MILES
After Tyler and I had dinner at his place, we decided to stop by his café. Undeterred, we approached the café, its tall glass windows providing a glimpse of the cozy interior within. Tyler fumbled for his keys, his eyes reflecting a mix of excitement and determination. "Want some Hot chocolate?" he asked, a twinkle of excitement in his voice.
"Sure!" I enthusiastically said as I nodded in response.
Curiosity piqued, I followed him to the side entrance of the café. With a careful twist of the key, the heavy glass door swung open, inviting us into the enchanting world within. The room was bathed in shadows, but the gentle glow of the street lamps delicately illuminated the space, casting a soft and mysterious ambiance.
We stepped inside, and the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee tickled our noses, even in the absence of bustling customers. The café's charm remained intact, with quaint wooden tables and chairs neatly arranged across the room. The modern yet aesthetic decorations whispered stories from the present, effortlessly blending with the shadows that danced playfully along the walls.
Tyler led me toward the counter, where he switched on a few soft lamps. Their warm light flickered to life, casting a gentle glow across the space. The room came alive with a sense of quiet enchantment as if it knew it was welcoming a special visitor after hours.
As Tyler prepared our hot chocolate, the silence between us was comforting, almost sacred. It seemed as though time had paused for this brief interlude, allowing us to savor the tranquility of the café devoid of its usual patrons. The subdued lighting made everything feel intimate and personal as if we had stumbled upon a hidden sanctuary reserved only for a select few.
I sat over the wooden table, my hands tracing the intricate carvings that adorned its surface. From my spot in this room, I could hear the distant echoes of laughter and music floating down from the vibrant party that was taking place upstairs.
"They must be having so much fun up there," I said to myself, looking up at the ceiling. I struggled to summon a smile to mask my nerves. It had taken all my courage to come to this event, and now I feared the possibility of facing the same bullying and isolation I had experienced in the past. I bowed my head slightly, trying my best to hide my apprehension from Tyler. Lost in my thoughts, I felt a sudden, gentle pressure on my hands. Startled, I looked down to see Tyler standing in front of me, his familiar smile reaching his eyes.
"You don't have to hide, you know," he whispered, his voice filled with compassion.
I sighed, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. Tyler had become my rock, the source of warmth and comfort in a sea of uncertainty. His presence alone alleviated some of my fears.
"But what if they start teasing me again?" I managed to murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. Memories of past taunts and sneering faces haunted me, making every social interaction a minefield of potential humiliation.
Tyler's grip on my hands tightened reassuringly. "They won't, and even if they do, remember that you're not alone this time. I'm here with you, and we can face whatever comes our way together."
His words felt like a lifeline, pulling me back from the depths of my fear. I mustered up the courage to lift my gaze and meet his eyes. The confident determination shining in his eyes, mirroring my dreams of acceptance and belonging, gave me hope for a brighter future.
Taking a deep breath, I smiled even more as I hugged him. The scent of his cologne filled my senses, and I couldn't help but revel in the warmth of his embrace. The moment I hugged him, I felt his heart beating so fast, as if it were trying to escape from his chest. It took him a couple of seconds before he hugged me back, his arms wrapping around me with a tenderness that made my heart flutter.
I looked up at Tyler, and I couldn't hold back the happiness radiating from within me. With his sparkling gray eyes and a mischievous smile, he had a way of making every moment feel special. As we stood there, holding each other, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was living in a dream. It was almost too good to be true.
Minutes later, we found ourselves sitting side by side over the table, cupping steaming mugs of hot chocolate in our hands. The first sip was a revelation symphony of flavors that danced across our taste buds. We chuckled, marveling at the unexpected joy of experiencing this café and how it had transformed a seemingly ordinary night into something extraordinary.
CLARK
As the music blared and laughter filled the air, I found myself lost in the rhythm of the party. Surrounded by my teammates, we moved in sync on the dance floor, reveling in the celebratory atmosphere. But amidst the festivities, my thoughts kept drifting back to Tyler.
As the clock struck ten, my anticipation grew, and I couldn't help but glance at the entrance now and then, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. But he was nowhere to be found. What made it even more frustrating was that Jessica, the most annoying girl I know, felt the need to continuously remind us of Tyler's absence.
"Clark!" Jessica's voice carried over the music, punctuating the night like an unwelcome alarm. I downed the vodka, giving myself a sense of urgency, and elbowed my way towards her, determined to escape her clutches before she could reach me.
