25-Roads To Forever || One Shots

The Lie In Love

Xiu POV-

Everyone in school knows I'm gay. At first, I thought it would be scary-like walking into a room and everyone staring. But honestly? It's just me being me. Some people talk behind my back, sure, but most of them are cool about it. My friends? They're my biggest supporters, always hyping me up when I feel low.

I've learned not to let the whispers bother me. I mean, why should I? I'm proud of who I am. Life's too short to pretend to be someone you're not. If someone doesn't like me for it, that's their problem, not mine.

In class, I'm just Xiu-debate champion, the guy who always has snacks, and, okay, maybe a little too dramatic sometimes. But hey, that's what makes life fun, right?

Kevin POV-

I'm Kevin, 12B. Life's simple for me-football, friends, and trying not to fail calculus. People say I'm a bit of a freak, but hey, who isn't? I don't do drama or deep talks; I'm more about catching a game after school and grabbing burgers with the guys.

School's just a bunch of noise to me. Teachers nagging, classmates trying too hard-it's all background sound. I sit in the back, barely paying attention, but somehow, I get by. My friends say I have "main character energy," whatever that means. I think I'm just... me.

I don't plan too far ahead. College? Yeah, I'll figure that out when I get there. Right now, it's all about living in the moment. Some say I'm reckless. I call it knowing how to have fun.

Xiu POV-

Everyone in 12B knows Kevin. He's the kind of guy who doesn't even try but still ends up being the center of attention-messy hair, that crooked smile, and this carefree vibe like the world doesn't bother him. And me? Well, I think I've got a little problem... because I can't stop looking at him.

It's not like I chose this, okay? One day, I caught him laughing during lunch-like, really laughing-and something just clicked. He has this way of leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, like he owns the whole room without even trying. It's infuriating. And also kind of adorable.

I'm pretty sure he doesn't even know I exist. Or if he does, I'm probably just "that guy from 12A." But sometimes, I catch him glancing my way in the hallway, and for a split second, I let myself hope. Stupid, right?

I've got a reputation for being bold, but when it comes to Kevin? I'm a mess. One day, I'll say something. Maybe. For now, I'll just sit here, pretending I don't notice him... while noticing everything.

Kevin POV-

It started like any other day-loud, messy, and filled with pointless bets. My friends had been teasing me for weeks about Xiu. You know, how he walks around like he owns the place and how everyone else is kinda obsessed with him.

"Bet you wouldn't dare to confess to him," my buddy Max smirked, looking over at Xiu, who was doing his usual thing-being way too confident for his own good.

I rolled my eyes, not taking them seriously. But the more they prodded, the more the idea started to stick. Maybe it would be fun to mess with Xiu a little, see if I could get under that cool, unshakable exterior of his. After all, if he could do his whole "I'm so hot and confident" routine, then maybe I could mess with him, too.

They dared me to confess my feelings in front of everyone, just like he would. And I, of course, was an idiot who took the challenge.

So, here I was. Standing in the middle of the class, heart racing like a damn drumbeat. All eyes were on me. Xiu was in his usual spot, looking up at me, confused.

I took a deep breath and pulled on that stupid confidence, just like he would. "Xiu," I said, my voice louder than I intended. Everyone fell silent. Even the teacher raised an eyebrow.