LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH

Chapter 4: Unspoken Tensions

The café buzzed with soft chatter and the comforting clinking of dishes, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Outside, the sun cast a warm glow, but inside, Alex was comfortably enveloped in a cocoon of familiarity. He leaned back in his chair, his indifference evident as he took another leisurely sip of his coffee. Meanwhile, Kevin was practically vibrating with energy, his enthusiasm spilling over as he engaged the waitstaff with jokes.

"So, what's up with you and Wiyan last night?" Kevin asked, finally leaning forward, a mischievous grin dancing on his lips as he set his iced tea down. His eyes sparkled with curiosity, knowing he was poking a bear.

Alex's expression darkened slightly at the mention of Wiyan. Seriously? This again? He took a moment to enjoy the silence, staring out the window as if it held the answers he needed. After a deep breath, he muttered, "Wiyan was different."

Kevin raised an eyebrow, his playful demeanor shifting to genuine curiosity. "Oh? Tell me more. What did he do this time?"

Alex sighed, trying to articulate his thoughts. "It's not just what he did. It's the whole vibe he gives off. He's so... extra. Like he's always trying to steal the spotlight. Last night, he was all over the place, trying to draw attention to himself." He paused, searching for the right words. "I mean, who stares at someone like that unless they're trying to provoke a reaction? It's like he's an attention seeker."

Kevin chuckled, clearly amused. "Attention seeker? Really? You sound like you're in high school again, bro."

"I'm serious!" Alex shot back, irritation bubbling up. "It's annoying. I don't mind people being lively or whatever, but there's a line. Wiyan crossed it when he started directing questions at me like I'm some kind of freak show. I just wanted to enjoy the stream, and he made it all about him!"

Kevin shrugged, taking a sip of his drink. "I get that. But maybe it's not all about you. Some people just want to connect, and maybe he sees you as this interesting guy. You know, a challenge." He smiled, clearly enjoying this back-and-forth

Suddenly, Kevin raised an eyebrow, leaning in even closer, a smirk stretching across his face. " But Different how?" He already had a hunch but loved the anticipation of drawing Alex out.

Alex rolled his eyes and shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable. "Like... I don't know... He kept staring at me, like I had something on my face or something," he said, his tone barely masking his irritation.

Kevin chuckled, reveling in Alex's annoyance. "You're telling me that a cute guy like Wiyan looking at you is weird? Really?" He wiggled his eyebrows playfully, clearly enjoying this line of conversation.

"Not just looking," Alex replied, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It was like he was trying to figure me out or something. It was annoying as hell. And the way he spoke to me? Ugh, super irritating." He shook his head, reliving the uncomfortable moments from the night before.

Kevin leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a teasing grin. "I think you're overthinking it, man. Wiyan's harmless. He's just awkward. I mean, that's part of his charm, right?" He couldn't help but lean in closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Or maybe he's into you. Ever think about that?"

Alex raised an eyebrow, disbelief etched across his features. "Into me? Seriously?" He almost laughed at the absurdity of it.

"Why not? You're a catch, bro," Kevin said, feigning a dramatic swoon. "I'm just saying, it's not crazy to think someone like Wiyan might have a crush on you."

Alex leaned back, crossing his arms defensively. "Yeah, well, it didn't feel like a crush. It felt more like he was trying to get under my skin."

Kevin shrugged, unfazed. "Maybe that's his way of flirting. Nerds are weird like that, right? Long hair, glasses, shy... not exactly 'your type,' though, huh?"