TYLER
As the first rays of morning light bathed the high school grounds, Monday morning came to life with a flurry of activity. Students hustled through the gates, their footsteps painting a symphony of hurried chatter. Backpacks slung over their shoulders, they made their way toward their respective classes, eager to see what the new week had in store for them.
I was sitting at our usual table in the common ground of our school with my friends Clark and Klaus. The sun was shining bright, casting a warm golden hue on the courtyard, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves on the trees. It was the perfect day to take a break from our usual soccer routine.
"Glad we decided to skip practice today," Clark said, taking a sip of his homemade iced tea. "I could use a change of pace."
Klaus nodded in agreement. "Me too. I love soccer, but sometimes it's good to give our bodies and minds a break."
As I was quietly scrolling on my phone, texting Miles via Instagram, I couldn't stop chuckling because of how strangely the two looked at me. The bemusement on their faces was almost comical as if they had just witnessed something absurd happening right in front of them, but I couldn't figure out what had caught their attention.
"Guys cut it already," I told them, chuckling, but they didn't listen and just continued to look at me with a suspenseful look on their faces.
"What's the matter, guys?" I asked, genuinely confused.
"Why didn't you tell us that you went to the café yesterday?" Clark suddenly asked with concern in the tone of his speech.
"If we hadn't gone there, we wouldn't have known," Klaus said, a little annoyed, so I stopped what I was doing and looked at both of them.
"I didn't think it was a big deal," I replied, trying to understand the sudden concern.
"But it is a big deal," Clark argued. "You know how dangerous that place is especially to you."
That café was once my home, but not after what happened. That place is where my birth mother died, whom I just met after Hanz Waldorf adopted me. 
...
For as long as I could remember, my mother and I lived in a small apartment above that quaint café in the heart of the bustling city. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of lively conversation wafted through the walls, making it feel like a warm embrace every time I stepped foot inside. The café was our sanctuary, our source of comfort, and our livelihood.
My mother, with her gentle smile and loving nature, was the heartbeat of that café. She dedicated her days to crafting delicious pastries and brewing the perfect cup of coffee. People from all walks of life flocked to our little establishment just to experience her culinary creations and soak in her matriarchal warmth.
But one fateful evening, everything changed.
It started like any other day. I was helping my mother in the kitchen, kneading dough for her famous cinnamon rolls when we heard a commotion outside. We rushed to see what was happening and were met with the sight of flames devouring the neighboring building. Panic ensued as people ran in every direction, desperate to escape the fiery chaos.
Without hesitation, my mother's maternal instincts kicked in. She grabbed my hand and guided me back inside the café. "Stay here, sweetie. I'll be right back," she said, her voice filled with determination.
Tears streamed down my face as I watched her disappear into the swirling smoke, hoping and praying for her safe return. The minutes felt like an eternity, and I clung to the hope that she would emerge unscathed. But fate, cruel and merciless, had other plans.
As the flames receded and the firefighters gained control, I stood frozen in front of what was left of our café. The air was heavy with the scent of charred wood and broken dreams. My heart pounded as I approached the burnt ruins, feeling a mix of grief, anger, and confusion.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. I couldn't bear to step foot inside the café, the place that held so many joy-filled memories now tainted with the pain of loss. The once vibrant atmosphere had turned into a haunting reminder of what I had lost.
But life, as it often does, offered a glimmer of hope amidst the dark.
One afternoon, as I stood outside the café, lost in my thoughts, my Dad, Hanz Waldorf, approached me. His eyes were filled with compassion as he shared that he was a friend of my mother, having frequented the café for years.
"I miss her too, you know," he said softly, his voice tinged with sadness. "Your mother was an extraordinary woman. The café meant everything to her."
His words filled my heart with a mix of bittersweet emotions. Suddenly, I realized that closing myself off from the café wouldn't bring my mother back. It was time to embrace her legacy and honor her memory. With the help of the stranger and the café's loyal patrons, we rebuilt what was lost.
...
I understand my friends' concern since they know everything that happened to me before. It had been years since that horrific incident, and the wounds in my heart had never fully healed. But I knew that day was going to be different. That day, I stepped back into that café, determined to face my fears head-on. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I had to prove to myself that I was stronger than the past that held me captive.
"Okay, look, I'm sorry if I didn't say anything about it, but all I want is to forget what happened there and move on, so I'm sorry; it's my fault; you have the right to be mad at me, so go ahead." When I apologized to Clark and Klaus, I thought they would get angry again, but no, instead I was greeted with their tight embrace.
