⟪⟪Lovers Under Cover ⟫⟫

Chapter 6

"Boyfriends?" "Yes"

Mark was so overjoyed. He could not believe that the boy he secretly had wanted for ever is now his boyfriend. He remembers the day he married him in the lawn of Jacob's house. Ashley was the priest; Nancy was the ring bearer. It was a paper ring he made for Jacob. They were only 6. He didn't know the meaning of love at that age, but he loved him. He wanted to make him happy. He wanted to stay close to him. He loved to stare at him. He loved how pretty he looked. He loved to hug him. He loved to kiss him on the cheek. That was his love for Jacob when he was 6. At 17 love was different, it was pure affection, a connection of soul mixed with desire and lust too.

Yes, now Mark and Jacob are boyfriends. But only Ashley and Nancy know this. They didn't announce it to anyone except the girls.

Now it was Sunday night, the boys laid with their t-shirt and underwear on, in Mark's bed. Jacob had his head snuggled into Mark's bare chest.

"Babe, when are we gonna tell others?" Mark whispered breaking the sweet silence.

"Sorry, I need time." Jacob mumbled and snuggled further into his chest. Mark covered them with the comforter.

"That's completely okay for me, but what are we gonna be for tomorrow? In school?" Mark assured.

"Can we not bring that up unnecessarily? People in school have nothing to do with us." Jacob pulled the comforter above his head.

"Sure, love." Mark removed the comforter from Jacob's head and tucked stray curls behind his ears.

Next day, school was rough. Mark spent the lunch break and two hours after school with Sandra. Jacob was unhappy but knew it was all for the project. The earlier they finish, the better. Mark too had a hell of a day with someone who didn't see his boyfriend in good eyes. He knew after project he had to head home straight for a family time, because his father was coming back from a business trip after a long time. So today, he would have no time to spend with his boyfriend rather than face timing later at night.

The girls and Jacob were walking home when Karl came up to them.
"Hey fag, Mark wants to meet you at the back of the school be there."

"Hey Karl don't call him that. Don't ever use that f-slur against him. in fact, against anyone."

"Whatever, Mark wants to meet him so please send him there."

The girls didn't want to interfere a moment between the two boys so they let Jacob go alone to the back of the school to meet Mark.

When Jacob reached the back of the school, he couldn't see anyone.

"Hey" Someone called from behind. It was one of Karl's friends. Karl and his group of friends surrounded him like a deer among a pride of lions.

"Where's Mark?" Jacob asked.

"Mark? Oh, he is with Sandra doing project or may be falling in love. Ha ha fag, you really thought Mark would like to be with you or to be known as a friend of yours. He is the captain of the football team. He knows well not to be associated with a useless faggot." Karl taunted him with words.

"You're wrong he is my bo- my best friend."

"You're gonna say boyfriend? Dude, he thinks the captain of the football team but actually like a fag dream dear, dream, you worthless piece of shit." Karl nudged one of his friends and others jeered

Karl and his friends circled Jacob. The circle became closer and closer with every passing moment. Finally, they pounced on Jacob like their prey. They kicked him. They punched him. They called him names. They left him wincing in pain on the road at the back of the school alone.

Ashley decided to check up on Jacob that night but, "Oh shoot. My phone needs to be charged. Where the fuck is the charger. Everything disappears when I need them." She doubted what could go wrong while connecting her phone to the charger. She decided to let the idea of calling Jacob slip out of her head.

That night Jacob cried his heart out. Mark didn't call him or come to see him. He lay on the bed lonely staring at the ceiling. Maybe they are right. Mark realised his mistake, so he didn't call me. Sandra was good looking, so maybe he was loving her. Maybe I am worthless. Maybe I am really useless. He stayed awake till the break of dawn crying and crying and crying and often checking the phone for a text notification or missed call notification from Mark or at least Ashley or Nancy.

Mark and Nancy had a quality family time with both of their parents at home, talking, laughing, enjoying every moment of the night. They even watched a movie. When Mark decided to text Jacob, it was way past midnight, so he didn't text him. He didn't wake up the sleeping boy.