Oliver didn't know what pulled him back to the cafe that night. It was late, and the streets were quiet, with only the soft glow of the streetlights illuminating the path. He had no reason to be there, but something about the cozy warmth of Noah's cafe always seemed to call him, like a refuge from everything swirling in his mind. The usual chatter, the clinking of cups, and Noah's bright smile always calmed him. But tonight, as he approached from a distance, something stopped him in his tracks.
Through the large window, Oliver spotted Noah inside. He wasn't alone—Maya was there too, sitting across from him. Her body leaned in close, her hand resting on his as they shared what seemed to be a quiet, intimate conversation. Noah's expression was soft, and vulnerable, and as Oliver continued watching, Maya reached over and pulled him into a hug.
Oliver froze. His heart clenched painfully, the scene unfolding before him hitting him like a punch to the gut. The way Noah held Maya—so gentle, so close—made Oliver's mind race with a million thoughts he didn't want to entertain. Does Noah have feelings for Maya? The thought planted itself in his mind like a thorn, and no matter how much he tried to push it away, it festered and grew.
He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. No, no… I must be misunderstanding, he reasoned with himself. But even as he tried to rationalize it, the sight of them together stirred something bitter and painful deep inside him. His chest felt heavy, and a knot formed in his throat.
Why does this hurt so much? he asked himself, but the answer was already clear. Oliver hadn't been able to admit it, not even to himself, but seeing Noah with Maya, in that moment, felt like confirmation of everything he had been avoiding. His feelings weren't as simple as admiration or friendship. He liked Noah—more than he was ready to admit.
Without thinking, Oliver turned on his heel and hurried away from the cafe. His heart pounded in his chest, and the image of Noah and Maya burned into his mind. He rushed home, not wanting to face the reality of what he'd seen, and locked himself in his room.
All night, he lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling, the events replaying in his mind over and over. The mansion around him, with its grand statues, expensive paintings, and wide, empty halls, felt even colder and lonelier than usual. Despite having everything anyone could ever want, Oliver had never felt more alone. He couldn't shake the sadness that now lingered in his chest, the thought of Noah and Maya together filling him with an emptiness he hadn't expected.
The next day, Oliver dragged himself through school, his usual bright energy nowhere to be found. He shuffled down the hallways, lost in thought, his face downcast as he replayed the previous night's events over and over in his mind.
Eli noticed almost immediately. His best friend, usually so lively and upbeat, now looked like he had been hit by a truck. "What's up with you today?" Eli muttered under his breath, watching as Oliver barely greeted anyone, his head hanging low.
Eli tried calling his name, waving in front of his face, but Oliver was too deep in his own world to notice. Eli couldn't help but stare at him. He looks like he's got a thunderstorm cloud hanging over his head, he thought, surprised to see his usually cheerful friend so gloomy.
"Hey, Oliver! Earth to Oliver!" Eli called out, trying to snap him out of it.
Oliver blinked, startled, as if he had been woken from a dream. "Huh? Oh, sorry, Eli. I'm just… tired."
But Eli wasn't buying it. He knew his friend too well. "You've got something on your mind, don't you? Spill it, man."
Oliver just sighed, giving a weak smile. "I'll tell you later."
That afternoon, Oliver couldn't keep the weight of his thoughts to himself any longer. Needing a distraction—and maybe some company—he turned to Eli, his closest friend.
"Hey," Oliver asked quietly as they walked out of school. "You wanna come over to my place after school? Maybe stay the night? I could use some company."
Eli's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, your place? You've never invited me over before! I thought your house was some kind of secret bunker," he teased with a grin.
Oliver managed a small chuckle. "Yeah, I guess it's about time."
They walked together to Oliver's house, and Eli was expecting something normal—maybe a little smaller than his own home. But when they arrived, he was absolutely floored.
The mansion loomed in front of them, massive and luxurious, with perfectly manicured gardens and towering gates. Eli stood dumbstruck at the entrance, his mouth hanging open as he took it all in.
"Dude... you live here? This is like something out of a movie," Eli gawked, still in disbelief. "I've known you since middle school, and you've been hiding this the whole time?"
Oliver shrugged, a little embarrassed. "It's not really something I like to talk about."
Inside, the grand interior was just as awe-inspiring. Marble floors, elaborate chandeliers, and priceless paintings adorned the walls. It was everything Eli imagined a mansion would be—and more. But despite all the grandeur, something about it felt empty, like a place without life.
Oliver led Eli up to his room, which was still large and luxurious but far more personal. Art supplies littered the floor, books were piled messily on his desk, and there was a small corner by the window where Oliver liked to sit and draw. The space, at least, felt more like him.
That night, they ordered takeout, played video games, and hung out like they always did during sleepovers. But there was still something heavy in the air, something Oliver wasn't saying.
As they sat together in the quiet of his bedroom, Oliver finally spoke up, his voice small and uncertain. "Eli, I… I think I like Noah."
Eli, who had been lounging on the bed, nearly dropped his phone. "Wait, what?" He sat up quickly, eyes wide. "Like, Noah Noah? The cafe guy?"
Oliver nodded, feeling his chest tighten. "Yeah… I think I've liked him for a while now, but I just didn't want to admit it."
Eli stared at him in disbelief. "Bro, I thought you were just into your drawings and all that! And now you're telling me you're into him?"
Oliver gave a weak laugh, his heart heavy. "Yeah, well… I don't really know what to do. Last night, I saw him with Maya, and… it looked like they were together."
Eli's eyes went wide again. "HUH? You think they're dating?"
Oliver sighed, staring up at the ceiling. "I don't know… I saw them hugging, and it just… it felt like I'd missed something. Maybe I was wrong all along. Maybe he's been with her this whole time."
Eli shook his head, still processing everything. "Man, that's crazy. I mean, if you like him, you've gotta find out for sure, right? You can't just assume."
"I know," Oliver mumbled. "But it's hard. I've never felt like this about anyone before."
The night stretched on, with Oliver finally opening up about his feelings for Noah, his confusion, and the loneliness that had been building up in his life. Eli, for once, stayed quiet, listening intently.
By the time Oliver finished talking, he felt lighter, like a weight had been lifted from his chest. He wasn't sure what would happen next, but for now, just having Eli there, knowing someone understood, was enough.