The blazing inferno abruptly fades, leaving behind only charred remnants. The burning papers transform into dark ash, dissipating into the air until no trace remains on the desk. An empty void, as black as the depths of the night, enveloped the furniture's wooden surface.

     Oliver stood motionless and still, blankly staring at the burnt desk. His glance lowered down as his eyes began to glisten. Then, a tear leaked onto his cheek.

     Closing his eyes, tears continue to cascade down Oliver's face. The sound of his cries echoes like an unsettled sky. He turns towards the door, gradually shutting it tight as his voice trembles.

     As the door seals shut, Oliver collapses to his knees, resting the back of his head against it. He groans in anguish, mixing with his mournful moans. His trembling hands attempt to wipe away the tears on his eyelids and cheeks, but more tears continue to gush down.

     Oliver's wails grow louder, forcing him to cover his mouth, muffling the sound so no one can hear him. He presses his lips with his palm as he rises with shuddering knees. Oliver slowly advances and jumps into his bed.

     There, Oliver continues to weep, now with unrestrained loudness. Clutching his stomach while lying down, his eyes remain shut as tears drip onto the white mattress. He cries and cries, but he cannot change how the world works.

     As Oliver's tears dampen the bedsheets, their light colour becomes darker. Oliver takes shaky breaths, coughing out distressed wails. Moans and groans fill the room until he suddenly becomes silent and still.

     The twisting doorknob causes Oliver to gasp and sit upright on his bed, ceasing his cries. His gaze fixates on the doorway as his hands lean against his chest. With bated breath, he observes the door swing open slowly.

     A head with dark hair greeted Oliver. Gradually, the person entered the room, revealing their entire self. Oliver's jaw quivered as he sighed deeply.

"...Oli?" Gregory gently closed the door and approached Oliver. "...Are you okay?" Gregory's voice carried a faint note of concern.

"...Greg..."

"What happened?" Gregory stepped closer.

"Nothing..." Oliver answered as he looked down.

"Tell me," Gregory insisted. "I'm your friend, right?" he placed his right hand over his heart.

Oliver sighed, resting his eyes briefly. "...Marriage proposals... again...."

"...May I sit next to you?" Gregory asked bashfully.

Oliver nodded. "Alright..."

Gregory settled beside his friend on the bed, taking a deep breath before speaking softly. "Oli, trust me. We'll find a way to stop people from pressuring you into marriage."

"How!?" Oliver's frustration urged him to question. "We've tried refusing outright. I've given countless speeches addressing the issue! What should I do!?"

"What should 'we' do next..." Gregory corrected gently, wrapping his left arm around Oliver's neck. "We're in this together."

A small smile crept onto Oliver's face as he held Gregory's left hand resting on his shoulder. "...Thank you," Oliver whispered.

"But, hey. Let's always remind ourselves what Sophia said: One step at a time!" Gregory stated.

Oliver glanced down at the floor. "Yeah..."

"So, what's our plan now?" Gregory wondered.

"...Take our time. I'll continue giving speeches, emphasizing that I'm undecided about marriage but firm in my decision not to marry..." Oliver replied. "...Yet."

"I like that idea," Gregory smiled.

"Greg, that's always my plan," said Oliver.

"Anyway, listen... don't ever cry again, alright? It makes me think of your darker days," Gregory stated.

"My darker days. I know, huh?" Oliver looked at his friend. "My previous adoptive parents wanted me to marry, and there was a time when I wished I could disappear..."

"Woah, what I mean is... uh! That you're a new person now. You're strong and confident," Gregory explained, his words filled with warmth. "But whether you're the new or old Oliver, I accept you as a friend. I'll always be here for you. Nothing will change my mind. You're the reason I'm happy."

Oliver's smile widened. "Wow... I don't know what to say, but... I suppose I have to admit... you're so sweet... incredibly gentle and sweet. And I think I..."

"Oh, shocks! Haha!" Gregory cheerfully stood up, lightly tapping Oliver's cheeks twice. "We've always been like this!" he laughed.

     Gregory began to walk away. As he reached for the door handle, he swung the doorway open and spun around to face Oliver. Gregory then waved his goodbyes before leaving and closing the door.

"...I think I'm falling for you, Gregory."

     Oliver lays back, gazing up at the ceiling. Placing his fists gently on his chest, he feels his heart racing. Slowly, a blush creeps onto his cheeks, creating spots of redness that mirror his growing emotions. A wide grin spreads across Oliver's face, and he cannot help but squeal.

     Unlike the earlier rapid and painful heartbeat, Oliver's heart now pulsed with a pleasurable rhythm. Though it still beat faster than usual, the sensation was comforting. It was as if his happiness extended to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. Oliver's grin persisted, lost in his thoughts about his captivating and charming friend.