Disbelief

Jeremy pov:

Steve left the moment I confessed to him. My confession took him aback, which is not surprising. Did he expect me to pine for him while he didn't reciprocate my feelings?

A nurse barged in to replace my saline bottle and gave me a friendly smile. 

"Your parents have been informed and they'll be here soon," she said

I simply nodded, not in the mood to converse.

I felt weak, not because of any physical exertion, but because I was mentally exhausted. I slowly drifted off to sleep. 

...

Whispers surrounded me as I slowly opened my eyes, and there they were, my parents. My heart fluttered at the sight of them, for it had been a year and a half since we had last met. 

"Mom?" I whispered, my voice hoarse.

"My son, how are you feeling? Are you in pain?" She hugged me tightly.

"I'm fine, Mom. It was a major accident." I replied.

But then, my father spoke up, "How can you be so careless? What if this news gets out? Have you no thought of our reputation?" His tone was laced with irritation.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My father was more concerned about his reputation than my well-being? I couldn't help but scoff in disbelief.

"He's been in an accident, honey. Can't you ask him nicely for once?" My mother's words were a balm to my hurt.

"Why should I?" my father shot back. "Have he won anything?"

I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "Can you please leave? I don't want to deal with you right now. I'm tired."

"Respect your dad," my mother chided.

"Respect?" I scoffed. "We haven't seen each other in a year and this is how you behave? Why did you even bother coming? You should have just sent some money like you always do."

"We came because the news had already spread, and that stupid video of yours is trending now. I don't know how to show my face in public, but your accident has saved us. The public is showing sympathy towards you, but you need to behave decently. You need to date a good girl. Why are you even going to school?" My father's words were like a knife to my heart.

"All you care about is your reputation! Did you even ask about how I was feeling?" I cried out in frustration, unable to keep it in any longer.

"Why are you shouting at your father? It was your mistake. I was ashamed when everyone asked if my son was homosexual," my mom said.

"I won't apologize for who I am, Mom," I replied calmly.

"Just listen to us and go to therapy," my mom pleaded.

"I don't need therapy. I am not sick. I am attracted to boys, that's it," I reiterated.

"Don't behave like a kid. We will arrange a blind date, go to save our respect," my mom insisted.

"I won't go on a blind date," I stated firmly.

"You have to or else..." my mom began, but a voice cut her off.

"Mrs. Bernard, you are disturbing him," the voice said.

It was Oliver, saving me from my parents.

"Oliver, how are you?" My mother changed her expression as she saw Oliver.

"I'm fine, Mrs. Bernard. But I think you should leave. You are making Jeremy uncomfortable," he said.

"He is our son, Oliver. We know what to do," my father said.

"It's so shocking to see that you care about your son, Mr. Bernard," he said.

"Mind your tongue," my father warned him.

"You should leave, Dad. I don't want you here. You said what you had to say. Thank you so much for your care," I said assertively.

They didn't speak another word. My father walked away angrily, and my mother looked at me with disgust before following my dad.

Oliver's eyes were filled with concern as he approached me. My heart leapt with joy as I embraced him tightly, feeling his comforting arms around me. It had only been a day since I last saw him, but it felt like a lifetime. He was my rock, my support system, and my confidant. My life turned upside down and inside out without him. 

"How are you feeling?" he asked with a furrowed brow.

"I'm good, just a minor accident," I replied with a small smile.

"You should have been more careful," he chided, worry still etched on his face.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Don't nag me now, Ollie. I'm exhausted."

"Okay, but you know you don't have to tell me who that guy was. You can tell me if you want," he offered, his voice softening.

"I will... when the time comes," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Do you still want to be my friend even though I am gay?" I asked hesitantly.

"Of course, you goofball! Don't be ridiculous," he replied, rolling his eyes.

I was relieved to hear that, but then he added, "Actually, there's something I need to tell you, too."

"What is it?" I asked, feeling a bit apprehensive.

"I'm gay," he said, looking down at his shoes.

Despite my surprise, it had no impact on me. He was still my friend, and that was all that mattered.

"Hey, I don't care about that. You're my friend and I accept you for who you are," I said, putting a reassuring arm around his shoulder.

He smiled, relieved. "Thanks, man. I was worried you'd judge me or something."

"Never. Friends stick together no matter what," I said, grinning.

We both laughed, feeling better after our heart-to-heart conversation. Then I had an idea.

"Hey, if we're both still single when we're 30, let's get married!" I joked.

He shook his head. "No way. I don't want to fuck my friend."

I chuckled. "I was just kidding. But seriously, let's always be there for each other, no matter what."

"Deal," he said, grinning.

I felt grateful for his friendship. He had always been there for me, even when I was going through a tough time with his brother. I knew I could count on him, and that meant everything to me.

Oliver pov:

I stepped out to fetch some food for Jeremy. As I walked towards the nearby restaurant, my mind kept wandering back to the video, where I saw my brother and Jeremy making out.

It was an intense mix of anger, frustration, and sadness. I wanted Jeremy to confess about it, but he kept it hidden from me. It was disheartening to see how my brother could betray me like that, and even more so to see Jeremy protecting him.

I felt like my world was falling apart, and it was all because of my big brother. But one thing was clear: I wasn't going to let him take Jeremy away from me. Jeremy was mine, and I had loved him since we were kids. The moment I saw his adorable face for the first time, I knew he was the one for me. And I wasn't going to let anyone come in between us.

"I'll end you, big brother. Jeremy is mine, and nobody can take him away from me. Anyone who tries to come between us won't be alive."