Chapter Text
They have seen all of each other's firsts.
Brett had seen Eddy fall on the ground while they had been running across the playground. He had cried so hard that Brett didn't know what to do. The bespectacled boy tried patting his friend's head in an attempt to calm him down. Brett knew Eddy hadn't experienced an injury such as this. His family always kept him in a little bubble away from all the children. It's a miracle that they let him play with Brett.
At least, Eddy tried his best to convince his parents to let him play with Brett.
Eddy's parents had always been controlling from the start, they had been pushing him beyond his potential in order for him to excel academically. Both of his parents were professionals, after all. He understood that they only wanted a secured future for Eddy. However, he didn't think this was the best option. It's almost like they're taking Eddy's freedom of choice in his careers and limiting him to the decisions they want.
Brett had seen Eddy's first bicycle ride. He had been there with him, learning. He also saw how Eddy's eyes glimmed with wonder as he operated the bicycle successfully on his first try. Brett always knew Eddy was smart. He could learn anything quick as long as he was determined to learn.
Eddy claimed he needed to learn it fast because Brett can already bike. Brett had told him it was because he biked everyday with his younger brother and he had more practice. After that, him and his brother would always ask Eddy to bike around the city with them and he would always agree.
Eddy had even told him he was thankful that they both keep including him in their playtimes. He didn't have a sibling at home and he occasionally sees his sister because she's living in the other side of the country for her studies. When they do meet, his sister rarely has time to play. He knew it wasn't her fault. She was just doing this because of their parents. She always said sorry and promised she would play with him immediately when she clears her schedule.
That never happened but Eddy was glad his sister was focused on her studies. Out of everyone, he should be the first person to understand her situation as he is also living the same life.
"My sister, Belle. I think she grew too fast. Living on her own at such a young age. She'd always thought about me and her future. Always included me in her future plans. I know she cares about me," Eddy had told him once.
"She does."
"I am worried about her, though. I wish she had enjoyed her childhood at least."
Brett had seen Eddy's trip abroad. His parents had to bring him to their business matters outside of the country. He also knew how hard Eddy begged to just stay at Brett's house but his parents wouldn't agree and said it was too risky. But Brett knew the real reason, they think he would distract him from his studies.
So, Eddy would just send him postcards everyday with pictures and updates on what he was doing. He seemed to enjoy himself, that's what Brett thought. But at the very end of every postcard, Eddy would always write,
"I am missing you! I hope we get to play again real soon! No matter how pretty it is out here, it is still lonely without a friend."
Brett had seen Eddy's first "public" emotional breakdown.
"You should get up, classes will start soon," Brett said gently, leaning on the railing of the stairs. He was watching his friend sitting there, crying for the past hour. People were starting to notice Eddy's breakdown and had been staring at him. Some stares were confused, some were worried and some were just blatantly annoyed.
"I can't believe it! I am such a total failure! How could I lose like that?" Eddy continued to sob. "All of those trainings were wasted. My parents are just wasting their efforts and money on me."
The other sighed and sat beside him, "You're not a failure. Didn't you hear what the judges said?"
"That's easy to say to comfort me. But do you really think that?" Eddy said, sniffing.
"Of course. I'd never seen anyone else as talented as you are. As bright and as advanced as you are, considering our age," Brett reasoned.
Eddy sighed, "I know you think of me like that. But my parents don't, and it kills me. I try so hard but I just disappoint them every single time. When will I be good enough for them?
It also pains me crying in front of you like this. Showing weakness, in general."
Brett went quiet, he was thinking of a proper response. Anything that would make Eddy realize his worth and capabilities.
"You always seem to see the worst in yourself, don't you?"
"Huh?"
"I don't blame you for thinking that. I certainly would not judge you, also. You were raised to be perfect, just like your parents. But when you're with me, I want you to be your most authentic self. You don't need to pretend when you're with me. You can be as scarred, you can be as imperfect and as silly as you can be around me. I would never judge you for it."
He didn't get a response so he continued.
"You never cried, not in front of me or by yourself. You always kept everything hidden away, tucked inside you, screwed shut. Now, it's all overflowing. All those emotions you tucked away ever since we were kids.
I don't mind seeing that vulnerability because that's how I know it's all genuine."
"Brett..."
He faced Eddy.
"Now let's get you off of these filthy stairs, you're a star, you shouldn't be tainted by this."
Eddy chuckled at that and Brett let him when he suddenly jumped forward for a hug. Brett understood him, because he, himself is also far from being perfect in his own eyes. They could be imperfect together.
