Shattered Bonds

EPISODE 18

Dinner was lively, filled with light teasing from Tristan’s parents, comfortable conversations, and genuine laughter that made the atmosphere warm and welcoming. Drake, though initially shy, gradually eased into their company, enjoying the way Tristan’s family interacted with each other. The teasing was mostly harmless, a mix of subtle jokes about Tristan’s childhood habits and small nudges about how rare it was for him to bring a friend home.

After dinner, as they were about to head upstairs, Drake suddenly stopped and turned towards the kitchen. "Mrs. Blackwood, let me help with the dishes," he offered, his voice soft yet sincere.

Julie Blackwood paused, clearly surprised by his gesture. "Oh, sweetheart, that’s really sweet of you, but don’t worry about it. I’ve got this. You boys should go study."

Drake shook his head, determined. "No, really, I insist. It’s the least I can do after such a lovely meal."

Julie Blackwood reached over and squeezed Drake’s arm affectionately. “You really don’t have to, honey. But thank you.”

Drake smiled, his shyness evident. “It’s no problem at all, Mrs. Blackwood.”

Julie exchanged a knowing glance with her husband, who chuckled under his breath. "You hear that, Alfred? Such a well-mannered young man. Tristan, you should take notes."

Tristan, who had been silently watching the exchange from the doorway with his father, rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress his smile. He was amused at how easily Drake was winning over his parents.

His father, Alfred, nudged him lightly. "This time, you actually got good taste, son. Unlike that Carl boy, who was all looks and no substance but this one, he gestured at Drake, has character.”

Tristan stiffened slightly at the mention of Carl but quickly covered it with a laugh. "Dad, you make it sound like I’m dating Drake or something."

Alfred gave him a look, one that held a hint of knowing amusement. "it's just a matter of time son so keep this one close,” Alfred added, his tone a bit more serious this time. “He’s good for you.” "

Tristan opened his mouth to say something but found himself momentarily speechless. His father simply patted his shoulder before heading into the kitchen to join his wife.

Still feeling oddly flustered, Tristan called out to Drake, "C’mon, let’s go study before Mom adopts you."

Drake chuckled as he dried his hands and joined Tristan, following him upstairs.

---

Meanwhile, across the street, Nathan sat at his desk, a textbook open in front of him, but his eyes weren’t scanning the pages. Instead, they were fixed outside the window. From his position, he had a direct view of Tristan’s room. And what he saw made his chest tighten unexpectedly.

Tristan and Drake were studying together, but their proximity was unnerving. Tristan was leaning in close, pointing at something in Drake’s book, their heads nearly touching. The casual way Tristan hovered over Drake, the slight smirk playing on his lips—it was too much.

Carl, fresh out of the bathroom, followed Nathan’s gaze and smirked knowingly. "Wow, someone’s jealous."

Nathan scoffed, tearing his gaze away. “What are you talking about?”

Carl chuckled, sitting on the bed. “It’s written all over your face. You don’t like seeing Tristan with Drake, do you?”

Nathan clenched his jaw. “It has nothing to do with that.”

Carl hummed in amusement. “If you say so. But you sure look like someone who just realized they might have feelings for their best friend or should I say ex best friend.”

Nathan stiffened. “That’s not true and he is not my ex best friend because I believe we will soon work things out and I will make sure of it.”

Carl shrugged. “Alright. But then why does it bother you so much? cuz as far as I know, Tristan having feelings for Drake or eventually dating Drake won't hinder you trying to win back your ex best friend."

The question hit Nathan harder than expected. He opened his mouth, then closed it, struggling to form an answer. Was that what this was? Was he actually…jealous?

"Forget it, let’s just study," he muttered, shaking the thoughts away.

Carl smiled knowingly but let it go.

---

Back in Tristan’s room, the studying continued, though for Tristan, it was less about the books and more about the person sitting beside him.

He knew what he was doing. Every chance he got, he leaned in closer, let his hand brush against Drake’s, let his gaze linger just a second too long. And the best part? Drake was too flustered to call him out on it.

Drake, on the other hand, was having a silent meltdown. His heart was racing, his palms were sweating, and every time Tristan got too close, he felt like combusting on the spot. But despite the torment, he loved it. This was what he had wanted for so long—to be this close to Tristan, to have his attention, even if it was just as friends for now.

Three hours passed before Tristan finally stretched and stood. "I need a bathroom break. Be right back."

Drake nodded, grateful for the momentary reprieve. As soon as Tristan left, he let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

By the time Tristan returned, towel-drying his damp hair from a shower, he found Drake fast asleep at the study table, his head resting on his folded arms.

Tristan paused at the sight, something warm settling in his chest. His breath catching slightly. In the soft glow of the study lamp, Drake looked even smaller, more delicate. He had always known Drake was petite compared to their teammates, but up close like this, it was even more noticeable. Yet, despite his size, Drake was fierce on the basketball court, always holding his own.

He walked over quietly and crouched beside him, taking a moment to just watch him.

Drake looked peaceful, his usually alert expression softened in sleep. Tristan reached out hesitantly and brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead before sighing to himself.

“This is bad,” he murmured under his breath. “I think I actually like you.”

He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. Carefully, he scooped Drake up into his arms and carried him to the bed. Drake stirred slightly but didn’t wake, his face nuzzling against Tristan’s chest before settling again.

Tristan exhaled, shaking his head. "You’re too cute for your own good, you know that?"

He laid him in bed, pulled the covers over him, tucking him in before sitting at the edge of the bed. His fingers unconsciously brushed against Drake’s soft hair again. He had always thought Drake was attractive, but now, looking at him like this, something shifted inside him. Something unfamiliar yet not entirely unwelcome.

He knew Drake had feelings for him. That much was obvious. But what if it was just a fleeting crush? What if it disappeared as quickly as Carl’s feelings for him had?

Yet, unbeknownst to him, Drake’s feelings had never been fleeting. He had loved Tristan silently for over a year.

Before he could think too much about it, Tristan leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Drake’s forehead. "Goodnight, Drake."

With that, he slid into bed beside him, lying on his back, staring at the ceiling, wondering why his heart was suddenly beating so fast.

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