Hope (Tyrelliot)

Chapter 20: 'Relationship'

It's a new day.
I'm actually supposed to meet Shayla and Leon in the cafeteria today, but I'm not going to do that.
I know it'll hurt them, but I have to show that the thing between me and Tyrell is private and that I don't want to involve them into it, for now at least.

I'm in the cafeteria with Tyrell right now. He wanted to talk to me, he didn't tell me about what though.
"What did you want to talk about?"
"About us, because I feel like you haven't really told me anything about yourself."
I just look down. He is interested in me and my life..
"U-um..."
"You trust me, right?"
I'm honestly not sure about that.
He could be a spy for Shayla now or something.
Ugh, stupid paranoia.
"Sure."
"Okay, do you want to talk about anything specific first?"
"Yes actually, Shayla thinks we have a 'thing' going on."
"Okay, define 'thing'?"
"Y'know..."
I lean closer to his face.
I don't want anyone to hear it.
"'Relationship'... Not just 'Friendship..'"
"Oooooh, that!"
He chuckles nervously.
"Well, do we?"
"Of course not!"
"Then there's nothing to worry about!"
Now we both laugh.
"Yeah..."
He's still smiling.
We look into each others eyes.
I lean back from his face.
He looks on the table.
"Right um, anything else?"
"Yeah, the important part; she wants me to give her a regular report of what happening between us..."
"Oh god, we have a half-stalker!"
"Yeah, I don't want to give her the report, it makes me uncomfortable. I want to keep this our private thingy, you understand?"
I think his eyes light up slightly.
He's blushing a little.
He has a serious tone in his voice.
"Of course Elliot! I completely understand what you mean, I'd be uncomfortable too.."
He does something I didn't prepare for.

He takes my hand.

"I promise I'll do anything to keep you comfortable and safe, okay?"

I think I'm blushing too now.

"Th-thank you so much..."

"You're very welcome Elliot. Forever and always."

Oh god, what is happening here?
I can't really describe what I'm feeling, some weird mix of luck, hope, and anxiety.
What if all of this comes out?
What will people think?
What will Shayla and Darlene think?
And why do I worry about this so much?

He let's go of my hand after a while.
"I'm sorry, did that make you uncomfortable?"
"U-um.."
I look up to him.
"I-I don't know, it's different with other people..."
"What do you mean?"
"I usually don't like it when people touch me in any way..."
"And with me it's okay?"
I look down and nod.
This is a little embarrassing to me.
He's confused.
"Huh, okay... W-would you maybe prefer if I didn't touch you around other people?"
I think I'm getting the wrong thoughts about this.
I blush and nod quickly.
"Y-yes, otherwise they'd think everyone can touch me, w-which is not true and then I'd have to explain it and then everyone will think we're together or something funny like that!"
"Wow, okay!"
He's chuckling again.
I'm blushing way too much.
I don't even know what to say anymore, this entire situation is the worst. My heart beat has increased massively over the course of this conversation.
"Tyrell, I don't feel so good..."
I'm sweating.
I think I'm having a panic attack.
He's shocked.
"Oh god, what can I do?"
The Rest of his words fade after that.
I think I can hear him call my name a few times.
Everything goes black after that.

Tyrell....