Hey everyone! I originally planned to update on New Year's, but I ended up taking way longer than expected. I went on a trip with my friends, had an amazing time, and just got back home. Thank you for your patience. Also, Happy New Year to all of you, and a belated Happy Birthday to our precious Joshua! ❤️
For years, Joshua, Vernon, and Minghao had been inseparable. Their laughter echoed through the hallways of their school, creating a symphony of friendship that others envied. They shared everything from late-night study sessions to spontaneous adventures. Yet, beneath the surface of their strong bond, unspoken feelings lingered, waiting for the right moment to surface.
Joshua, often the peacemaker and caretaker of the group, found himself in a turmoil he couldn't quite understand. As he spent more time with both Vernon and Minghao, he noticed a growing affection for them that deepened his connection. Every smile from Vernon sent butterflies racing in his stomach, and Minghao's laughter made his heart swell. But this affection soon turned into confusion could he truly have feelings for both of them?
One sunny afternoon, the trio decided to spend the day at a local park. As they lounged on the grass, sharing snacks and reminiscing about their childhood, Joshua felt the weight of his emotions pressing down on him. He noticed the way Vernon playfully nudged Minghao, their chemistry palpable, and how Minghao's eyes sparkled whenever Vernon spoke. A pang of jealousy hit Joshua, surprising him.
"Josh, are you even listening?" Vernon teased, waving a hand in front of Joshua's face.
"Yeah, sorry! Just... thinking," Joshua replied, forcing a smile. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow on the outside looking in.
Minghao leaned closer, concerned. "You okay? You seem a little out of it today."
Joshua shrugged it off, laughing lightly. "Just tired, I guess."
But the truth was that the more time they spent together, the more Joshua felt torn between his growing feelings for both of them. Every laugh they shared felt like a reminder of what he couldn't have.
As weeks passed, the dynamics of their friendship began to shift. Joshua noticed subtle changes Vernon would often catch himself staring at Joshua, a soft expression on his face, while Minghao frequently found reasons to brush his hand against Joshua's. Each small gesture fueled Joshua's inner conflict, leaving him more confused than ever.
One evening, they gathered at Joshua's house for a movie marathon. As the credits rolled on their last film, Joshua's heart raced when he caught Vernon's gaze lingering on him. Minghao, oblivious, cracked jokes to lighten the mood, but Joshua could feel the tension hanging in the air.
After the movie, they settled down for a late-night snack. Vernon leaned closer to Joshua, his voice barely above a whisper. "I really appreciate you, you know? You always know how to make things better."
Joshua's heart fluttered, but his throat felt tight. "Thanks, Vernon. That means a lot." But inside, he struggled with the idea that they were both becoming more than just friends.
As days turned into weeks, both Vernon and Minghao began to sense that something was off with Joshua. They noticed his distance and quietness but were too consumed with their own feelings to address it. Tension simmered beneath their interactions, as unspoken words hung heavily in the air.
One day, while studying together, Vernon noticed Minghao laughing at one of Joshua's jokes. "You two seem really close," he said, trying to mask the jealousy creeping into his voice.
Minghao shrugged, a grin on his face. "He's just fun to be around. You know how it is!"
Vernon's heart sank. "Yeah, I know."
