Boy I Met In October

Chapter Four: The Online Connection

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow through my bedroom window, I found myself staring at Ivan's Instagram page on my phone. The screen displayed his carefully curated feed of academic achievements, nature hikes, and, to my surprise, a picture of a bookshelf filled with classic literature.

I hesitated for only a moment before I tapped the "Follow" button, committing to a decision I hadn't expected to make. My heart raced as I threw my phone across my bed, hoping to distance myself from the bold move I'd just made.

Five minutes later, a notification popped up, and my heart skipped a beat. Ivan had followed me back. I couldn't help but mouth "yes" in silent triumph.

Ivan took the initiative and sent me a message. "Hi, this is Ivan. Is this Elijah from class?"

I quickly replied with a simple "yes," my fingers trembling slightly. I wasn't sure where this conversation was headed, but I was eager to find out.

Ivan responded with a casual "cool :)" before I ventured further. "I'm bored," I admitted, feeling strangely vulnerable.

Ivan's reply was swift. "Same."

My heart pounded as I took the plunge and asked, "Wanna hang out?"

For a moment, there was silence on the other end. I immediately regretted my impulsiveness, thinking I had gone too far. But then, Ivan sent another message, "Sure, but make sure there's no alcohol."

I couldn't help but chuckle at that, sending a laughing emoji in response. "I'm not that naughty," I assured him.

Ivan replied with a smiling emoji and a message that read, "Coming now."

My heart raced, and I exhaled deeply. What the hell had I just done? I needed to get my act together and clean up before Ivan arrived. I rushed to tidy my room, vacuuming the floor, making my bed, and stashing my dirty laundry in the hamper. I sprayed a floral-scented room spray to mask any lingering odors.

With my room presentable, I dashed to the bathroom for a quick, hot shower. I didn't want to leave anything to chance. I spritzed on a spicy-scented cologne and changed into a casual all-black top and plaid pajama pants, adding a silver chain for good measure.

Just as I finished, I heard a knock at the front door. My heart raced as I rushed to answer it. "Hey," Ivan greeted me, dressed almost identically to me.

I couldn't help but notice the way his clothes clung to his body, and my gaze lingered longer than I intended. I let him in, and we settled awkwardly on the bed, the weight of our unspoken desires hanging heavily in the air.