Chapter 3 -The Secret Between Best Friends
3736 Words
Chapter 3 – The Secret Between Best Friends
The Monday morning bell rang across the school grounds as Rachel hurried into the classroom.
She placed her bag on her chair and glanced toward the door.
Lawrence was not there yet.
“You’re looking for someone again,” Roan said behind her.
Rachel turned around. “I’m not.”
“You looked at the door three times.”
“I was checking the time.”
Roan laughed. “Sure.”
Before Rachel could answer, Lawrence entered the classroom carrying several books.
“Good morning,” he said.
Rachel smiled. “Good morning.”
Lawrence walked toward them.
“Did you study for the quiz?” Rachel asked.
He smiled proudly. “Yes.”
“Really?”
“I studied last night.”
Roan stared at him. “Look at Lawrence. He finally remembers that he’s a student.”
Lawrence laughed. “I've always remembered.”
“Your grades didn't.”
Rachel laughed, and Lawrence shook his head.
“You two are impossible.”
Roan smiled, but his eyes lingered on Rachel for a moment longer than they should have.
He noticed the way she laughed, the way she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and the way her face brightened whenever Lawrence entered the room.
He had noticed those things long before they became a couple.
He had simply never allowed himself to admit what they meant.
Rachel was Lawrence’s girlfriend.
Lawrence was his best friend.
So Roan kept his feelings hidden.
He joked with them when they became too sweet. He smiled when they were happy. He stood beside Lawrence whenever Rachel was around, pretending that the ache in his chest was nothing more than ordinary jealousy.
But it was not jealousy.
It was love.
Their teacher entered the classroom, and everyone returned to their seats.
During the break, Lawrence showed Rachel his reviewer.
“I made this last night,” he said.
Rachel looked at the pages. “You organized everything.”
“I’m trying.”
“You're doing well.”
Lawrence smiled. “I told you I would.”
Roan watched them from his desk.
Rachel leaned closer to Lawrence as she read his notes. Lawrence smiled at her with a happiness Roan had always wanted to give her.
He looked away before either of them noticed.
Then their teacher announced an upcoming school program.
“Class, you will be divided into groups. Each group will prepare a presentation for Friday.”
Everyone became excited.
Rachel was assigned to a group with several classmates, including Adrian.
Lawrence was placed in another group.
“See you later,” Rachel told him.
“Good luck.”
“You too.”
Adrian immediately began organizing their group.
“Rachel, you’ll be performing the second scene with me,” he said.
“Okay.”
Roan glanced at Lawrence.
Lawrence was watching Adrian.
“Don't,” Roan whispered.
“Don't what?”
“Make that face.”
“What face?”
“The jealous boyfriend face.”
Lawrence sighed. “I’m not jealous.”
Roan looked toward Rachel and Adrian.
“Really?”
Lawrence said nothing.
Roan forced a smile.
“Then trust her.”
“I do.”
But Roan knew that Lawrence was not the only one struggling.
Every afternoon, Rachel and Adrian practiced together. Adrian made her laugh, helped her remember her lines, and stood close to her during rehearsals.
Roan saw everything.
He also saw how Lawrence watched them.
One afternoon, Lawrence passed by the classroom and saw Rachel and Adrian laughing during practice.
Adrian reached out and adjusted the paper in Rachel’s hand.
Lawrence’s fists tightened.
“Lawrence,” Roan warned.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not.”
Lawrence looked at him.
“Why do you care?”
The question struck Roan harder than Lawrence intended.
Roan looked away.
“Because you’re my best friend.”
Lawrence’s expression softened.
“I trust Rachel.”
“Then act like it.”
Lawrence nodded, but his eyes remained fixed on the classroom.
Roan wanted to tell him the truth.
He wanted to say, You have no idea how lucky you are.
Instead, he said nothing.
That afternoon, Rachel found Lawrence sitting quietly near the school gate.
She approached him.
“Why are you so quiet?”
“I’m fine.”
“You always say that when you’re not.”
Lawrence smiled weakly.
Rachel sat beside him.
“Tell me.”
He hesitated.
“I saw you practicing with Adrian.”
Rachel waited.
“And?”
“I guess I felt jealous.”
Rachel smiled softly.
“You could have told me.”
“I didn't want to sound unreasonable.”
“You don't.”
“I know he's just your groupmate.”
“He is.”
“I trust you.”
Rachel looked at him.
“Then don't let your imagination make things bigger than they are.”
Lawrence nodded.
“I'm sorry.”
“You don't have to apologize for being honest.”
She gently bumped his shoulder.
“Just don't start fighting with Adrian.”
Lawrence laughed. “I wasn't planning to.”
“Good.”
A few steps away, Roan stood near the gate, pretending to check his phone.
He had heard everything.
Rachel’s voice was gentle. Lawrence’s was uncertain.
