The city never slept. Neon lights flickered relentlessly, reflecting off the puddles left by the recent rain on the sidewalks. The distant sound of car horns and conversations blended with the constant hum of the metropolis. Amidst the bustling chaos, Alex walked toward his apartment after another long day at the marketing agency where he worked. At thirty years old, his life had settled into a monotonous routine: work, home, occasional family gatherings, and little else.
Upon arriving at his building—a modern apartment complex—he gave a slight nod to the doorman before taking the elevator to the tenth floor. Stepping into his home, a tidy yet impersonal space, he sank onto the couch, releasing a sigh he had been holding in for hours. The television was on, playing images without sound; it was more of a silent companion than a source of entertainment.
On the coffee table, a framed photograph caught his attention. In it, three young men smiled under the golden glow of a summer afternoon. He recognized his younger brother, Ryan, in the center, his usual wide grin and boundless energy evident. To the right stood Jase, Ryan's best friend, with his imposing presence and intense gaze. And to the left, himself—years younger, with a shy smile and eyes reflecting a mix of happiness and longing.
Holding the photo in his hands, memories rushed back. He recalled the days when Jase spent hours at their house, sharing laughter and secrets with Ryan. Despite the age gap, Jase had always been kind to Alex, including him in games and conversations. Those simple gestures had unknowingly planted feelings in Alex—feelings that, over time, grew into something deeper.
But Jase had never seemed to notice. Surrounded by girls, his charm and striking looks made him the center of attention. Alex, on the other hand, remained in the shadows, observing from a distance, concealing his emotions behind a mask of indifference.
A notification from his phone pulled him out of his thoughts. A message from Ryan flashed on the screen:
—"Hey, bro, I'm hosting a get-together this weekend. Some friends from college will be there. You should come! It's been a while since we all hung out."
Alex hesitated. Social gatherings weren't exactly his thing, and the idea of facing a group of lively, energetic young people felt exhausting. However, the mention of "college friends" made his heart beat a little faster. Would Jase be among them?
After a few moments of deliberation, he replied:
—"Sure, Ryan. Count me in."
The rest of the week passed uneventfully, but a lingering sense of anticipation settled in his chest. On Saturday afternoon, he made his way to the family home, a place filled with memories and nostalgia. Upon arrival, he was greeted by the familiar chaos of Ryan's gatherings—laughter, music, and the tempting aroma of home-cooked food.
As he stepped into the living room, his eyes instinctively searched for Jase. And there he was, standing by the window, engaged in lively conversation with a group. His presence remained as striking as ever—tall, muscular, dark hair casually falling over his forehead, and those piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through people.
Jase spotted him and, with a genuine smile, approached.
—"Alex! Long time no see. It's great to have you here!"
Alex felt his heart quicken but maintained his composure.
—"Hey, Jase. Yeah, it's been a while. How've you been?"
The conversation flowed effortlessly. They caught up on their lives—Jase spoke about his final year in medical school, his hospital rotations, and the goals he had set for himself. Alex, in turn, briefly talked about his work at the agency and how, despite the long hours, he found satisfaction in what he did.
As the night went on, Alex couldn't help but notice how Jase effortlessly drew attention from several women in the room. Yet, to his surprise, Jase spent most of the evening by his side, reminiscing about old times and sharing stories.
When it was time to leave, Jase gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder.
—"We should catch up more often, Alex. Let's not wait so long next time."
Alex nodded, feeling a mix of happiness and melancholy. As he walked back to his apartment, he couldn't help but wonder—was there, perhaps, a small glimmer of hope for his hidden feelings?
For now, he chose to cherish the moments they had shared and let time decide the course of his heart.