Between Us

Chapter 3: Slipping Facades

The next morning felt like any other day on campus. The sun was out, casting a warm glow over the courtyard, and students were scattered across the grounds, chatting in groups, rushing to classes, or lounging in the shade. But for Babe, nothing felt normal.

As he sat at the park near the campus fountain, waiting for Billy to show up, he tried to steady his nerves. Today was supposed to be a regular day, just like every other time they hung out, but nothing felt right anymore. Pretending everything was fine was getting harder by the second.

His phone buzzed, a quick text from Nana.

Nana: You hanging in there, babe?

Babe: Barely.

Babe sighed, slipping his phone into his pocket as he spotted Billy approaching. Tall, easygoing, and completely oblivious to the chaos he caused inside Babe's head. Billy waved, flashing that effortlessly charming smile that sent Babe's heart into overdrive.

"Hey," Billy said, dropping onto the bench beside him. "Sorry I'm late. Got held up with Pete."

Babe forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as strained as it felt. "No worries. Just got here myself."

He could feel the tension simmering beneath the surface, but Billy didn't seem to notice. He stretched his arms out, glancing around the park. "Man, the weather's nice today. Perfect day to chill."

"Yeah, it is," Babe muttered, trying to keep his voice casual. But the words felt foreign, like he was speaking through a mask. His heart raced, and the more he tried to act normal, the more he felt like he was coming apart.

Billy didn't seem to notice anything unusual at first. He talked about his plans for the day—how Pete wanted to drag him to another basketball game later, and how he might have lunch with Prae soon to catch up. Babe nodded along, but with every mention of Prae, the tightness in his chest grew.

"You sure you're okay?" Billy suddenly asked, his voice cutting through the haze of Babe's thoughts.

Babe blinked, startled. "Huh?"

Billy tilted his head, studying him with a hint of concern. "You've been kinda quiet today. Something on your mind?"

Babe swallowed, feeling the weight of Billy's gaze. For a second, he considered spilling everything. Tell him. Just tell him how you feel. But the words wouldn't come. He wasn't ready for that. Not yet.

"I'm fine," Babe lied, forcing a laugh. "Just tired, I guess."

Billy frowned slightly but didn't push. "Alright. Just let me know if you want to talk."

Babe nodded, but inside, he was screaming. How can I tell you when you're the problem?

Billy's POV

Something was definitely off with Babe. Billy couldn't put his finger on it, but it was there—a tension that hadn't been there before. Babe's laughter felt a little too forced, and his usual sass was toned down, like he was trying to hold something back.

Billy hadn't missed the way Babe's face had tensed when he mentioned Prae, either. Was it something to do with her? It couldn't be, right? Babe had never been weird about Billy hanging out with his friends before.

He glanced over at Babe, who was currently staring at his phone, typing furiously—probably texting Nana, if Billy had to guess. Babe always did that when he didn't want to talk about something.

Billy scratched the back of his neck, feeling uneasy. Pete had mentioned something the other day that had stuck with him: maybe Babe had a crush on someone. Was that what this was about? But if it was, why was Babe being so weird around him? Shouldn't he be talking to him about it?