Roan wanted Rachel to speak to him that way. He wanted her to look at him with the same concern.
But she never would.
Not while he remained Lawrence’s best friend.
The next day, Lawrence approached Adrian.
“Hey.”
Adrian looked at him. “Hi.”
“You're doing a good job leading the group.”
“Thanks.”
Lawrence smiled.
“Take care of Rachel's group. She gets nervous before presentations.”
Adrian laughed. “I noticed.”
Rachel, who had overheard them, shook her head.
“You two are talking about me again.”
Adrian smiled. “We're just discussing your nervousness.”
“I am not nervous.”
Lawrence and Adrian looked at each other.
Then both laughed.
Rachel crossed her arms.
“Very funny.”
Roan watched from across the room.
He saw how easily Adrian had become part of Rachel’s world. He saw how Lawrence tried to hide his jealousy. He saw how Rachel trusted them both.
And he hated himself for wondering whether he could ever become more than Lawrence’s friend.
That evening, Roan stayed behind after class.
He sat alone in the empty classroom, staring at Rachel’s desk.
A small paper flower rested beside her notebook.
Lawrence had made it for her.
Roan picked it up, then quickly placed it back.
He had once made a similar flower.
He had never given it to Rachel.
It remained inside his drawer, folded carefully between the pages of an old notebook.
His phone vibrated.
It was Lawrence.
Are you coming?
Roan stared at the message.
He typed a reply.
I’ll be there.
Then he looked once more at the paper flower.
“Why her?” he whispered.
He already knew the answer.
Because Rachel made him feel seen.
Because she listened when everyone else interrupted him.
Because she smiled at him without asking for anything.
Because she was the one person he could never have.
By Friday, the school program was ready.
The classroom was filled with decorations, costumes, and students running from one place to another.
Rachel stood backstage with her group.
“I think I'm going to forget everything,” she whispered.
Adrian smiled.
“You've practiced all week.”
“I know, but I'm still nervous.”
Rachel looked toward the audience.
She saw Lawrence sitting with Roan.
Lawrence gave her a thumbs-up.
Rachel smiled.
Roan smiled too, but his expression faded when Rachel looked away.
When their group was called, Rachel stepped onto the stage.
The presentation began.
For the first few seconds, she looked nervous.
Then she remembered her lines.
She spoke clearly, acted confidently, and finished her part without making a mistake.
When the presentation ended, the audience applauded.
Rachel returned backstage smiling.
Lawrence approached her.
“You were amazing.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Rachel laughed.
“I almost forgot my first line.”
“But you didn't.”
“Because I saw you.”
Lawrence smiled.
“Then I should always sit in the front.”
“Maybe.”
Roan stood behind them.
Rachel turned toward him.
“Roan, did you like the presentation?”
He forced a smile.
“You were great.”
“Thank you.”
For one dangerous second, Roan almost told her she looked beautiful.
Instead, he said, “Adrian did a good job too.”
Rachel nodded.
“He did.”
Lawrence placed his hand around Rachel’s shoulder.
Roan looked away.
A few days later, Lawrence received his examination paper.
His smile disappeared.
Rachel noticed immediately.
“What happened?”
He handed her the paper.
She looked at his score.
“You didn't pass.”
He nodded.
“I studied.”
“I know.”
“I don't understand what happened.”
Rachel sat beside him.
“Which part was difficult?”
“Most of it.”
She looked at his notes.
“You studied the wrong way.”
“What do you mean?”
“You memorized everything instead of understanding the examples.”
Lawrence frowned.
“So what should I do?”
“We'll go through it.”
He looked at her.
“You'll help me?”
“Of course.”
They stayed after class.
Rachel explained the lessons while Lawrence tried to solve the problems.
Roan sat at the next table, pretending to study.
“Try again,” Rachel said.
“I don't get it.”
“Look at the example.”
Lawrence leaned closer.
“Wait.”
Rachel looked at him.
“I understand this one.”
“Good. Solve the next one.”
He did.
Rachel smiled.
“See? You can do it.”
Lawrence leaned back.
“I think I finally understand.”
“You just needed another explanation.”
“Thanks.”
“Anytime.”
Roan lowered his eyes to his book.
He knew Rachel was kind to everyone.
That was part of the reason he loved her.
But watching her care for Lawrence made the feeling unbearable.
When Rachel left to get water, Lawrence turned toward Roan.
“You've been quiet.”
“I’m studying.”
“You've been quiet for days.”
Roan shrugged.
“Maybe I’m tired.”
Lawrence studied his face.
“Is something wrong?”
Roan almost laughed.
Everything was wrong.
His best friend was sitting beside the girl he loved, asking why he was distant.
“I’m fine,” Roan said.
Lawrence frowned.
“You always say that when you’re not.”
Roan looked at him sharply.
