(BL) Friendship On Fire

Hunter took shelter under an old restaurant because it was getting harder to get through the cold night rain. 

He shivered uncontrollably and for a second, he thought he might be able to wait it out there. But before he could even step closer, the restaurant owner walked out and scolded him. 

"Hey, kid! What are you doing here, loitering? Get out! You're scaring the customers!"

Hunter didn't pay any attention to him or felt humiliated. But the owner's gaze hardened, and without waiting for any explanation, he waved Hunter away like he was a stray animal. "I said go! We don't want beggars hanging around here! You–" He got scared and stopped mid sentence when Hunter's dark eyes turned to him. 

But since he didn't want to create a scene, he turned around and began to walk, his feet dragging as he moved away from the restaurant. 

After wandering for a while, he found a small corner near an old, run-down building. It wasn't a proper shelter but the overhanging roof shielded him from the worst of the rain. He sat down, his back pressed against the cold, damp wall, pulling his knees to his chest to try and conserve whatever warmth he could.

The rain still dripped down, soaking him in patches, but it wasn't as bad as before. His body was freezing and he shivered like a wet puppy. Sleep was impossible like this and the stomach kept on rumble loudly as if it was competing with the rolling thunder above.

Let's see who can growl louder? You or the sky? Hunter entertained himself bitterly looking down at his stomach. 

The hours went by, until finally, the dull gray of dawn began to creep over the horizon. With stiff, aching limbs, Hunter pulled himself up and began the slow, painful walk back to his aunt and uncle's house.

When he finally reached the door, he rang the bell with a drenched body. It was his cousin, Lily who opened the door for him. 

"It's you," She barely glanced at him before rolling her eyes in annoyance. She turned her back on him and walked inside without a word of greeting. Hunter followed her in with heavy and sluggish footsteps, the warmth of the house feeling almost foreign after a night spent outside.

He headed straight to his room, peeling off his soaked clothes and feeling the sting of the cold air against his skin. His body throbbed from head to toe, his muscles were sore and strained from the hours spent in the rain. Despite the pain, his body was strong and muscular, the result of countless hours working part-time jobs that required heavy lifting and manual labor. His arms were defined and his chest was broad from the hard work he had done, though it was a body forged by necessity, not vanity.

After a quick shower, he stepped out and put on some fresh clothes. Sitting down on the edge of his bed, Hunter reached under the mattress and pulled out a small old box. Inside were a few crumpled bills and some loose change.

He counted it with his brow furrowed in concentration. It wasn't much. In fact, it was barely anything. But it had become a ritual of his to buy something for Aiden every morning before picking him up for school. Even if it was just a small gesture, it's important for him. 

It's a way to show Aiden how much he matters to Hunter. 

Hunter stared at the pitiful amount of money in his hand, wondering if it would even be enough to get breakfast for Aiden today. He swallowed the lump in his throat. 

With a sigh, he put the money back in his pocket. He would figure something out. After all, his day didn't truly start until he saw Aiden's smile after eating the breakfast Hunter brings for him. 

Hunter descended the stairs quietly in hopes to avoid any interaction with his so-called family. As he reached the dining room, he saw them gathered for breakfast. His aunt, uncle, and cousin Lily were seated around the table. They immediately stopped talking and smiling when they saw him. 

Their faces twisted in distaste, as if his mere presence was offensive.

But their presence was just as offensive to Hunter as he ignored them completely. He entered the kitchen and grabbed his own bread, jam, and the apple he had bought with his own money. He wasn't a burden on them in any real sense. Even though he lived under their roof, he pays for everything he needs. His school fees, his clothes, even the food he ate, he worked hard to cover it all. The thought of being dependent on them made his skin crawl.

He quickly finished his food, washing it down with a glass of water. He doesn't believe in not drinking water right after eating. Just as he was about to leave, Aunt Claire's voice stopped him.

"Hunter?" she called in her sugary tone but with an edge that made his spine stiffen. "I need to talk to you about something."

He turned to face though he already anticipated what was coming. His aunt was a selfish woman and her sharp tongue and greedy nature were well-known to him.

"I need you to break the fixed deposit your parents left to you," Claire said with a sweet smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Actually, Lily needs the money for her college admission. You understand, don't you? Your uncle works really hard for the family, for us and of course for you too. We have been taking care of you for years ever since your mother died. Think about your sister. She's–" 

"The money my parents left?" Hunter's usual calm face turned dark in anger. He couldn't believe the audacity of this woman, the way she so easily asked for what wasn't hers, as if she had any right to it. He sneered, letting out a sarcastic laugh with cold eyes. "That money is for me, their child. If Lily needs money, she should ask her own parents. That's you, Aunt Claire. Not me."

He didn't bother waiting for her response, pushing past her to leave. Behind him, Claire's face twisted into rage, her voice rising as she screamed after him.

"You ungrateful dirty little bastard! Do you think you grew up on air? After everything we've done for you, you owe us! You should pay us back for every meal, every roof over your head! You're just a useless orphan, and we took you in out of pity! You'll regret this, Hunter!"

