You All Over Me [BxB]

Eleven

Theodore's lashes flutter for a second, processing Jacob's words. Or more precisely, giving him the chance to take it back in case he hadn't meant them like that.

But Jacob doesn't say anything more.

He meant them like that.

A flicker of pride warms Theodore's chest. Jacob is being nice to him, and he never thought that he's capable of giving out compliments.

The same way he never thought he'd come to his rescue. And yet, he did.

Theodore winces at the thought, ashamed for misjudging Jacob, and regretting that he never tried reaching out to him all these years.

Theodore had been lonely, too. The other kids had resented him for his popularity among the adults, while Jacob had faced disdain for his wealth, good looks, and condescending demeanor.

Well, he seemed—still seems—condescending, for sure, but did anyone bother actually trying to get to know him?

"Oh, we're here," Theodore mutters, glancing up at the building.

By the walkway in front of Jacob's residence, a memory flashes through Theodore's mind, making him cringe.

Jacob had witnessed him at his worst. How embarrassing.

Clearing his throat, he says, "Uh, bye. See you, then."

"Wait, Theo."

"Hm?"

Jacob rakes a hand through his hair.

Here goes nothing.

"Stella... Your girlfriend..."

"What about Stella?"

"She's nice. Your girlfriend."

"Oh, yeah," Theodore replies with a smile. "She's amazing."

Jacob takes a deep breath, realizing he needs to be direct. This conversation can't go unresolved.

"So, she is your girlfriend?"

"What?"

Jacob puffs out air and gives a dismissive wave. "Never mind—"

Theodore chuckles heartily, his hand resting on his stomach. "Oh, you meant, like, girlfriend-girlfriend? No, not at all. I did have a bit of a crush on her back in the day, but everyone did. Nevertheless, we became the best of friends, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Jacob's facial features relax. "Ah, I see."

"She's just really into giving hugs, you know."

"Okay," Jacob says, tipping his head. "Uh, see you later then."

"See you."

Theodore watches Jacob's back as he enters his condominium building. Could he have been wrong about Jacob's dislike toward Stella? Maybe it's the other way around?

An uncomfortable sensation tightens in his chest, his muscles suddenly tense. Theodore brushes off the uneasy feeling with a quick shake of his head.

The fatigue is kicking in. That's all.

"I should probably eat now..." he murmurs as he heads to his place. "Got lots to read..."

******

Jacob feels light on his feet as he strolls through the lobby and climbs up to his unit. He turns the A/C on and changes into clean clothes, whistling merrily.

He should have known better. Stella is poking fun at him. She did say they were high school classmates.

Still, the confirmation is reassuring.