The Same Form of Like - By Tahira Sarap

Written By: Tahira Sarap

Category: Flash Fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Tahira Sarap presents a compelling narrative in her flash fiction piece titled "The Same Form of Like," submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This engaging and heartfelt story delves into the complexities of friendship and the unspoken layers of emotion that often accompany it. Through vivid imagery and poignant moments, Tahira captures the essence of fleeting connections and the courage it takes to voice one's true feelings.

About the Work

"The Same Form of Like" is a tender exploration of the intricate emotions that bind friendships, especially when faced with the inevitability of separation. Tahira Sarap deftly conveys the silent turmoil of unexpressed love, using a serene lakeside setting as the backdrop. The narrative's emotional depth is enriched by its evocative imagery, casting light on the universal struggle to articulate feelings that transcend simple friendship.

The Same Form of Like

Original Submission by Tahira Sarap

Name: Tahira Sarap

Email: tahira.sarap@gmail.com

Category: Flash Fiction

Word Count: 663 words

The Same Form of Like

The sun was warm on his skin. Meer looked down at his feet, bringing his toes close together and spreading them, every now and then.

The silence would have been suffocating if he thought about it, but Meer wasn't thinking, not right now, anyway.

"I will miss you when I'm gone," his best friend sighed.

"Mn," Meer gave a short reply. He felt a small pebble under his palm, picking it up to throw it into the lake that was reflecting the setting sun.

"Hey~ I said I will miss~ you~" his best friend leaned slightly forward to look at him, eyes crinkling with a teasing expression.

They were seated right next to each other, at the edge of the lake.

Meer's best friend was moving tomorrow… too soon. He couldn't find the right words to describe his feelings just the day before. But as Meer’s vision blurred and he looked up, he felt himself exhale.

He threw the pebble, watching it skip several times before drowning, ignoring the way his best friend's eyes had widened at the tears streaming down his face.

Meer thinks that if the lake were his feelings, he would probably be the small pebble compared to it, too small to fight his feelings, to not voice them when it engulfs his whole being.

"... I like you," so I will probably miss you so much more, Meer leaves unsaid. He looks at his best friend's face, expecting disappointment, even disgust.

He is caught by surprise when he gets tackled to the ground instead. "And I... like you so much more." His best friend's weight on Meer was comforting, even though his hands trembled as they hugged him tightly.

Meer wonders if they mean it in the same way. In the same way that, when he thinks about separating, he knows a part of him will lose its colour. He wonders if he would make a similar void in his best friend's life.

Is there any difference in their feelings? There has to be, right? It's complicated; having different forms of liking but using the same word and pronunciation.

Meer knows from how, whenever he gets caught staring at his best friend, that his form of liking is not normal. He should have taken this conversation to his grave, but as he reciprocates the hug, Meer whispers, "Can I kiss you?"

It felt like the world stilled in that moment. Meer wondered if he went too far. He wondered if his best friend understood what he meant, as he felt him pull away from the hug.

"It's unfair that you ask me to do this when I'm supposed to leave today." Meer looked up; the sunset shone around his best friend's hair in a way that made his breath get caught in his throat.

His best friend settled with his hands on either side of Meer’s head, on the ground. "I will hate you if you don't stay with me forever after this," his best friend huffed.

When their lips were an inch apart, Meer closed his eyes, his tears now pooling on the outer corners of his eyes as he felt lighter in his heart.

Meer smiled. So they both meant the same thing. The same form of like. The type that threatens to pull you down, deep under and leave you gasping for air, but you allow it anyway because you found something more precious than your own heart.

Their lips touched, and this time, the world didn't still. The world seemed to think it insignificant as it blew a light breeze over them both, carrying the cicadas' chirping.

It felt as insignificant as the beautiful sunset, as insignificant as the rippling of the water when something touches it, as insignificant as a girl and boy kissing, and as insignificant as the world still spinning no matter who you have feelings for.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that celebrates the diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. This competition provides a platform for writers to showcase their unique stories and connect with a global audience, fostering an appreciation for the art of storytelling in its many forms.

We extend our gratitude to Tahira Sarap for her beautiful submission, "The Same Form of Like," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your heartfelt storytelling has enriched our collection of creative works, and we celebrate your contribution to the world of flash fiction. Thank you for sharing your voice with us.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.