Side by Side
Today, the two of them found themselves sitting side by side on a sun-dappled park bench, each holding an ice cream cone that somehow felt both childish and indulgent. Stephan had suggested they hang out outside of the usual college routine, and after a brief internal debate, Allen had finally agreed.
Allen studied Stephan as he licked his own ice cream with a casual ease. A small smile tugged at Allen's lips. "Seriously?" he asked, his voice half-laugh, half-question, nodding at Stephan's cone.
"Pink ice cream?"
Stephan looked at him, then burst into a soft laugh. " You. Seriously?"
" You're judging the ice cream? What era are you living in, man?"
Stephan rolled his eyes, "You know, this whole pink-for-girls, blue-for-boys nonsense…"
"Back in the old days, before the early 1900s, babies, boys and girls alike, were usually dressed in plain white gowns. Colors weren't used to signal gender at all. Some even point out that in 1927, a Time magazine chart showed that certain U.S. department stores suggested pink for boys and blue for girls, while others recommended the opposite.
Then, psychologist Marco Del Giudice's 2012 study revealed something interesting: in books published between 1880 and 1980, the 'blue for boys, pink for girls' pattern was actually more common, suggesting that the so-called 'color flip' story might be exaggerated.
By the 1940s, pink gradually became linked to girls and blue to boys, mostly driven by retailers and marketing campaigns. After World War II, this trend only intensified, spreading into toys, clothing, and nursery décor."
"So basically! All of this is just nonsense?!People planted these ideas in others' minds just for their business advantage? It doesn't really mean anything in reality?!"
Stephan spoke effortlessly, sharing everything in one flow, his chest subtly puffed with pride, clearly relishing the depth of knowledge he possessed.
"Wow," Allen also said, " You actually sound like a real businessman right now. You really know a lot, don't you?"
" So… what about you? What kind of business do you see yourself running in the future?"
After a thoughtful pause, Stephan spoke sincerely, "Well… you know, my dad owns a small department store. Naturally, he hopes I'll join him someday, help grow the business beyond this city, and carry it forward."
Allen, "And what about you? Is that really what you want? You're not planning to become some movie star or... Or maybe you've got a secret plan to start a rock band and tour the world, leaving us all behind?"
" Or run away from home with you secret girlfriend, living with her in a van down by the river? Or maybe becoming a tiktoker? Something like that...?"
Stephan chuckled, shaking his head with a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh, come on! Run away from home these days? Have you seen how crazy expensive everything is these days?! "
" I swear, veggies are getting pricier than gold! At this rate, a few years from now, our grandchildren will be rocking okra necklaces instead of diamonds… and maybe even tomato bangles to match!"
" Hahaha!" Allen, " You crack such weird jokes!"
" If it enough to see you smile… then I'm completely satisfied."
Allen gave him a smile in return.
"And hey… what were we talking about?" Stephan murmured, "That smile… it's unfair. How am I supposed to focus on anything else?"
Allen couldn't help but laugh, savoring each bite of his ice cream as he hung on to every word Stephan said.
" Ah, yeh! Running away from home! Yes!"
Finally, Stephan reluctantly pulled his eyes away from Allen's lips and said, "Hey, just so you know, I have zero intentions of falling asleep on the street, alright?"
"And if you were thinking about some girl… well, even if I ever felt like running away with someone… it'd be you I'd scoop up in my arms and disappear with. Got that?" Stephan added firmly, entwining his fingers with Allen's, holding his hand with a reassuring grip.
Allen hesitated for a moment, his fingers still tingling from where Stephan had held his hand. With a small, almost reluctant laugh, he finally pulled his hand back.
"Alright, alright! I get it," he said, trying to mask the flutter of emotions rising in his chest.
But Stephan wasn't done. His voice softened, gentle yet firm, carrying a weight of sincerity that made Allen pause.
"Anyway," Stephan began, "everything I care about… it's all right here. My mom, my dad, my sister, my friends… and—"
Allen,"And…?" he prompted, though his heart had started to race for some unknown reason.
Stephan's lips curled into a slow, confident smile as he leaned just a fraction closer, making Allen acutely aware of his presence.
"You," he said simply, letting the word linger in the air, charged with unspoken meaning.
"You're here."
There was a pause, quiet but intense. Stephan's gaze softened, unwavering, and he added, almost as if revealing a secret meant only for Allen:
"As long as you're not willing to leave, there's no way I'm letting you go alone."
Allen felt his heart stutter, an unexpected thrill rushing through him. The sincerity, the warmth, the almost protective edge in Stephan's words, it all combined into something dizzying. He found himself rooted to the spot, unable to speak, unable to look away. All he could do was meet Stephan's gaze, his chest tightening and heart skipping beats, as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of them in that moment.
"Uh… Stephan…" Allen started, unsure how to continue. The air between them felt charged, a mix of excitement, intimate, and a flutter of tension. Then, with a small, almost shy smile, he shifted the topic, letting the words slip out before overthinking. "I done… "
" Shall we go?"
