Connor

The evening was quiet, the river slowly reflecting the pale light of the sunset. Connor sat on the edge of the dock, knees bent, holding a bottle of beer. He gazed at the water, taking occasional sips, completely lost in thought. At that moment, old quarrels seemed distant, almost insignificant. Cautious footsteps were heard behind him. Alec approached, holding his breath slightly, as if unsure if he was welcome.

-Can I sit down?

Alec asked with a hint of hesitation. Connor looked at him, raised an eyebrow, and a slight, almost weightless warmth appeared on his face.

-Certainly

He said, moving slightly to the side. Alec sat down carefully next to him, trying not to disturb him. He glanced sideways at the bottle in Connor's hands, as if trying to choose his words.

-With this whole thing with Riya...I don't really have anything special with her.

There was a note of... sympathy in Alec's voice? Connor slowly turned to him, his eyes softening slightly.

"Hey, I probably overreacted earlier. Maybe I'm even sorry. You have the right to do what you want, you're adults now. And Riya... she was never really mine."

Connor paused, looking at his reflection in the water, frowning slightly.

–Although... I still don’t fully understand what I want.

Alec sighed at Connor's words, understanding what was on his friend's mind.

-Connor, She will never change unless she wants to.

Connor didn't answer. Silence fell between them for a few seconds.

• Want?

Connor finally broke the silence, smiling slightly and holding out a can of beer.

• No, thank you...

Alec waved it off, a little embarrassed.

• I already gave it to Jake.

Connor said with a grin.

-But he spat it out, saying it was undrinkable.

Alec laughed, reached out, and took the bottle. They took a small sip, laughing together easily and naturally.

-Only one condition.

Connor said with a slight, playful sternness, winking.

-When you get drunk, please... don't kiss me.