The three old friends stood awkwardly in silence.
James squeezed Jerry's arm, but the latter stared at Aiden continuously. Having received no appropriate reaction from his husband, James looked like he was close to tears.
Thankfully, the school bell rang to announce the end of the period.
"I have to go," James announced. He took the brown paper package with him and left without a word of goodbye.
Jerry shot James' back a meaningful look before he directed his gaze back at Aiden.
"It has been a long time," he said. "How are you? You have... changed a lot."
"You too. Congratulations on the marriage."
"... Thanks."
Jerry leaned against the gate wall and sighed.
"God, this is so awkward."
"It doesn't have to be," Aiden said. "A lot of things happened in these years. We went our separate paths. Nevertheless, I am glad that you and James found your way to each other."
"Yeah."