"Look, Tyler, we're not angry; we're just worried about you, okay? Going there on your own scared us to death," Clark said while still hugging me.
"I know, but who said I was alone? I had company," I replied, so they suddenly let go of the hug and looked at me with a puzzled look on their faces.
"I know I'm not supposed to say anything about this, but I was with Miles all day yesterday. I helped him with his studies, more like I'm his tutor for his calculus subject." I couldn't contain my excitement as the words slipped out of my mouth. Seeing how their expressions changed was priceless. The twins, Clark and Klaus exchanged suspicious glances.
"What? Are you tutoring Miles? Miles O'Malley?" Clark's voice was filled with disbelief as he broke the silence.
"Yes, that's correct, the one and only," I simply replied as Klaus tried to contain his laughter.
Clark, unable to contain his surprise, blurted out, "Okay, so are you two friends now?"
"I'm glad to say that we are friends" Clark shrugged his shoulders before saying, "That's good news, then! Does that mean Miles and his friends could hang out with us starting anytime?" We heard Klaus chuckle.
"What are you laughing at? Dumbass," Clark irritated by asking his twin.
"You sure have your ways to get to her yes?" I laughed along with Klaus when he taunted his twin. Clark's expression of surprise caused his brother to laugh even more, which made him torment Clark even more.
"Quit playing dumb; you know exactly who I meant, Clark." Clark rolled his eyes out of frustration.
"You know what? Never mind! I'm out!" Clark said, annoyed, as he took his bag and stormed away from us. Klaus and I laughed even harder. Clark is short-tempered-very short-tempered. 
"Man, I can't believe Clark, my short-tempered twin gets so worked up all the time," Klaus said, still chuckling. "He needs to learn to lighten up."
I nodded in agreement, although deep down, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Clark had been my friend since elementary, and I knew his outbursts stemmed from a place of frustration rather than genuine anger. But as his friends, Klaus and I often found ourselves in the crossfire of his short temper.
"He'll cool down eventually," I replied, trying to reassure myself as much as Klaus. "Besides, it's not like he stays angry for long."
"Anyway, do you mind telling me about what happened at the café, Tyler?" Klaus asked, trying to tease me with his goofy smile while raising his eyebrows twice.
"Except that I just helped him with his studies; we just talked, then we had coffee together on the balcony watching the beauty of the city as the sun set; that's all," I said simply, so his face turned serious looking at me.
"It's true! I promise I'm not joking!" I yelled at him, but he just rolled his eyes, dissatisfied with what he heard.
"Okay, fine! I caught him stealing glances at me a couple of times!"
"See, I told you! There's still a chance that he might like you too, Ty! Did he mention anything to you? Like he likes you or something?"
"No, he didn't, but he did tell me one thing."
"What is it? Spill it."
I took a deep breath before speaking again. "He confessed to me that he thought I was just like everyone else here at school another person who wouldn't understand, someone who would judge him without knowing the real him." I glanced at Klaus, and his expression was concerned.
ERIN
After my classmates and I heard the sound of the bell, we all stood up together and gathered our things one by one. The classroom buzzed with conversations and the shuffling of papers as we prepared to leave for the day. I was about to walk away from my desk, but I stopped when a man in a dark shade of green varsity jacket blocked my way, causing me to be a little surprised. He was tall, with broad shoulders and piercing eyes that seemed to hold a hint of mischief.
"What do you want, Jacob?" I asked, my voice tinged with annoyance as I tried to walk past him, purposely bumping my shoulders against his. I refused to give him any satisfaction by engaging with him. Today was mine, and I wanted nothing more than to enjoy the simple joy of a beautiful day.
My heart raced as I felt his eyes bore into me, a palpable tension filling the air. But I refused to let it consume me. I kept my eyes fixed ahead, determined not to let his presence derail my mood.
"Erin, wait!" I heard him call, no longer content with being ignored, Jacob stepped in front of me, blocking my path for the second time. His tall, imposing figure forced me to come to a halt. Irritation surged through my veins, but I bit my lip, determined not to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
"Seriously, what is it this time, Jacob? Are you here to ruin my day or worse, call me names I don't even deserve? Mock me? So tell me, what is it this time?!" I yelled at him, Jacob stood there, his eyes wide with shock, as my words hung in the air between us. I had unleashed my frustration, allowing my anger to spill out without restraint. It wasn't like me to explode like this, but I couldn't bear another day of his constant torment.
