Rock Bottom (MLM)

FIVE

A/N: Another lowkey weak chapter, BUT the next one will have more fluff I swear!!!

-'✮'-

ORION

Monday, August 26, 2024. 7:10 AM

Every school year, the feeling of not wanting to get up in the morning consistently becomes more and more prevalent. Fortunately, this is not at all a normal school year.

I was excited to get up this morning—I'm a freak, I know. But I have a reason!

Caleb is picking me up and taking me to school this morning. Not only does this avoid an awkward car ride with my dad, but he's getting me coffee as well.

My brain is being an asshole and thinking "oh my god it's just like a date"—yes my crushing has only gotten worse, sue me—but I know deep down that this is anything but that. We're just a couple friends hitching a ride to school. Also Ronnie is going to be there. They're great, but I don't think I need them there during a date with their brother. Not that it's a date, like I said..!

I'm so fucked.

Caleb texted, saying they would be here in about five minutes. I'm standing in front of the mirror on my closet door, debating my outfit. I think it's okay. It's nothing crazy—literally just jeans, a baggy t-shirt and a zip-up sweatshirt. I've decided to put on just a couple bracelets but that's all.

I take a deep breath—well the deepest I can actually do in a binder anyway. I've gone most of the summer with only wearing one in the rare moments where I left the house.

I started wearing binders around 8th grade. I had already been used to hiding my chest with baggy clothes, so taking breaks for a few days was never too much of an issue. I think it started last year that I found myself taking a lot less breaks though. My dysphoria in general just got worse, even if no one's ever doubted that I was a boy in the recent years—as far as I'm aware anyway. It's just me. Me hating me.

I'm snapped from my less-than-body-positive thoughts when my phone vibrates. I check and see that it's Caleb, texting to say he's here. I quickly tie on my shoes, check my hair in the mirror again, sling on my backpack and then rush downstairs.

I exit through the front door. I don't say bye to my dad because I actually don't know where he is right now. Likely his room, his office or the kitchen, but I don't have time to go searching just for a half-hearted farewell.

As I approach Caleb's car, I see that Ronnie's in the back, so I hop into the passenger seat. I set my bag down on the floor of the car in front of me, my eyes meeting Caleb's when I look back up. He's smiling adorably. Those stupid little dimples...

"'Morning." He says.

"Hey," I reply, smiling in return. I look back and see Ronnie looking down at their phone.

"So, Orion, we're going to the Lucky Duck—it's the best cafe in town—"

"It's a cat cafe, by the way." Ronnie interrupts

"Really?" I ask. I've never been to a cat cafe, but I'm definitely more of a cat person than a dog person, so the idea is quite appealing.

"Yeah. Dingus is my favorite. He's this little siamese cat with only one eye. I think he's quite a fan of me as well." Caleb shares as he puts the car in drive.

"You like him because his name is Dingus." Ronnie snorts.

"Well, that is a plus, yes."

"Do you even know what dingus means?"