Her voice echoed in the hall, but Hunter didn't stop. He had heard these words a hundred times before from this crazy woman. They used to hurt him in past but he had learned long ago to swallow the pain. He wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of seeing him react.

He stepped outside, slamming the door behind him and took a deep breath. The sky was still gray from the rain and the world felt just as cold as it had last night. But at least out here, he didn't have to listen to them.

▪️▪️▪️

Hunter stepped out of the bakery with a packed bag of Aiden's favorite breakfast: croissants and a chocolate muffin.

He picked it up every morning from the savings of his salary to make sure he could treat Aiden. It was his small way of saying thank you, of showing his appreciation for the only person who treated him kindly.

Aiden had always been the sunshine in his life, brightening his otherwise cold and lonely existence. And so, this routine…the breakfast, the walk to school, the hugs, the laughter—meant everything to Hunter. He couldn't imagine starting his day without it.

Reaching the corner street near Aiden's house, Hunter stopped and waited, clutching the bag tightly in his hand. Usually, Aiden would already be there, bouncing toward him like an overexcited puppy, his wild energy contagious as he threw his arms around Hunter in a hug before snatching the bag and digging into his breakfast.

But today, the street was empty. Hunter's heart sank as minutes passed but Aiden didn't show up.

Frowning, he glanced at his watch. Maybe Aiden was just running late? 

But no, Aiden was never late. 

Unable to shake the unease, he decided to go to Aiden's house. When he finally reached the door, he hesitated before ringing the bell, anxiety tightening his throat.

Aiden's mother opened the door. Her expression softened when she saw Hunter.

"Hunter, dear! Good morning," she greeted. Then, noticing the tension on his face, her brow furrowed slightly. "Is something wrong, child?"

"Good morning, ma'am," Hunter shook his head awkwardly. He's not good with friend's parents. "I was just wondering...Is Aiden still inside? He didn't meet me at the corner like he usually does."

Aiden's mother blinked in surprise. "Oh, Aiden? But he left early today. I thought you two were together. Isn't that odd? I thought he's with you." 

Hunter felt the words hit him like a blow. His heart skipped a beat and a chill ran down his spine. Aiden left early? Without telling him? Without waiting for him? That was...strange.

He forced a weak smile, trying to hide his growing dread. "We didn't fight," he assured her quickly, not wanting her to think something was wrong between them. But even as he said it, doubt gnawed at him. 

Was Aiden avoiding him? Had he done something wrong?

Aiden's mother studied him for a moment. "Well, maybe he had something urgent to take care of. You know how scatterbrained that boy can be sometimes. Are you sure everything's okay, Hunter?"

Hunter nodded stiffly. "Yes, ma'am. Everything's fine. Thank you." He stepped back, clutching the bag of breakfast tighter. "I should get going."

"All right, dear. Take care." She nodded with a smile. 

As he turned the corner, he felt confused and uneasy. Aiden never left without telling him. Never. They were always together, like two halves of a whole. But now... 

Now, it felt like Aiden was slipping away and Hunter didn't understand why. His fingers tightened around the bag and he bit his lip roughly, his mind racing with questions. Did he do something wrong? Was Aiden tired of him? Embarrassed by him? 

His heart ached at these scary thoughts. He may not be Aiden's everything but Aiden was his everything, the one person who made him feel like he wasn't entirely alone in this world. And that's why the idea of losing him was unbearable.

Hunter blinked back the sting of tears. Maybe he was overthinking. Maybe there was a good explanation for this. But no matter how much he tried to convince himself, he couldn't coax himself anymore with false hopes. 

Soon, he reached school. As he trudged through the school hallways, he spotted Aiden standing by the lockers chatting with Nick and Brian. Aiden's face was radiant and for a second, Hunter forgot everything. His heart stuttered, and he felt like he could breathe again. 

But then Nick's sneering gaze landed on him. "Oh, look, your lost puppy is finally here," Nick muttered, clicking his tongue in disappointment. "I bet he would die if he didn't see you for one day." 

"Nick, shut the fuck up!" Aiden rolled his eyes but then his strangely blank gaze turned to Hunter. That void hit Hunter harder than Nick's taunts ever could. 

"Aiden?" Hunter called out with a hushed voice. "Why didn't you wait for me today?" He sounded so weak and pitiful as he sulked like a child. 

"I–" Aiden shuffled awkwardly, his eyes darting anywhere but to Hunter's. He opened his mouth to answer, but Nick cut in with a smirk.

"Maybe he finally realized how uncool it is to hang out with someone like you. Guess he's upgrading his social circle. I'm so proud of him-" 

Hunter's sharp glare silenced Nick instantly. The smug grin vanished from his face and he quickly stepped back, muttering something under his breath. 

Before Aiden could respond, the school bell rang. The hallway erupted into chaos as everyone rushed to their classes. Aiden sighed and grabbed Hunter's hand, pulling him along towards their class.

