Chapter 2: The Mask of Curiosity

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.

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