Brett had seen Eddy's first heartbreak. It was with a blonde girl in their highschool named Melissa. Brett always thought it was a basic name and he never really showed that he liked Melissa enough to befriend her. Other than that, Melissa had friends that were such bad influences and sometimes, they even force Eddy to go with them.
"Eddy. What do you want me to say to your parents, huh? You're out again, this late at night and your mother's been calling me all day long. You didn't even go to school? Where are you? This isn't funny, you know. Going somewhere without even messaging me." Brett blurted out in blinded rage and worry when Eddy answered his phone, finally.
"Gosh! I am sorry, Brett! I didn't mean to cause this much trouble but Melissa and her friends thought I could come with them to just hangout."
"All day? Really? You skipped classes just to hangout with them? What did you say in your excuse letter?"
"I just said I wasn't feeling well and some other bullshit that I thought they would believe. Seems like they didn't, then."
Brett scoffed, "Well, they called your mother to check in with your condition because a lot of teachers were concerned, you're a star student, after all. And now, what do you want me to tell her?"
"Just tell her you'd been with me the whole time."
"Eddy! Are you nuts? I went to school, how would you explain that time period?"
"Fuck! My head hurts! I'll just explain it to my parents but for now, could you please pick me up? I am at the convenience store near your house and I am really dizzy, I don't think I can go home by myself."
"Did you drink? Are you fucking insane? You're underage, you're fourteen, Eddy. I am picking you up, stay there and wait for me. I'll ask my dad to drive me. He won't say a word."
Two weeks after that, Melissa did broke up with Eddy and he had been devastated. It even affected his studies. He fought with his parents more frequently as they had been continuously berating them for having a secret relationship, skipping school and trying alcohol.
Brett had a heart-to-heart conversation with Eddy that night. Next thing in the morning, he was back to his usual self as if nothing had happened prior to that. He was back to being academically competitive in class and redeemed himself. Brett didn't say anything about it. It was perhaps Eddy's way of coping.
Eddy for Brett, is a complex individual. He had spent years getting to know him. But as complex as he is, Brett managed to cracked that code.
Eddy also had seen all of Brett's firsts.
Eddy had a lot of talents. His parents had been enrolling him in different classes ever since he was four. But despite him being called "perfect" every single time, he never considered himself to be perfect. In fact, he never even wanted to be idolized by other people. What's there to idolize about him? He saw himself as a puppet being controlled, unable to find his own freedom, away from the strings of his parents.
But Brett, he was young and free. He didn't care about what other people might think about him. That's what Eddy wanted to be like. Not this robotic, perfect persona that was being etched on him. Eddy had played a lot of instruments. But Brett, he played one and fell in love with it.
Eddy had seen the first time Brett performed on stage. It was magnificent, straight out of a movie. He didn't know it back then, he had been too young to appreciate all the intricate details of his friend's first violin solo performance. But he knew at that moment, Brett will master the violin and would love it for a lifetime. It's what also drove him to learn the instrument a year later.
He wanted to be able to feel music like Brett did. He wanted to connect to him through a shared interest of music.
Eddy had seen the first time Brett got angry at someone. Eddy never truly engaged with people socially as he was focused on his academic performance and extracurricular activities. This led to other students poking fun at him for even being too serious in class.
Until Brett got pissed, told them off and even made one of them cry. Eddy was shocked through all of it, just watching the scene unfold. His friend had been sent to the guidance office but Eddy had helped clear Brett's name and he confirmed he was being bullied for months now by those same children that Brett attacked.
"I didn't know you were capable of doing that," Eddy laughed, holding the straps of his bookbag tighter.
"I didn't know either. They just pissed me off, going at you like that," Brett sighed. "I never once let my emotions get ahead of me, but I just couldn't help it."
"I knew you cared about me!" Eddy teased.
"I do. I never denied anything like that."
Eddy stopped walking, "Oh I didn't know you would just agree like that..."
"I got sent to the principal's office for making another kid cry for you and you still doubt that I care about you?" Brett repeated in a deadpan tone.
"It's not that... I am just not used to people defending me nor caring about my well-being. I was always told to just take it, suck it up like a man."
"Well that's stupid and I don't agree with that. I give you permission to just scream like a lunatic the next time someone insults you or make fun of you," Brett kicked a rock out of their way.
Eddy had also seen the first time he worried Brett to death. That time he picked him up at the store after he recklessly skipped school to be with his girlfriend and her friends. He quickly sobered up when he noticed Brett's mental state. He had been truly worried about him, disappearing without even contacting Brett first on where he was going.
