Seventeen-year-old Liam nervously adjusted his backpack straps. Across the bustling campus cafeteria, his best friend, Noah, sat at a table surrounded by college textbooks and the faint aroma of instant coffee. Noah, three years older and already navigating the complexities of university life, seemed a world away from Liam's high school anxieties. Liam’s heart pounded a rhythm against his ribs that mirrored the loud chatter of the students around him. Today was the day he would finally confess his feelings.

Liam had known Noah since they were kids, their bond forged in shared childhood adventures and late-night talks under starlit skies. Over the years, their friendship had deepened into something Liam couldn't quite name, a silent yearning that blossomed into a full-blown crush during Liam's junior year. Noah, with his easy smile, his sharp wit, and his unwavering support, had become more than just a friend; he was Liam's anchor, his confidant, the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

He watched as Noah’s brow furrowed in concentration over a complex equation. Even engrossed in his studies, Noah possessed an undeniable magnetism. His dark hair, usually perfectly styled, was slightly tousled, adding to his already irresistible charm. Liam swallowed hard, the lump in his throat making it difficult to breathe.

He finally made his way across the crowded cafeteria, the weight of his unspoken feelings pressing down on him. Each step felt monumental, each passing face a blur. He reached Noah's table, the sudden silence around them amplifying the frantic beat of his heart.

Noah looked up, his dark eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Liam? Hey, man. What's up?" His voice was warm, familiar, a comfort Liam desperately needed.

Liam struggled to find the right words. He’d rehearsed this moment countless times in his head, but now, facing Noah, his carefully constructed sentences crumbled into dust.

"I… I wanted to talk to you," Liam stammered, his cheeks flushing crimson. He fiddled with the zipper of his backpack, his nervousness palpable.

Noah leaned back in his chair, his expression softening with concern. "What is it? You seem… tense."

Liam took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "It's about us… about our friendship…" He paused, searching for the words to express the depth of his feelings. “I… I think I’m in love with you.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. Noah’s eyes widened, a mix of surprise and uncertainty clouding their depths. The cafeteria noise faded into a dull hum as Liam waited, his heart suspended in his chest, for Noah's response. The weight of his unspoken feelings, finally released, left him breathless, vulnerable, and utterly exposed. He had taken the leap; now he could only wait and see where it would lead.

(To be continued…)

-Vietnamese Language of this Novel also Available in Vietnam Server

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Noah’s silence hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the usual easy banter between them. Liam’s confession had shattered the comfortable rhythm of their friendship, leaving a chasm of uncertainty in its wake. He watched Noah’s face, searching for any clue, any indication of how his words had landed. The surprise in Noah's eyes hadn't faded, replaced now by a thoughtful frown.

Finally, Noah spoke, his voice low and hesitant. "Liam… I… I didn't expect this."

Liam’s heart sank. Was this a rejection? He braced himself for the inevitable hurt.

Noah continued, his gaze fixed on Liam’s, "We've been best friends for so long. It's… a lot to process."

Liam nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. He hadn't expected a simple "yes" or "no." This was more complicated, more nuanced than that. Their friendship was a deeply rooted tree, and this confession was like a sudden storm threatening to uproot it all.

"I understand," Liam said softly, trying to keep his voice steady. "I just… needed to tell you. I couldn't keep it inside anymore."

Noah reached across the table, his hand gently covering Liam’s. The unexpected touch sent a jolt of electricity through Liam, a comforting warmth amidst the swirling uncertainty.

"Thank you for telling me," Noah said, his voice sincere. "It means a lot that you trust me enough to share this."

Liam squeezed Noah’s hand, a silent acknowledgment of their shared history, their unbreakable bond. The weight of his confession had lessened, replaced by a fragile hope. This wasn't a rejection, not yet. It was a pause, a moment of reflection before they could navigate the uncharted territory of their feelings.

"So… what now?" Liam asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Noah smiled, a small, hesitant smile that held a flicker of something more. "I don't know," he admitted. "But I'm willing to find out."

The weight of unspoken words still lingered, but now, a new kind of weight settled upon them – the weight of possibility, the weight of a future yet unwritten.

(To be continued…)

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