Love, On Read (MxM)

Chapter 7: Interception

A/N: Still a flashback moment, from their time in high school. Hope you enjoy <3

Ollie's POV

I never found it strange that me and Benji had been friends. Sure we had our differences, but since our kindergarten class, Benji had always been at my side. Even during his soccer matches, his little league games, to flag football, and even swim lessons. He was just a sporty guy, and I dabbled in the arts. I had never seen anything wrong with our friendship, never questioned it or wondered why he'd ever possibly hang out with me. It just wasn't in my repertoire to overthink things like that, I just took our friendship as what I saw it, a friendship. To this day, the best friend bracelet was still attached to my backpack from third grade.

It hadn't been overnight, Benji's shift in seeing me as less than a friend. However, over the course of about five practices, was when I started to notice a change in Benji's attitude toward me. He had never found it odd to hang out or include me, even if I wasn't one to fit in the jock clique. Even when the defense team would question why Benji would always give me a ride home, or invite me to those silly house parties, he simply brushed it off, telling them to fuck off. Had I been weirded out about attending those underaged drinking sessions, of course, but Benji had never made it seem like I wasn't welcomed.

That was until Mason had joined his posse of football friends. The coach, and the rest of the team had quickly seen Mason's skill, rivaling our injured wide receiver, Zane. He had even left a mark on our usually stoic and standoffish running back Aaron. Mason was without a doubt a star on the field, and sure enough his social standing at school rose to the top, attracting the attention of the cheerleaders, band members, even college scouts.

I had chalked it up to us being juniors, the stress of finding good college sports programs and impressing scouts was crucial for football players, especially ones like Benji, who academically struggled. Granted the coaches made sure the boys kept their grades as a C- or better, Benji was notorious for slacking on assignments to practice even after practice hours. That and the parties he threw nearly every weekend surely didn't help either.

Benji hated talking about his grades, but I figured that was what was on his mind, granted he wasn't waiting at the bike racks after school like he normally did. He always drove me home, ever since he inherited his grandpa's truck, one that was as good as new. He had gotten his license as soon as he could, parading around town in the truck like he owned the streets. And since we lived on the same street, Benji made it a point to drive me to and from school; something he had promised as kids to do, given that I took the shitty school bus since second grade.

Today was different, though. If Benji couldn't drive me home, he'd make sure to remind me in the morning, and send a text right after school, asking if I'd like to wait till after practice. There was no message, and he hadn't said anything about practice or an away game in the morning. Even when he got caught texting in class, he'd text me about detention before surrendering his phone, but nothing. I gave it five minutes, the campus slowly emptying out as I stared at my phone. Perusing the parking lot, I didn't spot his truck, nor did I see Mason or the rest of the team. I messaged him, then again two minutes later. Nothing.

Whatever, guess I'm taking the bus or walking, I told myself. My house wasn't too far, but it still would've taken an extra forty minutes to get home, or a twenty minute bus ride. Not wanting to walk with the journalism gear I needed for Saturday's game, I opted to wait for the next bus. Before I even sat down at the bus stop, a shiny white car came to a stop, honking before rolling the window down. Mason of all people.

"Need a ride?"

"I can just take the bus, it should be here soon." I waved dismissively, but he gestured to the seat. "Seriously, it's alright, Mase."