Drepins

Chinese rain

China greeted you with humid air and neon. A group of streamers had flown in for a week. You and Denis shared a room. Friends. Good friends who, for a year, couldn't admit to each other that they felt more. Well, more accurately, one of them couldn't.

You, Vanya—tall, with light brown hair and green eyes. Denis—blond with dyed hair and blue eyes. You were sitting in your room, looking out the window at Shanghai at night. The air conditioner hummed behind you, the city beyond, and between them—what one of you was afraid to say.

Denis: “You’re acting strange today,” he said, looking out the window.

Vanya: “I’m just tired,” you answered, looking away.

Denis: You're lying.

Vanya smiled but didn't answer. He knew Denis could see right through him. He knew he was feeling something else—and was also silent. Vanya didn't know how much longer he could hold it in. He looked at Denis's reflection in the glass, at his blond hair, at the smile he loved so much, and everything inside him turned over.

Vanya - Den - he said quietly.

Denis - M?

Vanya: Nothing. I'm just... glad we're here. Together.

Denis turned and looked at him. Something warm flashed in his blue eyes.

Denis: I'm glad too.

You were silent for a moment. A train passed outside, and somewhere cars honked. Vanya wanted to say more, but he didn't dare. Instead, he simply smiled and nodded toward the door.

Vanya: Let's go eat something. I'm hungry.

Denis: “You’re always hungry,” he laughed.

You walked out into the hallway, and you paused for a second, looking at Denis. You knew you'd say something someday. But not today. Today, you just wanted to be there. Even if silently. Even if in silence. And Denis walked beside you, smiling. And you knew that smile was all you needed.

Your actions?