EPISODE 16
1070 Words
Tristan woke up to the soft hum of his alarm, stretching lazily before getting up to start his morning routine. He showered, brushed his teeth, and got dressed in his uniform. As he stepped outside, adjusting the straps of his backpack, his hand stilled when he noticed Nathan walking out of their house at the same time. Their eyes met for the first time in over two months.
For a second, neither of them moved. Then, to Tristan’s shock, Nathan gave him a small nod, his lips curling into the faintest hint of a smile before he turned away and got into his car.
Tristan stood frozen in place, watching as Nathan drove off. His heartbeat picked up, and an unfamiliar warmth settled in his chest. Was that real? Did Nathan really just acknowledge him after all this time?
A grin broke across his face before he could help it. It wasn’t much, but it was something. Maybe—just maybe—there was still hope for them to be in talking terms again. With that thought in mind, he got into his own car and drove to school, feeling lighter than he had in weeks.
---
Tristan arrived at school with one thing in mind—seeing Drake. He walked swiftly to class, his eyes scanning the room the moment he stepped inside. But Drake wasn’t there yet.
He sighed, feeling a pang of disappointment, but took his seat and tried to distract himself with his phone. He had barely scrolled through a few messages when he heard the familiar shuffle of footsteps near the door.
Drake.
Tristan looked up just in time to see him enter the classroom, walking toward his seat. He looked well-rested, though there was still a slight stiffness in his movements.
“Hey, Tris,” Drake greeted with a smile as he sat down.
“Hey,” Tristan responded, his voice softer than he intended. “How are you doing?”
“I’m good. And you?”
“I’m fine,” Tristan said, then tilted his head slightly. “You feel better now?”
Drake nodded. “Yeah, thanks, Tris. For, you know... yesterday.”
Tristan smirked. “You mean for carrying you bridal style and shocking the whole team?”
Drake groaned, covering his face. “Don’t remind me. That was so embarrassing.”
Tristan chuckled. “I don’t see why. I think it was kinda cool.”
Drake peeked through his fingers, his face flushed. “Cool? More like humiliating.”
Tristan just laughed, and before they knew it, class started. Despite the lessons, they stole little chats in between, and the day passed quickly. Lunch came and went, and soon, school was over.
With final term exams coming up next week, everyone was busy preparing. The weekend ahead was going to be all about studying.
---
After basketball practice, the team was gathered outside the locker room, chatting about their weekend plans.
Andrew turned to Kane. “Hey, wanna come over and study with me this weekend?”
Kane hesitated. “I don’t know…”
Andrew pouted, giving him his best puppy-eyed look. “Please?”
Kane groaned. “Fine, but only because you’re making that ridiculous face.”
Dylan grinned. “I’m spending the weekend with my girlfriend. We’ll be studying together.”
Tristan remained quiet. Usually, he studied with Nathan, but that wasn’t an option anymore. He figured he’d just go solo this time.
Then, unexpectedly, Drake turned to him.
“Um, Tristan?” he asked hesitantly.
Tristan raised a brow. “Yeah?”
Drake shifted on his feet. “Would you… would you mind if I studied with you this weekend?”
The group went silent, all eyes turning to Tristan, waiting for his response.
Tristan blinked. He hadn’t expected that. Drake wanted to study with him? He glanced at the hopeful look on Drake’s face, and something warm spread in his chest.
He smiled. “Yeah, sure. That sounds good.”
Drake’s face lit up. “Really?”
Tristan nodded. “Yeah.”
Drake beamed. “Great! Thanks, Tris.”
With that settled, they headed to the parking lot, bidding each other goodbye before driving home.
---
As soon as Tristan got home, he dropped his stuff and headed straight to his room. If Drake was coming over for the weekend, everything needed to be in place. He quickly tidied up, making sure his desk was clear and his books were organized.
Satisfied, he went downstairs and found his mother in the kitchen, cooking dinner.
“Hey, Mom,” he greeted, wrapping his arms around her in a warm hug.
His mother smiled. “Hey, baby. How was school?”
“School was fine, Mom.”
She eyed him suspiciously. “You seem… happy. What’s up?”
Tristan hesitated for a moment, then said, “I have a friend coming over for the weekend. We’re studying for the exams starting Monday.”
His mother’s eyes widened slightly. “A friend? Wow, that’s new.” She turned off the stove and faced him fully. “What’s their name?”
“Drake Mantes.”
His mother hummed thoughtfully. “Drake Mantes… Hm. And he’s just a friend?”
Tristan scoffed. “For now, yes.”
His mother raised a brow. “For now?”
Before Tristan could respond, his father’s voice interrupted. “What he means is that Drake will eventually become his boyfriend.”
Tristan turned to see his dad walking in, a teasing smirk on his face.
“Dad! You’re back,” Tristan said, rolling his eyes.
His dad grinned, giving his wife a kiss before pulling Tristan into a casual buddy hug. “I’m always right about these things.”
Tristan sighed dramatically. “You think you’re so smart.”
His dad chuckled. “I don’t think—I know.”
His mother shook her head. “Well, I look forward to meeting this ‘friend’ of yours.”
His dad patted his shoulder. “What time is he coming over?”
“Soon. Very soon.”
His dad nodded. “Alright then. I’ll go freshen up and join you guys later.”
His mother clapped her hands. “I’ll finish up dinner. You should freshen up too, Tristan.”
Tristan grinned. “On it!” He turned on his heels and dashed upstairs, his heart racing with excitement.
This weekend was going to be interesting.
- Writer
