The Break Up Plan (BoyxBoy)

Double Trouble

"So I'm into guys," I announced, latching onto James's arm. "And I'm dating James."

James, who sat beside me with an even bigger smile, leaned a bit closer. Tyler and Colby were progressive guys–we'd had enough conversations about politics and the occasional celebrity canceling for me to know that. And yet, I couldn't fight the nerves bubbling up in my stomach. There was a real chance 2 years of friendship could be over right here. Right now.

"So you bagged the new British guy?!" Colby exclaimed.

James folded over in laughter while Colby, celebrating my dating prowess, reached around him to dap me up.

"And here I thought you were just good friends," Tyler smirked, crossing his long arms. "I never should have underestimated you."

In the midst of Colby and Tyler's teasing, Stephanie jogged around the table to give me a hug.

"Congrats, Elliot," she said beside my ear. "I'm happy for you."

Day two of coming out wasn't going half bad.

After one more quick squeeze, Steph returned to her side of the table, her hand casually dropping onto Rin's thigh. Since my best friend sat right in front of me, it wasn't hard to miss. Gnawing at the skin on my bottom lip, I turned to James, letting his bright smile wash the image from my mind.

During homeroom, James came to my class so I mentioned my plans to come out to the guys over lunch. James had lit up like a Christmas tree, insisting that he had to be there to support me. I think the only person more excited than me about their reaction was James.

Tyler was entertained by watching Colby and Stephanie exchange ideas about how to use my new relationship for social clout. Their stupid conversation took over the table and I was laughing when James held my chin between his thumb and pointer finger, drawing my face towards him.

"James," I whispered urgently. My heart rate spiked as I looked around, watching set after set of eyes turn to us. "James, people are watching."

"Let them watch," he murmured.

My hand flew up to his chest, putting enough pressure so he couldn't get closer when I heard the start of the chanting.

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

I know Tyler didn't start that. Curse Colby's encouragement of just about anything that brought him amusement.

It had started at our table but now half the room was yelling, waiting for us to give them a show. James met my gaze, his eyes sparkling when my push softened. I left my palm pressed against him but relaxed just enough so our lips could connect.

I inhaled sharply when he pressed even closer. My jaw worked to match his pace, a pace totally raunchy for a high school cafeteria. James was a good kisser. Kissing him made those awkward middle school pecks feel like the joke they were. So when we pulled apart and someone from afar whistled, I didn't feel bad about dozens of my peers seeing it. I only felt bad about one.

I looked across the table, searching for Rin with my mouth still damp from James's spit. My best friend wouldn't look at me, the grease pooling at the edge of his plate apparently more interesting.

I know why I felt awkward. Kissing my current boyfriend in front of the guy that I'm in love with is a major conflict of interests. I just didn't know why Rin was so awkward too.

"So many couples in the friend group," Colby crossed his arms, shaking his head in disbelief. "I'm glad that you guys look so happy but I need to join. Jennie's still single, right Steph?"