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Dhruvith was a dreamer whose world was painted in hues of imagination, where ordinary moments blossomed into extraordinary canvases. Besides, he had always been a keeper of secrets. His heart was a locked vault where desires resided, unseen and unspoken. Francis, his best friend since they were kids, was the jewel he coveted, a treasure hidden in plain sight. Their bond was a tapestry woven with shared laughter, silent understandings, and an unspoken promise of forever. It was a bond that Dhruvith cherished but also a cage, trapping his heart in a gilded prison because his feelings for Francis were a color that seemed perpetually muted amidst the vibrant strokes of his life.

Francis was a whirlwind of energy, a magnetic force that pulled people in. He was everything Dhruvith was not: outgoing, confident, and having a life that seemed to unfold with effortless grace. And yet, in the quiet corners of Dhruvith's heart, there was an undeniable pull towards Francis.

He had tried to bury the feeling deep, to lock it away in a forgotten corner of his soul. But like a persistent weed, it grew back, stronger and more insistent each time. He had convinced himself it was just admiration, a deep-rooted bond forged over years of shared laughter and secrets. But the truth, a shimmering, elusive creature, lurked beneath the surface.

"I could say I never dare

To think about you in that way

But, I would be lying

And I pretend I'm happy for you

When you find some dude to take home

But I won't deny that."

His favorite song echoed in his mind, a haunting melody to the unspoken symphony of his heart. Every word was a confession whispering to the silent night and a silent plea for understanding. But to whom? To himself, perhaps. Or maybe to the universe, a silent witness to his unspoken longing. The truth was clear, yet he lived a carefully constructed lie.

Francis was everything Dhruvith admired. He was confident, witty, and had a heart as warm as the summer sun. He was the kind of person who could light up a room with a single smile, and Dhruvith was hopelessly drawn to his radiance. But the fear of rejection and losing their friendship was a shadow that constantly loomed over him.

They had grown up together, sharing secrets, dreams, and aspirations. Their bond was deep, a roots-down kind of friendship that had weathered countless storms and helped them explore the world with the boundless enthusiasm of youth. Yet, as they transitioned from boyhood to manhood, something shifted. The undercurrent of their friendship deepened, taking on a new, unspoken intensity. There was an unspoken boundary, a line that neither dared to cross.

Dhruvith often found himself lost in the labyrinth of his own thoughts, tracing the invisible lines that connected him to Francis and constructing elaborate fantasies where their friendship evolved into something more. When in crowded rooms, he always sought out Francis without thinking. Their laughter, a shared language, filled the spaces between them. He had imagined stolen glances, shared secrets, and the intoxicating thrill of a forbidden love. But these were merely daydreams, fleeting moments of escape from the harsh reality of his unrequited love. Beneath the surface, a silent conversation raged, a dialogue of unspoken desires and unfulfilled fantasies.

"In the midst of the crowds

In the shapes, in the clouds

I don't see nobody but you

In my rose-tinted dreams

Wrinkled silk on my sheets

I don't see nobody but you."

The lyrics painted a vivid picture of his internal world. It was a stark realization and a confession laid bare. In a world teeming with people, Francis was the only one who mattered. And in every bustling marketplace and dreamy sky, Francis was the only figure that captured his attention. His eyes, like magnets, were drawn to Francis, seeking solace in his presence.

As the days turned into weeks, Dhruvith was caught in a delicate dance between his heart and mind. He yearned for the courage to be honest, to let Francis know the truth. But fear, a relentless companion, held him back. What if their friendship was shattered? What if Francis did not feel the same way? The possibilities were terrifying, and the consequences unimaginable.

So, he continued wearing the mask of friendship, a performance that was becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. Dhruvith watched as Francis dated, laughed, and loved. Thus, his heart became a silent spectator to another man's happiness. The song echoed in his mind, a painful reminder of the chasm between his reality and desires.

"Boy, you got me hooked onto somethin'

Who could say that they saw us comin'?

Tell me, do you feel the love?

Spend a summer or a lifetime with me

Let me take you to the place of your dreams

Tell me, do you feel the love?

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh."

One evening, as they sat on the rooftop, gazing at the city lights, Dhruvith felt a surge of courage. Like tiny diamonds scattered across the velvet sky, stars shimmered with encouragement. He opened his mouth to speak, but the words caught in his throat. The moment passed, and with it, the opportunity to be honest.

As the night deepened, the city lights twinkled like distant dreams. Dhruvith looked at Francis, his silhouette etched against the night sky. At that moment, under the watchful gaze of the universe, he realized that perhaps the truth was not as important as the love he felt. Maybe, just maybe, the unspoken bond between them was enough.