"Nick forced me into his car today, okay?" he said in an exasperated tone. "It wasn't my idea. The guy basically kidnapped me! Blah blah, something about free donuts or whatever." 

Hunter didn't hear much after that. His focus was entirely on their joined hands. Aiden was holding his hand…in front of everyone. How could he have doubted him? He would never be embarrassed of me. Warmth spread through Hunter's chest and his sour mood lifted. 

In class, Aiden sneakily unwrapped the pie Hunter had brought for him, munching on it like a kid hiding candy. Watching him, Hunter couldn't suppress his smile.

I want to buy so much more for this precious boy, he thought silently and promising himself that when he started earning well, he would spoil Aiden endlessly. 

The teacher clapped her hands, interrupting his thoughts. "All right, class, we're doing a group project. Pair up with someone whose name starts with the same first two letters as yours." 

Hunter's gaze immediately darted to the class list. The only other "H" was Hannah. She was known for her loud personality and the belief that every boy in school was in love with her. Unfortunately, she wasn't a fan of Hunter. 

Hannah stormed up to his desk, crossing her arms with a dramatic huff. "There's no way I'm pairing up with you. You're going to the teacher and telling her to change partners, alright?" 

Hunter blinked at her calmly. "Okay," he said simply, already standing to comply. 

But before he could move, Aiden grabbed his hand and stopped him. Hunter turned to him in confusion, only to find him glaring sharply at Hannah. 

"Oh, please! Who do you think you are? Nobody's lining up to be your partner either. You're lucky Hunter's even tolerating you right now." 

The class erupted into laughter, and Hannah's face turned beet red. "Excuse me?!" she hissed. 

Aiden smirked, leaning back in his chair. "If you don't like it, go tell the teacher yourself and get your marks deducted. Don't make Hunter take the blame for your drama." 

Humiliated, Hannah glared at Aiden. "You both are freaks!" she snapped before storming off. 

As the class settled, Hunter whispered to him, "Aiden, you didn't have to talk to her like that." 

Aiden rolled his eyes. "You've got to stop being a saint in this cruel world. People will walk all over you if you let them. You've got to stand up for yourself. Like, imagine you're a—" 

Hunter didn't hear the rest. He was too busy staring at Aiden, mesmerized by the fire in his eyes and the way his lips moved. 

Aiden stopped mid-rant when he noticed Hunter's gaze. "What?" he asked, suddenly self-conscious. His cheeks flushed red, and he ducked his head, finishing the last bite of pie. 

Hunter just shook his head while smiling softly. "Nothing. You can continue talking." 

--- 

After school, the sky was already dark, and the clouds above were heavy with the promise of rain. 

Hunter and Aiden walked side by side out of the school gates. Hunter stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets. He wanted to ask something, but his throat tightened at the thought. I can't keep relying on him like this...he's already doing so much for me.

Aiden nudged him with his elbow. "You're awfully quiet today. What's on your mind?" 

Hunter glanced at him, hesitating before shaking his head. "Nothing important." 

Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Liar. You've got that 'I want to say something but I'm too shy to do it' face on." 

Hunter's cheeks warmed. "It's nothing, really." 

Before Aiden could press further, Hunter's phone buzzed. He fished it out of his pocket, and his stomach dropped when he read the text from his Aunt Claire: 

"Don't come back tonight." 

Hunter's grip on the phone tightened as he stared at the words. 

"What's wrong?" Aiden's voice broke through his thoughts. 

Hunter quickly shoved the phone back into his pocket and forced a small and awkward smile. "Nothing. Just, uh...I was thinking—"

Aiden tilted his head in confusion. "Thinking what?" 

Hunter's face burned with embarrassment as he finally mumbled, "Do you think...I could maybe...stay over at your place tonight?" 

Aiden stopped walking, his eyes widening in surprise. His face turned pale and he blinked in fear. "Huh?" 

Hunter shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, feeling smaller by the second. He rubbed the back of his neck, laughing nervously. "It's no big deal if you don't want to. I was just...you know bored at home. Thought it'd be fun to hang out or something." 

"Its–" Aiden's expression faltered, and he looked away. "Um...I don't know. My room's kind of a mess and my mom's been on my case about having guests over lately. It's probably not a good idea tonight." 

Hunter's chest tightened at the rejection, but he quickly masked the embarrassment with another smile. 

"Oh, okay. No worries. I get it." 

Aiden frowned, watching him closely and felt guilty. "It's not like I don't want to—" 

Hunter waved him off, his voice light and nonchalant. "No, it's fine. I just asked on a whim. Forget I said anything." 

Aiden sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Let's just get going, okay?" 

Hunter nodded and followed him in silence. But as soon as Aiden turned away, his smile dropped. 

Maybe I really am asking for too much, he thought bitterly, shoving his hands into his pockets as the first raindrops began to fall. 

Why I'm such a burden on everyone...even to the one person who actually cares about me.