Chapter 1 – The beginning

“You know that I’m all in for a good romcom.” Chester rose to speak. “But God, that was really cheesy.” He laughed as the credits of the movie appeared on the screen, now taking his attention from the TV and looking up to his friend. The two of them were laying on Mike’s couch, snuggled up with each other, watching a movie. “Wait. Are you crying?”

“What? No, it’s um, just my allergies.” The dark-haired one replied wiping away a tear.

The other one giggled. “Sure.”

The half-Japanese stuck his tongue out at him. “But you’re right, it really was cheesy. Next time, you can choose the movie again.” He smiled, with his left arm still holding on to his friend who lay between his legs, his upper body rested on Mike’s stomach.

It was always like that. Every Sunday they met for a movie or two and had some food before that. Sometimes they cooked something simple like pasta with sauce but most of the time they just ordered a pizza or Chinese food. Yes, they always were cuddling like that with each other too, even though there were just friends. The petite one had a boyfriend for almost six months now and the half-Japanese, who had relationships not just with the same sex but also with women, had broken up with his girlfriend two weeks ago, after them being together for four months. But despite them being that close, it really was never something sexual.

“You know, that’s going to be a horror movie then, right?” Chester asked with a grin.

“I don’t mind.” The dark-haired one replied. “I mean, I know that you’re only looking for an excuse to flee into my strong arms.” He added with a smirk.

“Oh, come on. As if I would need a movie for you to want to get into my pants.” The petite one rolled his eyes playfully. They looked at each other again, and both fell into a fit of laughter.

The sudden sound of a vibrating phone made them jump.

Chester quickly got up, reaching into his backpack which he had put next to the couch earlier. While his attention was drawn to his phone, Mike got up as well, grabbing the empty pizza boxes and soda cans from the coffee table and bringing them into the small open kitchen next to the living room.

Some seconds later the petite one joined him, sitting down on one of the two chairs at the small table, watching the half-Japanese cleaning up.

After he had turned on the dishwasher, he leaned on the counter, looking at Chester. “So, what happened?”

The other one rose an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, that I think something happened between you and your significant other. You haven’t mentioned Steve once the whole evening.” Mike said with a gentle smile. “Did you guys fight?”

Chester blushed. “Well, no, not exactly.”

“So?” The half-Japanese asked.

His friend sighed. “It’s stupid. I was jealous for no good reason.” He replied with a weak smile.

Mike sat down at the table now too. “Why?”

“I don’t know. For weeks now he’s mentioning this new colleague Samantha, and I really tried to not let it get to me, but somehow, before I left to come here, I couldn't take it any longer. I mean, we haven’t had sex for almost three weeks now. Every time I’ve tried to make a move, he said he wasn’t in the mood or whatever.” Chester replied, sounding sad with a hint of anger. “And well, as I was about to get ready to come here, he got a text and I saw how a grin flashed over his face and when I asked him about it, he said it was Samantha and that they were talking about work, and that she had said something funny. And then well, I just snapped.”

The dark-haired one thought for a second. He still hasn’t grown very fond of Steve. Something about him seemed edgy. However, talking bad about him wouldn’t be a good idea as it seemed that he really hadn’t done anything wrong here.

“See, you’re staying silent because you too think that I’ve overreacted.” The blond rose to speak again.

“I didn’t say anything because I just thought that your lack of sexual interactions explains why you kept touching my butt the whole evening.” Mike replied and started to grin.

“You are an idiot.” Chester laughed.

“But seriously, I mean, yeah, maybe you did overreact a little. Next time you should try to talk to him earlier and not be sexual frustrated for three weeks.” The half-Japanese smiled gently.

“Yeah, you’re right. I mean, he did text me a minute ago and said that he wants to make up for it and that he takes me out for dinner tomorrow and when I come home today, I’ll apologize and well, maybe I get laid tonight.” The blonde man said with a grin.

“Thank God. I mean, you know that I feel flattered but I’m not sure, if my ass could take this another evening.” Mike acted playfully relieved, making the other one laugh out loud.

