Alfin and Sanal had been friends since they were kids. They lived in the same neighborhood, went to the same school, and did everything together. Their friendship was easy and natural, filled with laughter, silly inside jokes, and late-night talks about their dreams. But as they grew older, something started to change.
Alfin was outgoing—he loved talking to people, always the life of the party, and never afraid to say what was on his mind. He believed in big dreams and even bigger love stories. Sanal was quieter, preferring to observe rather than be in the spotlight. He found comfort in his sketchbooks, drawing scenes of places he dreamed of visiting, and writing poems no one ever read. Even though they were different, they were always by each other's side.
One rainy afternoon, they were walking home together, soaked from the rain, laughing as they splashed in puddles. Sanal shivered from the cold, and without thinking, Alfin took off his hoodie and gave it to him. Their hands brushed for a little too long. Sanal looked up, his dark eyes searching Alfin's face, and for a moment, time seemed to pause. In that instant, something felt different.
For days, Alfin couldn't stop thinking about it. He started noticing things about Sanal he had never thought about before—how he bit his lip when he was focused, the way he smiled when he thought no one was watching, the way his presence made Alfin feel safe. It scared him but also made him happy. Could he really have feelings for his best friend?
Sanal felt the same way. He had known for a long time that he liked Alfin, but he never let himself believe it could be real. What if Alfin didn't feel the same? What if saying something ruined everything? The thought of losing him was unbearable.
The feeling between them grew stronger with every stolen glance, every accidental touch. They started sitting closer than usual, their late-night talks lasting longer, their laughter softer, more intimate. But neither of them said a word about what was happening between them.
Then came the school farewell dance. They had planned to go together, just like always. But as they stood outside the decorated hall, music spilling through the open doors, Alfin's heart pounded in his chest. He could feel the words sitting on the tip of his tongue, waiting to be said.
"I need to tell you something," he said nervously, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sanal swallowed hard. "Me too."
They stood there for a moment, silent. The night air was cool, and the sound of laughter and music filled the space between them. Then, in one breath, Alfin whispered, "I think I love you."
Sanal's breath caught in his throat. He had waited so long to hear those words. His heart raced as he searched Alfin's face, trying to tell if this was real or if he was dreaming.
"Alfin…"
Alfin panicked. "It's okay if you don't feel the same—just forget I said anything—"
Sanal didn't let him finish. He stepped closer, took Alfin's hand, and squeezed it gently. "I do. I always have."
A slow song started playing inside, and without thinking, Alfin pulled Sanal into a dance. They held each other close, swaying to the music. Everything else faded away. In that moment, nothing else mattered. They weren't just best friends anymore.
They were something more.
And that was enough.