### Chapter 4: Facing Reality

The harsh sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the worry etched on James's face as he watched Nathan sit silently, staring at the wall. It had been days since James noticed a change in Nathan's behavior, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong. He had tried to brush it off, thinking that Nathan was just going through a tough time, but the more he looked at him, the more he knew that it was something more. "Nathan, we need to talk," James said, his voice firm but gentle. He walked over to Nathan and sat down beside him, his eyes locked on his friend's. Nathan turned to him, his eyes red-rimmed, and James's heart sank. He had never seen Nathan look so defeated, so broken. "What is it, James?" Nathan asked, his voice barely above a whisper. James took a deep breath, his mind racing with possibilities. "I know something's wrong, Nathan. You've been distant, preoccupied... you've been avoiding me. What is it?" Nathan looked away, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his secret. James could see the tension in his body, the way his eyes seemed to cloud over. "Nathan, please," James said, his voice cracking with emotion. "You can trust me. I'm your friend." Nathan took a deep breath, his eyes welling up with tears. "I...I went to the doctor," he said, his voice shaking. "I have...cancer." The words hung in the air like a challenge, and James felt like he'd been punched in the gut. Cancer? The word echoed in his mind, a harsh reality that he couldn't accept. He pulled Nathan into a tight hug, holding him as he sobbed. "It's going to be okay, Nathan," he whispered, trying to be strong for his friend. "I'm here for you. We'll get through this together." As they held each other, James felt a wave of emotions wash over him. He was scared, angry, and sad, but most of all, he was determined to be there for Nathan. Over the next few hours, Nathan told James everything - the diagnosis, the treatment options, the prognosis. James listened, his heart heavy with grief, but he tried to stay strong, to be the rock Nathan needed. As the reality of the situation sunk in, James felt his world crumbling around him. He had so many questions, so many fears, but most of all, he was scared of losing Nathan. He looked at Nathan, his eyes locked on his friend's, and he knew that he had to be there for him, no matter what. He had to make the most of the time they had left. "We'll face this together, Nathan," James said, his voice firm. "We'll make the most of the time we have left. I promise." Nathan smiled, a small, sad smile, but it was enough to give James hope. For the first time in days, he felt like he could breathe again. As they hugged, James knew that their friendship had reached a new level. They had always been close, but now, they were more than just friends - they were lifelines, each other's support in the face of uncertainty. James felt a sense of determination wash over him. He would be there for Nathan, no matter what. He would make the most of the time they had left, and he would cherish every moment they shared. In that moment, James's unspoken feelings for Nathan became harder to ignore. He knew that he had to prioritize Nathan's needs over his own desires, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he would find a way to confess his love to Nathan before it was too late.