Gayphobeic Boys

Emanuel Comes in Clutch

Luke sighs and sits down at his desk, staring at the empty seat Matt would usually sit in.

The teacher began talking, but it went through one ear and out the other. Luke blocked everything out. Then, somebody taps on his shoulder.

...

It's his classmate, Emanuel. 

He's wearing a T-Shirt that says "I LOVE MYSELF" but 'MYSELF' is crossed out and replaced with 'BUNDA'.

"Oh.. Emanuel. What's up?" Luke asks.

"I know something's wrong. What's going on?" Emanuel asks.

Luke blushes. Not because he likes Emanuel, but just because he's embarrassed. He has a feeling that he knows what Emanuel is going to do, as he knows that he's tried to get in between Clay and Alexander's relationship before.

"Uh, nothing.. I'm just tired."

"Oh, yeah. I could tell," Emanuel states sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "Stop lying to me, bro. Is this because of Matt? I can tell you're staring at his seat."

Luke nods.

"Ooh, do I sense a crush?!" says Emanuel.

"Uh, n-no." Luke is embarrassed. "We're just best friends- We have been.. For a really long time." Luke frowns upon himself for referring to Matt as his best friend; He knows that they're more than best friends.

"Don't worry- I wasn't planning on telling anyone anyways.  But alas, I think it's only fair that you know. Jordan told everyone you liked Matt. Everybody knows, Luke." Emanuel feels pitiful, at least that's what Luke assumes anyways.

Luke's heart sunk, he didn't know what to say. Then it started beating really fast. His chest felt like it was getting tighter, and he was panting. It was the same feeling you get in your chest when you ride a roller coaster. Luke wasn't okay with this. He started sweating and felt tears forming in his eyes- But why? What was all of this for? What issue did Jordan have with his preference; Why did Jordan even have to care?! 

Luke gripped his shirt and felt like all eyes had shifted to him because he started crying. Although nobody was looking at him, he felt as if everybody was staring. He put his head down on his desk and started trying to rationalize the situation that he's in. This wasn't anger. He was scared. He was scared that this was going to get out, and that this was going to cause him to lose his friends. 

Then he remembered. Alexander and Clay are gay, too. Jordan just doesn't know, so he knows that at least they would stick up for him and Matt if something bad were to happen. After catching his breath, Luke became furious. He was pissed off and this was his final straw.
He turns around and looks at Emanuel.

"Thank you for telling me. Sorry, I needed a moment." Awkwardness filled the air for a minute, Luke didn't know what to say. "I'm going to get revenge on Jordan, just don't tell anyone, alright? If you do, I swear I'll-"

Emanuel cuts him off. "Yeah, I know. I hate him too. See, I'm gay myself, so I fucking hate Jordan with a fiery passion. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. If anything, I can help you."

Luke's eyes widen. "Oh yeah? Can you? How so?"

Emanuel smirks. "Meet me near the gym exit during lunch. I'll be waiting for you near the Track. That's where I'll tell you. I'll be expecting you, alright?"

Luke nods his head, and all of a sudden, "LUKE! EMANUEL! Stop talking!"

The teacher diverted his attention for a moment, and then he started focusing on the lesson and taking notes again. But this time, everyone was staring at both of them. They were just yelled at. But Luke didn't need to worry anymore. He had a plan, and he was going to put it into action. The only thing that kept bugging him though was Matt. He hoped that Matt was okay. He hasn't been responding to his texts and he left him alone with Jordan. A chill shot down his spine. Oh god. Not Jordan. Anyone but him. What if Jordan hurt him? Or his family? What if Matt is.. Dead right now? And Luke had no idea?

"Fuck." Luke whispered to himself, shook his head, and doodled on his notes to relieve some stress. He peered at Emanuel and they made eye contact for a second. Luke was determined to get his revenge, a dish best served cold.