Between Us

Chapter 1: Unspoken Moments

Babe never thought something as simple as a cup of coffee could change the way he saw Billy. Yet, here he was, staring at the boy who had been his friend for what felt like a lifetime, wondering when things had shifted so drastically.

It wasn't just the gesture—it was Billy's thoughtfulness. On a chilly afternoon, during their usual hangout at the campus cafe, Babe had been nursing a half-hearted complaint about how cold it was. Billy, without saying a word, had disappeared into the cafe, returning moments later with a cup of steaming hot coffee—Babe's favorite, just the way he liked it.

Babe had looked up, about to thank him with a casual "You didn't have to," when Billy flashed that effortless smile. That was the moment. Babe's heart had skipped—no, stumbled. It wasn't the coffee, but the look in Billy's eyes, the warmth and ease, as if doing something so thoughtful for Babe was second nature to him.

And that was when the walls around Babe's heart began to crack.

The present came rushing back, but the flutter in Babe's chest stayed. They were sitting together on a bench in the middle of campus now, under the dappled shade of a sprawling tree. The courtyard buzzed with life as students rushed between classes, clutching coffee cups and textbooks, laughing in groups or walking with their headphones in. It was a typical college scene—just another day.

But for Babe, nothing had been "just another day" since he started seeing Billy differently.

He stole a glance at Billy, who was casually scrolling through his phone, seemingly unaware of the inner turmoil brewing beside him. The way Billy's hair fell into his eyes, the faint smirk on his lips as he tapped at his screen, and the casual ease in his posture—everything about him made it impossible for Babe to breathe normally.

I should say something.

But what could he say? "Hey, Billy, remember that time you bought me coffee and ruined my life by making me fall in love with you?" Yeah, right.

Babe's thoughts were a mess. He felt his face heat up and quickly turned away, pretending to be engrossed in the chaos of the courtyard. But his body betrayed him—his heart raced, his palms felt clammy, and the warmth in his cheeks was impossible to ignore. Billy was just sitting there, minding his own business, completely oblivious to how much space he took up in Babe's head.

His mind wandered again, replaying that moment in the cafe. It wasn't just about the coffee—it was about how effortless it was for Billy to be kind. How easy it was for him to make Babe feel like he mattered, without even realizing it.

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through the haze of his thoughts.

"Oh my god, if it isn't my two favorite disaster gays!"

Babe didn't even have to turn around to know who it was. Nana's voice was impossible to miss, even in a sea of bustling students. He whirled into view, striding confidently in a flamboyant, bright yellow jacket that practically screamed for attention.

"Please, tell me you're not daydreaming about Billy again," Nana teased, flopping down beside Babe on the bench with dramatic flair.

Babe's heart jumped into his throat, and he shot Nana a warning look, though he knew it was pointless. Nana was impossible to stop once he got started.

"Nana," Babe hissed under his breath, glancing quickly at Billy, who was still lost in whatever he was doing on his phone. "Shut up."

Nana only grinned wider, clearly enjoying himself. "What? I'm just saying, it's been, what? Months? Years? And here you are, still pining after him like a lovesick puppy. When are you gonna do something about it?"

Babe shot him another warning glare, but his face betrayed him, heating up further. "I'm not pining. You don't know what you're talking about."

Nana gave him a knowing look, but mercifully changed the subject. "Anyway, have you guys heard about Prae? She's finally back from her time abroad. Apparently, she's transferring here to finish her degree. I ran into her earlier, and oh my god, she's glowing."

At the mention of Prae, Babe felt his stomach twist—a feeling he couldn't quite explain. Of course, he'd heard about Prae—Billy's long-time family friend, the girl who had always been close to him in ways that made Babe uncomfortable. He knew it was ridiculous to feel this way, but the thought of Prae returning made the anxiety creeping in the back of his mind louder.

Billy finally looked up from his phone, raising an eyebrow at Nana's announcement. "Oh, she's back? I didn't know she'd be transferring here."

There it was—that casual tone, the way Billy spoke about Prae as if it was no big deal. To Babe, it felt like a crack in his already fragile armor.

Nana leaned back, crossing his arms with a dramatic sigh. "Yup, she's back. And, of course, the first thing she asked about was you, Billy. I mean, no one can blame her. You are kinda the whole package."

Babe felt a lump form in his throat as he watched Billy smile in response to Nana's comment. The truth was, Prae probably had every reason to be interested in Billy. Who wouldn't be?

Babe quickly looked away, pretending to focus on something in the distance, but his mind was swirling. Of course, she asked about Billy. Who wouldn't?

Nana, noticing Babe's sudden silence, nudged him playfully. "Earth to Babe. Are you still with us, or are you spiraling again?"

"Shut up," Babe muttered, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm fine."

But Nana wasn't fooled. He gave Babe a look that was both sympathetic and amused, as if he could see right through the front Babe was putting up. "Sure, babe. Whatever you say."

Babe tried to laugh it off, but the unease wouldn't leave him. Prae was back. And now, things were bound to get more complicated.