lovely // analogical ✔

☆ 17 - popularity thing ☆

Another day of school went by and everybody in the grade believed that Logan had cheated on Virgil.

Logan became one of the most loved to one of the most hated in one day.

So the sorta-friends Logan made were gone like that.

When Patton, Virgil, and Logan went back to the Greyson house, Logan was still insisting he hadn't done anything.

"Please believe me... You know I wouldn't do such a terrible thing to someone."

"And why's that?" Virgil demanded. "It's not like it hasn't happened to me before. I can't believe you! I thought you were different! This popularity thing is really getting to your head, huh? You just can't keep your dick in your pants!"

"I will prove that those messages are fake, just send me the screenshot and we'll be fine! I promise that I never said those things, alright?"

Virgil bit his lip and sighed. "Who's Jackson?"

Logan's body completely tensed up at the all too familiar name. "Jackson Sweeney?"

"So you do know him, don't you?"

"Well, yes, I know him but I wouldn't cheat on you with him. Ever."

"But how do you know him?"

"I... don't want you to worry-"

"I've done enough worrying in my life, so just tell me already! Why are you lying to me...? Why are you just like every other guy? Are you using me for popularity and fucking someone else behind my back? Because I wouldn't be fucking surprised!"

Ouch. "First of all, I am a virgin. Second of all, I can tell you... who Jackson Sweeney is... if it'll make you feel better."

Virgil seemed to soften at those words. Logan looked like he was telling the truth... "Go on and tell me then."

"Jackson Sweeney.... He used to bully me. A lot. I never told you because I didn't want to cause drama, but I would never, ever hook up with someone like him! He tortured me for years! Do you think I'd take interest in him?"

Virgil mumbled something inaudible.

"What was that?"

Virgil whined quietly. "I'm sorry.... God, I hate when you're right... I should have been more calm. I know you wouldn't cheat on me... and I understand now, but, um, please tell me how the convo is fake. I mean, I believe you, but.... Jesus! I'm so insecure and jealous. I'm such a bad boyfriend, I'm sorry! I just have trust issues, so I'm pretty annoying... But show me. Because I want to believe you."

Logan understood completely. "Hey. We all make mistakes. I'll show you. Show me your phone?"

Virgil handed his phone over. "The password is 3211962... the date that Taco Bell was founded if you ever forget."

Logan typed in the password and found the screenshot. "Ah. I already see the issue."

Virgil perked up. "What is it?"

"This text that 'I' sent says, 'I had a great time tonight. Maybe we can do it again?' That message about 'tonight' was sent at 12:42 pm. That was when we were sitting near each other at lunch and you know that I had left my phone in my locker that day."

Virgil put his face in his hands. "I'm sorry..."

"It is quite alright. You made a mistake, but everybody does. You said this isn't new to you, though. Would you care to elaborate?"

He went on a full rant of all the guys he's dated and how shitty they were to him.

"Well, the first person I ever dated was this girl named Gwendolyn. Then we both realized we were both super gay so neither of us were hurt when we broke up. In fact, we went to Pride together that year because we broke up right before pride month, so that was fun.

"Brian from 7th grade was sweet. But then he moved. Jeremy from 8th grade was apparently straight but he was just pitying me for attention. And I told you about the guy who cheated on me in freshman or sophomore year. And then blah, blah, blah, guy after guy, and all they want is for me to make out with them and get them Instagram followers."

Logan comforted him, then asked, "Why would Patton send you that screenshot, though? Does he not like me?"

"No way! I mean, he just wants to look out for me... He knows about all the dudes I've dated and he's now ready to smack a bitch whenever he sees one."

"But how did he get that screenshot?"

"Jackson probably sent it to him."

"How does Jackson have his number?"

"...PATTON!" Virgil yelled.

Patton came rushing in. "Please don't yell at me!"

"How does Jackson Sweeney have your number?!"

"Oh! You know how I'm in the tech crew for the school play, right?"

"Yeah...?"

"Jackson asked me for my number so meet up one day after school to paint the backdrop with the rest of the tech crew! But instead of making plans, he sent me that screenshot and I got really angry. But I heard from the other room that he was lying so please don't punch me in the face!"

Virgil sighed. "I'd never do that, Patt."

"You are a very good brother to Virgil," Logan added.

Patton cracked a tiny smile. "Thanks!"