Summer arrived, casting a golden spell over the city. The days were long and lazy with the promise of endless possibilities. For Dhruvith, it was a season of introspection, a time to confront his feelings head-on. He decided to take a solo trip to the beach, a place where the vastness of the ocean mirrored the depths of his emotions. The rhythm of the waves provided a soothing soundtrack to his thoughts, allowing him to delve into the recesses of his heart.

When he walked along the shore, the sun warming his skin, he thought about Francis. He remembered their childhood adventures, building sandcastles and chasing seagulls. Those memories were a tapestry of shared laughter and innocent affection. But now, they were tinged with a bittersweet longing. Dhruvith closed his eyes and let the salty breeze carry away his worries. At that moment, he felt a sense of peace, a realization that perhaps love did not always require words. Maybe it was enough to cherish the connection, to hold it close to the heart.

When he returned, the city seemed different, as if seen through a new lens. Dhruvith felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination to live authentically. He started spending more time on his passions, exploring new interests, and rediscovering the joy of simply being himself.

Francis noticed the change. He asked Dhruvith about his trip, eager to hear about his adventures. But Dhruvith found it hard to articulate the transformation that had taken place within him. Instead, he spoke about the beauty of the sunsets, the taste of fresh seafood, and the sound of the waves.

As the summer progressed, their friendship deepened. They spent countless hours together, talking, laughing, and sharing visions. There were moments when Dhruvith felt a surge of longing, a desire to bridge the gap between them. But he also realized their connection was exceptional, like a bond transcending labels and expectations.

One evening, as they sat on the rooftop, the city lights twinkling below like diamonds, Francis turned to Dhruvith.

"You seem different," he said, his voice filled with curiosity.

Dhruvith smiled and replied, his voice steady, "I think I'm just finding myself."

Francis nodded. "Good for you," he said, his eyes filled with warmth.

"You have always been a great friend, Dhruvith. I'm glad you are happy."

Dhruvith's heart ached with gratitude. At that moment, he realized that perhaps the love he felt was a gift, a precious treasure to be cherished. And maybe, just maybe, it was enough.

"And I could say I never unzipped

Those blue Levi's inside my head

But that's far from the truth

Don't know what's come over me

It seems like yesterday when I said

"We'll be friends forever.""

When the summer drew close, Dhruvith found himself at a crossroads. He had grown, discovered new passions, and deepened his connection with Francis. Regardless, the question of his feelings remained unanswered.

He focused on his career, throwing himself into his work with renewed vigor. He traveled, met new people, and expanded his horizons. It was a whirlwind of activity, a way to distract himself from the complexities of his heart. But no matter where he went or what he did, Francis was always in his thoughts. He missed their late-night conversations, shared laughter, and the simple comfort of their friendship.

One evening, while on a business trip, Dhruvith received a call from Francis. He was upset, his voice filled with worry. Something had happened, and he needed Dhruvith's support. Without hesitation, Dhruvith dropped everything and returned to be with his friend.

When he arrived, he found Francis in a state of turmoil. He had been hurt and betrayed by someone he trusted. Dhruvith listened patiently, offering amenity and aid. As he held Francis in his arms, a wave of protectiveness washed over him. In that moment, the lines between friendship and something more blurred.

As the days passed, Dhruvith cared for Francis, helping him to heal. They spent countless hours together, talking, laughing, and simply being there for each other. In the quiet moments when they were alone, Dhruvith felt a deep sense of peace. He realized that perhaps love was about being there for someone, through thick and thin, without expecting anything in return.

"Constellations of stars

Murals on city walls

I don't see nobody but you

You're my vice, you're my muse

You're a nineteenth floor view

I don't see nobody but you."

A few weeks later, they returned to the rooftop of the highest building in their city. The night sky was a vast, inky canvas studded with constellations that seemed to shimmer and dance. It was a living, breathing thing filled with secrets and stories. The city lights below cast a shimmering reflection, creating a mosaic of gold and amber mirroring the celestial artwork above. From this floor, the world was a miniature, a breathtaking panorama of human ingenuity and natural grandeur. The city was a sprawling, luminous beast, its heart a pulsing rhythm of neon lights and distant sirens. Yet, amidst this urban symphony, there was an ethereal beauty, a tranquility that only the night could offer. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the promise of endless possibilities. The moon, a pearl in the nocturnal crown, cast an otherworldly glow, transforming familiar streets into something magical and mysterious. It was a night to lose oneself in dreams, to let imagination run wild, and to feel the weight of the world slip away.