“You wish!” He grinned and got up. “Goodbye Michael.” Chester whispered into his friend’s ear before giving him a peck on the right cheek.

Now it was Mike’s turn to laughed out loud. “Get out!” He said with a grin. The other one knew very well that he didn't like to be called by his full first name.

The blond giggled. “Love you.” He said, grabbing his jacket from the back rest of the couch and his backpack as he made his way to the door.

“Love you too.” The half-Japanese replied, watching as his friend leaves the apartment.

As the door clunk shut, he smiled. He really loved their movie nights.

Three days later, Mike yawned as he stepped into the office in the morning. The early shift wasn’t his favorite. However, he liked his job in customer service. Even though, it was a call center and his heart belonged to the arts, especially drawing and music, he just liked helping people. Of course, he didn’t plan on working here forever but for now it was perfect. He shared the office with two of his friends from high school, Rob and Brad, and had met Chester and Dave, which too became part of their circle of friends. Also, there was Joe, Dave's roommate, who worked in the same building but for another company on another floor.

“Morning Mike.” One of his colleagues greeted him, as he made his way to his desk.

“Hi John.” The half-Japanese replied with a smile before taking off his jacket and putting down his backpack as he stopped next to his chair. After switching on his computer, he made his way into the break room to get himself some coffee. It really was early.

With the steaming hot cup in his hand, he sat down at his desk a few minutes later. After taking a sip, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Even though he didn’t like being at work this early, he enjoyed the silence in the morning.

The sudden ringing of his phone made him jump. ’Who calls me at 7 a.m.?’ He thought and quickly grabbed his backpack from the ground before he started rummaging through it. Five seconds later he had finally found his phone. Looking at the display he immediately rolled his eyes. It was Anna, his ex-girlfriend. He really wasn’t in the mood to put up with whatever she wanted now. He turned the sound off and waited a few more seconds until she gave up and the vibration stopped. He sighed again, putting the phone away. Knowing Anna, it wouldn’t be long until she tried to call him again. Anyway, as he now had some peace and quiet, he started working.

“So, did you get lucky the other night?” Mike asked with a grin, looking at Chester before putting some lettuce into his mouth. He and some of his colleagues were having lunch break.

The other one laughed out loud. “Yeah, thank God.” His friend replied.

“Guys could you please not talk about one of you having sex? I’m eating here.” Dave interfered, making a face.

“Say, when was the last time you got laid?” Chester looked at the red-haired one with a smirk.

“I don’t want to talk about my sex life either.” His friend replied, rolling his eyes.

“Oh, that long ago?” The half-Japanese interfered with a grin.

Suddenly the door to the break room opened.

“Brad! Thank God.” Dave said, as he caught sight of the curly-haired man.

“Are they talking about inappropriate things again?” He laughed, making his way to the fridge.

“They always do.” The other one answered, rolling his eyes again as he took another bite of his sandwich.

“We were just chatting a little.” The petite interfered with a grin.

“Talking about you having sex isn’t chatting.” Dave answered.

“I’m sorry, but I thought, as my friend, you’d be interested in my private life too.” Chester shrugged his shoulders, acting innocent.

Mike and Brad giggled.

“Alright, I, as your friend, would very much appreciate it, if you, at least for a little while, could stop talking about your private life. Please.” The red-haired one replied with a straight face but soon started to smile. He couldn’t be mad at his friend.

"Sure.” The petite one grinned. “So, let’s talk about your bachelor party. Are you sure you don’t want a lot of alcohol and some naked women?” Chester asked the curly-haired man who now had taken a seat at their table too.

“I don’t need any other naked girl. I have Elisa and she's fucking stunning with and without clothes.” Brad smiled, stirring his left-over pasta salad.

“God, that’s so cheesy and so adorable at the same time.” Mike laughed, covering his mouth so he wouldn’t spit his food.

“Too cheesy? Do you need a tissue?” Chester looked at the half-Japanese and a smirk started to form on his lips.

“Shut up!” The other one replied with a smile, well knowing that his friend referred to him shedding a tear last time on their movie night.