I walked out onto the center of the crowded dance floor, the pulsating music reverberating through my entire body. Frantically rubbing my face with my hands, I struggled to alleviate the irritation and lightheadedness that had settled upon me. Lost in my world, I unintentionally knocked into someone as I blindly made my way through the sea of people.
Embarrassed, I immediately turned to look at the person I had bumped into, ready to apologize profusely. But as soon as my eyes met theirs, words caught in my throat, and I stood frozen, completely speechless. It was Erin, the subject of my long-running crush, standing before me, radiating an ethereal beauty that captivated my every fiber.
At that moment, time seemed to stand still as I took in her presence. Erin, dressed in a dazzling glitter outfit, sparkled under the pulsating lights, her smile illuminating the room. Her eyes held a twinkle of mischief and a hint of familiarity as if she knew of the secret feelings I had harbored for her all this time.
As my eyes locked with Erin's mesmerizing gaze, everything around us seemed to fade into the background. Time stood still, and my heart raced with both excitement and nervousness. I couldn't believe that I had bumped into her amidst the bustling dance floor. All the irritation and dizziness I had felt earlier seemed to vanish as if they had never existed.
"E-erin, Hi!" I stammered, desperately trying to get rid of the awkward moment between us. She smiled at me, her eyes sparkling with warmth. Her presence alone had always held the power to make my heart skip a beat. I was about to say something to break the silence that hung heavy in the air when, suddenly, she interrupted me.
"I'm sorry, I gotta go; see you around, Clark," she said, avoiding my gaze and walking away from me. Her words echoed in my mind as I watched her fade into the distance.
"Damn it!" I murmured to myself, frustration bubbling within me like a wild tempest. It felt like a dagger had been thrust through my heart, leaving me hollow and bewildered. I stood frozen, watching her slender figure disappear into the distance, my mind racing to find an explanation for her sudden departure. Was it something I did? Was it something I said?
Try as I might, I couldn't pinpoint a single error or misstep that might have pushed her away. The uncertainty clawed at my thoughts, twisting my stomach into knots.
"If you like her that much, why don't you just approach her and ask her out?" A familiar voice asked, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and understanding. His sudden question caught me off guard, and for a moment, I was speechless.
I turned around to find my twin brother, Klaus, smirking at me. "You scared the life out of me, man," I replied, trying to regain my composure.
Klaus chuckled, patting me on the back. "Sorry about that, Clark. But seriously, what's holding you back? It's been years, and you can't seem to take your eyes off her."
I looked up with a hint of frustration etched on my face. "I know, Klaus. Believe me, I wish it were that simple. It's just... complicated."
Klaus raised an eyebrow, interest piqued. "Complicated? How so?"
I took a moment to gather my thoughts, trying to put into words the complexity of my feelings, but then I realized that I didn't want to talk about it and decided to just change the topic.
"Anyway, have you seen Tyler?" I asked him, hoping he might have an answer. Klaus just shrugged his shoulders, his nonchalant expression contrasting with the concern in my eyes.
"Nope, why?" he asked nonchalantly, taking a sip of his red cup filled only with alcohol.
"That bitch, Jessica, keeps bothering me by asking for Tyler," I grumbled, frustration evident in my voice.
"You can just tell her to back off, and she'll stop," he simply said, leaning in closer to be heard.
"Do you hate her that much?" I asked, my voice filled with genuine curiosity. Klaus' intense gaze sent shivers down my spine. I had never seen him look so serious before.
"I don't know her anymore, Clark; she changed so much after she joined that fucking squad," he replied, his voice laced with disappointment. He lifted his red cup to his lips, his hands trembling slightly. "And her delusional attitude is getting worse every single day."
"I've got to go; my boyfriend's here," Klaus whispered to me, his gaze darting nervously toward the entrance of the room. I nodded, understanding the unspoken request for secrecy, and watched as he made his way toward a familiar figure.
Klaus approached Charles, their gestures casual, their faces adorned with friendly smiles. To any onlooker, it was as if they were simply two close friends greeting each other. But I knew better. As Klaus's twin brother, I have been privy to their secret relationship for a long time now.
It had been a gradual discovery, one that had unfolded quietly over the years. I had sensed a connection between them-subtle glances exchanged across the school hallways, moments of stolen affection when they thought no one was watching. And through it all, I kept their secret as my own, understanding the need for caution in a world that often feels too judgmental.
