Several hours had passed since Alberto and Giulia had their talk. Every time the two interacted Alberto couldn't help but growl. It was a common thing among seafolk but he tried to hide it because it wasn't proper human etiquette and he was embarrassed, luckily Luca didn't notice. Alberto was trying to get himself to get over Luca and accept things for the way they were. Besides, just like his dad left him, why did Alberto expect Luca to stick around too?
Ever since they had arrived home from school, Giulia had been acting different around Luca. She was much more energetic and hyper. Not to mention touchy, Luca didn't know how he felt about that. Of course he didn't mind her hugs, Luca loved hugs but he didn't really care for a hand on his shoulder, the close proximity, the standing in his personal space, the ruffling of his curls, the occasional hand holding from her. He only really liked physical touch from one person, Alberto. However, today she was especially touchy and had following him around for most of the day except for when she went out to get gelato with Alberto. To be honest, Luca found it a bit annyoing. He didn't want to be followed by her all the time. He wanted some alone time, as well as some time with Alberto.
But, Alberto had been avoiding him all day. Deep down Luca had accepted the fact that Alberto had probably thought the kiss was a mistake and Luca could handle that, he just wanted his best friend back more than anything. Sure, it had only been a day of them not talking but it felt like an eternity.
Luca was actively busy reading a book about outer space on the couch in the living room. Giulia was cozied up next to him with her head on his shoulder. Every paragraph she would stop and say a cool interesting fact. Usually, Luca would find this entertaining but tonight, he just found it annoying. He needed to get away from Giulia, she had been over him all day and he really just wanted to see one person right now. Luca remembered watching Alberto go into their room a little bit ago. Maybe he was still awake and they could salvage some of their friendship.
"I'm really tired Giuls, I think I'm gonna head to bed." Luca fake yawned to convince her, but he was getting sleepy for real. The smile faded from Giulia's face.
"Bunoa Notte, Luca." Giulia said.
Luca opened the door to their room to find Alberto in his bed reading a Bat Man comic. A look of surprise sprung onto his face, but he quickly replaced it with something calmer and cooler, trying to recover from being caught off guard.
"Hey Luca." Alberto said.
"Hey Alberto." Luca looked at the floor. Why was this so painful?
Alberto decided to just cut right to the chase, he'd rather just get this over with.
"Luca, I've been watching you and Giulia , you guys seem like you would be good together."
Luca's stomach dropped. What?
"Uhmm, I mean, she's a really good friend and amazing person, but she's just kinda been following me around all day."
A spasm of sadness started to form inside of Alberto, there was that same word Giulia used for Luca, 'amazing person'. Who was he kidding, he definitely liked her back. He probably only kissed him back because he felt pressured too. Luca was normal, he wasn't like Alberto. Once again, Alberto was alone.
"Yeah but I think you should give her a chance."
"But-"
"Trust me Paguro, it's the right thing to do."
"You're not-"
"Good night Luca."
"Good night Alberto." Luca gave up.
Alberto's POV
Things couldn't get any worse for me. I thought this morning was bad, well here I am now, in my bed. I am facing away from Luca so that he won't see me crying. I keep my sniffles to a minimum and try to keep quiet. He doesn't need another worry on his plate, especially not me. Not that everything would be different after tonight. He and Giulia would end up together, Luca and my friendship will never be the same. All because I was stupid and kissed him because I couldn't hide my feelings. I hated myself. So much. My tears become heavier as the realizations reel through my mind.
My whole world is crumbling and it's all my fault.
Luca's POV
Alberto rolled over so that he wasn't facing me. I turned off the lights and crawled into my bed. I faced the wall as well. I felt a tiny stream trickling down my face. Great. I was crying. Everything was a mess. Alberto was telling me that I should be with Giulia. I had no idea where that even came from. I don't want to be with Giulia. If there's anyone I want to be with, it's Alberto. I've known this in my heart for a long time, it's just now that I'm truly realizing it. If I couldn't be with my sunshine, then I would be with no one. I was willing to love Alberto from a distance, even if that meant I had to suffer in silence for the rest of my life.Not
Not only that but, Alberto wasn't catching on that I like him but I don't mind not being more than friends. I just want my best friend, the person who knows my best in the world back.
My whole world is crumbling and it's all my fault.