Closeted Colors

Chapter 18 Beginning A New Song

The scent of Ramon's cologne still lingered in the air as I sat on the bed, the warmth of his embrace fading but not forgotten. He had been more affectionate towards me lately, a welcome change from our previous dynamic. We spent countless hours together in the apartment, talking, laughing, and sometimes just sitting in comfortable silence. I couldn't help but cherish every moment with him, even though he continued to date girls. The complexity of our relationship was sometimes frustrating but exhilarating.

"Hey, Marcus," Ramon called out, sauntering into the room with that mischievous grin I loved so much. "I'm going out tonight, wanna tag along?"

"Where are you going?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. The thought of sharing him with someone else twisted my insides, but I didn't want to burden him with my insecurities.

"Going out with Sofia. " he replied, scratching the back of his head nervously. "Thought it'd be fun."

"Sounds like a good time," I said, forcing a smile. "You should go enjoy yourself."

"Are you sure? I don't want to leave you here all alone," he said, concern etched across his face. I appreciated the sentiment, but I needed him to live his life without feeling shackled by mine.

"Go on. I'll be fine," I reassured him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Besides, I have some reading to catch up on." I said tapping the book that sat on the end table next to the sofa.

"Alright, but if you get lonely, just give me a call, okay?" Ramon insisted, returning my touch with a soft squeeze.

"Promise," I replied, meeting his gaze for a brief moment before he stood up to leave.

As I watched him walk out the door, I knew it would take time for us to get this right as we started a new phase in our relationship.

The door clicked shut behind him, and the apartment fell into a sudden silence that felt both suffocating and liberating. I leaned back on the couch, letting my thoughts wander through the memories of our time together, the laughter and the tears, the whispered confessions in the dark, and the unspoken understanding that bloomed between us.

"Good luck, Ramon," I whispered to the empty room, sending my love out into the world with him. "Find your happiness."

I tried to focus on my book, but my mind kept drifting. The quiet of the apartment felt strange and heavy, pressing against me like a blanket that was equal parts comforting and smothering. I sighed, setting the book aside as I stood up and stretched, feeling the tension leave my body.

"Maybe I'll grab something to eat," I muttered, heading toward the kitchen.

As I turned the corner into the hallway, I bumped into Luis. He had just come out of his bedroom, flushed and disheveled, completely naked. My eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, we both froze.

"Uh, hey Marcus," Luis stammered, clearly embarrassed by the situation.

"Hey, Luis," I replied, trying to maintain eye contact despite the natural inclination to let my gaze wander. "Didn't expect to see you... like this."

"Sorry, man. I thought you were in your room." he said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I was just going to grab something from the kitchen."

"No worries," I assured him, forcing a smile to put him at ease.

Luis nodded, offering a weak chuckle before we started walking to the kitchen. As we did, I couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the days when Luis and I were closer – not just physically but emotionally too.