For years, Jacob had been the thorn not just on my side but also on Miles', a constant source of misery and ridicule. He always seemed to find joy in targeting us, finding every opportunity to make us feel small and insignificant. But today, I had decided that enough was enough. His surprise quickly turned into a mixture of guilt and confusion. He stammered, struggling to find the right words to respond. "I...I didn't mean..." he began, his voice trembling.
But I was no longer interested in his feeble excuses. We had endured his bullying long enough and knew that we deserved better. Gathering my strength, I interrupted him, my voice steady with determination. "Save it, Jacob. I don't want to hear your apologies or explanations. Just please leave me and my friends alone." I turned away from him and with a flick of my hair, I walked away. I didn't have time for people like him, those who thrived on bringing others down.
With a determined stride, I made my way to the common ground, the bustling hub of our school. It was the place where friendships blossomed, laughter echoed, and dreams were shared. As I entered, the vibrant chatter and laughter greeted me like an old friend. I scanned the place, searching for the familiar faces that brought warmth to my heart. And there they were - my friends, sitting at our usual table. Without hesitation, I immediately approached them. As I drew closer, Miles caught sight of me, and his eyes lit up. "There she is!" he exclaimed, beckoning me to join them. Charles turned, his face brightening at the sight of me.
"How was your class?" Miles asked as soon as I sat down next to him.
"It was fine, but not until that jerk, Jacob, blocked my way twice before I could finally leave the room. I don't know what's up with him, but he didn't even do anything to me, but still, he got on my nerves!" I was irritated by telling them as they gave me their worried faces.
"What do you mean he didn't do anything? That's so unlikely of him," Charles asked, sounding and looking suspicious.
"I mean, he called me once, blocked my way twice, and then he just stood there! Besides, I cut him off before he could even say or do anything to me, leaving him speechless," I proudly told them, and they chuckled.
"That's our girl there!" Miles said enthusiastically.
"Anyway, where were you yesterday, Miles?" I asked, my tone carrying a mixture of disappointment and curiosity. Miles appeared taken aback, his usually confident demeanor faltering for a moment before he regained his composure.
"Yesterday... I had some urgent matters to attend to," he replied hesitantly, his gaze shifting to the ground. There was a flicker of apprehension in his eyes that didn't go unnoticed.
I couldn't help but feel a tinge of irritation. Yesterday was my mother's birthday, a special occasion for our tight-knit group of friends. It was so unusual for Miles and Charles to not be able to make it. We had planned the surprise celebration weeks, ensuring that everyone could be present. The fact that they were absent made me wonder what could be so important that they would miss such a significant event.
With an unrelenting curiosity, I prodded further. "Urgent matters? Can you please be more specific, Miles? Charles seemed to have the same excuse as you."
Miles shifted awkwardly, his typically confident stance now betraying a sense of guilt. "I... I can't explain right now," he mumbled, avoiding eye contact. My frustration grew, mingling with a growing sense of resentment. We had shared so much over the years, and it hurt to think that Miles would keep something from me.
"Why can't you explain? We've always been open with each other," I pressed, my voice tinged with hurt.
Miles' silence stretched on, the weight of his words still unspoken. Eventually, he sighed and relented. "I'm so sorry, Erin. I didn't intend to miss your mother's birthday, but you already know that I failed the math subject, and luckily Tyler offered to help me with my studies, so I went into his café yesterday and did what we had to do."
There was a depth of sincerity in his voice that gave me pause. Whatever reason he had for missing the celebration, seemed to weigh heavily on him. I would have to trust that he had a valid explanation, even if I couldn't understand it just yet.
My eyes narrowed, a flicker of frustration crossing my features. Miles, always the dreamer with his head in the clouds, had a knack for finding himself in improbable situations. I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts before responding.
"Missing my mother's birthday is one thing, Miles, but why couldn't you have just been honest about it? We both know math has always been a struggle for you, but that doesn't excuse you from making promises you can't keep; you could've just at least texted or called me," I told him.
"I know and I'm sorry, please," he begged, grabbing my hand and massaging it. I couldn't stop myself from letting out a smile, as I found it amusing that he pouted his lips.
Rolling my eyes at him with a smile on my face, I said, "Fine, you're forgiven, but how about you, Charles?"
Charles avoided my gaze, trying to talk, but no words would come out of his mouth.
"Never mind, are you guys still up for the sleepover we had planned?" I asked them both.
Miles and Charles exchanged curious glances before answering, "Of course! Why wouldn't we be?"
Relief washed over me as I realized my friends were still excited about the sleepover we had been planning for weeks. It had been a hectic day filled with countless mishaps and unexpected detours, but knowing that the long-awaited sleepover was still on brought a glimmer of joy to my tired eyes.
