His Bestfriend

Chapter 2 - Condo (Matured Content)

As Mark listened to James, the reality of the situation began to settle in like a heavy fog.

“I knew you wouldn’t be able to submit your projects because you’re always coming home late from work or staying out all night. So I took care of it for you,” James explained, his voice calm, yet the way he gripped his bottle of alcohol betrayed his unease. The words hung in the air, and Mark looked at his friend, feeling a confusing mix of relief and guilt wash over him.

“But you didn’t have to do that,” Mark replied softly, the tightness in his throat making his voice tremble. “You didn’t need to go through all that trouble for me.” He took a slow sip of his drink, hoping it would hide the emotions rising within him.

James turned to him, concern etched in his eyes, making Mark feel exposed.

“Are you mad at me?” he asked, sincerity filling his gaze and piercing through Mark’s discomfort.

“No, it’s just… it’s embarrassing,” Mark stammered, struggling to find the right words. He wanted to tell James that he didn’t have to shoulder responsibilities that weren’t his to carry.

James offered a faint smile. “If I were in your position, wouldn’t you help me?” His question was gentle yet firm, a quiet reminder of the friendship they shared—a bond where helping each other felt like second nature.

“Of course, I’d help you,” Mark admitted, his heart warming at the thought. “You’re my bro, after all.”

“Exactly,” James said, his voice softening. “We’re brothers, so whatever you can’t handle right now, let me help you. That’s what real friends do, right?”

He extended his fist for a bump, and Mark met it, their knuckles touching in a small but meaningful gesture of solidarity. It felt like a promise.

After a moment of silence, James asked, “I saw you at the Admin Office earlier. Is everything sorted out?” His voice was gentle, understanding the weight of what Mark had been dealing with.

Mark sighed deeply, the weight of everything pressing down on him like a heavy blanket.

“No, it’s not,” he admitted. “The Admin said if I can’t pay by Monday, I won’t be allowed to take the exam.”

James’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What?! They didn’t accept your promissory note?”

“No,” Mark said, shaking his head. “They said since I’m graduating and still have a balance from the Prelim and Midterm. And Aling Medy told me I have until the end of the week to pay my three months’ rent. I just… I just don’t know where to start with all these problems.”

James leaned forward, his eyes soft but filled with concern. “What can I do to help?” he asked, his voice steady but the weight of his worry evident.

Mark smiled faintly, a wave of gratitude washing over him unexpectedly. “Just being here with me, supporting me is enough. And thanks for taking care of my projects too. I know it’s embarrassing, but I want you to know you’re truly the best. I owe you one,” he said, his voice shaking slightly as emotions crept in.

James leaned back, a grin spreading across his face. “Well, you can pay me back right now.”

Mark blinked, caught off guard. “Huh?”

James raised an eyebrow, his playful expression betraying the seriousness behind his words. “You just said it, right? So pay back what you owe now.”

Mark stared at him, confusion washing over him until realization dawned. “Oh! Your project. How can I repay you for that?” he asked, trying to lighten the mood. “I know! How about I treat you to some kwek-kwek and fish balls? Let’s throw in some isaw too. Tomorrow outside the university. What do you say?”

James chuckled, shaking his head slowly. “No.”

Mark raised an eyebrow, curious. “Okay, then what do you have in mind?”

James hesitated, leaning forward again, his tone softer. “What if you stay here tonight?”

“Tonight? That’s fine. Why? Are you scared to be alone here? Is there a ghost hiding under your bed?” Mark teased, waving his arms in a mock spooky gesture, hoping to ease the tension.

James laughed, but Mark could see the strain behind his eyes. The laughter faded quickly, and an unspoken tension filled the space between them.

“Stop it,” James said, chuckling faintly before his expression turned serious again. “I’m not joking. Just stay here.”

Mark felt a lump form in his throat. The sincerity in James’s voice caught him off guard. He didn’t expect this. It was all happening too fast.

“Wait, are you serious?” he asked, trying to figure out if his friend was messing with him.

James nodded, his voice firm now. “It doesn’t make sense for you to keep exhausting yourself—working and stressing just to pay rent and tuition. You’re graduating, but at what cost? You’re killing yourself. If you stay here, you can save up for your tuition because you won’t have to pay rent. It just… makes sense.”