Without a word, Stephan gave a slow, deliberate nod, signaling his agreement. There was a shared understanding in that silent gesture, a quiet promise that made Allen's heart race.
Side by side, they began walking, their steps falling into an easy rhythm together. But a noticeable tension hung in the air between them. It was Saturday morning, and they had taken the time early in the day to go out and spend time together.
"Um… so, how are all your part-time jobs going?" Stephan asked again. "Everything's fine, right? You're still working at that restaurant as a waiter, and on weekends you babysit for the neighbors and even walk their pets. And now, if I remember correctly, you were also talking to some teachers about taking a job as a library assistant."
He sighed softly, his brows knitting together. "Don't you think that's a little too much? Exams are coming up soon, and you're already wearing yourself out. I've told you before, if you need any kind of help, just ask me. But every single time, you turn me down."
"Why? Look, if you're worried that your restaurant boss might give you a hard time for leaving in between or saying something bad, swear, don't stress. I'll go with you and handle it together," Stephan said, his tone reassuring.
Allen waved his hands, a little exasperated but smiling. "No, no!"
" Why do you keep asking me this again and again? This is just part of my routine! Every year, from time to time, I take on different part-time jobs."
He chuckled softly, a light, warm sound. "You know, last summer I even joined my neighbor to organize a small summer party for the kids. Honestly, out of all the jobs I've done, that one was the most fun."
"You know I'm not much for taking photos. Otherwise, I would've shown you the ones from that party."
Stephan's expression softened, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. " You need the money, right? So why do you keep turning down my help?"
Allen chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Because my hands and feet still work perfectly! I'm not helpless, and I'm definitely not some beggar."
Stephan looked hai eyes, his expression a mixture of concern and gentle admonishment. " Self-respect is one thing, but putting this much pressure... on your own body? That's a whole different kind of burden. You're stretching yourself too thin, and for what? Just to prove something to yourself?"
Allen's lips pressed into a thin line, a soft "Tch" escaping him, a mixture of frustration and stubborn pride. "Exactly. That's exactly what I mean," he said firmly, his eyes meeting Stephan's with quiet intensity.
"You've already tried to offer me financial help before, right? And I refused. I said no. When the time comes that I actually need help, I'll ask for it. But not now. Not yet."
He paused, taking a deep breath as if steeling himself to lay down his boundaries clearly. "Right now… I just want to be left to deal with my own situation. Don't hurt my pride. Don't look at me with pity. I don't need charity, Stephan. I don't need your sympathy. What I want… what I need… is a friendship. Like any normal friendship between two people. Just that. No more, no less."
For a moment, there was silence between them, the sounds of the park around them fading into the background. Stephan studied Allen's face.
"I'm not pitying you," Stephan said softly, the words carrying a weight that made Allen pause. "And I'm not seeing you as just a friend either."
Allen blinked, " .... "
His usual composure faltered, and he knows just how differently Stephan viewed him compared to everyone else.
"So then…" Allen's voice was hesitant, tinged with curiosity and something deeper he wasn't ready to name.
Stephan leaned just a little closer, the movement subtle but charged with intent. His smile was faint, yet confident, carrying an intimacy that made Allen's heart flutter.
"Because I want to get close to you… see who you are on the inside. Beyond just friends…"
Allen's breath hitched, " .... "
"…So… best friends?" he whispered, his voice soft, almost vulnerable, as he tried to pretend it something else. At that moment, Allen clearly wasn't ready to step beyond the boundaries of friendship.
Seeing this, Stephan felt a flicker of disappointment, yet he simply nodded with a subtle acknowledgment. His eyes softened, in that moment, the air between them felt electric, the unspoken promise of something more than friendship hovering tantalizingly close.
Even Allen, deep down knew from Stephan's words and the way he carried himself that their bond had never been a simple friendship—and that it might be heading toward something more very quickly. Still, a quiet twinge of fear tugged at him.
Next, Stephan let out a soft, mischievous smile, leaning in just slightly so his lips brushed against Allen's in a teasing, almost intimate gesture. With a playful flick of his thumb and index finger, he touched Allen's lips as if in a flirty little tease. "See… a little ice cream got on you," he said with a wink.
"And hey," Stephan didn't let things get too heavy for Allen. He smoothly shifted the mood, letting a playful, joking energy fill between them again.
"I do want to treat you like my best friend. The very best."
Allen froze for a moment, his mind struggling to catch up. Deep down, he knew exactly what had happened, there was no ice cream on his lips by accident. He remembered every detail perfectly, and the memory sent an unfamiliar flutter through him.
They continued walking together, the conversation flowing more naturally now, but Stephan's curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't resist asking something more personal.
"I've told you plenty about my family," Stephan said probing, "but I haven't heard anything about yours. And honestly… I don't think I've ever seen you going to your home? Every time I text you in the morning, you're always out. You should really try to rest at home sometimes."
