Learning Curves ✔ (bxb)

Chapter 33

Theo's POV

"What- what did you say?" I ask quietly into the phone, my body tingling in anticipation.

"I said I'd do anything for the ones I love."

"You... love me?"

"Yeah, I do. I love you, Theo."

My eyes flutter close for a moment. He loves me. He loves me.

"I love you too." I murmur.

"Don't feel pressured to say it back, I don't expect you to feel the same." Michael responds, and I can hear the slight sadness in his voice as he says so.

"But I'm not. I really do love you. I just.... I never said it because I was scared you didn't feel the same... or even really like me for that matter."

"What? Why wouldn't I like you Theo? I'm the one who asked you out."

"I know, I know. I'm not sure why I thought that. Insecurities I suppose..."

"Hey, do you remember when we went on our first date?"

"Yeah, wasn't really a date though was it? Considering I had no clue it was a date until after." I chuckle, remembering how hard Michael tried to make cookies.

"Okay, fair. I was just really nervous on asking you out, so it was a kind of date? It was mainly a reason for me to get closer to you without seeming suspicious."

"Oh god, I remember how shocked I felt after you admitted it was a date. I was freaking out after you left and I felt so bad for not saying anything."

"Yeah. The point is, you have nothing to be insecure about, because I love everything about you." I could feel my heart melt at his words. Michael is really a huge romantic, but that's okay because I am too. We both absolutely love cheesy love stories and soft, tender moments like this one.

"Thank you," I murmur softly, my voice breaking with emotion. Suddenly I hear voices in the background of the phone call.

"Alright. I gotta go Theo, but hopefully I can see you soon?" Michael asks.

"Of course. Before school starts?" I reply.

"For sure. I'll see you soon, love you." He states before ending the call.

I grin, looking down at the phone in my hand. Before picking up the call, I was extremely anxious for the outcome, but now I'm overjoyed.

I decide to call Liam.

"Hello?"

"Hi Li," I smile, "got a question for you."

"Yeah Theo?"

"When were you going to tell me you and Rowan started dating?"

"Oh! Oh I'm so sorry Theo. I swear I was going to do it soon, but back to school preparations have kept me so busy that it completely slipped my mind and I'm really sorry-"

"That's fine Li. I know you didn't mean to hide it from me." I chuckle.

"That's good, but I still feel bad. Er... by the way... I was wondering since you and Michael are together, would you like to go on a double date with Row and I sometime?" I can hear the nerves in his voice by the way it shakes.

"I'd be delighted to, Li. Michael told me that Rowan informed him you wanted to go on a double date sometime. You really don't have to hesitate to ask, you know? We're all friends."

"Yeah, I know. It's just... I feel terrible for wanting to do a double date when Ethan can't really be included? I think we both secretly know... despite him covering it up, that he's lonely and really does want a significant other. I feel bad that I'm in a relationship so fast while he's been searching for someone for so long without any results."

"I mean, as D. H. Lawrence once said, 'Those that go searching for love, only manifest their own lovelessness. And the loveless never find love, only the loving find love. And they never have to seek for it.' Maybe part of the reason why he's having so much difficulty finding someone special is because he keeps looking for them. We never actively searched for our boyfriends, they just came into our lives." I respond after thinking for a few moments.

"That's true, but I still feel terrible because he always tears himself up about it, and I can't really do anything to help him."

"Look," I say, "you're a really good guy, Li. I think you have the biggest heart out of anyone I've ever met, but some things you really can't rush or change. The most we can do is just be there for Ethan and support him. However, this doesn't mean inhibit our own love lives. It's your life, Liam. You can do whatever you want with it."

"I guess you're right. Thanks Theo." Liam states, "When would you be okay for the date?"

"Do we want to do it sometime soon? In the next few days? Since Rowan and Michael are going to be moving into the apartment soon, and they'll probably be really busy after that."

"Yeah that works. How about this coming Saturday? If they're ready, we could also help them move in if they don't mind." Liam suggests.

"Sure. We'll have to double check with them but for now we can say Saturday. Wanna meet for lunch or dinner?"

"Yep, maybe lunch? That way if they do need help with the move we still have time to do it." I know I've probably said this before, but I really admire the fact that Liam is always thinking of other people. Even now for a double date, he still wants to plan this out so we can help out Rowan and Michael with their move if they require any assistance.

"That works for me. Alright then, I'll see you Saturday, assuming Rowan and Michael have no objections."

"Yeah, see you then!" I hear his excited voice before ending the call.

After coordinating with Rowan and Michael, we all confirmed that the double date would take place on Saturday at 12:30 pm. We've decided to eat at a restaurant called Spring. It looks super cute, and everyone seemed satisfied with the decisions.

I absolutely can't wait for this.