Shattered Bonds

EPISODE 28

Tristan rushed into his house, barely containing his excitement. His parents, who were lounging in the living room, looked up as he practically bounced into the room, his grin stretching from ear to ear.

"Mom! Dad! Guess what?" he announced, breathless from excitement.

His mother chuckled at his enthusiasm. "What is it, sweetheart?"

His father set down his newspaper, smiling knowingly. "By the way you're beaming, I'd say something big happened."

Tristan beamed. "Drake and I are dating! Officially!"

His mother gasped in delight before rushing over to hug him. "Oh, Tristan! That's wonderful! We've always liked that boy."

His father clapped him on the back. "I'm happy for you, son. You deserve to be with someone who makes you smile like that."

Tristan laughed and hugged them both before sprinting upstairs. Bursting into his room, he started dancing wildly, singing off-key in celebration. His parents exchanged amused glances downstairs as his voice carried through the house.

Nathan, in his room, heard the commotion and peeked through his slightly ajar window. He saw Tristan twirling around in his room, eyes gleaming with joy. A sad smile formed on Nathan's lips. It wasn't him making Tristan this happy. It never was. But somehow, that was okay.

He whispered to himself, "As long as you're happy, Tristan... that's enough for me."

---

The next morning, Tristan practically ran to pick up Drake. As soon as Drake stepped outside, Tristan leaned in, placing a soft kiss on his lips.

"Good morning, handsome," Tristan murmured.

Drake chuckled, lacing his fingers with Tristan’s. "Morning to you too, Romeo. You’re extra happy today."

Tristan smirked. "Well, I get to show off my boyfriend today. That’s a great way to start a morning."

They drove to school, and as soon as they arrived, Tristan wasted no time. Walking into the class, he spotted Dylan and called out, "Dylan! Change of seating arrangements! Go sit with that Jersey guy."

Dylan raised an eyebrow, sighing in defeat. "Really? You're kicking me out just like that?"

Tristan grinned unapologetically. "Drake sits with me from now on."

Dylan sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. Betrayed for love, I see how it is."

Tristan laughed before taking Drake’s hand, leading him to their seats. The entire school soon learned of their relationship, and even their teammates caught on. They were affectionate but never over the top—just enough for everyone to know they were together.

Carl had been watching the whole display, but his eyes drifted to Nathan who was reading his book and had been unusually quiet all morning. Concerned, he leaned closer. "Nathan, you okay?"

Nathan exhaled, nodding slightly. "Tristan knows about my feelings. But he loves Drake, and Drake makes him happy. That’s all that matters."

Carl was taken aback. "Wait… you actually told him?"

Nathan smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Yeah. And you know what? I’m fine. Because if you truly love someone, their happiness comes before your own. Even if it means stepping aside."

Carl studied him carefully before shaking his head with a small smile. "You’ve got a big heart, Nathan. I mean it. Sure, you’ve made mistakes, but this? This proves your love is genuine. Only someone who truly loves another can find peace in their happiness with someone else."

Nathan’s expression softened. "Of course I love him. But I won’t hurt him again. I won’t let my feelings make him feel guilty."

Carl patted his shoulder. "That takes strength, man. You’re a good friend."

---

Months passed, and the basketball tournament came and went. They won first place, celebrated their victory, and life continued. Tristan and Drake were still going strong, while Nathan remained the ever-supportive best friend.

One weekend, Drake stayed over at Tristan’s house. They were tangled together on the bed, lips locked in a heated kiss, hands roaming, breaths heavy. The moment was charged, their bodies pressed close, but just as things were about to go further, Tristan pulled back, gently cupping Drake’s face.

Drake frowned, confused. "Tristan? What’s wrong?"

Tristan exhaled deeply, brushing his thumb over Drake’s cheek. "Drake… I want you. I really do. But I want us to wait until you’re 21."

Drake’s brows furrowed. "Why?"

Tristan pressed a lingering kiss on his forehead. "Because you deserve that time. I don’t want us to rush into something so important. When it happens, I want it to be perfect, without any regrets."

Drake’s initial disappointment faded into understanding. He smiled softly, tracing Tristan’s jaw. "You really are something else, you know that?"

Tristan smirked. "I like to think so."

They settled for making out, content with just being in each other’s arms.

---

Exam week arrived, and they were all buried in textbooks, but soon, it was over, and results were out—good results. To celebrate, the five of them had a weekend getaway before preparing for university.

After careful planning, they all chose the same university that accommodated their individual courses. Finding housing was the next challenge, but they succeeded.

Drake and Tristan moved into an apartment together, while Dylan Carl, Jersey, and Nathan shared a spacious place right across from them.

As they settled in, Carl leaned against the doorway of their new apartment, watching as Nathan unpacked.

"You know," Carl mused, "it’s kind of funny how things worked out. A few months ago, you were fighting your feelings. Now, here we are, starting fresh."

Nathan chuckled. "Yeah… Life’s unpredictable."

Carl crossed his arms. "You sure you’re good with this? Living across from them? Seeing them every day?"

Nathan smiled, this time genuinely. "I’ve made peace with it. Tristan’s happy, and that’s all I want. Besides, I’ve got you guys. And maybe… just maybe, there’s something new waiting for me too."

Carl smirked. "You never know. College is full of surprises."

Nathan glanced at Tristan and Drake’s apartment, then at the sky above. He didn’t know what the future held, but for now, he was ready to embrace it.

---