Chapter 7: Calculated Closeness

The sight of Xander with someone else became a recurring torment for Shin. Every time he saw them together – in the hallways, the cafeteria, even outside of school – a surge of jealousy and possessiveness would wash over him. He'd analyze every gesture, every glance, every shared laugh, trying to decipher their relationship. Is he the one? he'd wonder, his mind a whirlwind of suspicion and doubt.

He couldn't bring himself to ask Xander directly. The fear of confirmation, the potential pain of hearing Xander say "yes, that's him, the one I love," was too much to bear. So he kept his questions to himself, his silence a breeding ground for resentment and frustration.

The distance between them grew wider with each passing day. Xander continued to be friendly, but the easy intimacy they once shared had vanished. Their conversations were brief, their laughter strained. Shin felt like he was losing Xander, piece by agonizing piece.

Desperate to reclaim their lost closeness, Shin hatched a plan. He invited the entire friend group to his house for a study session. It was a plausible excuse, a way to spend time with Xander without raising suspicion. He knew Xander wouldn't refuse; he was always eager to help his friends, especially when it came to academics.

The day of the study session arrived, and Shin found himself nervously anticipating Xander's arrival. He'd rearranged the furniture in his living room, creating a comfortable space for them to work. He'd even stocked up on snacks and drinks, hoping to recreate the easy atmosphere they used to share.

When Xander arrived, Shin felt a surge of relief. He greeted him with a warm smile, his heart pounding in his chest. Xander seemed surprised by the effort Shin had put in, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the scene.

"Wow, Shin, this is... impressive," Xander said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Just trying to be a good host," Shin replied, his smile widening.

As the others arrived, the room filled with the familiar sounds of laughter and conversation. Shin watched Xander closely, his gaze lingering on him a little too long, his touch lingering a little too much. He offered Xander his favorite snacks, made sure he had a comfortable place to sit, and subtly steered the conversation towards topics he knew Xander would enjoy.

To Shin's relief, the awkwardness that had plagued their interactions seemed to dissipate. Xander relaxed, his laughter becoming more genuine, his eyes sparkling with their old warmth. They joked, they teased, they debated, just like they used to.

For a few precious hours, Shin felt like he had his best friend back. The distance that had grown between them seemed to shrink, replaced by a sense of shared comfort and familiarity. As the evening drew to a close, Shin felt a surge of hope. Maybe he could win Xander back. Maybe he could reclaim their lost intimacy. Maybe, just maybe, he could still have a chance.

But as he watched Xander walk away, his arm linked with Ethan's, a familiar pang of jealousy pierced through Shin's heart. He knew this was just a temporary reprieve, a fleeting moment of closeness in a battle he was slowly losing. And the fear that he was fighting a losing battle gnawed at him, fueling the darkness that was growing within.

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