Book sat at his desk, his brow furrowed in deep concentration as he wrestled with the weight of his decision.
Force and Chen loomed large in his mind, each representing a different path he could take, yet neither seemed to offer a clear solution. The tension coiled in his chest, a relentless knot of uncertainty that refused to loosen its grip.
Across the bustling cafeteria, Chen sat alone at a corner table, his gaze fixed on a point in the distance but his thoughts a million miles away. He absently stirred his coffee, the clinking of the spoon against the ceramic mug drowned out by the cacophony of voices around him.
Chen's mind raced with the anticipation of Book's response to his heartfelt proposal, though deep down, he feared the crushing weight of rejection.
Fluke, ever observant, noticed Chen's distant demeanor and made his way over with a friendly punch on the shoulder.
"Hey, Chen, you seem lost in thought. Everything alright?" he asked, genuine concern etched in his features.
Chen startled slightly at the interruption, his reverie shattered as he turned to face Fluke. He managed a weak smile, though it failed to reach his eyes.
"Yeah, just thinking about some work stuff," he replied, his voice lacking its usual warmth.
Fluke arched an eyebrow skeptically, unconvinced by Chen's flimsy excuse.
"Come on, Chen, I know you better than that. What's really on your mind?" he prodded gently, his tone coaxing.
With a heavy sigh, Chen relented, the weight of his emotions too heavy to bear alone.
"It's about Book," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I proposed to him, Fluke. But now I can't shake this feeling of dread, wondering what his answer will be."
Fluke's expression softened with understanding as he listened to Chen's heartfelt confession.
He reached out, placing a comforting hand on Chen's shoulder.
"Chen, whatever Book decides, you have to respect his choice," he said earnestly. "And remember, no matter what happens, you're not alone."
But Chen's eyes blazed with intensity as he rose from his seat, his emotions spilling over like a dam bursting at the seams.
"Respect his choice?" he echoed, his voice tinged with anguish. "How can I not take it to heart when I love him more than anything in this world?"
Fluke's eyes widened in astonishment at the depth of Chen's love for Book, his own heart heavy with the weight of his friend's pain.
Meanwhile, unnoticed in the shadows, Force stood seething with rage, his fists clenched at his sides as he overheard the conversation.
The revelation of Chen's proposal ignited a fierce fire within him, his jealousy and longing for Book driving him to the brink of madness.