Cafe - phan

eight

"See you later," I say to Dan as he leaves my apartment, only after kicking my butt in Mario Kart first.

"Bye, Phil," he says looking over his shoulder and starts to head down the stairs.

I shut the door and immediately rush back over to my laptop. I love being with Dan and I'm glad he came, but I really do have a lot to get done tonight for tomorrow portfolio deadline. I still need to write an entire page to meet the minimum required page count.

I open a new document and stare at the blank screen. Theres only so many poems I can write about Dan, but hes the only thing I've found inspiring these days.

I begin writing about Dan, jotting down whatever comes to mind. I know that even if this last poem I write isnt that good, hopefully the other ones will over shine it.

"Hey," James exits his room and joins me on the couch,

"Sorry, I can't really talk, I'm super busy,"

"... and that's why you had a friend over?" he smirks,

"In my defence, he brought me dinner after my shift today and asked if he could come here,"

He rolls his eyes and looks away. Theres an anxious look in his eyes, and he opens his mouth repeatedly as if he is going to say something.

"Can I ask you something?" he finally says,

"Sure," I say, feeling the nervous pit in my stomach sit like a rock.

"Are you.. gay?"

I suppose it's about time he figured it out, and it's getting quite obvious now that Dan is around. Besides, what are the chances that I go on a date with a girl named 'Danielle' then make a new friend named 'Dan'?

"Why do you ask?" I try not to sound nervous, but I stumble over my words anyway.

"I just have a feeling, I guess, and after meeting your new friend I think it's obvious who that poem is about,"

I take a deep breath, "Yes, I'm gay."

James doesnt speak, maybe it's me expecting the worst, but he looks unhappy.

"I cant believe you never told me you're a fag," he laughs in disbelief,

"I-- um, what?"

"Not only did you keep this from me but you really thought I'd be cool with it?" he says, "Hell, probably the only reason you want to live with me is so you can get in my pants and marry rich."

"James, that's not true," I can feel myself begin to spiral, "I didn't even know I was gay when we first became friends."

This was the last way I expected James to respond to me coming out. He's never acted homophobic before, at least not around me.

"You should leave,"

"I live here, I pay half the rent,"

"Technically my family pays for most of this place," he says, "and I can't look at you right now,"

"Okay," I say and stand up, picking up my laptop and heading towards my room to grab a few of my belongings. I can come back when James has class to get the rest.

I throw a change of clothes, some pyjamas, and my chargers into my backpack, struggling to fit it in with my textbooks.

I exit my room and look over at James, who stares the opposite direction from me through our window,

"Listen, I know you're upset, and I should've told you sooner. I really hope we can figure this out," I say, but James doesnt react or shift his position. Defeated, I put on my sweater hanging at the front entrance and my shoes and exit the building.