Uncharted Feelings

Cole noticed and his smile softened. “You ok? You look like you have something on your mind,” he said softly, his voice low and gentle. The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Kai felt like he was under a microscope, his thoughts and emotions laid bare. Kai looked at him and sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. The gesture was a habitual one, a sign of nervousness or frustration, and Cole's eyes lingered on the movement. “I was wondering…if you ever like anyone of the same gender as you,” Kai said, the words tumbling out in a rush. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Cole's expression changed, his features softening further. He took a step closer to Kai, his eyes locked on his. “What made you ask that?” Cole's voice was low, curious, and Kai felt his heart skip a beat. Kai shrugged, trying to play it cool despite the butterflies in his stomach. “I don’t know. I just…I was thinking about it, and I guess I wanted to know if I was the only one who ever felt this way.” The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Cole just looked at him, his eyes searching. Cole's gaze was like a warm breeze on a summer day, gentle and soothing, and Kai felt himself getting lost in its depths. “I think we all have our own…preferences, and stuff,” Cole said finally, his voice measured. “But for me…I don’t really think about it that way.” He paused, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. “I just like people, you know? And if I connect with someone, it doesn’t really matter if it’s a guy or a girl.” Kai nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. It was a non-answer, really, but it was enough to make him feel like he wasn’t alone. Cole’s words were like a lifeline, thrown out into the unknown, and Kai felt himself clinging to them. The two friends stood there, the silence between them growing thicker, until Cole finally spoke up. “Hey, you want to grab a snack? I’m starving.” The words were a welcome distraction, and Kai nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Cole. As they walked out of the training area, Kai felt like he was walking on eggshells, unsure of what to say or do next. But with Cole by his side, he felt a sense of comfort, a sense of safety, that he hadn’t experienced before. And as they walked, Kai couldn’t help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, he was starting to feel something more.