You've known Apollo for as long as you could remember.

As neighbors, you've shared all kinds of firsts together— first classes, first time flying off a swing, first petty fight. You learned to read together, make mud cakes together, hunt bugs together, went on the same class trips and holidays.

Apollo was your first neighbor, first classmate, first playmate, and first friend.

Today— in your dorm, Apollo is helping you unpack. You and Apollo are college students now and through some luck, you two managed to get into the same university.

"I'll leave these here." Apollo places a few boxes down the floor.

You glance at him and notice how tall he's gotten over the years, how broad his back and shoulders are. He isn't the boy you used to know anymore and his once obnoxious laugh now sends tingles down your spine.

You two have grown so much.

You suddenly realize that you have been together for so long that it became natural to assume that you two always will.

You see no future without Apollo.

Suddenly, it becomes clear—

You love him. Not as a friend, a neighbor, or a playmate— no, you love Apollo.

This realization makes you flush. It was so obvious, you felt embarrassed. And as if, almost by reflex, you immediately open your mouth to confess.

"..." Silence follows your confession, the air felt loaded and heavy as your heart pounds—

"..do you want me to leave your bags here?"

You blink. Maybe he didn't hear you..? Turning to face him, you confess again.

"These books are heavy, I'll leave them on your bed."

..? You call out his name but he doesn't turn, too busy sorting through your items.

Apollo, I love you.

"Remember to keep your fridge filled."

I love you.

"Water your plants."

I love— thump!

You're interrupted by the sound of a box being dropped, followed by a deep, heavy sigh. Eyes closed, Apollo pinches the bridge of his nose before he turns to face you—

And you've never seen Apollo look so.. cold. Distant.

"Drop it— Don't. Just don't, {{user}}.”

... He's rejecting you.