**Chapter 7: Confession**

The harsh reality of Nathan's situation hit James like a ton of bricks. He had known that his friend was sick, but the doctor's words still lingered in his mind like a bad omen. "A few months, maybe less." The uncertainty was suffocating, making it hard for James to breathe. As they walked home from the doctor's office, James couldn't help but feel a sense of desperation wash over him. He had to tell Nathan how he felt, but the fear of rejection or ruining their friendship still lingered. What if Nathan didn't feel the same way? What if he thought James was being selfish, confessing his feelings at a time like this? The questions swirled in James's mind like a vortex, pulling him under with every step. He glanced at Nathan, who seemed lost in thought, his eyes fixed on the pavement. James's heart ached with a mix of sadness and longing. He wanted to hold Nathan, to tell him everything would be okay, but he knew that wasn't true. James had been planning this moment for what felt like an eternity. He wanted to take Nathan back to the place where they had shared so many happy memories, where they had laughed and explored as kids. The old oak tree, with its gnarled branches and sprawling canopy, was the perfect spot. As they arrived at the tree, James felt a mix of emotions: nervousness, excitement, and a hint of fear. He took Nathan's hand, and they walked towards the tree, the sunlight filtering through the leaves above. "Nathan, can we sit down for a minute?" James asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Nathan nodded, and they sat down on a blanket of leaves, the rustling sound filling the air. James took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. "I brought you here today because this place is special to me," James said, his eyes locked onto Nathan's. "It's where we used to come as kids, where we would talk and laugh together. And I wanted to tell you something here, because it feels right." Nathan's eyes searched James's face, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "I love you, Nathan," James said, his voice shaking slightly. "I've loved you for a long time. I was scared to tell you, scared of ruining our friendship, but I couldn't keep it inside anymore." The words hung in the air, and James waited with bated breath for Nathan's response. Nathan's face was a mix of emotions: surprise, sadness, and a hint of understanding. "Nathan, I know this isn't the best time, and I'm sorry if it feels selfish of me to confess my feelings now," James continued, his voice cracking with emotion. "But I had to tell you, because I don't want to waste any more time. I want to spend the time we have left together, just the two of us." Nathan's eyes welled up with tears, and James's heart broke, seeing his friend in pain. But then, Nathan's face softened, and he reached out, taking James's hand in his. "James, I had no idea," Nathan said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so sorry I didn't see it, didn't realize how you felt." James felt a lump form in his throat as he looked at Nathan, his eyes searching for any sign of rejection. "But I have to admit, James," Nathan continued, his voice filled with emotion, "I care about you deeply too. I've always valued our friendship, and I'm grateful for the time we've had together." James's heart skipped a beat as he heard Nathan's words. It wasn't a confession of love, but it was a start. "I want to spend the time we have left together, James," Nathan said, his eyes locked onto his. "I want to make the most of it, and I'm glad you told me how you feel." James felt a wave of relief wash over him, mixed with a sense of hope. It wasn't the response he had been dreaming of, but it was a start. And as they sat there, hand in hand, under the old oak tree, James knew that he would cherish this moment, no matter what the future held.