Mark shook his head, but his heart swelled with appreciation. He managed a smile, but the weight of his pride hung heavy on him, fighting against the warmth of gratitude.

“Don’t, James. I’m really okay. I’ll find a place that’s just as cheap or even cheaper near the university. But seriously, thank you for the offer. I appreciate it.”

Mark knew that James just wanted to help him, and that made it all the harder to refuse. James had always been the kind of friend who never hesitated to lend a hand, who always had his back. They were more like brothers than just friends. Yet, Mark couldn’t bring himself to rely on James for everything. His pride wouldn’t let him. He didn’t want to be a burden, even though he knew deep down that James wouldn’t mind.

“Mark, come on. Don’t be so stubborn. Your head is already hard enough down there, do you really need it to be hard up here too?” James insisted, a playful hint of frustration in his voice as he pointed my manhood and my head after. He was trying to keep things light, but the concern was clear. “Even Dad wants you to stay. You know he doesn’t want me alone here; he’d rather have someone around. If you don’t want to share the bed, that’s fine—just take the bed, and I’ll sleep on the couch. We can switch. Whatever makes it comfortable for you.”

Mark chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood again. “You’re really something. Both your heads are hard; just one’s harder than the other,” he joked, noticing James’s smile and feeling a surge of warmth at their banter. “Me? Awkward? James, we’ve slept in the same room so many times, and you snore so loud! Maybe you’re the one who should feel uncomfortable.”

They both burst into laughter, their eyes meeting in a shared understanding that only years of friendship could forge. It was one of those moments where a simple glance could spark joy, where words were unnecessary.

But the laughter faded abruptly when James’s phone rang, its sharp tone cutting through the lighthearted atmosphere. James’s face lit up when he saw his dad Edwin’s name on the screen. He quickly answered the call.

“Dad!” he greeted warmly. “Perfect timing. Can you talk to Mark? He’s being so stubborn about staying with me at the condo.”

Mark shot James a look of disbelief, his brow furrowing.

Did he really just complain to his dad about him?

“Dad wants to talk to you. Here,” James said, extending the phone toward him. Mark hesitated, feeling nervous about speaking with James's father. They joked around all the time, but talking to a friend's parent felt different—more serious and personal. Still, it felt rude not to answer.

“What should I say?” Mark whispered to James, uncertainty creeping in. His stomach tightened at the thought.

“Just talk to him,” James encouraged softly with a gentle nudge.

Taking a deep breath, Mark swallowed hard and slowly brought the phone to his ear.

“Uncle! How are you?” Mark greeted as cheerfully as he could, trying to hide his anxiety.

Edwin was a kind man, someone Mark had always looked up to. They had shared meals together, and in a way, Edwin felt like a second father. But this conversation felt heavier.

“Can you please stay with James in his condo? He’s alone there,” Edwin’s voice was filled with concern.

Mark’s heart raced. “Well, Uncle, you see… I—” he started, scrambling for an excuse, but Edwin cut him off.

“I’m asking you for a favor, Mark. Please? There’s something I need to tell you about my son, and I need your help.”

Those words hit Mark like a punch. What could Edwin possibly need to share? He felt his throat go dry, his palms clammy as a wave of unease washed over him. His heart pounded in his chest.

“What is it, Uncle?” Mark asked, trying to keep his voice steady. He glanced at James, who was watching him with an intrigued expression. Mark forced a smile, hoping to ease the tension, but his mind raced with worry.

“Don’t tell him. I don’t want him to worry.”

Mark’s world seemed to stop at those words. The lighthearted mood vanished, and his earlier smile faded away. Edwin’s request echoed in his mind, making the weight on his chest grow heavier. This wasn’t something trivial.

Mark cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure before James sensed anything. He nodded at James, who smiled even though he wasn’t visible to Edwin.

“Alright, Uncle. I’ll tell James. Thank you. I’ll take care of your son.” His voice was calm, but inside he felt a whirlpool of confusion, concern, and a quiet fear of what might come next.

As soon as the call ended, James beamed, his excitement lighting up the room.

“Yes! Should we get your things tomorrow so you can stay here starting then?” he asked cheerfully, his grin infectious.

