To Ohm with Force

 I was driving off when I saw Ohm turn around and Book was standing there. I saw Book's face and instantly knew something was not right. I made a U-turn and went back to the carpark. I got out of the car and started walking towards the two boys.

I heard Ohm just stutter but then Book spoke clearly. "What was that about fake dating, I heard, Ohm?" Shit. Book must have heard me shouting away at Ohm earlier. "Book..." I called out. Both boys turned to look at me, looking equally as puzzled and stunned to see me.

"I.. its not his fault. He did it because of me.." I stuttered out. Book looked even more confused.

"What do you mean? Why do both of you have to pretend to fake date? I thought you are fond of him?"

"As a colleague and friend yes. But nothing more. Ohm suggested it so that I could see if the one I likes got jealous. I.. I couldn't find the courage to confess my feelings to the one I like so.."

"Jealous? You two pretended to fake date to make someone else jealous? Do you realize how silly it sounds? Who is this person you like anyway that you cannot even confess to?"

I kept quiet, looking at the ground. Book persisted but I refused to answer. But what he said next completely floored me. "But for someone you are just fake dating, you sure are very concerned and worried for him, Force. I saw the look you had on your face when you were searching for Ohm. I cannot seem to believe you are just fake dating. So, how concerned and worried will you be if you really dated someone? Why not confess and give that person a chance to experience your love?"

I gripped my hands tightly, stunned by his words and also wanting to just confess. Then I heard Ohm mutter, "Just confess to him already." I glared at Ohm from the side, but he just stubbornly looked at Book.

"I am going to leave but I think Force needs to speak to you." Before I could say anything else, Ohm upped and left. I looked up and saw Book looking at me extremely confused.

I sighed as I finally decided to address the elephant in the room. I looked at Book.

"Can we go somewhere else, please?"

Book nodded, still confused. We went to the same cafe I had brought him the last time to. We got ourselves a drink and were just sitting in silence when I finally looked at him. Book could sense my distress placing his hand on mine, beckoning me softly to talk to him.

"I like.. I like you, Book. You are the one I love. The one I wish to date. And the one I been struggling to tell my feelings too. The last time we went partying, I got drunk too fast and mistakenly told Ohm on my feelings for you. I know.. I know we have been friends forever, and it may be awkward to navigate into other feelings, but..I honestly do like you so much. What..what do I do now?"

Book was absolutely stunned and withdrew his hand back from mine. I looked up at him expecting to see anger or disappointment but what I saw was pain instead.

"Book.. I'm.. I'm sorry if my feelings hurt you.."

"I'm sorry, Force. For having made you live with all of your feelings bottled up in your heart all this while. I..I didn't realize it's me you love. I just thought.. it's friendship. When did this all change?"

My heart winced slightly hearing his words. Change?

"I'm not sure if change is the right word to use, Book. I just.. I just treat you how I want to and I realize it has always been very different from how I treated those around me."

Now, Book winced slightly. He realized he had hurt me with his words and opened his mouth to apologise. But I shook my head, putting my hand on his.

"You are allowed to feel and say what you want. You don't have to apologise for it. I can tell what's on your mind. I am sorry if I had crossed any boundaries by telling you my feelings."

Boss leaned over to smack me. "Never apologise for being honest towards me ok?"

I nodded. He then looked at me and continued, "I can't return your feelings in the way you hope I would but I hope this doesn't change our friendship."

I smiled though inwardly my heart was being shredded.

"Love may come and go but friends never leave. I will never let go of our friendship. Thank you for letting me tell you how I feel, Book."

"I think you need to thank Ohm for it. His idea may not be the brightest but I have to admit, it is such a cliche movie move but surprised it worked. But don't be too angry at him. I think he was taken aback by how you had screamed at him earlier."

"He worried me, that idiot." I muttered, frowning abit. Book smacked me again. I groaned, looking at him, promising to lay off my anger when I saw Ohm next. He agreed.

Book had to go off to meet his parents for dinner and asked me if I wanted to come along. I smiled as I shook my head.

"If it's ok, I think I need some time to myself."

Book didn't say anything, just nodding his head and patting my hand gently. I offered to drive him but he said he had it and left.

I switched seats to a booth and sat down in a corner, looking at my drink. Finally those damn tears came down.