The morning sun cast long shadows across the bustling streets as Kai navigated his way through the familiar route to school. His heart thumped a frantic rhythm against his ribs, a discordant beat that mirrored the storm brewing within him. He usually waited for Ethan , their shared laughter and banter a familiar soundtrack to their mornings. But today, the usual anticipation was replaced by a bitter cocktail of jealousy and anger.
Meanwhile, Ethan was about to leave for school when Meredith, her face alight with a mischievous glint proposed a detour. " I'll love to see your school," she declared, her voice laced with genuine curiosity. " And maybe we can stop at the salon on the way." Ethan, ever the accommodating friend readily agreed. He instructed his driver to drop him at school first and take Meredith to the salon.
As they drove, the air crackled with easy banter and shared laughter. Meredith, her eyes wide with wonder, commented on the vibrant street life and the sprawling cityscape. Ethan, relishing her company pointed out landmarks and shared anecdotes about his city. The tension that had gripped him the previous evening, seemed to dissipate in the warmth of their shared laughter.
Upon reaching the school, Ethan stepped out, a wave of familiarity washing over him. Meredith , her gaze sweeping over the grand facade of the building exclaimed," wow it's fancy, so big." Ethan his chest swelling with pride smiled. He turned to Meredith," I'll go inside now. You can head to the salon." Meredith, her smile as bright as the sun, reached out and hugged him," thanks for the tour, Ethan, see you later!"
Kai, driving into the schools parking lot witnessed the scene unfold before him. His blood ran cold as he saw Meredith's hand lingering on Ethan's arm, the way her eyes held a playful spark. He watched, his heart twisting in his chest, as Ethan, oblivious to his simmering rage, turned to walk towards the school.
Kai, his face a mask of simmering fury, slammed the car door shut. He took a deep breath, trying to quench the tempest raging within him. He slung his backpack over his shoulder and walked towards the school, his eyes fixed on the ground. He didn't look at Ethan, didn't acknowledge his cheerful wave. He simply walked past, his shoulders stiff, hus face unreadable. Ethan, sensing the shift in kai's demeanor, was left confused and slightly hurt. He tried to call out to kai, but the words hung in his throat. He was left standing there, a wave of anxiety washing over him .
The rest of the day was a blur of tense silences and unspoken resentments. Kai, lost in hus own turmoil, ignored Ethan's attempt to engage him. He sat alone at lunch, his eyes fixed on the food. Ethan growing increasingly anxious tried to reach out to him, but his every attempt was met with an icy indifference. He was left feeling helpless. The day ended with the same unspoken tension , leaving Ethan feeling lost and alone.
Immediately the bell rang, an indicator that the day had come to an end, Kai stood up and packed hus bag. He hung his backpack and was about to leave but was stopped by Ethan, as Ethan noticed it was just them both left in the class. Ethan's voice laced with a mixture of concern and accusation, pierced through the suffocating silence. " What's wrong Kai? What did I do wrong? You've been Ignoring me all day."
Kai's response, a clipped , " nothing is wrong," rang hollow. His eyes usually warm and inviting, were now guarded, a wall made to shield his turmoil. Ethan, sensing that he was not truthful pressed further. " That's a lie. You can't even look at me in the eyes. Am I now disgusting?"
Kai's anger, simmering beneath the surface all day, finally boiled over. His thoughts consumed by Ethan and Meredith, had been a constant torment. The whispers of people talking about the girl they saw Ethan with and speculating maybe Kai and Ethan broke up, all this fueled the fire within him. His words sharp and laced with Vernon, spilled out," you are my problem Ethan." The change on his eyes, a flash of gold against the brown was a terrifying spectacle, thankfully only Ethan was there to witness it.
Ethan, shaken by the intensity of kai's outburst, stumbled back, his voice barely a whisper. " Me? What did I do." Kai's voice, tight with suppressed rage, revealed the source of his torment. " I saw you Ethan, I saw you with that girl. You promised me nothing was going to happen between you two, but I've noticed how close you've become lately and it annoys me. I hate when others touch what's mine."
Ethan, bewildered and hurt, tried to comprehend the depth of kai's possessiveness. " Us? So all this is about Meredith? We are nothing to each other. Ok yes, I know my dad wants us to marry but like I promised you, I'm not going to marry her. It's you I love." He reached out to hold kai's hand but Kai moved backwards.
Ethan's hope, flickering like a candle in the wind, was extinguished. " You're lying Ethan. You know what , I want to be left alone for now," Kai said, his voice a cold distant echo. Ethan hurt and frustrated felt a wave of anger rise within him. " Fine, do whatever you want. I can't believe you don't trust me enough. I'm so disappointed right now," he yelled, his words laced with bitterness. He turned away with tears in his eyes, leaving Kai standing alone in the empty classroom, his heart heavy with a love that felt suffocating and desperately needed.