Can We Be More

as palpable. They had grown into young men, full of dreams and aspirations, but still shared the same bond that had carried them thr

nt out invitations to their parents, who responded with enthusiastic promises to attend. The Andersons a

agerly taking pictures and soaking in the celebratory atmosphere. Time and Kornel were seated under the canopy designated

r. Philips' car came into view. Kornel waved en

hed, Time and Kornel rushed to greet them, wrapping their parents in warm hugs. The families exc

aken!" he said, waving dow

ersons and Philips together, a few of Time and Kornel with their proud parents

as, they shared laughter and fond memories of the boys' journey through college. It was a moment of pure

boys, since we're done here, let's head over to your dormito

ly," Mr. Ph

with you, we were thinking of staying back tonight. We've got an after-graduation hangou

?" Time added,

request. "Will this hangout be safe?" Mrs. A

ll be safe," Kor

Well, if it's safe and you boys feel strongly about

ut smiled. "Alright, j

m!" Time and Kornel chorused in

ugh their belongings, setting aside the clothes they would wear the next day and packing

re's any problem," Mrs Anders

" he replied with

into the car and driving off, leaving Time an

from view, Kornel turned to T

howered and changed into fresh clothes for the night's festivities. Kornel chose a sleek black button-dow

ornel teased, nudg

d yourself," Time

gout. As they arrived at the club, The place was alive with music, laughter, and celebration. Students dan

itement and Time slightly nervous. Spotting their classmates gathered around

l known for shipping them as a BL couple-stood up and sh

burst into

you even say that?" Shun retort

ning, "But they do seem lik

ed and seemed unfazed, but Time was visibly shy. He gripped Kornel's a

aid as he signaled a waiter to

most persistent admirers-stood up and declared, "He's my K

, immediately released his grip on Kornel's arm and shifted in his seat, making room for h

throughout the party, and Mara's interruption annoyed him more than he wanted to admit. Time, sensing Kornel's

laughing and chatting loudly. The atmosphere was lively as t

boys stood up and suggeste

e?" someo

a girl shouted

mpty bottle in the center to determine who would answer. The game started

Time. The room erupted in cheers and whistles, and th

dare?" s

oment. "Uh... truth,"

Do you have a crush on anyone? Or is there someo

's face turned crimson as he tried to compose himself. He hadn't expect

ed, swallowing hard before continuing. "But I'd prefer to leave the person's identity anonymous because.

e, laughter, and a few whis

told him. He felt a pang of disappointment and confusion. Why hadn't Time confided in him? Weren't they supposed to share everything? K

illed out. During one spin, Mara ended up in the spotli

moment before confes

llective gasp, followe

lant, though her voice trembled slightly. "What hurts the most is that... he does

ding into awkward silence. Kornel looked uncomfortable, and

someone said, breaking the

wore on. After the last spin of the bottle landed on Kornel, the group erupted

r dare?"

swered. His eyes sparkled with mischief, I dare yo

ave laughed it off or outright r

hake the feeling of betrayal. He didn't understand why it bothered him so much, but his emotions c

he waist, his grip firm but mechanical. He leaned in, their lips meeting in a deep kiss. Though he kissed her

ir, and the crowd erupted in cheers and chants of "Kornel-Mara! Kornel-Mara!" Time, sitting on t

s trembled as he poured another. The sound of clapping and laughter echoed around him, bu

She beamed, clearly overjoyed, while he felt nothing but regret. As the group conti

on his face. He rubbed his lips roughly with his hand, then spat into the sink, trying to rid him

was slouched over, his face flushed, and a half-empty bottle of vodka sat in f

your friend's been drinking non-stop. Is h

s voice edged with concern. Without waiting

ornel said, reaching for the glass

ring under his breath,

ed the glass from Time's hand, set it bac

"Why do you care? You're too busy kissing

his anger, he crouched down to Time's level, speaking

He was too drunk to argue any further. Kornel sighed heavily and sto

waited all night for Kornel's attention, only to see him leave with Time. Frustrated an

to get home, while others helped their drunk friends find safe rides.

rrying him carefully. "You're heavier than you look, you kno

his back and helped him into the car. Time's head loll

in the rearview mir

ng like that. Just take us home, please." Despite his