bill K- in love with your best friend

Jim never asked Bill if he loved him.

Because he already knew the answer.

He just wished he was wrong.

Bill never cheated.

Never crossed that line.

But he didn't have to.

Noah was the kind of person people noticed before he even spoke.

Black, messy shag hair that always looked effortlessly perfect.

Sharp green eyes.

Dimples that showed up every time he laughed.

He carried himself like he belonged everywhere he went.

Like the whole world had already decided to like him.

Jim hated himself for comparing.

Golden-blond hair that never stayed in place.

Messy waves he'd spend five minutes trying to fix before giving up.

Rosy cheeks that gave away every emotion.

Blue eyes that looked too soft.

Features that made him look younger than he wanted to.

He wasn't ugly.

He just never felt... unforgettable.

Not standing next to Noah.

Every time Noah walked into the room, Bill changed.

His shoulders relaxed.

He smiled without realizing it.

He laughed easier.

He actually listened.

Jim noticed every fucking time.

He just never said anything.

What was the point?

He already knew he'd lose.

Months earlier, Jim's parents found out he was dating a guy.

The screaming lasted all night.

The next morning, his suitcase was waiting by the front door.

"Don't come back."

That was all they said.

So Jim left France.

He bought a one-way ticket to Germany.

To Bill.

Because Bill said, "I've got you."

And Jim believed him.

Now Bill's apartment felt less like a home...

...and more like the only place left.

Noah started coming over more often.

Sometimes for coffee.

Sometimes to help Bill with work.

Sometimes for no reason at all.

Jim always found a reason to leave the room.

Not because he wanted to.

Because watching them hurt too fucking much.

One evening, Noah laughed at something Bill said.

Bill laughed too.

A real laugh.

The kind Jim hadn't heard