Orange Juice (Lawrusso)

Part 7 - The Boy.

"Woah what the fuck man" Bobby throws a pillow at Daniel's head before quickly unstraddling a very content looking Jimmy "Maybe knock next time"

"Sorry, but this is a public space dude. I don't make out with people in the living room if I don't want people to see it" Daniel retorts.

He's definitely not thinking about how Johnny and him had kissed in Johnnys bedroom and then also in Daniel's bedroom a little and then maybe by the door when they were sure no one else was around.

"You don't make out with anyone full stop" Jimmy settles deeper into the corner of the couch, he looks so comfortable Daniel might almost think he's dead or something. "I like you much more when you're quiet" Daniel keeps walking past the living room into the kitchen.

But not fast enough to miss Bobby whisper "I know something that could keep you quiet for a while" and then both their footsteps disappear upstairs. Jesus. Looks like Daniel's spending the day downstairs then.

Although he has to admit, he's kind of jealous of Bobby and Jimmy. Basically the whole summer break they have been together doing everything while their parents are out. Johnny doesn't really come over much.

He's always busy with something or another. Daniels even started to suspect Johnnys ignoring him, or doesn't want to see him.

Which is weird because their kiss was something, right? Did it affect Johnny in the same way it affected Daniel? He thought it had, he thought that Johnny had wanted him.

But almost 2 whole weeks into summer break and Daniel hasn't heard a single word from him. It's like he's disappeared off the face of the earth. Or maybe he just realised that Daniel isn't what he wants.

Daniel closes his eyes, trying to block out his thoughts - they're just making him feel worse, but all that does is bring back the image of them kissing. Jesus. He's never been kissed like that before, probably never will be again.

"Daniel" Bobby's voice calls from upstairs, it echoes on the wooden floors, "Can you grab the door?". Daniel blinks, someone's knocking on the front door. How had he not noticed?

Daniel stands and makes his way to the door, who could be coming over right now? All of his friends are on holiday and Bobby's parents aren't coming back for another 2 days.

He pulls open the door and the boy standing there pauses, his hand is raised to knock again. "Can I help you?" Daniel frowns and the boy matches his frown right back.

He's got jet black hair, green eyes, and a dimpled smile that is slowly forming on his face. "You're Daniel, no?"

How does this boy know who he is? Daniel's like 99% sure he's never seen him before, although maybe he's just forgotten.

"Do i know you?" Daniel asks, he's watching the boy and he's starting to wonder if maybe this is some sort of joke. Is someone pranking him?

The boy shrugs "No, I wouldn't expect you too. I'm a friend of Johnnys, just thought he might be here". The way he says friend makes Daniel feel mildly annoyed. Why had Johnny never said anything about this guy?

"I haven't seen him in a few weeks. He's definitely not here" Daniel wants to close the door. He wants to never see this guy again. He's making Daniel feel weird. Coming in here and talking about Johnny like Daniel should know him.

The guy squints his eyes and then shakes his head "My names John anyways" he holds out his hand "nice to meet you".

Reluctantly, Daniel shakes it "you've got the same name or what?". Is this guy just lying about his name, trying to throw Daniel off? What the hell is going on?