"Um, sorry my room is such a mess. I needed to help with tuesday confession." Sal just looked at me. "Dude, your room is cleaner than mine ever has been, and about double the size!" I cocked my head. "I guess that's no surprise. You live down at the Addisons, right?" His eyes shifted, well, one did at least. "Yeah, how did you know?" "You take the same route as my old friend used to, in middle school. He lived there too." He moved to my bed. "I see. Well, i guess we should start." I sat down too. "Yeah, probably." The only thing i wanted to do in that moment was lift his mask and kiss him, but i know he doesn't like me like that. "Alright, so what exactly are you having trouble with." I sighed and looked him in the eyes. "Honestly, nothing. I just can't pay attention in that class so i never get the right answer on quizzes or when we are taking notes i can never remember what Packerton had said cause i was always spacing out. My father isn't aware of this, neither is Packerton. They just think i'm a moron who can't do math." He nodded. "So, why did you have me come over then?" My heart was beating, so hard that i didn't even realize what i was doing. "Um, travis?" I looked down and realized i had placed my hand on top of his. I quickly pulled my hand away. "I don't know," i said shaking. "Maybe you should just leave." He looked sad when i said that. "Oh." I felt tears swelling in my eyes. 'What would father think of this? I'm a fucking disgrace.' I started getting up when Sal grabbed my wrist. "I don't wanna leave." "Too bad." i tried pulling away but he just stood up and wrapped his arms around me. "What...are you doing?" he just hugged me tighter. "I know life is hard sometimes. I know your dad puts a lot of strain on you and i want you to know i'm here for you, man. You're a cool guy, trav, and i know you have some things you have to hide from people but you can always come to me. Please never hesitate to call me." He pulled away and grabbed my hand. "Oh. Are you writing your number on my palm?" He nodded. "Now you have my digits, call me tonight or whenever you need to talk." He picked up his bag and started heading out my bedroom door, then he turned. "Oh! One more thing." He ran over to me, lifted up his mask ever so slightly so i could see his lips and chin, and he kissed me on the cheek. "Gotta run!" He put it back down and sprinted out the door. I was just standing there, frozen and burning red. His face was...strangely beautiful.
