Theo's POV
3 months have passed.
There hasn't been much progression between Michael and I. I learned that his favourite colour is green, and he learnt than mine is blue. He has 2 dorm mates. One of them is his best friend and the other is just an acquaintance that he doesn't talk with much. We both seem to avoid the topic of relationships after that specific conversation, which I'm fine with, although it does bug me at night. I often wonder how he's doing with that girl he's got a crush on.
Michael used to be just another pretty face I thought I might have a chance with, but these past months, I've learned that he's actually a really cool guy, and I think I've genuinely developed a crush on him.
Fuck.
That's a terrible idea. He likes some girl! Why do I torture myself like this?
I slam my face into a pillow and scream.
"Dude. You good?" Ethan asks from his room (Which is next to mine).
"Fine!" I shout back, a little bit of agitation accidentally slipping into my tone. Whoops.
"You're clearly not okay. What's up?" Ethan asks, entering my room.
"I like Michael." I whisper as quietly as I can.
"What's wrong with that? I'm pretty sure he likes you too." Ethan responds, walking over and sitting on the edge of my bed.
"He likes some girl remember? He's straight. There's no way we could be a thing. I'm literally torturing myself and I hate it!" I say angrily.
"The heart wants what it wants."
"Now is not the time to be referencing Selena Gomez!"
"Okay, sorry sorry. But seriously, I say go for it. Flirt a little, try to get closer. If he's truly not interested, not even a tiny little bit, then you can stay friends." Ethan suggests, "Like, text him some good mornings or whatever. Make it sweet."
"I don't have his number." I admit into my pillow.
"What? It's been three months and you don't even have his number? I thought you guys were friends." Ethan exclaims, surprised.
"Haven't had the courage to ask. He seems pretty content to just keep me as the 'barista he talks to while waiting for his order' anyway."
"But he's clearly interested in you as a person, or he wouldn't constantly be complimenting you on your baking, or asking about your life." Ethan points out. I let out a grunt in response.
"Ask him for his number today. It's Wednesday. After your class!" Ethan insists.
"Fine! Fine. Whatever. Why are you so obsessed with my love life?" I grumble.
"I just want you to be happy, and for everything to work out. I know it's not ideal, pretending to be with Stephanie and all, which, by the way, you need to sort out. I don't think Michael will appreciate it having you fake dating this girl." Ethan replies honestly.
"Yeah, I know." I sigh.
"Why is it so difficult to break up with her, anyway?" Ethan asks, leaning back to lie down on my bed perpendicular to me.
"Parents. My parents want us to get married." I mumble.
"Let them know you broke up."
"Yeah I guess. It's just, they'll be on my back again for letting Stephanie go and finding a nice girl to settle down with. How am I suppose to tell them... I like guys? You know my parents. They're strictly christian with the whole gay sin thing blah blah blah." I mutter irritably.
"You just have to do it, man. I... There's really nothing else I can say." Ethan replies, playing with the drawstring of his large black hoodie.
"Yeah. I know you're right." I sigh, dreading the day already.
-
-
Statistics class was pretty boring. I don't even know why I need to take it for a Psychology major.
I'm getting nervous already just stepping into the cafe. I literally have 3 hours before Michael comes in. Why am I so anxious?
I start by baking some cakes, scones, danishes, donuts, whatever I can get my hands on to distract myself from what I'm going to do. Sabrina seems a little surprised at how eagerly I want to bake (wow rude).
At 4, when it's my turn to take charge of the register, my heart sinks, because now I only have an hour before Michael comes in.
The time actually goes by really quickly, since 4 is around the time people are still coming in for a snack or tea break. The business starts to die down around 4:50, and eventually I hear a jingle from the door...
And there he is.
The cause of my death.
"Theo." He greets with a smile.
"Michael." I greet nervously. I completely forgot to ask what he wants. What am I doing with my life?
"Uh, so I'll get whatever you made. Just pick a few, and a medium coffee 2 milk one sugar." He orders. Right, I'm running a business here. I quickly punch in his order and tap my fingers on the counter nervously.
"So, I was thinking, since we've been talking for a few months now, and I really like talking to you, I was wondering if you'd like to hang out sometime." Michael asks nervously. My jaw drops. He beat me to it!
"Uh, Yeah! Sure. I was... gonna ask you that too." I laugh awkwardly.
"Really? Great! Can I get your number after your shift or something?" He asks hopefully.
"Uh, sure. My shift doesn't end for another hour though."
"I know. ... I mean, since you told me... Not.. I'm not stalking you or anything. Uh."
"I know, don't worry." I laugh. Wow, I'm so glad we're on the same page. Okay, maybe not exactly, but at least he wants to get to know me.
-
-
When 6 rolled around, Michael was still sitting at one of the cafe tables. I cleaned myself up, took of my uniform, and walked over to him.
"Hey." I greet.
"Hi." He smiles at me.
"So, about your number..." I cough awkwardly. He lets out a chuckle.
"Pass your phone over, I'll punch it in." He says. I hand him my phone willingly. He gives me his and I save my number in his phone under my full name, Theodore.
"Huh, always wondered if Theo was short for something or if it was just Theo." Michael grins at me when he gets his phone back. "Are you busy right now?"
"Uh, no, why?" I ask nervously.
"I was thinking we could go out for a quick dinner now, since it's dinner time. If you would like." He asks. Why is he so good at asking people to go places with him?
"Yeah. Sure. Where?" I ask, so thankful that my voice remained steady like I actually knew what I was doing.
"How about... actually why don't you choose?" Michael suggests, smiling and gazing at me.
"Uh, well... T-there's this nice little pizza diner not to far from here." I stammer.
"Pizza it is." He chuckles.
YOU ARE READING
Learning Curves ✔ (bxb)
RomanceTheo Darsett is in his third year of university. Everything is going generally well. His grades are good, he has a great group of friends, and even has a part time job at the local bakery. Well, there may be one issue. He's got a fake girlfriend, a...
