Can We Be More

muttering a quiet "thank you" before gen

nel muttered, adjusting Time's weight. The cab d

ir shared dorm. He pushed it open with his shoulder and made his way inside, headin

shoes and socks, then unbuttoned his shirt and slid it off, leaving him in his si

you want to shower bef

a bit harder this time, but still no reaction. After a few more

oment, Kornel just stood there, looking down at his best friend. He reached out, his hand in

that?" Kornel whispered, a s

l's wrist. The grip wasn't tight, but it was firm enough to stop Kor

he asked, sitting b

dded eyes, he tugged Kornel closer. Before Kornel could proc

deliberate. Time's lips lingered on Kornel's, and the world se

ohol or something else entirely. "I like you...uh..no, I love you, Kornel," he slurred, his voice bare

heart raced as he replayed what had just happ

etched into minutes as Kornel remained seated, unable to tear his gaze away. His thoughts

out of his daze. He looked down at Time again and hesitated b

espo

od up. He adjusted the duvet over Time one last time, makin

till reeling. "Did he... did he mistake me for someone e

replayed in his mind, unbidden and vivid. He could still feel the warmth of

ered, his voice filled with frustration.

his back, then to the other side, unable to find a comfortable position. "It's just the alcoho

t if this wasn't just some drunken mistake? And why, despite his confusion, did K

fitful sleep, his dreams filled with flashes of Time's fa

h he'd eventually fallen asleep, he hadn't been able to shake the memory of Time's kiss-or the words tha

ets and toasted bread filled the air, mixing with the faint warmth of the morning sunlight streaming thr

ooking groggy and a little pale. Time rubbed his temples, his face scrunching up as he muttered

g up to retrieve the tea. He returned with a steaming mug and

ng a soft, "Thanks," befo

arefully. "You were really drunk last night," K

g away. "Eh... no reason. I jus

ebrow. He decided not to press further.

. After a pause, he looked at Kornel nervously. "Um...

but quickly recovered, letting out a li

know. I can't remember much after I started drinking. I just... reme

sing his arms as he studied Time. "So

e did remember-the games, the dares, and the point where he started d

head. "Well, if that's all you re

ing else?" Time asked, narr

rnel repli

at Kornel kept stealing glances at him. Every now and then, Time would catch Kornel staring, and Kornel would quickly avert

ective rooms to shower and pack up the last of their belongings. Kornel finished first and was wai

me shot back with a small

ay to the bus station. Once there, they boarded the next bus heading toward their hometo

space. Time stared out the window, watching the scenery pass by, but he could feel Kornel's eyes on him. It

urned to Kornel, raising an eyebrow. "Okay, what'

moment, then chuckled nervo

ously, is there something on my face?

his seat. "I'm not acting weird

et it slide-until another few minutes pass

Did I really not say or do anything stupid last night? Because

out and lightly held Time's chin, tilting it up. "You didn't, dear," Kornel said,

if nothing could rattle him. But something about Kornel's answer didn't sit right. "I don't beli

his head. "You're overthinking i

ad happened the night before. He didn't want to embarrass him, and more importantly, he didn't want to risk changi

couldn't recall, and it gnawed at him. He leaned his head back against the seat, trying to piece tog

them. Kornel kept glancing at Time, wondering if he'd made the right choice by ke