Pride, Ego, Audacity

9. Assurance

Kalen

"You're planning to ask Devin out, aren't you?" Kaden stated as we walked into school. I ignored him and instead walked up to Devin who was in his usual place amongst their friend group. Kaden didn't follow, instead started talking to Dwight, who had been approaching me before I walked off.

"Unless I've suddenly forgotten how to tell you twins apart, you're Kalen." One of Devin's and Kaden's friends whose name I didn't remember said. Devin looked at me curiously.

"Bro, are you dumb? It's me, Kaden." I messed with the guy. He looked genuinely confused for a second before I cracked up laughing.

"Stuff you man. Are you two doing a twin swap thing or something? Why is Kaden over there talking to some guy on the basketball team?" The guy asked.

"I don't know what Kaden's doing, but I'm here because I need to talk to Devin." They all looked at me expectantly. I looked back at them, wondering when they would go away so I could talk to Devin.

"Guys, I think he means in private." Devin guessed. 

I nodded. The rest of the guys' expectant expressions turned into ones of realisation, but they made no move to go away.

"Come on, I'll walk with you to your locker." Devin decided. I agreed and we walked away from the group, waving them goodbye. "What did you need to talk about?"

I stopped walking and turned to face him. He, although confused, mirrored my actions.

"Let's date." I asked, or well rather stated.

"Why would we do that?" He questioned, sounding rather offended.

"Because I want to."

"You're not even gay."

"Stop assuming my sexuality. I'm not anything; I don't like labels."

"Well, you also don't like me. I don't need you to pity me because of my feelings for you, Kalen."

"I'm not pitying you."

"But you don't like me."

"That's true, but I believe you're someone I could fall in love with."

Devin didn't respond, just stared intensely at me.

"Are you sure about this?"

"I'm sure." I confirmed.

"Okay, ju-just give me time to process this. I'll see you in E.I?" Devin asked, referring to our extended investigation class. I nodded in response and he quickly took off, nearly walking into a tree as he did so.

The day seemed to pass by agonisingly slowly and I was practically jumping for joy when it finally came time to see Devin. I dragged Izack with me as I headed to the class.

"Why are you in such a rush?" He grumbled.

"Because I like E.I." I claimed as we walked into the empty classroom.

"Nobody's even here." Izack complained.

"Shh, just sit. Better early than never." I grinned at him.

"It's better late than never, dumbass." He corrected. Whatever, I was too excited to care.

"Hey." Devin greeted with a sweet smile as he walked into class and sat down in the seat beside me.

"Hey." I smiled back. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Izack gaping at our interaction. I ignored him and watched as the rest of the class began filing in. Kaden caught my eye and smirked suggestively as he went to sit next to Izack. I guess Devin had already told him.