Chapter 152: Chapter 152: The Weight of True Friendship
~Zayn’s POV~
When I got back to where my friends were seated... Nantam, Nicki, Dean, and the rest I felt a lump rise in my throat. Laughter and small talk filled the space, but my eyes went straight to Nantam.
I took a deep breath, then said quietly, "Nantam, can we talk?"
It was as if he had been waiting for me to approach. He didn’t hesitate, he stood up immediately, his face calm but unreadable. "Sure," he said.
We stepped away from the group, the sound of chatter fading behind us as we searched for a quieter corner of the resort. The breeze was gentle, carrying the faint scent of the ocean, but it did nothing to ease the weight pressing down on my chest.
One thing about Nantam was clear, he had always been mature, steady, and patient. He never stayed angry for long. A part of me knew he had already forgiven me, but that wasn’t enough. I needed to face him properly, to apologize with my whole heart, to let him see I was truly sorry.
We found a shaded bench tucked away near the palm trees, and after sitting down, I forced myself to meet his eyes. My voice came low, almost trembling. "Nantam, I never meant to hide anything from you. I’m really sorry. I just... I didn’t know how you would take it, because..."
He cut in before I could finish, his words sharp but not cruel. "Because you know I’ve always had an interest in you, right?"
My throat tightened. I managed a small nod. "Yes."
He let out a slow sigh, leaning back against the bench as if releasing a weight he had carried for too long. "Zayn, let me tell you something plain and simple. I love you. That’s the truth. But we’ve been friends for years, and in all that time, I never hid anything from you. That’s why it hurt. The day I saw you with Evric... I asked you if something was going on between you two, and you told me no. You said it was just business with his cousin."
His voice dipped, but every word sank deep. "I always thought that if you were ever going to choose a man, it would be me. But I guess I wasn’t that lucky. Still, no matter what, I could never wish you bad."
The sting of guilt burned hot behind my eyes. My voice cracked as I whispered, "Nantam, I’m so sorry."
He turned his gaze back to me. "All I care about is that you’re happy. You deserve it. You, Dean... all of you. I just want my friends to find happiness."
Tears stung at my eyes. "I’m truly sorry, Nantam. And I wish the same for you, pure happiness."
For a moment, he was silent, staring ahead at the garden views. Then he turned back to me.
"I can see Evric loves you," he said firmly. "He cares for you. And that makes me happy, knowing you’re in the right arms. But still, let me ask you this."
I frowned slightly. "Ask me what?"
His gaze locked with mine. "Is Evric treating you well? And I don’t mean material things. I mean physically, emotionally, inside and out. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, but I want to hear it from you."
My lips trembled as I nodded. "Yes, Nantam. He treats me so well... like I’m his whole world."
A real smile spread across his face then, warm and genuine. "That’s enough for me. I’m happy to hear that. Congratulations, my friend. I wish you a long, healthy relationship."
That broke me. I pulled him into a tight hug. He hugged me back, firm and forgiving, and in that embrace I felt the weight of his acceptance.
When we finally pulled away, there was nothing more to say. Side by side, we walked back toward the others, back to where our friends were waiting.
When we got back to the table, Dean immediately smirked and leaned forward, mischief glittering in his eyes. "Zayn, you need to tell your man that all your friends are still single. What the fuck does he have to be that romantic in front of us for? The sweetness between you two is killing me. Makes me want to run out right now and get myself a partner."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Just ignore him."
Dean raised his hands innocently. "It’s not like I’m complaining, but damn, I’m pained. I’m still single here."
That made me laugh. "Then get yourself a partner too."
He smirked and leaned forward playfully. "It’s Evric I want. Can you share him with me?"
I shot back with a grin. "Why not? But the problem is, he doesn’t want anyone but me."
Dean clutched his chest dramatically. "Ouch! That hurts my heart."
One of our other friends chimed in, eyes twinkling with mischief. "So, where did you meet Evric? Maybe I should go there and find my own Evric."
I smiled, shaking my head slowly. "Where I met him... only I could be the one to meet him there. My man only loves me, and there’s no way anyone else could ever succeed in taking him from me."
Dean whistled low. "So confident."
"Yes, I am," I answered firmly. "Because when your man is Evric... you understand."
That was when Nicki chuckled, his tone sharp. "Zayn, don’t get carried away. Your relationship is still fresh, still new. The reason he’s spoiling you now is because you’re like a fresh meal, still sweet. But once he’s taken all the sweetness from you, he’ll dump you.
Dean immediately frowned and tried to hush him.
"Nicki, cut out his words heavier. "Stop bragging. You and Evric won’t last a year together."
My chest tensed with anger. I took a step toward him, ready to warn him to watch his mouth. But before I could say anything, a strong hand caught my wrist and pulled me back.
A calm, steady voice spoke up, answering Nicki directly. "You see, bad wishers don’t normally have a good life. As for the both of them? They’ll last more than just years. They’re dating to get married. Instead of wishing them bad, you should work on yourself."
I turned to see who it was. Evans. His presence was sharp, commanding, enough to silence the group.
Nicki’s jaw tightened, and I could already see the words forming on his tongue. He never liked being put in his place, and Evans’s bluntness had clearly struck a nerve. Nicki leaned forward, ready to spit out some sharp remark, because he was always rude, no matter who it was.
But before he could even open his mouth, Nantam’s voice cut through the tension like a blade.
"Nicki, enough."
The authority in his tone made everyone glance at him. Nantam rarely raised his voice, but when he did, it carried weight. He looked directly at his brother, his eyes sharp and steady. "Sit down."
Then Evans looked at me and said simply, "Come on, let’s go."