Closeted (BoyxBoy) [2014 Edition]

6: Kyle Collins, Evan Simms, And Gabriel Knight - Liam

     I couldn’t help but to periodically look over at Kyle Collins in English. And the best part? He was actually participating with the class in group discussions! I mean, when I first knew Kyle Collins, he was a party animal! But now, he’s different. Much more appealing, much more attractive.

     “Okay class,” Mrs. Finch announced looking at a section in her copy of the Shakespearean book, “can anyone explain the significance of the famous Juliet Capulet monologue: ‘O Romeo! Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name; or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love and I’ll no longer be a Capulet’?”

     I started raising my hand in the utmost confidence, but Mrs. Finch voice cut me off before my arm could reach its maximum height, “Mr. Collins! Please, elaborate,” I let my hand slowly lower, to act as a support for my head as I watched Kyle work his knowledge.

     “Juliet is asking why. Why does her love’s name carry such a heavy history? Capulet and Montague, two families known for killing off each other. ‘Deny thy father and refuse thy name’, she’s asking for him to forsake the name ‘Romeo Montague’. ‘Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love and I’ll no longer be a Capulet’, if Romeo were to keep his name, then Juliet compromises by ridding her name as ‘Juliet Capulet’ and to be able to love Romeo.”

     I smiled to myself and thought just how correct he was. So this was Kyle Collins. I loved listening to him and his explanation, “You’re absolutely correct, Mr. Collins. Thank you for that,” Mrs. Finch said applauding him with the rest of the class.

     I leaned over to him and said, “You’re very interested in the works of William Shakespeare.”

     “Oh no, while studying abroad, we were drilled until morning light about historical writings. Shakespeare was one of the more interesting ones.”

     “Ah! Where did you go to study, if you don’t mind me asking,” it was fascinating learning about this guy! Not only was he beautiful, but he was smart as well! And he was really nice! Is the myth true? They say when someone is good-looking, smart, and nice, they are… gay. Is Kyle Collins gay? I hope he is…

     “Well, the program I was enrolled in allowed for various international travel. I’ve studied in Beijing, Berlin, Oslo, Paris; the capitals of many countries.”

     “That’s… interesting! I’m surprised at you, Kyle,” I caught myself. I didn’t know how to address him! Mr. Collins? Kyle? K.C.? No, no, no! None of that would work, “Is it okay if I call you, Kyle?”

     “That’s my name, isn’t it,” he chuckled at me. He gave me an award-winning smile and my heart just melted, busted by a blush, “I usually call people by their last names, but I like Liam. Is it okay if I call you that?”

     “That’s perfectly fine! I don’t mind,” I chuckled to myself and attempted to make him laugh, “But you can thank my parents for naming me Liam!”

     “Your parents deserve an award,” our laughter filled the classroom, and it caught the attention of Mrs. Finch, who just thought we were laughing at the irrelevant joke she slurred. Kyle looked back at me and asked, “Hey, are you going to AP Calculus next?"

     "I am actually! Are you going to the same class?”

     “Yeah, I actually need someone to help me around the school for these first couple of weeks and I would really appreciate it if you could help me. Considering we have the same classes,” he pulled out his schedule from his white, three-ringed binder and I eyeballed it briefly.