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It was a beautiful day full of sunshine and breathy air, atypical of Sweden’s cloudy sky.
Everyone was enjoying their day. Everyone except Omar.
It felt gloomy as if he was in the midst of autumn, he had a hangover and he was tired. He scrolled through his twitter, and even though he was showered with love from his fans, hateful tweets were repeatedly popping up in his face.
The braids incident, Omar has never thought that a simple hairstyle will get people to bully him that much, and despite the fact he uploaded that clip that showed he took them off, people were still on to him.
“freak” “bullying works” “i hope your show gets cancelled” “he needs to be experimented on in a lab”
‘Gosh gosh make it stop’ Omar pleaded in his mind.
Omar knew himself. When he is down like that, he can’t be left alone because it only makes him more paranoid.
He checked time and it was around 2:30 pm, only half an hour left and Edvin will be done with school. He decided to text him.
Omar: hey ! can I come hangout after school?
The message was delivered and seen almost immediately, Omar panicked and quickly wrote.
Omar: it’s okay if you are busy.. don’t want to distract you.
Edvin: today is Saturday Omar lol xD
Omar: OMFG I am so embarrassed rn sorry sorry
Edvin: hahahhaha papichulo seems to have a hangover 😜
Edvin’s teasing wasn’t helping much, Omar pitied himself further. There was moment of mutual unresponsiveness, until both of them started to type at the same time again.
Edvin: Are you okay??
Omar: I am not okay
‘Gosh how does he always know?’ Omar thought to himself.
Edvin: come over we will figure it out.
‘He also knows what to say every time that’s why we are best friends’ Omar sighed while getting ready and basically dragging himself out.
When he arrived at Edvin’s place, he hesitated and thought of just turning back, but he collected the courage and the self-esteem he has left and rang the bell.
As if Edvin was waiting for him exactly behind the door, he opened the door and gave Omar a warm hug. Omar fought the urge to breakdown in his arms, but when Otis joyful barks welcomed him, he couldn’t help himself but to smile.
“Hey cutie” Omar squatted and greeted Otis ruffling through his hair.
“Ughhh! I am jealous” Edvin pouted and Omar chuckled in return, “Hey cutie up there” Edvin’s pout turned into a huge smile.
Omar suited himself on the sofa, “Ohh yeah I made pasta pomodoro, you want some?” Edvin offered, “Nah thanks I am good” Omar declined politely.
Edvin understood that Omar wasn’t in the mood for talking or doing anything really, so he just sat next to him.
Both absent-mindedly stared at the walls and furniture of the house.
Time passed in complete serenity until Omar gradually slid himself closer to Edvin and rested his head on his chest.
Edvin happily complied and extended his arm to hold him, he began to comfort him by gently brushing his hand over his arm. Edvin’s hand travelled higher till it reached Omar’s curls and the moment Edvin slipped his hand there - like he usually does - Omar visibly flinched underneath him and Edvin instantly backed off his hand.
“It is okay just don’t touch my hair please” Omar softly mummered.
“Oh shit I am so stupid, this is because of the braids right?” Edvin sounded genuinely concerned, “Uhmmm” Omar only hummed afraid his voice would crack if he spoke.
“People can be harsh sometimes” Edvin snuggles him closer into his embrace, “I know you didn’t mean to harm anyone” Edvin reassured him.
Omar quivered under his touch and tears fell from his eyes.
“Hey! Hey! You are good” Edvin lifted Omar’s chin so he can look at him. “You are so so beautiful Omar” A sudden déjà-vu hit them both.
Omar smiled timidly and looked Edvin in the eyes.
“So beautiful, your curls, your smile, your everything” Edvin went on complimenting him while tenderly stroking his face.
Tears faded and a crimson red color painted Omar’s golden cheeks instead.
“Don’t let their hatred creep into you. You are way way stronger” Edvin paused for a second and then said, “Remember it is you and me–” and before he could continue, “–against the world!” Omar completed their infamous statement and they both cracked up.
In the end, Edvin was able to cheer his friend up, and he took immense pride in that.
“Pasta pomodoro then?” Edvin offered again, “Ohh yes please I am starving” Omar finally admitted, “Idiot I knew it” Edvin nudged his shoulder and got up heading to the kitchen, “Oh my gosh how?” Omar curiously asked, “Your stomach did weird noises” Edvin teasingly giggled, “Ohhh come onnn” Omar protested childishly.
They ate and spent the evening together.
Omar was so grateful for Edvin and their friendship, their intimate, unjudgmental friendship. He knew Edvin was the only person that made his day full of sunshines, Edvin and Edvin only.