The air in the school hallway crackled with the usual afternoon buzz – the clatter of lockers, the shrieks of laughter, the thrum of teenage energy. Shin leaned against a row of lockers, feigning interest in a poster advertising the upcoming school play, but his eyes were scanning the crowd. He was waiting for Xander.

Xander, with his infectious grin and easygoing charm, was the sun in Shin's orbit. Had been, ever since they were kids building forts in their backyards and sharing secrets under the summer stars. But lately, the warmth of that sun had felt… distant. A shadow had fallen across it, a chill that Shin couldn't quite explain.

He spotted Xander near the water fountain, deep in conversation with Ethan. Ethan, Xander’s closest confidante, always seemed to be privy to Xander's inner thoughts. Shin’s stomach clenched. He told himself it was just friendly jealousy, the kind you feel for a sibling or a close friend. But deep down, a darker emdark hair. “I don’t know. What if I mess it up? What if he says no?”

A bitter taste rose in Shin’s throat. He clenched his jaw, digging his nails into the palm of his hand. He won’t say no, Shin thought fiercely. Not to Xander. Xander was charming, funny, kind. Everyone liked Xander. Especially him.

“Just be yourself,” Ethan said. “He already likes you, Xander. Just go for it.”

Xander grinned, a genuine, radiant smile that made Shin’s heart ache. “Thanks, Ethan. You’re the best.”

As Xander turned to walk away, his eyes met Shin’s. The smile faltered for a fraction of a second, replaced by a flicker of something unreadable. Then, it was back, the easygoing mask firmly in place.

“Hey, Shin. What’s up?”

“Just… waiting for you,” Shin replied, his voice carefully neutral. He forced a smile, trying to mimic Xander’s effortless charm. “You heading to the library?”

“Yeah, Ethan and I were just talking about… some stuff,” Xander said, a slight flush rising on his cheeks.

“Cool,”Shin said, his eyes flicking to Ethan, who gave him a brief, polite nod before walking away. Some stuff. Shin’s mind replayed their conversation, dissecting every word, every nuance. He. Him. Likes me back. The words echoed in his head, a discordant melody that grated on his nerves.

As they walked towards the library, Shin’s mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Jealousy, possessiveness, confusion. He wanted to reach out, to grab Xander’s hand, to pull him close and tell him… what? Tell him that he was being stupid? Tell him that he was making a mistake? Tell him that… he was the one Xander should be with?

He couldn’t. Not yet. He needed a plan. He needed to understand who he was, this person who had captured Xander’s attention. And then… he would make sure that he was no longer a threat. Shin’s smile widened, a predatory glint hidden beneath the surface. The game had just begun.

The library was their usual haunt, a sanctuary of quiet amidst the chaos of high school. They settled into their favorite corner table, surrounded by towering shelves and the hushed whispers of turning pages. Shin, however, found it impossible to concentrate on his textbook. Xander's words, "He... him... likes me back," looped endlessly in his mind, a maddening refrain.

He stole glances at Xander, who seemed oblivious to Shin's inner turmoil. Xander was engrossed in his own studies, his brow furrowed in concentration, a lock of dark hair falling over his forehead. He looked so innocent, so unaware of the storm brewing inside Shin.

Shin couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. He had to know. He had to know who this "he" was, this person who had dared to capture Xander's attention.

"So," Shin began, his voice casual, "you were talking to Ethan about something earlier. Something... interesting, it seemed."

Xander looked up, startled. "Oh, uh... yeah. Just... stuff."

Shin raised an eyebrow, feigning amusement. "Stuff? Come on, Xander. You can tell me. We tell each other everything, remember?"

Xander hesitated, his eyes darting away. "It's nothing, really. Just... guy stuff."

Shin leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Guy stuff? Like... a girl?"

Xander's cheeks flushed. "No! Not a girl."

Shin's heart skipped a beat. Not a girl. He was right. It was a guy. But who?

"So, it's a guy then?" Shin pressed, trying to keep his voice light. "Someone I know?"

