Our Place || Muke ✔️

25

As the month of November whirled by in a blur, December came bounding in, heavy with the promise of Christmas break. In Michael's cozy dorm room, Luke and Michael found themselves wrapped in each other's embrace, cuddled up to keep warm. In the midst of twinkling lights and festive decorations, Luke and Michael's relationship remained a tightly guarded secret, hidden from the prying eyes of their friends and classmates. It was what Luke wanted and though Michael occasionally silently wished for more, he understood Luke's reasoning and respected his boundaries. He would never push Luke for more knowing he wasn't ready.

They lay still together, cuddled up under a cozy blanket with Michael's laptop perched on their laps, playing a random movie. As the plot of the movie thickened onscreen, so did the fluttering in Luke's chest. His mind, like an overly caffeinated squirrel on a sugar high, raced with thoughts of what would happen if their secret relationship was ever revealed to the world. Especially to his parents. Would they accept him or would they shun him? Luke thought they wouldn't really care but a part of his mind was constantly playing tricks on him.

Luke's heart raced, just as it always did when he was so close to Michael. Even after all this time, he couldn't help but feel a flutter of shyness whenever they were together like this. It was a mix of excitement, fear, and a longing for something deeper. He shifted slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position against Michael's chest, his eyes never leaving the screen. The other boys hands was running up and down his back comfortingly, unaware of the chaos in Luke's mind.

Luke started playing with the hem of Michael's hoodie and his strings, trying to keep his mind occupying because the movie was boring and wasn't helping him to stay focused on being calm. Michael, eventually sensing Luke's restlessness, tightened his hold around him, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of his head. "You okay?" he whispered softly.

Luke nodded his head slowly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah, just...you know, thinking about stuff."

Michael and Luke gazed at each other briefly and Michael smiled down at Luke, his fingers gently tracing patterns on Luke's back. "You don't have to keep everything inside, you know. If there's anything on your mind, you can always talk to me."

Luke's heart swelled with affection for Michael, the person who had become his confidant and refuge in a world full of uncertainty. He turned his head to meet Michael's gaze again, their eyes locking. "I know." he said, his voice barely audible. "It's nothing i've not said before anyway. I'm fine. Focus on the film."

With those words, they both settled back into their quiet embrace, the movie playing in the background. In the soft glow of the room, with the world outside cloaked in winter's embrace, Luke and Michael found solace in the warmth of each other's presence. Luke nuzzled his head into the crook of Michael's neck, inhaling his intoxicating scent.

A sudden knock on Michael's bedroom door shattered the tranquility of the moment. Panic washed over Luke like hot lava and both of them froze, their bodies hesitating as if caught in the act of sin. The bedroom door was locked. At least that's what Luke hoped for. He always came into Michael's room and locked the door behind him, just in case, but right now he wasn't sure. Did he?

"The doors locked, don't worry." Michael whispered into his ear, sensing his fright. Luke tried to relax at that but it was gone quickly when the knock was heard again, this time a little harsher.

"Mike! Open up!" a familiar voice called out.

Michael sighed softly. "It's just Ashton." he whispered.

Ashton, their mischievous friend, who was oblivious to the hidden depths of their relationship, stood on the other side of the door, waiting for Michael to answer but Luke couldn't bare that.