time to rebuild trust.
One afternoon, Kennedy texted Andy, asking if he’d be interested in taking a walk around campus. It was a simple invitation, but Andy could sense the underlying significance. Kennedy was trying to reconnect in a way that didn’t push boundaries, and Andy appreciated the effort.
As they strolled through the tree-lined paths of the university, the autumn leaves crunched underfoot, adding a soft soundtrack to their walk. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of freshly fallen leaves and the distant sound of students chatting and laughing as they passed by.
For a while, they walked in comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. It was a stark contrast to the strained conversations they had shared before. There was no pressure to fill the silence, no need to rush the healing process.
Eventually, Kennedy spoke, breaking the quiet. “Do you remember when we used to sneak out of class to come here?” he asked, gesturing to a small, secluded garden just off the main path.
Andy smiled, the memory flooding back to him. “Yeah, we used to sit on that bench over there, pretending to study but mostly just goofing off.”
Kennedy chuckled, his eyes lighting up with nostalgia. “Those were some good times. We thought we were so clever, like no one would notice two high schoolers missing for an hour or two.”
“Mrs. Anderson definitely noticed,” Andy replied, laughing. “She always gave us that knowing look when we got back to class.”
They walked over to the old bench and sat down, the memories of their shared past wrapping around them like a warm blanket. Andy could almost see their younger selves, carefree and inseparable, sitting in this exact spot, dreaming about the future.
“I miss those days,” Kennedy admitted, his voice softer now. “Before everything got so complicated.”
Andy looked at him, seeing the regret in his expression. “I do too,” he said quietly. “But things change. We’ve changed.”
Kennedy nodded, his gaze fixed on the ground. “I know. And I’m sorry for the way things changed between us. If I could go back and do things differently, I would.”
“I know,” Andy replied, and he meant it. He could see that Kennedy was sincere, that he genuinely regretted the pain he had caused. But he also knew that they couldn’t dwell on the past forever. “We can’t go back, Kennedy. But maybe we can move forward, in a better way.”
Kennedy looked up, hope flickering in his eyes. “I’d like that. A lot.”
They sat in silence for a few more minutes, just taking in the moment. It wasn’t the same as it had been before, but maybe that was okay. Maybe they didn’t need to go back to how things were; maybe they could create something new.
After a while, they got up and continued their walk. This time, the conversation flowed more easily, with both of them sharing stories and updates about their lives. It felt good, like a weight had been lifted, allowing them to just be themselves without the burden of their past mistakes.
As they passed by the art building, Kennedy glanced at Andy. “How’s your art going? I heard your latest series is getting a lot of attention.”
Andy’s eyes brightened at the mention of his art. “It’s going well. The series is almost finished, and the feedback has been really positive. I’m actually thinking about submitting it to a few galleries in the city.”
“That’s amazing, Andy. I’m really happy for you,” Kennedy said sincerely. “I’d love to see the new pieces sometime, if you’re okay with that.”
“I’d like that,” Andy replied, feeling a warmth in his chest at Kennedy’s interest. It reminded him of the times when Kennedy had been one of his biggest supporters, always encouraging him to pursue his passion for art.
As they continued walking, they found themselves at the edge of campus, near the park where they used to hang out on weekends. The sight of the familiar playground, with its swings and slides, brought back even more memories.
“Do you remember the time we tried to fit into that tiny slide?” Kennedy asked, pointing to the bright yellow slide that seemed so much smaller now.
Andy laughed, nodding. “Yeah, we got stuck halfway down. I thought we were going to be trapped there forever.”
“That was one of the funniest days we ever had,” Kennedy said, grinning. “We laughed so hard, I thought we’d never stop.”
They stood there for a while, reminiscing about the simpler times, when their biggest concern had been whether they’d get caught sneaking out of class or who would win at their next video game marathon.
Eventually, they made their way back to Andy’s dorm. As they reached the entrance, Kennedy turned to Andy with a smile. “Thanks for today, Andy. I really needed this.”
“Me too,” Andy replied, feeling a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in a long time. “I’ll see you around, Kennedy.”
“Yeah, see you,” Kennedy said, giving Andy a small wave before walking away.
As Andy watched him go, he felt a sense of hope for the first time in a long while. Their relationship was still fragile, but it was healing, slowly but surely. And as he walked inside, he knew that, whatever happened next, they were both in a better place to face it together.
YOU ARE READING
Between Love and Pain
Romance*Kennedy and Andy have been inseparable best friends since childhood, their bond seemingly unbreakable. But when Andy, who has long hidden his true feelings, finally confesses his love, their friendship shatters. Kennedy, struggling with his own pre...
