✮♡a melody of care♡✮

-———

The sun streamed lazily through the window of Jake Sterling's bedroom on a peaceful Saturday afternoon. The faint sound of music floated through the air, a comforting backdrop that usually filled Jake's weekends. But today felt different; there was a sense of anticipation that hung in the air.

A sudden, frantic knock on the door interrupted his quiet thoughts.

"Jake! Open up!" It was Drew, his best friend, and the king of chaos. A self-proclaimed bully to the Music Club, or the "music freaks" as he liked to call them, Drew had perfected the art of putting others down to elevate himself. Yet, Jake always saw the layers beneath that bravado—layers that revealed the pain of a boy concealed behind wealth and forced perfection.

"Coming!" Jake shouted, swinging the door open. But the sight in front of him wasn't one he had expected. Drew was pale, his usually cocky demeanor replaced with discomfort.

"Uh, hey," Jake said, his brow furrowing with concern. "You look rough. What's up?"

"Can I...can I come in?" Drew asked, taking a hesitant step inside.

"Of course," Jake stepped aside, letting Drew in. "What's wrong?"

Drew grimaced, clutching his stomach. "I...I think I'm having an IBS flare-up," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. Jake felt a pang of sympathy. Drew was always so strong and brash—it was hard to see him vulnerable.

"Do you want me to get you some water?" Jake offered, moving toward the kitchen.

"Yeah, that'd be good... Thanks," Drew replied, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly.

Jake returned with a glass, handing it to Drew, who took a slow sip. "You need to see a doctor about this," Jake said softly, concern etched on his features. "Why don't you just ask your parents for help?"

Drew's expression darkened, and he shook his head fervently. "They... They won't care. They're too busy with their 'important' lives," he snapped, emotion spilling over.

Jake watched as the bravado slowly crumbled off Drew's shoulders, replaced with something raw and human. "Hey, it's okay," Jake said gently, sitting beside him on the bed. "I'm here for you. Let's just breathe through this, alright? You'll be okay."

For the first time, Drew let his guard down, leaning against Jake as he took slow, steady breaths. "You know, I'm not always the jerk everyone thinks I am," he said, his voice muffled as he spoke into the pillow.

"I think I know that," Jake replied quietly, his heart racing at the intimacy of the moment. "You're just... well, you're a product of what's going on at home. It doesn't excuse your behavior, but I get it."

Drew sighed, the tension in his body slowly easing. "Thanks, man," he murmured, the weight of his reality finally becoming tangible.

Jake chuckled lightly, trying to lift the mood despite the seriousness. "And if anyone's a freak around here, it's definitely me. I mean, I  love  the music club and you."

Drew cracked a smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly. "I guess you're stuck with me, huh?"

"I wouldn't want it any other way," Jake said, his heart fluttering in his chest. "Just promise me you'll take care of yourself. I care about you, Drew."

The two boys sat in comfortable silence, a newfound understanding bridging the gaps between their worlds. For the first time, Jake saw a new side of Drew—the person hiding beneath layers of armor. And maybe, just maybe, under the right circumstances, that connection could shift from friendship to something more.

As the afternoon drifted on, the sounds of laughter from outside faded into the background, and Drew's laughter echoed softly against the walls of Jake's room, a different melody altogether.

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Hope you enjoyed this little one shot! If you have any other requests, feel free to ask!