**Chapter 3: Unraveling Secrets**

The muffled voices grew louder as Austin approached the living room door. He could tell that the conversation between Colt and Sawyer was intense, and he felt a sense of trepidation about joining them. As he entered the room, he saw Colt and Sawyer standing by the window, their faces illuminated by the fading light of day. Colt's eyes locked onto Austin's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Austin could sense the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air, and he felt a shiver run down his spine. Sawyer, sensing the tension, placed a hand on Colt's shoulder, and Colt's expression softened slightly. "Hey, guys," Colt said, his voice low and cautious. "Can we talk about what happened earlier?" Austin nodded, and Sawyer released his shoulder, stepping back to make room for Austin to join them. The three of them stood there, awkwardly shifting their weight, until Colt finally broke the silence. "I know it was a shock," Colt said, his voice measured. "But I need you to understand that it was just a moment of weakness. It's not something I'm... into, or anything." Austin raised an eyebrow, unsure of how to respond. He had never seen Colt so vulnerable before, and it made him feel both concerned and curious. "Colt, what was that?" Sawyer asked, his voice gentle. "I've never seen you like that before." Colt took a deep breath, his eyes darting between Austin and Sawyer. "I've been struggling with some stuff, guys. Stuff that I didn't know how to deal with. But I promise you, it's not something that's going to change who I am." Austin felt a pang of curiosity. What could Colt be struggling with that would make him act like that? He wanted to ask, but something about Colt's expression stayed his tongue. Sawyer took a step forward, his eyes locked onto Colt's. "We're here for you, Colt. Whatever it is, we'll get through it together." Colt's face crumpled, and he looked away, trying to compose himself. Austin could see the vulnerability in his eyes, and it made him feel a surge of empathy. He reached out, placing a hand on Colt's shoulder, and Sawyer followed suit, putting a hand on his other shoulder. "We're here for you, bro," Austin said, his voice firm. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together." The three of them stood there, frozen in a moment of solidarity, as the weight of Colt's secrets hung in the air. Austin knew that this was just the beginning of a journey into the unknown, one that would test their bond as brothers and friends. And as they stood there, he couldn't help but wonder what other secrets lay hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.