Mark couldn’t help but smile back, but it was tinged with the weight of their earlier conversation. He raised his beer in a toast, meeting James’s eager gaze. “Alright, if you insist.”

They clinked bottles, and for a moment, the lightness returned. James’s joy was unmistakable, like a child thrilled to have his best friend over for a sleepover. It was clear that James genuinely wanted the company, and despite the serious conversation lingering in the back of his mind, Mark found comfort in that.

But reality called to Mark, pulling him back. He glanced at his watch and widened his eyes when he realized the time.

“Oh no! It’s almost eight. I need to leave. I still have work,” he said, urgency creeping into his voice.

He quickly stood up, grabbing his things and changing into his uniform. There was no time to waste. As he changed into his shirt and pants, he didn’t even think about James being there. It was second nature between them.

“Bro, I’m leaving,” Mark said as he finished getting dressed. But he noticed the mess he had left behind. He walked back to the veranda, collecting the empty beer bottles and tossing them into the trash before turning back to James. “Thanks for the drinks.”

“I’ll drive you. Where are you headed?” James asked, concern flashing across his face.

Mark spun around, waving him off with a chuckle. “No, James. I’m really okay.”

“Be careful, and text me if you see a ghost or maybe a girlfriend?” he added with a playful grin, trying to lift the mood before Mark left. But as the door closed behind him, the weight of Edwin’s words returned, heavy on his shoulders as he stepped into the night.

James’s voice had been light, but Mark could sense the underlying concern, and it made his heart ache a little. Maybe James needed him more than he realized.

As Mark arrived at the bar at exactly 8:45 PM, a wave of relief washed over him. He was back at work, ready to brace himself for another long shift. The familiar hum of chatter and the clinking of glasses greeted him as he walked straight to the staff room. He quickly changed into his uniform, his body operating on autopilot while his mind was still swirling with thoughts—mounting responsibilities, the impending rent deadline, and an overwhelming fatigue that seemed impossible to shake off.

"Mark! Just in time! Here, take this to table 15," Jenny called out, balancing a stack of dishes with a hurried grace.

"Got it," he replied, grabbing the tray and making his way to the table. But his thoughts were elsewhere, tangled up in the conversation with Edwin. The weight of his situation hung heavily on his shoulders, but he pushed it aside, forcing a smile for the customers.

He loaded up the tray with a bucket of beer, sisig, and chips, going through the motions that had become all too familiar. The bar was decent, but Mark knew not everything was as clean as it seemed. He was well aware of some coworkers' side hustles, offering their bodies for quick cash. It wasn’t something he could judge them for—everyone had their way of surviving—but he couldn't bring himself to take that road. No matter how tight things got, he had a promise to keep.

"Hi, Ma'am. Here’s your order," he said politely, placing the tray down in front of a table of attractive women.

"Thank you, Kuya," one of them said, flashing a flirtatious smile as she let her fingers brush lightly over his hand. The touch lingered just a bit too long, her eyes gleaming with an unspoken invitation.

Mark felt the tension instantly. His body reacted before his mind could catch up, heat rising within him. He tried to calm himself, even as desire began to stir inside him.

She was beautiful, no doubt about it, and her intent was clear. But Mark knew better than to get distracted. He had bigger things to focus on—finishing his studies, becoming a seaman. He couldn’t afford to let temptation steer him off course.

"You’re welcome, Ma'am. Enjoy," he replied with a forced smile, pulling his hand away and turning back toward the counter. He exhaled deeply, trying to shake off the moment and the feelings it stirred. He needed to focus. He had no time for distractions.

The hours dragged on painfully slowly, each passing minute weighing him down further. By the time his shift ended at 2 a.m., Mark was running on fumes. He changed out of his uniform in a daze, barely able to keep his eyes open as he made his way to catch a jeepney back home.

"Pssst!" The sharp whistle startled him. He turned to see a group of women approaching, their playful energy standing in stark contrast to his exhaustion.

"Hi, Kuya! Heading home?" one asked with a grin.

"Why don’t you join us? LGBT represent! Let's go have fun fun fun! You know," another chimed in, twirling her hair and biting her lip. They were trying to seduce him.

