Two lovers one decision My boyfriend or My roommate

I ended up making my boyfriend, Asher Swanson, cry on his birthday.

Because the person who shared an uncanny resemblance to him—had returned.

1

When Leland White appeared unannounced, I froze. His familiar features sent me spiraling into memories.

Six years overseas, and now here he stood.

Asher's expression darkened when he noticed my lingering gaze, his fingers tightening around mine in a silent reminder.

I snapped back to reality and shifted my eyes away guiltily.

Someone from our group recognized Leland greeted him warmly.

"Leland, long time no see! You're finally back. Hey, Leland looks a bit like Asher, doesn't he... "

The speaker trailed off, laughter brittle as the unspoken truth hung heavy in the air.

"Haha, just a coincidence, right?"

"Yeah, just a coincidence. Handsome people do tend to look alike."

"Mm, genetics work in mysterious ways."

Everyone in the room laughed awkwardly. All eyes kept darting between the two men like spectators at a tennis match.

The truth was undeniable—Asher Swanson and Leland White could've passed for brothers.

2

"Michelle. It's been years. And who's 'this?" Leland approached with that familiar polished grace, his smile the same disarming curve I remembered from high school.

His attention locked onto Asher's features.

"Long time no see, " I replied calmly with smile, introducing Asher, "This is Asher Swanson, my boyfriend."

Leland's voice was as elegant and soothing as a gentle piano melody, exuding warmth. "I came straight from the airport when I heard you were here, so I thought I'd drop by to see you," his smile turned apologetic. "Didn't realize it was your friend's birthday party."

No wonder there was an unmistakable fatigue between his brows; he must still be adjusting to the time difference.

Shouldering past Asher, he went to the bar to pour himself a drink.

"Forgive my empty hands," he raised his glass. "Three shots now, proper gift next time."

I remembered he once said he couldn't hold his liquor well. "No need, you can't handle alcohol... "

Asher's fingers closed around mine, his smile slightly restrained.

He was like a hedgehog with its quills raised in alertness. "Michelle, who is this?"

At the same time, Leland put down his glass, staring at me intently.

My mind raced, and I chose to downplay the situation. "He's my senior from high school, Asher, you've heard of him. Leland White, heir to the White Group."

Leland's eyes dimmed.

While Asher stared at him with a complex expression.

3

The atmosphere at the party grew increasingly tense.

Everyone's smiles looked oddly forced.

When the party ended, I realized I'd forgotten my bag. I went back to retrieve it while telling Asher to bring the car around.

But as I headed toward the elevator with my bag, just before rounding the corner, I heard Leland and Asher's voices.

I froze mid-step.

Leland drawled in his typical measured tone, "You know Michelle was madly in love with me back then."

"She's with me now." Asher didn't even look at him, but brows knitted tightly.

"Really? Then why are you my carbon copy? A knockoff remains a knockoff." Leland taunted.

My heart lurched.

Had Leland grown this explicit over the years?

A fist connected with flesh.

Asher spun around wordlessly. Without letting Leland finish the taunt, his fist shot out.

I gasped and lunged forward, seizing Leland's arm. "Asher, stop!"

I knew Leland had trained in martial arts.

The crowd came running at the noise, prying them apart.

Half a minute later, I wedged myself between them to halt the confrontation.

The tension dissipated as both men regained composure.

Leland's demeanor shifted like turning a page. "My apologies," he said with a courteous smile. "I misspoke and provoked Asher."

Asher snorted, "Shouldn't I hit back when provoked?"

Seeing the onlookers' expressions of curiosity, I shot him a warning look. "You're drunk, Asher."

Asher stiffened, his lips parted slightly as he stared at me, but no words came.

As we departed, Leland dabbed at his bleeding lip and gave us a thin smile.

4

Inside the car.

Asher clutched me close, his face buried in the curve of my neck.

His voice cracked with anguish, "Michelle, tell me—what am I to you? What's Leland's place in this?"

How could I answer that?

My hands shook imperceptibly.

I managed a weak smile, rubbing his back in reassurance. "You've got this wrong, Asher."

Asher raised his head, eyes rimmed red, searching my gaze for truth.

I pulled him into an embrace, my hair grazing his collarbone.