3. Friends

Jeremy POV

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The weekend with Olivier was bliss. We lost the count of movies we saw. Semester break is a fun when you have someone you love with you. Sleeping together and waking up at the sight of your boyfriend is definitely worth it. We had no schedule of sleeping and waking up. 

We would enjoy little fun over breakfast and dinners. We had cozy movies at night with blankets and popcorns. Bit of kisses and lots of snuggling. We often slept on the carpet watching some movie and waking up to catch it again. 

Tonight Olivier had to go back to his dorm. He had test week so i promised him if he scored good grades I will reward him. And being a good boyfriend he agreed. 

We decided to have ice cream before he bid me goodbye and left for his dorm that was one floor above mine. I was there at the convenience store, had to buy some groceries. 

On the way back I occasionally glanced and.... 

I ran. Climbing up the stairs till i reached the 6th floor of the building. I didn’t bother to catch my breath before shoving the key in the keyhole. I saw a surprised Magnus watching at the door. He was about to take bath I guess. Well he was holding a towel in his hand so.

"You bastard! What the hell you think of yourself huh? You have the audacity to bluntly speak out your heart and then leave without fucking telling me. You are that fed up of our friendship that you broke off all contacts with me. Had fun huh? Why don’t you just get out of my life like you left this dorm two days ago? I spent two days taking care of you. I cleaned you. I cooked for you. And you, just because I didn’t accept your love confession, you left me. 

Wow. Magnus Prescott, you surely can live without me. Right? Then fuck off. I don’t even need you. Did you hear? I don’t fucking need you in my life. Just go and get the asses of chicks or twinks and fuck off". I don’t know why am so hurt. Or why I was crying? All I knew was I was so worried about him who was listening to all my rants silently, taking all my hits on his chest, face. All I knew was he pulled me and I melted in his embrace. As always.

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Magnus POV

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I am surprised. Not shocked. I know only Jeremy could come to my dorm like this. Only he has this privilege to enter in my life as the way he wants. 

But I was worried when he lashed on me. Like no I am not angry at him shouting at me or hitting me. But he is crying. Because he was upset. Because he was worried about me. Dad was right. I should at least cherish the friendship we have. Keeping the love I have for him at bay. 

I just pulled him, and the big, above 6 feet tall baby was crying in my arms. I took him to the bed and held him in my arms till he felt calm. 

"Go get fresh. I have got food. Dad packed for me. Go". I ushered him and he smiled sniffling a bit. He was back in no time while I had arranged the food on the table.

"How’s dad"? He took first bite asking about dad. Yes he calls my Dad as Dad.

"He is fine. He gets tired now. I asked him to come here with me. But he refused. He said it feels good to stay busy at resort". I told him in detail.

"I am missing him too. It’s been long". He said swirling the spaghetti on his fork. He was relishing the food. My dad is the best cook. And he loves his food. 

"We will go someday whenever you say". We finished in time and he stood by my side in the kitchen drying the dishes with me.

"Mag, we have to talk". He said and I nodded. Yes we do need to talk. 

"Do you want coffee or beer"? I asked and he opted for beer before grabbing my cigarette case and went to the balcony. I sighed. Jer, tobacco and alcohol. Not a good trio. But we had to talk. Like matures.

"So. About your confession". He started lighting his stick and taking a swig. 

"I do love you Jer. As in Lover love". I was serious. 

"Even when I refused to accept your feelings"? 

"Yes. Even if you don’t love me back as i do". 

"Magnus, you know I love Olivier. He is my boyfriend. Don’t you think it would be unfair to him? He had waited for me so long, Magnus". He was saying and his words were pricking my heart. But I kept myself composed. Dad told me it would be hard.

"Jer, listen. Neither I am asking you to love me back, nor i want you to break up with your boyfriend. It’s what I feel. I cannot and do not want to impose myself on you. You can spend your life however you want. I will be with you as always. But yes, you can’t ask me to stop myself from loving you.  I am not implying anything but if you are meant for me, we will have our future together. And if not, nothing on earth can undo it. 

We have been together for ages. We know each other so well. I don’t want to cost our friendship just because i confessed. For me you were and still always the important one. And so far i don’t need any replacement of it. So let’s take it this way okay". I suggested and he thought for a moment before clinking the bottle together.

"I missed you Jer". I leaned my head on his shoulder and he put his head on top of mine. 

"I missed you too stupid. Next time don’t you dare run away. Okay". He threatened me and I hummed. Am glad i have got him back…

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I met Olivier for like few times. He is a cute kid. Clingy to Jer. But he respects us. Every senior. He is well mannered. Fun to be with. But... There is an uncertainty in his eyes. A certain glint. The way he looks at Jer. As if he is always judging him. I don’t know how to explain it. Jeremy always gives his two hundred percent to Olivier. While Olivier always keep a tab on himself. I don’t know if he is just being careful or what. 

But i got an answer to it soon. 

We were in our usual bar. My Engineer gang and Doctor Gang. 

Beam and Kit were openly making out in the couch beside us. Jer and Olivier were all sweet love birds. Lam Park bickering. I was just enjoying the company when I felt my bladder full. I excused myself to rush to the toilet. On the way back, i saw Olivier. He had his back to me and he was with a guy. And i can’t mistake him as Jer because Jer is heighted. 

I hide myself behind the partition. Not that i meant to eavesdrop, but Olivier was acting strange. If he was Olivier's boyfriend, he shouldn’t have let anyone close to him or touch him.

