Bound By A Book (KYMAN FIC)

The finale (pt 2)

The next day, Cartman and Kyle walked into school side by side, their hands laced together. Cartman's heart raced, and he couldn't help the smug grin spreading across his face as he took in the stares from other students. He felt like he was on top of the world, holding Kyle's hand in front of everyone, showing that they were together. For once, Cartman didn't care about what anyone thought; he was exactly where he wanted to be.

As they made their way down the hall, Kyle nudged him with a small smirk. "So... how's it feel, getting to show off?" he teased, giving Cartman's hand a gentle squeeze.

Cartman smirked back, not missing a beat. "Oh, please, Kahl. This is all for you. Just think of how lucky you are to be seen with someone as amazing as me."

Kyle rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Right. Because it's so hard to find someone who's a total pain half the time."

Cartman gave him a playful shove, though he didn't let go of Kyle's hand. "You know you love it, dude," he said, flashing Kyle a grin that softened when he saw the genuine amusement in his eyes.

As they stopped by Kyle's locker, Cartman leaned casually against the wall, unable to keep from watching Kyle's every move. Kyle noticed, glancing at him with a raised brow. "What? Already planning our future or something?"

Cartman snorted, but his face betrayed a small blush. "Maybe," he muttered, looking away for a second before meeting Kyle's gaze again. "You're the one who's always running your mouth about our 'bright futures,' anyway. Just thought I'd, uh... consider it."

Kyle shook his head, smirking as he opened his locker. "I didn't expect you to be this sappy," he said, though there was a warmth in his voice that made Cartman's chest feel light.

"Yeah, well, don't get used to it, Kahl," Cartman replied, folding his arms. "I'm still the same guy who's gonna kick your ass in every argument we have."

Kyle laughed, his voice echoing softly in the hallway. "I wouldn't expect anything less." He paused, glancing around to make sure no one was looking before leaning in and giving Cartman a quick kiss on the cheek.

Cartman blinked, his face heating up, and before he could say anything, Kyle pulled back with a smirk, shutting his locker door. "See you in first period, tough guy," he teased, walking off and leaving Cartman standing there, frozen with a goofy smile on his face.

At lunch, Kyle joined Cartman at their usual table, setting his tray down next to him. Cartman couldn't resist scooting a bit closer, grinning as he reached over to swipe a few fries off Kyle's plate.

"Hey!" Kyle protested, though there was a hint of laughter in his voice. "Get your own, Cartman."

Cartman shrugged, munching on the fries with a smirk. "Sharing's part of the deal, isn't it? You're lucky to even be sitting next to me, Kahl."

Kyle rolled his eyes. "Right. Just like I'm 'lucky' you keep stealing my food."

"Damn right," Cartman replied, stealing another fry just to be annoying. But when Kyle met his gaze, the teasing melted away for a moment, and Cartman felt that warmth in his chest again—the same feeling he got every time he saw Kyle smile just for him.

Across the table, Stan and Kenny watched them with knowing smirks. Kenny nudged Stan, who leaned forward with a grin. "So... you guys are finally official?" he asked, his tone almost too casual.

Cartman raised an eyebrow, narrowing his eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Stan chuckled. "It means we all saw this coming, dude. You've been head over heels for Kyle for, like, forever."

Kyle shot them both a glare, his face reddening. "Wait, what? You guys... knew?"

Kenny shrugged, giving Cartman a sly smile. "Pretty hard to miss. Cartman was practically a lovesick puppy around you, dude. All that yelling and glaring? Obvious cover-up."

Kyle looked from Stan to Kenny, then back at Cartman, his eyebrows raised in shock. "So... everyone knew but me?"

Cartman scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit embarrassed but also oddly proud. "Guess I'm not as subtle as I thought," he admitted, avoiding Kyle's gaze for a moment. "But, hey, it worked out, didn't it?"

Kyle rolled his eyes, looking exasperated. "You guys are all unbelievable."

The rest of the day passed in a blur, and soon it was the end of the school day. Cartman and Kyle walked together to the exit, chatting about the day's events. Just before Kyle was about to head home, he turned to Cartman with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"You know, for all that talk about being 'amazing,' you really are a total dork," Kyle teased, crossing his arms as he leaned against the doorframe.

Cartman smirked, stepping closer. "Takes one to know one, Kahl."

Kyle rolled his eyes, but he smiled, glancing around to make sure no one was watching before he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Cartman's lips. The kiss was brief but lingering, filled with an unspoken promise. When Kyle pulled back, Cartman was left staring at him, his face flushed but his heart pounding in exhilaration.

"See you tomorrow," Kyle said, his voice soft but full of warmth.

Cartman swallowed, his face breaking into a rare, genuine smile as he watched Kyle walk away. Everything he'd been hoping for, all the nervous anticipation, had finally come to life in the best way. He thought back to Craig's words about everything falling into place and felt a quiet gratitude.

maybe things really did work out the way they were meant to.