4:30

Chapter 5

Winter comes fast, football games pass with ease, the team going 3-1 while entering week 5. Dream's definitely been gaining muscle, him and Sapnap constantly working out in their free time. George and Clay's relationship has been gradually more and more public, both boys enjoying it, although it does bring nerves for the blonde. The shorter seems more hesitant to be physical in private with the boy than in public.

They're on the way up to school late November when Wilbur brings up an idea.

"Do you guys want to do secret Santa this year? Like just a little something," he suggests. Most of the boys nod, a few more excited than others. The blonde notices one of his friends is missing when he looks around the group. 'He probably went up early.'

"How about when we get back from Thanksgiving break we choose them?" George offers his input. Clay realizes he'd forgotten all about Thanksgiving break. It was only a week, but it was still a week without his friends, and most importantly, George.

Arriving at breakfast, George takes his usual seat on Dream's lap. It's waffle day, Dream's not very hungry so he just watches peacefully as George shoves syrupy spoonfuls in his mouth. He's wearing Dream's letterman, Clay hates the jacket on himself; it makes him feel like a douchebag, more than he likes. So, he's opted for letting his cheerleader wear it.

POV Change: Sapnap

The brunette rolls on his side and groans, the previous night had taken a lot out of him. He pulls out his phone from under his pillow and checks the time. 9:14. 'Fuck' he rushes to get out of his bed and checks his phone once again to see if any of his friends had reached out.

10 new messages

Clay

-Where are you??

-Bro ur lateeee

-Can you wake up please

-Miss you Sapnapy

George

-hey clay wanted me to reach out

-hope you're good :)

Karl

-where are you

-i miss u

-we shouldn't have stayed out that late

-im sorry please come up when ur ready

Sapnap responds to all, thanking George for looking out for him and reassuring Karl and Clay that he was okay. He throws on his tan Dickies and a black t-shirt. He grabs a beanie for the day, too lazy to brush out his hair. He decides it's as good of a day as any to use his longboard. He can make it a little ways up the hill on it, better than walking the whole thing.

His phone is vibrating in his pocket and he fishes for it to see his favorite brunette calling him.

"Hey sorry I slept in," Sapnap apologizes to the boy.

"It's okay Sappy, come up soon" Karl responds with a laugh before a quick goodbye is shared between the men.

Sapnap's heart warms at the sound, an encouragement for him to make his way to the school building.

Sapnap gets up at a faster pace than normal, more school appropriate clothing thrown on. As he saunters into US History, he spots Clay and Schlatt sitting together. Since Halloween, the two have gotten along better, tolerating one another enough that the group gets along. The brunette takes a seat with the men, class already halfway done. He receives a scolding from the teacher, choosing to ignore it, he turns to Clay.

"Hey after practice can we talk?" he asks the blonde, he's been meaning to talk to him about his love life after mentioning it to him nearly a month earlier. He gets a nod from his friend and the class drags on.