Dan's POV
I breathe in the crisp London air as I make my way out of Paddington Station following Chris and Peej closely behind. I had forgotten how loud and busy London is, its been a while since I had been here and strangely I miss it.
"Dan... Dan, mate you alright there?" a voice snaps me out of my gaze and I realise we had stopped on a corner, a discussion probably have taken place but I was too busy thinking.
The voice had belonged to Chris and he and PJ had a mixture between confusion and worry etched on their faces.
"O-Oh yeah sorry, I was just in a daze. What's up?" I rush out stumbling on my words.
"Oh okay... We were thinking we could just stroll around until we get to Hyde Park where we can chill and stuff and later on when we are ready to leave we can grab a taxi back here and grab some Starbucks for our disgustingly long way back home? You sure youre okay though?" PJ states, informing me on what I had missed.
I quickly agree as there isn't anything to debate on, ignoring his question about me and we then start making our way towards our destination, chatting about absolutely anything on our minds.
Soon enough, possibly 20 minutes later we were stood in front of the entrance of Hyde Park. Tall trees loomed over us as squirrels pranced around on the grass scoping out those who had food. The place just had a peaceful atmosphere.
"Did you want to stroll around and find a bench to sit on? I brought crisps!" Chris sings aloud.
Pj giggles at the childish man as I sigh but plaster a small smile on my face, eventually agreeing.
Leaves and gravel crunch and scatter underneath our shoes as we converse.
"-And then he completely stood up and stormed out! It was quite terrifying actually, perhaps even exhilarating!" Chris rushes out, laughing loudly at the end only to be cut off by PJ shoving him telling him to shut up, a blush forming on his cheeks.
They try their best to act platonic in front of me although Ive said numerous times that I don't really care but they insists that it's better for me. I do have to admit they're a perfect mix, a perfect match... a perfect couple.
"Oh! Just what we were looking for, theres a bench right there guys" PJ diverts our attention away from the story to which we comply and make a beeline towards before anyone takes it. We sit casually and silently just enjoying the peacefulness.
A soft "Dan" catches my attention and I turn towards the guys whom are already looking at me.
"I know today is meant to be a good day but you never answered my question earlier about you actually being okay right now. We know today is a lot for you and we are pests but please be honest with us and dont ignore the question again. Are you okay?" PJ firmly states, emphasising 'okay' as Chris nods along staring directly into my eyes.
Sighing I reply with a short nod as I find my voice.
"We all know I'm not okay but at this very moment I'm allowing myself to try and feel happiness. Currently I'm perfectly content and would like for it to stay this way, I don't want to face reality quite yet" I speak timidly yet firmly looking at my best friends and show them a small toothy grin for reassurance.
They smile comfortingly and let out short okays obviously pleased with what they had extracted from me and we continue to chatter, shoving Chris's crisps into our mouths.
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The squeak of the glass doors sound over the chatter and smell of coffee as we enter Starbucks which is a few minutes around the corner from Paddington Station signalling the end of our day in London.
PJ and Chris are discussing what they want as I ungracefully attempt to fish out change for my drink but as I do so my eyes lock with a pair of familiar blue ones.
My breath hitches and I freeze up. It was Phil. His smile drops and my eyes drift to the set of arms wrapped around his waist, suddenly tears form in my eyes as I piece together what's happening and I'm making a clumsy dash towards the bathroom letting the tears fall and releasing everything I had kept within myself.
My legs give out and I slide to the floor, choking out sobs.