Maybe A Little

Chapter 6

After the class in the auditorium, Chad gave Ryan his number. The next morning, Chad woke up to a text from Ryan, saying he would be picking him up for school at 7:00. Chad glanced at his clock and his eyes widened. Ten minutes...oh boy.

Chad threw on the nicest looking T-shirt he could find, a pair of shorts and then, upon trying to get his hair slightly under control, realized he needed to brush his teeth. Not that he thought Ryan might notice... just because... Okay yeah, he thought about Ryan.

As Chad went flying down the stairs to put his shoes on the door bell rang. Chad grabbed his wallet and yanked the door open. There was Ryan, looking at Chad with a look that was too knowing to not make Chad feel uncomfortable, and he ducked his head self-consciously.

Ryan frowned at the action, as if just now realizing how unsure the athlete was out of his element. Chad glanced up as Ryan reached out and grabbed his wrist.

"Have you eaten breakfast yet?"

Chad pursed his lips and gave a short laugh. "Honestly, I've only been awake for like ten minutes."

Ryan snorted. "I take it you're not a morning person?"

"I take it you're one of those irritating people that wakes up with the sun and is overly chipper every morning?" Chad retorted, rubbing his eyes tiredly. "If I'm going to keep up with you, I need coffee...like, now."

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As Ryan pulled up to Starbucks about ten minutes later, Chad started feeling anxious. The shop was only just down the block from school and a popular hangout for people from East High. It wasn't that Chad didn't want to be seen out with Ryan, it was just that if Troy or Zeke or especially Sharpay were to walk in and find the two on a..date? Oh lord, he was on a date with Ryan Evans and Troy was going to find out and he was going to be pissed and no no no that can't happen it ca-

"Chad? Hey, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

Chad was vaguely aware of Ryan gripping his fingers tightly and pulling him to the back corner of the store, sitting them down at a table, but he was too busy trying to breathe to respond. "Troy," was all he managed.

Ryan glanced around the store before looking uncertainly back at Chad. "What are you talking about? Troy's not here. Chad, look at me." Ryan pried Chad's fingers away from his face where he had seemingly attempted to hide. "It's okay. You're okay. Just breathe."

Chad stared at Ryan with wide, terrified eyes, but his breathing was returning to normal. It was then that he noticed every person in the store was currently watching him, every pair of eyes holding a look of pity and Chad couldn't stand it.

He dropped his head in shame, whispering to Ryan."Can we leave? Please?"

Ryan continued to watch Chad for a second before shaking his head slightly and starting towards the door. Chad noticed he let go of his hand before standing up and dug his nails into his palms to stop the tears from rising to his eyes.

Once they were in the car, they sat in silence for a minute before Ryan slowly turned to Chad.

"What was that?"

Chad took a deep breath, squeezing his eyes shut and hoping he was still asleep and dreaming; but when he opened his eyes, Ryan was still there with that half concerned/ half disappointed look on his face.

"Don't look at me like that. I don't know what happened, one minute we were going to get coffee and the next thing I know I feel like I'm about to pass out in the middle of the store. What's wrong with me?"

"...What were you thinking about before you started feeling bad? You said Troy's name, if that helps."

"Oh..."

Chad watched, trying not to wince as realization bloomed on Ryan's face and the blonde boy shifted slightly away from him.

"You were...you were scared Troy was going to come in and see us...he wasn't... Chad did you think this was a date?"

This time Chad couldn't even try to control his emotions, unable to stop the sting behind his eyes.

"No! No, why would I think that? You didn't say it was a date, of course you didn't mean for it to be a date, why would you do that? Why would you want to date me anyway? I woul-"

Chad jumped as he felt Ryan's hand clamp over his mouth, preventing him from rambling anymore.

"Chad, I'm going to ask you three questions. They all require yes or no answers, and my hand is going to stay here to stop you from word vomiting again." Chad nodded slowly, eyes wide.

"First of all, do you value Troy's opinion when it comes to what you do with your life?"

Chad considered his answer for a second. Of course, Troy was his best friend. They had been friends practically their whole lives, and made most big decisions after consulting each other. On the other hand, he was unfortunately aware that at some point in time he would have to start thinking for himself...but he wasn't ready for that yet. Sheepishly, he nodded his head yes.

Ryan nodded. "Next question: Do you consider going for coffee a date?" Chad froze for a second before shrugging.

"No! What did I say? Yes or no answers only!" Ryan snapped.

Chad frantically shook his head yes. Ryan smiled.

"Okay then. And now, last one: Can I kiss you?"

Chad's mouth dropped open involuntarily and he went to shut it before realizing Ryan's hand was still over his lips. Ryan giggled. "My lips, silly, not my hand," he laughed before scooting forward and pressing his lips to Chad's.

A/N- To anyone who is actually following and enjoying this story I'm so sorry it's been so long. I really meant to do this sooner. However, this chapter has been my favorite even though it's super duper short. Comment, vote, you do you. Just don't stop reading because I'm finally getting plot ideas again!
Much love, thanks for reading!