NSB Oneshots Part 2

Kɛɓαsեiαŋ: Surprisɛ Hug

Kane had always been the quiet type, the kind of guy who preferred to observe rather than engage. While his friends held boisterous conversations and shared laughter, Kane was content to sit back, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he took in the lively atmosphere of their small café in Richmond. It was their weekend ritual: a gathering filled with warmth, coffee, and the camaraderie that can only be built through years of friendship.

Sebastian, on the other hand, was the heart of their group—a whirlwind of energy and laughter, and he thrived in the spotlight. With his tousled hair and infectious grin, he had a way of illuminating even the cloudiest of days. His jokes, sometimes corny but always well-received, wove through the group like a favorite melody, drawing everyone in.

This Saturday felt different, though. Kane noticed a subtle shift in Sebastian. His lively banter was tinged with something more somber, as though he was wearing a mask that covered his true feelings. The others seemed oblivious, caught up in their usual antics, but Kane's instincts told him that the vibrancy around them had dimmed ever so slightly.

As the group exchanged stories over steaming mugs, Kane observed Sebastian's gaze drifting towards the window, where the sunlight fell in streaks onto the worn wooden table. A flash of concern flickered in his chest. His friend seemed distant, lost in thoughts that swirled like the leaves caught in the autumn breeze outside. That familiar instinct to protect nudged at him, and Kane felt compelled to do something—anything—to bring Sebastian back from wherever his mind had wandered.

As the laughter faded momentarily, Kane shifted in his seat. The air was thick with unspoken words and unshed emotions. He felt a sudden surge of determination. Time to act.

Without warning, Kane stood up, startling everyone at the table, and made his way toward Sebastian. Without a second thought, he wrapped his arms around him in a surprise hug—a gesture that seemed both instinctual and foreign. It caught Sebastian off guard; the laughter dissipated as silence enveloped the group.

"What's this?" Sebastian laughed uneasily, though there was a hint of genuine surprise in his eyes.

Kane tightened his grip, feeling the warmth of his friend against him. "Just hold on for a second," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the hum of the café.

To his surprise, Sebastian didn't pull away. Instead, he relaxed into the embrace, his shoulders dropping as if the weight of the world had lifted, if only for a moment. "Okay," he whispered, a softness entering his tone that Kane had rarely heard.

The world faded around them—the chatter, the clinking of cups, the sounds of the café—and all that remained was that brief connection, a fleeting moment of shared understanding. In the chaos of life, Kane had chosen to remind Sebastian that he wasn't alone.

When he finally released him, Sebastian looked up, and for the first time, his eyes sparkled with something more than just humor. "I didn't know I needed that," he admitted, his smile now reaching his eyes. "Thanks."

Kane shrugged, a bemused smile tugging at his lips. "Anytime. Just remember, you've got people who care, even if you don't say anything."

Sebastian nodded, his previously distant demeanor starting to melt away. The rest of their friends resumed their chatter, glancing curiously at the two but clearly sensing the shift in the mood. The energy around them began to pulse anew, bantering and laughter gradually filling the air again.

As they settled back into their rhythm, Kane felt a warmth spread through him, an appreciation for the simplicity of friendship and the unspoken bond they shared. Sometimes, a surprise hug was all it took to make someone feel seen again.

And in that bustling café, as the autumn leaves danced outside, Kane knew they had each other, no matter what life threw their way.