7 Minutes • Jachary

Six • Daniel Seavey

Sometimes I think too much, but this one time, I didn't.

I can't believe I just did that; Jack looks like he's about to murder me. But in my defence, Zach kept swiping his tongue and it's so distracting.

But anyway, whatever. It's not like I want to get in the middle of their obvious, fiery passion for each other.

Jack Avery and Zach Herron are practically made for each other, I swear they're already in a relationship without realizing it. Jack's too nervous about making a move and Zach is just waiting, both sad cases to watch.

I suppose I should help them, but then again, playing with fate isn't right. If it all works out in the end, it was meant to be.

Once I gather the plates, I see Zach subconsciously touching his mouth from where my fingers were moments ago, and I can't help but feel something stir inside of me, but it passes away.

I'm already intruding on so much, but I just want Zach to like me. He shouldn't be jealous of me or anything.

When Jack and I go to the sink, he gives me a look while preparing the wash. "Do you like Zach? And I'm not talking just like, but like like."

What are we in? Pre-school? I can't help but think as I watch the tap water filling up the sink with soap suds forming. The way Jack acts so protective makes me wish someone felt that way about me. "If you mean I have a crush on your crush, then no."

He visibly relaxes. "I mean, it's okay." Sure it is. "I think you two will be great together."

"Oh, yeah, because he totally loves me." I grab a dishrag and start scrubbing at a plate. "Honestly he doesn't seem to like me."

"He does like you. He told me."

"Okay. Well, I just feel caught in between you guys, so I'll be frank. I think you two will make a cute couple, and I'll stay out of your guys' way. Maybe it'll be best if we just pretend we don't know each other."

"Wait, dude, you can still crash over here."

I pass him the plate to dry, and it takes him a moment to realize my gesture before receiving it. "Everything is messed up. You don't really know me, and I'm grateful for everything, but I should go."

"Daniel. Stay. Okay?" Jack grasps my arm, searching my face for any argument.

"I don't want to be a burden." I shake off the contact, wishing desperately that I could be back in my house, in my own room - I don't regret coming out, but I just wish that my parents can understand or at least try to.

"You're not! We are friends, so just accept my help."

"Okay." I let a faint smile form. I don't deserve this, but am lucky to have found Jack.

After we wash the dishes, I find Zach on the couch, watching television. I'm wondering how his parents aren't worried about him being gone for literally a night, but then again, he seems like a wanderer.

"SpongeBob. Of course," I say. There's some hard about Zach that makes me want to see a reaction, I know it sounds bad, but he's entertaining to watch.

He glances up. "Wanna sit down?"

I accept the offer, and formulate a question. "How do you feel about Jack?"

"He's my best friend," he automatically replies. "Why? Do you like him?"

Whoa, that was rather quick. I smirk at his apparent jealousy. "Hm, well he does have great-looking abs... No, I'm joking. It's obvious you like him." I go direct, because Zach seems to be oblivious to signals and suggestions.

"Obvious? Really?"

"Yeah. Except to Jack." I shrug. "You guys need to have better communication, and I don't want to be that guy who is placed in the position to be a rebound or something. I don't—I don't like either of you that way, so no worries." There's something in my heart that doesn't agree with this statement, but I ignore it. "I actually have a crush on Jonah." I name the dude that everyone has a crush on, figuring it's the typical response.

"Are you serious?" Zach beams. "Jonah Marais!" I feel nervous by his reaction but nod anyway. "Wow! Kind of offended that you don't have a crush on me, but anyway, I still have his number, so I can share it with you!"

Wait. "That's not necessary," I hold my hands up, suddenly wishing I stated some other random name, like a quiet kid. "Just a small crush, nothing big." And what's this about me having a crush on you? I privately think.

"He's a perfect fit! I mean he's really sweet, and you totally need somebody to dote on you like a mother."

"Hey, what is that supposed to m—"

"You guys will be so cute! Oh my gosh I am all for this!"

I inwardly sigh, wondering what mess I'm getting myself into. I don't actually want to do anything with Jonah! Sure he's good-looking, dare I say hot, but I'm looking for something more, someone who uses as much sarcasm as me, who is bubbly and his own person.

"You know what sucks, I don't have a phone, plus I'm a nobody and yeah, I don't actually know if I like Jonah that much," I rush. "Kinda pointless because we're graduating."

He elbows me. "At least get to know him! Don't miss your chance!"

Oh, I love the irony in that sentence.

"I'll help," he assures me. "You're actually fun to be with, sure you have low self-esteem, but it's all about taking care of yourself and finding the confidence. So if you just start a conversation, out of the blue, he'll be hooked. Leave him wanting more, be you, and he has to love it."

"How do you know so much?" I groan, thinking of the only interaction with Jonah which was in gym class last week when he nailed me with a dodgeball.

"I dunno, experience?" Zach waves his hand in a careless manner. "You honestly seem like his type. You like coffee, right?"

"I guess?"

"Well, that's a great answer. You're already off to a wonderful start."

Whatever diabolical plan Zach is forming, I unfortunately am probably going to be strung along.