𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐲 - 𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘫 𝘢𝘶

28. sweet

2:35 PM

I don't know what I'm about to do. I just invited EJ to my place so I don't even know what's gonna happen. All I know is that I need him. I need him to comfort me. To console me of my problems.

To tell me everything will be okay.

The quite resounding ring of the doorbell's echo filled the air. Instant realization - it's him. Hastily, I examined myself in the mirror, scrutinizing every detail. I turned my sleek strands into purposefully messy curls, a look that I know sends his heart into a frantic rhythm. Slipping into a snug-fitting black tee, fully aware of his fondness for the simplicity it encompassed. Lastly, I braved the biting cold of January, adorning myself with a pair of blue shorts—the quirks of love, you could say.

Navigating my way down the staircase, the sight that awaited me was a worried EJ Caswell, who was worried.

He was cute when he cared

Taken aback, I felt my grin eroding as EJ pulled me into a comforting embrace. His solid frame cradled my head as it sank onto his comforting shoulders.

There was an aspect of EJ that only I knew of.

The side of him that made me feel safe.

His voice, a tender whisper, carried the weight of regret. "I'm sorry about him," he confessed, forehead resting gently against mine. In the softness of his voice, a further apology echoed, "and I'm sorry about Nat. I hope she's okay" His words swirled around us, a gentle hum as his hands traced comforting patterns on my back.

Aching to remain wrapped in the solace of his embrace forever, I knew it was an unrealistic dream.

This isn't how it works.

As he landed a bittersweet kiss on my forehead, I extricated myself from his arms. Holding his gaze, I lost myself in the depth of his mesmerizing emerald eyes.

"Let's go to your room."

2:49 PM

In a surge of emotions, I flung myself onto the bed with EJ Caswell, resting side by side. His voice carrying a concerned tune, he questioned, "Are you okay? Ricky? I'm asking from the heart." I rolled over to meet him, our eyes locking in mutual understanding.

"No, I'm not okay. I'm messed up... scared," I barely whisper, fighting off tears. "I promised to protect my sister, I let her down. And you... it's too tangled. I wish things were different, but you're you and I'm me, but it's all so confusing."

"Ricky, life is a hell of a roller coaster, not always fun. You're in a tough patch, it'll pass. I can try to understand. About us, we can just be...low-key. We don't have to put a label on it. We don't have to be known as boyfriends, or friends for that matter. I'll handle Thiago. After that, who knows? We can rest. Remember, in the end, we all die." His smile, comforting. I chuckled, feeling a bit better.

He was right.

We are all gonna die anyways.

"Since when did you become so deep?" I found myself asking.

"I... I just wanted to lend a hand," he admitted, sincerity in his eyes. A wave of realization washed over me. His intentions were pure, undemanding, not driven by sex or nothingness. Just genuine support—that was it, and that's what I need.

I drew myself closer to him by wrapping my arms around him. "You...you changed. You're different than I thought." I admitted.

"I wanted to prove myself to you, Bowen."

Prove himself?

Wow,

EJ Caswell wanted to prove himself.

"Why?" I murmured, feeling foolish. "Why did you need to prove yourself?"

"Your words," he confessed. "The ones from when we broke up... they shaped my mind. I failed to see it first, then it hit me what they'd done to me. I tried to shut them out with Lily, escape from them. But I always came back to you. Your truths. I had to listen to them. Maybe it's early, but I think... Ricky, I love you. It may startle you, you might not trust my words but-"

Silencing him with a tender kiss was my reply, a surge of warmth coursing through me. His hands cradled my face, reciprocating with intent. It was more than a fleeting moment. Not rushed. This felt right.

It felt right.

"I... I believe you," I grinned and chuckled astoundingly. Falling for the same guy again felt new. It felt so sweet, genuine, and I felt happier.

"Why the giggles?" His curious query followed. Another giggle bubbled up. He started playfully tickling me, and laughter spilled out of me, as another sweet kiss was placed on my mouth. "You wanna go get ice cream?" He asked.

"No label?" I sought clarity.

"No label."

"Yes, yes, my prince," I kissed him, heading to the closet. I was free to be me. "Outfit advice?"

"Wear whatever makes you happy!" His grin grew.

"No, you decide." Sighing in mock reluctance, his smile unwavering, he chose a pink sweater and black joggers. "This for an ice cream date?"

"Because it's your favorite," he answered. His words made my heart pound, cheeks flaming. "You must wear my hoodie too, it's a must."

"A hoodie over a sweater? I'll overheat!" I exclaimed.

"But Bowen, it's cold! You'll need it in the ice cream shop," he kissed my cheek.

"Alright, alright! Your wish is my command, EJ Caswell. But I may pass out from the heat," I playfully grumbled.

"As long as you're doing so on our first date." His cocky retort made me giggle. I sealed our deal with a kiss and interlaced our fingers,
ready for our sweet venture.

With no labels.