Ben sat in his lecture hall, trying to focus on the professor's words. But his mind wandered, and his eyes drifted to the guy sitting next to him. Mark's charming smile and effortless charm had caught Ben's attention weeks ago.
Ben shook his head, pushing the thoughts away. He wasn't gay. He didn't feel that way about guys. But as he glanced at Mark again, he felt a flutter in his chest. He looked away not sure what was going on with him, and why was he feeling this way.
Ben's eyes drifted back to Mark, who was scribbling notes with an effortless smile. Ben felt a pang of... something. He didn't know what. It wasn't like he'd never noticed guys before, but he'd never felt this way. A flutter in his chest, a warmth in his cheeks. Ben's mind recoiled, refusing to acknowledge the feelings.
Meanwhile, Mark was oblivious to Ben's gaze. He was lost in thought, pondering his latest art project. Mark had always been drawn to creativity, and his passion for photography was unmatched. As he glanced at Ben, he noticed the intensity in Ben's eyes when he was focused. Mark smiled to himself, appreciating Ben's dedication.
Ben quickly looked away, his heart racing. What was wrong with him? He couldn't be... No, he wasn't gay. He didn't feel that way about guys. But why couldn't he stop thinking about Mark's smile?
As the lecture ended, Ben packed his bags hastily, avoiding eye contact with Mark. He needed to get out of there, clear his head. But as he stood up, Mark caught his eye, and Ben's heart skipped a beat.
"Hey, wanna grab coffee and discuss the project?" Mark asked, his eyes sparkling.
Ben hesitated, unsure of what to say. Part of him wanted to spend more time with Mark, but another part was terrified of his own feelings.
Ben hesitated, he tried to speak but nothing came out, his mind racing. "Uh, yeah, sure. Coffee sounds great," he said finally, trying to sound casual.
Mark grinned. "Awesome! Meet you at the campus café in an hour?"
Ben nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. As they parted ways, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was stepping into unknown territory.
their personalities:
Ben:
- Introverted and analytical, often lost in thought
- Struggles with self-acceptance and identity
- Values honesty and authenticity
- Passionate about literature and writing
Mark:
- Charismatic and outgoing, with a contagious smile
- Creative and spontaneous, with a passion for photography
- Open-minded and accepting, with a natural flair for connecting with people
- Has a hidden vulnerable side, which he only reveals to those close to him
As Ben walked away, he couldn't help but wonder what Mark saw in him. Was it just friendship or something more? Ben's thoughts swirled, and he felt like he was unraveling a thread he couldn't quite grasp.
Meanwhile, Mark watched Ben go, feeling a spark of curiosity. There was something about Ben's intensity that drew him in. Mark couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he was eager to explore their connection further.
their high school days:
Ben's High School Days:
Ben was a diligent student, always focused on academics. He had a close-knit group of friends, mostly girls, with whom he bonded over literature and debate. Ben's relationships were platonic, and he never really considered his feelings for anyone in a romantic way. He assumed he was straight, like most of his friends.
However, Ben's inner world was more complex. He often found himself drawn to the artistic expressions of his male classmates, admiring their creativity and confidence. He brushed it off as admiration, never exploring these feelings further.
Mark's High School Days:
Mark was the charismatic star of his high school's drama club. He effortlessly played lead roles, charming audiences with his presence. Mark's relationships were fleeting, mostly casual friendships or short-term crushes on girls. He never felt a deep connection with anyone, content to live in the moment.
Mark's creativity flourished in high school, particularly through photography. He captured moments, emotions, and stories through his lens, developing a unique perspective on life.
Back to the present
They left with a kind of warmth that was not there before. Ben on the other hand avoided everyone that will as he went back to his room in his hostel
Mark went to meet his teacher in her office to report that he has find his partner for their drama play title.
Miss Rena "wow I see Ben is coming out of his shell but the kid is good in literature and writing and you are great with photography right both of you will make a good team"
"you think so miss Rena cause I don't know am not cut out for this, I think" mark replied softly.
"(laughs) you guys will make a good team I know it will work out OK trust in your selves OK, now what is the next step?" asked miss Rena. Mark said in a hesitant way "we were to meet up at a coffee shop to discuss on it better soooo, I will give you the reply and the result we could come up with"
"great, great I look forward to you both OK, if you need my assistance you guys know where to get me" said miss Rena.
"OK miss Rena I will be on my way Now see you tomorrow" Mark said as he was leaving, "see you tomorrow dear" replied miss Rena. Mark left for his hostel to get ready for the meeting he had with Ben.
In their rooms in the hostel:
Ben's Room:
Ben paced around his small hostel room, his mind racing. What if Mark noticed something? What if Ben accidentally revealed his feelings? He flopped onto his bed, staring at the ceiling.
"Why did I agree to coffee?" Ben muttered to himself. "I'm not gay. I don't feel this way." But the flutter in his chest whenever Mark smiled told a different story.
Ben's phone buzzed with a text from his friend, Rachel. "Hey, how's it going?" Ben hesitated, unsure how to respond. He couldn't share his turmoil with Rachel; he'd never told anyone about his feelings.
Mark's Room:
Mark sat on his bed, flipping through his camera roll. He paused on a photo he'd taken of Ben in class, noticing the intensity in his eyes. Mark felt drawn to Ben's quiet strength.
