Golden

twenty

When Ian entered the cafeteria later that day, he felt all eyes on him, following him as he got in line for his food and sat down at his table once he got his lunch.

The staring didn't end there, and Ian narrowed his eyes as his friends kept shooting glances his way. Zack was the first one to finally break the tension.

"Hey, I heard something crazy," he stated, leaning towards Ian while glancing at him and Noah. "About you two kissing?"

Ian closed his eyes for a moment, wishing the ground would open up and swallow him whole. But Noah's soft chuckle and a warm hand coming to rest on his knee were enough to calm him down, and he forced his eyes to open.

"We did," Noah stated with a shrug, grinning at Ian who repeatedly told himself Noah had every right to make him uncomfortable after what Ian had done to him.

So, Ian stared back at Zack. "What? Normalize fucking the student council's president."

Finn snorted while the guy's eyes widened in disbelief, and Zack shook his head. "No way you two are fucking. You hate each other."

Ian glanced at Noah only to see him grinning, the expression being a welcomed change to the depressing feeling of guilt and dark faces Ian had encountered for the past few days.

"The anger helps with the sexual tension."

"Fuck. I refuse to believe it," Zack stated, still shaking his mostly empty head.

Ian rolled his eyes as he picked up his fork. "Just shut up."

Ian and Noah weren't completely even, but they weren't done with each other either, and it gave Ian hope for a better future. One that wasn't masked by his constant need for perfection and validation.

One where Ian could be around Noah simply because he enjoyed it. One where he didn't have to constantly make up excuses for his affection towards Noah.

One where Ian and Noah could maybe be a thing.

Imran slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand. "And I called you a homophobe. Sorry, Ian."

"Told you that was the dumbest thing to say," Hasan stated, eyeing Ian. "I swear to God if you get Aids-"

He was interrupted by Finn hitting the back of his head, and Hasan glared at him. "What? Gays are more likely to get Aids. Pick up a book, dumbass."

Tegan turned to Noah. "Is there a meeting today?"

"Yeah," Noah said, meeting Ian's gaze. "Come by the council's room once it's over."

"Why once it's over?" Tegan asked with a frown.

"The principal said I was too good for your council," Ian explained, masking the stinging pain in his chest with a grin.

Hasan glanced at him. "He kicked you out?"

"Temporarily. I'll probably get back in in December. I don't know. We'll see." The council was one of Ian's least concerns at the moment.

Finn cracked a grin. "Serves you right. You were too obsessed, anyway. A break will help you create some distance."

"That fucking Adams guy," Zack mumbled, gaze drifting through the cafeteria. "Should have known that he wouldn't refrain from something as cowardly as hiding drugs in Noah's locker, then pulling Ian into his shit."

Ian tensed up, knowing it hadn't taken much convincing from Kyle's side.

"If that fucker ever shows up again, I'll break your hands, Ian," Zack threatened, and Imran nodded in agreement.