After the sex, the electric energy that had filled the air began to fade away as fast as it had risen. I lay nestled in his arms, sniffling, my eyes puffy from tears. Gently, he lifted my chin to plant a soft kiss on my lips, a warm smile spreading on his face.

“Why are you crying? Did I hurt you?” he asked, his voice a mix of teasing and concern.

“In more ways than one,” I replied, my tone sharper than I intended.

"What I meant to say was, did I fuck you too hard?"

"I know, idiot! And no... That's not it.... It's complicated." My voice cracked with confusion. "Why does it feel so right... You know..? This..? I don't know, just forget it."

"I know... And I'm sorry. For everything." His voice sounded sincere. "We find ourselves in the same boat, caught in a fierce wave that tugs at our hearts, pulling and pushing us in a direction without a destination in sight."

"Wow... Mr. Poetry is my passion," I teased at his attempt to sound smart.

"Hey, you know what? I actually wrote some poetry as a kid. And not to blow my own horn or anything, but it was way better than what my peers could come up with. I mean, I was basically a child prodigy! Who knew I was destined to be the Shakespeare of the playground? I might just retire and start my own poetry slam. Maybe I’ll even wear a beret and sip herbal tea while I recite my masterpieces."

"Hahaha. That sounds like a dull way to pass the time until you die..." I said, rolling onto my side to meet his gaze. "Hey, Gunner..."

"Hmm?"

"Do you remember when we were younger? No worries or responsibilities in the world?"

"Yeah... How we used to rush our homework at school, so we could play games together online at home. I swear I could've powered a small city with all those energy drinks we chugged just to stay up until 5"

"And somehow, we’d magically wake up at 8 for school." I laughed, shaking my head. "Can you believe how people used to be shocked that we were friends? Me, a total loser, and you, the jock and life of the party."

"Hey..." His fingers gently caressed my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine. "I'll fucking beat them up if I knew that someone calling you a loser."

"My gallant knight in shining armour," I chuckled in satisfaction. "No, but for real... How do you think we became friends?"

"I don't know. You just clicked with me. You played the same game, like the same food and watch the same show."

"I believe it's more than that. We both transferred to the same school mid-year and formed a bond over our shared trauma of leaving our friends when we needed them most."

"Or that..." He smiles playfully.

I continued ignoring his mocking tone, "But do you remember that you actually met me via..." I paused for a moment, feeling the guilt flushing through my body. "June...?"

"Hmmmm..." He mumbled, his gaze drifting off, lost in his own thoughts. "Sometimes I think... That I was actually approaching you back then..."

"No!" I shot back, perhaps a bit too quickly, desperate to keep whatever I have left of my conscience intact. "You love her, Gunner..."

"Well, I didn't say that I don't..." he said, a witty smirk dancing on his lips.

The teasing lilt in his voice sent a rush of heat to my cheeks. I shoved him away with all the strength I could muster, given that we were both lying in the same bed. I felt my blood boil but was oblivious to the cause. Why was I mad? Did I want to hear that he actually doesn't love his girlfriend but me?

Before I could jump out of bed, he grabbed me with his strong arms, locking me in place against his chest. Skin to skin, my face half-buried in the curve of his biceps. The familiar scent of him, a mix of musk and something uniquely his, filled my lungs, and I fought against the wave of emotions threatening to wash over me.

“Let me go!” I muffled against his firm upper arm.

Tears began to spill, hot and unbidden, trailing down my cheeks, losing myself in the feeling of being both trapped and safe.

“Cry baby…” he mocked as he tightened his embrace, showing no sign of letting go.

“Fuck you! Fuck you! Fuck you!” I shouted with rage.

But deep down, I knew I didn’t really mean it. Each protest felt like a futile attempt to push him away, even though my heart yearned to stay close. I could feel the warmth of his breath against my hair, his steady heart beating against my shoulder blades, a rhythm that soothed the storm inside me. I surrendered to the pull of exhaustion, drifting off into sleep in his arms. Like always...