“But we do can get drunk, do we?” The petite one then asked.

“Of course.” Brad grinned. “That’s the reason why we’re not getting married right after my bachelor and her bachelorette party.”

“And because you two are getting married in Las Vegas and every day added would just cost too much money.” Dave interfered laughing.

“Yeah, that too.” Brad joined him. “Also, Elisa has a business trip which she needs to go one before the wedding. But as we said on our wedding invitations, your rooms will be ready a day before the wedding, so we can have a drink or gamble before the big day.”

“Man, I can’t wait to gamble a little. I've never been to Las Vegas.” Mike sounded excited, taking a sip of his water.

“Me too.” Dave interfered, smiling.

“Same. I even saved some money from my last check just to spend it on that.” Chester said laughing.

A sudden movement from the half-Japanese drew everyone's attention.

Mike looked at his phone before shoving it back into his pocket after a few seconds and sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Brad rose to speak.

“Anna’s trying to call me for the third time today.” The half-Japanese replied, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

“What does she want?” The curly-haired man asked before eating another spoonful of his noodles.

The half-Japanese shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t know and don’t care.”

“Maybe she just forgot something at your place. Don’t ignore her.” Chester interfered with a soft smile before taking a sip of his water.

A few seconds passed.

Mike sigh. “Maybe you're right.” He replied. “But I don’t want to put up with her shit anymore.”

“I’m always right.” The blonde one grinned. “And the sooner you get it over with, the sooner she stops bothering you.”

“That’s true.” Dave agreed.

“Alright, I’ll call her later.” The half-Japanese said, rolling his eyes playfully. He knew that his friend was right.

“Good boy.” Chester grinned again, making Mike sticking his tongue out at him once more.

Suddenly the door to the break room opened, drawing everyone's attention. It was Charlie, their boss.

“Hi guys, I’m sorry to interrupt your lunch, but I really need at least two of you back at their desks. There are a lot of customers waiting on the phone.” She said, standing in the doorway and looking at her employees.

“No problem, I’m done anyway.” Dave replied and got up.

“Me too.” The petite one rose to speak, getting up as well.

After they had put away their dishes and remains of food, the two of them followed Charlie out of the room.

As the door clunk shut, Mike turned to look at Brad. “Are you excited for your big day?” He asked with a smile. He knew that his friend was happy. Elisa was the first woman he had called his girlfriend after just one month of dating. Before that he really wasn’t the type for long term relationships.

The curly-haired man started to smile. “I can’t wait. She’s perfect.”

The half-Japanese smiled as well before they continued eating in silence.

Later that day Mike sat on his sofa, watching TV, as the doorbell rang. He put his soda away and went to open the door, knowing, that it was Anna. He had called her back after work and instead of telling him on the phone what she wanted, she’d asked to come over.

“Hi.” She greeted him and waved after he had opened the door.

“Hi.” Mike replied, stepping aside. “Come on in.”

A few seconds later they both walked into the living room. “Do you want something to drink?” The half-Japanese asked while making his way to the kitchen.

“Water please.” Anna answered.

“So, what is it that you couldn’t tell me over the phone?” He looked at her questioning as he then walked to the sofa, where she had already taken a seat and handed her a bottle of water before sitting down as well.

Anna took a sip before she started to smile. “I’m pregnant.”

“What?” Was the first thing Mike replied.

“I’m pregnant and you’re the father.” The woman repeated.

“No, you can’t be serious.” The half-Japanese was stunned. He would have never expected this kind of news.

“I know, it’s a shock. It was for me too but I’m serious.”

“But, but how? Didn’t you take birth control?”

“Well yeah, but do you remember our fight a few days before we split up?” She asked, not waiting for the other one to reply. “We had a lot to drink that evening too and ended up sleeping with each other. And well, I forgot to take it that day.”

There was a pause as Mike recalled that day. “Fuck.” He whispered.

“I could have not said this better myself.” Anna smiled softly. “The whole past week I had to throw up every morning, but I just thought I have the flu or something like that. But as the missing of my period added to it, I bought a few tests yesterday.”

