"Hey." Mason tapped Noah's shoulder.
"What now?" Noah muttered.
"Can we talk?"
"No."
"Please. Let's talk."
Noah turned to face him, trying hard not to look directly into his eyes.
Mason's heart pounded in his chest. He had been thinking about what happened ever since they came back, and now he finally had the courage to bring it up.
"First of all... I'm sorry. I'm really sorry, Noah. What happened wasn't intentional. I've been thinking about it nonstop since we got back, and I know I was wrong. I should have handled things differently."
Noah slowly raised his head and looked at him.
"Hm. Is that all you wanted to say?"
"Yes. I just want you to forgive me and act normal around me again. I promise I'll be a better brother from now on. I won't treat you badly anymore."
Noah's expression softened. Hearing Mason call himself his brother felt strange, especially after everything that had happened between them over the years.
He climbed down from the bed and walked to the study table. Staring into the mirror, he examined his reflection. Even in the dim light, he could see himself clearly. He was slim and delicate-looking, something his friends never failed to point out. One of them had once joked that he was too pretty to be a guy.
Lost in thought, he didn't notice Mason approaching until he was standing beside him.
"Noah, I know I can't fully understand how hurt you felt, but I can imagine it," Mason said quietly. "I was a terrible brother for a long time. When I finally started trying to do better, I still managed to mess things up. I'm sorry."
He gently turned Noah around to face him.
"I promise to protect you and your mum. I'll be the best brother I can be, and I'll never hurt or embarrass you again."
Mason's eyes became watery as he spoke. Noah felt his own eyes sting with tears. He had never seen this side of Mason before.
Without saying a word, he stepped forward and hugged him.
"It's fine," Noah whispered. "I forgive you."
A relieved smile appeared on Mason's face.
"Come on. It's four in the morning. Let's get some sleep."
Noah nodded.
Before long, they were both lying down, the room silent except for the hum of the air conditioner.
"I want you to apologize to Clinton and Joshua too," Noah said.
"Hm?"
"Yes."
"Fine. I'll do it. But will you come with me to swimming practice tomorrow? I promise it won't be like last time."
"I will."
Noah smiled and soon drifted off to sleep, feeling more at peace than he had in days.
Mason stared at the ceiling for a moment, silently promising himself that he would never hurt Noah's feelings again.
Joshua and Clinton
A text notification appeared on Clinton's phone as he looked away from his computer.
Joshua: Clinton, I know I probably shouldn't text right now, but I'm worried about you.
Clinton replied almost immediately.
Clinton: I'm good. Thanks.
A second message popped up.
Joshua: I'm actually outside your door.
Clinton's eyes widened. He quickly threw on a shirt and hurried to open the door.
Joshua stepped inside looking exhausted and guilty.
He sat on the small sofa while Clinton remained on the bed, nervously rubbing his hands together.
"Look, I know you're still upset," Joshua began. "Maybe you even hate me right now, and honestly, I wouldn't blame you. But I'm really sorry. These past few days have been terrible for me. I can't stop thinking about what happened."
He sighed.
"My competition is in five days, and I don't want us to stay like this. Please forgive me. Let's go back to being best friends."
Clinton dug his fingers into the mattress before finally looking up and nodding.
"Will you come to practice with me?" Joshua asked hopefully.
Clinton smiled.
"Do I even have a choice?"
"Nope."
That earned a laugh from both of them.
Joshua stood up.
"Did you come with your car?"
"Yeah."
"Let's take mine instead. I haven't driven in a while."
"Fine. But if we crash, I'm blaming you."
Together, they headed out.
They laughed and chatted like old times, but something still felt different. The friendship was there, yet the awkwardness hadn't completely disappeared.
Swimming Practice
"Noah, set a forty-second timer for me."
"Done."
Mason dove into the pool.
Twenty-nine seconds later, he resurfaced.
"Twenty-nine seconds!" Noah cheered, clapping excitedly.
Mason grinned.
A few moments later, he spotted Joshua and Clinton walking toward the pool.
He quickly climbed out of the water while Noah followed behind.
Joshua instinctively stepped in front of Clinton.
"Whoa, calm down," Mason said, raising both hands. "I'm just here to apologize for what I did and said last time. I'm sorry."
Joshua blinked.
"Wait... you're apologizing?"
"Yes, I am."
Everyone stared at him.
"I'm genuinely sorry."
Noah rolled his eyes.
"Stop making it sound like you've seen a ghost."
Joshua shook his head.
"I still don't completely trust you."
"Fair enough," Mason replied.
Clinton walked over and sat beside Noah.
As they talked, Clinton noticed the smile on Noah's face.
"Is Mason your friend?" he asked.
"My stepbrother."
Clinton nodded slowly.
That explained a lot.
Soon, the swimmers decided to compete against each other.
The first round was intense.
The second round went to Mason.
The third and fourth ended in draws.
The fifth round was won by Joshua.
Not because Mason was tired.
But because he had become distracted watching Noah laugh and smile while talking to Clinton.