"Let me see what's inside," Aryan said, curiosity lighting up his face as he opened the gift box. His eyes widened in surprise.
Inside lay the exact same shoes Marco had gifted him earlier—same brand, same color.
"They're... the same," he murmured, more amused than shocked. But he didn't mention it aloud.
They were the shoes he'd been wanting for a long time. Now, he had two pairs.
"They're perfect," Aryan said with a grin. "Let me try them on." He slipped on the white sneakers and turned to Eron, showing them off. "How do they look?"
Seeing the happiness on Eron's face made something in Aryan settle. The longing, the quiet ache from earlier in the day—it faded.
"So," he asked, still smiling, "how was your outing?"
"Good," Eron replied. "We went shopping, saw a movie... even spent some time at the beach."
As he mentioned the beach, Kiara's face surfaced in his mind. He hadn't expected her to try and kiss him—especially not in public. However, because of that incident, Eron learn one thing for sure, no one could ever take Aryan's place in his life. And he decides to be with him, hiding his feelings.
Eron looked at his brother, and for once, the truth didn't feel so heavy. He had feelings he might never speak aloud, but accepting them felt easier than running from them.
Even if he could never say it… even if Aryan never knew… just being by his side—in his joy and in his sorrow—felt like enough.
Love doesn't always need to be returned. Sometimes, it only needs to be given.
The Next Day
Eron found a quiet moment to speak with Kiara alone. His voice was calm but firm as he looked her in the eye.
"If I ever gave you the wrong signal," he said gently, "I'm really sorry. That was never my intention."
Kiara's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but there was something in Eron's respectful tone—his choice to speak with her privately, without making a scene—that softened the sting of rejection.
She doesn't want to end everything like this but couldn't have the courage to speak it causally. "It's not your fault," she said, managing a small smile. "I'm the one who misunderstood the situation."
She hesitated, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her sleeve. The silence between them was fragile, but she finally spoke again.
"I swear, I won't act like that again. Eron… can we still be friends? Like before?"
A warm, gentle smile spread across Eron's face. "Of course," he said without hesitation.
Meanwhile, in Aryan's class…
"Which college are you applying to?" Aryan asked, glancing at the stack of college forms on Marco's desk.
"I'm not," Marco muttered, disappointment clear in his voice.
"Why not?"
"My dad wants me to study abroad," Marco sighed. "He's already picked the college. I tried talking to him, but he won't listen."
He looked away, frustrated. "I don't want to be away from you, Aryan. But I don't think I have a choice."
There was a pause before Marco asked softly, "Will you forget me if I go?"
Aryan shrugged, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Maybe. I'll join a new college, make new friends… get too busy with college life. So yeah, it could happen."
Marco's expression changed instantly. Without another word, he grabbed his bag and stormed out of the class. Luckily, it was the interval.
"Marco!" Aryan called, quickly chasing after him.
He finally caught up to him at the basketball court.
"Why are you following me?" Marco snapped. "Go make your new friends!"
Aryan rolled his eyes. "You actually took that seriously? Oh my god—you're such an idiot sometimes!"
"Oh, now I'm the idiot?" Marco said, fuming. "Yeah, sure! What else am I?!"
He turned to leave, but just then, a basketball hit him square in the back.
"You—!" he growled, turning around, only to be hit by another ball.
"Let's have a match!" Aryan shouted, throwing a third ball, which Marco caught reflexively.
Without another word, they started playing. The score remained even throughout.
"No one's gonna win at this rate," Marco muttered, catching his breath.
"Then let's just call it a tie." They paused the game and sat on the court side by side. Marco handed Aryan a water bottle.
"Cooled off now?" Aryan asked, taking a sip.
Marco nodded, calmer now.
Aryan turned to him, sincere. "You know, some people are irreplaceable in life. And you're one of them, Marco. Don't ever forget that."
Marco looked down a bit embarrassed. "I know," he pouts, but his face brightens up as he like the phrase.
Days passed quickly, and the news Aryan had been expecting finally reached the De Vilan mansion.
After years of silence, Eron's father had made contact. He wanted his son back.
Lisa sat quietly on the couch as Adam shared the update, his expression unreadable.
"Why the sudden change of heart?" she asked, her brow furrowing.
"He was in an accident," Adam said. "His wife and children… they didn't survive. And he's now paralyzed from the waist down. With no one left, he wants Eron back in his life."
"Oh, he really managed to suck till the very end," Lisa muttered under her breath. Then she looked up at Adam. "When are you planning to tell Eron?"
"Soon. We can't keep it from him much longer," Adam replied.
"Then wait until after his exams," she said firmly.
Adam looked at her, slightly surprised by her tone—thoughtful, protective.
"I don't want Aryan to be affected by this," Lisa added. "They're close. If Eron's upset, Aryan will feel it too."
Seeing her making excuses, Adam gave a small nod, a smile tugging at his lips as he silently saying he understands.