In the morning, the alarm on Willy's phone rang, and he could barely open his eyes. His head throbbed painfully. He immediately turned the alarm off so he wouldn't wake Tim. When he looked at him, Tim was sleeping peacefully, as if he hadn't heard a thing.
Willy quietly left the room and hurried home.
They gathered at their parents' house every Saturday, it was a long-standing tradition. This was the only day they could all meet, so he couldn't be late. The taxi arrived quickly, and as soon as Willy got in, he pulled his phone from his pocket.
Tim: "I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye. You were sleeping so peacefully that I didn't want to wake you up. I'll meet you at the airport tomorrow. Don't forget we have a morning flight."
When he arrived home, only Miles was there, which surprised him.
Willy: "Hey, where's everyone?"
Miles: "They called and said they couldn't make it. Mom and Dad are at the company for some important meeting they couldn't postpone. And as soon as the twins heard that, they ran off to meet their friends."
Willy: "If I'd known, I wouldn't have come either."
Miles: "Good thing I didn't tell you. I actually wanted to talk to you."
Willy: "Oh, Logan already told you everything, didn't he?"
Miles: "You know Logan doesn't hide anything from me. My little brother is finally in love. I can't believe you're all grown up already."
Willy: "I don't want to talk about it. I don't even understand it myself yet."
Miles: "If you want, I can help. Give you some advice."
Willy: "I'm leaving. I don't want to talk about this."
Miles: "I'm your brother why are you embarrassed?"
Willy: "I'm not embarrassed."
Miles: "Don't lie. Your ears are red."
Willy immediately ran out of the house.
Their relationship hasn't been great lately. They didn't see each other as often anymore. Willy, Miles, Seb, and Alex used to be inseparable, but since Miles graduated from university, he'd been constantly busy. Willy always tried to talk to him during their rare meetings, but it never worked. He understood that Miles had responsibilities and Logan but he missed his brother terribly. If they were as close as before, he could talk to him about anything.
Willy went to the bar to pick up his car. He barely remembered where he'd parked it. Someone was waiting by the car and he was happy to see who it was.
Willy: "Hey. What are you doing here?"
Tim: "I knew you'd come. You're back early. Want to go somewhere?"
Willy hesitated, but he wanted to spend more time with Tim wanted to understand him better.
Willy: "Okay… but where?"
Tim: "Anywhere you want. Today, I'll do whatever you say."
Willy: "Are you serious? Even if you don't like it?"
Tim loved challenges he never backed down.
Tim: "Do you want to challenge me? Like I said, I'll do anything but on one condition. You have to do it too."
He held out his hand. Willy shook it, and Tim pulled him closer.
Tim: "I've never lost. And I won't lose to you no matter how much I like you."
Willy: "Don't forget I'm number one too."
Tim leaned closer and whispered in his ear.
Tim: "I'll take first place soon. But don't worry you'll always be number one in my heart."
Willy blushed. His heart raced. No matter how much he denied it, he liked Tim. The more time they spent together, the clearer it became.
Willy: "We'll see. Let's start with karting."
Tim: "Karting? Alright."
Willy: "Why? Scared?"
Tim: "I'm not afraid of anything. Let's go."
Tim opened the car door.
Willy: "Where's your car?"
Tim: "Why drive separately? I came by taxi. Today, you're my driver."
Willy couldn't argue Tim had taken care of him the night before.
Tim: "Let's play a game so you don't get bored."
Willy: "What kind of game?"
Tim: "Yesterday I told you that you could ask me anything and I'd answer. Let's do that."
Willy: "Okay. Why did you come here?"
Tim: "You already know. To take your place. I'm here to win."
Willy: "Then I'll ask another question."
Tim: "Hey you're cheating."
Willy: "I already knew the answer. It doesn't count."
Tim: "Fine. Ask something else."
Willy smiled small victory.
Willy: "Why are you alone?"
Tim: "I don't have a good relationship with my parents. My father was always working. My mother was sick. I was alone most of the time. I'm used to it… but now I'm not."
Tim noticed Willy's expression change.
Tim: "Don't worry. I really am used to it. My turn where were you this morning?"
Willy: "At my parents' place. We meet every week. But today only my brother was home."
Tim: "It's good that you still have them. Your turn."
Willy: "Why do you want to win the competition?"
Tim: "To fulfill a promise. Do you have siblings besides Miles?"
Willy: "Yes the twins. They're absolute chaos."
Tim: "I can imagine how loud your house must be."
Willy: "Even now, when we all get together, it's unbearable. What about you?"
Tim paused.
Tim: "No. That's why I'm spoiled."
Willy: "That explains your personality."
Tim: "I'm Grandma's favorite. She helped me achieve everything. I'll take you to meet her someday. She'll like you."
Willy: "Maybe I'll become her favorite."
Tim: "Already trying to win over my family?"
Willy: "No and that counts as a question."
Tim: "You're cheating again. I'm done playing."
Willy: "As you wish."
Tim stayed quiet but not for long.
Tim: "Why didn't you ask about my nightmares? Or my health?"
Willy: "Because that's your story. You'll tell me when you're ready."
Tim: "Thank you."
Willy: "Are you going to cry?"
Tim: "No."
Willy: "I'll believe you."
Tim's eyes shimmered. It was the first time someone hadn't pushed him for answers.
They arrived at the karting track without even realizing it.
Tim: "How many laps?"
Willy: "Ten. If it's a tie, one more."
After the race
Tim: "So… where's my prize?"
Willy: "What do you want?"
Tim pulled him closer.
Tim: "I think we should continue where we stopped yesterday."
Willy understood immediately.
Tim: "I want"
He didn't finish. Willy kissed him.
Tim froze. It was his first kiss. One thing was certain he wanted this moment to last forever.
Willy: "Are you okay?"
Tim covered his lips, stunned.
Willy: "Tim?"
Tim: "Sorry. I didn't expect that."
Willy: "I thought you wanted a kiss."
Tim: "No. I wanted you to read me a fairy tale again… but this was the best reward I could've imagined."
Willy was embarrassed. Tim hugged him.
Tim: "I'm the happiest person alive."
Willy: "Can we not talk about this?"
Tim: "I'll talk about it forever. You stole my first kiss."
Willy sighed he knew Tim would never let it go.
Tim: "Can I ask you something?"
Willy: "Go ahead."
Tim: "What am I to you?"
Willy: "I don't know. But I know I like you."
Tim hugged him tighter.
Tim: "Am I dreaming?"
Willy: "No. This is real."
Tim's heart raced. For the first time, he believed that love had found him when he least expected it.