Our Place || Muke ✔️

26

The cramped lecture hall buzzed with the hum of conversation as students settled into their seats, books and notebooks scattered hazardously across the small desks. Luke, his heart pounding, felt a familiar mix of excitement and dread as he walked into the room, searching for an empty seat at his usual row. He was a master at blending in, at keeping his secrets hidden, but the one secret he wanted to keep most was the one that seemed most likely to unravel today when he saw Ashton again.

Michael was already there, saving a seat for Luke as always. They exchanged a brief, affectionate smile before Luke took his place next to him. Michael's hand found its way to Luke's under the desk, their fingers intertwining. Luke felt a warmth spread through him, a reassurance that no matter how tough things got, he had Michael by his side.

After sending Michael one last squeeze of the hand, Luke started taking his books out of his bags and placing them on the table. Suddenly, Ashton walked in and Luke did everything in his power to act normal but Michael couldn't help but notice how he shifted slightly so that they weren't as close to each other as before. Ashton bounced up the stairs, a smile on his face as he walked down the row and planted himself in the seat next to Luke.

They exchanged quick glances and greetings but Luke couldn't bring himself to speak to the hazel haired boy. Ashton hadn't turned up to lectures on Monday and Tuesday. Luke wasn't so sure why. It seemed like the boy was just very easy going and didn't really care that much about classes which he couldn't understand but wouldn't ever say anything to the boy. If he wanted to miss lectures, he could. But that just meant it had been three days without seeing him and three days of Luke being riddled with anxiety.

Michael tried to tell Luke that it was all in his head and Ashton didn't know about their secret little thing but Luke wasn't too sure about that. During the lecture, Ashton turned to his side, locking eyes with Luke for a brief moment. His warm, hazel eyes seemed to see right through Luke's walls, and he offered a subtle, knowing smile that sent shivers down Luke's spine. It was as if Ashton were saying, "I see you."

Luke had always been cautious about revealing his true self, especially back home in his small town where everyone seemed to know everyone else's business. He had never been comfortable with his sexuality and had always pushed it down. He didn't even know he liked boys until Michael came along. He just couldn't shake the fear of judgment, rejection, and the inevitable change in the dynamics of his friendships with other people if he ever came out.

Despite his anxiety, Luke couldn't deny the intrigue he felt for Ashton. Did he actually know what was happening between himself and Michael or was he just being a douchebag?

Meanwhile, Michael remained blissfully unaware of Luke's internal struggle, engrossed in his own notes and the lecture for once. Their secret relationship, hidden from the world, had been an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking journey. But somehow, Ashton had seen through their façade. Ashton, with his charming smile and uncanny ability to read people, had detected something in the stolen glances and subtle touches that Luke and Michael shared.

Michael eventually noticed Luke's distant expression and gently nudged him, bringing him back to the lecture hall. "You okay?" he whispered, concern etched across his face.

Luke forced a small smile, his blue eyes meeting Michael's warm green ones. "It seems like that's the only thing you've been asking me recently."

Michael pursed his lips. "I know. My question stills stands."

Luke simply shrugged. That was his answer.

The English lecture had soon ended and the lecture hall emptied out as students filed into the hallway as quickly as they could. Luke, Michael and Ashton slowly packed away, not in a rush like everyone else. As they walked down the stairs, Mr Rudd saw them and smiled at the three boys. "Hey, Michael. Please could I have a word with you? It wont take long." He said with a smile on his face.