By the time both boys were settled in to their new college lives and have gotten through their first week of school, they were also back to regularly communicating, sending texts and other messages to keep in touch and check in on one another. They occasionally video chat as well, but only briefly. Once Edd video chatted him to rant about something ignorant that happened in class, but typically Kevin would ring him so Edd could witness something idiotic Kevin's roommate was doing.

"To share my pain," Kevin would explain each time it happened.

One evening, Edd returned from the shower and noticed a missed text from Kevin. He continued to towel-dry his hair as he opens the message.

Kevin: Hey, you alone? And can we video chat?

Edd paused a moment, immediately worried. Kevin would just call and if Edd didn't pick up, so be it. But he's asking. And checking to see if he's alone. Edd was overcome by a thought that occasionally haunted him since summer. They were finally going to talk about that confession.

It took a few more moments before Edd rationalized the unlikelihood of that happening.

Don't be ridiculous, Eddward, this cannot be about that. Nathan is probably just doing something dangerous and foolish once again. Edd quickly types out a reply.

Edd: Yes…?

Before he can even put the phone down, it started ringing. Edd quickly dropped his towel on the back of his desk chair, grabbed his hat, and haphazardly covered his still wet hair.

He answered the phone just before it stopped ringing.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Edd, you busy?"

Edd adjusted his hat before responding. "Not particularly."

"And no one else is there?"

"No. Room's a single."

"DUDE!" Kevin exclaimed before leaning back in his chair. "That's so not fair! I swear you get all the luck!"

Edd just shrugged it off, mentally counting his blessing that he didn't have a roommate, especially one that like to grab bottoms, like Kevin's own roommate. "So, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

Kevin leaned over his desk, hunching towards his phone. He lowered his voice, but quickly rasped out, "So, do you remember when you kissed me this summer and said you liked me?"

Edd froze.

Oh… oh no, oh no, oh no. We are doing this after all, aren't we!?

Edd slowly nodded, unable to formulate words for his response. He swallowed the lump in his throat and prayed that his rapid breathing was only in his head, or at the very least, not obvious to Kevin.

Kevin leaned in a bit more, his face taking up the entire screen as he licked his lips. "Well… you also said that you'll be far away, and we won't really see each other… But… we've technically seen each other quite a bit with…" Kevin leaned back and awkwardly gestured between himself and his phone.

Edd nodded. "T-true, I supposed."

"Yeah, man… well… I was kinda hoping I'll get to see you in person this weekend."

This is too much to process at once for Edd.

Did… Did Kevin just bring up the kiss incident because of my follow-up comment about not seeing each other anymore? What was the point of that? Was he giving me a heart attack? And what does he mean by seeing me in person? This weekend? I… I just…

Kevin could see the way Edd's shoulders dropped as he breathed out, before saying, "I'm a bit confused. What… what do you mean? This weekend? In person? What's going on?"

Kevin laughed. "Yeah. Guess you didn't think of the football schedule when you made that comment."

Edd tilted his head in confusion, before realization slowly dawned on him. Edd quickly perked back up. "You're playing here this weekend?"

Kevin nodded enthusiastically. "Yup! I'll be there Friday! I'll only be free for a few minutes after the post-game meeting, but if you can-"

"I'll be there! I- I don't mind waiting, if need be."

Kevin grins. "Choice."

Edd never had much for school pride when it came to sports games. He'd cheer for his team, but he wasn't one of those fans. But right now, as Edd was climbing the stairs to the visitors' side of the stands, he felt a bit like a traitor. He has a brief moment of worry as he sat down, before looking around and realizing the mix of home colors and the visiting team's colors. Edd looked down at himself, realizing that he wasn't dressed in either, so his affiliation was unknown. He took a few calming breaths.

You keep your head down, so it's not like anyone will notice you're at the goal line of the visiting team. And even if they did, what's the worse that could happen? There's no reason to be nervous. This isn't so Podunk Peach Creek vs. Lemon Brook game. One would hope people would be a bit more civilized with college football. Right?

Edd remained nervous regardless until he noticed one of the visiting team members take off his helmet, revealing bright teal hair, like the kinda Kevin's strange roommate sported. Edd quickly stood up and looked for signs of Kevin. It wasn't until after the next play, when Nat stepped aside, that Edd saw the familiar red hair. Edd grinned and sat back down, the residual nervousness quickly dissipating.

