Bulletproof Love

2: Kellin

Girls were annoying.

They went after him, smiled at him, flirted with him. They also had a strange obsession with his backside. Specifically touching or even squeezing it. He preferred sitting in the back of the classroom because of the glances he got from them.

As became more and more common with him, Kellin had been late. He had sat down next to what might be the most adorable guy he'd seen in college. Of course it became his goal to at least befriend the boy. It was the least he could do. Knowing his luck, Victor Vincent Fuentes would be the straightest person he'd ever meet. But, dear, how wrong he wanted to be.

He didn't want a girl who acted weird when he was there just to get his attention.

He wanted a cute guy he could be honest with. One that would show him he wasn't weird, or feminine, or a fag.

Between high school and college, he had changed a lot. He didn't walk around with pride of his sexuality, no, he hid it. Back in high school, it wasn't uncommon for him to be called names and be bullied by the popular kids. He finally had his glow up too. College had meant a new start and Kellin was desperate to not have his life ruined again.

Even if he had to turn down every girl that neared him. It created rumors, certainly, but nothing would measure up to the actual truth.

---

After school, Kellin followed Vic a bit. “Hello,” he greeted with a smile. Vic glanced at him from the corner of his eyes. He seemed suspicious, maybe confused. It surprised Kellin he wasn't with his friends. Then again, it was Monday and Vic always walked home that day.

He didn't stalk the guy, of course! He studied him.

“Hi,” Vic snapped. Kellin arched an eyebrow, slightly confused at Vic's harsh tone.

“Are you alright?” he asked. Smooth, Kellin. He wanted to reach out and caress Vic, tell him it was okay. But that was a girl's and a gay thing.

“Yes,” Vic growled, though he seemed unconvinced of his own words. Kellin didn't like it when people lied to him. Hypocritical, certainly, but he did it to protect himself. He technically never even lied. He just kept a secret and let others assume his identity.

“I don't believe you,” Kellin muttered back sternly. He wanted to help. Vic shrugged.

“Whatever,” he stated. Vic tried walking at a faster pace, but Kellin didn't stop following him. He needed to know why Vic was so down.

Vic..,” Kellin muttered. “I want the truth. I want to help.” His face filled with determination. He felt the need to keep Vic safe.

“I don't want help,” Vic snarled at the younger guy, making him flinch. Despite being taller than Vic, there was no way he was stronger. He might be popular, but barely had muscles. His face was his lifesaver in college. Vic wasn't really buff either, but more so than Kellin.

"But you need it," Kellin replied softly, a worried tone to his voice. Vic stopped walking and turned around. He glared at Kellin.

“I don't, shut up, faggot," he snarled. Kellin’s eyes widened at the familiar word. His breathing accelerated, heart beating wildly. No… He didn't mean that, right? How did he even know he was gay?! He stepped back as if Vic had physically hit him.

“Vic..," he muttered. He hated that word, he hated the effect it had on him. It physically hurt being insulted for who he was.

Vic’s eyes widened too, surprised at his own word choice. “Kellin, I'm sorry. I didn't mean…” Kellin raised a hand, motioning for Vic to shut his mouth. The smaller man did so reluctantly, shoulders slumping.

“It's fine… It was my second name in high school. I overreacted. Bye, Vic.” Without even a little smile, Kellin turned around and walked away. He just wanted to hide in his room now.

He returned home at a quick pace, desperate to push back the tears as the memories flooded back to him.

He walked straight past Justin, who was seated on the worn down couch watching TV, and pushed into his room, dropping onto his bed. He knew he was overreacting.

That word just brought up too many memories.

“Hey Kells. I don't want to cook,” Justin said after some time, walking into the room. Kellin groaned.

“Order a pizza or something,” he instructed Justin. He just wanted to be alone, wallowing in self pity. Justin shrugged and left. He was aware he should help his friend, but he knew his friend too well to do so. Kellin would only get mad.

---

“C’mon, dude, you have to eat something,” Justin said, leaning against the doorframe. Kellin merely pushed his face into his pillow.

“I don't want to.”

“What even happened?” Justin exclaimed.

“This cute guy at school said the f-word.” Kellin looked at his friend with big eyes.

“And you're still down? It's been two hours!” Kellin sighed. He knew Justin was right. He pushed himself off the bed and nearly landed face first on the floor before standing up and snatching the pizza.

“That's my boy.”