The door creaked as Kwame stepped into his room. Heat flushed his face and his jaw was clenched tight.
The sight of Marvel perched on the edge of his bed only twisted the knot in his chest tighter.
"I'm having a bad day," Kwame said, forcing the words out as he pushed the door wider.
"I'm really not in the mood. Please leave." His fingers gripped the doorknob until they ached.
"It's just about Alchemy," Marvel said, rising slowly and stepping closer.
His shadow stretched across the floorboards between them.
"Please, just help me talk to her. I'll give you anything you want." Desperation edged every syllable.
Kwame didn't meet his eyes. "I don't want anything from you. Please leave."
The room suddenly felt too small, the air too still.
"I love her so much, Kwame." Marvel's voice broke, and his hands trembled at his sides.
"My heart is hurting. I just want her in my life. Please help me."
The raw sorrow in his tone made Kwame's stomach turn not with pity, but with guilt.
"I can't help you, Marvel," Kwame said, his throat tight.
"I wish I could, but I really can't."
"Why can't you?" Marvel's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. "You're still mad at me?"
"Get out!" Kwame yelled, the sound ripping from his chest before he could stop it.
"Damn it!" Marvel yelled back, his voice cracking. "Why can't you just help me? Why?"
Kwame's resolve snapped. "Because I love her," he admitted, the words sharp and shaky.
"I love Alchemy so much." The confession hung in the air like smoke.
Marvel's expression hardened. In one sudden motion, his fist drove into Kwame's jaw.
The impact sent Kwame crashing to the floor, his head ringing and the metallic taste of blood filling his mouth.
"Why would you do this?" Marvel asked angrily.
"I already told you I'm sorry for kissing Lucille," he added.
Kwame's vision blurred as he tried to push himself up.
"It's not about that," Kwame said through gritted teeth. "I really love Alchemy," he added.
"What makes you think Alchemy would choose you over me?" Marvel asked, his voice laced with derision.
"I'm sorry, but she already did. We're in a relationship."
At that, Marvel seized Kwame by the neck and struck him again. He raised his hand to slap him when, suddenly, Alchemy entered.
"Stay away from him. What's wrong with you?" she yelled. She rushed closer and shoved Marvel away from Kwame.
"So what he said is true. You've been fooling me this whole time," Marvel said, wiping his tears.
"What are you talking about?" Alchemy asked.
"Are you in a relationship with my brother?" Marvel asked angrily.
Alchemy froze. She didn't know what to say.
"Answer me!" Marvel yelled.
"Yes," Alchemy responded, her voice thick with concern, "but I can explain. I didn't mean to hurt you."
"Save it," Marvel whispered and walked away.
"Really, Kwame?" Alchemy said angrily. "I told you to wait a little longer."
"Wait for what, exactly? Tell me, what are we waiting for? I'm tired of my brother telling me he loves you. I'm hurting. Can't you see?" Kwame said, sobbing.
"The only thing I see now is a selfish you!" Alchemy yelled and walked away.
Alchemy knocked on Marvel's door.
"Go away. I want to be alone," Marvel yelled from inside.
Alchemy entered anyway, ignoring him.
"I know you hate me now, Marvel. You probably don't want to ever see me again, but I can't stand you being mad at me. Please…"
"Get out! I've heard you," Marvel snapped, cutting her off.
"Marvel, please. Please don't treat me like this," Alchemy cried.
Marvel brushed past her and threw the door open. "Don't let me do something or say something I'll regret. Just get out of my room," he yelled.
Alchemy walked out, wiping her tears. Tansy stepped into the kitchen for water and saw Alchemy crying.
"Which one of them are you crying about? Don't tell me it's Marvel," Tansy asked, walking closer to her.
"I didn't want to hurt him," Alchemy explained. "I wanted him to give up on his own before I told him about Kwame and me."
"You're clearly not thinking about Kwame's feelings, huh? Watching his brother confess love to his girlfriend every day," Tansy said angrily.
Alchemy stayed silent for a while, thinking about what Tansy had just said. "I just want everything to be okay," she finally sobbed.
Tansy took the water and walked away, visibly furious. The argument with Alchemy still crackled in the air behind her.
Deciding she couldn't leave things like this, Alchemy went to find Kwame.
When she pushed open his bedroom door, she found him lying on the bed with silent tears streaming down his face. The sight made her chest tighten.
"I'm sorry, Kwame," Alchemy said softly, walking closer.
Without a word, he stood and pulled her into a hug, holding on like he was afraid she'd disappear.
"I'm sorry for telling Marvel about us," he murmured against her hair.
Alchemy shook her head. "It was bound to happen. I shouldn't have gotten angry. I love you so much, Kwame."
"I love you more, Alchemy," Kwame whispered, pressing his lips to her forehead.
Later, night had fully settled over the house. The entire family gathered at the dining table, the clink of cutlery filling the quiet. One chair sat empty, Marvel wasn't there.
"Why is Marvel not here? He's usually early," Aunt Kathy asked, glancing at the doorway.
"Should I go get him?" Tansy offered.
"Don't worry. I'll take his food to him," Uncle Mike said quickly.
Kwame's jaw tightened. "Yeah, of course you would. But you never did the same for me."
The room went dead silent. Forks froze mid air.
Kwame exhaled. "Let's just eat. Forget I said anything."
Uncle Mike's expression softened. "You know I'd do anything to make you happy, don't you?"
"Yeah, of course you would," Kwame said, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Now let's eat."