“Maybe I learned it from you.”
Lawrence became silent.
Rachel returned before either of them could say more.
The following week, Lawrence retook a similar test.
When he received his result, he immediately looked at Rachel.
“I passed.”
Rachel smiled.
“I knew you could.”
He grinned.
“I'm buying you a snack.”
“You don't have to.”
“I want to.”
“Fine.”
They walked toward the canteen together.
Roan followed behind them.
At the canteen, Rachel sat beside Lawrence while Roan sat across from them.
Adrian approached their table.
“Rachel, can I talk to you about the program?”
“Sure.”
Lawrence moved slightly to make room.
Adrian leaned toward Rachel and showed her something on his phone.
They laughed.
Roan watched Lawrence’s expression change.
This time, Lawrence did not say anything.
He simply stood.
“I need some air.”
Rachel looked up.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah.”
He walked away.
Rachel followed him.
Roan remained at the table with Adrian.
“You know,” Adrian said, “Lawrence is lucky.”
Roan looked at him.
“What do you mean?”
“To have Rachel.”
Roan’s jaw tightened.
“Yeah.”
Adrian glanced toward the door.
“You care about her too, don't you?”
Roan froze.
“What?”
Adrian smiled faintly.
“Nothing.”
Roan stood abruptly.
“I have to go.”
He found Lawrence near the back of the building.
Rachel was already there.
“Lawrence, what happened?”
“Nothing.”
“You walked away.”
“I just needed air.”
“Because of Adrian?”
Lawrence looked frustrated.
“I said I’m fine.”
Rachel’s expression changed.
“Don't shut me out.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
Lawrence ran a hand through his hair.
“I trust you, Rachel. But I don't like seeing him around you all the time.”
“He's part of my group.”
“I know.”
“Then what do you want me to do?”
“Nothing.”
“Then why are you acting like this?”
Lawrence looked away.
“I don't want to lose you.”
Rachel’s voice softened.
“You won't lose me because I have friends.”
“I know.”
“Then trust me.”
“I’m trying.”
Roan stood around the corner, hearing every word.
He should have left.
Instead, he stayed.
He understood Lawrence’s fear.
He also understood his own.
The difference was that Lawrence had Rachel’s hand to hold.
Roan had only silence.
That evening, Lawrence called Roan.
“Can we talk?”
Roan sat on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
“About what?”
“You've been acting strange.”
“I’m just tired.”
“Roan.”
The concern in Lawrence’s voice made Roan feel worse.
“Why are you so worried?”
“Because you're my best friend.”
Roan laughed bitterly.
“Your best friend.”
“Of course.”
“Is that all I am?”
Lawrence became quiet.
Roan immediately regretted the question.
“What does that mean?”
“Nothing.”
“No. Tell me.”
Roan sat up.
He had kept the secret for too long.
“Do you ever wonder what it feels like to stand beside someone you love while they love somebody else?”
Silence filled the call.
Lawrence’s voice became low.
“Who are you talking about?”
Roan closed his eyes.
“Rachel.”
The silence that followed was heavier.
Lawrence finally spoke.
“You love Rachel?”
“I didn't plan to.”
“Since when?”
“Before you started dating her.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because you were happy.”
“You should have told me.”
“What would that have changed?”
“I would have known.”
“And then what? You would give her to me?”
Lawrence said nothing.
Roan’s voice cracked.
“I never wanted to take her from you. I never tried to interfere. I stayed quiet because you were my best friend.”
“You should have trusted me.”
“I did trust you. That’s why I stayed.”
Lawrence was silent again.
Roan wiped his eyes.
“I’m sorry.”
“Are you going to tell Rachel?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because she loves you.”
Lawrence’s voice softened.
“Roan…”
“Don't pity me.”
“I’m not.”
“Then don't say anything.”
The call ended.
The next morning, Lawrence arrived at school looking exhausted.
Rachel noticed immediately.
“Did you sleep?”
“Not much.”
“Is something wrong?”
He looked at her, then toward Roan’s empty seat.
“Roan told me something last night.”
Rachel waited.
“What did he tell you?”
Lawrence hesitated.
“He has feelings for you.”
Rachel froze.
For a moment, the classroom noise seemed to disappear.
“What?”
“He said he’s loved you for a long time.”
Rachel looked toward the door.
Roan had just entered.
Their eyes met.
Roan stopped.
He knew immediately that Lawrence had told her.
Rachel stood.
“Roan.”
He looked away.
“Please don't.”
“Is it true?”
He said nothing.
“Roan, answer me.”
His face tightened.
“Yes.”
Rachel’s breath caught.
Lawrence stood between them, uncertain and hurt.
Roan looked at him.
“I’m sorry.”
Rachel shook her head.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because you were happy.”
“You should have let me decide what to do with the truth.”
“I knew what your answer would be.”
