Jack was just walking past Cass's room when he leaned his head out the door.
"Hey, Jack," Cass whispered, trying to get his attention.
Jack doubled back and stood in front of him.
"What?" He asked shortly.
Cass said nothing, but grabbed Jack's arm and pulled him into the room, closing the door behind them.
"Cass, what–" Jack started.
"Just listen," Cass interrupted.
He took in a big breath of air as if he was working up the courage to say something. Jack couldn't help but notice a blush creeping over his freckled cheeks.
Jack suddenly looked away. He scanned the room, noticed the view out the window. He tried to look anywhere but at Cass who was now staring at the floor.
There was a tenseness in the air that Jack was sure both of them could feel, and the silence was extremely uncomfortable and awkward.
Cass finally looked up and his eyes met Jack's.
Jack was sure he was blushing himself by now, if he hadn't been already.
"Jack," Cass began, "I evol you."
"Um, what?" Jack was taken aback. It took him about two seconds to realize that Cass was speaking Backwardish, his favourite language, but by then Cass had already pressed his lips against Jack's and they were kissing.
Jack's eyes widened and then he relaxed and leaned into Cass, closing his eyes.
Jack could feel Cass gripping his shoulders as his own hands grasped at Cass's curly hair.
Suddenly the door to Cass's room was swung open. The boys jumped away from each other as if scalded and turned to face their unexpected guest.
Aly stood in the doorway with her mouth open, staring back and forth being Jack and Cass.
"Aly. Um, hi," Jack said sheepishly.
Cass blushed and tried to avoid Aly's gaze. He stepped away from Jack.
Aly quickly gathered herself.
"Food's ready," she said simply, and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Jack went after her.
"Don't tell anyone, please. Promise Aly."
Aly wouldn't look into his eyes, but she stopped and turned. Her cheeks were tinged pink, slightly lighter than her hair.
"I won't tell anyone," she promised. Then she turned and quickly ran down the hall.
Jack spun around to go back into Cass's room, but instead found Cass standing behind him.
Before Jack could say anything, Cass was kissing him again.
They broke the kiss a few seconds later and Cass ran off down the hall without a word.
Jack walked slowly after him, pretty sure he could hear Cass giggling to himself up ahead.
Jack smiled. He didn't have much going for him lately, but at least things were looking up.