Their infectious energy pulled at him, and for a moment, Mark allowed himself a tired smile. But it was fleeting.

"Sorry, ladies, I need to head home. Thanks, though!" he said with a wave, feeling a rush of relief when a jeepney pulled up just in time. He climbed aboard, sinking into his seat with a heavy sigh. His body ached, and his mind felt just as exhausted. He knew he had to wake up early, and a few hours of sleep wouldn’t be enough to recharge.

Mark had received indecent proposals before—from both women and men. Flattered as he was by their attention, he knew better than to take them seriously. Beautiful women offering quick cash for something tempting was hard to ignore. But in the end, he couldn’t sacrifice his principles and dignity for temporary pleasure.

The memory of his parents grounded him. He had made them a promise—to make something of himself, to build a future they would be proud of. Giving up his body for money wasn’t part of that promise, and he couldn’t bear to think of how he would feel if he broke it. The thought of what his parents would say kept him focused, no matter how tight things got.

Three days. That was all that was left before Aling Meding would kick him out. The worry gnawed at him, but when Mark finally arrived home, exhaustion drowned out everything else. He collapsed onto his bed, sleep claiming him almost instantly.

The piercing ring of his alarm jolted him awake. Groaning, he reached for his phone, squinting at the screen. It was 5 a.m. He had only three hours of sleep. His body screamed for more rest, but he knew that wasn’t an option.

Every day was a battle for Mark to stay awake and keep pursuing his dreams. He didn’t want to reach a point where he would give up, so even though he wanted an easier life, he never chose that path. He persevered because he wanted to achieve something in life, and he believed he could go far.

His responsibilities loomed over him, pulling him out of bed and into the routine that was slowly wearing him down. Today was no different—swimming training, Maritime Law classes… another long day awaited him.

Dragging himself to the bathroom, Mark began to strip off his clothes—his t-shirt, his shorts, his boxer briefs—until he was completely naked. He stepped under the shower, the hot water hitting his skin and providing momentary comfort. For just a moment, he let himself relax. Alone under the stream of water, it was his only sanctuary.

As Mark lathered up with soap, the warm water cascading down his body, his mind drifted back to the women from the bar the night before. He tried to shake the memory, but it lingered. The way they had looked at him, their flirtatious smiles—he felt a deep, gnawing hunger inside. It was a longing for something he had never experienced, an intimacy that felt far out of reach. He had never been with a woman, and sometimes he wondered what it would feel like to be touched, kissed, and make love until he came. Despite his focus on his goals, curiosity crept in from time to time.

Suddenly, his body responded to the thoughts, and before he knew it, he grew hard. Heat spread across his skin, and an overwhelming urge took over. He couldn’t resist. His hand moved slowly at first, gliding along his shaft with the soap, the slick sensation intensifying with every stroke. His chest tightened as he leaned into the pleasure, even his n*****s hardening, sending jolts of ecstasy through him.

Mark closed his eyes, surrendering to the moment. The thoughts in his head grew more vivid, his hand quickening its pace as soft moans slipped past his lips. He continued to stroke himself—slowly, then faster. His breath hitched, the pressure building inside him until he reached his peak. His body shuddered, and with one last stroke, he released, the surge of white liquid leaving him breathless and trembling. It was a different kind of pleasure, one he wanted to share with the woman he would love.

For a moment, everything was still, the overwhelming sensation fading as he stood under the stream of water.

Once the moment passed, clarity washed over him. He took a deep breath, steadying himself as he cleaned up, letting the water carry everything away. The warmth of the shower felt comforting now, like a reset before another long day.

After drying off, Mark brewed himself a cup of coffee, hoping to chase away his lingering drowsiness. He dressed in his uniform, following the same routine he had for months, and packed his backpack.

Feeling slightly more awake, Mark made his way to the university, his feet dragging just a little from exhaustion. As he approached the entrance to the pool, he spotted James not far away. His best friend’s back was turned, but Mark couldn’t help but smile, recognizing the familiar silhouette. Even the curve of James’s butt cheeks was unmistakable, and for a brief moment, the tension in Mark’s chest loosened. When he was with James, it felt like he could conquer anything because he had a brother or friend who was always there for him.