"You bastard... You better be thanking the universe that you're not fucking dead," Brett muttered under his breath while half-carrying Eddy's drunk self inside the car. He was right, Brett's dad did not say a single word. Eddy felt immense guilt the whole car ride and couldn't even look at Brett.
Brett had always warned him about Melissa's friends and how they were assholes but he never really listened as he was in love with Melissa and was a fool.
He would never forget the look at Brett's face when he had saw him, though. He couldn't describe it, he wouldn't even attempt to.
<<EDDY---BRETT>>
<EDDY: I am sorry, Brett. This would never happen again. I promise.>
He had texted Brett the same night after he dropped him off at his parents' house.
<BRETT: Don't worry about it. I am glad you're fine. And please, tell me first.>
<EDDY: I will, I am sorry. Don't tell mom you picked me up, please. I just sneaked inside.>
<BRETT: Okay.>
The guilt never went away. Even when Melissa broke up with him weeks after.
To have seen each other like that, it was an achievement to both of them. Which is why, they didn't know how it ended up here. With them, as enemies.
Brett didn't even think Eddy was his enemy but Eddy seemed to do so. They were senior students now and have both moved to their local university. While being close friends, Brett and Eddy quickly dominated the top list of the school. They were the top two best performing students throughout the whole school and got their famous title because of it.
They were teammates, always studying with each other after classes and helping one another.
Everything changed however, when Sonia Tan arrived. She was a transferee from another university and moved to their school as it was nearer from their house.
Brett really don't recognize when it started but his other friend, Liv seemed to do so. Brett and Liv had been friends for months ever since they got paired up to work on a project and discovered that they had the same interests.
"I think Eddy's just jealous that Sonia is frequently interacting with you. Maybe he's got a crush on her?" Liv shrugged. He told Liv that Eddy suddenly started ignoring him, acting like they never knew each other, weeks after Sonia had transfered.
"You think so? I don't even think Sonia likes me like that."
"Oh, she definitely likes you."
"How can you say that so easily?" Brett asked, frowning. Liv gestured to their side. Brett turned his head and saw Sonia, directly staring at their direction. When she noticed that Brett had caught her, she quickly moved her gaze away and chatted with her friends.
"See?" Liv chuckled.
Brett's frown deepened, "How'd that even happen? She barely even knows me."
"Some girls easily fall in love even with just one interaction and they can keep that crush hidden away when they choose to admire from afar."
"I don't care about that. I just want to resolve this issue with Eddy, I want to clarify that if he likes Sonia then I would back off. I don't have an ounce of interest in dating her, or anyone, in particular."
Liv shrugged once again, "You can resolve that by talking to him."
"I would if he actually acknowledges my existence."
"Why don't you message him? Call him?"
Brett fished his phone out of his jacket's pocket, "This might work and I will try it. We should head to class before the bell rings."
"Okay Mr. I don't break rules and don't wanna cause any trouble," Liv stood up from the bench and gathered all of her trash.
He passed Eddy by the hallway while heading to class. The other boy either did not see him on the empty hallway or paid no mind to his existence. It baffled him how Eddy could just ignore him after all those years of becoming friends. Just because of this girl? He didn't like to assume about his long-term friend but with the other not communicating, he couldn't stop the thoughts that formed in his mind.
<<BRETT---EDDY>>
<BRETT: Hey, are you free to talk?>
He sent Eddy a text before stepping inside the classroom to find his seat.
However, even after classes were dismissed, he never got a reply.
<BRETT: Hey, are you free to talk?>
Read 5:30 PM
"I don't understand. Is it that easy for him to drop our friendship off just because of that? I don't believe it. It's such a petty reason," Brett ranted.
"Well, that happens, especially you're both in the last year of highschool. Friendships break apart even the long-term ones."
"I can't bring myself to believe he would do that..."
"Maybe you don't know him too well, then."
Something in Brett ached after those words were uttered. That's simply not true.
"How could I not know him? I've known him ever since we were in preschool. If anything, I am the one who should write an autobiography about him, Liv."
"What do you know about him? And to what extent do you know? Does he always act like that? To me, he has always been an overachiever and doesn't care about his socials. I've never even talked to him atleast once. Even though, he's quite literally your bestfriend."
"You're right. He's an overachiever and pretty much intimidating to other people because of how intelligent he is. But he wasn't always like that. He had his reasons."
