Beneath The Mask

Don't Wait

TJ took deep breaths, collecting himself. He tried to ignore the pairs of eyes that were already on him, judging, questioning, and perhaps recalling rumors that even TJ himself had yet to hear. He knew that once he actually entered the school building it would only get worse, which did not help his nerves.

Noticing the tension, a concerned Cyrus turned to look at him.

"Are you okay?" Cyrus asked. He felt his hand wanting to comfort TJ but suppressed the urge. He knew that he shouldn't with all of those people watching for the other's sake.

TJ nodded.

"Yeah. Just facing everyone after yesterday...I'll be fine," he said.

Cyrus raised his eyebrows

"You don't have to do it alone," Cyrus said.

And, with that, TJ made a daring move. He allowed his hand to move close enough to Cyrus's to brush against it before finding his fingers and locking them into his own. Shocked, Cyrus looked at both of the hands and then back at TJ's face.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" Cyrus asked. It may have seemed like a small gesture, but it wasn't. The two both knew that everyone would be watching them as they walked in. TJ would be coming out to the entire school and simultaneously declaring his feelings for Cyrus.

"I️ am. As long as you're okay with it, of course," TJ replied.

The smile that spread across Cyrus's face in that moment was everything to TJ. Cyrus nodded.

The two began to walk to the door before being stopped by Kira who came in front of them.

"You're brave, Kippen," she remarked.

TJ rolled his eyes.

"Don't give me that," he replied, eyeing the girl up and down.

Kira shook her head.

"No, I️ mean it," she said earnestly, her voice softer.

She then began to walk past him, but before she did, she stopped and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You're a lot braver than me," she whispered in his ear, before removing her hand continuing on her way.

TJ's eyes widened. He had had no idea. Still, he knew that that was her story. And her secret to tell for when she was ready, and he genuinely wished her the best in finding the courage to do so.

So, he shook off the words before smiling at Cyrus and continuing for the door. When they got there, they each opened one of the double doors, walking in for everyone to see, ready to face the world together.