“You don't know that.”
Roan gave a painful smile.
“You love him.”
Rachel looked at Lawrence.
He was watching her with fear in his eyes.
Roan continued, “You always have.”
Rachel’s eyes filled with tears.
“I care about you too.”
“I know.”
“But not in the way you want.”
Roan nodded.
“I know.”
Lawrence stepped forward.
“Roan, I don't want to lose you.”
Roan looked at him.
“You already have her.”
“That doesn't mean I want to lose my best friend.”
Roan laughed softly.
“Maybe I need to lose both of you for a while.”
Rachel reached for him.
“Roan—”
He stepped back.
“Please. I can't stand here and pretend this doesn't hurt.”
The bell rang, but no one moved.
Roan turned and walked out of the classroom.
Rachel looked at Lawrence.
“What do we do?”
Lawrence stared at the doorway.
“I don't know.”
For the first time since they had gotten back together, neither of them had an answer.
At lunch, Roan was nowhere to be found.
His phone was turned off.
Lawrence searched the school grounds while Rachel checked the library and nearby classrooms.
They finally found him behind the old auditorium.
He was sitting alone on the steps, staring at the empty field.
Lawrence approached first.
“Roan.”
Roan did not look up.
“Go away.”
“I’m not leaving.”
“You should.”
“I said you’re my best friend.”
“And I said I need space.”
Lawrence stopped a few steps away.
Rachel stood behind him.
Roan noticed her and looked down.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
Rachel’s voice trembled.
“You don't have to apologize for having feelings.”
“I do if they make everything difficult.”
“They didn't make everything difficult. Keeping them secret did.”
Roan looked at her.
“I was afraid.”
“Of what?”
“Of losing you.”
Rachel’s eyes softened.
“You never had to lose me.”
Roan laughed sadly.
“That’s easy for you to say.”
“I mean it.”
“But I can't stay close to you and pretend I don't want more.”
Rachel nodded slowly.
“Then take the time you need.”
Lawrence looked at him.
“But don't disappear.”
Roan looked between them.
“You're both asking me to stay.”
“Yes,” Lawrence said.
“Why?”
“Because you matter to us.”
Roan’s eyes filled with tears.
He quickly looked away.
“I don't know if I can do this.”
“You don't have to decide today,” Rachel said.
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Then Roan stood.
“I need time.”
Lawrence nodded.
“Take it.”
Roan walked past them, but before he left, he stopped.
“I never wanted to hurt either of you.”
Rachel answered softly, “I know.”
He continued toward the gate.
Lawrence watched him go.
Rachel reached for his hand.
“Are you angry?”
“No.”
“Are you hurt?”
“Yes.”
She squeezed his hand.
“Me too.”
They stood together in silence.
The secret had changed everything.
Roan was not a stranger trying to destroy them. He was Lawrence’s best friend—the person who had stood beside him through everything.
He was also the boy who had secretly loved Rachel long before she ever knew.
That afternoon, Lawrence and Rachel sat beneath the tree near the school grounds.
Neither of them opened a book.
“What happens now?” Rachel asked.
Lawrence looked at the empty space beside them.
“I don't know.”
“Are you afraid?”
“Yes.”
“Of losing Roan?”
“Yes.”
Rachel lowered her eyes.
“I never wanted to hurt him.”
“I know.”
“I don't want you to choose between us.”
“I won't.”
She looked at him.
“What do you mean?”
“I love you, Rachel. But Roan is my family too.”
Rachel leaned against his shoulder.
“We'll give him time.”
Lawrence held her hand.
Across the school grounds, Roan stood near the gate, watching them from a distance.
He saw Rachel resting against Lawrence.
He saw Lawrence holding her hand.
The sight hurt, but he did not look away.
He had spent years hiding his feelings.
Now that the truth was out, he had to decide what to do with the pain.
The next morning, Roan returned to school.
He entered the classroom quietly.
Rachel looked up.
Lawrence stood beside his desk.
Neither of them knew what to say.
Roan placed his bag on his chair.
“I’m not ready to talk about everything,” he said.
Lawrence nodded.
“Okay.”
“But I don't want to lose you.”
Lawrence’s eyes softened.
“You won't.”
Roan looked at Rachel.
“And I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable.”
Rachel shook her head.
“You didn't.”
“I might.”
“Then we'll be honest with each other.”
Roan nodded.
The three of them stood in silence.
Nothing was fixed.
The friendship was still fragile.
Rachel and Lawrence were still afraid.
Roan was still hurting.
But for the moment, they remained in the same room.
The bell rang.
Their teacher entered and began the lesson.
Roan opened his notebook.
Lawrence sat beside him.
Rachel returned to her seat.
No one spoke about the secret again that day.
But it remained between them, quiet and dangerous, waiting to test whether their friendship could survive the truth.
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