27. End?

"You know...," he kept going, "I don't think we can be friends anymore."

No  words could describe the shock and sadness I felt at that moment. Just  because I kissed his former friend? That wasn't fair – we all know he  kissed me first, and I didn't even think about it. I already told Billy  this, but he just won't listen. I have no idea if he even believes that  he forcefully pulled me into the classroom.

"W-what?,"  I asked. "W-what do you mean? Just because I kissed Tom?," I couldn't  believe that to be the case. There's no way he'd just let go of me like  that. Like I mattered nothing to him. Like he didn't cry his eyes out so  many times in my arms. Like he didn't share his deepest darkest secrets  with me.

"No. it's  not just that...," he went on, "I... I can't be friends with you. Not if  you start dating Tom, at least. And I don't want to be the reason why  you two can't be together. I mean sure, he's not a good person, but he's  still less worse than I am."

"H-hey,  that's not true. You're not 'worse' than Tom or anybody because you're a  good person," I presented him with the truth. Every single word I was  saying was reality objectively.

"N-no,  stop lying to yourself. If I try to remain friends after all this,  it'll be... too much... for the both of us. I can't deal with that too.  I'm sorry, okay?"

So  that was it? This was the end? No more cuddles or deep talks or moments  of vulnerability? Just like that thrown out of the window? Was he really  going to let me go this easily? That wasn't fair. Not after everything.  I don't deserve to be ditched like that, no. Do I? Where did I go  wrong? I refuse to believe it's just the kiss between me and Tom.  There's bound to be more to the story.

"Billy... after everything we've been through together... you're really gonna leave now?," I asked with desperation in my voice.

"Exactly.  After everything we've been through, our friendship has to end... I'm  bad for you... and I don't want to get in the way of you and Tom. I  think you two are going to be happy together." He turned his head  around. "Please, don't try to follow me." And so he left.

I  was there in front of the school entrance, standing like an idiot. What  just happened? Why would this happen? So it's just... over? Just like  that?

Tom was right after all.