Lost in the Dream

Regrets That Are Eating Me Alive

Sweven

The best memories come from bad ideas done with best friends.

°°°

Staring at Theo makes me think about a lot of things.

We've been friends for so long I can't remember which one of us is the bad influence.

In fact, I don't even remember how I end up being friends with this person.

We just click.

We all know we don't click with just many people. I'm not good at making friends. In fact, I'm awkward with people. I wouldn't even talk unless you approached me first.

Theo, on the other hand, he's the first person to whom I ever said, "You're it, and you’re my person."

We have totally opposite personalities but we complement each other best. He's the first person I've felt so comfortable with like I've known him since forever. I can lie to everyone but not him. When I'm with him I don't have to pretend to be anything or anyone.

We are a group of seven but he's the first person to come into my mind when something happened to me be it happy, sad, or whatever emotion it is.

When I feel like I'm lost, he's always there to shed some light.

Our connection is so deep we don't need to speak for us to understand each other.

It might sound cheesy but he can make me laugh when I'm not even in a mood to smile.

He's just awesome like that.

We might fight a lot but at the end of the day, we still got each other's back.

"One surely is lucky. He has great parents," he said while driving.

It was One's parents' anniversary yesterday and they celebrated it with us as usual. We decided to part ways this morning since we all need to go to work. Well, except for One who's basically the heir of their company. He doesn't even need to work.

Malkiel and Martell both manage their father's school of Martial Arts. Malkiel was adopted by Martell's family but never did Martell treat him like they're not blood-related.

Gideon and Koa are brothers but they lost their parents at a young age. Gideon might act cunningly sometimes but he's the one who stands as Koa's parents. It was One's father who helped them that's why they have a deep connection with him.

Koa and Theo are working in an IT company while I work in a pawnshop. Dad still convinces me to have an internship in his company but I don't have any interest in our family business. Once I saved enough money, I'll buy a small studio. In fact, it's One who inspired me to sing. When I saw him DJing in a club, something in my mind light up.

I want to be a singer.

"Indeed." I agreed, "You can just drop me off at the bus station. You'll be late for work."

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Tss, of course."

"See you later, man." he said when I get out of the car, "Shall we grab some drink tonight?"

"I'm not sure, though. I need to pay for the shift my co-worker covered for me."

Theo nodded in understanding, "See you tomorrow, then?"

I nodded at him, "Drive safely."

He smiled at me before driving away.

It will be his birthday next week. Theo is the jolliest in the group but he's the most sensitive. The guys often say I'm cranky and get easily annoyed with small things but in reality, it is Theo who easily gets offended.

One time we forgot to leave some food for him when we're hanging out, he really took it to the heart. He didn't talk to us until we bought him three boxes of pizza which he didn't share with us.

My phone vibrates in my pocket and I leisurely answer it.

"Where are you?" Martell's voice is serious, making me frown.

"Good morning to you, too. What's up?"

"You're alright?"

"Of course, you're talking to me. Do I sound like I'm not?"

"Where's Theo?"

"He just left. Why?"

"Damn it." he cursed then said something in the background, "Malkiel said something's wrong with his car when he uses it last night. He's about to tell you this morning but wasn't able to because you left already."

I think blood left my face. My hands started shaking uncontrollably I froze to my place.

"He just left, what are we going to do?"

"Call him. We can't reach his phone."

I remember him telling me his phone died. Theo is not the kind to care if his phone's battery is dead for days. I run back hoping I can still stop him but he's already far.

I started running after him as I call his name at the top of my lungs but suddenly an explosion sent me flying. I fell on the ground as Theo's car roll endlessly on the road.

Worst thing?

The car is on fire.

"NO!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.

No, this is not true. This can't be happening.