Shattered Bonds

EPISODE 3

The Cafeteria – Nathan’s Secret Crush

The cafeteria was buzzing with its usual midday chaos—students laughing, chairs scraping against the tiled floors, and the constant murmur of conversations blending together. Tristan and Nathan sat at their usual table near the window, trays of food in front of them, but Nathan barely touched his meal. Instead, his eyes kept darting toward someone across the room.

Tristan, noticing the distraction, smirked. “Alright, spill. Who’s got you acting all love-struck?”

Nathan exhaled, leaning in slightly. “Okay, I’m gonna show you, but be subtle, alright?”

Tristan rolled his eyes playfully. “Dude, you act like I’d embarrass you or something.”

Nathan shot him a look before nodding toward the far side of the cafeteria. “He’s over there. The guy in the navy hoodie, sitting near the vending machines.”

Tristan turned his head, but just as he was about to spot the mystery guy, the person shifted, turning away. Tristan groaned in frustration. “You’ve got to be kidding me! The universe does not want me to see your man.”

Nathan chuckled, shaking his head. “Not my man. Not yet.”

Tristan smirked. “Oh, but you want him to be, huh?” He nudged Nathan’s arm. “Come on, bro. You’ve been making moves. That’s a good sign.”

Nathan exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. I like him. Like, really like him. It’s different this time.”

Tristan’s grin widened. “Then what are you waiting for? Go get your man.”

Nathan gave him a dry look. “It’s not that simple.”

Tristan shrugged. “It kinda is. If you don’t shoot your shot, someone else will. And you’ll be stuck wondering what if?”

Nathan sighed, staring back at the guy across the room. “Yeah… you’re right. I’ll make a move. Soon.”

Tristan grinned, raising his drink in a mock toast. “That’s what I like to hear.”

---

Late-Night Study & Tristan’s Heartache

The night was quiet, the only sounds in the library being the occasional flipping of pages and the distant hum of the air conditioning. Nathan and Tristan had been studying for nearly two hours, but at some point, Nathan noticed Tristan had stopped writing. His best friend was staring blankly at his notebook, completely zoned out.

Nathan put down his pen and leaned closer. “Tris?”

No response.

Nathan nudged him gently. “Hey, what’s up? You’ve been out of it for a while.”

Tristan blinked, as if snapping out of a trance, then sighed heavily. “Nothing. Just… thinking.”

Nathan wasn’t buying it. He shifted in his seat, lowering his voice. “Talk to me, man.”

Tristan hesitated before finally exhaling. “It’s Carl. I thought I was doing better, you know? But some days, it still hits me like a truck.”

Nathan felt his jaw tighten. He hated seeing Tristan like this. “Tris… I know it hurts, but you have to move on from him.”

Tristan let out a humorless chuckle. “Easier said than done.”

Nathan leaned forward, his voice firm but gentle. “I get it. I really do. But you can’t let him have that power over you anymore.”

Tristan looked down at his hands, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s not just that he left… It’s who he left me for.”

Nathan’s stomach twisted. He hated this part. Hated that Carl had chosen him over Tristan, but he had never entertained it. He never would.

“I never wanted that, Tris,” Nathan said quietly. “You know I’d never betray you like that.”

Tristan looked at him, something raw in his eyes. “I know.” He swallowed hard. “That’s why you’re still here. If you’d chosen him, I don’t think I’d ever forgive you.”

Nathan nodded, his voice full of conviction. “I never would. You’re my best friend. You come first—always.”

Tristan exhaled, his shoulders relaxing just a little. “Thanks, Nate.”

Nathan offered a small smile. “You’ll get through this. And when you do, you’ll realize Carl wasn’t worth it.”

Tristan smirked slightly. “So what you’re saying is… I should pull a ‘Nathan’ and go after someone new?”

Nathan chuckled. “Hey, it’s working for me.”

Tristan rolled his eyes, but there was warmth behind it. “We’ll see.”

---

The Family Gathering

The Blackwood and Hayes families had always been close. Ever since the Blackwoods moved into the neighborhood years ago, their bond had only grown stronger. So when Tristan’s parents invited Nathan’s family over for a small get-together, it was no surprise.

The evening was filled with laughter, warm conversations, and the smell of home-cooked meals. The dining table was full, their parents reminiscing about old memories while the boys exchanged knowing glances across the table.

“You remember when these two got caught sneaking out in middle school?” Nathan’s mom chuckled.

Tristan’s dad laughed. “Oh yeah, they thought they were so slick.”

Nathan groaned. “Okay, we were twelve! That was years ago.”

Tristan smirked. “And yet, they’ll never let it go.”

After dinner, everyone moved to the living room, settling in for a classic Netflix night. Their parents were just as invested in their favorite show as they were, which only made the atmosphere feel even more like home.

As the episode played, Nathan leaned toward Tristan. “This is nice,” he murmured.

Tristan nodded, watching the screen but feeling the warmth of having everyone together. “Yeah. It really is.”

---

The Encounter with Ethan

The next morning, Tristan was on his way to sports practice when a voice called out behind him.

“Hey! Tristan, right?”

He turned, instantly taking in the guy approaching him. He was fine—dark hair, sharp jawline, lean but toned build. The kind of guy who usually had confidence oozing from every step.

Tristan wasn’t surprised. He was used to guys hitting on him.

“What’s up?” Tristan asked, shifting his bag over his shoulder.

The guy grinned. “I’m Ethan. I’ve seen you around, and I figured it was about time I introduced myself.”

Tristan raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Oh yeah? And what made today the day?”

Ethan shrugged, his smile playful. “Felt like the right time.”

Tristan chuckled. “Alright, Ethan. What do you want?”

Ethan’s smirk deepened. “I was wondering if you’d want to hang out sometime.”

Tristan hesitated. He wasn’t looking for anything serious. Hell, he was still trying to untangle himself from Carl. But Ethan was attractive, and a little fun wouldn’t hurt, right?

“I’ll think about it,” Tristan said, keeping his tone light.

Ethan wasn’t deterred. “How about this Friday? I’m throwing a party. You should come.”

Tristan considered for a moment before giving a lazy smirk. “Fine. I’ll stop by.”

Ethan’s eyes glinted with satisfaction. “Looking forward to it.”

With that, he walked away, leaving Tristan standing there, shaking his head.

“Well,” Tristan muttered to himself, “this should be interesting.”