Chapter Text
You were having a party with Joost at your house. You had been best friends for pretty much your whole lives, and you knew him through and through. You had been with him through a lot, and you two were extremely close. You knew his behaviours and habits and what they meant by heart. So when he silently snuck away halfway through the party, you set your drink down on the windowsill and excused yourself, quietly slipping out of the living room. You quietly climbed the stairs, wondering where he could be. You tried a few rooms until you heard a noise from your bedroom. Why on earth would he be in your room? You opened the door and peered in.
He was sitting in your room on the edge of your bed, staring off into space and pulling at your bedsheets absentmindedly. He looked over at you as you quietly opened the door, his brilliant blue eyes scanning your face, but didn't say anything or move. He had a strange look in his eyes - sad, but soft.
'Hey,' you said, stepping towards him and sitting down next to him on the edge of the bed. 'What's up? What are you doing in my room?' You extended a hand towards him, scratching behind his ear. You knew he liked that. He shrugged, looking away. There was clearly something wrong - but he also clearly didn't want to talk about it. 'You okay?' You asked, your brow knitted. He stayed silent. 'Come here.' You said, taking his hand and pulling him towards you. He leant down, burying his face in your chest unexpectedly. He was never this outright affectionate with you, usually preferring to show his affection through making light-hearted fun of you or spending quality time with you. You held him there rather awkwardly for a while, piecing through his hair. He sighed into your chest and then laid down fully, his head on your lap. You tilted your head at him, and he looked away again.
Suddenly, he sat up and pushed you back onto the bed, holding you down by your shoulders.
'Joost, what are y-?' You trailed off as you looked at him. He looked like he was almost in pain. He opened his mouth as if to say something only to close it. A moment later, he spoke.
'Listen, Y/N... I just, God... I don't know what to say..' He looked away for a moment, letting you go. You sat up, looking at him curiously. 'I don't want to ruin this.' He took a deep breath. 'I've known you all my life - and I'd hate to lose that. You know? But tonight, seeing you talk with those other guys... I just...' He paused and looked at you, his hand grazing your jawline. His eyes were damp with emotion - he looked like a wounded puppy. 'God, you look so beautiful.' He muttered. His eyes were adoring but anxious. 'I guess I had thought it for a long time, but tonight... I just realised. I really like you.' He whispered the last part. The room was silent apart from the quiet ticking of a clock and the faint buzz of music and chatter from downstairs.
'Joost, I- I don't know what to say, but-' He cut you off.
'You don't have to. I just... I just wanted to tell you.' He said quickly. 'It's whatever... Go enjoy yourself.'
'I want to stay here, I think.' You said tentatively, looking up at him. 'With you.'