Something, Nothing

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 25 — BACK TO COLLEGE

I talk to Shiv and surprisingly he understands as well. That makes me think about my level of understanding of those around me. Never in a million years would I have expected any of them to be understanding about this. I don't know why I assumed that their initial reaction would be rejection and condemnation.

Reality has proven me otherwise.

My brother has a boyfriend, and my best friend did not show an ounce of judgement about it.

This definitely calls for some self-analysis — I should be more open-minded about others' reactions (instead of just anticipating the worst).

Learning the truth about my brother has not magically dissuaded the trepidation I have about my own life, but it has somewhat been a calming balm.

Break's finally over. And I can finally go back to college.

This break has not been half as bad as I was expecting it to be. My father even waited to see me off before heading off to work with Aarnav. Aaryan volunteered to drop me off at the bus station.

"You got everything you need?" he asks, just as I'm about to board the bus.

I nod, and then wave at him, "Bye, anna,"

"Bye. Take care," and then after a beat, he calls me again, "Vin,"

"Yeah?"

"You know you can talk to me, right?"

I glance down at my shoes — does he know? Funnily enough, it doesn't make me anxious, but also that doesn't mean I'm going to come out to him right there and then. Maybe another time.

For now, I will myself to meet his eyes and give him a firm nod, "I know,"

"Good,"

↢∞↣

"Welcome back!"

My plan to immediately go to sleep once I reach my dorm goes out the window the second I step into the room. Jomar had texted me, asking when I would be arriving. Little did I know the real reason behind it. All the three of them, Jomar, Sun Ling and Ken were in the room and jumped up, cheering as soon I opened the door.

And I'm tired.

"Hey," I exhale, forcing myself to smile.

I have to appreciate the effort. Despite knowing for only a couple of months, I have come to consider them as my actual friends. And somehow despite my very quiet personality, they have continued to keep me in the loop of their friends circle as well.

"Come here, come here," Jomar approaches me with open arms and pulls me into a hug, "Hey, man. Welcome back,"

"Hey, Jomar," I smile, patting his back, "When did you guys come back?"

"I came a few hours back. These two came last night,"

"Hi, Aarvin. Missed you," Sun Ling is next in line.

Jomar scoffs quite audibly from beside us, "You guys met up in between,"

Sun Ling playfully sticks her tongue at him before skipping over to him. The only remaining person I have to greet personally is Ken. My skin instantly warms at the reminder of him hugging me back at the carnival. I don't think I am ready for a repeat of that just yet.

So, before he can step towards me, I go to him, and extend my hand out in a fist. Fist knock is as good as a hug if you ask me. Ken does give me a weird look at first but he returns the gesture.