The enemy of my heart [BL]

Truth

We eventually left the aquarium, making our way back to the complex. During the bus ride, I began hearing some rumors spreading around. "I heard Liam might be bi." "Liam said he likes him, what a faggot."

If it wasn't for James cracking jokes, I would've lost it a long time ago. He noticed as well, speaking louder to block out their gibberish.

"So me and Elliott went to see the dolphins, and there was a Karen. An eyesore, man. She made gestures and shit to me and him. God, what a homophobic bitch," James recounted, laughing at his own story.

"So Elliott had the idea to make out right in front of her. Man, it always surprises me when he comes up with these ideas," James said, laughing at his own story. It definitely helped lighten my mood.

"You really showed her," I chuckled.

"Nonsense, don't wrap up the story. You came up with the idea," Elliot slapped James on the head as a group behind them whispered, "Since when was Elliot a faggot?" "He's such a hottie, what a waste." Despite their whispers, the pair didn't seem affected.

"Say James, so you and Elliott are open about your relationship?" I asked under my breath. The pair looked at each other, and Elliott answered.

"Yeah, we don't have anything to hide, nor do we owe anyone an explanation for our relationship," Elliott explained, wearing a proud smirk.

*

"How do you deal with all the backlash? Come on, these people can't go a second without talking shit," I expressed my concern.

Elliott wrapped his arm around James, giving him a peck on the cheek. "Why should we care what others think? Let them be haters. We just ignore them. Besides," Elliott leaned forward, whispering, "Most homophobic dudes or gals are just insecure about their sexuality. They're just jealous that me and James can freely express ourselves and they can't."

"Plus, it's hella funny watching people's reactions," James chuckled.

"Yeah, can't forget about that," Elliot added with a warm smile.

I turned to the window side, and there he was. Ronin lay crept up against the window, his drool plastered around it. He was fast asleep, his loud snoring echoing louder than the rusty screws. Their words filled me with insight and gave me a lot of new appreciation for our love.

I gently caressed his cheeks as I placed my hand on the side of his head, making him lay on my shoulder. For a moment, I could've sworn he opened his eyes. This sense of peace became such a rare commodity. I took a deep breath as I laid my head against Ronin's, simply not caring who saw us. What's wrong with laying head to head with your best bro?

Right before I got a chance to rest my thoughts, the events of earlier flashed through my head. My mom would be disgusted; she views me and Ronin as brothers. I don't want to explain that "help me, stepbrother, I'm stuck" type situation to her. What will Dad think? Pft, why would I care? After my parade of self-reflection, I coincidentally made eye contact with Mia, who sat alone in front of the bus.

Ever since Ronin talked smack to her, she has slowly been losing popularity. It's still surprising that everyone believed the words Ronin said. She lost her luminescent glow; now she looks like a withered rose. Was she staring at me? No, I'm just being delusional, I thought to myself. Yet, the look she gave me wasn't to grab my attention; it was more like she's concerned about me.

We finally arrived back at the complex, mostly worn out, as most of my classmates immediately went to their rooms. Right before I could enter the room, I saw her again. This time she was sitting on the bench not so far from our room. Did she want me to see her? Whatever. I slowly made my way towards her, sitting beside her.