Learning the basics of any skill, but especially social networking, can be an uphill battle, but the rewards of new knowledge are certainly worth the pain. Rowan had always been more interested in science and nature than social media, but after some nudging from his dad, he decided to give it a try.
Jake was great with technology - something Rowan had always admired. It was from him that Rowan had inherited his natural ease with computers and problem-solving.
"If you're serious about science, you should start sharing your ideas," Jake had said one evening. "A blog, a channel, anything. You never know who might be interested."
Rowan had shrugged at first, but the more he thought about it, the more the idea made sense. It wasn't just about showing off his work - it was about connecting with others who shared his passion. So, after a few hours of tweaking layouts and writing his first post, Rowan's Scientific Musings was born.
His first post detailed his latest experiment on water filtration using natural materials. It felt strange putting his work out into the world, but it also felt good. A way to document his progress and, maybe, help others along the way.
Later that evening, he sprawled out on his bed, scrolling through his phone. Notifications for his blog trickled in - small, but promising. Curious, he hopped onto social media, casually checking through his feed.
Then, he froze.
A post from Oliver popped up at the top of his screen. A picture of him, standing beside a girl, their faces close together in a selfie. The caption was simple: Best night ever.
Rowan's stomach twisted. He recognized the girl immediately. The auburn hair, the confident smile.
Ivy.
The same Ivy from the Halloween festival.
He stared at the screen, his mind whirring. Of all people, Oliver was dating Ivy? He hadn't seen that coming. Not even remotely.
A strange mix of emotions bubbled up - surprise, confusion, something else he couldn't quite name. He wasn't sure why it bothered him, but it did.
For the first time that night, science wasn't the only thing on his mind.
Rowan didn't hesitate - his fingers were already moving, typing out a message to Oliver before he could second-guess himself.
Rowan: Dude. Since when are you dating Ivy???
A few seconds passed before the typing bubbles appeared.
Oliver: Haha, knew you'd see that. Was gonna tell you tomorrow. It's super new.
Rowan: Super new like... today new? Or have you been keeping secrets?
Oliver: Chill, man. Like two days new. Nothing crazy. We just kinda clicked.
Rowan stared at the response. Two days. It wasn't like Oliver owed him an immediate update on his love life, but still, something about it felt... weird.
Rowan: Huh. Well, congrats, I guess. Didn't see that coming lol.
Oliver: Thanks, dude. We'll talk more tomorrow. Promise.
Rowan sighed, setting his phone down. Maybe he was overthinking things. But as he stared at the ceiling, he couldn't shake the feeling that something about this situation wasn't sitting right with him.
The next day at school, Rowan found Oliver in the library, lounging in their usual corner by the window. Sunlight filtered in behind him, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw and the way his dark hair flopped effortlessly to one side. Rowan tried not to notice, but it was difficult. Oliver had always been attractive - he just hadn't let himself linger on the thought before.
Rowan dropped his bag on the table and sat across from him, folding his arms. "So, Ivy, huh?"
Oliver looked up from his notebook, smirking. "Knew that was coming. You're still processing?"
"Processing that my best friend suddenly has a girlfriend? Yeah, a little." Rowan tried to keep his voice light, but there was an edge of something else beneath it. Something he didn't quite want to name.
Oliver leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm, his gaze locked onto Rowan's. "You sound jealous."
Rowan scoffed, but his throat felt tight. "Not jealous. Just... surprised. You flirt with me more than anyone."
Oliver's smirk deepened. "And that's not changing. You're fun to mess with."
Rowan huffed. "Great. So you're saying I'm just your favorite target?"
"More like my favorite person to annoy," Oliver admitted, his smirk softening just a bit. "Look, it's new. We'll see where it goes. But you know you're still my best friend, right?"
Rowan wanted to believe him. He really did. But something in Oliver's gaze made him wonder. The way his eyes flicked over Rowan's face, the teasing edge to his voice - it wasn't just friendly. At least, not to Rowan.
For the longest time, Rowan had thought Oliver liked him - not just as his best friend, but maybe as something more. And secretly, Oliver had. But he was too scared to show it.
Now, though, Oliver was with Ivy. Maybe this was just how things were meant to be. Maybe Oliver was figuring himself out in real time. Rowan wouldn't say anything - he wouldn't push - but the unspoken truth between them hung in the air like a ghost neither of them were quite ready to acknowledge.
Someday, Oliver would grow to love Ivy. He would marry her, and their story would unfold in a way that neither Rowan nor Oliver could predict right now.
But for now, Oliver was still Oliver - still the best friend who teased him, who flirted without thinking, who made every moment more interesting.
"Alright, fine," Rowan muttered. "But if you start ditching me for couple-y things, I reserve the right to be dramatic about it."
Oliver laughed, reaching out to ruffle Rowan's hair, his fingers lingering just a second too long. "Deal. But fair warning, I'll still flirt with you. No promises there."
Rowan rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. Even with all the uncertainty, at least some things never changed.