"Hey!" I heard a man greet me, tapping me on my shoulder so I turned to look at him.
"Thank goodness, Tyler, you came!" I said happily as I hugged him
"What took you so long?" I asked with a playful smile, trying to break the ice. He didn't say a word. Instead, his gaze shifted nervously towards the boy standing beside him.
"Miles, you came too!" I exclaimed, putting on a cheery tone as I approached him. With genuine warmth, I enveloped him in a tight hug, hoping to convey my excitement and make him feel welcome.
Miles stiffened for a moment, seemingly taken aback by the unexpected embrace. Slowly, he relaxed into the hug, reciprocating with tentative but genuine affection. It was as if a burden had lifted off his shoulders, and the vulnerability he carried faded away, if only for that moment.
"Welcome to the party!" I exclaimed. "Let me guess, you had dinner together, didn't you?" I teased, raising an eyebrow playfully. Miles averted his gaze, his cheeks reddening slightly, while Tyler broke into a mischievous grin.
"Guilty as charged," Tyler admitted, his eyes twinkling.
"So you did, I see. By the way, Ty, can you show your face around before you hide yourself away again from the crowd? Because some bitches won't stop bothering me asking for you," I said with a hint of frustration in my voice, so both Miles and I laughed. They both looked at each other for a few seconds as if Tyler were asking Miles' permission before he spoke again. What's up with them?
"Alright, but just for a little while," he finally replied, his voice tinged with reluctance as he started walking towards where our colleagues were gathered at the party. But before he could get close, a woman approached him, and I was not mistaken; it was Jessica.
Jessica held tight to Tyler as they stood on the crowded dance floor, swaying to the rhythm of the music that filled the air. Her fingers curled around his arm, and her body pressed against his, signaling a possessiveness that caught the attention of onlookers.
From a distance, I observed the scene with a mix of curiosity and unease. It was evident that Jessica was flirting with Tyler, her eyes brimming with desire and mischief. But what struck me was Tyler's response-an unwavering kindness, as if he believed this behavior was acceptable.
I couldn't help but wonder about the nature of their relationship. Was Tyler intentionally overlooking Jessica's advances, or was he genuinely unaware of her intentions? I was determined to unravel this enigmatic connection.
"By the way, Miles, do you drink?" I asked Miles as I looked at him. But I was caught off guard when I noticed his gaze fixated on Tyler and Jessica. I couldn't help but be intrigued by the unusual expression etched across his face. It appeared as though he had been pierced through the heart.
"Miles?" I called again, watching as he snapped back to reality, his vacant stare replaced by a smile. "I'm sorry?" he said, his voice tinged with confusion. I chuckled softly, relieved to see him present once more.
"Oh, I was just asking if you drink," I repeated, studying his reaction closely. It was apparent that he was having second thoughts about his answer. A mixture of hesitation and curiosity flickered in his eyes.
"Yes, I drink, but only a little because I get drunk easily," he said, his voice tinged with apprehension. I nodded sympathetically, understanding the sentiment all too well. I gestured for him to follow me towards the minibar, where a wide range of alcoholic beverages were neatly arranged.
I grabbed two red cups and poured a modest amount of clear vodka into both. As I handed him one, a slight chuckle escaped my lips. It was not out of mockery but rather a lighthearted response to his nervousness. His hands trembled slightly as he accepted the cup, cupping it with both hands as if it were fragile glass. I couldn't help but find his caution endearing.
Suddenly, I noticed a group of people huddled in the corner of the room, their voices carrying over the buzz of conversations. My curiosity piqued, and I couldn't help but approach, hoping to catch a glimpse of their secretive discussion. However, as I drew closer, my blood began to boil at the words that reached my ears.
The subject of their conversation was none other than Miles. Eager to know the truth, I leaned in a little closer, my heart pounding in my chest. Their murmured words mingled with hushed laughter, and it became clear that they were spreading malicious gossip, tarnishing Miles' character. Anger surged through me like a tidal wave, and I had to bite my tongue to keep from lashing out at them.
"Oh my god, why is he here?" I heard a girl say to her companions while looking at Miles from head to toe. It was Jeri, an ex-member of the cheerleader squad, with her clique of perfectly groomed friends. I peered from the corner of the hallway, curious about the sudden commotion.
