Crossing States

Chapter 20

As winter settled in, Luca and Ethan navigated their blossoming relationship with a mixture of joy and trepidation. Their days were filled with stolen kisses, warm embraces, and quiet moments that solidified their bond. Yet, beneath the surface of their happiness, there was a nagging worry: they had yet to share their relationship with their friends.

While they both understood the importance of being open about their feelings, the fear of judgment and the desire to protect their relationship from potential scrutiny held them back. They enjoyed their secret world, but the weight of hiding it began to take its toll, creating a tension that neither of them could ignore.

One afternoon, while studying for finals, Luca noticed Ethan staring out the window, lost in thought. The quiet hum of the dorm room contrasted sharply with the storm brewing in Luca's heart. Setting his books aside, he turned to Ethan, concern etched across his face.

"Hey, everything okay?" Luca asked, breaking the silence.

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I've just been thinking about how long we're going to keep this a secret. I love what we have, but it feels... wrong to hide it from our friends."

Luca nodded, feeling a knot tighten in his stomach. "I know what you mean. I love being with you, but sometimes I feel like we're living a lie."

Ethan shifted in his seat, his expression earnest. "I want to share this with everyone. You mean too much to me to keep it hidden."

Luca took a deep breath, the weight of Ethan's words sinking in. "You're right. It's just scary. What if they don't accept us? What if it changes everything?"

Ethan reached for Luca's hand, intertwining their fingers. "No matter what happens, I want to be with you. I think our friends will be more supportive than we think. They know us."

Luca felt a flicker of hope, but the fear still loomed large. "Okay, so how do we do this? We can't just drop it on them out of the blue."

Ethan smiled, a plan forming in his mind. "What if we invite everyone over for a movie night? It'll feel casual, and then we can just... let it come out naturally."

Luca considered the idea, feeling a mix of excitement and dread. "That could work. It's a low-pressure environment, and if they ask about us, we can just be honest."

"Exactly," Ethan said, squeezing Luca's hand reassuringly. "We'll be together, and I think that will make it easier."

With the plan set, they spent the next few days preparing for the movie night. They stocked up on snacks, picked out movies they knew their friends would love, and created an inviting 

atmosphere in their cozy dorm room. As the day approached, Luca felt a whirlwind of emotions.

When the evening arrived, their friends gathered, laughter and chatter filling the air. Mia was the first to arrive, her face lighting up when she saw the duo. "You two are glowing! What's your secret?"

Luca exchanged a glance with Ethan, a smile creeping onto his face. "Just enjoying the winter, I guess."

As the night went on, the group settled in for the first movie. Luca and Ethan found themselves sitting close, their hands resting on each other's knees, the comfort of their connection grounding them amidst the swirling energy of the room.

The laughter echoed through the space, but as the second movie began, Luca felt his heart racing. It was time. He leaned closer to Ethan, his breath hitching. "Are you ready?"

Ethan nodded, his expression serious yet supportive. "We've got this."

As the credits rolled, Ethan took a deep breath, standing up and drawing everyone's attention. "Hey, can I have everyone's attention for a second?"

The chatter died down, and all eyes turned to Ethan, a mixture of curiosity and anticipation hanging in the air. Luca stood beside him, his heart pounding.

"We wanted to talk about something important," Ethan began, glancing at Luca for reassurance. "Luca and I... we're together."

The room fell silent, and Luca felt his heart drop. Was this the right move? He stole a glance at their friends, searching for any sign of a negative reaction.

Some girl broke the silence first, her eyes wide with surprise but quickly softening. "Wait, seriously? You guys are dating?"

Luca nodded, feeling a rush of relief as he saw the smile on her face. "Yeah, we've been together for a little while now."

Their friends exchanged glances, and Luca held his breath, waiting for their reactions. To his surprise, she jumped up and pulled both of them into a hug. "Oh my god, I'm so happy for you guys! You're perfect together!"

Laughter erupted in the room, and one by one, their friends followed suit, offering hugs and congratulations. "Honestly, I thought you two were already dating," one friend joked, earning a chorus of agreement.

As the warmth of acceptance washed over them, Luca felt the tension that had been building for weeks begin to melt away. They spent the rest of the evening celebrating, sharing stories, and enjoying the newfound openness in their relationships.

As the night came to a close, Luca and Ethan found a quiet moment together, stepping away from the group. Luca looked up at Ethan, his heart full. "I can't believe how well that went. I was so scared."

Ethan grinned, pulling Luca closer. "Me too. But look at how much they care. They just want us to be happy."

Luca beamed, the joy of acceptance swirling within him. "Thank you for being brave and for wanting to share this with everyone. I love you."

"I love you too," Ethan said, leaning in to kiss Luca softly. "I'm so glad we're on this journey together."

They stood wrapped in each other's arms, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them side by side, their love stronger than ever. In that moment, surrounded by friends and filled with love, they felt the world open up before them, ready for whatever adventures awaited.

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