Elliot

14 - Sushi

Elliot stared at the brightly colored invitation in his hand, the words Mia and Alec's Halloween Bash gleaming in the soft light of his apartment. Excitement flickered faintly beneath a wave of trepidation. A night of costumes, music, and fun sounded perfect—except for the part where he'd inevitably have to face Nate. Nate, who had been avoiding him since that fateful Sunday. He tossed the invitation onto the coffee table, a knot forming in his stomach. The memory of their almost-kiss haunted him, replaying like an old film reel in his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had passed between them, and now Nate's cold distance only deepened the ache. That look Nate had given him—raw, vulnerable, and tinged with fear—lingered like a bittersweet aftertaste, impossible to forget.

But Alec was a friend, and skipping the party felt like letting him down. Elliot picked up the invitation again, running his fingers over the embossed design. It could be fun—if Nate weren't going to be there. The thought of seeing him, possibly brooding in some corner, made Elliot's stomach churn. Frustration bubbled up; he wanted to be angry at Nate, but all he felt was the gnawing desire to understand him.

He sighed and reached for his phone, his fingers hovering over Aaron's contact. Since Nate had started avoiding him, Aaron's playful flirtation had been a welcome reprieve. It was easy to lose himself in Aaron's attention, to laugh and forget the confusing whirlwind Nate had stirred. But even with Aaron's infectious energy, Nate's presence loomed in the back of Elliot's mind, shadowing his moments of fun.

He skipped passed Aaron and texted Alec instead: Got the invitation! Can't wait for the party. What's the plan?

Alec's reply came almost instantly: Yay! Dress up! We're going all out! Elliot couldn't help but smile at Alec's enthusiasm.

What are you guys dressing as? he typed back.

Alec responded with a series of emojis—a vampire, a broomstick, and a witch hat. You should totally join us!

Elliot chuckled and typed: Maybe I'll go as a ghost. That way I can haunt Nate.

Perfect! Alec replied, adding a ghost emoji for good measure.

Elliot set his phone down, the flicker of humor fading as his thoughts inevitably drifted back to Aaron—and, more frustratingly, to Nate. Should he talk to Aaron about it? About the confusing swirl of emotions that seemed impossible to untangle?  Flirting with Aaron was easy, almost effortless, a comfortable distraction that didn't ask too much of him. But was that all it was? A way to bury the unresolved feelings Nate had left behind? The feelings he couldn't quite name but also couldn't seem to shake?  He sighed, leaning back against the couch and running a hand through his curls. The memory of Nate's fleeting tenderness, the weight of unspoken words between them, still tugged at him, no matter how much he tried to push it away. Was it fair to keep leaning into Aaron if his heart wasn't entirely in it? The thought lingered, heavy and unrelenting, leaving Elliot with more questions than answers.

The doorbell rang, slicing through Elliot's spiraling thoughts. He jumped up, his heart racing—not from anticipation, but from the desperate need for a distraction. Pulling the door open, he was greeted by Aaron's wide grin.

"Delivery for the cutest guy on the block," Aaron announced, holding up a bag of takeout like a prize. The delicious aroma wafted into the apartment, a tempting contrast to the storm in Elliot's head.

Elliot managed a smile, the corners of his mouth twitching as he tried to push his conflicted feelings aside. "What's this?" he asked, stepping back to let Aaron in.

"Dinner. Thought you could use some company," Aaron replied, breezing past him and heading straight for the kitchen counter. "Besides, I was starving, and eating alone is boring."