Oliver's distant shouts reach Gregory's ears, causing him to halt in his tracks. He turned around. Scanning the horizon, he searches for Oliver's familiar figure.

     Gregory's eyes instantly lock on Oliver. Gregory cannot help but feel excitement enveloping him, transforming the hot atmosphere into a comfortable embrace. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Gregory cannot contain the growing smile that spreads across his face.

     Gregory's worries and troubles melted away through Oliver. Whenever he saw his friend, he felt a warm cuddle embracing his heart. Gregory grinned, watching Oliver from afar.

"I've told you twice, soldier, that when your superior orders you to run, you run! Lazily strolling to finish the lap will not amount to anything!" Oliver scolded the sluggish trainee. "In a real war, speed is essential! You are expected to be as fast as possible!"

"I- I'm so sorry, Sir. I- I didn't mean to!" the sluggish trainee stuttered as his face turned red in humiliation.

"...Oliver surely doesn't fail to amaze," Gregory giggled, covering his mouth with his fist.

     Gregory giggles as he bites his lips seductively. He smirks as he tilts his head, admiring his furious friend from afar. Gregory never realizes that he has been staring at Oliver for a long time until he senses a string in his mind cutting off. His gaze softens and falls to the ground.

     Gregory glances back at Oliver. His friend's handsome and charming face causes a delicate flush to spread across his cheeks, turning as bright as crimson. Sensing his rapid heartbeat, Gregory shakes his head, trying to shake off the emotions.

     Gregory takes a deep breath, hoping to steady his racing pulse and clear his mind of the enchanting allure. Despite his efforts, Gregory cannot deny how he feels about Oliver. He tries to regain a stable heartbeat. However, it is challenging for Gregory to dismiss his thoughts as his heart flutters whenever he senses Oliver's presence.

     Suddenly, Gregory's eyes widen in shock. He watches his beloved friend, Oliver, raise his arms and stretch his body. Gregory quickly places his right hand over his mouth, his fingertips brushing against his nose. His breathing turns erratic, and he starts to hyperventilate, panting loudly.

     Gregory blushes. His heart punches through his chest. He cannot break his gaze off his friend.

"Oliver..." Gregory whispered as he panted.

     As Oliver begins stretching his arms to ease his muscles, he suddenly catches a quick glimpse of his friend from the corner of his eye. Swiftly, his head turns towards Gregory's direction. He has his eyebrows shooting up and his jaw hanging open.

     Gregory, surprised by Oliver's sudden glance, gasped. He tried to keep his gaze away but failed, finding his foot firmly stuck to the ground. His eyes locked directly into Oliver's, and he felt a rush of coldness envelop him, starting from the back and spreading up his spine to the top of his head. Gregory stood frozen, his breath trembling in his chest.

     Meanwhile, Oliver, facing away from Gregory, covers half his reddened face with his palms. He feels heat surging into his heart. Hurryingly, he turns around and lowers his glance. Oliver then takes a deep breath, expanding his chest as wide as it can go, before exhaling slowly, attempting to steady himself.

     Oliver fights his thoughts to gather his courage. He slowly glances at his back. Then, his head gradually turns as he peeks over his shoulder. He then sees Gregory, still staring at him. Although Gregory stands far away, Oliver's mind paints a different picture, perceiving his friend standing beside him, close enough to touch his broad chest.

     Oliver's knees tremble with bashfulness, but he summons the courage to take another deep breath, willing his nerves to settle. Slowly, he raises his right hand to shoulder level. With a friendly smile, he begins to wave.

     Gregory's smile widens. He returns the wave, lifting his hand higher above his head. Gregory feels relieved as he regains control over his body.

     The two men took deep breaths as their gaze locked on each other. Their smiles covered their faces, spreading from ear to ear. An electric spark crackled between them and dashed through their veins as the world around them faded into the background. They grinned at one another as they soaked in the gentle moment.