T J

I threw all my things in my locker as I smirked to myself. Normally, I'd be pretty bummed out to have detention, but this time it would be with Cyrus. I haven't known him that long, but something about his shy, quiet persona draws me in. I've never felt like this for someone before. Of course, I had a few crushes before, but this was different. Could I even call it a crush yet? It's only been a week.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by Reed, who was snapping in my face. "Yo, Tj! I've been standing here trying to get your attention for like two minutes," He said, annoyed.

I shook my head. I guess I was in my own little world. "Sorry, man, I was just thinking," I told him, closing my locker.

He smirked. "You weren't thinking about a certain someone were you?" He said. I already knew who he was alluding to. Reed was the only person that knew I was gay. None of my "friends" knew. He found out when he tried to set me up on a date numerous times, and I couldn't handle it anymore. He was shocked, to say the least, but eventually came around and even started trying to hook me up with some of the other closeted guys at our school.

I rolled my eyes. "No, I was thinking about uh... Math homework! Yeah, Mr. Duke gave us a huge packet to do," I lied, hoping Reed would take the story. He gave me a knowing look, and I gave him an innocent smile.

He was about to respond when I felt something latch onto my arm. Or should I say, someone? I frowned as Kira beamed brightly at me. "Mind if I borrow him for a sec? Cool bye," She said, pulling me away from my confused friend.

"So I was thinking since the weekend was coming up, you and I could maybe hang out at my place," She said cheekily. Honestly, I'd rather do anything than hang out with Kira...alone.

"Actually, I have plans this weekend," I lied, making her smile drop for a split second. My pants would burst into flames any second from all these lies. She quickly recovered and nodded.

"Yeah, okay. I'll see you around then?" She gave a tight smile.

I just put on my best fake smile and nodded and headed over back to where Reed was watching. "what was that about?" His brows furrowed.

I shook my head. "She wants to hang out alone at her place. I already knew where that would go, so I politely declined," He chuckled and shook his head.

All hopes of this day not getting worse left me as soon as my eyes landed on the one and only Buffy Driscoll. She glared at me as she walked over to Reed and me.

"Oh, would you look at that? I just remembered I had a crap ton of homework," Reed said as a quickly walked away.

I sighed and turned back around to see Buffy standing in front of me. "Well, don't you look cheery as always," I said, sarcastically enthusiastic.

She rolled her eyes. "Look, Kippen, I don't like this project any more than you do. I want to get it over with and be done. Should we meet up after school today?" She asked.

I shook my head. "Can't I've got detention today with your little buddy," I drawled out.

She gave me a confused look. She understood after a few seconds, and her infamous glare returned. "I'm warning you if you so much as breathe the wrong way at Cy-"

I cut her off. "Don't worry, Driscoll. I won't hurt a hair on his pretty little head. Can't say the same about anyone else though. You know how we are with new kids," I smirked at her.

SHe growled, making me drop my smile. " FIne. This Friday. At The Spoon. Don't be late." She angrily turned around and stomped off. I shrugged as the final bell rang, signaling the end of the day.

I sauntered to where detention was being held. Walking in, I saw Cyrus anxiously sitting at a desk in the middle of the room. It looked like he was the only person her besides-

"Mr. Kippen, so nice of you to join us," Speaking of the devil, Mr. McNamara was sitting at his desk, giving me a pointed look. I smiled innocently at him and took a seat next to Cyrus.

"Alright, you two, you know the rules: no talking, no cell phones, and absolutely no lollygagging. You are to do all of the work I assigned you before you can leave. I would've expected out of yu Mr. Kippen, but I never saw you as a hoodlum Mr. Goodman," He said sternly.

Cyrus shrank in his seat and said nothing. He just looked out the window, the look on his face a mixture of boredom and sadness. I felt bad for landing him in here.

After twenty minutes had passed, Mr. McNamara stood from his desk. "I'm going to the restroom, stay here or expect another week of detention," He walked out the door.

I turned to Cyrus, who was scribbling down on the assignment. "Hey, uh, sorry for getting you in here," I said awkwardly.

He turned to me and gave me a blank stare. "Yeah, thanks for that. One week in and I'm already looked at as one of the bad kids," He spat harshly, making me flinch.

I opened my mouth to say something, but I honestly didn't know what to say. I was tongue-tied for the first time. I had no idea why he was doing this to me.

"And can you please stop staring at me? It's creepy, and you're freaking me out," He said, not looking up.

I turned back to my assignment. "I'm sorry, man. Really. I goof around a lot, and you look like you needed a laugh," I tried to explain myself.

He let out a dry chuckle. "Funny how you think you have any clue what I need," He said.

"Look, don't be mad at me. How about I take you to The Spoon. They've got the best milkshakes and baby taters in town," I offered.

"No, thanks. The last thing on my to-do list is eating some weirdly small tater tots with Mr. Popular," He said. Great, the only guy in the school I had any hopes of being connected with in a real way hates me.

I didn't say anything after that, not wanting to make the situation worse. Detention eventually ended, and Cyrus was too relieved to walk out the door. I hurried after him. "Wait, Cyrus! Please let me make this up to you," I pleaded.

He looked at me, questioningly. "Why do you care so much about how I feel about you? You're Mr. Popular, aren't I beneath you or something," He said uninterestedly.

I shook my head. I opened my mouth to respond but didn't know what to say. "Because I've never wanted to be around someone as much as I do with you. Anyone else I hang out with is either fake or seeking attention. You're different, Cyrus," I said. His hard look softened as he saw me for the first time. Not just as Tj Kippen, the basketball captain, Mr. Popular, or anything in between. But as just another person who wanted a real connection. "So can we please be friends? For real?" I asked, hopefully.

He pressed his lips together and sighed. He nodded. "Fine, we can be friends."

My face brightened, and before I could process what was happening, I threw my arms around him. Neither of us was prepared for it, but it felt..nice. His arms slowly wrapped themselves around my neck, and I pulled him closer. I inhaled, knowing full well how creepy it was, but I couldn't care less. He smelled like a fresh autumn breeze. It flooded my senses as I exhaled.

He let go of me and took a step back, looking a little flustered. "I gotta go. My brother is blowing up my phone," He said. I nodded but suddenly remembered.

"Wait um, give me your number?" It came out as more of a question. Cyrus stood for a second before opening his hand. I quickly gave him my number, and he smiled at me. I returned the smile as he walked away.

Cyrus Goodman, you don't know the effect you have on me. Maybe one day, you will. And hopefully, that day is soon.

And that's the chapter. If you noticed, most of my newer stories have vanished. I decided that part of the reason I don't update often is that I have too many stories. I was feeling overwhelmed with all I had and I lost all motivation to do any of it. So I decided to start fresh and finish each story one by one, starting with this one. I had so much planned for this story, and I'm excited to carry it out. I'll try to update soon.

Until then, byeee

~Ash