"So, the sneaky Jew is finally off on his way." Cartman snickered. He was, of course, delighted that Kyle was leaving. The others, not so much. Everyone was gathered around in a circle outside South Park Elementary for Kyle's last day of class.

"We're all going to miss you so very much, Kyle. I mean, it's not going to be any fun hanging out with the fellers if you're not there." Butters was saying, fidgeting and scuffing his feet against the concrete.

Kenny took his hood off, blonde hair falling into his eyes. "Yeah, man, it was fucking awesome being your friend."

"And I wish we'd been better friends." Bebe added.

Stan wasn't talking at all. He just gave Kyle a hug, resting his head on his best friend's shoulder. Both boys inhaled, remembering being best of friends since before they could even actually recall.

"Gaaay!" Cartman called.

Kenny punched him in the shoulder, "Shut up, fatass. It's called bromance, and maybe if you weren't such a dick all the time, you'd have some real friends to hug, too."

"You poor piece of shit, I don't need friends like you." Cartman huffed, clutching his shoulder with an arm.

Everyone else focused their attention back on Kyle. The redhead was looking down, his eyes filled with tears. "You guys have been the best ever. But my dad has to accept the job offer in New York. Maybe after middle school, I can convince him to let me move back!" Kyle looked up with renewed hope.

"Yeah, man, maybe." Kenny agreed.

"You should stay in touch with us, bro." Token added. "Like, get our cell phone numbers and stuff, okay?"

"We're not all rich niggers like you, you black asshole!" Cartman yelled.

This time it was Token who punched Cartman, in the face.

"What? I… screw you guys! I'm going home." Cartman yelled, running off with tears in his eyes.

"Well, I gotta get going home soon. We're leaving at 5 in the morning, so I'm supposed to get all my sleep." Kyle looked at Stan once more, hoping he would say something, but the other boy was still silent.

The boys did goodbyes once more and Kyle headed home.

Kyle started awake and realized someone was banging on his window. Terrified, he looked around for a weapon, but everything in his room had already been packed away. He finally plucked up the courage to approach the closed window.

It was Stan.

Stan, glancing in the other way, thought Kyle looked like a ghost, his pale skin, wide frightened eyes, Jewfro sticking up every which way.

"Jesus, you nearly gave me a heart attack," Kyle muttered, opening the window to let him in. Cool air rushed in along with him.

"Yeah? Sorry. It's just that I didn't really get to say bye to you earlier today. Everyone was there and Cartman was just ruining the moment like he always does."

"It's okay. At least you're here now." Kyle kept his voice calm but felt ecstatic. He's been brooding and dejected the entire evening by how Stan had hardly expressed any sadness.

"So. How's Ike taking it?"

"He's really happy. He said he didn't like this school and he's bullied by all these kid-"

Stan leaned forward and kissed Kyle. Kyle's eyes widened but then he relaxed. Stan, not sure what to do with his hands, ran one through Kyle's curly red hair. It was a clumsy kiss; hasty and immature. They were just kids.

When they pulled apart, Stan said, "Listen, Kyle. I've been meaning to tell you for a while now. I don't think I like Wendy too much anymore. I mean, it started out okay but then I started spending more time with her and I think I just really don't like girls like that."

"So, you're gay? Like Mr. Garrison and Mr. Slave?"

Stan cocked his head and said "But no, man. They're just into some really weird shit."

"Sex? That's what being gay is, Stan. Gay guys have sex with each other." Kyle explained.

"What? Ew, dude! I didn't know that. I don't want to have sex with guys, I just don't like girls."

"Oh," Kyle said. Just that one syllable.

"Are you gay?" Stan asked, suddenly afraid he'd offended his friend.

"No! I don't know! I think we're both just confused right now. We're only in 4th grade, Stan. You didn't have to kiss me or anything. You're just sad I'm leaving."

"So you didn't like it?" Stan asked, eyes narrowing.

"No! It's not like that! I liked it a lot, but… Stan, don't break up with Wendy. I'm leaving South Park." Kyle tried to put his frustration into words but he wasn't sure which one's would be right at a time like this. He knew what it would be like to live in this town and be anything other then heterosexual. He could only imagine the stuff Cartman would come up with to make fun of Stan. Kyle almost couldn't stand it.

"But I'll wait for you!" Stan exclaimed.

"And I'm not sure at all if I'll be coming back or not. You're my best friend. Can we just stay friends, please?" Kyle glanced at Stan with huge eyes.

"Yeah, whatever. Of course." Stan said. He put his hat back on and returned to the window. "I'm sorry if that was weird or something. I wanted to try it though. And not in front of the other guys. Bye."

"I'm going to miss you a lot, Stan. And sometimes I think I'm in love with you but I don't know how you would react if I told you. But I'd better say so now, before I miss the chance, right?" Kyle turned and stared at his empty room, the open window. Stan was gone.