We Met at an Arcade!

The Coffee Shop

Jay held the door open for Oliver as they walked into the coffee shop. There was a buzz of conversation around them. This was a quaint little place with a few tables and one counter. It had a small comfortable seating area with a couch, a rocking chair, and a few cushioned stools.

Oliver went up to the counter "I'll pay," he offered. Jay shook his head "I invited you over here. I'll pay. You can get it next time." He smiled. Next time? Oliver wondered Is this going to be consistent? 

Oliver sighed "okay, fine. But I'll get it next time, I can promise you that!" he said, flashing him a smile. It felt nice to smile so genuinely. The muscles in his face were still tired from crying. His eyes still stung and the lump in his throat never went away. Still, he walked up to the counter beside Jay, putting on the best smile he could, and ordering his drink.

"So, you still live here?" Jay questioned, starting the conversation as soon as the two boys sat down, holding their drinks. "Yeah..." Oliver started "Part of me couldn't leave this place behind. How about you, why'd you come back?"

Jay paused. It wasn't a long silence, but with his gaze being trained on Oliver, the younger boy couldn't help but feel his cheeks grow hot.

"You," Jay finally answered.

Oliver's face turned beet red. "What?-" he stuttered.

"I came back for you,"

"Why me?" Oliver asked, sipping his coffee. He wasn't embarrassed.. this was his best friend! Why was he blushing so hard?

"Do you remember the deal we made when we were little? That we'd get married in the future?" Jay smiled, seemingly reminiscing on the memory.

"Yeah, but we were just kids, Jay. Kids make stupid little promises." Oliver stared at the taller man in astonishment. Was this really his intention?

Jay averted his gaze, "I know. I just figured it would be good to see my best friend again." he said. In that moment, Oliver saw just how disappointed his best friend looked.

"Hey, Jay, I didn't mean it like that... I'm sorry." he stopped, choking on the lump in his throat. He swallowed and started again, "Look, man. My girlfriend just broke up with me, I'm still hurting from that. I'm not trying to take it out on you. I'm really sorry-"

Jay cut him off, placing a hand over one of Oliver's. "It's okay." he reassured him, "I promise. You're okay. I know how that feels. That's..." Jay paused, looking over Oliver.

Oliver was suddenly conscious about how horrible he must've looked in that moment. His eyes were puffy, his lips were dry and cracked, and his cheeks still had stains from tears.

Jay started again, this time, his voice was soft, as if he were telling a secret.

"That's part of why I came back. My boyfriend had broken up with me, and all of our friends took his side..." He paused and sighed before continuing, "So I came back to where I knew you were, cause then at least I knew I'd be where at least one person loved me."

Oliver gasped softly, pulling his hand back and slamming it down on the table, causing Jay to flinch. 'You're gay?!"

(540 Words)