Finding Myself

2 0 0
                                    

Akram stood by the window of his small apartment, watching the chaotic dance of life unfold below him. The city was alive motorcycles whizzed by vendors shouted their offers, and laughter spilled from nearby cafés. Yet, amidst the vibrant chaos, he felt isolated, wrapped in a cocoon of uncertainty. What am I doing with my life? He ran a hand through his messy hair, trying to dispel the frustration that churned within him. At twenty-two, he should have felt like an adult, but instead, he felt like a lost boy, trapped in a web of expectations.

The knot in his stomach tightened as he considered the truth he had yet to confront. He pulled away from the window, trying to quell the storm inside him. How long can I keep pretending? The thought haunted him, pushing him to the brink of desperation.

"Hey, are you still daydreaming, or do you want to join the world out there?" Karim's voice broke through Akram's thoughts. He plopped down on the couch beside him, a playful grin on his face, oblivious to the turmoil brewing inside his best friend.

"I don't know, man," Akram replied, forcing a smile. "It feels like everyone has it figured out, and I'm just... lost."

Karim studied him, the grin fading from his face. "You're not lost, Akram. You're just navigating some tough waters. But I promise you, there's a way through."

Akram wanted to believe him, but the weight of self-doubt felt suffocating. How can you say that? You don't know what it's like. You're straight, and you don't have to hide who you are.

"Easy for you to say," Akram said aloud, trying to keep his frustration in check. "You're not the one trying to figure out if he likes guys or not."

"Okay, true," Karim admitted, holding up his hands in surrender. "But you need to talk to someone. Keeping all this bottled up isn't going to help."

Akram sighed, gazing at the floor. "I guess I could call Dina again."

The following day found Akram in Dina's cozy therapy office, the walls adorned with soft colors and motivational quotes that felt both inviting and suffocating. He shifted in his chair, feeling small under her attentive gaze.

"Tell me how you're feeling, Akram," she encouraged, her tone warm and understanding.

"I feel... confused," he confessed, his voice quivering slightly. "I've been thinking a lot about my feelings towards Farhad."

"Farhad?" Dina prompted, tilting her head, her interest piqued. "Is he someone special to you?"

Akram bit his lip, hesitating. "Yeah, I mean, he's funny, kind, and so easy to talk to. I think I might be falling for him."

Dina nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Have you told him how you feel?"

"No, not yet. What if he doesn't feel the same? What if he hates me for being... well, me?" Akram's voice broke, the weight of his fear pressing down on him like a lead blanket.

"Those are valid concerns, but remember, love is often a risk worth taking. How do you think Farhad would react?"

Akram shrugged, a mixture of hope and doubt swirling in his chest. "I want to believe he would accept me, but it's hard."

Dina leaned forward her expression serious but supportive. "You know, sometimes we project our fears onto others. It might be worth finding out."

As the weeks passed, Akram found himself enveloped in a growing friendship with Farhad. They spent countless evenings together, sharing late-night conversations over steaming cups of coffee at their favorite café. Laughter echoed in the corners, but beneath the surface, Akram wrestled with his burgeoning feelings.

Random BL One-ShotsWhere stories live. Discover now