You All Over Me [BxB]

Four

Theodore had always been clear about reserving his nickname for his inner circle. So when Jacob playfully called him 'Theo,' Theodore took it as a sign that they were moving past the stage of strangers, and that Jacob would no longer include him in the list of people he disliked.

But that assumption missed the mark. Or rather, it remained unconfirmed. Because after that party, Jacob never appeared before him again. The next big event, six months down the line, held the promise of a reunion, but Jacob and his family were conspicuously absent.

Jacob Allegre had disappeared from the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Theodore graduated at the top of his class. He took the law school entrance exams as planned and was accepted into all three universities he applied to. In the end, he chose St. Andrew University not only to follow in his parents' footsteps, but also because it boasted the highest bar exam passing rate.

"Theodore?"

"Stella?"

"Theo!"

"Stella!"

Stella Sanchez, Theodore's high school best friend, had always stood out. She was fair-skinned, tall, and slender, with a mane of natural auburn hair that hinted at her Filipino-American roots. A delicate rose-shaped nose ring now sat on her pointed nose, adding a touch of charm to her striking features. Years later, she had become even more stunning—so much so that Theodore almost did not recognize her.

Outside the registrar's office at St. Andrew University, Stella sprinted toward Theodore and leaped into his arms, enveloping him in a heartwarming embrace.

"Oh my God! It's been too long!"

"What the heck are you doing here?" he asked, wrapping her around his arms, inviting the curious gazes of other students.

She withdrew slightly, her cognac eyes glimmering. "I'm enrolling here. I'm going to law school, Theo."

"What? Here? Why?"

"My parents decided to move back, and this university was my top choice. I arrived from the States six months ago."

Theodore's posture slumped a bit, and his fingers slowly slid from Stella's waist. The memories flooded back—the messages that had stopped coming, the unspoken fallout. Stella had been his closest friend, his confidante during the tumultuous period when he grappled with his sexuality. She was the first person he had come out to. The one who'd held his hand through it all.

Her departure after high school and the silence that came after were painful, although he had learned to accept it was part of growing up.

Still, Theodore couldn't help but ask, his voice tinged with hurt and confusion, "Why didn't you ever contact me?"

Stella dropped her gaze, absentmindedly picking at her fingernails.

"Sorry, I was busy with all the paperwork and adjusting to life here again." She exhaled, guiltily biting her lower lip. "And... I didn't know how to keep in touch with you."

Theodore let out a small sigh. "Life was different there, huh?"

"It was," she confessed. "I got carried away... I'm sorry I stopped reaching out. But I'm here now. I promise I'll make it up to you."

"Are you here for real? Like, permanently?"

"Yes, yes, I am."

Theodore smiled. "You're going to stick to me again, aren't you?"

Stella beamed. "Of course!" She eagerly looped her arms around his neck again. "Oh, I'm so glad you're here! I was nervous about starting law school on my own. We'll be the perfect study buddies!"