As we engaged in a lively conversation, something peculiar caught my eye. Miles had been absentmindedly tugging at the sleeves of his sweater as if trying to conceal something on his wrist. Curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but shift my gaze occasionally towards his wrist, which he seemed desperate to conceal. Shadows danced in his eyes, betraying a hidden truth that he was reluctant to share. It was a subtle agitation, a tension that hung in the air between us.
"Miles, is everything alright?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity. "You've been fidgeting with your sleeves for a while now. Is something bothering you?" I asked, sounding concerned. He glanced at me, and I could see in his hazel eyes that something was going on inside his head. We stared into each other's eyes for a while, and before I knew it, he burst out into tears.
I had never seen Miles cry like this before. It was shocking and painful to see him breaking down like this, and I couldn't bear the thought of him going through any pain alone.
Gently grabbing his hand, I slowly held his arm and lifted his sleeve. Charles and I were both surprised by what we witnessed; the bruise on his arm was so big, and I'm sure it was because Scott was holding him so tightly. We exchanged worried glances, the realization sinking in that something wasn't right.
Scott is Miles' seemingly abusive Dad. It was hard to fathom that he could be capable of hurting his son like this.
"Oh Miles, I'm so sorry." I hurriedly stepped closer, wrapping my arms around him in a comforting embrace. He clung to me tightly, burying his face in my shoulder as he sobbed uncontrollably. I whispered, telling him that I was there for him, that he didn't have to face whatever was tormenting him alone.
Eventually, his tears subsided, and he pulled away, wiping his face with the back of his hand. His expression was a mixture of vulnerability and relief like a burden had been lifted from his chest. I watched him cautiously, waiting for him to gather his thoughts and share with me what had stirred such intense emotions within him.
Taking a deep breath, Miles began to speak, his voice trembling with emotional strain. He revealed that he got beaten up by his Dad last night. As he poured out his heart, I listened intently, offering my unwavering support.
KLAUS
I waited silently at my usual meet-up place with Charles, the old shower room of our school's rugby team. It had been our secret hideout since freshman year, a place where we could escape the chaos of high school and simply be ourselves. But today, something felt different. The air was heavy with anticipation, and a sense of unease filled the room.
As I sat by the sink, my mind preoccupied, I tried to focus on the words within the book I held in my hands. But no matter what I did, I couldn't concentrate. My eyes darted across the pages, but the words seemed to blur together, failing to form coherent sentences. Annoyed, I closed the book and dropped it into the sink with a resounding thud.
Leaning against the cold tiled wall, I stared at my reflection in the dirty mirror. Doubts and worries consumed my mind, overshadowing the peace I once found in this place. Frustration overwhelmed me as I splashed water onto my hands, the droplets acting as a temporary distraction. I just can't keep pretending that everything is fine. But yesterday, something happened that shook me to my core, and now I question whether my friend Tyler is alright.
A while ago I wandered through the hallways, hoping for some respite from the chaos in my mind. That's when I stumbled upon a scene that made my heart ache even more. Charles, my secret boyfriend, a compassionate and empathetic soul, was hugging his friends, Erin and Miles, tightly. Miles, poor thing, was sobbing uncontrollably into Erin's chest. The sight shattered my illusion of a peaceful and harmonious high school existence.
I could see genuine concern etched on Charles and Erin's faces, their eyes filled with worry for Miles. It was a stark contrast to the indifference I had witnessed from others, who often turned a blind eye to the pain their peers were experiencing. It made me question my role in this world and ignorance. Had I been too preoccupied with my struggles to notice the anguish within my friends?
But my solitude was suddenly interrupted when I heard the door open and saw Charles enter.
My heart skipped a beat as I caught sight of him, his warm smile instantly brightened the room. We locked eyes, and a surge of excitement coursed through me. With a grin on his face, Charles made his way toward me. Time seemed to stand still as we closed the distance between us. And then, without a word spoken, a sweet silence enveloped the air around us.
As Charles neared, a sense of electricity crackled in the space between us. When he finally reached me, our eyes locked once more, and a flicker of mischief danced within his gaze. My heart fluttered, knowing that something extraordinary was about to happen.
In that instant, Charles gently cupped my face, his touch both familiar and electric. And with our eyes closed, he kissed me. It was a kiss that transcended time and space, pulling me deep into a realm where only the two of us existed. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of his lips on mine.
The kiss was tender and sweet, a delicate dance of emotions and desires intertwined. I melted into his arms, my senses overwhelmed by the taste of his lips and the intoxicating scent of his cologne. It was as if all the stories I had ever written were brought to life, encapsulated within this one perfect moment.
