Chapter 1

- Dude, can you imagine, she finally decided to date me. Ha-ha… I'm so glad. I still can't believe it. Pinch me, or I'm afraid I'm dreaming. Ah... well, it doesn't hurt as much. Shh... you almost killed me. – Ross, he began to grumble something, rubbing the place of the pinch and heading to his workplace. While his friend didn't move at all. – Reception, why are you frozen? Ross turned around and snapped his fingers.

"Never mind. Congratulations. You're doing great, man. Now you can officially be kicked out of the bachelor club. Thomas Skeitch, still feeling the ground slipping from under his feet, tried to squeeze out a smile and hurried to hide behind the system unit before Ross noticed his anomalies.

- I just got a girlfriend, and I didn't get a stamp in my passport. Don't exaggerate so much. In general, this does not change anything. By the way, what are your plans for tonight?

"To get drunk to unconsciousness so as not to think about one jerk," Thomas thought mentally, as he said something else out loud.

- As usual, I'll come home and sit down at the console. Today we are going to the dungeon with the clan members.

- Are you still playing this game? Seriously? She's already so old. Drop it and come to us better. Jess and I are going to celebrate our first day at the restaurant. You'll be a support group.

For the second time today, Thomas Skeitch has already felt the ground slipping away from under his feet. If he wasn't sitting right now, he would definitely have fallen. Did he... did he forget everything? How much time they spent playing this game, just the two of them. How they loved to fool around... those minutes were so sweet for him.

- Yes, I'm still playing, imagine this junk. Thomas replied through clenched teeth, feeling his chest begin to ache. – If you're going to celebrate, then, perhaps, without me, I'll pass. – He turned on the computer, and tried to concentrate on work. Thus distract yourself from unnecessary thoughts.

But how could Ross leave him alone?

- Dude, you're my best friend. I can't live without you. – He did not quite understand the reason for his refusal and continued to insist.

- Really? Thomas's fingers froze on the keyboard, and he turned his head to look at his friend and see if he was lying by the hour? His face was absolutely serious. Hope flashed in his heart.

- of course. Who, if not you, will help me create the best impression of me Jess. Well, how is it? Ross smiled.

"You... what an idiot I am. – Thomas bitterly shook his head and, completely ignoring his friend, buried his head in his work.

Ross was completely at a loss. Did he do something wrong? The guy scratched his head and tried to call a friend. He didn't answer. "Maybe he has some problems?"

- Thomas, if you have something wrong, you know you can share it with me. I will always help, and if necessary, I can even serve as a vest.

- Fuck you. – He gave him the middle finger and continued to fill out the tables with suppliers.

When evening came, Thomas left the office in silence, without speaking to a friend since lunch break. On the way home, he stopped by the bar as planned. Drinking didn't bring happiness. Grief, on the contrary, began to be felt even more clearly.

- Can I meet you? – A girl who had been watching him for a long time turned to Thomas from the side.

- I'm gay, will you fuck off now?

- Fuck... what a day it is. The third guy and all the same. Are they normal that they died out like dinosaurs? – The girl swore and left in angry feelings.

- Unfortunately not. – Thomas finished his last glass for the day and, having paid, staggered off to his apartment. She was not far away, so he did not call a taxi.

When he was almost there, the phone rang.

- Who is this? – He answered without looking.

- Dude, why don't you open it? I've been knocking on your door for almost an hour.

- Ross? Is your date over yet? – Thomas, hearing a familiar voice, wanted to disconnect. But curiosity outweighed the scales. –How's that?" Have you kissed before? Certainly. It's Jess... you've spent so much time trying to get her. And how... cool was that?

- Dude, are you drunk? I left you for a day of everything. I can't believe that you managed to get drunk... no, you can't be left unattended at all.

For a second, the thought flashed through Thomas's clouded mind, to confirm his friend's words. But the pain in the heart area quickly sobered him up. It's all just Ross's empty self-confidence. He's not really serious about it. Messing around with it forever.... Why does he need it now that he has Jess? Here he will meet her even more and begin to forget about him. Soon he won't need a best friend.

- I'm not like a child. So maybe stop patronizing me all the time?

"What do you mean?"

Thomas didn't have the courage to say the last words. Alcohol in the cold wind began to fade. He felt that no matter what, he could not get rid of this friendship. That would be too much for him. Let him know that this infatuation will never get an answer, but this is his problem, not Ross's.

- Nothing. Forget. Thomas said after some silence. "Are you still there?" Then I'll be right there. – Having promised to approach, the guy disconnected.