"And why is he with Clark anyway?" one of them exclaimed, prompting laughter from the rest of the group. "Is he hitting on him? Because that's disgusting."
My heart sank as those words reached my ears. It was clear that the speaker couldn't grasp the true essence of love and acceptance. These words carried a touch of ignorance and prejudice, riddled with homophobia.
My eyes were drawn to the guy who had uttered the offensive statement. He seemed like an ordinary teenager, with tousled hair and a mischievous grin. But behind that facade, his words revealed a limited perspective, one that dismissed the validity of relationships between two men.
"And oh, did you hear that Miles is hanging out with Tyler a lot now? I think he's trying to seduce Tyler too," a girl said, her voice tinged with a mix of intrigue and judgment as she took a sip of her drink.
The news spread like wildfire amongst the group, and their eyes widened with shock and curiosity. The possibility of a forbidden love triangle within their close-knit community intrigued them beyond measure.
"Really? OMG!" exclaimed one girl, clearly caught up in the scandal. "Is she hitting on Tyler too? If so, is he in the whole jock club? What a whore!" The friends burst into laughter, fueling their minds with more ideas and scenarios.
"We should do something about it," The other guy said.
As I noticed Miles fidgeting uncomfortably, his eyes darting around nervously, I decided enough was enough. I couldn't stand idly by while my friend got sucked further into this maze of deception and paranoia.
I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself, and angrily approached the group. Their conversation reached a crescendo as I interrupted them, my voice laden with frustration and concern. "I'm done listening to that nonsense," I proclaimed, my words hanging heavily in the air.
The group went silent, their eyes widening in surprise at my outburst. Feeling a mix of defiance and worry for Miles, I continued, "What are you going to do about it? Expose him, spread rumors at school, or worse, bully him?"
This unexpected confrontation caught them off guard, and for a moment, they couldn't find their voice. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, I snapped. "Excuse me, but can you guys just shut your filthy mouths and get out of here instead of minding other people's business? Because literally, you're getting on my nerves now!" I screamed, so they almost jumped. It's a good thing no one can hear us very much.
"And just so you know, Miles is Tyler's friend now-our friend-so you better not say anything bad about him! If ever I hear from you guys again, I'll kick your asses, all of you! Now get lost!" I said to them angrily. The group bowed their heads in embarrassment and were about to leave, but I spoke again.
"Do you think I would just let you go that easy? Apologize to Miles first before you fuck leave this place." They nodded as they walked up to Miles and apologized. They quickly exited the room after offering their apologies.
"Why'd you do that, Clark? They were terrified," Miles said to me as I approached him. He's too good to be treated like that. I sighed, feeling a twinge of guilt and remorse tugging at the edges of my conscience.
"I don't tolerate people like them, Miles," I said, my voice filled with a mix of frustration and anger. "And I can't just let them say whatever they want to say to my friend to you. I don't care if they're scared; it's their fault. They saw it coming."
Miles looked at me with a curious expression on his face. "You know, I used to think all jocks were the same," he admitted. "But you've shown me that it's not true."
I smiled at him, acknowledging his words. "I may be a jock, Miles, but that doesn't mean I'm a bad person or a bully. Just like Tyler, we treat everyone the way they deserve to be treated."
Miles' eyes widened with surprise. "You're right. I'm sorry for stereotyping jocks."
I just shrugged my shoulders, accepting his apology. "No need to apologize, man. It's fine, those stupid cringe movies started it, though, where the jocks were always portrayed as the bad guys." I said chuckling.
"Anyway, Tyler will be hiding himself away from the crowd later on because he's not fond of the party that much, and he could use some company," I told him, gesturing towards Tyler's solitude.
Miles glanced over at Tyler, who was dancing on the dance floor with the rest of my teammates. Miles chuckled softly and turned back to me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "So, you're saying you want me to accompany him so he won't feel alone, right?" he asked, a playful grin spreading across his face.
I nodded, a shy smile forming on my lips. "Yeah, something like that," I replied, my voice barely audible over the cheerful din surrounding us.
Miles took a moment to consider my request before his grin widened. "Yeah, I'd love that," he replied.
Miles and I talked as we kept on drinking. I've got to admit, this is my first time talking to him, but it seems like we've known each other for a long time. It's fun to have him around. After a while, he told me that I should go back to my friends because my other team had called me. Miles, on the other hand, just went away to look for his friends too.