F*CK FRIEND ZONE

UNDER THE BLEACHERS

FROM HECTOR'S POV

"Are you scared?" asks Sam and Hector replies "never when I'm with you".

Hector met Sam during his first Bonfire Fest when he was just a freshman. Their first conversation over beer cans wrapped in brown paper, dim light from the bonfire not to far away and the party music behind them has become one of Hector's favorite memories. The way Sam always accepts and supports his individuality has helped Hector become the person that everyone loves today.

Sam has always been an all-rounder. He can ace the quizzes and beat the quarterback even if he refused to play for the college team. His interests have always been academic and he proudly geeks out which Hector always adores.

"I got an offer for the job I've always dreamed of. But I might not leave unless you promise you won't charge in my absence." Sam looks into Hector's eyes with a little hope and a lot of fears because they both know Hector isn't strong enough to do a lot of things without him. They both are well aware that Hector is who he is today because of how much Sam has influenced every aspect of his newly found adulthood. And Sam's over protective nature never goes unnoticed.

"I know what you're thinking about and no, that would never happened. I would never charge, at least not for you." Hector sounds sure but if only Sam can trust words.

"I'll visit every month. I promise." says Sam as he leans in but Hector takes a step back. "Are you sure we can make this work?" Sam's fears have always tried to overpower him emotions but Hector knows he tries not to put too much pressure on anyone in his life.

He takes a moment to think and he does not want to lie. So he says "I want you to see other people. You never date. I am with Rebecca to make it easier for us. It helps, trust me, it's not a bad thing to have someone around. She gets what she wants and I get what I need."

"But what about when she wants more from you? I understand that it is something between you and her but I do not want to do that to anyone. I just can't give people false hope. It will definitely hurt someone in the end and you know it. I get that you need this right now and I respect your choice. But please don't make me do this." Sam walks a few steps away and Hector wishes he to look into his eyes for the rest of the conversation but he can't, not right now.

"I can't be who you need me to be right now. I need time to think. My family expects me to have a normal life, a normal future and I don't know how I can have that with you."

He can see Sam wiping off his tears, waiting to hear the rest of the statement still stuck inside him, tangled with the anxious knots in his stomach. And after a few seconds he finally says "But I don't want to loose you. I don't know how we can make this work but I wish we give it a shot. I know it's not fair for you so I want you to decide it for us."

"You really think me moving almost 500 miles away from you will make this easier?" Sam sounds annoyed but Hector replies "Maybe. You could finally see other people and have a life. We could still be us and see where it goes. But for now you need to focus on your career, we both do".

Sam turns around and walks towards him until Hector can feel strong arms wrapping around his waist as their foreheads meet. "Can I kiss you goodbye?" asks Sam and Hector say "Not here, not right now.".

Their fingers intertwine and they feel breathless with anticipation but they manage to calm down and step away from each other. Sure no one saw them, Hector thinks, they were not even doing anything.

The drive back to the dorm is quick but they stay in Sam's car for a few minutes. This part of the compound is fairly desolate during this time of the day and they can have a moment to themselves. Their fingers feel each other, their lips are tempted to meet but their fears keeping their eyes on the road, hoping no one is watching.