But I chose to keep quiet. I don’t know him much. And that was the first mistake I made in my friendship with Jeremy. 

The semester break was over. And we were back to the assignments lectures and workshops. Being a senior of final year is hectic. Introducing new programs for Sotus.  Trainings. And i had just started my own little business with Lam. Dad tried to chip in but i refused. It’s my time for payback now. 

We are among those families in the country who influence the market. With Resorts scattered at almost all main attractions in the country, money is never a problem. But i want to start something on my own. 

Automobiles. Machines. Damn they attract me so much. Working in grease and gloves. It’s getting busy. 

Jer is busy too. He is going for an internship as Heart Surgeon. He loves working with Hearts. I won’t say playing because he isn’t a player. His father has his own company. And it’s going pretty good. Although Sir Royce wanted Jer to take over their family business but Jer always wanted to be a doctor. And well he is going to be. 

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Jeremy's POV

Damn this internship thing. Being a doctor is really hard. Finally semester and then internship. Working on real bodies. It’s scary yet interesting. It’s only increasing my passion. 

Olivier is busy too. He has to study hard. We get to talk on line app almost daily. And some quick breakfasts. 

I haven’t seen Magnus too. I heard he is working in his own workshop. But my fucking schedule isn’t allowing me too.

"Hello, Olie". I called my little bundle of joy. I know it’s his lunch break. 

"Hello, Jer. How are you? Are you free". He was having lunch. 

"I am fine baby. Yes free for now. Hey i was wondering if we hook up tonight. Same bar". I asked him and he fell silent for a while.

"Actually Jer, I have a test tomorrow. I am sorry I can’t catch up tonight". He was feeling bad but I understand. 

"It’s okay, Olie. Study comes first. Prepare well and don’t forget to take meals and rest". I don’t want him to compromise on his health. 

"No worries. My Doctor boyfriend gonna take good care of me. Right"? He replied cheekily and I laughed.

"You naughty kid". 

"How about you ask Magnus? You are not spending time with him these days. Take time out". He suggested and I love him even more. He is right. I am too busy these days to spend time with Magnus. 

"Well. That’s the benefit of a smart boyfriend like me. You have gone smart too". I teased him and i could see him puffing his cheeks. 

"Okay okay you are already smart. Happy? Now I am gonna ask Magnus. You have lunch and get back to study". I told him.

"Will I get a reward if I score good grades"?  He asked excitedly. 

"Greedy huh. Okay you will get a reward". I laughed again and i could see him jumping around. 

I ended up the call in few minutes to contact Magnus. I really wanted some time to get fresh. 

"Hey Magnus". The call was connected on the second ring. 

"Sup Jer". He sounded busy. And i felt my heart dropping. What if he is busy too?

"Are you busy Magnus"? I asked and he caught my mood. 

"Nope Jer. I am never busy for you". He said and i know he means it. He is never busy for me.

"Great so me and you and drinks"? I asked happily. 

"Drinks? Don’t you have a surgery tomorrow"? He was concerned about my health and work.

"No I am free tomorrow". 

"Okay. So how about I pick you up at 5. Dinner and then drinks. I have to go to the mall too. I have to do some shopping". Magnus said and i nodded in agreement without realizing that he can’t see me. 

We agreed to meet at the front of my dorm when he will pick me up at 5. 

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Magnus POV

I excused myself and Lam nodded his head in understanding. He is still annoyed at the fact that why I am stilling tagging along Jer when he has not accepted my feelings. 

Last week was a mess. I just came to know that one of my juniors has apparently a crush on me. Well he was nominated as the Moon from the Engineering department. He was blunt enough to come directly and confess that he loves me. Though I turned him down still. He is clingy. Try to grab every opportunity to stay by my side. And specially when we Seniors are required to guide them in their studies. 

Gahhh… He is so irritating. 

I reached at 5 in the parking lot to go out with Jeremy. He was there, waiting for me. He was wearing his favorite blue faded jeans with light blue shirt. I chuckled looking at him and he raised his eye brows wearing his helmet. 

"We match". I said and he took a moment to register before bursting into laughter.

"Yeah we do". He hoped on.

"So where you want to go first"? I asked and he didn’t take a moment to decide. 

"Shopping. I have to get few jeans and shirts. And then food". 

"Roger". I sped up the bike without any worry because i know he loves fast drive and he knows I won’t hurt him. Ever. 

We missed our time. It was really after long that we spent time together. Did I mention Jer is a shopaholic? And he is always fun to go with. He was a bit grumpy that he had to leave a few, okay more than few bags, just because I had a bike and didn’t bring my car. So i ordered the brands to deliver the items at his dorm. 

Anything for my big baby. 

He is Japanese food lover. A sucker I should say. I am glad that my rejected confession didn’t cost our friendship. Though he is mostly about Olivier. But I am okay. 

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General POV.

Lee:

 Olivier I don’t understand why you have to stuck with that giraffe. Why can’t you just stay by my side. Or you seriously love him. 

Olivier:

 Oh come one Lee. I don’t love him. I just want to see him breaking like i broke down when he rejected me. Just some more time baby and you won’t even hear his name. 

Magnus:

 Just out of discussion. I told him about my junior, while drinking. And now i feel bad. Jer is cheering for me, seriously. Doesn’t he know i only love him. 

Jer:

 I don’t know why my heart hurt. Magnus has all rights to move in his life after i turn him down. But… didn’t he say he loves me? God. Why it hurts. He is only my friend. Right???

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Tabby