Allen let out a wistful sigh. "Hush… lucky are the ones who have a home to return to when things go wrong. Unfortunately… I don't have that."
Stephan grip on Allen's shoulder, his eyes full of concern. "Hey… what's going on? Why are you saying things like that? Is everything ok, at your house?"
Allen shook his head quickly. "No, it's nothing."
He resisted, unwilling to open up. These were thoughts and feelings he had kept tightly bottled inside for so long, how could he suddenly share them with anyone.
But what Allen didn't realize was just how persistent Stephan could be. Specially in his case. From day to night, Stephan didn't let go this topic at all. Finding one excuse after another, he stayed close, bringing up this conversation going, gently probing, trying to uncover more truths Allen had so carefully hidden.
At first, Stephan hadn't pressured him to speak, letting Allen feel comfortable. But soon, he led him to an amusement park, where they went on ride after ride, laughing freely and sharing lighthearted moments. They enjoyed snacks along the way, and Stephan wouldn't let Allen pay for a single thing. Later, they visited a cozy restaurant, and eventually even a massage parlor. Night had begun to fall, yet Stephan showed no hint of letting him go.
Finally, at midnight, standing at a crossroads, Stephan spoke, a hint of reluctance in his voice, "So… this is where we part. Your way that way, my place this way."
Allen glanced at him, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Looks like it."
Stephan, "If you want… you can share any problem with me right now."
Allen paused, staring at him for a moment, then suddenly let out a hearty laugh, the sound full and unrestrained.
" Hahahaha!"
Stephan had never seen him so open, so free, and he couldn't help but watch, captivated by the ease in Allen's happy face.
Allen then nodded toward a nearby empty bench, silently suggesting they sit and talk. Stephan smiled, carefully brushing off the dust with his jacket and patting the seat, gesturing for him to sit. Slowly, they both settled on the bench, the quiet of the evening wrapping around them as they prepared to talk.
"You know… no one's ever gone out of their way like this for me," Allen said softly.
"Hm?" Stephan slightly intrigued.
"You took me to the park earlier, then icecream, hot dog, cotton candy, funnel cakes, turkey leg, rides after rides, massage parlour... made everything feel relaxed… so I could finally let some of it out," Allen continued.
Stephan's eyes softened, a reassuring smile playing on his face. "See, sharing your troubles makes them lighter. And me? I'll be right here to help you with everything—no matter what."
"Trust me," Stephan murmured, gently taking Allen's hand in his.
Allen stayed quiet, the weight of everything pressing down on him, words failing him.
"Please," Stephan urged softly. He wants to understand everything that's hidden in Allen's heart.
Allen, " ... "
And then finally the floodgates opened.
Allen broke down completely, tears spilling freely as all the bottled-up emotions of years poured out. Stephan held him tightly, wrapping him in a reassuring embrace, letting him cry without restraint, keeping him close to his chest. It had been so long since Allen had allowed himself to feel this vulnerable, and in that moment, the mixture of relief and lingering pain washed over him.
After a while, Allen's sobs began to subside, leaving him exhausted but strangely lighter. Flushed with embarrassment, he muttered apologies, but Stephan just rested his head gently against Allen's shoulder again, a silent promise that he was there and that everything would be alright.
"There's no need to move. Just speak your mind, exactly as it is."
"I… I'm sorry," Allen whispered, his voice shaky. "What if someone sees us like this…"
"So?" Stephan urged.
"So…" Allen trailed off, still trying to catch his breath, tears glistening in his eyes.
After a long pause, finally summoning courage, Allen looked up at him and confessed, his voice barely above a whisper, "Stephan… why are you so persistent? What… what is it that you want from me?"
"I just… want you," Stephan said gently, his gaze unwavering as it met Allen's. "I just want to be by your side."
"Is… that really all?" Allen asked, tinged with some disbelief. "Really?"
"In today's world, hardly anyone helps someone without expecting something in return," Allen added softly, almost to himself.
Stephan let out a quiet, half-smile, a mixture of warmth and melancholy. "Seriously? Are you saying that about… me?"
"The one who's always there for others, who never stops helping?" Stephan replied.
"I don't help them for their sake," Allen admitted, his voice tinged with the weight of old scars. "I've been through a lot… hurt by my own mother when I was younger. So whenever I see someone struggling, it naturally reminds me of my own helpless self. That's why I step in—it's my way of giving them the care I once needed. "
" And… I guess I always wonder, if someone had helped me back then, maybe things would be different now?"
Stephan heart tightend as he felt Allen's pain. Gently, he placed a hand on Allen's head and said with quiet pride, "That's my boy, Allen."
"It just shows how deeply kind and empathetic you are. You're not someone who, having suffered, lets others suffer too. No, you care, you help, you give. You're genuinely a good person. And you should be proud of yourself… truly proud."
Hearing this, Allen finally let go, his emotions overwhelming him as tears streamed down his face.