Student's Body, Warrior's Heart

Chapter 3

Thomas' POV

Robert and I sat on one of the lunch tables and began chowing down on our meals. After a few bites of my cheese and ham sandwich, Robert then asked me, "Tom, where exactly was your head during chemistry? It couldn't simply be tiredness or sleepiness. It's not like you to be tired or sleepy."

I really knew I could not hide it from him any longer, so I might as well just tell him what is going on inside of my head.

"It's just that I think that I have a crush on someone in 10th grade. I met him this morning on the bus... And like, he was cute to me. However, he had a feeling of loneliness. Something that I feel as well... I feel like he needs me company... And I want to do something about that..."

Hearing me out, Robert thought it out for a bit and remained silent. I looked down at my hands and the ground, where my extremities fidgeted like they were experiencing the Harlem Shake. I was so unsure if he was okay about what I just said. Rob then muttered, "Bro, if your heart said to go with this person, I think you should give it a go. But take it slow. Don't rush it otherwise it'll crash into flames..."

I wasn't really expecting him to give such good advice like he just did. I thought he would have felt somewhat weird that I liked someone who was in a higher grade than I. But he was so cool and seemed okay about that. I gave him a bright smile and chuckled, "Thanks a bunch, Rob. I really do appreciate that a lot." Then it hit me... I was supposed to meet Marcus underneath Home Tree! Dammit hopefully he's still there...

"S-sorry Rob... I just remembered that I was supposed to meet s-someone under Home Tree... I-I-I'll talk to you in 6th period!"

Confused as hell, Rob eyed me while I was grabbing everything that was mine in sight. Damn I hope I didn't look suspicious...  I thought to myself. I did notice, however, that he looked a bit saddened, that I was actually leaving him to see someone. I'll admit, I felt terrible that I left him hanging like that. But I did make a promise to Marcus, so I had to keep it, no matter the cost.

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Marcus' POV

I was slightly worried when I saw that Thomas was not under Home Tree like he said he would be. I heaved a sigh and was ready to depart from the massive tree. Suddenly, a shout came out from the distance. "Marcus! Wait up!"

I knew that voice anywhere, despite the fact I heard it for the first time only today. Thomas. Thank goodness, because I was ready to leave him right there hanging around waiting again. I didn't realize that I was smiling softly until my cheek muscles began to hurt. "Thomas! You're here..."

"Yeah I didn't make an empty promise like some people would. I hate that shit to be honest with you."
"I can tell."

I offered him a seat in the grassy but not muddy area, where he gladly sat. I sat next to him, with my back against the bark of the enormous tree. We both looked up at the cloudless sky, when our silence was easily broken by a question by Thomas. "How are you feeling now, Marcus? I remembered how you were this morning on the bus."

I hated lying to people and didn't understand why people did it, so I replied, "I'm feeling okay, I don't really take on stupidity like that during the rest of my day anymore like I used to. It's normal for me now," I was lightly blushing, but didn't exactly know why I was blushing in the first place. I wasn't sure if it was because it was an unusually hot day in winter or... Agh who am I kidding. It was everything about him that makes me blush heavily. His hair, his eyes, everything about him is just perfect in my eyes.

I had genuinely no idea what to ask him about due to my social anxiety. Since I didn't know much about Thomas, I asked, "So like, could you give me a small description about yourself?" Upon that request, he was a bit hesitant at first, but then he agreed. "Sure. I am 15 years old, I'm somewhat defensive and possessive to things I hold really close to me, and I personally love chemistry as a subject. I have to live in constant fear of my parents because they are terribly, erm... --big assholes-- but my sisters are totally cool with me being who I am. My personal favorite colors are blue and purple and I'm training my hand to become an author."

He thought for a little while before he spoke again. "That's all about me I know right now... What about you Marcus? What's your story?"
"A bit about myself, you mean?"
"Yeah, that's what I meant."

"I'm a 16 year old student who identifies as a gay boy, my mother is really the only person who has stood by my side since the day I came out to her and other people as well... My favorite subject right now is physics, even though I'm a top student in nearly all my subjects. My favorite color is sky blue, and I am a heavy video gamer... I don't really know what else to say at this point in time."

I can tell that he saw my anxiety, because Thomas touched my hand and gave me a soft smile. "It'll be okay, Mark. I got your back. I'm with you on every step of the way from now on. It doesn't matter what anyone else says, I'm with you on this journey. No one deserves to carry that burden alone."

All of a sudden, I felt a whole flock of butterflies flying around in my stomach and my heart just started to flutter. What is this feeling? Is this the feeling of being attracted to someone?  I don' t even know if he likes me back, but like I goddamn like this boy so much... What is happening to me?! A million thoughts raced through my head, trying my best to understand what was happening to my emotions. They were all over the place and I had no mental control over it.

"Oh yeah. One more thing Marcus. Take my phone number. I'm available when you need to talk to me at any time. Just not from 7 to 9 in the night. I'm busy with studies at that time."

In return, I gave him my phone number so that he knows that it's me and not some random person who seems like a stalker. "Don't worry man. I'm usually busy around that time too." I gave him a soft smile, which was promptly returned.

Before either of us could say anything else, the bell rang to signal the end of the luncheon period. We stood up from the grassed area and grabbed our belongings, "What do you have now Mark?"
"I have chemistry now. What about you Tom?"
"I got physics. See you on the bus after school?"
"Yeah, I'll see you then."

We exchanged smiles and also a fist bump before making our ways to our classrooms.

The two thought together:
I should have told him when I had the shot. I guess I wasn't ready to confess the truth to him as of yet.

Marcus:
I know that I'll tell him my feelings one day or another. Right now, it's just too early to say.

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Hey fellow readers! It's been a while since I've updated something on this story. I was busy watching some anime and playing video games, but I finally got back into the writing! Let me know what you think about the story so far, leave a comment below and thanks for the read!
~Alpha Youngwolf