High Hopes || Mashton AU

Chapter 9

"Pathetic"

"Faggot"

"Loser"

"Gay"

"Desperate"

And many other words were whispered throughout the hallways that day. It was natural that in Michael's mind, they were directed to him. It was part of his way of thinking unfortunately and he couldn't help but think that. But, the logical side of his brain told him that no, why would they be saying such things? Nothing had happened. Nothing that could have made anyone say anything harmful to him.

"Ah, look who we have there boys. Isn't it our favourite little loser?" Came the taunting words during lunch then, this time very obviously –and loudly- directed towards Michael. The dark haired boy furrowed his eyebrows, pulling out an earbud and turning around, facing Nathan Banks. Of course, out of everyone, it had to be him. And even if Michael didn't know the jock very good, he knew him well enough to know he was an ass. Especially after what had happened at the dance the day before.

Michael stayed quiet though, that way forcing Nathan to clarify. After all, Michael had gotten curious to why Nathan seemed to have such a sudden interest in him. Was it because he was hanging out with Ashton? Could it be that he was actually jealous of that? Or was there a more hidden reason, that had nothing to do with Ashton?

"Haven't you heard? It's sad to let some guy fuck the virginity out of you after a school dance. Especially if the guy isn't at all into you." Beverly Mardera then sneered, with a fake pout on her face as she batted her even faker eyelashes. Michael scrunched his nose up at her words, obviously not feeling the effect of them, because that hadn't at all happened. If anything, he was embarrassingly certain he was still a virgin.

"Man, he looks as if he doesn't even remember. What, got drugged huh? Did you make it that easy?" Another soccer player shot Michael's way then, making the smaller boy flinch back lightly at the idea of that. He didn't like it at all, nor did he like the harsh words that were spoken. All while he could only repeat the question of why. Why were they talking to him like this? Why were they asking him these questions?

"Let's show him then." Beverly piped up, prodding Nathan's side with her elbow and smirking at him. Michael felt incredibly nervous then, unsure of what he was going to see. Were they possibly playing some weird prank on him and would they show him a video with a jump scare? Or were they just playing around and were they going to show him some gross picture?

But no. Oh no. Michael nearly found himself wishing it had been that. And that he would be left alone after it. But it wouldn't stop here he knew, as he took the picture in almost carefully. It was a picture of him, with flushed cheeks and messed up hair, his body only half hidden beneath his covers, as his bare back was on display. His lips were incredibly red in the picture and if he had to say so himself, it did seem like he had just had sex. Or done anything sexual in the least.

Where did this picture come from and how did these people –out of everyone- get their hands on it?

"Aw, look at that face Nate. He didn't have a clue." Beverly fake-cooed, the mocking glint still in her eyes. Michael felt himself get nauseous, the words making his stomach twist in ways he wasn't sure were healthy. The words that hinted that he had been oblivious towards something, or even someone. And all he could think about then, was a six-lettered name. The name that belonged to the jock who seemed to enter the same hallway in that moment, confusedly pushing himself through the small crowd of jocks and cheerleaders, to let his hazel eyes fall on the small form of Michael.

"You?" Michael questioned then, unable to stop himself, his voice small and showing how fragile he was actually feeling then. He knew it wasn't true. He hadn't done anything sexual and definitely not with Ashton –apart from kissing, honestly. But what he knew and all these people thought... they couldn't influence each other like he wanted. He had no say in this and he was stuck with people forever thinking he was a desperate little boy who lost his virginity to a stupid jock after the Halloween dance.