"Me," Gregory confessed. "It's me. I like you, Oliver."

     Oliver's world came crashing to a halt. The fabric of his reality froze in place. His heart, once steady, now fluttered with the rapidity of a soaring falcon.

     Emotions overflow in Oliver's heart. Tears well up in his eyes, tracing a path down his cheeks. Then, the teardrops silently drop to the grass.

     As his tears shimmer, Oliver's golden eyes shine like the morning sunlight. His breath, once steady, now quivers as he sighs. His jaw clenches, his teeth grinding each other as he attempts to contain the tremors running through his body. And, with a trembling hand, Oliver places the tips of his fingers to his quivering lips.

"I'm sorry," Gregory apologised as his voice trembled. He then turned away. "I know you'll hate me after this..."

     Gregory's senses heighten with a whirlwind of uncertainty swirling inside him. His heart races as hopelessness creeps into his soul, casting shadows on his thoughts. Fidgeting, he buries his hands in his black coat's pocket.

     As Gregory prepares to put more distance between himself and his friend, a blaring yell shatters the air unexpectedly. The sudden shout slices through the tension. The sound shocks Gregory's being, freezing him in his tracks.

"Wait!" Oliver grabbed Gregory's hand and pulled him back.

     Gregory sighs as he turns around. He feels unsteady, causing him to look down rather than into Oliver's eyes. Nevertheless, Gregory urges himself to make eye contact. However, his gaze will fall back down.

"Gregory, I like you, too," Oliver confessed. "It's you who I love!"

     The warm and soothing words from his friend have Gregory shocked. His eyes widen, and the dilation of his pupils reflects his surprise. With his jaw hanging, he questions the weight of what has transpired.

"Y-you like me?" Gregory asked bashfully.

"No. I 'love' you," Oliver grabbed Gregory's hands, squeezing them tightly. He then began explaining. "...You are my very first friend. You're the one who I've always trusted. No matter how many journeys we have succumbed to and how difficult life has become... you're always with me. You have never left me."

     Oliver lowers his glance. He steps closer to his friend's chest. Then, he resumes speaking with a calm yet timid voice.

"You, indeed, have never left me. Instead, you sought me out relentlessly," Oliver whispered.

     Oliver's eyes gradually lift and meet Gregory's gaze. Oliver then sighs as his breath quivers. Slowly, Oliver rests his head against Gregory's chest, and he can hear his heartbeat as he clasps onto Gregory's arms.

"T-That's why I fell in love with you..." Oliver admitted.

     As Oliver leaned his body against Gregory's torso, he felt a gentle hand tenderly brushing his head. Oliver gasped faintly. He then glanced up, staring at Gregory's eyes.

"Remember when you endured immense trauma, vowing not to trust others easily, yet you opened your heart to befriend me? It revealed your innate friendliness and deep care for others. Reflect on when you doubted my trust but risked your safety to rescue me from a wild beast. It showcased your remarkable capacity for forgiveness. And think back to when I faced the brink of death from a gunshot, and you fought fiercely to save my life. It illuminated your desire to see me alive and thriving by your side," Gregory calmly stated as he brushed his friend's hair. "That's why I fell in love with you... Oliver."

     Oliver and Gregory's eyes remain locked in a powerful gaze. A gentle breeze blows through, causing a ripple of anticipation between them. As their heads begin to lean closer, their bodies poise to meet.

     Oliver abruptly pulls his face away, distancing himself before their chests can press each other. His eyebrows furrow and arch with worry. Oliver releases his grip on Gregory's arms, allowing his hands to hold his head.

"Wait..." Oliver's voice trembled with anxiety as he anxiously spoke. "Wait... I can't help but worry. Wouldn't we face discrimination? People might judge us for our feelings..." Oliver continued, feeling concerned. "We will be shunned by society, labelled as immoral or deviant. It's... it's difficult to imagine the burden on our shoulders, Greg. The thought of facing such prejudice... it frightens me! Greg, I don't know what to do... what do I do...!? What do we do...!?"

     Ominous darkness engulfs the sunny expanse of the blue sky. It is as if the midnight hour has descended upon the world instantly. The thin white clouds transform into a thick, inky veil, obscuring any trace of sunlight. A profound stillness rules over the landscape, broken only by the howling wind that whips through the air.

     The gentle breeze in the grassland grows. The wind turns into a ravaging force akin to a raging tornado. Blades of grass stand defiant as their roots grip the earth, withstanding the relentless gusts, refusing to let the tumultuous sky sweep them away.

"Oli," Gregory said calmly. "What's important is... I love you."

     Oliver's gaze locks with Gregory's, a spark of joy rekindling within his eyes. A slow, radiant smile spreads across Oliver's face, mirroring the excitement he sees in Gregory's expression. Their grins deepen, silently communicating their shared exhilaration.

     With a gentle pull, Gregory entwines his fingers with Oliver's, their hands woven together like strings. Oliver's curiosity piques, but he trusts Gregory implicitly, willingly following his lead. As Gregory's pace quickens, Oliver matches his steps.

     Oliver and Gregory's feet propel them forward, carrying them across the expanse of the grassland. The rhythmic sound of their footfalls blends with the backdrop of nature's breeze, creating a joyful cadence that fills the air. Oliver's chuckle escapes, swept away by the wind, as Gregory runs by his side.

     Gregory's eyes fixate on Oliver. Admiration shines through as he revels in the infectious sound of his laughter. The shared delight deepens their connection, and their laughter blends like a melody.

     Together, Oliver and Gregory sprint as their hearts pound synchronously, scattering the cares of the world behind them. The wind whistles through their hair, and the grass beneath their feet blurs. Side by side, they navigate the vastness of the land, scurrying across the green field.

     As they halt in unison, Oliver and Gregory stand side by side with their eyes drawn upward to the ever-changing canvas of the cloudy sky. Gregory's gentle touch brushes Oliver's hand, a tangible reassurance that causes Oliver to smile. Holding hands, they share a moment of tranquillity amid nature.

     Oliver and Gregory's fingers lock on each other as they step closer to each other's bodies, and their silhouettes merge as their chests press together. They feel their heartbeats meeting, passing onto one another their warmth. In the peace of the field, they stand enveloped in each other's warmth with their eyes locked in soft gazes.

     Time suspends as they lean in. Then, their arms meet in a tender, passionate hug, a culmination of longing and desire. As their bodies touch, the ravaging winds dissipate, carrying away the dark clouds that once obscured the sky, leaving a serene and illuminated atmosphere.

     The hug deepens, and Oliver and Gregory's embrace tightens as they explore the contours of each other's backs with gentle caresses. The world around them fades into insignificance as they surrender to the intensity of their love. Problems and concerns evaporate, momentarily forgotten, as they enjoy the purity and joy of the moment of affection and devotion.