“So, there’s no doubt?”

“There’s always a chance it’s something different. I mean, I do need to make a doctor's appointment to be completely sure, but I guess we should be prepared that the three tests I took are correct.”

There was silence for a minute.

“So, you want to keep it?”

“Of course, I do. Do you want me not to?”

“What? No, I’m sorry, I’m just overwhelmed.” Mike said, running his hand through his hair. He couldn't believe it.

“Yeah, that’s how I felt for the last 12 hours.” His ex-girlfriend replied, still smiling softly.

“I mean, I can’t really think straight right now but it’s kinda your decision anyway, you know.“ He paused. “I guess, I’m just not sure what to do.”

Anna nodded. “I thought about an abortion but decided against it. I mean, I wanted kids someday anyway.” She shrugged her shoulders. “And I guess, you being the father isn’t the worst thing that can happen.” The woman grabbed Mike's hand, squeezing it. “I mean, we both are good looking, smart and have good genes in general. This baby will have the best of everything.”

As Anna started to talk about how they should furnish the nursery and that Mike needed to talk to his boss about a raise and where to move, so to have a good school near them, he stayed silent.

The half-Japanese faked a smile and just nodded, not paying attention to her words anymore. Why did his life had to change from one minute to another just like that?

“How sure is she?” Dave asked.

“She said that her doctor’s appointment is in about three weeks because until that it’s somehow not official.” Mike replied. “But, um, she took a hand full of pregnancy tests which were all positive.”

It was the next day and he, Dave, Brad, Chester and Rob were at work. But despite the fact, that they actually needed to work and also wanted to talk about their friend's bachelor party, which was the next evening, the half-Japanese and his pregnant ex-girlfriend were their number one topic.

“Well okay, so let’s say she is pregnant. Who says that you’re the father?” Brad asked.

“Yeah, can’t you make a test or something like that?” Chester interfered.

“I’ve have already looked it up online.” Mike sighed. “But it’s really expensive as long as the baby isn’t born yet.” He smiled weakly. He still didn’t know how he should feel about all of this.

ring ring

The ringing of Dave’s phone made them jump a little.

Quickly the red-haired one took the call. Meanwhile, the others focused back on Mike.

“Wow, I would have never thought that you’d be the first to have child.” The blond said after clicking on his computer a few times to send the e-mail he had just written along the way.

Brad nodded. “Same.”

“But still, I’m excited.” Chester rose to speak again. “I mean, if the baby is lucky, it will have more of your genes than Anna’s. So, it’ll be smart and pretty cute.” He grinned, making the other three giggle. “Also, I can’t wait to be an uncle. I can teach it all the important things in life.” He chuckled.

“Like what? Not being able to find the men’s restroom when drunk?” The curly-haired one answered laughing.

“That only happened one time!” The blond defended himself.

“You mean this month.” Brad replied with a grin. “Thank God the baby isn’t going to get your orientation skills.” He laughed again, making Chester stuck his tongue out at him.

“Can we please not talk about Anna anymore?” Mike smiled weakly. “It’s your bachelor party tomorrow so you must be the center of attention, not me.”

“He’s right.” Rob interfered, smiling at him encouraging. “So, I guess the location hasn’t changed since yesterday?” He looked at Brad questioning.

“Nope.” The other one replied, looking at his friends. As Dave had finished his call, he now focused on him as well. “And I’ve reserved a table a little more separate for us at 7 p.m.” He smiled.

"And I guess, there really won't be a stripper, right?” Rob continued asking with a grin.

“Nope.” Brad repeated his statement, laughing.

“Joe will be very sad about this.” Chester interfered and giggled.

“Me too.” Mike stated, making everyone laugh as well.

“Guys, I’m glad that you’re all working at the same time today and are having fun.” Charlie’s voice suddenly sounded. “But I have on requested.” She paused. “Less talking, more working.” Their boss winked.

“Sorry.” The five men answered in union, all smiling sheepishly before focusing back on their work.