Eric’s POV
As we continued watching Hell's Kitchen, my attention wavered, drawn back to my earlier conversation with Gary. It played in my mind like a vivid scene from a movie, echoing with his comforting words.
**
"Good afternoon, Sir Eric. How's your first day of college?" Gary asked, his warm voice laced with genuine concern.
"Everything's great so far, I guess..." I replied, casting my gaze downward.
"Is there something bothering you?" he inquired gently. "Stan's not there, is he?"
"No, he's not here, thankfully. But there's something I need to talk to you about..." I glanced around cautiously, ensuring our privacy. I didn't want Stephen or anyone else to discover the truth about my growing feelings. "Remember how I had a small crush on Stephen back in high school?"
"I wouldn't
