Shattered Bonds

The Hallway The school hallway was alive with the hum of students chatting between classes, lockers slamming shut, and the shuffle of shoes on the polished floor. Nathan and Tristan walked side by side, as they always did. Heads turned as the two of them passed—Nathan’s effortless charm pulling in admiring glances from both boys and girls, while Tristan’s rebellious aura and athletic frame drew just as much attention. They were the pair everyone envied, yet no one truly understood. Tristan reached for his cigarette pack in his jacket pocket, flicking it open as he pulled one out. Nathan, with his usual distaste for anything that might ruin his immaculate appearance, shot him a look. “You’re going to ruin your perfect teeth with that, you know?” Nathan teased, raising an eyebrow as he adjusted his glasses, his clean shirt immaculate despite the fact they’d just spent the morning in gym class. Tristan smirked, lighting the cigarette and blowing out a cloud of smoke. “You worry about that too much, man. It’s just a smoke. It won’t kill me.” “I don’t know. You’ve got a point,” Nathan replied, “But it’s kind of hard to look perfect when you’re inhaling a cloud of death.” “Yeah, well,” Tristan took a long drag and exhaled slowly, “perfect’s overrated. You’re always so clean, man. What’s the fun in being perfect?” Nathan shrugged, his fingers nervously adjusting the sleeve of his shirt. “Perfection is an illusion, but it’s one I’ve mastered.” They continued walking in sync, the world around them a blur. The playful banter was familiar, comforting, a constant in their world. For years, they’d shared everything, from homework to the most awkward personal moments. They were brothers, in a sense, more than friends. --- Flashback: A Time Before High School The scene shifted, and the years blurred away. We’re back in their childhood, sitting on the porch of Nathan’s house, summer spilling into the late afternoon sky. It’s a time before high school, before they had settled into the personas that everyone recognized. Just two teens sitting together, comfortable with the silence, the world at their feet. “I think I’m gay,” Tristan said suddenly, breaking the quiet. Nathan stopped sipping his iced tea and turned to him, confusion flickering in his eyes. “What?” “Yeah, I think I like guys,” Tristan added, his voice quieter now, as if testing the air. “It’s... it’s been a while. I just figured you should know.” Nathan’s reaction was immediate—a soft smile on his lips. “I think that’s cool. Seriously. Why would I care?” Tristan blinked, unsure if he’d heard correctly. “Wait—what? You’re not, like, gonna freak out on me?” Nathan shrugged, his usual calm demeanor settling into place. “Why would I? You’re my best friend. I’ve always known you’re different—didn’t think it mattered. I just care about who you are, not who you’re into.” A relieved breath escaped Tristan. He shifted in his seat, running a hand through his messy hair. “Thanks. I... I was really scared of losing you over this.” Nathan smirked. “You won’t. We’ve been through worse, right?” Tristan laughed. “Yeah, but... this is big. I wasn’t sure how you’d take it.” Nathan gave him a teasing look. “You’ve known me since forever. When have I ever been a stick in the mud?” --- Flashback: Second Year of High School The scene shifted again, this time to their second year of high school. The bell rang as they strolled through the crowded hallways, their lockers nearby, each one exchanging books between classes. Tristan had just finished telling Nathan about a particularly insane party he’d gone to the previous weekend when Nathan suddenly stopped, his hands shaking as he clutched the textbooks to his chest. “Tristan,” Nathan started, looking at the ground, voice barely above a whisper, “I need to tell you something.” Tristan, always the carefree one, tilted his head. “What’s up?” Nathan hesitated, a flush creeping up his neck. “I... I think I’m bisexual.” Tristan’s expression softened. “Oh. Yeah. I kind of figured.” Nathan’s heart skipped a beat. “Wait—what?” “You’re... into Sherwood, right?” Tristan asked with a grin, casually leaning against the locker. “I’ve seen the way you look at him. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.” Nathan blinked, a little taken aback. “I—yeah, but... I also like girls too. I mean, I have a girlfriend, but I can’t help the way I feel about him. It’s confusing.” Tristan smiled. “Don’t worry, man. I get it. You know, I’ve got my share of crushes, too.” His tone was teasing but understanding. Nathan let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “So, you’re not weirded out?” Tristan laughed. “Hell no. We’ve always been cool about this stuff. If anything, you just gave me more to joke about.” Nathan chuckled, but his expression turned serious for a moment. “I... I didn’t want you to think it was weird. You know, us talking about this stuff. I thought it might be awkward.” “Nah,” Tristan said, shaking his head. “If we can’t talk about it, what’s the point of being friends? No judgment here, man.” --- Back to the Hallway The scene in the present day flashed back into focus. The school hallway, once bustling, now seemed like a place of uncertainty. Nathan and Tristan had arrived at their lockers, standing side by side, but the weight of what was to come was settling over them. Nathan’s gaze drifted to Tristan, and for a moment, his mind wandered. He remembered that conversation back in middle school, how open they had been with each other. And how everything had always seemed so easy between them. Tristan smiled at Nathan, snapping him out of his thoughts. “You coming to the game tonight?” Nathan shrugged. “Maybe. Not really feeling the whole basketball thing today. I’ve got homework to catch up on.” “Lame,” Tristan teased, nudging Nathan with his elbow. “You know, you could try it sometime. Get your hands dirty. It’s not so bad.” “I’d rather keep my hands clean,” Nathan shot back, his tone light but distant. The smile on his face faltered, a hint of something darker flickering in his eyes. “Alright, alright. I get it.” Tristan’s voice dropped a little, sensing the change in Nathan’s mood. “But you know, we should hang out tonight. It’s been a while since we did something just the two of us.” Nathan’s expression tightened. “Yeah. Sure. I’ll think about it.” As Tristan turned to walk away, Nathan’s eyes followed him, a sinking feeling in his chest. It was only then that he realized how much he values his friendship with Nathan