I love him. The way he smiles and his eyes glistens when he talks to ... basically everyone. The way he talks. The way he runs—God, I love him. And then, he runs until the finish line and he laugh. I would jump over the cliff to hear that laugh everyday.
He's just the human embodiment of a Greek God—he's Achilles.
—
It's good and bad to know that Achilles and I are in the same group of friends. Good, because Achilles and I became pretty close—and bad. Bad because crush on your good friend had a big chance on losing that good friend.
Achilles is a really good friend of mine, at first, it was just a simple hello on a chat. And then, long story short, I got a crush on him. Maybe, a lil' bit more than crush but we don't talk about that in here. I don't want to get overly confident or anything, but even Aphrodite—the so-called goddess of love—said that he's probably interested in me—that's got to count for something, no?
I just never stop talking about Achilles, huh.
"Zoya,"
I hear someone called my name, "yeah?"
Whoops. It's Achilles.
"I'm going to get some coffee after school, do you want to come with me? Kind of lonely right now."
"Just the two of us?"
"Yes, I have one—or probably two things that I want to confess ... ugh, not confess, but, like, talk, speak. Oh no, now I'm just stuttering and struggling to say the right word."
My heart skipped a beat. Someone please slap me—is this going to be a love confession ... ? Of course, no, right? Okay, don't be nervous, Zoya. You're great, whatever happens, just accept. If it's not a love confession than you are not going to be disappointed, I give myself a little pep talk, but, what if IT IS a love confession?
"Sure, I'm not busy today. You sounds nervous—makes me a bit nervous too, actually!"
"Oh! No, No! Don't be," he scratch his hair, "it's not that important—but not like not important, you know that kind of thing?"
His face flush a bit. He's so cute.
"Okay, then."
"I'll go to your class," the school bell rings, "uh, that's the bell. Guess it's my sign to go—see ya."
—
It's just a five minute walk from our school. I never really liked walking—but I kind of wish it's farther. It's a small cafe. A lot of students and workers go there for a quick morning coffee or evening coffee. Achilles and I went there a lot but rarely the two of us—usually we went there with our friends.
"Let me buy you a cup of coffee. Cold brew and less ice, right?"
I look at Achilles, then I nod, "you know me."
He giggles, "of course, I know you."
He wait at the counter and then he bring a cup of coffee and a cup of tea. He sit right across from me. I get to see his face—and his eyes, so ethereal. He looks a bit nervous.
"Okay, spill. Why are you so nervous today?" I ask him.
"Geez, there's no need to rush. But, okay. Basically, I think I like someone and it is in our group of friends."
He looks agitated. There's a little voice that speaks to me, it could be me.
Achilles' eyes starts to glistens. He sounds very fond of his crush.
"Then?"
"I want to confess to that person, how can I say it?"
My heart breaks, I know, It's—it's not me, yeah?
I gather up my sanity and be a decent person and just said, "Just go for it, man! Say it like a man and gather up your courage."
"Okay, I like you."
What?
What—is this really a confession? My heart beats faster. Is this how happiness feels? God.
"What?" I said, full of disbelief but pleasure.
"How's my practice?"
No.
No. No. No. No.
Of course.
Of course, silly Zoya.
My heart breaks. Really breaks.
"Good. Sounds real." I said. I'm stumped and my eyes starts to swell. No, I should not cry, right?
Achilles then starts to sip his tea. "Okay, that's good enough, I guess. Then, I suppose I'll talk to him tomorrow."
"Good," I paused, "wait, him?"
Achilles smiles quietly, "yeah."
He paused, "it's the second thing I want to say, actually."
I wait.
"I'm gay."
Oh.
Oh. That's why I like him for nothing.
And then, at the moment, my tears can't stop.
"You know what? I only have this moment. I like you, Achilles. And I cherished every single moment we have. You deserves a good epilogue, Ach. Good luck on your day tomorrow,"
