Just Friends

Chapter Eleven

"Here you are, for a second I thought you were blowing us off". Gulf smiled at Malai, thinking about how he actually thought of staying home until the very last minute. He only agreed because he knew he would have made Mew even more suspicious. He could have fun for a night with them without overthinking like he usually did. Right? "I knew you and Mild would probably kidnap me if I didn't show up". Just then a very excited Mild hugged him from behind, shouting his name. "Gulf, you're here. I feel like we haven't seen each other in forever". Gulf laughed, a little tensed but not so much anymore. He was getting used to Mew's friends and their tendency to hug him all the time. Just then he saw Mew joining them, pulling his friend away from Gulf. "Mew, don't be jealous". Mew pretended to be angry, putting an arm around Gulf's shoulder. "I'm not jealous, I know all of you don't stand a chance". He was joking but something inside Gulf was burning already. "Hey, don't be mean. Even if it's the truth". Mild threw a knowing look at Gulf, who quickly got out from underneath Mew's arm. "Hmm, we should get inside. Aren't your friends waiting for us?". Malai had already noticed he wasn't acting as usual, so she encouraged everyone to get in. "Is everything okay between you too?". Gulf tensed up, even if no one else was listening to their conversation. "Why? Yeah, of course". Malai raised her eyebrow, even less convinced than before. "Has anyone ever told you that you're a terrible liar?". Gulf looked away, not sure he was ready to open up with her about Mew. He knew he could trust her but he didn't want to talk about it and make it even more real. He didn't even know what to say in the first place. "I'm just a little moody tonight. I'm sure I'll get over it". She just nodded, letting it go for now.

The local pub wasn't so bad, even if it wasn't exactly Gulf's scene. "Finally! Run just ate all my fries while I was in the bathroom. Can you believe it?". Tong glared at Run, who smiled innocently. "I would never". Gulf saw Mew was about to sit next to him so he sat near a friend of theirs he didn't even know. Again, not his best moment. The girl smiled at him, friendly. They introduced themselves, or at least they tried because the music was so loud they couldn't hear a single thing. He could feel Mew's gaze on him, so he tried to work on his small-talk skills. He was only trying to keep himself busy but everyone was looking at him funny. "Hey Gulf, hands off. I know you're already taken, I wouldn't want my friend to get her hopes up". Gulf glared at Malai, who wasn't helping him in the least. Actually, he knew what she was doing but it wasn't what he needed right now. "I, on the other hand, am single as a fox. Jut so you know". Tong was already flirting with the girl but when Gulf caught Mew staring at him, he wasn't happy. That's when he stood up, pulling him by the wrist. "We'll be right back".  

Gulf didn't try to resist, considering the last thing he wanted was to make a scene in front of everybody. He just followed him until he stopped and got so close to Gulf he could feel his warm breath against his lips. His eyes were dark, though. "Are you trying to make me jealous? Because it's working". Gulf looked away, not able to make eye contact in that moment. "I'm not trying to do anything". Mew sighed, exasperated. "So you're just avoiding me". The hurt in his voice made Gulf look up, feeling guilty. "Mew...". The older closed his eyes for a moment, clenching his fist to contain his anger. "Why? Tell me why". Gulf found himself with no way out and something inside him just exploded. "Why? Don't you get it? You're my very first friend, Mew. I don't think we should complicate things". Mew smiled bitterly. "A little too late for that". Gulf swallowed, torturing his own hands. "Yeah, I know I screwed up but...". Mew quickly nailed his eyes on his, stepping forward until Gulf's back was practically against the wall. "I think you're scared". 

Gulf's eyes went wide, looking kind of flushed. "Why would I be scared?". Gulf hoped Mew would let him off the hook but that wasn't the case. He could see how much his behavior was hurting him, even if it wasn't his intention. "Because this is uncharted territory for you. So you'd rather risk losing something good instead of taking a chance for once". Gulf stood there, completely shocked by his words. It was like a slap in the face, so of course he got all defensive. "You're way off". Mew raised his eyebrow, not moving an inch from him. "Am I?". Gulf tried to leave but Mew started talking again. "Why are you so careful all the time?". This time it was Gulf who moved forward, upset. "Because that's who I am. I hate not being in control of myself. Of my feelings. That's why I'm keeping my distance". Mew didn't seem surprised by his reaction, at least he was getting some answers from him. "You can't control everything. Especially this". He tried to take his hand but Gulf pulled it away, still worked up. "I can try. Also, I really don't understand why someone like you would take an interest on someone like me. No matter how hard I try, I just don't get it". He didn't realised he was yelling until some waitress glanced at the two of them. At least the music was covering most of their conversation. Mew looked at him, suddenly hit by a mixture of different emotions he wasn't able to control anymore. "I don't need a reason to like you, Gulf. I just do. I really do. And you know what? I think you like me just as bad". He stared at him for a few seconds more before leaving Gulf alone, completely dumbfounded.