Suddenly, Francis looked at Dhruvith with a newfound appreciation. "I do not know what I would do without you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Dhruvith smiled. "I'm always here for you," he replied, his heart overflowing with love.

When their eyes met, an invisible connection transcended words. Dhruvith felt like it was a love story written in the stars, a tale of soulmates, loyalty, and unwavering support. And perhaps, just perhaps, it was enough. However, deep down, he wanted more than that. Hence, he found the courage to open up, albeit partially.

"I have been thinking about life lately," he began, his voice barely audible above the city's hum.

Francis turned to him, a curious expression on his face. "And?"

Dhruvith hesitated, his heart pounding faster, "Just... about choices, you know? About taking risks, about following your heart."

Francis nodded, his eyes thoughtful. "It is scary, isn't it?"

Dhruvith managed a weak smile. "Yeah, a little."

They sat still for a long moment, the only sound the gentle rustling of the wind. Dhruvith wanted to pour out his heart, to confess his feelings, but the words remained trapped in his throat. He was afraid of the consequences and the possibility of losing Francis altogether. Dhruvith was undeniably hooked, but fear of rejection kept him from taking the plunge.

When it was almost midnight, they descended from the rooftop. The unspoken tension between them was hung heavy in the air. Dhruvith walked home, his heart heavy with longing. He knew he could not continue living like this, trapped in a world of silent desires. It was time to face the music, no matter the consequences. Thus, Dhruvith ran to Francis's house in the middle of the night, successfully shocking him when the door was opened.

"What are you doing here?" Francis asked.

"I need to tell you something," Dhruvith began, his voice steady.

Francis raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his eyes, and commanded, "Shoot."

Dhruvith hesitated, his mind racing. He could feel his heart pounding in his ears. "It's about us," he finally managed to say.

Francis leaned forward, his eyes intense. "Us?"

Dhruvith nodded, his voice barely audible, "I... I have feelings for you."

The words hung in the air, heavy and charged. Francis's face remained impassive, his eyes unreadable. Dhruvith's heart sank. He had done it. He had confessed his feelings, and now he had to face the consequences.

After what felt like an eternity, Francis finally spoke, "Dhruvith, I..." He paused, his eyes searching Dhruvith's face before continuing, "I care about you. A lot. You are my best friend. But I do not see you that way."

Dhruvith's heart shattered into a million pieces. The pain was almost physical. He had known this was a possibility, but hearing it out loud was like a dagger to his heart.

Francis reached out and took his hand. "I am so sorry, Dhruvith. I wish I could feel the same way. But I can not change my feelings."

Dhruvith forced a smile, "It's okay. I understand."

But he did not understand. How could he possibly know when his heart was in fragments?

The following days were a blur. Dhruvith went through the motions, pretending to be okay when he was falling apart inside. He avoided Francis as much as possible, the pain of seeing him too much to bear. He had finally unzipped his mind, revealing his deepest secret, only to be rejected.

Slowly, with time, the pain began to subside. The raw edges of his heart started to heal, leaving behind scars that would never fade. He learned to live with the pain and carry it as a part of himself.

One evening, while walking home, he passed by a bookstore. A book caught his eye, and on a whim, he bought it. As he read, he realized that he was not alone. Others had experienced similar pain and had found a way to heal and move on. With newfound strength, Dhruvith decided to face his fears. He reached out to Francis, suggesting they meet for coffee. To his surprise, Francis agreed.

When they met, the tension between them was palpable. But as they talked, something shifted. They spoke openly about their feelings and the pain they had caused each other. Gradually, a sense of understanding and acceptance began to emerge. They realized that their friendship was too valuable to lose. They could still be there for each other, supporting each other, without the burden of unrequited love.

When they left the coffee shop, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city. Dhruvith looked at Francis, and for the first time in a long time, he felt a sense of peace. He knew Francis was still a significant part of his life but no longer the center of his universe.

As they walked side by side, Dhruvith realized that while love might not have blossomed between them, their friendship was beautiful in its own right. It was a bond that had endured the test of time and would continue to do so, better than ever. And, about his love for Francis, it was still a flame that would never be extinguished. It had shaped him into the person he was, forging strength and resilience. Though unrequited, this love remained an indelible part of him and always held a special place in his heart.

"Do you feel the love?

Do you feel the love?

Do you feel the love?

Do you feel the love?

Feel the love

Feel the love."