"What am I feeling?" Mark wondered. He'd never had a serious relationship with a guy before, but there was something about Ben that intrigued him.
Mark's thoughts swirled with possibilities. What if Ben felt the same way? What if this coffee meeting sparked something more?
As they both prepared for their meeting, their hearts raced with anticipation and uncertainty.
Ben's Room:
Ben's mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Fear, excitement, and uncertainty swirled together. He felt like he was standing at the edge of a cliff, staring into the unknown.
"What if I mess this up?" Ben thought. "What if Mark doesn't feel the same way?" The possibility of rejection terrified him.
Ben's thoughts drifted to his parents, his friends, and his own expectations. Would they accept him if they knew the truth? Ben's anxiety spiked, and he felt like he was suffocating.
Mark's Room:
Mark's emotions were more fluid. He felt curious, excited, and a little nervous. He'd never felt this way about someone before, and it intrigued him.
Mark thought about Ben's intensity, his passion for literature, and his quiet strength. Mark felt drawn to Ben's authenticity, his willingness to be vulnerable.
As Mark prepared for their meeting, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something significant was about to happen. He felt a sense of anticipation, like he was standing on the threshold of a new chapter in his life.
Their emotions simmered just below the surface, waiting to erupt into something more. How would they navigate their feelings when they met?
their past experiences:
Ben's High School Relationships:
Ben dated a girl named Emily in high school. They were together for a year, and Ben thought he was in love. However, he realized he was more invested in the idea of being in a relationship than actually feeling a deep connection.
Their breakup was amicable, and Ben felt relieved. He focused on his studies and friendships, never really exploring his feelings for guys.
Mark's High School Relationships:
Mark had a string of short-term relationships with girls in high school. He enjoyed the attention and affection but never felt a strong emotional connection.
One girl, Sarah, stood out. Mark was drawn to her creativity and confidence. However, their relationship fizzled out when Mark realized he wasn't ready for commitment.
These experiences shaped their perspectives on relationships and intimacy. Ben's experience made him cautious, while Mark's experiences left him wondering if he was truly connecting with others.
Their past relationships also influenced their perceptions of themselves and their desires. Ben struggled to understand his feelings for Mark, while Mark felt drawn to Ben's authenticity and vulnerability.
In the present both of them struggled on what to wear not to look bad at their first meeting
"i look stupid with is one God help me am all out now this is why I do not meet up with people in the first place " Ben complained a out his out fit "OK now let's think outside the box" he said to himself. He came to a conclusion on what he is to wear.
Ben's Outfit:
Ben stood in front of his closet, deliberating. He wanted to make a good impression without overdoing it. He chose a simple white shirt, dark jeans, and a fitted blazer. Ben liked the way the blazer made him feel confident and put-together.
He styled his hair casually and splashed on some cologne. Ben took a deep breath, feeling somewhat more prepared for their meeting.
Mark on the other hand was frustrated with his choice of clothes
"I can't wear this" he complained "it's old and stuff I can't wear this what will he think I am some kind of clown" he added
In his frustration he remembered his our fit he wore to a friend's party at home. He brought it out and looked at it "it might just work, it is better than that one anyway" he said to himself "I should get ready then." he added.
Mark's Outfit:
Mark rummaged through his wardrobe, seeking inspiration. He wanted to wear something that reflected his personality. Mark settled on a stylish graphic tee, paired with distressed denim jeans and a leather jacket.
He added a touch of his signature style with a silver necklace and a bold watch. Mark felt like himself, creative and carefree.
As they both finalized their outfits, they couldn't help but wonder what the other would wear. Would they notice each other's efforts?
They both got ready for their meeting but the tension of what the other might wear was stock on the air.
Ben said to himself "I hope I look great in these have never gone out much in my life before and I wonder what he will look like" noddes his head "no Ben snap out of it his outfit doesn't concern you OK focus on your self jezz" he whispersto himself.
Mark also thinking of Ben's outfit "I think his out fit will be great as always" he wondered to himself " hey thinking about it just make my head spin, since when am I bothered by someone else other than my self. I don't get it, what is this feeling and this tension am seeing, hey mark get your shit together OK. Don't screw up OK, you got this" he encourages himself.
Ben's Journey:
Ben grabbed his backpack and headed out of his hostel room. He felt a mix of excitement and nerves as he walked to the coffee shop. The fresh air helped calm his jitters, but his mind still wandered to Mark.
As he strolled through the campus, Ben noticed the vibrant atmosphere. Students chatted, laughed, and studied together. He felt a sense of belonging, but his thoughts remained focused on Mark.
Mark's Journey:
Mark walked with a spring in his step, his camera bag slung over his shoulder. He was looking forward to their meeting, curious about Ben's story.
As he approached the coffee shop, Mark felt a sense of anticipation. He wondered what Ben would be like outside of class, whether their conversation would flow easily.
Both Ben and Mark arrived at the coffee shop, each wondering what the other was thinking. They spotted each other from afar, exchanged smiles, and walked in together.
As they transitioned to university life, both Ben and Mark were poised for new experiences. Ben struggled to navigate his emerging feelings, while Mark was open to exploring new connections.
Their paths crossed in university, and the spark between them ignited. But how would they navigate their feelings, identities, and relationships?