Cale Henituse found himself standing at the threshold of matrimony, a concept that still felt foreign to him despite the passing years. Time had a funny way of sprinting forward, leaving him trailing behind in disbelief. It had been a decade since his 18th birthday, and yet, it seemed like a mere blink of an eye. And the five years since meeting Rosalyn felt like the briefest of interludes, especially since her proposal on his birthday, November 8th, had caught him off guard.

'It was on his birthday...' he noted.

As he glanced at his reflection in the mirror, his thoughts drifted to Choi Han, his best man and closest friend. The truth was, he wasn't entirely prepared to take this step today. Choi Han, ever the beacon of happiness, radiated genuine joy for him.

But Cale couldn't shake the feeling of reluctance to put someone else before Choi Han. Marriage meant forfeiting those cherished moments—weekend crashes on Choi Han's couch, aimless drives that held a world of meaning in their shared silence.

Cale knew that deep down, he was in love with his best friend. But that wasn't acceptable, was it? In a world that forbid same sex marriage and relationships...his heart could only be closed off. At the very least, Rosalyn was a nice woman...gosh she was way too nice...

Cale felt bad for her. He could tell that she was infatuated with him...and here he was accepting her love with a half-hearted smile.

How cruel of you, Cale Henituse.

People thought you've changed but nevertheless, you were still the same piece of garbage from 6 years ago. How dare you taint a heart as pure as Rosalyn who gave up her dream just to stay with you!

She could've been in Romania by now...doing the things she loved ...

What were the things she loved to do, Cale Henituse?

Do you even know?

'No...' he mentally answered.

Not only are you making her tie herself with this sack of shit but you don't even seem to care about her at all?!

How cruel can you be?

Why did you accept her love in the first place?

Her pure, genuine love...

Wasted on you.

You who are in love with a man.

You who knew no one else would love you if you didn't accept hers.

You who kept lying to those around you.

Oh we're happy!

Are you really?

Cale Henituse...

Are you happy?

'No.'

Of course not!

You should end this relationship before you hurt her more.

Rosalyn deserved bette—

Choi Han placed his hand on the redhead's shoulder. "Are you alright?" He asked in such a soft whisper that (blank). "I called your name for a while but you kept staring at the mirror! Were you that nervous?" The Korean man grinned and adjusted the redhead's tie.

"Your tie was a little messed up but it's all good now!" He said, still with that infectious smile that could rival the stars. Then the black haired man paused and stared into auburn eyes before saying,"This is your big day...smile for me?"

And of course, Cale Henituse did.

Not because of Rosalyn.

Or his wedding.

But the smile was for Choi Han.

A smile so tender, (describe smile)

"Are you ready?" The black haired man asked before moving a little closer.

Their faces were inches apart...

This was it.

This was the last time.

Cale Henituse closed his eyes and sighed.

This was the last time he could ever look at Choi Han this way. The redhead could feel tears threatening to gloss his eyes, to fall just as he did with the man in front of them. But of course...he didn't allow it to fall.

"Ready as I'll ever be." Cale whispered and hugged the black haired man. 

This was the last time. 

Choi Han laughed in response and hugged the redhead tighter.

He couldn't cry now.

After all...

Real men don't cry.