After what felt like both an eternity and a fleeting second, our lips parted, but the connection between us remained. We pressed our foreheads together, breathing in synchrony, cherishing the intimacy that surrounded us. It was in that shared silence that the world seemed to make sense, and the doubts and worries of everyday life faded into oblivion.
"I miss you," I told him and he smiled.
We had spent countless evenings like this, sharing our stories, dreams, and fears. We found solace in each other's presence, our connection growing stronger with every passing day. And now, with our foreheads pressed against one another, I couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions coursing through my veins.
The smile never left Charles' face as he leaned back slightly, his piercing eyes studying my face. "You know," he said softly, "it's moments like these that make me realize just how much I've missed you." He said chuckling.
With concerned eyes, he leaned closer and whispered, "You seem troubled; is there a problem?"
His question caught me off guard, but his gentle touch and warm familiarity instantly eased the weight on my shoulders. Knowing that deception held no place between us, I mustered a faint smile and reached out to caress his face, feeling the familiar stubble beneath my fingertips. His presence alone was a balm to my soul, someone who had always seen through my facade.
"I can't lie to you, you know," I confessed softly.
"I'll take that as a yes," he replied his eyes bored into mine, filled with genuine concern. No words were necessary; we had always communicated with a depth that transcended mere conversation. He understood me, perhaps better than I understood myself, which only added to the ache within me.
"It seems like we're both having problems right now," he said, trying to get rid of the silence between us as he sat down on the sink with me.
"Miles has a new bruise on his arm," Charles said the moment he sat next to me.
"Did he get bullied again?" I asked him, sounding concerned and worried. Masking his worries, he just smiled.
"Miles didn't get bullied," Charles began his voice barely above a whisper. "He got it from his Dad." Hi Dad? I furrowed my brow, trying to make sense of what Charles was saying.
"I'm not supposed to tell anyone about it, but since you're my boyfriend, I'll tell you; but promise me you won't tell anyone, even Tyler," he said, so I nodded. Charles took a deep breath and looked sadly at the floor.
"Miles has been abused by his father after he came out as Gay, and until now it has continued, and that's what I'm afraid of; I'm scared that I might lose my friend one day because of that," Charles said sadly, so I held his face and made him look at me.
"Miles is strong, Charles," I reassured him gently. "I believe in him, and I believe in your friendship. We're going to help him through this, no matter what it takes."
Tears welled up in Charles' eyes as he nodded, his hands trembling slightly. As his boyfriend, I knew how much Miles meant to him. Their bond was unbreakable, forged through laughter, shared secrets, and countless adventures. Charles had been there to witness the bruises Miles tried to hide and the pain etched on his face. It had become a dark cloud hanging over their lives, casting a shadow of fear and uncertainty.
I held Charles' face firmly, making sure he knew that he wasn't alone in this fight. "We have to be there for him, Charles. Miles needs our support more than ever. It won't be easy, but we'll find a way to protect him and help him escape this nightmare."
Determination flickered in Charles' eyes as he stared back at me, soaking in my words. "But how?" he asked with his voice trembling.
I took a deep breath, trying to find the best approach. "First, we need to make sure Miles knows we're here for him. We'll let him know that we love and accept him just the way he is. And then, we'll encourage him to seek help, whether it's from a trusted adult or a support group."
Charles nodded, his grip tightening on my hand. "We can't let him suffer in silence anymore."
I nodded, trying to break the silence Charles began to speak, "I heard Tyler went to the café yesterday with Miles; is that true?" He asked me, so I nodded.
"Tell me about it," he said, his voice laced with encouragement.
I took a deep breath and began to pour my heart out. I spoke of my dreams and aspirations, my fears and insecurities, and everything that had been weighing on me lately. Charles listened attentively, his eyes never leaving mine, as if he was hanging onto every word I uttered.
As the words flowed freely, I couldn't help but admire how truly lucky I was to have someone like Charles in my life. He possessed a rare ability to make me feel valued and understood simply by listening to me. It was as if his presence alone had the power to uplift my spirits and bring clarity to my thoughts.
At that moment, I wanted to embrace him and tell him just how much I loved him. His unwavering support and presence in my life made my heart swell with affection. Charles had a unique way of brightening my mood and making me feel like the most important person in the world.
Even though I longed to express my love verbally, I decided to keep my words to myself for now. There was something incredibly beautiful about the silent, unspoken affection between us. It was a connection that didn't need words; it simply existed in the depths of our souls.