Noah received the scholarship offer a few months later. It was an incredible opportunity—one that would take him to the city for college. Everyone celebrated his achievement, and for a while, Noah seemed excited, even eager to leave the island. But as the date of his departure drew closer, things between him and Leo grew tense.
Leo noticed Noah pulling away, avoiding their usual hangouts, canceling plans last minute. It hurt, but Leo couldn’t bring himself to ask why. He wasn’t sure he could handle the answer.
One afternoon, just a few days before Noah was supposed to leave, Leo found him sitting on the dock by the water, staring out at the sea. The air between them felt heavy, filled with words neither of them could say.
“Are you really leaving?” Leo asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
Noah didn’t look at him. “I have to. It’s a great opportunity.”
“I know that.” Leo shifted uncomfortably. “But why does it feel like you’re leaving for good?”
Noah remained silent, his jaw clenched. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s easier this way.”
Leo frowned. “Easier for what?”
“For both of us.”
Leo opened his mouth to argue, but Noah stood up, cutting him off. “I can’t—” His voice cracked, and for the first time, Leo saw the pain in Noah’s eyes. “I just can’t, Leo.”
Without another word, Noah walked away, leaving Leo standing there, confused and heartbroken.
YOU ARE READING
Waves of Our Hearts
Teen Fiction"Sunsets and Unspoken Feelings" is a heartfelt boys' love story set on a serene island, where two best friends, Leo and Noah, navigate the delicate line between friendship and love. Having grown up together and shared countless memories-like watchin...
