What if it wasn't an excuse?

JT's POV

I'm tired of Liberty and her little crush on me. I only see her as a friend. I've ignored her, I've stood her up, but she won't take a hint.

I don't like her like that. I think I like someone else. My best friend, Toby. I don't know if I'm actually gay, but I do like him. A lot.

So I've decided to just tell Liberty the possible truth. That I'm gay.

I can't say I got the idea by myself either, Toby's step-sisters dad is gay. I pretended like I didn't understand, just so Toby wouldn't suspect anything.

Like I said, I'm telling Liberty that I'm gay, not that I have a crush on Toby.

But anyway, when I told Toby my idea. He had a stunned expression on his face, but then smirked for some reason. It was adorable, he's adorable. See? Those are pretty gay thoughts!

So, I guess it's time to do this.

"Liberty, I need to talk to you." I grab her arm and pull her underneath the stairs.

"I have something to tell you too." She smiles and slightly blushes.

"You can't tell anyone. Keep it between us. Promise?"

She smiles and nods. "Promise."

Here goes nothing.

"I'm gay."

She pauses for a moment, then she speaks.

"What?"

"I like boys. Not girls. Gay." I explain, feeling like I'm actually telling the truth.

"You're joking." I wish.

"No. I'm serious. I just thought I'd tell you since you think we-" I cut myself off, as she already knows what I mean.

"You thought I liked you...please. I won't tell anyone."

"Thanks." And with that, I smile and walk to class.

"Hey Tobes." I smile and wave at him.

"So you did it?" He asks.

"Yeah, I can't believe it worked."

"No, I can't believe I used that excuse."

"What if it's not an excuse?" I accidentally say out loud, and his eyes widen in shock. Before he can say anything, Liberty walks in.

I got a crazy idea to make sure she actually believes me. And before I can stop myself, I do it. I put my hand behind Toby's head and pull him in to kiss him. He doesn't stop me, but he doesn't kiss back either. Luckily, no one seems to notice. Except Liberty. She's staring at us in shock.

Then, I realize what I just did. I quickly pull away from Toby and run out of the room and into the hallway.

"JT!" I hear someone call after me, probably Toby.

I stop next to my locker and let myself sink to the floor, I regret doing that so much. I probably lost my best friend.

I put my head in my hands, just sitting there in my stupidity.

Just then, I feel someone sit next to me.

"Hey."

Toby.

I look up, and he's sitting there with a smile on his face.

"Toby? You still want to talk to me?"

He doesn't answer, instead, he answers a question with a question.

"Do you like me?" He asks, and shockingly I see a blush on his face.

"Y-yeah, I do." I answer. I might as well tell the truth.

Toby grabs my face to turn my head his direction, and kisses me again. I don't kiss back at first out of shock, but then I do.

When the kiss finally ends, we're both blushing.

"Why'd you do that for?" I asked. He rolls his eyes and sighs.

"Because I like you too, JT."

I smile and grab his hand, and lean my head on his shoulder.

"Wanna be my boyfriend?" He asks nervously, clearly scared I'm gonna reject him.

I laugh and kiss his cheek.

"Of course, dummy."