After that night, things between them were different - but in the best way possible. They began to understand each other more, communicating with honesty and vulnerability. There was still tension, but it wasn't the kind that made them avoid each other. It was the kind of tension that came with the electricity of two people who finally admitted they were both scared, but also willing to try.
They spent more time together, not just as friends but as something more. Tee would often pull Nio close when they were walking between classes, his hand finding Nio's, his thumb brushing against the back of his hand in subtle gestures of affection.
But there were still moments when the space between them felt wide, filled with unspoken words. The fear of what would happen if things went wrong, the fear of losing each other. Nio wasn't sure what the future held, but for the first time, he was willing to face it. With Tee.