Xander fidgeted, avoiding Shin's gaze. "Maybe. It's not a big deal, okay?"

Shin's grip tightened on his pen. Not a big deal? It was a huge deal. It was the biggest deal in the world. At least, to him.

"Come on, Xander," Shin pleaded, his voice laced with mock frustration. "Don't leave me hanging. Who is it? Is it someone from school? Someone from our group?"

Xander sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I can't tell you, Shin. It's... complicated."

Shin's smile faltered. Complicated? What could be so complicated about it? Unless... unless Xander was afraid of Shin's reaction. Unless he was worried that Shin wouldn't approve.

"Xander," Shin said softly, his voice laced with concern, "you know you can tell me anything. I'm your best friend. I'm not going to judge you."

Xander looked up, his eyes searching Shin's. For a moment, Shin thought he saw a flicker of doubt, a hint of vulnerability. But then it was gone, replaced by the familiar mask of carefree confidence.

"I know, Shin. It's just... not the right time. I'll tell you eventually, okay?"

Shin nodded, forcing a smile. "Okay. Whenever you're ready."

But inside, he was seething. Xander was hiding something from him. He was keeping secrets. And Shin couldn't stand it. He had to know. He had to know who this person was, this person who had dared to come between him and Xander.

The library suddenly felt suffocating. Shin needed air, needed space to think. He excused himself, muttering something about needing to use the restroom, and fled the stifling confines of the library, leaving Xander alone with his secrets.

As he walked down the deserted hallway, Shin's mind raced. Xander was hiding something. He was protecting someone. And Shin was going to find out who it was, no matter what it took.

Shin paced his room, the rhythmic creak of the floorboards a counterpoint to the turmoil in his head. Xander's evasiveness in the library had left him unsettled. Not the right time, Xander had said. But what was the wrong time? When would be the right time?

He stopped by his window, staring out at the cityscape. The lights twinkled like distant stars, mirroring the confusion within him. He told himself he was being ridiculous. Xander was his best friend. They’d shared everything, or so he thought. It was natural to feel a little… put out, he reasoned. It wasn't about Xander being gay; it was about the secret. The fact that Xander hadn't confided in him first, that he'd chosen Ethan – Ethan – to share this important piece of himself, stung more than Shin cared to admit.

Friendly jealousy, he muttered to himself, trying the phrase on for size. It almost fit. Almost. He thought about all the times they’d shared secrets, whispered dreams, and late-night confessions. This felt different. This felt like a wall being built between them, brick by agonizing brick.

He slumped onto his bed, running a hand through his hair. Maybe he was overreacting. Maybe Xander just needed time. Time to process his own feelings, time to figure things out. Shin knew Xander. He was a good guy, a genuinely good person. He wouldn't intentionally hurt Shin. He probably thought he was protecting him, shielding him from… what? Embarrassment? Disapproval?

It's okay, Shin thought, trying to convince himself. It's okay if he's gay. It doesn't change anything. We're still best friends. He clung to that thought, the idea that their bond was strong enough to withstand anything. He remembered their childhood promises, their shared dreams of the future. He couldn't lose that. He wouldn't.

He decided to give Xander space. He wouldn't push, wouldn't pry. He'd wait. He'd be patient. He'd be the understanding, supportive friend Xander had always known. And when Xander was ready, he’d tell him. Shin was sure of it. They’d talk, they’d laugh, they’d tease each other like always. And everything would go back to normal.

A small smile touched Shin’s lips. He imagined Xander’s sheepish grin, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he was embarrassed. He could almost hear Xander’s voice, explaining everything, apologizing for keeping him in the dark.

It's okay, Xander, Shin thought again, the words echoing in his mind like a mantra. I understand. I’ll wait.

He lay back on his bed, the tension slowly draining from his body. He was tired. Tired of the confusion, tired of the uncertainty. He closed his eyes, picturing Xander’s face, his warm smile, his easy laughter. He drifted off to sleep, comforted by the illusion of understanding, the solace of denial. He’d wait. He’d be patient. He’d pretend everything was normal. For now, that was enough. Or at least, he hoped it was.