Liv scoffed with a little chuckle on the other line, "Sounds like you're the one who has a crush on him, what the hell?"
Brett shut his cabinet off. "I don't know. I gotta corner him tomorrow and get him to talk to me. This texting thing won't work again."
So that's what he did, he looked for Eddy in the lockers, even in his classroom, the canteen, the bathroom but he didn't find him. He figured he had already gone home. Brett just decided to eat his food at the rooftop, he needed to clear his head. These past few days had been stressful with school and his best friend practically ignoring him. He knew Eddy didn't have any other friends beside him. That is another reason why he's worried.
Not because Eddy can't handle himself without any friends. He could very well do that just fine. He's independent and a brilliant student, he frankly doesn't need friends to survive. Brett opened the door to the rooftop. He was immediately met by the cold, gushing wind.
He sat down on the ground and began eating the rice balls his mom made.
"What are you doing here?" He recognized the voice in an instant.
"Eddy?" was all he could say. "I am eating..."
"I can see that, but why here?"
"Can I not? It's much more quiet here and I need some space to think about a lot of things. That isn't possible in the cafeteria, isn't it?"
Eddy walked closer to him and sat down. He also had his packed food with him.
"Why are you ignoring me?" Brett boldly asked.
Eddy chuckled sadly, "I don't know, really. I haven't been myself these couple of weeks and I am confused."
"Confused about what? Tell me."
"I can't tell you."
Brett faced him, "Why not? I am your best friend, you know you can tell me everything, right?"
"Because..." Eddy swallowed. "It's not your problem. It's mine."
"We have shared a hundred thousand problems with each other. What's different with this one?"
Eddy went silent. He was staring at the ground, avoiding Brett's eye contact.
"Is this because of Sonia?" Brett couldn't help but ask.
Eddy finally looked at him, "I... probably..."
"You can like her, I don't care. I'm not stealing anything from you, if that's what you're worried about. You don't have to be jealous, there's nothing to be jealous of," Brett assured him.
Eddy didn't respond to that but stood up, "I think I should be getting home. My mom would be worried."
"Want to go home together?" Brett packed his food away in his bag.
"Sure..."
They found themselves waiting for the train. They both stepped in and sat next to each other.
"You grew even more taller than the last time I saw you," The other suddenly said.
"Huh?" Eddy replied.
Before he knew it, Brett was reaching to lightly pat his head. The other froze from the sudden contact.
"What was that for?"
"To show that you've grown taller than ever. You're basically towering over me even when we're sitting down."
Eddy looked down, "I can't help it."
Brett chuckled, "Did you know Sonia liked tall guys? Tall guys like you so, you definitely do have a chance."
Eddy smiled, "And how did you know that?"
"She randomly told me in biology class. I think she's just talking to me to get closer to you."
"I doubt that but I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."
Brett sent Eddy off and began walking towards his home. On the way, he knew he still had unanswered questions from their talk back at the rooftop but what's more important to him is that Eddy was talking to him again. Maybe he just needed a little push to do so.
<<BRETT---SONIA>>
<SONIA: Hey Brett! Do you know the answer to this question? I've been having a hard time understanding... It's for the upcoming contest and I was picked.>
Brett blinked twice, he was suddenly waken up by the loud notification ring from the text. He didn't realize he had fallen asleep after arriving home. He grabbed his glasses that was hastily discarded on the table.
<SONIA: [Sent a photo]>
<BRETT: Hm. I don't think this is my specialty but I have a friend who can help you. You probably know him.>
Brett thought this was the perfect chance to get Eddy to talk to Sonia.
<SONIA: I do have a feeling I know this friend of yours. But... I don't really know if I am confident enough to talk to him. But if you could relay the message, I'd appreciate it!>
The bespectacled boy went to his desk to start on his own assignments. He had fallen asleep after all, and haven't got anything done.
"I need to do this for Eddy, anyway," He muttered to himself.
<BRETT: Sure. But he's very nice, he'd be happy to help. You can explain it better than me, I think.>
<SONIA: Alright! If you say so. Just give me his contact information and I'll try, I hope he answers! *crosses fingers*>
Well, that worked. Now, he just have to wait for Eddy's response to Sonia. He didn't know if Eddy was busy or not but during this hour he's already probably done with his work and studies. After that, he goes on his phone to read books online.
Brett felt himself already drifting off but to avoid distractions, he shut his phone off and focused on his task at hand. He still had a whole paper to work on. He'd just ask Eddy for updates tomorrow. But for now, he was glad he could do something to help his friend.