Chapter 3: Let me go, it was the heartâs innocence
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The song!
While waiting backstage, Jun approached Dylan. âHey, can we talk after the competition? Youâre not acting like yourself.â
Dylan looked at Jun with a mocking expression. âOh? And now Iâm not?â He tried to keep his emotions in check before continuing, âLike I said⌠we have university exams soon. We wonât be teenagers much longer. Iâm just being normal, Jun!â
Jun was taken aback by Dylanâs sharp response. They had always been rivals, often speaking to each other rudely, but Dylan had never been this distant. A heavy feeling settled in Junâs chest, growing stronger with each passing second. It felt like something was slipping awayâbut he couldnât quite grasp what it was.
Before Jun could reply, they were called on stage. Still looking at Dylan across the stage, he couldnât understand why Dylan was reacting this way. They had been doing fine.
Finally, the debate competition began. The students in favor of the topic had to present first, and it was Dylanâs turn to speak. That was when Junâs attention finally returned to the competitionâwhen Dylan started speaking.
All this while, Dylan had been frustrated with the pent-up feelings he had for Jun. He had decided to end it after the competition, but through his speech, he wanted to send Jun a message about what he was feeling.
Dylan stood up and began his speech. He spoke about the importance of clarity in a relationship, emphasizing that uncertainty in feelings could lead to losing the bond shared with another person. Speaking passionately, he looked at Junâsadness flickered across his face, but with determination, he said, âSometimes you need to say your thoughts aloudâwhether you want to be in a relationship or notâso the other person doesnât think you donât care at all.â
Jun stared at Dylan, and as those words sank in, it hit himâhe was losing Dylan. And if he didnât hold onto him now, he might lose him forever.
Finally, it was Junâs turn to speak. As the first speaker on his side, he hesitated for a moment before looking over at Dylan and giving him a cheeky smile. âMy argument is that people should just enjoy the moment without defining everything, because labels add unnecessary pressure.â
Dylan scoffed at him, but before he could react further, Jun continued, âBut I think I was wrongâŚâ
The entire stage fell silent. A flicker of surprise crossed Dylanâs face.
The teacher in the audience began to panic, signaling Jun to continue with the correct speech. But Jun knew it was now or neverâotherwise, he would lose Dylan, the one person who was important to him right now.
Looking directly at Dylan, he continued, âLabels do matter, because they give meaning to relationships. If you donât define themâif you donât let the other person knowâyou risk losing them. And before that happens, you have to take a stand, hold on to them, and declare your feelings.â
Dylanâs breath hitched as Jun spoke, his gaze never wavering.
âAnd I will not let this slip away,â Jun finished firmly.
The audience cheered and hooted, while Dylanâs face flushed red from the unexpected confession. He watched as Jun confidently walked back to his seat, completely wrecking the competitionâbut winning something far more important.
Once the speeches were over, the students were sent backstage to rest before the results were announced. Jun dragged Dylan into a quiet hallway without wasting a second, pushing him gently against the wall.
âSo,â Jun asked, breathless. âWhat did you think of my argument?â
Dylan smirked. âYou stole my speech, didnât you?â
Junâs nerves got the better of him. âLabels or no labels, Dylanâjust give me a straight answer. Canât you see Iâm dying here?â
Dylan held Junâs hands, studying his face. âFor the first time, Iâve seen you this nervous.â
Dylan shook his head with a smile. âWeâre giving it a label. Of course, we are.â Then, without another word, he pulled Jun in for a deep kiss.
Jun smiled between the kisses. Maybe, for the first time, he didnât mind losing to Dylan in a debateâbecause, in the end, they both won in this rivalry.