Art Project

Magnetic butterflies

Kris

I took a deep breath and followed him. Why did I have to be paired up with Tyler? Out of all the people? There's plenty of students in my art class. Why him? Was the universe trying to get me killed?

"Earth to Fag-word." Tyler stared at me impatiently.

I glared and stepped into his house. The nervous feeling in my stomach wouldn't go away. It felt like magnetic butterflies tearing my insides apart.

"Magnetic butterflies? What the hell are you talking about?" Tyler had that sexy confused look on his face.

"Um." I can't believe I just said that out loud! I really need to stop talking to myself.

"Whatever.  Let's just get this dumb project over with." Tyler slipped off his shoes. I did the same.

"The sooner the better."

~

"So..." Ugh. I sucked at being in groups, at least with people who didn't like me. "What're we doing our project about?"

Tyler shrugged. "I thought you'd be more into that kinda stuff."

"Because I'm gay?"

Tyler averted his eyes.

It made no sense why people were so weird about homosexuality. Religion was a big reason for it but still. What gave anyone the right to hate and belittle someone over who they liked, to tell them they were wrong and going to burn in Hell? It was insane.

"Are you okay?" He said, bringing me back from internal rant. I wondered how upset I must have looked for Tyler Case to ask me if I was okay. Was I having a fever dream?

"Yeah. Let's just do this..." I sat beside him on the bed, ignoring the way he tensed. "We should do the project about fairytales!"

"No." Tyler wrote off. "Not that. That's just embarrassing."

"Why? I love princesses!" I pouted.

"Fine," He looked away and huffed, puffing his cheeks out. "It's whatever." Ugh, he's so cute.

"Yes!" I couldn't contain myself and practically threw myself at him, wrapping him in the biggest hug.

Wait. It felt as if a cold bucket of water poured all over me. My happy smile froze on my face and I opened my eyes. Crap.

Faster than the speed of light, no exaggeration there, I scrambled away from him like he was a wild animal. Scratching the back of my neck, I laughed awkwardly.

Tyler blushed. That's so cute. I couldn't contain the warm feeling that washed over me. I just wanted to kiss him all over. Wait, what the fudge am I saying? This guy— the same guy who's been bullying me since middle school— is not cute.

Okay, maybe a little.

Not. Ugh!

I swallowed. "So, um, we know what it's about... haha. All we need is uh, princess pictures!"

He did a little half smile. "Yeah. I can go ask my Mom if she has any fairytale books laying around."

"Okay."

An hour or so passed by in story books and light arguments.

"It's getting late," I yawned.

"Oh... I'll drive you home, get your stuff." He said well, ordered. And then he turned to go downstairs.

I rubbed my chest as if that would stop my heart from beating so hard. This can't be happening. There's no way I have a crush on— on Tyler!

It didn't make sense. I don't like those who bully others if they're different, who think they're superior the academic team if they're a football player, who use their popularity as a power trip.

I had to be confused. Yeah, that was it.

"Kris!" Tyler yelled from downstairs. I grabbed my backpack and hurried to his side.

"You ready?" Tyler jingled the keys, looking a tad nervous. Aw.

"Yeah, lets go." I shoved my shoes on.

Another car ride with Tyler might not be too bad.

Ten minutes into the car ride, rock music crackled through the speakers as both of us remained quiet. Welp, I guess this could be more awkward. Maybe. I hummed to myself at the thought of my comfy bed waiting for me.

"Stop that."

I cocked my head innocently. "Stop what?"

"Stop humming! It's annoying." He rolled his eyes. Talk about rude!

"I am not!" I scowled.

He rolled his eyes again. "What you're doing is."

Humming even louder, he smacked his hand over my mouth. I licked said hand and he yanked it away and wiped my own saliva on me.

"What is the matter with you?!"

"You're the one who keeps bothering me!" I pouted.

"Am not!" He argued. "It's like you've got ADHD or something."

I whacked him. "Don't try to diagnose me!"

The car stopped. "We're here. Now you can leave me alone and get your annoying cute little self in your house. Where I can't see, or hear you, alright?"

Grinning, I grabbed my stuff, ready to flee the scene when a lightbulb went off. I wonder if he'd appreciate a goodbye kiss.

I leaned over to him and smiled sweetly. "Cute?"

Tyler's breath hitched.

Holy cow on a stick! He's nervous! Heck yes! I did a million little dances inside. This was awesome!

I pecked his cheek, my lips brushing against his soft, warm skin. That warm feeling inside me amplified and I pulled back too soon for my liking.

Both our faces were a bit pink.

I smirked. "See you to tomorrow, Ty."

He was rendered speechless. Laughing, I shut the car door and hurried to my front porch. My heart about to burst out my chest. A big smile on my face.

This might be fun after all.