In the third quarter, Kevin was placed in the game briefly. As Kevin's team was aiming to score, Kevin ran along the sideline towards the goal line, towards Edd. After his teammate managed to secure a few more points, Kevin slowed his pace until he was walking.

Edd hesitated to raise his arm, feeling foolish for thinking Kevin would notice him. But then Kevin stepped past the sideline, and slowly scanned the stands. Edd wasn't sure that Kevin was looking at him, but then Kevin took off his helmet, so Edd decided to take a chance. He stood and waved slightly. Kevin immediately started to wave his helmet in the air. Edd waved back more enthusiastically before Kevin sprinted back towards the benches. Edd stood there for a moment, before deciding to move down the stands, closer to Kevin. It didn't take long for Kevin to look back and find Edd's new position.

Towards the end of the fourth quarter, Kevin looked back at Edd's side of the stand, and slowly wave, as if he wasn't sure if Edd was watching. Edd, of course, was more focused on Kevin than the actual game. He immediately waved back, but abruptly stopped, when he saw Nathan walk up besides Kevin. Kevin slowed his own waving, lowering his hand. He looked to the side, just in time to see Nat dramatically blow a kiss towards Edd. The next thing Edd saw was Nat doubling over, and Kevin pulling his fist out from under his bent form. Edd stifled a laugh.

Guess Nathan has the same weakness as Eddy. Gut punches.

After the game, Kevin immediately turned towards Edd and started shouting. Edd couldn't understand a word he was saying, but judging by the exaggerated hand motions, namely pointing at where his watch would be and pointing to the field house, Edd assumed he was asking him to wait on him. Edd gave him two thumbs up while nodding, before pointing at the field house. Kevin returned the gesture, before running to catch up with Nat.

Edd waited for the initial mass of individuals leaving to pass by, before he headed to the gate outside the field house. Edd leaned against the fence and started reading an ebook on his phone while he waited. Edd managed to read an entire chapter before he thought he heard his name.

After looking around and seeing no one, Edd thought he was just hearing things, and should probably find a more well-lit area to wait. He started to walk away, when he heard his name again. He froze, waited, and then he heard it again.

"Yo, Edd, where are ya?"

Edd turned around and saw someone jogging towards him.

"Kevin?"

The person started sprinting. "Edd!"

Edd ran towards him, hoping to meet up sooner, even by only a few seconds. They were finally face to face and out of breath.

Kevin pushed his sweaty hair back, Edd watching the way Kevin's fingers raked through the fringe.

Kevin grinned briefly, before it faltered. "So… I know I said I'd have a few minutes to meet up, but coach kinda changed things, and I need to get back, like five minutes ago…"

Edd deflated. "Oh, well, if you need to-"

"Nah. It's fine!" Kevin quickly cut him off before placing a hand on Edd's shoulder. "I had to see you… I'm… I'm really glad you agreed to come out."

Edd resisted the urge to pull his hat down over his face, hoping the dim lighting was enough to hide his heated cheeks. "Of course, Kevin!"

Edd felt the same way. He had to see Kevin, too, though he knew he was only breaking his own heart in doing so.

Kevin then smirked and suddenly slid his hand from Edd's should, across his back. He pulled him into a tight hug. "Hi… just realized I didn't say that."

Edd giggled. "Hello."

Kevin squeezed tighter and buried his face into Edd's hat, mumbling, "I've missed you."

Edd tried to hold back his tears. He didn't think this would be a problem when meeting up with Kevin, but he also didn't expect such a tender gesture either.

I was wrong… this is a lot harder on my heart that I imagined it would be.

Both boys heard some shouting. As it became louder and clearer, Kevin realized it was his teammates yelling for him. Kevin pulled back but kept his hands on Edd. "I gotta go," he whispered.

Edd nodded. "It was nice to see you… in person."

"Yeah, same. Hey, Edd…" Kevin started to lean in, causing Edd to go breathless. But then he pulls back again. "I… I just… um…"

Kevin sighed to himself before quickly leaning in, closing the gap. Edd felt the firm press of Kevin's lips on his own and allowed his eyes to flutter shut. When he felt Kevin start to pull back, he quickly opened his eyes. He saw Kevin, eyes still closed, moving back slowly. Kevin didn't even look at Edd before turning around and running towards the sound of his teammates.

Edd stood there long after Kevin was out of sight, holding his fingertips gingerly against his lower lip.