Friends With Benefits//joshler [✔]

6. Locker Room

Tyler expected things to be different when they went back to school Monday. They were, but only slightly. Josh still spent most of his time with his friends instead of with Tyler, which the younger boy couldn't really complain about too much.

Josh had a couple of classes with Tyler that he actually talked to him in, but only as if they were friends. Josh tried his best to avoid Tyler when he was with his friends. They would no doubt make fun of Josh to no end.

Tyler understood, but at the same time he didn't. Josh told him he loved him. Why wasn't that a good enough reason for him to finally stop caring so much about what others think?

They had gym on Mondays, but Tyler spent the whole time talking to his girlfriends and admiring Josh from afar rather than actually participating.

"He's so hot," Tyler whispered to Melanie, who giggled in response.

"He seems like he's grown interested in you."

"I don't think so. I think he just likes me as a friend."

"I don't know. I mean, he comes to every single one of our home games. And he always comes up to you afterwards. What does he say?"

"Um... He just says good job and stuff."

"But you always leave with him afterward."

"He gives me a ride home," Tyler shrugged, which wasn't a total lie.

"So you're just friends?"

Just friends with benefits that love each other, yeah.

"Uh huh," Tyler nodded, watching Josh throwing a frisbee with his friends.

"You know, Tyler, you're so lucky," Melanie sighed.

"Why?"

"You get to change in the guys' locker room!"

"Well, I am a guy."

"Yeah, but you're into guys. It must be nice."

Tyler smiled, thinking about how he knows Josh watches him change.

"It is," Tyler said cockily, making Melanie roll her eyes.

"Showers!" The gym teacher yelled, causing everyone to retreat to the locker rooms.

Tyler quickly ran in, hurrying to get to his spot before the rest of the boys filed in. He pulled his shirt over his head and replaced it with his white sweater that hung loosely off his shoulders. He slid off his short shorts and searched around in his gym bag for his jeans, but couldn't find them. His heart began to race as anxiety bubbled in his chest.

He turned around to look at Josh, concern evident on his face. Josh gave him a confused look, nodding towards his bare legs.

"Did someone take my jeans?" Tyler called out, swallowing down his anxiety for a brief moment.

One of Josh's friends, Brendon, suddenly busted out laughing. Tyler turned his head toward the noise, cheeks turning red in embarrassment.

Pete, another one of Josh's friends, had managed to squeeze into Tyler's tight jeans.

"Oh, look at me, I'm Tyler! I walk around in girly clothes to try and get guys' attention!"

A chorus of laughs echoed throughout the locker room, leaving Tyler to stare shamefully at his sock-covered feet. He prayed Josh would say something. Anything.

"I act like a girl because I'm desperate for a guy to find me attractive!" Pete mocked in an annoying high-pitched voice.

Tyler couldn't hold the tears in anymore. He quickly slipped back into his gym shorts, quietly sniffling as Pete continued to mock him. He went to run past the group of boys, but ended up being tripped and landed on the tile floor with a thud.

Laughter rang out around him in all angles, seeming like there was no escape from it. He desperately looked up to Josh, who stood there staring at the ground with a stoic expression.

"Aw, is little Tyler upset?"

More laughter.

Tyler lifted himself off the ground, waterfalls pouring down his cheeks now.

"I hate you!" He screamed at the group, but directed it more towards Josh.

He stormed out of the locker room and over to Melanie, who immediately looked worried.

"Tyler, what happened? What's wrong?"

"I'm going home," Tyler grumbled, pushing open the gym doors and walked out. Melanie followed.

"Are you okay?"

"No."

"What happened?"

"I told you Josh doesn't like me! His asshole friends stole my jeans and walked around in them pretending to me be! They were saying how I dress like a girl to try and get guys' attention and it just... It sounds stupid but it really hurt. And Josh just stood there! I hate him! I hate all of them!"

"You can't leave, though!"

"Why not?" Tyler snapped, glaring at Melanie through his misty eyes.

"We have practice..."

"I don't give a shit," Tyler rolled his eyes.

"But Tyler!"

"I'll be there tomorrow. Tell coach I went home sick. It's not a big deal, Mel, God. I'm so sick of everyone."

He watched Melanie walk up to him and grab onto his shoulders. She shook him lightly.

"Stop taking your anger out on me! I was trying to help you, Tyler."

He sighed. "I know, I'm sorry."

"It's okay, I know you're hurt. What do I say if Josh asks about you?"

"He won't," Tyler said simply.

"What if he does?"

"Tell him you're surprised he suddenly cares so much. Didn't seem like he did in the locker room."

Melanie's lips curled up in a small smirk. "Okay, and I'll tell him you left with Dallon."

Tyler felt himself smirk as well. "Good idea. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye, hope you feel better," Melanie said, giving Tyler a quick hug.

Tyler waltzed out the front doors just as the bell rang. There was no doubt in his mind that Josh was going to be looking for him.