Lemon Boy

Chapter 6

"How many more outfits do you have left?" TJ called to Cyrus from the other side of his bedroom door.

"Just one more. I think this is the one." Cyrus answered.

Not that TJ minded the boy trying on practically everything in his wardrobe. It was, well, adorable. There was just no other word for it. Cyrus was so excited for his date(?) with Jonah, and the chance to spend time with the boy he liked. TJ was happy for him too. How could he not be? Cyrus had been a good friend to him. More than that, Cyrus was a good person. He deserved to be happy.

"What do you think?" Cyrus asked, opening the door.

TJ's breath caught in his throat. Cyrus was wearing a untucked green button down and dark jeans that seemed tailored to fit him. TJ blinked. Cyrus had done something different with his hair too. It seemed even more wavy and touchable than usual.

Cyrus did a little spin, and gazed at TJ, expectant. TJ coughed into his hand.

"You, um- you look nice."

"Nice? Is that all?" Cyrus teased, leaning in closer.

Woah. Had his eyes always been that sparkly? TJ shook his head. What was he thinking?

"No you look- you look great, Cyrus." This seemed to satisfy him, and he went back inside to check his reflection.

TJ followed him, realization dawning on him.

"I hope Jonah likes it, I don't think it's too much. It's stylish yet casual, you know?"

TJ nodded, his mind whirring. He had been such an idiot. Of course there was a reason why he had wanted so desperately to help Cyrus feel better, and had gone such lengths to see him happy. TJ was...well, he didn't want to say in love (they were in middle school after all)...but he was definitely in like with Cyrus. Like like. The kind of like that he had never experienced before. No wonder he hadn't recognized it.

"Come on, TJ, pretend you're Jonah. I want to see the reaction to my ensemble."

TJ swallowed, and tried not to look at Cyrus directly.

"You- you look docious magocious, Cy guy."

Cyrus laughed.

"Be serious, TJ. What do you think Jonah will say?"

TJ stepped forward and took Cyrus' hands in his.

"You look absolutely breathtaking, Underdog."

The nickname slipped out of his mouth before he could stop himself. Cyrus leaped back, as if TJ had burned him. TJ wished he could take it back. He felt like such a fool. Cyrus was too good for him, he always had been. Why would he ever want TJ when he had Jonah?

"I-I'd better be going," Cyrus stammered, straightening his collar.

"Yeah." TJ stepped away, and trailed down the stairs after Cyrus.

They walked out the door. Cyrus looked back at TJ as he began to walk in the other direction.

"Aren't you coming?"

"No, er, my house is that way."

"Oh, alright. I'll- I'll text you later."

"Ok."

Cyrus gave TJ a wave, before he started off toward The Spoon. TJ finally turned back, cursing himself for being so stupid. He was a screw up. TJ ruined everything in his life and in the lives of other people. Yes, Cyrus would be better off with Jonah. TJ had done his part to help, but it was over now. They had succeeded.

Then why did he feel like they had lost?